willpower?

Often you will hear people say “I don’t have the willpower to lose weight.” They talk about willpower as if it’s a personal trait that some are born with but not them - some people have it, they don’t, and it’s something that comes and goes of its own accord. It’s as if willpower is something magical - just wait for it to come and don’t bother with the planning, organising and practicing of habits that are needed in order to achieve change.

Willpower isn’t something you are born with or without, nor is it magical - it’s simply a skill. Self control, that can be learned. You’ve got to understand that your body is the way it is right now because that’s how it has adapted to the lifestyle you’re living. If you want to change your body, you’ve also got to change that lifestyle by finding more constructive ways to adapt to your circumstances. By thinking ahead, setting achievable targets and planning healthy eating and consistent exercise into your routine and lifestyle, your confidence in your ability to change will grow and grow.

"You won’t lose weight by exercising more if you’re ignoring nutrition. You won’t get fit by dieting if you’re skipping workouts. Everything works in unison."

swing - to save the children

25 days to go till the Stormchild faces a fear and .... throws herself off this bridge!!  

she still needs to raise enough though to be eligible, so please if you can, support/sponsor her for a great cause - 'save the children' fund.

head to her save the children page for further information or to leave a donation - all donations, big and small, are of course tax deductible.

will I be FAT [again] tomorrow

Food addiction, food bingeing... food OBSESSION, bulimia, evidence hiding, food deprivation, (insert) diet magical drug of choice, calorie counting, constant weighing, pretense, excuses, procrastination, laziness, lifelessness, depression … I TOTALLY get it - been there done that .... ALL of it!
If you can relate… you are not alone.
Choosing to become responsible for my health and losing 55kgs was not an easy journey - the book shares the long, progressive path towards a more healthy life (which I am still on) - learning, growing, winning, failing - a rollercoaster ride of emotion for a complete transformation in far more many ways than simply the physical. And for those that used to read my column - it also shares many ways to introduce changes into your own life and some tidbits that may be useful for many, specially those just starting out on their journey, (and hopefully some motivation and inspiration for all within the front and back covers!  ) - head to www.annpt.com and click on 'books' and you can place your order.

LTL single group sessions

Other session times available. Enquire today.

Are you fed up with dieting, wearing clothes that feel tighter each day and feeling self-conscious about your weight? Want more fun in your life - energy for the kids, energy for yourself!?
The Lighten the Load program is a series of group workshops/training sessions that goes beyond a single session each week. It’s a positive, fun environment where YOU can feel excited and invigorated to improve your health, fitness and well being, long term. You will confidently learn how to achieve a successful transformation through healthy eating and movement. This is not ‘another’ diet; this is a unique opportunity to explore and modify lifestyle choices that will  change YOU in a positive way.
Everyone participating will also be supplied with ‘homework’ - ideas to incorporate motivation and movement into every day!
All handouts etc used each week are provided to take home and refer back to as required.
Ongoing regular support to keep you on track EVERY day - both from myself and others in the group via our sessions and interchange of email, texts etc.
Participants MUST have a minimum of 20kilos to lose. The reason behind this is the support of others on a similar goal/journey – and specially for those who could possibly feel intimidated or concerned to ‘begin’.
If you head to the facebook page, (ltl photos) or website or blog and take a look at previous groups I know they will vouch that having others on a like minded journey has been of great value to them, and they discover that stepping out of a ‘comfort zone’ into a new and exciting lifestyle full of energy is empowering. Plus the laughter, camaraderie and chat along the way has been invaluable to them amongst such a fantastic group/setting.

12 weeks of dynamic changes

With great success in the Whitsundays, Lighten the Load now comes to Brisbane. The 12 week program consists of two group sessions each week and one personal training session. Plus ‘homework’ to do each day. Ongoing regular support each week both from myself and others in the group via our sessions and interchange of email, texts etc.

Participants MUST have a minimum of 20kilos to lose. The reason behind this is the support of others on a similar goal/journey – and specially for those who could possibly feel intimidated or uncomfortable to enter a gym environment.
If you head to the facebook page, (ltl photos) or website or blog and take a look at previous groups I know they will vouch that having others on a like minded goal has been of great value to them, and they discover the gym is not intimidating and it becomes like a second home. Plus the laughter, camaraderie and chat along the way has been invaluable to them amongst such a fantastic group/setting.

lighten the load 2014

 

 

Love yourself enough to make a difference! 'Lighten the Load' is a 12 week program for those with 20 plus kilos to lose and ready to commit to creating a positive shift in their life for 2014 - modifying unhealthy habits and learning the skills required to achieve on going changes.

 

If you or someone you know fits the bill - get yourselves ready for the most transformational 12 weeks of your lives!

 

Starts soon at Kangaroo Point Health and Fitness. For further information see reception or contact Ann 0412 753 899

hitting a plateau

At some stage on a weight loss journey many of us are likely to experience what is known as a ‘plateau’. Essentially, this is a term used when a weight-loss program suddenly stops functioning, even though the person using the program hasn’t really changed anything.
It is hit when the body develops a tolerance for the program and so allows the body to process the nutrients from the food intake, but with a metabolism that has adjusted to retain the excess rather than burn it outright.
Whilst plateaus do occur without anything else changing, there can be other factors that cause the plateau or that may contribute to it.
• Not sticking 100% to the weight loss program
• Slow metabolism due to reduced muscle mass, inactivity or age
• Skipping meals and snacking

no excuses

Do you have a mindset filled with excuses when it comes to exercising? Excuses are something we all use throughout life for many occasions. We justify them. We live with them. And we certainly have an endless supply of them on hand!
By far the most common excuse I hear is “I don’t have time”. Fact is, we all have the same amount of time allocated to us and we are all ‘busy’ - so the real issue is how we prioritise and utilise the time we each have available. So before you use that excuse, look at your weekly schedule and see where you can make exercise sessions a priority, not an afterthought. Mark them as an appointment in your diary, exactly as you would any other commitment. You’re worth it. Aren’t you?

weekend warriors

Weekend Warriors - bootcamp - meet at Proserpine Fitness Venue every Saturday at 6am, meet at Cannonvale Fitness Venue every Sunday at 7am (pending on participants)

To join in contact Ann 0412 753 899 ~ you don't need to be a member of the gym to participate.
photos album #04   photos album #03   mud session photos

karen dachs

I’m always impressed when someone does something great in the gym - when they lift some crazy amount or achieve an insane time in a run. I’m equally impressed when I watch a person struggle and fight to complete whatever they are doing physically, knowing they want to stop but refuse to quit. Being fit isn’t always about being the fastest. It isn’t always about brute strength. It’s about courage, persistence and determination as well. And this inspirational lady and her family I have been training for a handful of months has all that - plus some.

Karen Dachs - 20kgs lighter and excitedly changing her life
When did you start at the gym/what motivated you to join?

wendy hinschen

The easiest part to any lifestyle change is making the decision to do so. You’re motivated, you’re excited and the concept of a new, healthier you is enough to propel you. The hard part is following through with your plans. People often try to tackle a strenuous program right away thinking it will bring results faster but if it’s been a long time since you have exercised, slow and steady is the most effective and safest way to begin.

Over the next few weeks we are going to explore how some of our Whitsunday locals began their health and fitness journey’s and become inspired by the transformations they have been establishing for themselves.
Wendy Hinschen - regular gymgoer 10 months
What motivated you to begin a regular exercise routine?

weekend warriors block 02

The next block of weekend warriors, beginning this weekend...

Saturday - 6am - yes, that bright and early proserpinarians! Meeting at Proserpine Fitness Venue at about quart to 6. This one is definitely going ahead with 7 people booked in, very exciting to have a couple of apprentice warriors starting with us! :D three spaces still available.

Sunday - 7am - Meeting at Cannonvale Fitness Venue - a little sleep in this time! Still after two more participants for this one to go ahead so please share with others if you know anyone who may be keen to explore/increase their fitness capabilities.

real benefits

fit·ness / ’fitnis

The state or condition of being physically sound and healthy, especially as the result of exercise and proper nutrition.
A state of general mental and physical well-being.
I am amazed regularly that I am in a most wonderful position everyday of assisting people to create positive, life changing habits for themselves.  In turn however, the people I get to train also affect me in a most positive way. I am continually uplifted, inspired and motivated by the journey’s of many individuals and the life altering changes that people choose to create that transformation for themselves.
I absolutely love virtually every aspect of being a trainer. It’s incredibly rewarding. I get great satisfaction everyday training and conversing with interesting people who own powerful life stories.

obstacle challenges

so many obstacle events to choose from ... and all look pretty exciting .. below is a full list of all the events that are planned or in the pipeline over the next 12 months ...

Date	Event	Location	State
22 & 23 Sep 2012	Tough Mudder	Sydney	NSW
30 Sep 2012	Stampede in the Valley	Perth	WA
13 Oct 2012	Raw Challenge	Central Coast	NSW
27 Oct 2012	The Stampede	Melbourne	VIC
10 Nov 2012	Warrior Dash	Brisbane	QLD
17 Nov 2012	The Stampede	Sydney	NSW
17 Nov 2012	Viking Challenge	Melbourne	VIC
01 Dec 2012	Mud Run	Sydney	NSW
02 Dec 2012	MS Mud Run	Adelaide	SA
01 & 02 Dec 2012	Hidden Warrior	Melbourne	VIC
19 & 20 Jan 2013	Tough Mudder	Melbourne	VIC
02 & 03 Feb 2013	Beach Bash	Central Coast	NSW
09 Feb 2013	Warrior Dash	Sydney	NSW
09 & 10 Feb 2013	Tough Mudder	Sydney	NSW
23 Feb 2013	Kings of the Sand	Sydney	NSW
02 & 03 Mar 2013	Spartan Race	Melbourne	VIC
03 Mar 2013	Samurai Challenge	Melbourne	VIC
16 & 17 Mar 2013	Raw Challenge	Barrington Tops	NSW
16 & 17 Mar 2013	Spartan Race	Sydney	NSW
TBA Mar 2013	The Kokoda Grunt	SE Qld	QLD
TBA Apr 2013	The Stampede	Adelaide	SA
17 & 18 Aug 2013	Tough Mudder	Brisbane	QLD
26 & 27 Oct 2013	Tough Mudder	Perth	WA

stephen vinson

i don't know this guy .. i came across his blog a few months ago and every now and again head in to have a read, and he doesn't cease to inspire me. what a long journey and what a progressive outlook he has for his months and years ahead. and oooooh what a long way he has come.

his blog whoatemyblog.com

a winner

Don't ever let anyone tell you that you can not do something. All my life I heard that I couldn't do something. My mom was working 2 jobs and going to college. I was an African American kid in an all white school. They tried to say that I couldn't....but I did. I wanted to be a Navy SEAL. They said I couldn't because I was too big and couldn't hardly swim....but I did. They said I couldn't go to Ranger School because my schedule as a SEAL wouldn't allow it....but I did.They... said that I couldn't run 100 miles because I had never ran a marathon...but I did. They said I could never complete the Ultraman because I had never done a triathlon...but I did.
Now they say I can't do RAAM because it's too soon. It's not safe....but....

mudder of a bootcamp

Fortify your workouts!

Long term goal will be working towards entering a team into the Tough Mudder event next year, but certainly not a necessity - not all joining in will want to do that but still love 'bootcamp'.
Outdoor endurnace training - it's about being strong, healthy, and fit, that you're capable of that, or anything you want to do in life! And, about team work, with everyone encouraging and motivating each other. Win win!

6am Saturday will be based in Cannonvale - 7am Sunday alternating between Prossy and Cannonvale. We will, however, also be having a couple of 'mud sessions' :D - which are out of town, but will organise car pooling when we have those.

Want to join in? Shoot me an email (ann.parrott@optusnet.com.au)
or txt 0412 753 899, there is maximum 10 spots for each one ...

no excuses! #12

now if this pair can't inspire us I have no idea what will :)
beautiful isn't it...

no excuses! #11

"You're not disabled by the disabilities you have, you are able by the abilities you have."
~ Oscar Pistorius

There are NO excuses!

no excuses! #10

If you think there's ton's of reasons why you can't workout, then think again ... here is true inspiration...

What's your excuse?