How the cookie crumbles...

This blog is to give the coles notes version on my journey as a newly full-time self employed personal trainer... my life has ups and downs, dreams, visions, and harsh realities, but I always try to have a positive attitude.... join me on my quest for sucess!

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Changes Changes!

This industry is ever changing (I am sure I have said this before).  I am now looking for new opportunities for myself.  Diversifying I think it is called!  I will be seeking out new group teaching options.  The first is a ski prep group/individual program.  It is that time of year and I think it is a great opportunity!  I am going to do it too (and not just think it!)

What new opportunity have you been thinking about but not followed through with?  It is half the job to think up the idea, but execution is key - make your ideas a reality!

TIP for the day:
Knee tracking - to ensure proper knee tracking in a shoulder width squat turn the toes out slightly.  The knee follows the the foot, and this helps to prevent the knees from coming inward and losing their proper tracking. 
Why is this important?
When the knee isn't tracking properly it can cause discomfort, pain, and possibly injury.  When practicing high impact or plyo style exercises this is especially important.  Picture a football player whose knee doesn't track when he is tackled...he is carried out on a stretcher....

xo
Cher

Monday, September 27, 2010

Stress Relief and Exercise

Check out this article...eventhough most of it we already know, it is sometimes necessary to refresh our memories....

Stress Relief and Exercise

It's a beautiful day in the neighbourhood....

Who remembers where that is from???  I am showing my age for sure! 

It is a beautiful day, and business is growing!  We love it when business grows!!  People are telling people and the referral process is beginning.  LOVE IT!  If you haven't tried personal training before, do it now! 

If you are training on your own, or training with someone, make today count!  Get out there and enjoy the day.  Take a skipping rope outside; go for a jog; take your weights outside (you can do that you know!).  Do it for yourself - take the time and breathe in that awesome, crisp fall air :)

xo
Cher

Friday, September 24, 2010

A harsh winter they say...

The meteorologists are saying that we are going to have a harsh winter this year.  More snow, and colder temps.... Yipee and Boo! all at the same time! I love snowshoeing, there is the yipee! I despise driving in the snow, there is the Boo! 

In saying all of that, I will be spending more time indoors this winter.  Do you have all of the workout goodies you will need to stay in?  In not I am always available for hire *insert Ginger and Crew plug here* or make sure you have a list of goodies to get before it is too late. 
-Indoor Runners
-Fitness Ball
-Free Weights
-Bands
-Med Balls
-Mat
-Kettleball
-BOSU

Check you inventory and check your goals - what you have should be able to help you succeed, but will it challenge you in new ways when the days are dreary and nights are cold?

xo
Cher

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Cold, Cold, Cold!!

I check the weather every morning.  It is part of my routine.  I need to know how to dress for class and what to expect when I load up my car.  What I did not expect was FROST on the ground!  My IPhone told me to dress in layers...it was only 1 degree outside at 5:30am this morning.  It did not tell me to bring a towel to wipe off the ice crystals on my mat... It is only September!!!  Insane!  Class was still great, everyone enjoyed it - but one reminder - keep a set of gloves in your car, and one in your house.  There is nothing worse than putting on cold car gloves praying for warmth....it doesn't come quickly.

Enjoy Winter (oh wait it is still fall!)

xo Cher

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

New day, new challenges!

As I have mentioned again and again, I learned a lot this past weekend.  It wasn't only new exercises or new equipment.  I learned about the 10 secrets of starting a personal training business.  One of the secrets (not a secret anymore!) is to differentiate yourself from the rest.  I believe that I differentiate myself from the rest of the trainers in that I offer ongoing support to my clients.  From quick check ins, to going through stretches over the phone, I help my clients on an ongoing basis.  This, in my opinion, helps them reach their goals and keeps them on track.  So how does one personal trainer let everyone know about how they are different than the rest?  That is in the other secrets.... which I plan on implementing over the next couple of weeks.  Stay tuned for progress, and get your butt training (unless if you are sick - in that case rest!!).

xo
Cher

Monday, September 20, 2010

Inspiration & Rain

Good Afternoon Followers!
I had a fantastic weekend at the BCRPA Fitness Conference this past weekend.  I learned a lot about business, exercise, injury and more.  I picked up some new equipment to push and challenge my clients. 

One of the workshops was about value.  What value do I offer my clients?  This one was easy for me - I offer ongoing support (text messages, phone calls, pushes in the tush) - whatever you need to succeed.  Why isn't this on my website? Because I just learned it this weekend, so as they told me, DO IT! 

What are you going to DO today?

xo
Cher

Friday, September 17, 2010

Weekend of Inspiration!

This weekend is the BCFit BCRPA fitness conference in Vancouver.... I am super excited for the gear I am picking up and all of the inspiration!  What will inspire you this weekend?  Is it seeing someone going for a jog? Someone cleaning up their yard? Take this weekend to be inspired, and act on it! Don't let a good idea go to waste -

Have a great weekend everyone!

xo
Cher

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Multi-tasking.... necessary evil!

Hahaha I am putting my strengths to good use...daily now!  Appointments, bookings, rental property issues, you name it, it happens in a day for me!  Some simple strategies apply - prioritize, breathe, and take a moment for yourself every now and then. 

Take a moment for yourself today :)

xo
Cher

Monday, September 13, 2010

New Week, New Adventures!

Well another wild weekend is behind me.... time to get back in the groove.  Classes/Clients are all planned out, just sipping my tea waiting for another new exercise to come to my head.  This fitness industry is continuously changing, and to keep up I am heading to a fitness conference in Vancouver this weekend.  Time to be inspired and work my butt off! 

Be inspired today, and sorry for the rain :P

xo
Cher

Friday, September 10, 2010

Launch Day!

Today is the day!!  Well even though I am battling this sore throat I have taken the morning off to recover and get ready for the big night!  So much to do and so little time.  When you are starting a small business it isn't a solo thing.  I have enlisted so many friends and loved ones to help me make this event a success.  From door prizes, time, music, and just an extra set of hands, friends make things happen.  I couldn't have done it without you (and you know who you are!).

This is a new (but old) journey that is taking a positive turn for everyone!

Enjoy the Okanagan blue sky or the skies wherever you are today - It's gonna be a good one!

xo
Cher

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

The reason....

The reason most personal trainers do what they do is to enrich people lives.  This IS the case for me.  There is nothing like having a client be grateful for what you do and how you have helped them.  In a world of bitterness, lawsuits, and crime, it is nice to know that there are a group of us out there trying to do good by people.  Seek us out if you need us, we are out there!!

xo
Cher

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

4 Days away

There are so many things to do for a party as many of you know.  From food, to people, to entertainment.  Even though I have lots of time, I am finding myself very dependant on other peoples time lines..... and sometimes they are not the same as mine!

The important thing is to breathe, don't get angry, and find a compromise.  Yeah Right! I want it done and I want it done now!  If that happens is a question I won't know the answer to until Friday - Everyone come out to my business launch on September 10th!! 

xo
Cher

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Happy Long Weekend!

Get out and PLAY today!  It is a beautiful day in the Okanagan - Blue Skies, warm (not hot) temps - the perfect day for a hike!  I have reason to celebrate today - my website is done, and my business cards are in.  This is step #1 in getting the launch ready.....

What is your reason to celebrate today?  Being alive? Being Healthy? Sleeping in?  Whatever it is, make today count - go out and enjoy some fresh air!

xo
Cher

Friday, September 3, 2010

Friday I'm In Love!

When I wake up in the morning I grab my Iphone, check the weather, emails, castanet, kiss Nathan good-bye, and plan my day.  I guess you could say that I love life, and technology...how sad!  If I was a personal trainer 15 years ago, how would I have reached out to everyone that I can now by typing for 2 minutes? No one!  I would have had a piece of paper with my words and no one to read them unless I walked down to the newspaper and published it.  INSANE!!!  We live in such an amazing world, and no matter how much I LOVE my phone and how it keeps me connected, I hope we are not destroying our planet and ourselves with this much techy stuff.  I may only have another 40-60 years left in this life, but what about the wee ones?  What will they be saying in 30 years?  This all doesn't change the fact that it is Friday, it is a long weekend, and it is a good day to be alive.  Get out there and sweat today!
xo
Cher

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Early to rise, early to bed

Sleep is the name of the game today.  How much sleep do you get at night?  I aim for 8 hours a night, every night.  If I have to get up early, I force myself to bed at a decent hour.  You will function better with proper sleep, which means you will train harder and stronger.  If you want to get the most from your day, and your workouts, ensure you get adequate sleep.  If you have troubles sleeping, try some natural remedies before switching to prescription drugs.  Essential oils such as lavender, citrus, rosewood and sandalwood are know for their soothing and calming capabilities.  I put lavender on my pillow at night to help me relax - don't use too much or it can become overpowering - a little dab will do you!