You’re Stronger (Or Weaker) Than You Let On | My 180

7a this morning I was once again awakened by my alarm. Mondays and Thursdays I workout with my Trainer, T.J.. Typically I lay in the bed until about 7:09a, arguing with myself over if I really want to go leap, jump, lunge and lift heavy shit, all in an effort to get ready for Swimsuit Season 2012. (Note the sarcasm.) This morning however I woke up ready to take on the world, almost like a squirrel jacked up on caffeine.

During my workouts T.J. will say things like “a couple more,” or, “5 more burpees and you’re done.” While I often think to myself, “Seriously?  I pray to God he loses count cause there’s no way in hell that’s going to happen,” this morning I surprised myself (and I believe him too) by continuing to press on even after reaching my rep goal. After several instances like that, T.J. finally said, “you’re stronger than you let on.”  The result of that conversation will be him increasing the weight and rep counts in future workouts. The benefit? Better health, stronger muscles and a sexier beach body. (Again: sarcasm…. or is it?)

It got me thinking though, how often do we lie about what’s truly going on inside? Do you put on a false front so that on the outside you appear strong, confident and sure of yourself, yet on the inside you’re slowing dying and paralyzed by fear? Or maybe it’s the opposite: Maybe you’ve yet to tap into your inner strength or boldness that’s been trapped inside. Instead you’re living a life of weakness, feeling inferior and inadequate, all while deep inside there is a man trapped inside with boldness of a lion. You simply need to fight though your pain and insecurities to move toward a life of confidence and victory.

Regardless of your current situation, strong or weak, confident or insecure, one thing is certain: we must be honest with ourselves and those around us. It’s only through honestly, hard work, sweat and tears that we’ll achieve our true potential. It’s a lesson I’m learning that not only applies in the gym, but also in my relationships with those around me.

The Holstee Manifesto.

What I’m Eating | My 180

I often get asked what I’ve been eating. Many health minded folks find it hard to come up with new recipes. Here are a few of the things I’m eating this week:

• Garlic Ginger Chicken (By far one of my favorite chicken recipes! I substituted chicken breasts.)
• Lemon Roasted Green Beans
• Roasted Broccoli (A new, healthy, yet “comfort food tasting” recipe that will make you WANT to eat your broccoli!)
• Egg Muffins (Need a quick breakfast you can grab and go? Here you go! Make a dozen on Sunday and you’re set for the week!)

Eating healthy doesn’t have to be expensive! Take advantage of local Farmer’s Markets, coupons and weekly freebies at many stores. Earth Fare has a great weekly freebie program called Welcome Home that’s truly worth signing up for! 

You Can’t Do It Alone | My 180

During my journey toward health and fitness, I’ve been asked numerous questions:

• You’re vegan?
• You actually run in those things?
• Won’t that much bacon kill you?
• Was gastric bypass surgery painful?

(And for the record: No. Yes. No. WTF!?)

The other day someone asked me rather bluntly, “What’s up with you working out with a Personal Trainer? I thought you of all people wouldn’t need one.” At first I was shocked, and honestly, somewhat offended. My man pride instantly wanted to flare up and pull some macho sounding excuse out of my ass. Instead in that moment I responded with a humble, “Yes, I have a Personal Trainer.”

Four days ago the ball dropped in Times Square, signaling the start of a new year. If you’re anything like the rest of the human race, you’ve most likely made New Year’s Resolutions. While my commitment to lose weight and get in shape wasn’t the result of a New Year’s Resolution, but instead that of a scare with my heart, I’ve learned one lesson that applies no mater where you’re at in your journey to lose weight, quit smoking, stop swearing or become a better boss: YOU CAN’T DO IT ALONE. 

My journey toward health and fitness began June 4th 2010 in a hospital room, surrounded by my closest friends (plus a doctor and a few nurses). Even at the event that started the ball rolling, my friends were there. All along the journey the support of friends and family remained vital:

• June 7th 2010:  When my friend Mark and I cleaned out the kitchen and took steps to prepare for the journey ahead. | Post: Week One
• June 17th 2010: At the first weigh-in and when I began intense training sessions at the track. | Post: The Track
• July 14th 2010: When I ran my first mile in 13.33. | Post: Kicking The Track’s Ass
• August 5th 2010: When I decided an abusive relationship with my dad had to come to an end. | Post: 26 Years, A Heart Attack and a Bottle of Whiskey
• January 8th 2011: When I partied after reaching my goal of 200lbs. | Post: The Final Weigh-In
• January 29th 2011:  The day I ran my first 5K with my friend Travis Wright. (To this day it’s still one of my most cherished memories.) | Post: My First 5K

All along the journey I’ve never been alone. I’ve been surrounded by amazing friends that have kept me accountable, ran beside me (literally) and rejoiced with me along the journey. So even now, over a year and a half since my journey started, friends (and a Personal Trainer), are just as valuable as on day 1.

In late 2011 work was hectic, dare I even say hellish. My schedule consisted of waking up, going to work, then coming home- only to work from home, then crash and get a few hours of sleep. After weeks of knowing I was living in a unhealthy rut, I set some boundaries and hired a Trainer. I also let my friends and co-workers know about the resolution I had made to refocus on what’s most important: myself, my health and my relationship with God. Out of that refocusing came the decision to hire T.J. as my Trainer. I workout with T.J. twice a week. It’s made an amazing difference in my excitement over my workouts, helped me break out of complacency, not to mention keeping me accountable in my eating, sleep and work/life balance.

So to answer the question: “What’s up with the Personal Trainer?”  I’ll do whatever it takes to succeed in this journey. I can’t do it alone. For me in this season of life, having a Trainer is what it takes.

Does that mean you need to hire a Trainer, see a Counselor or go to Anger Management Classes to achieve your 2012 Resolutions? Maybe. Even more importantly I challenge you to share your resolutions with those closest to you, ask them to hold you accountable and set definitive dates for measuring progress. You can’t do it alone. Besides, success is more fun when shared! 

Advent: The Coming Of Deliverance

Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.