Eric's Blog

  Hey Everyone!!!  Welcome to my blog, I hope that you enjoy the entries.  As sappy as it may be, I consider my blog to be my very own personal diary for all of you to share...

Hey everyone, I hope that this entry find you all well.  Today's entry is about what I like to call "The Data Bank."  So what exactly is The Data Bank?  What am I getting at here?

If you are a client of mine, chances are that you already know what The Data Bank is.  Before you can understand The Data Bank, let me take you back a bit.  Growing up, I was always in love with working out, and all aspects of physical activity.  I never understood why people didn't like working out, as I thought it was the greatest thing in the world.  As a funny side note, and although he may want to kill me, my brother was a perfect example.  He literally slept in the weight room in our house and didn't use it. 

As I pursued my studies of anatomy and kinesiology at JMU, I took my first psychology class as part of my General Education requirement.  It was very basic, psych 101, you know Freud and Adler etc.  However, as a result of that class, I fell in love with psychology (and no it wasn't because psychology classes tend to have more female classmates :).  I always felt that to train your body, you had to train your mind as well.  So I began using all of my allotted electives for psychology courses.  I took so many psych classes, I almost had enough credits to fulfill the major requirements for psychology at Madison.

Anyhow, The Data Bank right.  In all of my experience throughout my childhood, right on up til' today, I have learned so much in regards to psychology and fitness/nutrition.  So what have I found?

It is my opinion, based on my experiences, that motivation is the root of everything.  I don't care if you are the smartest person in the world and the most gifted, without motivation you will never fully self actualize. Everybody has the motivation, it's just that most people do not keep it in their conscious mind.  Most people tend to suppress their motives and desires, and go about life as usual.  What most people do not realize is that our subconscious motives are what drives us.  If you can be conscious of them, you will benefit immensely.

Okay, Okay, what am I getting at here (I never said I was the greatest writer :).  It is my opinion, that everybody has what I call a "Data Bank."  In this "Data Bank" are thoughts, memories, goals, etc that drive us.  It could be a boyfriend that said you were fat, or a parent that said you would never amount to anything, etc.  If you can channel these thoughts that are stored up in this "Data Bank" into your conscious mind, you will have the motivation to accomplish anything.

When working with my clients, I use the "Data Bank" theory all the time.  When a client is getting ready for a tough exercise, I will often say, "you better use that Data Bank on this one."  By saying this, I am relaying the idea that they should think about that thought, memory, whatever, in their subconscious and bring it to their conscious mind and use it as motivation.

Wow, maybe I got a bit too deep here, and maybe none of this made sense to you.  However, I use this theory in my everyday life in everything I do.  Motivation is the key, always keep motivated.  Don't be afraid to tap into that subconscious "Data Bank."  It is my belief that everyone, and I mean everyone, has the capacity to accomplish anything.

Hey everyone, I hope that this entry finds you all well.  I was speaking with a client of mine the other day, and we got to talking about fatigue, and working out.  Lets face it, the biggest reasons not to workout are time and fatigue.  How often do you catch yourself thinking, "oh I can't workout today, I am too tired and don't want to further exhaust myself for tomorrow?"  Or how about, "I just don't have the time today, I'll get to it next time."

Lets face it, there will never be the right time or energy level to workout.  In my opinion, (and if you are a client of mine you are probably sick of hearing this analogy) working out is like brushing your teeth.  How many times have you been in bed, or on the couch, and just wanted to turn in without brushing your teeth?  You are comfortable and tired, and just don't feel like getting up.  However, somehow you get yourself to the bathroom knowing that you have to brush your teeth.

In my mind, working out is the same way.  We all know that we have to do it, however, sometimes we just don't feel like getting up and doing it.  Somehow you have to make that decision to get up and do it, just like brushing your teeth (ironically enough I have awful teeth, but that is off topic :). 

Let me tell you something my friends, (wow I sound like McCain) I would say at least 4 or 5 times out of 10 I don't feel like working out.  My work out time (due to my training and running the business) is at 9:00 p.m. crazy right?  Do I like working out that late, not really.  However, it has to be done. 

Lets face it, our lives are all crazy, especially this day in age with the economy the way it is.  However, make exercise that one constant in your life that you can control.  Build your world around it, and make it a fundamental aspect of your lifestyle.  Trust me, you'll be healthier, more efficient, and more successful in your endeavors.

Hey all, I hope that this entry find you well.  I just wanted to take the time in this entry to thank all of our clients.  It is rare, in my opinion, to be able to do what you love these days.  Lets face it, the economy is crazy right now, and there are so many people out there just killing themselves to make ends meet. 

I know that I speak for our whole team here at Every Body's when I say that it is because of our great clients that we are able to do what we love.  Although you may hate us at times :) we really do appreciate all of your business.  I want you to all know, that no matter what, you can contact us any time.  At Every Body's Personal Trainer, we consider our client to be not only our members, but our friends.

Anyhow, maybe this entry was a bit sappy, and maybe I am just a bit overjoyed by Brett Favre's 6 td's this weekend, but I really would like to thank you all.

p.s.  I am going to do my best to continually update my motivational quote page.  Sorry I have been so busy :(

New Update !!!

The results are in from the physique transformation competition.  Congratulations to the winners, we have a lot of respect for all of your hard work and dedication.  We saw some remarkable transformations, and we hope that all of you had fun with the competition.  For those who didn't place, no need to worry, there will be another competition held in a few months.

Best of health, and congratulations to the following winners:

1st place-Debra Leone

2nd place-Jim Mitchell

3rd place (tie) Kim Mitchell and Lisa White

Hey everyone, I hope that this entry finds you all well.  I just wanted to update everyone on the status of the physique transformation competition.  I know you are all eagerly awaiting the results, and I am very close to having the winners determined.

I apologize about the delay, I have been in New York celebrating my friend's wedding (congratulations Joe).  By the way, driving to New York in the rain isn't much fun.  Neither is getting lost in the city for that matter.

Anyhow, I am hoping to have the winners determined by the end of the week.  I have seen some amazing transformations and I am looking forward to awarding the winners myself.

Hey you all, hope this entry finds you well and that you are enjoying this rainy Saturday.  As mentioned earlier, I am very excited to have Amy Barnes on our personal training team.  You see, Amy's story is quite amazing.  She has lost 325 pounds!!!

Hey all, I hope that this entry finds you well.  I just had to let you all in on some exciting news.  I am pleased to welcome a new personal trainer to our team in the Northern Virginia area, named Amy Barnes.

Amy's story is unbelievable.  Everyone ready to give up your excuses for not working out???  You see, Amy currently weighs in around 165 pounds.  Okay Eric, so what?  Well my friends, Amy used to weigh 485 pounds!!!  She has lost 320 pounds, unbelievable!!!

Not only does she wake up every morning to workout at 4 a.m. but she's also a mother, and we all know how much work that is.  I am so excited to welcome her to our team.  In the days to come, I look forward to including her in depth story, and some motivational tips from Amy herself...Stay tuned :)

Hey everyone, I hope that this entry finds you well.  As mentioned above, just two weeks left of the physique transformation contest.  I can't wait to see the results!  I have heard from many clients and trainers how excited they are about their transformations, and I can't wait to see the remarkable differences you all have made.

Remember, it's crunch time now.  It's time to put your engine in gear and get going.  Just two weeks left.  Eat right, train hard, stay disciplined and motivated.  Remember if not now, then when?

Find whatever motivates you and reach deep inside yourself.  Only you can make the difference.  Go that extra mile and don't give up on yourself.  Success always starts from within, be willing to put the time and the work in.  Remember, it's always better to regret something you did do, than something you didn't.

Keep motivated!!!

Hey you all, I hope that this entry find you well.  So you are probably wondering why I am blogging about the Beach Boys, well check this out.

Yesterday, upon arriving for my session with Joanne F., I was informed that members of the Beach Boys were staying at her house.  You see Joanne had met the Beach Boys on a cruise, and had become friendly with the band members.  She had told me in a previous workout not to be surprised if they were over one day, but I suppose I didn't quite think it would happen.

So yes, there they were, band members of the Beach Boys in Joanne's house.  I know what you are thinking, did you work them out?  What kind of shape were they in?  Well at the risk of being anti-climatic, the answer is NO. 

You see, I told you the band members were present, but I did not say they were awake :)  Apparently Joanne's couches were more inviting.  The drummer was awake however, but chickened out :)  So there you have it, members of the Beach Boys, but no workout.

Hey you all, I hope that this entry find you well.  Today's entry is for all of you cardio haters.  Anyone who knows me well, knows that I LOVE to exercise, but I HATE cardio.  However, as an exercise professional, I have learned all about the importance of cardio, and do agree with its relevance to every fitness program (that's right Gloria B, I hope you are reading this :).  However, that doesn't mean I have to like it.

Now don't get me wrong, I love exercise in all forms.  But the idea of making my heart flutter like a first date and feeling exhausted isn't much fun for me.  This being said, I have never met a barbell or dumbell that I didn't like, but cardio is definitely not a friend of mine.  However, being the slow-twitch fiber lacking person that I am, I journey on.

Some of you may know that I have set a lofty goal for myself.  Now don't laugh, but my goal is to run five miles straight at a speed of 7 on the treadmill.  I know, I know, only five miles?  Keep in mind, I do weight well over 200 lbs. and as mentioned, probably don't have a slow twitch fiber in my body :)  So yes I set a goal, and I have been working my butt off to accomplish it!

Well my friends, this morning was go-time.  I had my ipod set up with new songs (I need whatever motivation I can get) had my coffee, and I was ready to go.  After stretching (and praying, lol) I gave it my best.  The first mile was cake and I was feeling like Lance Armstrong.  The second mile, still no problem, cake.  The third, alright I was starting to feel it.  My heart was pounding but I kept trucking.

Finally, I reached the fourth mile.  My heart rate monitor was saying "Eric, you better stop," but I kept going.  By four and 1/4 miles in, I began wondering whether anyone would find me in time if I had a coronary.

By 4.5 miles, I felt like my heart was going to pop, but my heart rate was at 170 so I gave it a go.  Finally, ladies and gentleman (and don't ask me why) Alanis Morisette came on my ipod and I got fired up.  I have no idea why, but her "you outta know" song pushed me through the last half mile and I made it.  I was so fired up.

I now feel like crap which is why I actually took the time to write an entry today, lol.  However, I know I'll feel great later and my heart loves me for it :)  Cardio is no longer my mortal enemy....

Hey all, I hope this entry finds you well, and that you are enjoying this beautiful weekend.  I was working out with a client of mine in his clubhouse yesterday, and I found myself immersed in a very interesting conversation with one of my client's neighbors who was working out as well. 

Through the course of our conversation, I learned that this individual had lost over 100 pounds!  He currently is very fit, and you never would have imagined that he had been so overweight.  In fact, he was so overweight that he even stopped weighing himself at one point.  As we spoke more, I found his story to be very inspiring and motivating, and felt that his experience could really strike deep in the hearts of many of our clients and readers. 

I am very excited to announce that sometime in the upcoming weeks, not only do I hope to post his before and after pictures, but I also plan on including his story which is rather remarkable.  This individual is living proof that any obstacle can be overcome.  I'll keep you all posted in future blog entries as to when I will publish his story.

Past Blog Entries