You Shouldn’t Hate Working Out And How We Will Make Sure You Won’t
Today, you’re feeling motivated to exercise. This time it’s going to be different. You put on your workout gear, lace up your running shoes and head to the track. You’re going to run and then you’re going to do some circuit training and soon you’ll be back in great shape. Your foot hits the ground – off to a great start.
Soon people start to pass you, your pace slows. You start feeling your chest tighten and your legs tire. A voice in your head yells, “no pain, no gain!” Suddenly, you remember why you stopped running in the first place.
You hate working out.
Sound familiar? Too often people lose motivation and give up on their fitness goals because they’re convinced they just hate to exercise. We’ve heard it all before “pain is weakness leaving your body” and “no pain, no gain.” But, is that really the way it has to be?
No. Exercise does not have to be a painful, torturous experience.
Chances are that the people who pounded these mantras into your mind are also the people who made you form a negative relationship with physical fitness. Maybe it was an over aggressive gym teacher, an athletic coach or even a personal trainer. Whatever the experience, it left you scarred and the wounds are out there on the track for everyone to see. You slink back home and retire your sneakers for another month. Maybe you’ll try again in time for summer pool parties.
It doesn’t have to be this way. I want you to love fitness. Not just exercise. I want you to love being a fit, active person. I want to inspire you to get up in the morning and lead an active life. I want you to proudly retire your first pair of shoes because they’re worn out. I’m not a drill sergeant or a gym teacher – I am your guide through health and wellness. I define programs that work for my clients: physically and emotionally.
What negative messages play in your mind when you work out? Let’s work to redefine your fitness mantra and your routine. Make it your goal to leave every workout feeling healthy and inspired. Contact me to find out how!
Lessons from a Fitness Leader: All About Your Team!
Four days before we were set to open, I woke up in my apartment downtown to a phone call. It was my then-boyfriend. He was screaming, panic shaking in his voice. “GET OUT! GET OUT OF THERE NOW! SOMEBODY’S ATTACKED TO WORLD TRADE CENTER!”
I started as a personal trainer when I was 18 – right out of college. I was living on my own and it wasn’t a lot of money – I was literally living off eggs and cans of tuna. But none of that mattered: I loved it. I always wanted to do something I was passionate about, and this way of helping people just felt like the right fit. For the first time in my life, I felt a sense of purpose, a niche, an industry in which I truly felt I could make a difference.
In those early years I decided to learn everything I could about every aspect of the fitness business. Personal training, sales, management, the list goes on. Long story short, I ended up thriving in management and was swiftly promoted to a position in which I’d be opening up a club in Downtown NYC, right around the corner from Wall Street. It was only my second position as manager, so of course I wanted to knock everyone’s socks off! I recruited an amazing team and set our grand opening date: September 15th, 2001. Everyone was so excited, and the buzz was getting out that we were starting something special.
“I had no idea how life changing this experience was truly about to become.”
Four days before we were set to open, I woke up in my apartment downtown to a phone call. It was my then-boyfriend. He was screaming, panic shaking in his voice. “GET OUT! GET OUT OF THERE NOW! SOMEBODY’S ATTACKED TO WORLD TRADE CENTER!” I ran to turn on the tv – a cable-less antique from the 70s with bunny-ear antennae – and all I could see were these vague, fuzzy images of the towers burning. I looked out my window and saw people running down the street covered in soot. Was this real?
I didn’t have time to think: I ran to leave and was met by dozens of people storming the stairwell yelling “get in!” It was pure chaos, unlike anything I have ever experienced in my life. As I ran back up to my apartment, the second tower was hit. I looked out my window. The towers fell. And all I could see in front of me was pitch black. And for the first time in my life, I dropped to my knees and prayed.
The following days were like a war zone outside. The soot, the smell, the eerie silence in the streets. My club’s opening was obviously delayed, so we went around town from club to club helping where we could. Yet there was nothing we could do. No one wanted to train, no one was coming in. And I was the one responsible for keeping the morale up. I felt all but defeated, sobered by the events around me and the now seemingly unrealistic image for our launch I had created in my mind.
The night before opening, we all sat in my furniture-less office together. How can I motivate my team? I thought. So all I asked was one question: “What do you see for this opening tomorrow?” I was expecting somber responses – attempts at positivity, suggestions to keep it small and non-obtrusive in light of all the horrible events around us. This is how I was feeling on the inside, and I was sure my team felt the same.
Out of nowhere, I saw Gennaro, a tiny Italian bodybuilding machine start to get excited, his eyes lighting up and talking a mile a minute. “We need to make this HUGE, Natania!” he exclaimed. “We need tables outside, music–“
And then Will, the smooth-talker with the deep voice, chimed in, “Yeah, Natania, we gotta make this town ours!”
“Oh my gosh yes! Let’s put up balloons” bubbly Danielle suggested as she rattled off color schemes and arrangements.
As my team excitedly brainstormed, I sat there in awe. At that point,
“I realized that success and fulfillment in this business is all about who you surround yourself with. People who add. People who have a similar vision and passion. People who see possibility. “
Water Street, NYC Fitness Team 2001
Needless to say, our club went on to become #1 in the entire corporation. But the bigger takeaway was that the experience defined what I now feel fitness is about. Our club’s success, and my success as a manager, was about the stellar team we had and where their focus was. Each one of them focused on what they could give, not what they were getting. Not what was going on with them. And when you come from a place of service – coupled with surrounding yourself with the right people – that is where you find the biggest rewards.
When I created Vision Fitness, I did not want it to be under my name. I did not want it to be about me. It’s not about me, and it’s not about picking a name for my business that is simply catchy. It’s about YOUR vision. Not mine. I now find myself training clients one-on-one and teaching group fitness, working under both Vision Fitness and for multiple fitness facilities in the Los Angeles area. I love group fitness, and some people ask me why I made the “switch.” I always emphasize that I did not switch: I just expanded my focus. And somewhere down the line I realized that it is a different way to give, and give to many people at a time.
I love my students and I love my colleagues. They are both inspirational and aspirational. I want to reach the masses. My motive for being in the industry is all about the way people are affected after they leave me. It’s about your growth, your way, and the way we’re working past your obstacles together.
Tough but Not Tougher than You! Embracing Hill Sprints!
Every time I call it out to the team, we have Hill Sprints today! There is a moment of groans. Then, the challenge begins. We have this sort of Love, Hate relationship with hills. Hill sprints have to be one of, if not the most challenging facets to physical conditioning and training there is. Many avoid them or neglect to do them because they hurt. I for one, seemed to always not be able to make it to track practice on the days we were on the steepest hills, I still to this day say by chance, wink, wink :) ! A simple hypothesis really. The love comes at the finish and at the view from the top. It is the “tough” I that makes it so great. At the end of the day, they are tough but, not tougher than us!
Here are some more reasons to EMBRACE Hill Sprints courtesy of
In addition the high intensity of hill work also brings EPOC (excess post oxygen consumption) to the table. This is the effect that will keep your metabolism running high for a sustained period (up to 24-48 hours after the work is done). Often referred to as the “after burn” effect. Those beautiful glowing faces we have at the end of our Tread & Shred classes is an indication our fire will keep burning on in to the day and night!
Some hill sprints in conjunction with solid nutrition, aerobic fitness and regular strength training and the lean you will be here in no time.
Cardiovascular Efficiency
If you try and throw a wiffle ball as far as you can it won’t go very far because the mass/velocity is simply too minimal.
However a baseball offers the perfect mixture of both force and velocity and therefore travels far.
Hill sprints offer the same advantages. They provide an effective bridging platform between strength and speed. Easy-peasy.
Let’s get sprinting up those hills! Give it a try…
Below is a sample program from one of our Treadmill classes. I prefer the hills outside for the view
If you would like to attend one of our Treadmill Classes or join our Run Club to bring it outdoors, message us today!
You Shouldn’t Hate Working Out And How We Will Make Sure You Won’t
Today, you’re feeling motivated to exercise. This time it’s going to be different. You put on your workout gear, lace up your running shoes and head to the track. You’re going to run and then you’re going to do some circuit training and soon you’ll be back in great shape. Your foot hits the ground – off to a great start.
Soon people start to pass you, your pace slows. You start feeling your chest tighten and your legs tire. A voice in your head yells, “no pain, no gain!” Suddenly, you remember why you stopped running in the first place.
You hate working out.
Sound familiar? Too often people lose motivation and give up on their fitness goals because they’re convinced they just hate to exercise. We’ve heard it all before “pain is weakness leaving your body” and “no pain, no gain.” But, is that really the way it has to be?
No. Exercise does not have to be a painful, torturous experience.
Chances are that the people who pounded these mantras into your mind are also the people who made you form a negative relationship with physical fitness. Maybe it was an over aggressive gym teacher, an athletic coach or even a personal trainer. Whatever the experience, it left you scarred and the wounds are out there on the track for everyone to see. You slink back home and retire your sneakers for another month. Maybe you’ll try again in time for summer pool parties.
It doesn’t have to be this way. I want you to love fitness. Not just exercise. I want you to love being a fit, active person. I want to inspire you to get up in the morning and lead an active life. I want you to proudly retire your first pair of shoes because they’re worn out. I’m not a drill sergeant or a gym teacher – I am your guide through health and wellness. I define programs that work for my clients: physically and emotionally.
What negative messages play in your mind when you work out? Let’s work to redefine your fitness mantra and your routine. Make it your goal to leave every workout feeling healthy and inspired. Contact me to find out how!
Lessons from a Fitness Leader: All About Your Team!
Four days before we were set to open, I woke up in my apartment downtown to a phone call. It was my then-boyfriend. He was screaming, panic shaking in his voice. “GET OUT! GET OUT OF THERE NOW! SOMEBODY’S ATTACKED TO WORLD TRADE CENTER!”
I started as a personal trainer when I was 18 – right out of college. I was living on my own and it wasn’t a lot of money – I was literally living off eggs and cans of tuna. But none of that mattered: I loved it. I always wanted to do something I was passionate about, and this way of helping people just felt like the right fit. For the first time in my life, I felt a sense of purpose, a niche, an industry in which I truly felt I could make a difference.
In those early years I decided to learn everything I could about every aspect of the fitness business. Personal training, sales, management, the list goes on. Long story short, I ended up thriving in management and was swiftly promoted to a position in which I’d be opening up a club in Downtown NYC, right around the corner from Wall Street. It was only my second position as manager, so of course I wanted to knock everyone’s socks off! I recruited an amazing team and set our grand opening date: September 15th, 2001. Everyone was so excited, and the buzz was getting out that we were starting something special.
“I had no idea how life changing this experience was truly about to become.”
Four days before we were set to open, I woke up in my apartment downtown to a phone call. It was my then-boyfriend. He was screaming, panic shaking in his voice. “GET OUT! GET OUT OF THERE NOW! SOMEBODY’S ATTACKED TO WORLD TRADE CENTER!” I ran to turn on the tv – a cable-less antique from the 70s with bunny-ear antennae – and all I could see were these vague, fuzzy images of the towers burning. I looked out my window and saw people running down the street covered in soot. Was this real?
I didn’t have time to think: I ran to leave and was met by dozens of people storming the stairwell yelling “get in!” It was pure chaos, unlike anything I have ever experienced in my life. As I ran back up to my apartment, the second tower was hit. I looked out my window. The towers fell. And all I could see in front of me was pitch black. And for the first time in my life, I dropped to my knees and prayed.
The following days were like a war zone outside. The soot, the smell, the eerie silence in the streets. My club’s opening was obviously delayed, so we went around town from club to club helping where we could. Yet there was nothing we could do. No one wanted to train, no one was coming in. And I was the one responsible for keeping the morale up. I felt all but defeated, sobered by the events around me and the now seemingly unrealistic image for our launch I had created in my mind.
The night before opening, we all sat in my furniture-less office together. How can I motivate my team? I thought. So all I asked was one question: “What do you see for this opening tomorrow?” I was expecting somber responses – attempts at positivity, suggestions to keep it small and non-obtrusive in light of all the horrible events around us. This is how I was feeling on the inside, and I was sure my team felt the same.
Out of nowhere, I saw Gennaro, a tiny Italian bodybuilding machine start to get excited, his eyes lighting up and talking a mile a minute. “We need to make this HUGE, Natania!” he exclaimed. “We need tables outside, music–“
And then Will, the smooth-talker with the deep voice, chimed in, “Yeah, Natania, we gotta make this town ours!”
“Oh my gosh yes! Let’s put up balloons” bubbly Danielle suggested as she rattled off color schemes and arrangements.
As my team excitedly brainstormed, I sat there in awe. At that point,
“I realized that success and fulfillment in this business is all about who you surround yourself with. People who add. People who have a similar vision and passion. People who see possibility. “
Water Street, NYC Fitness Team 2001
Needless to say, our club went on to become #1 in the entire corporation. But the bigger takeaway was that the experience defined what I now feel fitness is about. Our club’s success, and my success as a manager, was about the stellar team we had and where their focus was. Each one of them focused on what they could give, not what they were getting. Not what was going on with them. And when you come from a place of service – coupled with surrounding yourself with the right people – that is where you find the biggest rewards.
When I created Vision Fitness, I did not want it to be under my name. I did not want it to be about me. It’s not about me, and it’s not about picking a name for my business that is simply catchy. It’s about YOUR vision. Not mine. I now find myself training clients one-on-one and teaching group fitness, working under both Vision Fitness and for multiple fitness facilities in the Los Angeles area. I love group fitness, and some people ask me why I made the “switch.” I always emphasize that I did not switch: I just expanded my focus. And somewhere down the line I realized that it is a different way to give, and give to many people at a time.
I love my students and I love my colleagues. They are both inspirational and aspirational. I want to reach the masses. My motive for being in the industry is all about the way people are affected after they leave me. It’s about your growth, your way, and the way we’re working past your obstacles together.
Tough but Not Tougher than You! Embracing Hill Sprints!
Every time I call it out to the team, we have Hill Sprints today! There is a moment of groans. Then, the challenge begins. We have this sort of Love, Hate relationship with hills. Hill sprints have to be one of, if not the most challenging facets to physical conditioning and training there is. Many avoid them or neglect to do them because they hurt. I for one, seemed to always not be able to make it to track practice on the days we were on the steepest hills, I still to this day say by chance, wink, wink :) ! A simple hypothesis really. The love comes at the finish and at the view from the top. It is the “tough” I that makes it so great. At the end of the day, they are tough but, not tougher than us!
Here are some more reasons to EMBRACE Hill Sprints courtesy of
In addition the high intensity of hill work also brings EPOC (excess post oxygen consumption) to the table. This is the effect that will keep your metabolism running high for a sustained period (up to 24-48 hours after the work is done). Often referred to as the “after burn” effect. Those beautiful glowing faces we have at the end of our Tread & Shred classes is an indication our fire will keep burning on in to the day and night!
Some hill sprints in conjunction with solid nutrition, aerobic fitness and regular strength training and the lean you will be here in no time.
Cardiovascular Efficiency
If you try and throw a wiffle ball as far as you can it won’t go very far because the mass/velocity is simply too minimal.
However a baseball offers the perfect mixture of both force and velocity and therefore travels far.
Hill sprints offer the same advantages. They provide an effective bridging platform between strength and speed. Easy-peasy.
Let’s get sprinting up those hills! Give it a try…
Below is a sample program from one of our Treadmill classes. I prefer the hills outside for the view
If you would like to attend one of our Treadmill Classes or join our Run Club to bring it outdoors, message us today!
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