How I Inspire Others...

I hit a HUGE goal this past month...when I opened my online fitness studio my goal was to help as many people as possible.  Ultimately that's what I love doing. I am most motivated and energized by. Helping people fall in love with themselves enough to make their health and fitness a priority.  My job isn't to tell them what to do...it's to find out how to motivate them, encourage them, and help them find what they are most passionate about in their journey to better health.

Is it fitness?
Is it weight lifting?
Is it fat loss?
Is it running?
Is it yoga?

There is a perfect combination out there, and that is part of the joy of working with people, helping them find that spark of interest that keeps them on track for life.

But a new part of helping people in this business, is now training and mentoring other coaches to do the same as me.  How to run a fitness business. How to find their passion for coaching others. How to share their own personal journeys. How to inspire others to lead and grow as entrepreneurs. 

And even with this added component there is 1 thing that is the same...how do you motivate people to change? How do you inspire them?? 

So after hitting this big goal of helping so many people this past year. After advancing my team faster than any others on our team. After earning an income that is above average for a year...I got asked..."what are you doing to inspire others to action--in business? AND in their own personal fitness journeys??  What is it you are doing differently than most??"

And I've been asked this several times, but truly honestly didn't know the answer until today...as I was talking it out with a friend.  I think it comes down to several things...that I think I do...possibly well.

1) Having compassion. >> It has taken me a LONG time to be better at this...but I've learned to quit assuming things about people..for we have NO clue the battle they may be experiencing.  I think a lot of it comes from my own personal experiences that I have dealt with the past few years, and have learned to empathize with others through because of the relatability to emotions I now have...for example, I heard a woman complaining about another mom who kept making excuses for her teenage son being lazy...as him being of "those" Gen-X'er's with no work ethic and her another one of "those" mom's who's created her son's issues...and how the son did not call into apply for a job himself--his mom did...and it was ridiculous!?  I mean, right?? Who does that for her teenage son??"  I could see where she was coming from...yes.  I am sure that could be the case...OR could it have been because this single mom NEEDED her son to have a job this summer to help pay bills and she was trying to help herself as much as him. AND this was the only way she knew how to assure he would have a job...OR does the son have a hearing disability? or a speech issue that makes phone talking difficult? 

WE DO NOT know.  BUT it is not my job to assume the kid was lazy. I'll let him prove that to me otherwise. What I will do, is show the mom support. Encourage her and her son. And give them some tools to help his chances of getting a job better this time or in the future.  That's all I can do.

SO this relates to the fitness industry and my job as a trainer and coach, because a person's weight and their fitness level is a very vulnerable thing. You have someone step on a scale and all sorts of emotions seep out.  BUT my job isn't to assume they are lazy and therefore fat, NOPE. It is to come alongside them and show compassion.  Because only then can I lead them...when they trust me.

2) Saying "I'll go first." >> Being a leader doesn't necessarily mean I'm stronger or better.  Sometimes the strongest leaders are at the bottom.  And the way they show leadership is how they serve.  And one way to serve is to "go first." Say I will sacrifice my time, my energy, my efforts, and my energy to give this a shot first--so I can better give you an idea of what to expect when it's your turn.  Let me make the mistakes, mess-up's and THEN you learn from me.  Ok?

3) BUT, leading from the back.  >> Being a leader doesn't mean you are out in front because you are the smartest, most-paid, and most educated...being a leader is a way of thinking.  It is, once again, an attitude of service.  Of creating an environment of growth. Of comfort. Of trust, respect.  It's helping people around you feel like they can be real, raw, open, and honest.  It's empowering people from the back...through confidence. Whether coaching a person to a new healthier lifestyle or mentoring a new coach to their first fitness business,  I have to put them first, ahead of my interests.  Meet them where they are at.  Truly listen. And encourage them the entire way.

4) Working passionately for people. >> I truly never feel like I work a job. I love helping people. I love fitness. I love that I can combine both loves into one.  And it is fulfilling to me.  I wake up every morning excited for who I will get to cross paths with somehow and be a positive force in their life. I truly do it for the people.  For their life-changing efforts and goals.  For the progress or experience they have. For those they individually inspire.  It is the greatest, heart-bursting feeling of emotions I can feel.  And because of the passion I have for it, it comes naturally. It comes easy, and I love sharing it with the world. 

Those...those reasons right there are why I believe I can inspire others to action.  I think they are traits I have learned in my past experiences, but have taken a step further, and applied them.  And am still applying, learning, re-learning, and living out. 

-Anna

No Explanation Needed!

I have found myself so frustrated lately but my need to justify things...by my need to tell people why I do certain things, why I don't do certain things...AND yet, it's not really anything I owe them...

Why do we, especially as women, feel the need to justify our actions, words, or thoughts...continually???
My husband is always telling me, "ANNA! You don't owe them that!!"

For example, my youngest brought home a Mother's Day card that said, "I love my mom because she lets us have pop on our birthdays..."

As soon as I saw that picture, I felt the need to call her teacher and tell her I let them have treats more than just that...But then after a while, I realized I don't need to justify my desire to feed my kids good food and promote healthy habits later on...

And then, I was speaking with another mom the other night at the kid's Bible School.  She was telling me how they are gone every night, how the kids are going 3-different ways and it's so hard to keep up...but that is the stage of life they are in.  AND then...I almost felt guilty for telling her we aren't gone much, we don't do a TON of evening activities...really.  My kids choose their activities and we limit how many nights a week they are gone and going because I just want them to be kids most of all...get dirty, play, and enjoy time with family.  BUT why...DID I Feel the need to try to justify our decision NOT to be crazy busy all summer.  I almost felt guilty because we AREN'T busy...we choose to let summer be lazy and relaxed. 

Or, when I speak to people they say "I wish I could workout as many hours a day as you.." "Or I wish I had your gym to workout in..." And while I understand that, and desire for most people to want and have that as well...I almost am made to feel guilty for my choices of working out, eating clean, or spending my 1-2 hours a day in the gym because I get up early and get it done.  Or because I spend my extra money on workout gear, or ask for gift cards for workout gear for holidays...or thrift store shop for workout equipment.  I know most don't understand this lifestyle, but I shouldn't HAVE to justify it...it's my choice. My work. My stress relief and fun!

I feel there are several things I need to work on not feeling the need to justify...
1) my parenting style
2) my appearance
3) my personal beliefs
4) my job or my online business
5) my eating choices
6) my health
7) how my house looks
8) the car I drive
9) ...

I am not blaming these issues on anyone else...they are obvious insecurities on my end...but I wanted to share because I KNOW there are so many women out there who are feeling the same.  SO here's to me...worrying less about what people think--except those that are close to me and matter.  AND here's to me standing by my decisions and choices without the need to justify them.

Phew. Gonna be a process. But I'm ready to shake the burden of some of this self-imposed stress.

Post C-Section Ab Training Tips

We are kicking off a 5-day AB challenge this week as a way for my team and I to give back. It's free and all online, so anyone anywhere can complete it.  I feel like there is so much information out there, my goal is to help educate people on safe and effective movements--to help people realize that the abs are only one piece of the puzzle..but that nutrition is just as important.  Anyway, we will see who can last the 5-days....stay tuned for those details!

In the meantime, in case you missed out on this round of the challenge--here's one tip I will be sharing with the group for those women frustrated with their C-section fluff or muffin top or belly roll or spare tire...haa! Whatever you want to call it! I think I've heard it all!

Good luck!
For more ideas like this: Check out Anna M Woods Fitness on Facebook or Snapchat at Home.Gym!

Repost: Perceptions of a Fit Girl

I was discussing working out, coaching, and personal training with a fellow class participant the other night.  We discussed how people coach differently, and have different expectations of their clients.  How the cultures of gyms are different and therefore attract different types of exercisers.  She was explaining to me how somedays she walks into the gym and just doesn't feel like pushing herself.  Especially after working all day, taking care of her kids, and everything else life may bring...she just mentally checks out and may loaf through her workout.  Being competitive and training with a purpose or goal in mind, just is NOT on her radar.  She works out to relieve stress, maintain her health, and feel good about herself.  And somedays only because she HAS too, she pays a membership, she better use it. 

Then she looks at me and says, "something you would NEVER understand."  And laughs.

I was caught off guard.  I have already been facing my inner demon of worrying what others think about me.  My realization of how much I let what people think or might think of me, affect how I think, act, speak, or believe. Again. 

So where a comment like this may not have jarred me so much before, it did this particular day. I couldn't shake what she said from my thoughts.  "What does she mean by that?"  "Am I not relatable?"  "Does she think I don't experience those same thoughts/feelings from time to time?"  "Who does she think I really am?"  "What am I portraying about myself, as an athlete and coach?"

This last question is one I pondered the most. 
I asked my husband about it.  And my mom, of course.
Prayed about it. Of course.

And what I've realized is that it is one thing to worry about what people think of me and let it change who I truly am.  And another to be sensitive to how I portray myself, day to day.  How I come across.  Who or what am I representing in the bigger picture?

I have really never given thought to what the sum of what I put out there about myself equals...you following?  I am more of a here and now thinker/doer. 

Most people know I am a personal trainer and coach.  It's my job.  My life.  Therefore, I talk about it a lot.  I share videos and articles about it a lot on social media.  I post videos of myself working out a lot.  Other post pictures of me working out.  I post videos of my clients working out.  And their individual progress.  

Here is why:  To me, my goal is to inspire.  To motivate.  To encourage.  To educate. 
I am passionate about it.  It excites me, energizes me.  Challenges me.   I also have real goals.  Big ones.  I work hard, really hard.  It is the only way I know how to approach anything.

Here is what it may appear as to others (I'm just now realizing):  I like to look at myself and want others to as well.  To show off.  To brag about how much weight I can lift.   I am another one of those annoying people drinking the CrossFit Kool-Aid.  I am not relatable to the everyday exerciser.  I don't understand struggles other women face.  I am advertising.  That I don't realize there are more important things in life than exercising/CrossFit.

Why these thoughts seem so completely far away from who I am and what I know about myself as an individual...they may not appear so, to others.  

In fact, I do struggle. In real ways.  Just like everyone else. 
And where I may share that in my life as a mom, wife, and in my spiritual walk--I may not in my work, my exercising and my personal training.  Possibly because I have more confidence in this area than I do the others, perhaps?  Not sure.  But it is there.  The fear. Doubt. Lack of motivation someday's. 

I am thankful for this being brought to my attention.  
Transparency is my goal. 
... In EVERY aspect of my life. Time to make some changes.

Move over Thigh Master!!

Try this exercise out 2-3 days a week for 4 sets of 10 reps each.  Add to the intensity by adding a dumbbell or switching hands with the dumbbell and working the hamstrings and glutes differently.  Just make sure NOT to let the knee bend but also do NOT lock it out.  Make the hamstring and glute do the work.  You may find yourself a little shaky as your hamstring and glute are fighting your quad muscles to take over.

An added bonus is pairing this up with single leg step ups to really hit this area for maximum soreness and maximum effectiveness.  A series of lifts specifically for this area are discussed in my sheSTRENGTH program.

Find out more at: www.shestrength.com


 

Repost: Reflection--#crossfit Dreams

I posted this blog February 25, 2015...and as I sit here watching the CrossFit Regionals 2016, it is interesting to see the work God has done in my heart and life as I reflect back on the past year or so...this sport and this competition is still strong in my heart, and I believe it is for a reason, just not for a reason that is at the forefront of my mind right now...

 

I Choose...

I am typing this blog with tears streaming down my face...my heart aching.  Stomach churning.
This is the week of the CrossFit Open.  2015.  My year. What I've been training for.  This has been my goal year for awhile now.  I've worked harder the past year than ever.  Reaching new goals.  New heights.  New weights.  New movements.  Checking off my lists of weaknesses.  No distractions.  Fully focused.  This is it.  The season starts, tomorrow night.

This is where my hard work pays off.  Where I lay it all down.  For the next 5 weeks, completing workouts, submitting scores against other people in my Region, in hopes of making it to Regionals in May.  Regionals.  My motivating factor through every sweaty workout, every 5:00 am wake-up call, every mental battle, every "I want to quit," every bruise, every ache and pain, every get back up again.  I just want to get there.  All my IG posts scream, "you can do this!"  "No excuses!"  "It's Now or Never!" "You earn what you put into it."  "If you work hard enough, your dreams will come true..." 

And I do.  I really do.  Hope they do.

Someday.  For sure, someday.
Just not any day soon.

My turning point came at a competition in December.  I was the oldest female athlete.  The only one with kids.  Most definitely the only one with 2 kids with special needs.  The only one married for double digit years.

Hmmm...where was everyone else my age?  With kids?
Not there.  Because this stage of life is hard.  Harder than any Open workout.  Life with "little's" is full-time.  Overtime.  All the time work.  And I was the only one crazy enough to try to do both.

The disbelief by the other competitors struck me.  How do I do it?  How do I make time?  How do I train hard and be a mom/wife?  While I felt honored to be able to share that I was doing it.  And it could be done...
I was convicted all at the same time.

And I couldn't shake this conviction.  That I wasn't really doing it all.  Well.
I prayed and wrestled with God for a month...what am I supposed to do? I can't possibly give up all I've worked so hard for, for so long.  I don't know what I would do if I didn't compete.  Competing is my motivation. My push.  My drive.  I live for it.

So I prayed for an answer.  A solution.  A way to do it all.
And it came...loud and clear one Sunday afternoon while I was praying for discernment as to what I should do about my CrossFit goals and my goals as a wife and mom.  And as clear as day, I felt the Holy Spirit say, "You will rest this year.  That is your big performance.  You will be done for now......I have bigger plans for you."

And this may be where I lose most of you.  Because I have doubted this clearly spoken directive, myself. Over and over.  But as soon as I surrendered to this, as soon as I said Lord, your will be done.  I want to follow you.  Obey you.  This goosebump like peace fell over my body.  And I knew this to be my decision.

I asked several people to pray over me in this decision as I knew it would be hard as the CrossFit season neared.  As people asked me if I was getting excited...and ready...and if I was going to get to Regionals this year.  Because I truly want to say, "YES! I'M READY...I'M GOING TO DO THIS! I am ready to make a name for myself, #homegym is ready to make a statement.  Prove my efforts. This is it!"

And I knew the battle would be hard.  I expected people not to understand.  Or buy my real lack of reasoning.
I am obviously struggling with it tonight.  It's tough.

But much more than I want to be known as a CrossFit athlete that is a mom and a wife and does it all...
I want to be known for not doing anything.  Transparent
Only as a humble servant of Christ.  Who honors her husband.  Guides her children.  Loves her Lord and Father.

More.

I love working out. And will continue to do so. Hard. Because that is a passion God has put in my heart.
But right now, under the umbrella of rest.  Sitting still.  Waiting.  
And this could quite possibly be the hardest workout I've done yet.  Because there are no banners screaming "do less."  "Be still."  "Rest."  "Be quiet."  "Seek nothing."  And no one encourages you to seek the slower, smaller route.  Because this type of workout, this resting piece,  requires faith.  Faith in things unseen.

Things hoped for.

Things of eternal value that carry no merit on this earth. And don't fill a scoreboard.  Or earn me points.  Sponsorships or recognition.  No, this workout involves more discipline, sacrifice, humility, stepping aside so God can work...effort. It requires hands-on parenting. Being purposeful with my husband.  Jobs I may never receive affirmation for this side of Heaven.  No measuring progress.  No immediate results.  All based on hope.  And faith and love.

And this, my friends, is the kind of workout I want to live for.

Why Meal Prep Can Lower your Grocery Bill

Meal Prep is of vital importance to success with fueling your body with wholesome foods...people do not understand how eating healthy can be cheaper.  And while it may seem more expensive at ticket value there are so many ways it pays off when you get home.

Here's a few of my reasons:
1) Real, whole food grown from the ground is more filling.  Your body can use every part of it for fuel.  If its a fruit it usually contains a lot of water to fill you up and keep you fuller.  If it is a vegetable it has more fiber in it, which takes longer to digest, therefore keeps you fuller longer.  (not just iceberg lettuce)  If it is a real animal source protein, it is broken down slower and therefore used for fuel and energy sources in the body--therefore keeps you fuller longer.
Check it out:  Portion Control Please!

--> This equates to not needing to eat as often or as much during your day.  If you don't believe me, try out the 21-day fix portion control containers!! Everyone I coach through this macro count visual plan, can NOT believe how full they get from eating out of these tiny portioned containers.  See for yourself!

2) You will build your immune system.  When you eat, real, natural foods your body can effectively digest them and use them more efficiently for daily functions.  When you eat processed, hormone-filled, chemical-bound food, your body has a histamine reaction to the foreign object...therefore requires excess energy, breakdown of your system to allow for this needed energy, and as a result a weakened immune system.  A weakened immune system results in extra budget spent on medicine, doctor's visits, over the counter drugs, etc.  Which creates a vicious cycle in itself because after being sick, your body craves high glycemic--starchy foods, for energy and starts the process all over again.

3) You will drink more water.  The majority of the time we are thirsty, NOT hungry.

4) Your tastebuds will change and as a result--foods you used to enjoy will taste like plastic.  You will begin to savor the flavor of real, wholesome foods and your tastebuds will sharpen.  As a result, you will NOT eat out as much because the taste you once craved is no longer "good."  A lot of money can be saved in a week by choosing to eat at home.

5) When you plan ahead, have snacks pre-made, have meals prepared ahead of time, there is not as much "downtime" to need to snack and therefore snacks last longer!  It's amazing how long a bag of chips will last if you don't snack on it the entire time you prepare supper!

6) Finally, shakes can be a great fill-in for meals or snacks on the go. AND can help keep cravings at bay. I highly encourage my clients to use shakeology! You can buy it in bulk AND get it for a discount, I can help you get that FYI.  AND its something your entire family can use..which is another bonus.  PLUS it comes in chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, cafe' latte and greenberry.

Here's more information on that--> Shakes!!

My 10-Day Nutrition Group kicks off June 1--we are focusing on meal prep, accountability, and budgeting--as well as daily challenges to help stay on track for a lifestyle change long after we are through.  There is still time to get in after a weekend of SPLURGING at the lake or vacation!!

Message me here: Anna Woods Fitness