The First 9 Weeks of the Rest of Your Life

So, what's going on in your life?

Good stuff, I hope.

For most of us, our weight, how we feel about our physical appearance, our strength and flexibility often become a distraction and don't seem to allow as much 'good stuff' into our lives as we'd like.

Sometimes the idea of improving our physical condition through diet and exercise becomes confusing and even overwhelming at times. So much so, that many people abandon the hope of being who they want to be, and resort to the belief that it can't be done.

I'm too old. I'm too busy. "Fat" runs in my family. My kids need me. My work needs me. My husband will be jealous. My wife won't like paying for a gym membership. I'm a man. I'm a woman. I'm a grandmother. I'm a grandfather. My knees hurt, etc., etc., etc.

Paradoxically, if you ask people to name their top 5 values, most would describe health as being one of them. And for most, health is at the TOP, followed by family, purposeful work, or however we've personally defined them.

So, how did we get to the point that something is - on one hand, so critically important to us on our human life adventure, but somehow find ways to keep us from being our best?

Well, we're all different, but after working with hundreds of people on fitness programs and hearing their feedback, I'll take a stab at it.

Phase 1: No Man's Land

I call Phase 1 one of our fitness adventure 'No Man's Land' because for most of us it seemed very confusing. Tons of information out there. We ask ourselves, 'What should I pay attention to? Who's right? Where do I start?' And a whole host of other questions that, boiled down, end up stopping many dead in their tracks.

Through product marketing and advice (some good, some bad) from people around us, we're bombarded with information (or partial information) about how to approach diet and exercise.

Add to the mix our busy lives, the sometimes dis-empowering beliefs we've adopted, and our culture of instant (or near instant) gratification.

Then, if we do embark on an unfamiliar exercise program, we often are met with results that don't appear to make sense (e.g. scale weight gain) and are not explained, and worse yet, appear contrary to the original goal.

So, at the end of the day, so to speak, we're left confused and frustrated, which only strengthens the belief system we initially adopted (I can't do it, it's too hard, I'm too busy, etc)

Phase 2: The Resignation

I call Phase 2 the 'Resignation' phase for a couple reasons. First, for most who continue to exercise without accomplishing many (or sometimes any) of their desired goals, we often resign ourselves to the belief that we'll never 'get there'.

We also resign ourselves to the belief that since we're not seeing desired results, but at the same time we also believe that we NEED to exercise in order to avoid a number of potential health issues down the road. The combination of frustration over not reaching results combined with the belief we must continue, often creates more unwanted tension.

Then, many of us simply "resign" from the exercise process - for either short or long periods of time.

Occasionally during this phase, through sheer willpower, some of us push through the fact that we're not seeing the results we'd hoped for.

We say, "I don't really care what results I'm seeing, I know it's good for me, so I'm going to keep doing it."

So, for many months, sometimes years, we continue to force ourselves to go to the gym or 'pound the pavement' and endure the mind-numbing routine of going through the motion without seeing results because, by gosh, I know it's good for me.

Rhetorically speaking, I believe this phase makes up a majority of the exercisers who frequent a health club or exercise regularly.

Literally, every day I spend in our clubs talking with members, I speak to loyal gym-goers - many who've spent years pursuing a particular exercise approach, and are not getting the results they're looking for.

The interesting part is that 100% of the time, all are missing key pieces to the fitness 'puzzle', either through being unaware of the missing piece, or by down-playing it's importance.

I admit, I digressed a bit, but it's important to realize that if you can relate to the description above, you're in good company.

It's not until people break through to the final phase that they truly 'get it'.

Phase 3: The Breakthrough

I call this phase the Breakthrough phase because it's truly how you feel when you realize the truth regarding fitness and exercise.

In this phase you finally discover what's been holding you back, as well as apply this knowledge in a way that produces desired results.

During this phase you also learn that reaction and response to your exercise isn't static. It changes. But that's okay because you understand why and how to adapt.

In the third and final phase, workouts become a great experience and you eat foods truly knowing what affect they'll have.

There's no guilt.

No more calorie restriction just for the sake of eating less.

No more 2-hour cardio bouts because 'that's what Joe does and he looks pretty good.'

In Phase 3 it's possible to integrate healthy eating and sufficient exercise into your life in a way that you'll achieve physical goals that you previously thought weren't reachable, and these physical changes prompt elevated emotional states in most people; and from this platform, your life can and will change - particularly if these changes have seemed elusive in the past.

I can almost hear the wheels turning - 'How the heck to I get to Phase 3'?

Whether thought about in 'Phases' or not, everyone who's been in your position asks the same question.

This is why we started the Transformation Challenge programs.

Our Transformation Challenge programs combine proper education, teamwork, goal-setting, and a support network in such a way that anyone who wants to get to the Phase 3 point, can.

Does everyone get there?

No. A few never do.

And some 'get it' right away and never look back.

A majority of the people who go through our Challenge programs start to really get it during the program, and then finally break through during subsequent efforts on their own, or in the next Challenge event. This is why many of the participants repeat the program.

The past Transformation Challenge events that you've heard about are 12-week programs and involve certain programming aspects that will change in the 'Teams' version of the Challenge series.

If you've read this far and you're still interested in turning this 6 weeks as a launch pad into the rest of your life, continue reading below for specific details of the Transformation Challenge - Teams event. We look forward to working with you!

Challenge #7 dates

February 20 through April 23, 2011

Cost
Members: $199
Non-members: $299 - Covers membership cost for duration of Challenge only
Refund for successfully finishing
A refund of $49 will be given in the form of membership dues credit to all those who successfully finish the Challenge. "Successfully finishing" the Challenge is defined by following ALL rules listed below.

For those who don't finish the Challenge as defined by the rules below, $49 of their entry cost will be charitably donated to a local organization that will be defined during the Challenge. Those who successfully finish the Challenge will have the option of donating their refund.

Your health & safety
Remember to always consult your doctor before beginning any exercise program. Inform your coach and personal trainer (if applicable) of any health issues or heart conditions you may have that may affect your workouts.

Rules

• Complete entry process on or before Saturday, February 19, 2011
• Attend formal Transformation Challenge kick-off on Monday, February 21, 2011
• Participants must diary all workouts in an exercise journal and input all daily meals into Anytime Health

• bmit hardcopies of "before" and "after" photos; complete and submit hardcopy essay questionnaire on or before Saturday, April 30, 2011, 1:00pm AND show positive physical changes as determined by the judges. Hardcopy templates are provided here
• Before & after photos are to be taken of both front and back of participants, tastefully revealing midriffs and legs. See below for additional guidance taking photos.
• No digital enhancements / changes are allowed to be made to photos. Copyrighted photos are not accepted.
• All photo and essay submissions become the property of Anytime Fitness.

Photo-taking guidelines

• "Before" and "after" photo template can be downloaded from here. Use guidance on template to affix photo hardcopies to the template.
• Submit both front and back "before" and "after" photos.
• Photos should be taken against a plain light background.
• Try to take out of direct sunlight to avoid looking "washed out".
• The area surrounding the participant being photographed should be blank, so as not to distract from the person being photographed. For example, try to avoid standing next to a hanging picture or an electrical outlet that has something plugged into it.
• Wear clothing that tastefully exposes as much as possible. Females should wear clothing that exposes midriff and legs; men should wear shorts that expose their legs. Use website template as example.
• Participant should stand in relaxed / semi-relaxed position, without posing.
• Consider taking multiple photos in order to select from the best photo. It's not unreasonable to take 10-20 photos of both front and back.

How and when do I sign up?
Sign-ups are held between now and February 19, 2011, 1:00pm at the Anytime Fitness Dixon & Natomas management offices. We are looking for the first 30 people per club who have 'decided' to change. Making a dramatic change to your physical appearance is always started by the decision to do so, and we'll talk to you about this decision when you come in to sign up.

Why is the Challenge limited to 30 people per club?
The number of participants is limited so the personal training staff, coaches, and mentors can provide adequate support to all Challenge participants for the duration of the Challenge. Unlike other Challenges that attempt to get as many people as possible, we're looking for the highest possible success rate. Keeping participant numbers low helps us to keep from diluting ourselves so much, so that adequate individualized support is possible.

I've seen other transformation challenges on TV or in other places; why is this Challenge different by having teams, coaches, and mentors?
The accountability that a team environment creates is very powerful. For cultural or other reasons, we sometimes unfortunately do things for others that we might not do for just ourselves. For that reason, team accountability helps us to be "our best selves". Plus, each team also has a mentor assisting the team. The mentor is someone who's successfully completed a previous Challenge and has placed in the top 3 of their respective team! If you need any proof that what you're attempting can be done, you'll likely rely on your mentors a lot!

I don't have much experience with exercise. Should I even consider signing up?
In the previous Challenges, about 80% of those who entered had little or no fitness background. Much more important than a lot of experience with exercise, is simply making the decision to finish the Challenge, while at the same time just relaxing and letting the process takes its course. Once this decision is truly made, the process will be simply to follow Òthe pathÓ. Additionally, to speed up the learning process, the first week will be spent on education. Experts at Anytime Fitness will be teaching you the fundamentals about nutrition, strength training, and cardio conditioning. This way you can confidently enter the following 8 weeks with a game plan.

Will there be any formal education?
Yes. The first week of the Challenge will be filled with education. Classes on nutrition, strength training, and cardio conditioning will be held during this period. You don't want to miss these classes because they'll give you a jumpstart on the next 8 weeks. Class dates will be listed on a web calendar.

Should I wait until the classes are finished to begin exercising?
No! Your exercise program should begin immediately. Simply getting in the gym and starting will help bring momentum to your results. Even if you're not sure how to approach your program, get in the gym and ask questions. Those who've exercised only infrequently in the past should seriously consider some form of personal training. Most participants, even those who have some experience, express regret toward the end of the Challenge if they did not take advantage of personal training from the outset of the Challenge. The positive results, both inward and outward, that result from learning how to properly exercise will outweigh any concern about personal training that we sometimes have, like not wanting to look silly, or other concerns that some initially express.

What if I need help along the way?
Everyone, regardless of experience, will need some form of help along the way. Coaches, mentors, and more importantly the Challenge system itself are in place to help you along the way. Essentially, this network of assistance is what makes it highly likely that you will achieve more progress during this short time than you'd previously thought to be possible.

Also, after teams are assigned during the kick-off event, each coach will provide you their personal contact information.

Can I really make that big of a change in 8 weeks?
Absolutely. Simply by doing the right things consistently for a short period of time can produce astounding results. Past Challenge participants are direct proof that this program works.

How many winners will there be?
There will be Grand Champion, a Team Champion (individual winner for each of the respective teams), and a Best Team award.

How do I win?
Winners will be those who follow the rules and make the most positive, visible physical change within the 8-week Challenge, captured by before and after photos, combined with a written essay describing their experience and what it meant to them personally.

Who selects the winners?
Winners will be selected by a panel, consisting of all coaches and mentors.

What body type / level of experience has the best chance of winning?
When picking the winners, we're looking for the biggest positive, visible physique change. Everyone has an equal chance of winning. We expect there to be wide range of participants in terms of fitness experience and condition. Someone who has never worked out before will have an equal chance to win as someone with lots of workout experience, simply because of the way that the body responds to nutrition and exercise.

When and how will teams be selected?
Team members will be drawn randomly and assigned to a coach / mentor combination during the Challenge kick-off event on February 21, 2011.

How do we track our team's progress?
Each teams progress will be measured in body-fat lost. Updates will be provided after each measurement period.

How does the best team win?
The best team will be based upon a combined team-member total of fat loss from beginning to end. Also, the number of team members that successfully finish the Challenge, as defined by the Challenge rules, will also be a consideration. This means that the team that has the highest total fat-loss, combined with adequate points earned through team members successfully finishing the Challenge, will receive the top team award.

Do I have to work out with my team?
No. Workouts that are scheduled with the individual teams are voluntary. We do suggest, however, that if you are not completely capable of completing this Challenge all the way on your own that you take full advantage of all available classes and training. The assistance will be offered in a structured fashion that is intended to safely optimize the Challenge timeframe.

What if I don't have anyone to take my before photo?
We can help you take your photos. When you sign up for the Challenge, mention that you would like help and we'll schedule a time / date to take your before photo.

Can I have my photos taken outside of the club?
Yes. Feel free to have your photos taken outside of the club. Please be aware that you should follow the guidance for photo taking, or your photos will not adequately capture changes you will have worked hard to achieve.

Can I purchase personal training to help me?
Yes. Personal training is not only allowed, but is highly recommended for those beginners, intermediate, and even experienced participants wishing to make the quickest, safest changes. Personal training will significantly raise your level of confidence, expedite results, and significantly shorten the learning curve associated with understanding training fundamentals.

Can I take nutritional supplements?
Yes. Similar to personal training, nutritional supplements are recommended. When combined with proper consumption of regular food, supplements are often successfully used to create a well-rounded approach to nutrition. Additionally, certain supplements help us conveniently achieve adequate balance of nutrients and calories, which is a must when considering any effective fitness program.

What's the first step?
Simply visit the Dixon or Natomas Anytime Fitness location and let the staff know you're interested in the upcoming Transformation Challenge. We'll happily go over the Challenge details with you. This program is not for everyone, so we'll want to determine how good of a match the program is to you and your goals. Once we both agree it's a good fit, you'll simply fill out simple paperwork and get ready to change your life. Once you're signed up, if you're not already exercising, begin to exercise immediately. Our staff will help you get started, and more importantly, you'll find that getting started now will make it much easier when the Challenge begins.

If you have any additional questions, simply contact the Dixon or Natomas Anytime Fitness locations.