You don’t need a gym

***This post is reposted from my personal blog here.

A few weeks ago, I watched an episode of The Biggest Loser where one team was “locked out” of the gym.  I was annoyed when Jillian Michaels whined and complained about this twist.  She kept saying how much of a disadvantage it is not to have a gym.  Meanwhile, her team [spoiler alert] smoked the other team in the weigh-in.

I know a lot of the histrionics are for television, but I would prefer the message being that you don’t need a gym or gym equipment to get in a good workout.  Why do you need a treadmill when you have beautiful weather outside?  Why do you need weights when you have your own body weight and resistance bands?  Gyms and weights make working out more convenient, but it doesn’t define what you can accomplish.

I recently attended training to become certified in a program called Body Back.  It is a results-based “bootcamp” style class that uses high intensity interval training (HIIT).  The instructor basically killed us all day long and we didn’t use a single exercise machine.  The only equipment we used were resistance bands, ten pound dumbbells, and bosu balls.  Our first workout was done outside and was the hardest workout I have ever done.  We did sprinting and plyometrics for cardio, including a killer sprint up a steep hill.  We did pullups, pushups, one-legged deep dips, and arm exercises using resistance bands.

The second workout of the day involved rounds of alternating cardio, strength and core exercises.  The only equipment we used was a set of resistance bands.  I was pushed so hard I was actually brought to tears.  The tears were not tears of pain or frustration, but a spontaneous cathartic release.  I know it sounds super corny, but the emotional release was very intense and surprising.  Heck, I didn’t even cry when I finished my first marathon.  This physical and emotional breakthrough was done without a gym.

The last workout was a circuit.  It included things like bicep curls, mountain climbers, oblique crunches, ladder sprints, squats, burpies on a bosu ball, chest flies, skull crushers, and jumping jacks.  By the end of the last station, my tank was empty. I was sore for several days and never stepped inside a traditional gym.

I am always inspired by The Biggest Loser and admire how they can change lives with a gym or without.  I am hoping that this class will allow me to change lives in my own small way.  My friend, Heather, has participated in the program in San Diego and has lost over 20 pounds!  This woman ran five half marathons over two years and couldn’t lose those last few pounds of baby weight and was able to do it with an eight week fitness and nutrition program.  I am looking forward to my own clients’ success stories.

What is your favorite workout that doesn't involve a gym?

What is YOUR "marathon?"

The definition of "marathon"can be different for different people.

[mar-uh-thon]-- 1) a foot race over a course measuring 26 mi. 385 yards (42 km195 meters).  2) any long or arduous task, assignment, etc 2) any contest, event, or the like, of great, or greater than normal, length or duration or requiring exceptional endurance

The first definition is the obvious one. It is what most of us think of when we hear the word "marathon."  A marathon was what started it all for me. Training for my first marathon is what got me hooked on running.


However, marathon could be something else. It could be the marathon task of getting off the couch and getting in shape. To some, a 5K might seem as likely as a marathon. When you have never run a step in your life, running 3 miles might seem as impossible as 26.2. Just like 26.2 miles, it takes one step at a time. You go just a little bit further today than you did yesterday. Eventually, you'll get there.  


A marathon can be a "long or arduous task." Losing those last few pounds of baby weight can be a long and arduous task.  Women always have and always will struggle with this. Sometimes just getting back into shape can be a marathon.  


Tackling a marathon is not an easy task. It takes a plan. It takes hard work. It takes help from experienced and knowledgeable people. Running 26.2 miles? To increase your chance of success you need a training plan, training partners and a coach.  Running that first 5K?  You need the very same things.  Those last few pounds of baby weight?  Yep. The same things. 


My goal is to help women accomplish the marathons in their lives. From losing that stubborn baby weight to running that first 5K to crossing the finish line of a marathon, I have the tools to guide women through the hard work needed.  The marathon of cleaning your house?  I can't help you there. That, my friends, is my own marathon that I need to conquer.


What is your marathon?