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Picture this.

Each morning we wake up, work ourselves out of bed, and begin going about our morning routine.

Somewhere along the way we end up in front of the mirror. We lock eyes with ourselves – we scan top to bottom our image in that mirror. It is at this moment we can be the most critical.

Some of us look away almost immediately. Others – from time to time, lock eyes with that reflection and decide then and there that we are going to make a change. Today. 

Today we are going to begin eating better, going to the gym – just making better overall decisions.

Shoulders up – head high, we leave the house. Determined to make that change.

Something happens though.

It always seems to happen.

The next morning the process starts again, but this time we immediately look away. We looked away because we couldn’t do it. That decision we made the morning before – we couldn’t stick to it. 

We failed.

Why? Why does this always seem to happen?

Have you asked yourself this question? 

What if I told you that the odds of your success in this decision aren’t exactly stacked in your favor?

Stick with me for a minute:

The environment we live in these days is one of the most distracting, loud and misinformed times in human history. Most of us are bombarded by ads and communication designed to benefit corporate interests – not yours. 

To make matters worse our families, our friends – they too are exposed to this never ending bombardment of info. The very people you should be able to lean on when trying to change your life could very well be another negative force – parroting an ad or an article of something they think “you should know”.

And while most of our jobs are routine – they typically lend themselves to hectic schedules. There’s never enough time! And if you have kids it’s even tougher. How do we find time? Time to eat right? Time to work out? 

Maybe Aunt Mary is right – this lifestyle is too much for me.

This is what I’m talking about. All of this happened in 24 hrs and now we aren’t able to look at ourselves in the mirror.

Do we accept that as an excuse?

You could accept it as an excuse, most do. 

I mean – there isn’t anything you can do about your environment, others opinions, and your schedule..

Reread that last statement.

Or is there?

What if we started our change right then and there each morning? What if we began with a conscious decision to limit our exposure to media outlets. Maybe limit time with those well meaning family members and friends while we are adjusting into our new lifestyle? 
What if we took a few minutes before we leave the house to think of a rough schedule for the day. Set up our phone with some reminders – when to eat, when to pick up the kids, when to set aside time for a workout.

And then start. Slowly. Don’t overwhelm yourself at first.

The next morning look yourself in the eye and think of the things you DID accomplish. Even if it was just one thing on your list. 

Repeat. Everyday. Build on this.

Begin to add in other good choices as things become habit each day. Over time – seek out others on the same path.

Before you know it, you may find that image in the mirror each morning a little more agreeable. Someone that you can be proud of. Someone on a mission to turn their lives around. 

It all starts with a choice. Look at yourself in the mirror this morning and decide if you’re happy with the image looking back. 

That morning image – it should drive you. It should motivate you to be better. Use that time in the morning mirror to truly see yourself. 

The inside and the outside. Do they match? 

During this moment of reflection there should be no noise. No distractions. Be honest with yourself in this moment, but be tough too – because you are capable of more. So much more.

It will take strength to make the right decisions, strength to change habits and routines that could be years old. 

Building strength doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time of repeated, quality effort to grow real strength.

Make the decision to be better. Look yourself in the eye. 

And start.

I’m pulling for you – feel free to reach out if you need any help!!

-Coach Ted

“But my Doctor says Weightlifting / CrossFit / Fitness / Powerlifting /  Whatever – is bad for me…”

As if the world isn’t confusing enough these days – am I right?

You decide to make some changes in your life – you want to get stronger, or leaner – maybe you want to lose weight, looking to tone up, or just be more healthy.

You kick it around with your peeps. More often than not your – (insert your favorite authoritarian here – Doctor, Family, Friends, Teacher, Life Coach – whatever,) – says a certain fitness style you may be interested in – is bad for you…

What the hell?

And – I tend to agree.

True fitness training, much like any team sport – should have a level of training and ramp up required to safely become proficient at – well, anything.

Take a deep breath. You didn’t jump in a car and start driving immediately did you?

You don’t think you could step off your couch and expect to be drafted into the NFL in one day – right?

Two extremes – everyone drives, only some of us make the NFL…

However – at the end of the day: Most of us took a year or two to learn cursive. Yeah – the writing style. We were taught – however unwillingly, by our teachers.

My point is – not many of us are “naturals” at most anything. We have to learn and adapt over time. Most of us do this better with people who care about our progress – real trainers or coaches.

The real issue isn’t that these particular fitness styles will “hurt” you. Quite the opposite actually.

It’s that many companies and people focus more on your wallet then they do on making sure you safely get the results you are looking for.

There are PLENTY of gyms and “trainers” out there only too eager to take your money in return for the dopamine rush you get from carrying their key card on your keychain, wearing the free t-shirt and drinking from the super cool shaker bottle they gave you.

Free shit AND – You now can walk into their facility, be ignored and completely wreck yourself. Congratulations.

Then what happens? You got hurt or frustrated with no guidance – no direction. A perfect set up for you to never again try something you may have actually been really good at.

Listen man. There is a better way.

Don’t rush your choice.

Do your research first.

Don’t just pick something because it’s “close to the house” and or  “cheap”.

Think of it this way – McDonalds is close to the house and cheap. If you eat there everyday, I can assure you, you won’t like what you will become.

How do you find a quality facility or trainer related to the fitness style you are interested in then you ask?

First – and this is the hardest part, put convenience on the back burner during this research. You are on a mission to find someone to train you. To physically and mentally CHANGE you. They may not be close to your house – or your job. They also may not be the cheapest.

You will need to worry about convenience AFTER you have all the facts.

Secondly – do some online research in your area. Their website should clearly detail what they are all about and how / who is there to support you. Check out their social media, make sure this is a group you want to be associated with.

Then:

Go there.

Meet with them face to face. Phone calls are lazy in this scenario. Phone calls are for talking to Grandma. You are looking to commit to a program that’s going to change your life. Take the time to do it properly. In person.

Ask at the front desk about how to begin. Is there a process – an onboarding of any type? Ask about the Staff – what are their certifications? How long have they been coaching and or training members?

I can’t stress this enough – ask to talk to the Owner. Find out what they are all about – does it all match up?

If you’ve made it this far and it all sounds good, ask to try a class. Or if that’s not their policy – just sit through one. Are the members engaged? Are the trainers attentive? How’s the vibe? Can you see yourself here for the long haul?

This research goes a LONG way with not only your safety, but the achievement of your goals.

So while your – insert your favorite authoritarian here – Doctor, Family, Friends, Teacher, Coach – whatever, – says a certain fitness style you may be interested in is bad for you:

They may be right if you don’t take the time to do the research needed to begin any new activity.

It’s on you if you rush something as important as this.

I own my own gym – CrossFit Iron Legion in downtown Ocala, Florida. As the Owner – I personally invite you to stop by our place while you are doing your research.

I’d love to talk to you about where you are looking to go with your fitness related goals. While you are here, I’ll personally introduce you to our professional, Doctor led staff and take you on a tour of our well equipped facility.

Be safe out there guys. There are still a few gyms out there that care about you and your progression – its on you to seek them out.

I hope to meet you while you are looking!

– Coach Ted

Don’t look back – you’re not going that way. – Ragnar Lothbrok

It echoes in my mind. Last year was a year I spent in reflection. I watched the world lose its mind in regards to friends, family, fitness and health.

The noise was loud. Deafening. GO LEFT one side screams – GO RIGHT screams the other side. Both of them are so confident in their stance.

They are loud, angry and while they think themselves lions, they all remind me of dead eyed sheep, or crazy wild eyed lemmings.

As of this writing they still spread confusion and fear as they scream, lips frothing and bodies shaking with their convictions. I don’t think it’s going to stop anytime soon.

But. Meh.

I’m not a big follower. I’ve always marched to my own drum, blazed my own path – why should that change now?

Right? Left? Looking for a direction through the noise?

There is one direction that has always suited me – and it should help you find your way through this crazy time we are all embroiled in:

GO FORWARD.

One strong step at a time – forward – in a direction that suits you, your family and your immediate circle of your people. 

Forward. Through the noise. Through the distractions.

Move forward with and from a position of strength.

My reflection over the last year solidified that Iron Legion will be that position of strength for you. We rely on each other here and build each other up through our style of training.

At 3, 2, 1 GO! we all work – hard. Together, shoulder to shoulder, we train and build a confidence and a strength that goes with us when we leave these walls.

Iron Legion is now more than ever on a mission to Forge Better Humans. We go WAY beyond fitness and we work diligently to develop a ferocious strength and confidence in each and every member here.

The outside world gets stranger every day. Inside these walls though we train with a purpose, with strength and direction. 

Our commitment to our members has been renewed and stamped firmly in new Iron.

Iron Legion welcomes beginners and long time athletes alike. We build and support leaders and doers. The challenges we face in here – prepare us all for anything that comes our way out there.

Take a chance. Shut out the noise. Align yourself with others on the same mission as you – and tread FORWARD. One strong, confident step at a time.

We got your back. We are here and we are ready to make you the strongest version of yourself. 

Do it for you – and for those closest to you.

Yours in Strength and Confidence,

Coach Ted

#strengthoverfear