Orem's Premiere Fitness Boot Camp and Training Studio

One week ago we launched the anagrual EXL Fitness Skinny Jeans Contest, a lifestyle transformation contest based on compliance. I’ve been genuinily surprised at the response.  I think there is something in our DNA that responds to competition.  Even if it’s just to improve oneself.  It’s strange some people view competition as evil and advocate cooperation over competition, claiming competition always produces a loser and more is accomplished with cooperation.  I disagree competition makes us better, it imbues a deep desire that drives us to explore our limits and to improve ourselves.  Here’s a great excerpt from W. Timothy Gallwey’s book The Inner Game of Tennis (an amazing book that explores the true meaning of competition as well as how to truly win in life, and maybe a game of tennis too).   ”Winning is overcoming obstacles to reach a goal, but the value in winning is only as great as the value of the goal reached.  Reaching the goal itself  may not be as valuable as the experience that can come in making a supreme effort to overcome the obstacles involved.  The process can be more rewarding than the victory itself.”  I can’t think of a literal manifestation of this phrase than a lifestyle transformation contest.  Sure my clients are competing against each other to win, and there will be a points winner taking home a new pair of designer jeans.  But, will there be any losers?  ”In true competition no person is defeated.  Both players benefit by their efforts to overcome the obstacles presented by the other.  Like two bulls butting their heads against one another, both grow stronger and each participates in the development of the other.” (Gallway 111)  I imagine there will be a wide array of points by the end of this friendly contest.  But, every point represents one obstacle conquered on the journey to ideal health and wellness.  One obstacle closer to conquering diabetes, hypertension, atherosclerosis  or even being able to walk up the stairs without getting winded or wrestle with your kids and not pull something.  Here in lies the “win”, chalk up another “X” in the win column.

A motivating, short read. A must have.

I challenge all the Skinny Jeans participants to try your hardest.  Team up with others to do cardio, compare notes on meal plans, share cooking and shopping tips.  And those not  participating in the Skinny Jeans Contest find ways to challenge yourself, set some goals, challenge a co-worker, start your own life-style transformation contest at work or within your family or neighborhood.  The idea is to explore your limits and to progress to a healthier you.  Take action.

This was my mom's Halloween costume.

I’m extremely proud of my mom, not only has she recently lost nearly 50 lbs but she is literally “the energizer bunny” for a group of neighbors and friends.  She and some of her friends have come to boot camp and have learned some routines.  She has then taken it upon herself to scheduled a time at her local church building where she puts on her own boot camps with her friends and neighbors using the exercises learned in my boot camp.  Sure my mom is retired and has some free time (my dad is also retired and he says he’s never been busier…weird?), but what’s her motivation?  It’s the challenge of overcoming an obstacle.  The obstacle of  staying in shape.  She knows that when she’s “preaching” exercise and good nutrition she’s going to be more accountable.  She knows that it’s easier to stick to a exercise routine and nutrition plan when she has others involved as well.  So why should you care about my mom?  Well, if a 65 year-old great-grandma can commit to a Skinny Jeans contest and do pull-ups and burpees on her own while motivating her friends and neighbors to do the same.  Well, so can you.  If you do need some help come check out boot camp or sign up for some personal training.  I give everyone a free week to try boot camp and a free Fitness Profile for personal training clients.  But, fair warning you maybe asked to push yourself or explore new boundries or challenge some preconceived limits but one things certain you will overcome obstacles and see results!  Just talk to Brent Cranmer.

"I owe it all to boot camp. I highly recommend it!" Brent Cranmer

Brent is our “Boot Camper of the Phase”.  He’s as committed as they come.  I think he only missed one boot camp session during the week his wife delivered their 3 child.  Either that’s dedication or he’s got one amazing wife (probably a little of both).  And talk about competition.  Brent recently won his office’s version of “The Biggest Loser”.  He dropped 11 pounds of fat and 4.7% body fat, and that was all from just exercise alone.  I can’t wait for him to use that same dedication with his nutrition.  Great job Brent, this phase of boot camp is on me.

Stay Fit

Mat “the trainer”

PS- Feel free to post your comments on competition.

PPS- as always feel free to share this blog post with anyone that is motivated by competition or  anyone looking to shed some fat, get stronger and feel more energy.

PPPS- word of the day: imbue [im-BYOO] transitive verb: to instill profoundly; to cause to become impressed or penetrated.

To book Mat to speak at your Utah Valley company, club, or organizations please contact him by email at matgover@mac.com or by phone at (801) 836.7185. For a free one-week trial to his Orem boot camp to experience the best personal training in Utah Valley please call Mat or drop by the gym (1623 N State St, Orem right next to Costa Vida).