There's more to strength than the physical

As a mother, I don't promote being thin to my daughter. Muscle is where it's at and whenever I can, I express how having muscle can be feminine and women/females can be strong outside and in.

I love training. In the past week, I've had two separate people at the gym ask me, "you're still here?" But strength training extends beyond the gym, beyond the physical. It's a mental commitment combined with a courage to push yourself and face insecurities, fears, and doubts. Why? Because we can and we want to be better versions of ourselves.

Being an athlete is not easy. UFE's (Ultimate Fitness Events) #I'mnoteveryone slogan and how true is that? It's the constant challenges, both physical and mental, that make the process rewarding at the end of a competition because despite the odds, you did it!

And this applies for non athletes as well.

It's a decision. As Yoda says, "do or do not; there is no try". It's a commitment. You fall; get back up. A mistake is only a mistake if you don't learn from it. Give yourself permission to learn the lesson and try again. You are worth it.

To be human is to make mistakes. To be strong is to be relentless despite the odds.

Although I will be honoured to share the stage with my fellow, fierce competitors at UFE's Halloween Mayhem, and if I qualify, the World Championships, I want to slam every fear, insecurity, and obstacle in my personal challenger, aka the old me. And I will win because I have become stronger inside and out. I know the old me quite well and I'm going to take her down.

I know I am not alone. There are countless strong women out there and I'm proud to be one of them.

If you do not feel strong, you can be but it might require some professional guidance. Allow me to help you build your strength. You are stronger than you think.

After all, we're strong women!

The Courage to Change

I enjoy helping others overcome their challenges as I can relate to the struggles of overcoming some of my own. I struggled with my weight since I was a teenager over 30 years ago. After children, I reached a peak of size 14.

Size 14 Dress 11 years ago

Countless times I lost the weight through some sort of new diet, new exercise program of the day and once I reached the end goal, I'd rebound and regain the weight. I never had healthy examples growing up, and many of my relatives died young from obesity related diseases.

There is no magic pill to overcome weight challenges just like there's no magic pill to fix your relationship, overcome depression or anxiety, or to put your life back on track.

What helped me reach and keep my size 0 today was finding the right personal trainer.  Working one on one with a trained, experienced professional provided me with a concrete plan tailored to my goals. I also learned what I thought I knew about healthy eating was based on misguided information, which is still circulating today, and had contributed to derailing my results. Another important piece to success is the communication between yourself and the professional with whom you work. The right professional listens carefully, knows when to speak up, holds you accountable for your actions, and incorporates tough love as needed.

Age 45 Size 0 at Fitness Competition April 2014

Similarly, self-help books are not tailored to your situation. This is where a counsellor can provide you a tailored solution to overcome your challenges, clarify commonly held misconceptions, keep you accountable, provide empathy, encouragement, and yes even provide tough love when necessary.

Whether it's muscle buidling for fitness, weight loss, depression, or anxiety there are dangerous and easier paths like drugs or alcohol. These can serve as a quick fix but ultimately only delay addressing the core issues in your life.

Like temporary diets versus lifestyle changes, long term success only comes from finding a healthier path you can stay on for the long term. The right professional can provide the helping hand you need.