This Morning's Stand Up Bootcamp

Three clients that have been taking my stand up bootcamp series together (actually 12 sessions in all) have officially 'graduated' from the course today before two of them head back to their home in Texas next week. They have been visiting for the last month and during that time not only did I get to teach them the fundamentals of standup paddling, but I also integrated workouts within each session. It was really challenging for them at first, but they came out looking like pros.

I had them doing some intense exercises on the beach, in the water, and even on the stand up boards. They endured some windy and wavy conditions, and hung in there like troopers. So after today's successful session, a paddle from Three Tables to Chun's Reef, I think they were pleased with what they have accomplished, they even caught a few waves along the way and bought their own stand up boards and paddles!

I am stoked that I get to share my passion for fitness and health, along with my even bigger passion for the outdoors, the ocean, and standup paddling with other people. I have to pinch myself at times... I actually get paid for what I do? I love what I do so much and am thankful I can make a living at it.


Pictures soon to come, I promise!

No Such Thing As Fat And Happy

Sitting on the beach at the beautiful Ehukai Park (aka Pipeline) on the North Shore of Oahu with one of my clients this morning, we got to talking about overweight/obese people. We both agreed that there is really no way these people can REALLY be happy with the way they look let alone the health risks that being overweight/obese can cause. What do you think?

I believe this because I used to run an all women's fitness facility. On a daily basis I would sit down with women who were morbidly obese and ask them about their lives and what they thought about themselves. More often then not the women would break down crying and tell me how miserable they were being so fat and how ugly they felt. Some were on the brink of suicide. Their weight seemed to affect their every day lives, relationships, and overall self confidence. I can't really relate, but I do know how I feel if I don't workout for a week or so and I can tell you it's not pleasant.

We can't all have bodies (unfortunately) like Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, but we can work towards investing in what God gave us and making the best of what we've got. Even one single workout can relieve a lot of anxiety and help us feel better mentally.

So many people grumble, moan, and complain that they need to get into better shape, but are doing nothing about it. Why not stop wasting time thinking about working out and eating healthy and start taking action?! I'm not a big fan of talkers....I am a HUGE fan of doers.

Back to the women I used to work with. Once they started committing to their workouts and proper diet, usually after a couple of weeks I would see them transform (maybe not physically at that point, but mentally) and become completely different people. Smiles began to appear on their faces as well a more positive outlook on life. And finally after a month or so after their bodies started to respond to a healthy lifestyle I can't even tell you how happy and motivated these women were. What a blessing to be able to help these people change their lives.

In closing, I think that people who are overweight/obese who say they are perfectly happy with the way they look are not being honest. I think some people just give up on themselves and give in to being unhealthy, but it's never too late to turn in around. Every passing minute is a chance to turn it all around. Never give up.

Do You Need To Step It Up?

There are people who tell me that they have a 'healthy diet' and 'exercise regularly', but they just can't figure out why they aren't losing weight. Most of the time, unless they are suffering from a hypothyroid disorder, someone who is exercising and eating right will have a body that responds. So, with that said, are these people who aren't seeing results REALLY eating right and working out to their fullest capacity? Nope. Not even close.

I applaud the effort of people who are trying to get out there and better their lives by doing biceps curls before work, going for a walk around the block, and reaching for that rice cake instead of a doughnut. But, I'm also going to say that it's going to take a lot more effort to look the way you visualize yourself to look. A lot more.

There is a little more pain involved in a workout than you're used to and a lot of will power in the beginning, but once the wheels are set in motion towards a TRULY healthy body and lifestyle there is usually no stopping the momentum when you start to see results. In my opinion nothing is more fulfilling than seeing someone's body transform into the most amazingly efficient body they can have.

I can help educate you on proper eating and of course lead you through intense, fun, and effective workouts....but you have to be ready to make the committment. The body you want doesn't happen overnight or even in a couple of months, and there is NO QUICK FIX! So you committment phobes out there better rethink those crash diets and hoodia pills. I promise you that if you want to look better and be healthier I can help you, but you have to put forth the effort. No flakes.

Aloha,
Nikki
P.S. Because we all need to laugh....go watch this video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBWkPRSE-W4