Some days I wonder what is wrong with me (actually it’s everyday). My weight is 40 pounds less than it was six months ago when I began the OXF fitness program. I am much stronger physically than I have ever been in my life. My stamina and energy are both greater than even during my athletic prime. My most recent doctor’s visit revealed that I am in excellent condition, free of any diseases or health issues. But I am still not satisfied. I want more.
This is an unusual state of mind for me to be in because I am really kind of laid back. But something has been ignited in me and I am doing all I can to control the fire. I have only missed one scheduled workout in the last six months(because I left my lights on overnight and my car wouldn’t start) and often, I have to fight the urge to over train. Most of my motivation comes from within but it is strongly supported by the people who are around me everyday. My wonderful OXF classmates. You push me and inspire me. My incredible instructors, Robin Lund, Kristi O’Connell and of course the man himself, Russ O’Connell.
I can’t fully explain the magnitude of the impact Russ has had on me. He’s helped me to truly understand the importance of the coach and athlete relationship. I have observed him in many different settings; training his taekwondo athletes, mixed martial arts fighters and OXF students. And he is remarkably consistent. Always fair, always positive and always pushing his pupils a little bit further than the time before. I have also been fortunate enough to work out one on one with Russ. He of course is a workout warrior and I find myself struggling to keep up, but in the process I am getting stronger mentally and physically. The truth is Russ is doing more than coaching, he is teaching us to believe in ourselves. Most of the time I am afraid of letting him down. When that happens you know a coach is doing their job.
I guess that’s why I want more. I am so grateful to the O’Connells for how much they have helped changed the course of my life that I want my one year “Before and After” pictures to be “Biggest Loser” quality. But I want to also be an example of doing it the right way. I haven’t starved myself, taken any weight loss pills or tried some kind of fancy diet. I am just trying to stay consistent; working hard in the gym, eating nutritious foods and trying to get proper sleep. I know I can’t win every day, but I know if I am successful most of the time I will reach my goals in the long run.
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This post was written by rcoleman on May 6, 2009
I think everyone struggles with this throughout this type of training. I am trying to convince myself that I can’t be 20 lbs lighter, like I want to be. I think everyone has a healthy weight they can maintain. You can look at a bodybuilder’s profile and they do not maintain their competition weight at all times….it’s hard to feel comfortable where you are at when you are healthy, strong, and in top shape, you always want more, you want to be better. (men always say that is a women’s trait, but, Rick, you have proven this wrong!!) And as far as our instructors, we are very fortunate to have them, but, what else can you say about Russ, other than, “he’s obsessively, relentlessly, working for US!!”
No kidden this is the hardest workout i have ever put myself through and and for whatever reason i want more,its people in the class that motivate you like a heather or tim or ron or bryan and the list goes on and on. When you look around and you are out of gas these individuals motivate you to go one more rep and that is why i think we see the results we do, THANKS OXF
We do have to listen to our bodies. Some days the workout seems harder or maybe you did not get that sleep you needeed or went off the diet a little you need to know that is ok. Just keep doing what you are doing and the end result will be what you wanted. I agree with you Rick athe our coaches are teaching us more than just fitness. Getting through a 12 week OXF class is a better feeling that finishing a marathon. The new OXF groupies are doing great and their strength is really starting to show. Looking forward to the green room tomorrow.
I understand exactly what your saying Rick. I want to go! go! go! I love being physically strong. I love the challenge of cardio week. You have come so far. Your energy is amazing in class. You are motivating people inside and outside of OXF. You have a lot to be proud of. We are so fortunate to train under the coaches that we do. Fourth week in, the new people have blended in, the coaches are pushing us hard, and we are all finding our strengths. Thanks for being the person that you are. You are inspiring and I love watching you bounce all over the room with energy.
Rick,
I can’t agree more with you that Russ, Kristi and Robin all do an excellent job of pushing us and giving us the “self-esteem” that we can keep going and finish! Sometimes I think they believe in me more than I believe in myself. Please keep up the chatter in class it makes it just a little more fun!! You rock!!
May be the key is that something is missing elsewhere in your life and that is why the obsession with “more” in the work out realm of your life. Your work out goals have been more than admirable and the results obvious but you can’t hide in the gym. Maybe it’s time to put the same type of effort into figuring out the other facets of your life and becoming whole. Take all the great things you have learned in your work out adventure and fly. Go Rick!!
I think that you could definatly find other things that could be ALOT worse to focus your obsessing on besides excercise….as long as you feel that you have focused on problem areas in your life, it is good to obsess…I’ll obsess with you!