September 12, 2023

Conquering the Gym Door: Overcoming Fitness Anxiety

Walking through that gym door & asking for help can be scary and downright intimidating. For me, it was one of the hardest things I have ever done. I felt like the only one that couldn’t figure my health out on my own. In hindsight, five years later, I now know many people feel this way. I wasn’t alone at all!

Embarking on a fitness journey is often seen as a solitary pursuit, with images of determined individuals sweating it out in the gym or pounding the pavement alone. However, the reality is that seeking help and support can be a game-changer on your path to a healthier, fitter you. Despite this, asking for assistance can be a daunting step for many. In this article, we’ll explore why seeking help is crucial and how to overcome the common barriers that may hold you back.

Breaking the Stigma
Asking for help with your fitness journey is not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of strength and self-awareness. Acknowledging that you have goals and challenges and that you’re willing to seek guidance is a commendable decision. Let’s delve into why asking for help is essential:

1. Expertise and Guidance
Fitness professionals, such as personal trainers and nutritionists, possess a wealth of knowledge and expertise. They can design customized workout plans and nutrition strategies tailored to your specific goals and needs. Their guidance ensures that you are making the most efficient and effective progress toward your fitness goals.

2. Accountability and Motivation
Having someone to be accountable to can significantly boost your motivation. When you know that someone is invested in your success, you’re more likely to stay committed to your fitness routine and make healthier choices.

3. Avoiding Injury
Proper form and technique are critical in any fitness regimen. Fitness professionals can teach you how to perform exercises correctly, reducing the risk of injury. They can also help you adapt your program to accommodate any physical limitations or injuries.

4. Personalized Approach
No two individuals are alike, and what works for one person may not work for another. Seeking help allows you to receive a personalized approach to your fitness journey, taking into account your unique body, goals, and preferences.

5. Overcoming Plateaus
If you’ve hit a fitness plateau and aren’t seeing progress, a fitness expert can provide the necessary adjustments to your routine to break through stagnation and keep you moving forward.

6. Emotional Support
Fitness journeys can be emotionally challenging, especially when progress is slow or setbacks occur. Having someone to lean on for emotional support and encouragement can make all the difference in your motivation and mental well-being.

Overcoming Common Barriers
While seeking help is undoubtedly beneficial, it’s not always easy. Here are some common barriers and tips for overcoming them:

1. Fear of Judgment
It’s common to worry about being judged when asking for help. Remember that fitness professionals are there to support you, not to judge you. They’ve seen all levels of fitness and are genuinely interested in helping you succeed. It feels like all eyes are on you, but, in reality, every single person had their first class too and know exactly what you are going through.

2. Cost Concerns
Budget can be a concern when considering fitness professionals. However, think of it as an investment in your health and well-being with the long-term benefits far outweighing the cost.  Even with good insurance, doctor visits are expensive and time-consuming.

3. Self-Reliance
Many individuals pride themselves on self-reliance and may feel hesitant to admit they need assistance. Remember that even the greatest athletes have coaches and trainers. Our coaches have coaches! Seeking help is a sign of commitment to your goals, not a sign of weakness.

4. Lack of Confidence
If you feel you’re not fit enough or don’t know enough to ask for help, remember that everyone starts somewhere. Fitness professionals are trained to work with individuals of all fitness levels and will meet you where you are.

In conclusion, asking for help on your fitness journey is a courageous and wise decision and you should pat yourself on the back for doing it! It can accelerate your progress, provide essential support, and make the journey more enjoyable.

Acknowledge those barriers that are holding you back, seek out qualified professionals, and embrace the power of guidance and support on your path to a healthier, fitter you. Always remember, you’re not alone!

Royan Bartley

After two years of contemplation, Royan walked through Hybrid’s doors in 2018.  Even though she was battling cancer & a slipped disk, walking through that door to ask for help was the hardest thing she had ever done.  The Hybrid team of coaches took it from there and the rest is history!  Royan is now a Hybrid member as well as a team member, supporting Hunter and Dusty and all of the coaches as needed.

July 11, 2023

Taking Work on Vacation: Dreaming of Hybrid Members in Spain

Coach Cathy recently went to Spain with her daughter for two weeks of Spanish language  lessons, taking Hybrid members along for the ride.  

Our Hybrid members were not actually there, but several nights while I was away, I dreamed  that Hybrid members were in Spain traveling with my daughter and me. This scenario gives a new meaning to taking your work home. I also dreamed that family members and friends  outside of Hybrid were traveling with me, too.  

In Barcelona, I dreamed that my daughter and I were walking on the sidewalk with two Hybrid  members who are sisters. One of the sisters exclaimed that it was exciting to be in Barcelona,  and she couldn’t wait to try the churros dipped in chocolate. The other sister said big cities aren’t really her thing because they are crowded, loud, and busy. Then she abruptly stopped  walking when she saw a store window sandwiched between Chanel and Gucci with a gorgeous  Lilly Pulitzer dress on a mannequin. Lilly Pulitzer is one of her favorite clothing brands. Her sister started laughing, and we all went into the store. We resurfaced 40 minutes later with beautiful  and pricey wardrobe pieces. I woke up disappointed that it was a dream, that the sisters weren’t  there in Barcelona with us, and that I didn’t own the ankle-length green eyelet maxi dress I had  purchased. However, my wallet and suitcase were extremely grateful that I hadn’t purchased  anything.  

In the southern coastal city of Marbella, I dreamed that a group of Hybrid members joined my  daughter and me for some speed walking on the promenade (Paseo Maritimo) before breakfast.  The weather was beautiful, the sun just up and shining. After our sweaty walk, we removed our shoes and waded in the chilly and refreshing Mediterranean. A few did more than wade and  walked the block back to our flat with wet clothes laughing all the way.  

Another dream I had in Marbella was when one of our Hybrid members and I snuck off while my daughter and a few other Hybrid members were shopping for sundresses and jewelry. We found the best gelato with flavors like salted caramel, strawberry cheesecake, Tiramisú, and my favorites, white chocolate pistachio and stracciatella (fancy chocolate chip). Everyone was envious when they emerged from the shops seeing us sitting on a bench with a view of the  Mediterranean savoring two-scoop gelato cones.  

I dreamed that when my daughter, Hybrid members, and I arrived in Granada and exited the van, one of the gals said they weren’t interested in seeing the tourist sights. Instead, they pointed to the mountains and said, “I want to hike that! Who’s with me?” A few members  agreed, and the next day they hopped in a van arranged by the hotel that took them to a  trailhead for a day-long hike while the rest of us toured the Saint Jerome Monastery, the Basilica, and the Royal Chapel.  

Also, while in Granada, I dreamed of sharing a hotel room with three great gals from the 9:15  MWF Ultimate Results sessions. I conversed with one of them about how she gets her hair to look that healthy and what kind of conditioner she uses. One of the other members interrupted our chat, saying, “Hurry up, you two. I want to see the palace and the gardens”. Then the fourth  gal, memorizing the city map, piped up with, “That’s right. Let’s get a move on, girls!”.  

As we traversed the coast of Spain, many more moments reminded me of Hybrid members, their personalities, challenges, optimism, and dedication. I shared the fitness journeys I have  witnessed while working at Hybrid Fitness with my daughter throughout the trip. My daughter is not athletically inclined, and I would like to plant that seed for her to tend to help her  physically and emotionally. I could see her acknowledging and absorbing the lessons the  members taught me session after session.  

When our members say that their coach at Hybrid has helped to inspire them to be all they can be, I don’t think they realize how much their presence at the gym has the same effect on the coaches. I am repeatedly in awe of the accomplishments of our members, whether it be hitting  a weight loss goal or a personal lifting record or using the confidence they’ve gained at the gym  to do something new in their daily life. I am grateful I get to work with our members, and I appreciate how we inspire each other to be our best selves inside and out.

Cathy Caveney

Cathy grew up in NH surrounded by a large, loving family, where she learned generosity and hard work. She now models that for her two children. She was inspired to become a fitness coach when searching for ways to become more healthy herself after a life-threatening illness.

hybridfitnessgym.com

March 31, 2023

How to Get Started with Fitness When You Feel Like You Have No Time

Well, hello there!

If you don’t know who I am, my name is Dusty, and I’m the operations manager here at Hybrid Fitness. I also coach & train from time to time. As a coach, I find it extremely important to be able to have those really tough conversations with members and clients (and to be quite honest, even myself) when needed. This is generally in the sense of helping someone overcome an obstacle when they think all hope is lost, all while keeping their best interest in mind. These conversations aren’t always easy to have, nor are they easy to accept. But, that’s part of the growth process and why you have a coach; to guide and challenge you in order to reach your goals. 

So in the sense of trying to help more people, I figured I would touch on some topics from time to time that are generated around these tough conversations. Now I’m sure that not everyone will agree with what I have to say, and that’s okay. I just ask that you be open to challenging your current way of thinking and maybe, just maybe, it will help you start a revelation of your own!

If you are, let’s dive into this week’s topic!

When it comes to personal fitness & overall health, there’s generally a barrier to getting started for the majority of people. And, if I was to pick, the number one excuse has got to be “I don’t have time”. While it may seem like a valid excuse in the moment, the truth is that lack of time is rarely the real issue.

Yes, I’ve labeled it an excuse and this may not sit well with some. 

Don’t get me wrong, not everyone’s 24 hours is the same. I understand that. But, we all do have 24 hours in a day. What you CHOOSE to do with those 24 hours is completely up to you. Whether you are a busy parent juggling multiple jobs all while continuing your education, or a business owner wearing multiple hats just to keep the doors open (yes, those are both choices), if you truly value your health and fitness, you’ll find a way to make time for it.

It all comes down to whether or not you value it enough to make it a priority. 

Why is it that you keep telling yourself that you should start going to the gym or improve your nutrition? 

Is it because you want to lead by example and be a positive influence for your family? 

Maybe you want to be around long enough to watch your grandkids grow up?

Perhaps you enjoy things like traveling, hiking, or playing sports and don’t want anything to get in the way of being able to do it?

Or maybe you just want to feel better in your own skin?

Uncover your why and use it to drive you!

Here’s the thing. Exercising doesn’t have to take up a lot of time. If you currently aren’t doing anything, even just 30 minutes one day per week is going to be 100% more than what you’re doing now. Start slow, start small, and slowly build upon what you can be consistent with. It’s not an all or nothing thing. Meet yourself where you currently are and just try to improve upon it over time. 

Even then, you don’t need to exercise 2 hours a day. In all honesty, you don’t even need to exercise every day to see benefits or results. If you could eventually work your way up to 5 hours per week, you’d be doing better than most. 5 hours. That’s 3% of your entire week. 3%!!!

Not so daunting when I put it like that, is it? And I would even bet my life savings on the fact that once you start noticing positive changes due to your increased activity, you would automatically begin prioritizing it and it would somehow find its way into your busy life without you even having to force it. 

But, let’s assume you’re not quite there yet, or you’ve even proven me wrong and I currently have nothing left in my retirement accounts. What are some actionable things you can do to open up your schedule for what’s most important to you?

In some cases, it’s not that we have to find time for these things, but rather we need to MAKE time for them. 

“I’ll just start going to the gym once my schedule opens up”. 

This would be fantastic if that were actually true, but what I typically find is that how someone manages their time is very unlikely to change. Most of us will just find something else to fill that void because we’ve established a particular workload threshold so to speak. That, or we’ll establish and fill it with poor habits such as scrolling through TikTok or binge watching the top trending show on Netflix (Stranger Things, am I right?!).

Anyway, back to the actionable steps…

They really come down to simply just auditing how you spend your time. The first one is much simpler, but if that one doesn’t get the job done (I can’t imagine it won’t), perhaps the second will.

Numero Uno!

We are surrounded by tech and for some of us, it can be all consuming. Luckily, not all use their powers for evil! Whether you’ve got an iPhone or an Android, you’ve probably got a cool little app already installed on your device that will tell you just how much time you spend on it! Not only that, but it will even break down how much time you spend on individual apps (for Apple users, it’s called “Screen Time”. For Android users, “Digital Wellbeing”)!

Now, these apps are only going to tell you how much time you spend mindlessly scrolling through social media, playing mindless games, or watching cat videos. They won’t actually provide any value unless you actually use that information and make the change yourself by replacing the hours of screen time with hours of gym time. 

“But Dusty, I don’t spend time staring at a screen”. 

Well, grab your quill and ink, because we are going the old fashioned way for step number two!

Create a written log for how you spend your time everyday. You can start by writing down what you do during each hour of the day. If you still can’t uncover areas of wasted time, knock it down to 30 minute blocks or even 15 minute blocks. 

You might find that there are blocks of time where you are just wasting time doing mindless things, or that you actually do have time, but just in smaller chunks throughout the day. Managing your busy blocks closer together might open a bigger empty block at other times. 

I know it doesn’t sound fun, but just remember your “why” that we talked about earlier. That should make it worth it. If not, and this might sound awful, but you probably just don’t care enough (see what I mean by “tough conversations”?).

Creating awareness is the key to change. It may be a tough pill to swallow, but it’s the catalyst that could very well change your life for the better.

Ultimately, not having enough time is generally a terrible excuse when it comes to exercising (hell, it’s a terrible excuse for anything if it’s something you truly value doing). There are plenty of ways to fit exercise into even the busiest schedule, and it’s up to us to make our health a priority. By making a commitment to exercise regularly, we’ll not only improve our physical health, but also our mental and emotional well-being. And when you take care of yourself, you have more to offer to those you care most about.

Don’t sell yourself short. You’re worth it.

I appreciate the time you took to read my rant, and I hope you were able to take something positive from it. If you’d ever like to ask me a question or even have one of these “real talks” yourself, shoot me an email at Dusty@Hybridfitnessgym.com

Much Love,

Coach Dusty

Dusty Young

Growing up, Dusty dealt with weight and confidence issues. Through proper strength training and nutrition, Dusty has changed his body composition, gained confidence, and has reached a much healthier and happy mental state of mind. Having gone through the struggles of obesity, poor relationships with food and exercise, and dealing with insecurities, Dusty has found a passion in guiding those who are going through similar challenges, and help them reach their own goals through personal training and coaching.

hybridfitnessgym.com

January 7, 2022

How to Not Suck at Your New Years Resolution

If you want to reach your goal of weight loss (despite the time of year it is), there are a few simple rules you need to follow! Also, I am the utmost expert on reaching goals by any means, but this is what I have found to be true for me and my experiences, so I hope this helps!

1. Understand the difference between Action Goals and Outcome goals 

The gold at the end of the rainbow. Millions of dollars. 6 Pack abs. These are all common “outcome goals” that we look to bring into our lives. This differs from what I call “action goals”, the frequent habits or daily actions you chose to do in order to reach that outcome. It’s important to have both.

Set an outcome goal worth going after… something that excites you!

Then, find someone who is an expert in that field (someone who has already achieved the thing you want) via personal relationships, books, courses, trainings, etc…

and break that goal down into daily actions, or action goals.

2. Factor of 3

Let’s say your goal was lose 75lbs in 9 months. Take that 9 months and multiply it by 3 to 27 months.

Here’s why. When you finally do lay out the “perfect daily action goals” to reach your outcome, you aren’t going to be perfect. It’s going to take you time to have great adherence, 90%+, on those actions.

You’ll also have to change your plan. There will be bumps in the road and adjustments that you can’t account for ahead of time. Give yourself time.

3. Understand it won’t be easy. 

No matter what path you go down in life, you will always have problems. The path you chose will determine the problems you have. So, take a second to introspect on what problems you want to have. For example, you can chose to be a bit more tired because you lose a little bit extra sleep to make breakfast and get your workout in VS feeling tired because you are out of shape and not taking care of yourself.

4. Watch this podcast

Coach Dusty and I did a podcast episode on this exact topic, and go much more into depth on how to stick to your daily goals and achieve your dream outcome! This is great to listen to in the car or in the shower when your mind isn’t occupied by anything else!

You can watch the podcast here: 

I hope you found this helpful!

Love,

Coach Hunter
#SmallStepsBigResults

P.S – If you need a little more help with your nutrition and workouts – or just need a little accountability… I have an Online Coaching Program that helps just with that. Email me at Hunter@HybridFitnessGym.com if you’re interested and we can talk to see if it could be a good fit for you!.

Hunter Grindle, CFSC, PN1

Hunter grew up using fitness as a way to boost his low self-esteem. This led him to later found Hybrid Fitness in 2014, where him and his team create a fun, safe training environment for busy adults looking to better their health without doing crazy crash diets or excessive burpees.

January 6, 2022

Can’t Stay Consistent? Read This.

5 years.

For 5 years the so-called “Best of the Best personal trainer of the Mid-Coast was inconsistent with workouts.

At first, it was easy to ignore.

But as time went on, the feeling of an “imposter” began to set in.

This “imposter” was me.

A dozen times, I started and stopped.

I’d go for walks. I’d strength train. I’d count my calories. But no attempt lasted over 30 days.

But finally, one day, something clicked.

I started scheduling sessions with Coach Brandon.

We started with 2 days a week (which didn’t seem like enough – 3 and 4x a week would obviously be better, right?!)

I felt like a wimp. I used to do so much more.

But I just kept showing up, because Brandon was there waiting for me.

A month later, we moved to 3x a week.

Several months later, 4x a week.

We’re now at ~9 months of consistent workouts.

THIS FITNESS THING ISN’T EASY!

But, you can do it.

If you’re struggling to get some momentum going in this nutrition thing…

Try just starting with just 1 thing!

No, you aren’t wimpy for not doing 3 things daily.

Just master 1, and eventually, do 2!

Then, do 3.

All that matters is you do a little better than the day before!

You can do this 😀

Hunter Grindle, CFSC, PN1

Hunter grew up using fitness as a way to boost his low self-esteem. This led him to later found Hybrid Fitness in 2014, where him and his team create a fun, safe training environment for busy adults looking to better their health without doing crazy crash diets or excessive burpees.