Inspire the Mind

Ok, so in my last blog, I asked you to think about who or what inspires you...

Now, this didn't have to be in a health and fitness sense, I just wanted you to think about what it was about that person or event that inspires / inspired you. How it made you feel, did you see that person differently, did it encourage you to pursue something of your own?

I can certainly relate to this; I have several people in my life that constantly inspire me, people who keep me going, people who I in turn motivate and help achieve their goals.

The most obvious here would be the incredible ladies I have the pleasure to train with. All of us have different stories, different goals, some can deadlift 100kg+, others can run for miles. That's why I love training and socialising with motivated people - we may not all have the same end goal, but we all work just as hard as each other to get what we want!!!

Training with a range of people with different skills, I believe, is a valuable tool to utilise - when you see one of your peers achieving, let's say, their max rep chins ups, when your goal is to get your first one, don't you think it gives you that drive and want to get it, even stronger?! I know it does to me! Ok, this could just be me being competitive, but hey, there is nothing wrong competing with yourself, is there?!

Anyway, a few weeks ago we decided that we needed a 'Ladies Night Off' - a chance for us to get together, for once not in gym gear, have a drink and a good old dance! Although not everyone could make it, here are just some of the ladies I have taken some aspect of inspiration from...



Tash, Zuz, Tanya, Fiona, Nikki, Bev, Ronnie, Zoe, Rachel W, Me and Rachel P enjoying a well-deserved night off!

 

Oh, and spending as much time as I have done in the gym, it hasn't ruined my social life at all - I have made an incredible set of Inspiring Friends!

         Elite-
  Bodyworks





   (L) Katie Winning her First Comp! (R) Me doing the same!

                           



Then we have the ever so knowledgeable EBW Coaches I have worked with, James, Ben and Katie.

As well as running a successful business, they also train to compete too - James having competed and placed in U90kg Strongman Competitions, Ben also competing and placing in Olympic Lifting Comps. Katie won 'Britians Strongest Woman U75kg' in 2012 - this was the first competition I went to - and where my quest for success came from! I think it is equally important to have coaches that inspire you too. Nothing worse than a trainer who doesn't really know what they are talking about, or don't practice what they preach. All three EBW coaches are inspiring with their achievements, as well as their passion for the industry - I owe a lot to all three of them!!


Outside of the gym, I would have to say that my *Mother and Sister* are also big inspirations of mine.

Both (obviously) being mothers and contending with life's interventions, ups and downs, new babies, new homes, they both remain 2 of the strongest women I know - they give me my emotional strength when I need it most. Watching my sister become a mother and witnessing how she raises my nephew is awesome - and I can only hope that I will be the same when it's my turn! My mum gave up a steady career to start a new venture and be a carer for children with physical disabilities - a huge leap that took a lot of courage and bravery, something that reminds me that if you want something, you need to make it happen....otherwise you can become stuck in a rut.....why are parents always right?!

Last but not least, a colleague of mine, Caroline.

Over the last few years, she and her friends have collectively raised over £20,000 for Macmillan Cancer. She has walked the Great Wall of China and trekked through Jordan, as well as hosting amazing fundraisers which include Curry Nights, Barn Dances and a Mini Festival, (complete with a Pimms tent!) All while working , setting up her own life coaching business and being a mother to 3 boys. Phew! Despite all this, she still has the time to frequently attend events and workshops for more learning and development. It is safe to say that Caroline has inspired me to want to do a Charity event and has also encouraged me to pursue my personal development goals.

 

I would like to say a special thanks to those I have mentioned in this post, without you, I wouldn't have the motivation and drive to continue on my quest to motivate and inspire others - and hit a few Personal Bests at the same time!

So, this weeks achievements are that I managed to do 4 full range body weight dips yesterday - that was a proud moment! Big well done to Zuz for getting her first ever solo dips too - two consecutive, having previously not being able to do one! This morning, I managed to beat my max reps chin ups, taking this to 12 full range body weight chins...!

I have also decided to try a different eating style for the next couple of weeks - the aim is to find what foods you react to, to help identify the food you, personally, should avoid. Details and result will follow in the next few weeks!

I will leave you with this question...please feel free to leave your answers below.... :)

 

 

Franki x