Thursday, April 23, 2009

Struggle Story

Almost 6,000 people logged their workouts in the WOWY Super Gym yesterday. And I am impressed by every single person who manages to keep it up.

I say that because, despite my position as CEO of Beachbody, my focus on making a business out of ending the trend of obesity, and being married to one of the most disciplined and certified health and fitness experts in the world, I still struggle to "keep pushing play" as consistently as I expect of myself.

Yesterday I was in a meeting with Whitney Provost the editorial director of Team Beachbody, and as we were reviewing the calendar and general direction of celebrating success stories in our online videos and newsletters, an idea surfaced: "Let's start to investigate the other side of the success story. Let's look at real 'struggle stories' within our community. Let's show people that EVERYBODY struggles with consistency from time to time - even me!"


One such struggle story we've all read about is not a person actually, but a concept; "Corporate Wellness".

Despite the health crisis in the US, even a company called Beachbody can't require people to live a healthy lifestyle (Otherwise, for months out of the year I'd be on probation!)

When Jon Congdon got back from the Top Coach trip in Mexico having launched a 90 day challenge with a bunch of the coaches on the trip, his enthusiasm spilled over into our People Department, which in turn launched a company-wide 90 Day challenge.


So for the last few days we've had a dunk tank in the parking lot, measuring body fat percentages for anyone who wanted to know where they stood. The emphasis of this challenge is on health and fitness, not on a "Biggest Loser" type competition or weight loss alone. And over half the company is already participating, with more joining each day. That includes me.

My WOWY calendar for the last few months is below. I finally look like I will put together a week of some consistency after wavering between "weekend warrior" and "walk the baby" since the fall.







It's time to get consistent. Summer is approaching. My personal goal is to be fit and ready to plow into 60 days of Insanity when it launches.

But the point of my blog post is this; If you or someone you know is a "Struggle Story" like me, know that nobody is immune. That's why it's so hard to stay healthy and fit. Life today has not been designed to make a healthy lifestyle the norm. And I can complain along with all Beachbody customers about how difficult it is to stay consistent. But complaining never got anyone back into their favorite jeans.

While I have been lucky enough to have the tasty Shakeology to keep me healthy even though my fitness got inconsistent, if I want to keep up with my kids, I have to keep the body tuned. That's a choice.

I invite you to get on board, and get everyone you know on board. It's often hard. But it's important - especially if you are a coach, or the CEO of a health and fitness company.

I read a great quote from Jim Rohn today: "We must all suffer from one of two pains: The pain of discipline or the pain of regret. The difference is discipline weighs ounces, while regret weighs tons." (I would argue that some discipline weighs pounds, not ounces... but I get his point.)

So while the last few month's I have been a "struggle story", my "success story" starts again today. Decide. Commit. Succeed.

11 comments:

Todd Hess said...

You can do it Carl! I'm on week 3 of my re-commitment. Like you, I had an amazing round of P90X. I then went into 9 months of 'maintenance', without regressing mind you, but I sure didn't move forward. That's what the next couple months will bring however! This time ChaLEAN, my wife and I are pushing play every day! Let's do this!

dianemary126 said...

That quote from Jim Rohn is wonderful! It's so true. I like when you said "complaining never got anyone back into their favorite jeans." That's also true! Great blog entry- I think this will reassure so many people out there that everyone struggles!

Coach Mary said...

Carl,

Thanks for the reminder that you are a real person with real struggles. I too have been dragging my feet with my exercise regiment. I think sometimes we just get so caught up in life and then its hard to admit our struggles especially if we are coaches or fitness trainers. I love that you are getting real.
As a coach you think its not okay to struggle anymore and yet here is the CEO making himself known. Carl you really inspired me. We are all in this together.

Thanks

Wilcox Family said...

AMEN to that...I am one of your success stories and struggle stories. I lost 75 pounds after the birth of my first child with P90...and then did it again losing 65 pounds after the birth of my 2nd child with P90 and today I found myself gaining another 20 pounds AGAIN except this time no baby. What? Today, my nemesis has met my genesis - this is for a lifetime. I LOVE your company and what your about, your message. Today I got FIRED UP! I DECIDED I want to be a Team Beachbody Coach, I want to be the change. I haven't to this point because I've been scared, scared of what? Today I begin walking the talk, and decided to be consistent with exercise. I have 6-7 co-workers starting a 90 day fitness challenge on Monday. I love the quote: "Start where you are, head in the direction you want to go, the path will unfold as you step forward. So, where am I going with all of this? So, I silently made these commitments to myself tonight and then sat down on the computer to check your blog for some inspiration and wisdom..lo and behold...your post was CONFIRMATION that I am on my path. Thanks for being real and sharing your struggles...we can see your sucesses! :) Keep it up!!

I'm all in!
Jana (AKA MOXIE)

Howtobefit said...

Carl, we are all behind you 100% just as we support and motivate each other. I hope that with each passing day you will have less of a struggle!

Lori Jantzi said...

Boy do I know struggle. I've been a faithful Beachbody customer for 5 years. Enjoyed many different workout programs. Lost 25 lbs. within that time, BUT have never reached my final goal which is still 15-20 lbs. away for a total loss of 40-45 lbs. Why??? Two Words..."Calories In". I'm faithful with my fitness and workout daily 6 days per week. My WOWY Calendar is full of X's. But my struggle has been with food. Too much food. It's been, for the most part, healthy & clean. But too much of it. My calories have been too low and too high. Do you see a theme here....too? Anyways, thanks to Chalean Extreme and the fabulous diet guide in that program, I have learned all kinds of wonderful meals and have been very diligent with tracking my calories, protein, carbs, fat, sodium & fiber. This has really made a difference. Even though the scale may not give me what I want to see, I now realize and see first hand that inches and clothing size matter more. I'm noticing that I'm shrinking all over and have much more muscle definition than I've ever had. That's cool! Especially at 43 years old! :) The power's within ME to succeed. Beachbody and the fantastic community has always been there to lend me a hand, but I have to do the work...both in WOWY and what food I fuel my body with. My real success has been that I've never seen the 170's, 180's or beyond. I know for a fact that if it wasn't for Beachbody, I'd be well over 200 lbs by now. Thanks, Carl for this amazing company and for your honesty over the years. You really care about all of us and it shows. Thanks again!

Judi Finneran said...

Thanks for sharing and proud to be a part of Team Beach Body...Started morning motivational calls today for my customers to start each day off thinking healthy...
Cheers, Judi

jesse perry said...

Posts like this show why you're such a great leader Carl. Keep the honesty & openness - love it!

Mike Bent said...

Hey Carl!

You are brilliant and have created a company that is having a very positive impact for so many of us, and that number is growing daily, thanks to you!

The key words that come to mind are priorities, balance, discipline and persistence. The first two are the most critical.

Thanks for being so transparent. This is what we all need to do to be a truly successful coach within the Beachbody system!

Blessings,
Mike Bent

Mike K said...

Nice post! I enjoyed reading it as many people have the same problems. I am full swing and doing well will keeping up (knock on wood). Well, thanks for Beachbody and Tony's Power 90!

Unknown said...

Struggle sotry seems to be my middle name. Thanks for keeping it real Carl.