Tuesday, August 11, 2009

In Case You're Dating John Daly...

A few people have let me know that John Daly criticized his girlfriend openly on Twitter for trying to help him eat healthy and exercise with P90X, and then he made a case that "P90X doesn't work."

First, this is not the guy I would look to for health and fitness advice.

Second, this is a great example of why the Team Beachbody community and its coaches provide such a service to people.

I know of many, many stories where one person in a couple makes the decision to get healthy, and they are not supported by their other half. In fact, the other half can be so alarmed by the prospect of being left behind by the lifestyle change that they will do whatever they can to undermine the success of their partner.

As sad as that is, our job at Beachbody is to give people the tools they need to get results, and that includes the support and encouragement they might not get at home.

From the message boards, to WOWY, to direct connections with coaches who are doing the same program as you, the support you need is right here. The decision to take responsibility for your own health and fitness is a powerful one. I mean it - it's a big deal when you decide to get active on a regular basis and pay attention to your nutrition. But it's a very personal choice too. It's not one you can impose on someone else. You can put it out there, but they are the one who has to step up and take responsibility for themselves.

My advice is always to show people what's possible with your own results. That's how you open someone's mind up. That's what our infomercials do; they give evidence of real transformation. But the person watching at home is always the one who gets the credit for taking action.

John Daly is an amazingly talented guy whose career never materialized with the promise he showed when he came on the scene. I can only imagine how much longer he could drive the ball or how much longer his career would be if he really thought through that the body swinging his driver could be a whole lot more powerful if he treated it with some respect and gave it better fuel than diet coke. It's possible for everyone, whether it's P90X, or any of our other programs. It's possible for John Daly. But he's the one who gets to choose whether he wants to live a healthy lifestyle or not. Likewise, it would be kind if he showed some enthusiasm for the choices of others.

14 comments:

Tony Horton said...

Couldn't have said it better myself Mr. D. Mr. Daily obviously struggles with his health and fitness and it's too bad he's not willing to support his girlfriend.

Dave Fish said...

Just think what John's career would have been like if he had the discipline of Tiger Woods. Tiger is the fittest guy on the PGA tour and while he is wildly talented I believe his fitness accounts for a lot more of his success than anything else. He is mentally and physically the toughest guy out there.

John has wrestled with his demons for years and unfortunately it appears that he will continue to wrestle with them for many more years to come.

Karla Reese said...

I agree completely with all that has been said. As a Beachbody coach, the first thing I do is ask if my people have the support of their people. I know of many models and celebrities who misuse their bodies, and refuse to workout and eat right. Their careers are cut all too short. Last year I spoke with Robin Williams when he did a movie here in Seattle that my daughter was in. He is a kind and wonderful spirit! I e-mailed Tony in hopes that he can connect with him and help with a healthy lifestyle after his heart surgery. I am not sure if Tony received the e-mail, but I think if he reached out to Robin and let him know the fans that he met in Seattle are concerned enough to contact him, he would feel touched enough to try.

Mike Bent said...

Right on!

Something that is awesome to think about is the ripple effect of our little decisions. That is, throw a pebble into a quiet pond and see how the ripples moving out having a subtle impact on the rest of the pond. Well, the world around us is our pond and by making the right decisions for ourselves, by encouraging others to make the right decisions for themselves, that ripple effect will create future sports and business champions!

Also, the future financial impact of healthcare in our country (with or without the "public option") will be tremendously reduced by doing our part to help Beachbody reach 1 million coaches and 100 million customers! In the words of JFK, "ask what you can do for your country"!

Ben K. said...

The article Mr. Daly is referring to is from the blog of a man calling himself "Dream," who apparently became well-known as a "pickup artist" and now runs a seminar for men. He's a dogmatic advocate of a program called Body by Science, which recommends brief, high-intensity weight workouts, and he doesn't believe that anything even slightly different can possibly work (despite the dozens of people who've written in his comments about how P90X has worked for them). I can only hope he's a little less annoying and inflexible when he's doling out advice on meeting women.

Ricky's Common Sense said...

It's common for people to insult something that they can't do. I've also been very skeptical of "workout" videos in the past, and degraded them. I was 213lbs. and could not run a mile. Who was I to criticize? I wasn't doing anything! I finally bought into a program (P90X) and on week three I feel better than I've felt in many years. I'm feeling stronger mentally and physically. Maybe P90X isn't for John, but shame on him for putting his girlfriend down for trying to better herself.

Chad said...

Great post about lack of support from those closest to you.

As of late John Daly is a little more receptive to a healthy lifestyle. He had gastric band surgery back in February and says he's eating heathier than ever. He's down close to 80lbs -- thanks Doc). It would be nice if he comes around and starts incorporating a regular fitness program.

Darren said...

You can only give people the tools... its up to them to change. Potential is a deadly word because most people don't live up to it. So many people make excuses before they actually look at "me".

Lola Potter said...

He was clearly not ready to make a change. No exercise program works alone until a person is willing to change their diet. Bless his heart. He wants to keep his misery!

Jesse Regan said...

John Daly really is an incredible "waist" of talent. I mean this could be one of the top golfers in the world if he actually committed himself and stayed consistent. It is just too bad that some people want to bring others down to their level. Best of luck to his girlfriend.

Scott said...

The problem with the Internet is it lets any yahoo with a computer spout off about anything, whether he actually knows anything about it or not. This "dream" person has railed against P90X twice, but admits he still hasn't read the nutrition plan or actually watched any of the DVDs. Wow.

Keep bringing it, people!

Joey said...

Power 90 for John Daly or at least the will to workout and do something. Here's some wishes sent Mr. Daly's way in hope's he'll get it but like some Americans, they never will.

Hope his negativity doesn't bring his grilfriend down but instead fuels her fire to bring it!

I love it when people tell me I can't do something or what I am doing won't work. I love being challenged!

DrGolf said...

Very well put and
great observations, Carl.
I applaude Beachbody for giving so many people the tools to improving their lives!
Dr. Christian Reichardt

S a s h a said...

I'm experiencing something like this with my fiancee...it seems like he's eating worse than ever, gaining a ton of weight and compromising his health on many levels, especially since I started on my beachbody.com craze. I love the programs because they perfectly suit my lifestyle and workout levels and I know if he could just get into it - he'd have a blast, too. I hope to encourage my fiancee to enjoy a healthier lifestyle soon. I think there may be a resentment going on which I cannot understand.