We have been interviewing for Interns over the past week and it has taught me a lot.  I guess when you hear yourself say something over and over, it finally sinks in.

I have heard my self over and over explaining what CMF is all about and what idea this studio has been built off of.  You probably don’t even know!

In short, in case you didn’t know all this I will tell you.  I have been in the Fitness Industry for over ten years now.  I have crammed into that decade everything from being an Instructor, Trainer, Fitness Director, Head Trainer to Owner.  Regardless of the titles, there is one thing I have learned from every angle in this industry and it is that Fitness is a lifestyle and I really love that lifestyle.  I love it so much so that I thrive off of (besides espresso from downstairs) bringing that passion to my friends, family and everyone I meet.  I stand behind what I have always said which is fitness is a lifestyle – it is something we practice everyday and I don’t believe in clients for life but rather friends for life.

When someone tells me “No” or “I can’t” I like to take that as my personal challenge and meet them head on with “Why???” and my “Oh really???” attitude (I think a few of you have been witness to that…. Easy, huh????).

With all this passion, I have to admit in our short time since opening the doors to CMF, we have done OK.  But if you know me, you know that OK is not OK…. I want great.  And I want great for you!!!  So as I have always said and will always say… “This is not Rocket Science people! It’s exercise so let’s have fun!”

Now the really fun part…I am making this a no brainer for you (and I expect you to pass this on … you know, like you expect your good friends would for you).  After listening to marketer’s advice and working with several vendors on Daily Deals promotions etc., I thought of you all and how I don’t want you to have to hunt around for deals at CMF that you so clearly deserve already for being our first line of support.

So, effective immediately we are opening our greatest Groupon/Plum/Social/Grand Opening Deal up directly to you: CMF’s All Class Monthly Pass is $25.00 per month to be honored the months of October, November and December.  My immense, appreciation gift to you.

This is where Ali (our Director of Operations) jumps in with the disclaimer after shouting at me for slashing our monthly rates by 84%…

“Hi Peeps~  Ok, basic discaimer…the rate is good for all 3 months only if you sign up with automatic payment from your plastic (Visa or Mastercard) which you’ll need to come into the studio to sign up for.  Otherwise, the rate is good for one month only.  Rate is good for studio classes only so doesn’t include Stand Up Paddle Boarding  or SUPa yoga of course and is subject to availability so be sure to start reserving your spot on line~  This opportunity expires on October 1st so get in here and sign up for cryin out loud~  Also…wait for it…be sure to give us your email address when you sign up because we’re going to make an announcement via email on December 15th for those of you on the monthly deal that want to continue into 2012…you’ll be locked into a Killer and I mean Killer monthly rate good for the whole year).  Ok, that’s me done.  Back to CC…”

Ali…she is my favorite pain in the a$$pirations .

Ok, where were we…do you know that we have over 20 classes a week right now and growing?  Do you know that we just added SUPaYOGA?  (actually that will start in October but, still) and, no it’s not me teaching so don’t worry you won’t drown.  We’re also adding Sunday classes so be sure to follow us on facebook for that and well, most all of our updates.

Ok – I think that’s all I wanted to say today or at least for now.  But in all honesty, I told you in one of my last blogs to love yourself.  So do this! Sign up, come up have fun with all of us at CMF and let’s create the fun, crazy fitness facility that we have all been looking for.  I believe in this and I believe in you!

Fun, Fitness, Friends for Life!  Let’s do it!!

‘CC

I can’t believe we are already so far into 2011!  How are those New Year’s Resolutions coming along?

I also can’t believe we are a month into Coastal Motion Fitness and yes, it has been exactly one month since we opened our doors for business.  Besides seeing you on CMF bikes and hanging from our TRX Suspension systems, one of my most exciting events is about to happen…right here and right now…we are partnering with Tray Thomason and introducing Life and Achievement Coaching to our menu at CMF!  I know some of you are probably thinking…what the *%$# is life coaching?  A Life Coach is someone who’ll be there to help empower, mentor, encourage and motivate you on your journey of self improvement, balance and personal achievement.  Life coaching can help you identify and clarify your personal goals and desires enabling you to create a plan and take the actions needed to achieve those goals.  We will be offering life coaching as part of our fitness journey come this fall– taking mind, body and soul to a whole new level.

We look forward to being able to support you in yet another way on your fit journey at CMF and beyond. So, without further adieu, please welcome our newest Coastal MF…Life Coach Tray (Titanium Man) Thomason.

 

“Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do”.

~John Wooden

 

Legendary coach John Wooden totally hits the nail on the head with this gem. How many times have you allowed the things you “can’t” do stop you from doing the things you “can”? I know I certainly have, be it a career decision or an athletic endeavor, I have been guilty of being mired in the mindset of “I can’t”. This way of thinking is a dangerous, unhealthy, and sad mindset for anyone to be in.

Many years ago, I was sitting on my butt, flipping through T.V. channels, and happened upon a broadcast of the Hawaii Ironman, the world championship of triathlon. I sat in awe of these skinny, tan, ripped superhumans who were swimming 2.4 miles, then hopping on a bike and riding 112 miles, THEN running a marathon! I watched as they triumphantly crossed the finish line and were surrounded by loving family and friends. As I sat there (at a very unhealthy 198lbs for my 5’7” frame) I thought to myself “I sure wish I could look like those dudes. That looks like fun, but I could never do that until I got skinny and ripped like those athletes”.  I was already in a mindset of  “I can’t” and I hadn’t even tried the sport.

Despite this negative mindset, a seed was planted in my brain that caused me to suffer from delusional images of myself in spandex, swimming, biking, and running while my wife looked on longingly, and my children cheered wildly for their studly father. I soon gave in to the voices and began to research triathlon.

One day, I was perusing the local bike shop and began to thumb through the myriad triathlon training books on the rack. Unfortunately, everything I read seemed so technical and complicated. Talk of VO2-Max equations, power wattage charts, heart rate training zones, 38 week training programs, nutrition plans, and other athletic voodoo made things confusing, and reactivated the “I can’t” mindset. I shook my head, and began to walk away. It was then I saw the book that changed my life…

There on the rack sat a humble book called “Slow Fat Triathlete: Live Your Athletic Dreams in the Body You Have Now”, by Jayne Williams. I let out an audible laugh, and picked up the book. After reading the first page, I knew this was the book for me. I purchased the book, and devoured the info in a single day. Jayne’s story illustrated the quote from Coach Wooden; You don’t have to be thin and ripped to be a triathlete. Jayne didn’t let what she couldn’t do (go out and finish an Ironman) get in the way of what she could do (enjoy training and racing short races). By the end of the book, I knew that I would be doing a triathlon very soon.

Since reading that book, I have completed 15 triathlon races and am about to compete in my first half-Iron-distance race on September 11. I still haven’t done a full Ironman; and I may never get to that level. But that doesn’t stop me from doing what I CAN. I CAN swim, bike, and run. I CAN enjoy the training as much as the racing. I CAN wear spandex and not feel the urge to apologize to innocent. bystanders.  I CAN do a multitude of things I couldn’t back when I was sitting on the couch because I don’t let the things I can’t do get in the way of the things I can.

Thanks for reading! Go do something active today!!

Tray Thomason, M.A.

Iron String Life & Achievement Coaching

 

About Tray:

Tray Thomason holds a B.A. in Psychology and a Masters degree in Counseling Psychology.  In addition, Tray has been trained in EMDR, a revolutionary process to help break through barriers to success and enhance personal growth. Before starting Iron String, Tray worked extensively in the substance abuse and addiction field, and has helped many clients overcome incredible odds to live the life they desired.

Tray has been active in coaching in a variety of youth sports during his children’s athletic endeavors as well. Tray is a well-respected fast pitch softball coach, and has learned from experience that everyone, no matter their ability level can learn to enjoy fitness and the pride of personal achievement.

Tray is a full-time husband, dedicated father, triathlete, and founder of Iron String, a program intended to help people from all walks-of-life achieve the goals and lifestyle that they desire. Tray utilizes a multi-faceted approach when working with his clients, and is adept at building a partnership with each client to help them realize their aspirations.

SAVE THE DATE!

Mark your calendars and save the date!

Saturday, October 1st from 11am-11:45am.  Tray will be here at the Coastal MF studio to share some INSPIRING stories followed by an open ended Q & A session cover any questions you may have about Life Coaching and/or Spandex. Come on over and see for yourselves why we’re so psyched to be partnering up with this dude.