What time is it?

I was asked last night at an AdvoCare event to share my story in front of about 200 people. It wasn't a big deal. I'm proud of my story and I enjoying sharing. Sometimes people are blessed when they hear the journey of others. I actually did enjoy sharing.

I said something last night rolled off my tongue pretty easy but it was a pretty bold statement for a guy pushing 42; especially a former collegiate athlete and wold class age group triathlete.

Here is what I said: "If someone were to ask me RIGHT NOW when i was in the best shape of my life I would ask them WHAT TIME IS IT?"

In other words I am in the best shape of my life at this very moment. Today. Right NOW.

7:59am, Friday August 1st. Without a doubt.

Don't get me wrong. Back in the mid 90's I could run like the wind. In the early 00's I was a terror on a bike. As recent as 4-5 years ago I was a local triathlon stud flying all the around the world racing and beating the worlds best.

Yet...I claim to be in the best shape of my life now.

There as several reasons for this.

First and foremost it is a DECISION. I have committed myself to fueling my body and moving my body in the way that gives me muscles, strength, endurance and energy.

Yes I take supplements. Yes I eat clean. Yes I workout.

But it all starts with a decision and a commitment to me MY BEST and to be my best NOW.

I accept nothing less and that is my choice.

So what does that mean?

It means that everyday I get up feeling like I can conquer the world. It means that everyday I look better than I ever have and I have confidence that does along with it. It means I don't go to the doctor and I don't "feel" 41. It means that I have energy and enthusiasm up the wazoo.

It means that I can live a life of value and significance.

I have chosen to be in the best shape of my life and I am here to tell you that it is truly amazing and it is truly a blessing.

It is also truly ME and DECISIONS that I have made.... and so can you.

To many people just don't have the belief that it is possible. Another way to look at is this: You just don't think that you can figure out the route to get there.

I am here to tell you that it isn't nearly as much about the HOW as it is about the WHY or the PURPOSE.

Once you have that purpose and make the decision then the how will come to light. I promise you that. Choice to be something and make it important in your mind. The details of the how will be filled in.

Have you made that choice? Are you fed up with being in the worst shape of your life and ready to be in the BEST shape of your life?

Awesome. Remember how I said that I take supplements, eat clean and workout? If you are truly ready to change then you can join me and be coached by me ON ALL THREE! Here is how:

CLICK to LEARN about the AdvoCare 24 Day Challenge.
CLICK to LEARN about our 30 Day Clean Eating Challenge.
CLICK to LEARN about the ASM Fitness where we do our fitness classes.

If you are ready then why not make the choice and jump on board with us? We would be happy to help.

Did you get value from today's short message? If so then please share this article around on social media. Somewhere someone needs this message. You might be about to change a life today. THANK YOU!

To your success,

Rick Copley | Your Best Fitness Coach  | "Empowering YOU to be a champion" 

Your Best Fitness Coach Facebook Page |Rick's No Excuses Blog

Instagram: @rickcopley 

352-989-6795 | rick@yourbestfitnesscoach.com

Contentment and ambition.

To succeed to need to balance contentment and ambition. When you can master this skill the sky is the limit. You will be happy, you will be successful and you will live the life of your dreams.

This I promise you.

Why is this important?

In order to move forward you must first be on solid ground. I love how Casey Kasem said it. You need to value where you are before you go somewhere else. 

This is important because in order to win in the end you must have some emotional victories along the way. There victories build on each other and momentum is gained. 

Another way to look at it is that if you are never satisfied with what you have done you will never be able to believe what you can do. 

So how does this help on your health journey? I will give you an example.

You are trying to lose weight. You have ambitions. You want to lose the weight. You want to be better and you want to feel better. Clearly you have ambitions. 

You also need to have contentment. You can can't be content with where you are. You can't be fine with that. BUT you need to have a certain amount of daily contentment in what you have done.

"I walked for 60 minutes today and I ate right." Contentment. 

That is an important distinction. When you go to bed at night you have to be content that you are on the right path and what you have done is right.

You also have to be ambitious. You have to look at what you have done and find ways to improve and do it better. 

Notice the balance. If you are never happy and satisfied with what you have done the question is this: when will you be?You will never be happy if you don't find contentment along the way. 

You always need small victories to keep you going. 

I hope that helps you. Be happy with your daily progress. Go to bed at ease knowing that you have done your best.

But get up and fight like hell for your dreams....

If you got value out of today's short post please share around so that others can be blessed as well. If you are new to my blog please join our Facebook page so you get notifications what a new blog post comes out. I usually do 10-12 posts per week so you want to make sure you be in the know! Here is the link for the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Your-Best-Fitness-Coach/132860716766468

As you know we have started registration for the August edition of the 30 Day Clean Eating Challenge. Here is what one of the July participants had to say: 

"I absolutely loved the 30 Day Challenge!! Teresa did an amazing job.  I loved how organized and well thought out each week was, and I defiantly noticed a huge increase in my energy.  (I dropped a few pounds, too!) All though, I would like to say that we eat fairly well at my house, this challenge showed me new ways to incorporate more nutrient dense foods into my daily diet.  One of my greatest challenges is coming up with healthy meals and this took all the guess work out of it for me. I haven't taken the time to sit down to find new meals, but with this challenge you did all the work for me.  My whole family enjoyed the meals.  Now I have many delicious meals to add to my boring routine!" - Kristi  

Does this sound like a program that would impact YOUR family? If so then click on the links below for details or registration:

DETAILS: http://yourbestfitnesscoach.blogspot.com/2014/06/30-day-clean-eating-challenge.html

REGISTRATION: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/30-day-clean-eating-challenge-august-tickets-12434448771

Till we meet again! 

Rick Copley | Your Best Fitness Coach  | "Empowering YOU to be a champion" 

 Your Best Fitness Coach Facebook Page |Rick's No Excuses Blog

Instagram: @rickcopley 

352-989-6795 | rick@yourbestfitnesscoach.com

Your 14 Fitness Affirmations

Today...

I am responsibility for my health. No one is going to do it for me and no one is going to save me. The way I feel and the way my body looks is 100% up to me. I believe that I can feel and look however I choose.

*******

I am seeking out accountability, help and mentor-ship. I understand that I don't need to make this journey alone and with help I am a champion. 

*******

I am putting into my body only high quality food. I don't worry about counting calories because calories are what nourish me and fuel the processes of my body. I am not limiting the amount of fruits, vegetables, clean meats, whole grain, nuts and legumes that I put into my body. I am providing the energy that my body needs to be function at the highest level. 

*******

I am an avid fan of exercise. I workout each and every day and I do it with intensity and variety. I know that results will only come with hard work. I don't waste my time doing exercise that don't make me better. 

*******

I have a positive attitude. I accept that the past is the past and my future is perfect. I learn from what has happened in the past but I don't dwell. 

*******

I engage in physical activities beyond my workouts. I am healthy and active. I move my body for fun and enjoyments because I know that movement enhances life and prolongs it as well. I am not on the sidelines. I am playing the game of life. 

*******

I am eliminating stressors from me life. I am eliminating one stressor at a time because I understand how stress can rob me of life forces. I am the master of my emotions and I am stress free! 

*******

I sleep as much as my body needs to sleep. I know that recovery is just as important as working out. I go to be at a reasonable hour and I get up early because I am excited to begin the day anew! 

*******

I drink water all day everyday. I know that water is the basis for everything good that happens in my body.

*******

I am going outside each and everyday to enjoy the sunshine. I understand the importance of sunshine and the nourishment that it gives my body. I will let sun hit my face and I will cherish it's warmth. 

*******

I am empowering my body to change to be by better by providing it with the proper supplements. I know that my body needs to proper micro nutrition to give me energy, build muscle and eliminate body fat. 

 *******

I am setting short term and long term goals. I am fighting for my goals like they my life depends on it. I am achieving my goals and setting new ones each and everyday. 

*******

I am encouraging and empowering others along the journey. I will do what I can to make a different. I know that my story will impact others so I am making it a good one. 

*******

I am a champion. 

5 letters

I love working out.

I love coaching people to get better results but I love to do it as well. I good 20-30 minute intense workout is my favorite. I love going HARD, HARD, HARD for a relatively short amount of time.

Doing these workouts 4-5 times per week has helped my to get into the best shape of my life.

Want to know what my favorite workout is?

Check out my video message today to see what my favorite 5 letter in fitness are.

Do you get regular email from me? If not then I would appreciate it if you sent me your email address so you can get my daily blog in your inbox. I provide tools and motivation that you can use each and everyday to get yourself fit, healthy and to be a CHAMPION.

Sometime big is happening and we are going to share with the world on Wednesday. When I say big, I mean it. This is the best thing that has happened with Your Best Fitness Coach the last 4 years. Can't wait to share!

Shoot me an email if you need some personal coaching. I would be glad to sit down with you and go over the options that we have.

Please like, comment and share if you see value here!

To your success,

Rick Copley, Your Best Fitness Coach

"Empowering YOU to be a champion" 

rick@yourbestfitnesscoach.com

352-989-5795

Elite

We were in Forth Worth, Texas a few weeks ago for leadership training with Advocare. It was an AMAZING and empowering experience and the takeaways were many. Often with an event like this there is a theme that resonates from all the presenters. This was indeed the case.

But that is not what resonated with me. It was an awesome theme but to me it was ONE WORD that got stamped on my heart and soul.

One word: Elite.

It came from Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witton.

He said this, "Be elite in every aspect of your life."

Wow.

The words hit me hard.

Jason Witton is a true man among men. He came from a broken home and has an outstanding story. When he was a teenager his grand father became his mentor and coach. His grand father told him that if he wanted to be elite in football first he needed to be elite in every area of his life. Those are some powerful words.

Jason took it to heart and the rest..well...is history. READ MORE.

He has become not only and elite football player but a LEADER is so many areas.

I bring up Jason Witton and his message from Leadership School for a very specific message.

My message to you is the same as Jason's message to the Advocare Leadership Team: Be elite in every area of your life.

Don't get me wrong. This isn't easy. It is a process but you can do it.

Honestly it's not my job to help you be elite in most of the areas. My job is to help you to be elite is the area of health and fitness.

The following 10 tips will not only help you to reach peak health BUT ALSO will help you be feel better, look better and be better in life in general. If you somehow think that your health and vitally isn't tied to success in EVERY area of your life well then I may not be able to help you...

1. Become a positive person. Eliminate all negatively from your life. PERIOD.
2. Become a doer and not and excuse maker.
3. Stop seeking attention on social media and start making a difference. Positive attention is giving to those doing things. Negative attention is given to people asking for attention.
4. Establish unbreakable rules in your life. For example: I do not drink soda, I do not eat fast food, I do not do drugs, I do not smoke...etc. You get the point. Don't break your own rules. Be ELITE!
5. Workout everyday and bring others with you.
6. Fuel your body the right way and don't give into the latest greatest "fad" diet. A balanced approach is ALWAYS the right way. How do you know if it is a fad diet? It has a NAME!
7. Supplement your body with only the best micro nutrition. My suggest is the use Advocare supplements. It's what Jason Witton uses. If it's good enough for him then its good enough for me.

8. Be involved in a sport. Golf, softball, running, triathlon...it doesn't matter what the sport. Do something that you will have to train for. This will help you to stay focused.
9. Involve and support your family in fitness activities. It's about paying it forward. Don't discount how important this is!
10. Balance contentment and ambition. This is a blog post in itself. Be proud of who you are and what you look like. But NEVER be satisfied with that. ALWAYS try to be better and be more! I took a lame selfie at the store yesterday. To show that I have little shame...here is it:

I worked out 3 times yesterday.

Am I content with the way I look and the way I feel? 100% YES! 

Do I still work hard to look better, feel better and be better. 100% YES! 

So there you have it. Be elite in every area of your life and you are guaranteed to find success. How could you not?

I leave with you a final thought today.

Don't expect to do one or two things "elite" and find true happiness. You can take that statement however you take it. Lot's of people have lots of money and are very unhappy. Lot's of fit people are unhappy. Lot's of people excel in one area of life but falter in others. 

Be honest. Look yourself in the mirror and ask, "Am I elite in every area of my life?"

If the answer is no then get to work becoming elite. Then you will find happiness.

Hope you found value here. Please like, comment and share if you feel that this message may help someone you know that needs it. We appreciate that! 

To your success!

Rick Copley, Your Best Fitness Coach

"Empowering YOU to be a champion" 

rick@yourbestfitnesscoach.com

352-989-5795

Make do

Have you ever been challenged by something and simply given up?

I think we all have. We are meeting someone for a run at 7am and we oversleep by 5 minutes. Instead of being 5 minutes late we simply skip it. We are on the road and starving. Instead of taking time to find a grocery store or a healthier place like Subway we stop at Pizza Hut or McDonalds.

The message for today is simply to "MAKE DO" with what you are given at the present moment. Life will go on.

I think the most overlooked fact about lack of success is how easy people buckle when it comes to setbacks. The video tells you a simple story about my wife not excepting something could have derailed her. Was it a huge deal? No it was not.

The point is this: if you start letting the little things get in your way then you are going to become that person.

How does someone get to be 300 lbs? I have never heard of a 300 lbs bouncing baby boy. It happens from one bad decision then another, then another. Its a culmination of many excuses. "I don't have time to....." or "My husband took the kettlebell..."

This is truth.

Hope you saw some value in this post today. Make sure to check back everyday for another short message.

To your success!

Rick Copley, AdvoCare Gold 3-Star Independent Distributor

"Empowering YOU to be a champion" 

rick@yourbestfitnesscoach.com

352-989-5795

Church

It's kinda hard to admit this now but it's the truth. Indeed it was a long, LONG time ago but still it was the same me in the same skin.

When I was young I fantasized about burning down churches. Maybe not CHURCHES, at least the church that I went to.

For the most part I was a relatively happy kid. I felt lonely and abandoned but I dealt with it and I learned to be a alone and find things to do. I loved being outside, watching TV, playing with friends, hanging out at my grandparents and doing models. I was an active and happy kid.

There was a dark side, however.

When my mom re-married when I was 9 she had another baby. At some point my new step-father made us go to church.

I hated it with a passion. Maybe it was my dislike for him or for the situation or my new brother or..I don't know. I just hated church.

I remember where the church was in downtown Niantic, Connecticut. I acted up. I squirmed around. It was apparent I wasn't happy. It was always the low point in my week.

That is when I dreamt about burning the church down.

We would sit in the pews and pray and sing. I remember saying to myself  "OK, God I believe now can I go home now?"...isn't it funny what a 10 year old boy thinks about in church.

Then is got dark and scary.

As my mind wandered I started to wonder what it would be like if I ripped the pages out of the bibles and the song books, crumpled them up, put them in a pile then set fire to them.

Yes, this 10 year old boy fantasized about burning down the church.

At some point we stopped going to church. i'm not sure why but thankfully we did.

I never acted on these crazy thoughts but truly me and church didn't get along.

For many, many years the only time I set foot in a church was at wedding and couple of times around the holidays.

In college I was trying to impress some girl so I went to church a couple of times and even went to a bible study once or twice. NOTHING even stuck. I was a non-believer and it appeared like I would always be that way.

Every once in a while someone would give me a bible and try to get me to do something. (Read it? I'm not sure why people gave me bibles...) I was with my first wife for 10 years and I don't think we stepped into a church more than 3 times.

Now the question has to be...why did I go to church today?

In 2010 my life fell apart in so many ways. My marriage ended and for the first time in many years I was single, broke, lonely and pretty confused. If ever I needed I big change in my life it was then.

A few months before my divorce I has left my job at the YMCA. I was in need of a place to do a fitness program. My good friend Jim Beyer introduced me to the people at Trinity Evangelical Free church in Eustis. They showed my their gymnasium and told me I could us it. Awesome. I had a place to hold my classes!

Now here is the REALLY cool part. Did they tell me I had to be a believer  Nope. Did they tell me I had to go to church? Nope. They just said, "Try to come to service every once in a while to see what it was like".

I can do that.

My wife and I actually went a couple of times and this time I didn't want to light fires and I actually felt pretty good about it.

Then my world came crumbing down.

At this point in my life I knew that there was something that I needed. I needed a place that I could go to explore whatever faith might be to me.

I started going to church along every Sunday at Trinity.

Though a failed relationship, through the death on my father, and through the courtship of Teresa I went to church.

Nobody ever judged me. Nobody every made me feel bad because I was in the back or because I didn't sing along or because my hands weren't in the air. The people at Trinity accepted me for being me.

I liked that.

On November 19th, 2011 I was fortunate enough to have my Pastor at MY CHURCH marry me to the girl of my dreams. I am proud to this very day to say that I got married at Trinity Church in Eustis by Pastor Dave.

I went to church today. I didn't go last week or the week before. I probably go twice a month on average. Not person there said anything to me. They also have never said anything to me about not going to bible study and group and my lack of volunteer work.

Truth is that is what I need from a church.

After all these years I am thankful that I found a church I can call mine. Trinity Church is MY CHURCH...

School Lunch: Part 2, Colby does lunch

My kid. Your kid. Our kids. We send them off to school with money for lunch. The theory in my mind is that since, well, it’s SCHOOL, they will be informed and have some good choices to make at lunch time. In my mind the choice they get is carrots or broccoli, brown rice or baked potatoes, chicken or turkey…

Yeah, no, this isn’t the choice they get.

In Lake County it’s a choice between crap and healthy food.

Food laced with sugar and addictive chemicals or healthy food.

Food that makes them feel GOOD (at least for a while) and healthy food.

What choice is your kid making? I’m not even going to pretend my kid makes the right choice. He surely does not. What the heck??

In my sons school system there ARE HEALTHY OPTIONS! Salad and fruit is available. Do you really think a 10 year old going to choose salad over pizza? I… don’t….think….so.

What kid is choosing steamed corn over tacos? How about celery over pizza? That’s the choose Tuesday and Wednesday this week. Friday it’s Hot Dog or Hamburger. Mmmmm.. nutritious. No choice needed there apparently. By the way, this is all online:

http://lake.k12.fl.us/16511031095838583/lib/16511031095838583/October_Elementary_2010.pdf

What do we put our kids on the bus to do?

Really. Think about this. Do we put them on the bus to go sit for 6 hours and be bored and hate school? Do we send them off to learn or not?

At the end of the day what is the most important thing?

I mean THE most important thing. How about our health! Learning math and social studies is vital I do know. What good are they when you are dead at 50 from a heart attack?

I would argue that our health is the most important thing in the world. School is such a fantastic platform to teach our kids how to eat.

Instead we feed them pizza and get them addicted to crap.

So sad.

The overly processed and artificially flavored foods are good for several things. First off, and most important, of course, is that there foods are cheap and SOMEONE is making a wicked profit.

OHHH – KAY.

Maybe that really isn’t THE most important thing but doesn’t it seem like it?

What else? Yeah, the kids love the food! You wouldn’t want the kids unhappy, right? You wouldn’t want them complaining about all this healthy food! (You know they would!)

So the food fills them up because they like it. It gives them energy for a while so they can finish the day. Wahoo!

Of course it’s devoid of any and all nutrients and it puts them on the road to obesity, diabetes and heart disease…

So to sum up today’s article I will make three points.

1) The kids do have a choice but my guess is that they aren’t making the right choices because they are kids and not mini adults. The will take taste over healthy 10 out of 10 times.

2) The school and the governments are lap dogs to the food industry. Watch “Supersize Me”. There are school systems out there that make all their food from scratch and it doesn’t cost any more. It is a sad sham!

3) You should send your kid to school with a brown bag lunch. I’ll talk about that in Part 3.

The same people that supply our kids with lunch everyday also supply the prisons with food. That’s fantastic. Or not….