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You can find me in the rack,
With a bar on my back,
Squattin’ hard with all these weights, maxin’ out the full stack.
I’m into healthy habits, I ain’t into lifestyle ‘hacks’…
– 50 Cent (probably)
If you wish, you can grab the N.W.A. Newsletter Playlist on Spotify here, all of the songs that have been featured in the newsletter are on the playlist.
Happy Friday, Coach J here from Anyman Fitness – and welcome to the latest edition of The N.W.A. Newsletter.
Each week with the N.W.A. Newsletter, I give you the best Nutrition, Weightlifting, and/or Attitude advice for you to start to use in your life today.
Tens of thousands of people have used this exact newsletter to gain muscle, lose fat, and become a better version of themselves…
Without any further ado, let’s get started..
N.W.A. Tip Of The Week
A big part of my job is talking on the phone with potential clients about our coaching program.
When you speak with a lot of people over a long period of time, you start to see trends emerge.
You tend to hear the same things over and over again; while specific circumstances are unique, the human experience as a whole, is not.
One recurring phenomenon I hear often from parents is they feel like working out – and spending time away from their families – is “selfish” and makes them feel guilty.
This is an understandable emotion to feel.
When we become parents, everything changes.
All of a sudden, you are no longer the most important person in the world, and neither in your spouse.
When my 1st daughter was born and I became a Father, I felt like someone had reached their hand down my throat and flipped a switch that was buried deep inside of me.
I felt a love – and a sense of responsibility – I had never felt before.
I felt an emotion more intense than anything I had experienced in my life.
I felt a duty to protect, cherish, and raise this new human being to the best of my abilities.
This is a basic, human, biological response to parenthood.
In nature, animals must protect their young from predators, lest they be plucked from the family by a hungry enemy looking for a snack.
Humans live a different kind of existence than other animals, though.
We have the ability to reason, and have created decadent societies and a robust civilization.
We are no longer trying to “survive” in the wild; we have grocery stores and cars and built homes with all the modern amenities.
We have the ability to think long term, far removed from the idea of protecting our young from wild beasts.
Exercising and spending time focused on your own health is the most selfless thing you can do as a parent, even if it means spending a bit of time away from your family.
There are a few reasons for this.
First, it sets an excellent example for your children.
Children are like sponges.
They seldom do what you say immediately when they’re younger.
But you’re their hero; you’re the example they see, and they will subconsciously lean towards mimicking your actions – the good AND the bad.
Households whose parents eat healthy and take exercising seriously have a much greater chance of having children who do the same.
If you’re feeling guilty, include your kids in your workouts!
Show Junior (or ‘Miss Junior’) how strength training works.
Introduce him or her to push ups, and squats, and teach them the importance of exercise.
Exposure to exercise at an early age is a wonderful way to not only get your OWN workouts in, but to model the example of healthy living to your kids.
Second, it allows you to be the best version of yourself mentally.
Exercise releases feel-good endorphins, and it clears your mind.
Parenting can be stressful, no doubt about it.
Getting in a solid workout will refresh your mind, make you feel calm and confident, and allow you to be a more patient parent overall.
Third, it ensures you remain independent for as long as possible.
Nobody wants to be a burden on other people.
If you neglect your health, you may end up needing your loved ones to take care of you far before what is normal.
Taking the time to exercise now will pay off dividends in the future; your children will be proud of you, and glad they don’t have to shoulder the responsibility of care taking until you’re well into your 80’s and beyond.
Fourth, what would you say to someone else who was in your situation, and felt “selfish” for working out?
This is a thought experiment I often use on myself when I feel a certain emotion.
Emotions cloud your logic; a great way to see if you’re being logical is to ask yourself the question if you were in someone else’s shoes.
If your friend said to you:
“I know I should be exercising, but I feel so badly leaving the family for an hour; we have so many things to do, and I need to be there!”
How would you respond?
You would say:
“Hey, that’s crazy talk! You deserve an hour for yourself! You do so much for your family – exercise and being healthy is important! Get your workout in, and then get back to your family. You’re setting a great example for your kids!”
Right?
Yes, of course you would.
So, be sure you treat yourself as you would treat a friend, and feel no guilt about taking an hour off of parenting if it means getting a solid training session in.
If you want to be the best you can be around your children, sometimes it means taking time for yourself.
There is nothing inherently “selfish” about exercising; in fact, the exact opposite is true.
Staying fit, lean, and strong is the best way to not only set an example for your kids, but to honor them and take your responsibility as a parent seriously.
Your children would much rather you take an hour a few days per week to maintain your own health than to have to take care of you for years down the road, as you slowly decline in health.
Exercising regularly is the most selfless thing you can do as a parent long term – don’t ever forget that.
———-
I currently have a few spots open on my personal, 1:1 roster for coaching.
I team up closely with my 1:1 clients and we work together on an individualized approach for success.
To learn more about this unique, “All In” experience, tap here and fill out this quick form – it will go directly to my email inbox.
Looking forward to speaking with you.
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Not sure who needs to hear this but my morning routine is:
- Wake up, drink electrolytes
- Make/drink coffee
- Sit down at my laptop
- Respond to emails
That’s it. No ice water face baths, yoga, meditation, or journaling.
I would imagine this is how most people operate.
I hope you enjoyed this edition of the Anyman Fitness N.W.A. Newsletter.
I’ll be back next week.
Hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Best, Coach J
Anyman Fitness
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