puravidafitness

Finding Hope Again: Menopause, Weight Loss, and Hormone Balance at Puravida Fitness

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 13:24:02 GMT

This year, my wife Kymn and I celebrated 20 years of marriage. I often reflect on Proverbs 18:22: “He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord.” That couldn’t be more true in my life. Kymn has supported me through countless ups and downs, and one of the things I cherish most is how she prays for me every night before we go to bed—it brings me a deep sense of peace and comfort.

But over the past few years, things have been difficult for her.

Her energy was completely drained. She would hit a wall regularly, and her body constantly ached. Like many women navigating menopause, these symptoms began in her 50s. She sought help, asked questions, and followed medical advice—but too often, her concerns were dismissed.

At one point, she was told that simply following the Mediterranean diet would fix everything.

It didn’t.

And I watched her grow more discouraged as it felt like her body was working against her.

A Common Story for Women in Lakeville and the South Metro

At Puravida Fitness in Lakeville , we see this all the time. Women from Burnsville, Apple Valley, Farmington, Prior Lake, Savage, New Market, and Elko come into our health club feeling stuck.

They’re doing the workouts.
They’re trying to eat right.
They’re putting in the effort.

But the weight loss isn’t happening. Energy is low. Motivation fades.

The truth is—during menopause, women’s health requires a completely different approach.

A New Approach to Women’s Health and Fitness

This past winter, I connected with my friend Andreya from Toned For Life. She transitioned from running a traditional personal trainer gym to focusing specifically on menopause, hormone balance, and women’s health .

Her approach includes:

Advanced hormone testing
Personalized nutrition coaching
Customized fitness programming
Root-cause solutions—not guesswork

She shared story after story of women finally experiencing real transformation:

Sustainable weight loss
Improved energy
Reduced aches and pains
Renewed confidence

That’s when I knew—we needed to bring this level of care into our gym.

Kymn’s Breakthrough

We enrolled Kymn in her program, and for the first time, we got real answers.

Testing revealed:

Adrenal burnout (low cortisol production)
Low testosterone , affecting mood and energy
Severe insulin resistance , making weight loss incredibly difficult

This wasn’t about willpower.

It was about physiology.

With a personalized plan—including targeted support, coaching, and a pace that worked for her body—we are finally seeing progress.

But more importantly…

Hope is back.

Why This Matters at Our Health Club

As a personal trainer and gym owner in Lakeville , I’ve worked with hundreds of women. The biggest mistake I see?

Applying generic fitness and nutrition plans to bodies that need specialized support.

At Puravida Fitness, we believe:

Strength training must evolve with your body
Nutrition coaching should support hormone balance
Weight loss should feel achievable—not frustrating
Women’s health deserves personalized attention

This is especially true for women in menopause.

Introducing the “Are You Stuck?” Event

That’s why we’re bringing something special to our community.

I’m partnering with Andreya from Toned For Life and Dr. Marie Kolo, an expert in acupuncture and women’s health, to host an event designed specifically for women who feel stuck.

If you’re in Lakeville, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Farmington, Prior Lake, Savage, New Market, or Elko , this is for you.

What You’ll Get:

✔️ A 7-day hormone reset plan
✔️ A home strength training workout plan
✔️ Real strategies for weight loss, energy, and hormone balance

Event Details

�� Saturday, April 18th
⏰ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
�� Puravida Fitness (Health Club & Gym)
10551 165th Street West
Lakeville, MN 55044

�� Cost: $20
(100% of proceeds go to Lewis House , a women’s shelter in the south metro)

Can’t make it in person? A webinar option is available.

�� Register now and reserve your spot

A Personal Mission

I love my wife deeply, and I want her to feel strong, energized, and fully alive—not just today, but for the next 20 years.

And I know there are so many women out there who deserve the same.

If you’ve been struggling with weight loss, low energy, or menopause symptoms, please hear this:

You’re not broken. You just need the right approach.

At Puravida Fitness in Lakeville , we’re committed to helping women across Burnsville, Apple Valley, Farmington, Prior Lake, Savage, New Market, and Elko take back control of their health.

Why Traditional Senior Fitness Programs Fall Short (And What Actually Works)

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 14:08:09 GMT

If you’ve been searching for a Lakeville personal trainer , a fitness center in Burnsville , or a health club near Apple Valley or Farmington , you’ve probably come across programs like SilverSneakers. It’s a well-known, free fitness option for adults 65 and older—and while it’s great that it encourages movement, there’s an important conversation we need to have:

Not all training is created equal.

The Problem with Traditional Machine-Based Training

Many senior fitness programs rely heavily on machines. While machines may feel safe and controlled, they don’t reflect how your body actually moves in real life.

In everyday situations—whether you’re walking in Prior Lake, gardening in Savage, or navigating stairs in New Market or Elko—you’re not sitting down and isolating one muscle at a time.

Real life requires:

Balance
Coordination
Strength
Quick reactions

And most importantly… all of these working together.

Machines remove instability, eliminate coordination, and reduce the need for balance. That means they’re not preparing you for the real world.

What Real-World Strength Training Looks Like

At a high-quality wellness health club or group fitness gym , the focus should be on functional movement—the kind that helps you live better, longer.

That includes:

Bodyweight and free weight strength training
Balance work in unstable environments
Footwork and coordination drills
Reactive training to prevent falls

If you’re working with a personal trainer in Lakeville, Apple Valley, or Farmington , this is the type of programming that truly makes a difference.

The Truth About Falls (And Why Training Matters)

One of the biggest concerns for seniors is falling—and for good reason.

But here’s the reality:

Falls don’t happen slowly.

They happen quickly, unexpectedly, and often when your body isn’t prepared to react.

If your training only includes slow, controlled movements on machines, your body never learns how to:

Catch itself
Regain balance
React under pressure

That’s where proper strength training and coordination work become essential.

The SAID Principle: Train for Life

In fitness, we follow something called the SAID Principle —Specific Adaptation to Imposed Demands.

In simple terms:

If you train balance → you improve balance
If you train coordination → you move with confidence
If you train strength → you maintain independence

Just like a powerlifter doesn’t train by running marathons, seniors shouldn’t rely on programs that don’t match real-life needs.

If you’re looking for weight loss in Burnsville , improved mobility in Prior Lake, or better overall health in Apple Valley, your training must match your goals.

A Real-Life Success Story

To bring this to life—my own father started training at 80 years old.

At the time, he was using a walker.

Within 6 months, through proper strength training and functional movement work, he progressed to hiking in the Black Hills on a hunting trip.

You are never too old to get stronger.

We’re Launching a New Senior Fitness Group

If you’re in Lakeville, Farmington, Prior Lake, Savage, or the surrounding areas and looking for a personal trainer , group fitness , or a supportive fitness center , we’re excited to introduce something new.

We’re launching a small-group senior training program designed specifically around real-world strength, balance, and confidence.

Program Details:

�� Tuesdays & Thursdays
⏰ 9:15 AM
⏱ 45-minute sessions
�� Small group with individualized programming

Every participant receives:

A personal assessment
A customized training plan
Expert coaching focused on strength, balance, coordination, and reaction time

Whether your goal is weight loss in Burnsville , improved mobility in Apple Valley, or simply staying independent longer, this program is built for you.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been relying on traditional programs and not seeing real-life improvements, it may be time for a different approach.

At the end of the day, fitness isn’t about machines—it’s about movement, confidence, and living life on your terms.

And no matter your age…

It’s never too late to start.

Why Inflammation Might Be the Hidden Reason You Can’t Lose Weight in Menopause

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 07:00:36 GMT

Many women in their 40s and 50s begin experiencing changes in their bodies that seem to happen almost overnight. Weight gain, fatigue, brain fog, poor sleep, and stubborn belly fat suddenly appear—even when they’re exercising and eating the same way they always have.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not imagining it.

At our fitness center and health club serving Lakeville, Burnsville, Apple Valley, New Market, Elko, Farmington, Savage, and Prior Lake, we see this challenge every day. Many women come to our gym looking for weight loss solutions, only to discover that the real issue may not be willpower or discipline—it may be hormones and inflammation.

Understanding how inflammation and hormones interact during menopause can be the key to finally getting results.

The Hormone Changes No One Talks About

When women enter perimenopause and menopause, several important hormones begin to shift. These include:

Estrogen
Progesterone
Thyroid hormones
Cortisol (stress hormone)
Insulin (blood sugar regulation)
Testosterone

Many people don’t realize that testosterone plays an important role in women as well as men.

Testosterone helps regulate:

Energy levels
Mood and motivation
Muscle maintenance
Metabolism
Libido and sexual health
Bone strength

When testosterone levels drop too low, women may experience symptoms like:

Low energy or chronic fatigue
Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
Loss of muscle mass or strength
Reduced libido
Mood changes like irritability or anxiety
Increased body fat or difficulty maintaining a healthy weight
Poor recovery and low motivation

These symptoms often leave women feeling frustrated and confused about why their bodies suddenly feel different.

Why So Many Women in Midlife Feel Completely Drained

Many women assume feeling exhausted, foggy, or unmotivated is simply part of getting older.

But that’s rarely the whole story.

Hormone changes during menopause can dramatically affect how your body produces and uses energy. When hormones fall out of balance, women may experience:

Constant fatigue—even after sleeping
Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
Stubborn weight gain
Poor sleep and night waking
Mood swings or anxiety
A feeling that their body simply isn’t responding the way it used to

Unfortunately, many women are told to just “eat less and move more.”

For women in menopause, that advice often makes things worse.

The Hidden Role of Inflammation in Weight Gain

One of the biggest drivers of stubborn weight gain during menopause is chronic inflammation.

Inflammation can interfere with your body’s ability to burn fat, regulate hormones, and maintain energy levels.

Many women unintentionally increase inflammation through habits that seem healthy on the surface, including:

Over-restricting calories
Doing excessive intense cardio
Not eating enough protein
Poor sleep habits
Chronic stress
Following outdated dieting advice

When inflammation rises, it can:

Slow metabolism
Make fat loss extremely difficult
Disrupt hormones
Increase cravings and fatigue
Raise risk for heart disease, diabetes, and cognitive decline

This is why many women say, “I’m doing everything right, but nothing works anymore.”

Why Strength Training Is Critical During Menopause

One of the most powerful tools for women in midlife is strength training.

Unlike excessive cardio, strength training helps:

Preserve muscle mass
Improve metabolism
Support hormone balance
Reduce inflammation
Improve bone density
Increase confidence and energy

At our gym and health club near Lakeville, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Farmington, Savage, Prior Lake, New Market, and Elko, we help women implement safe and effective strength training programs designed specifically for midlife physiology.

Working with a personal trainer can be especially helpful during this stage of life. Proper coaching ensures exercises are performed with good strength training form, which reduces injury risk and maximizes results.

The Power of Group Fitness for Motivation and Results

Another major factor in long-term success is support.

Many women find that group fitness classes provide the motivation, accountability, and community they need to stay consistent.

Group training programs that combine:

Strength training
Functional movement
Proper coaching
A supportive environment

...often lead to better results than trying to do everything alone.

When women train together, they encourage each other, celebrate progress, and stay committed to their health goals.

The Good News: Your Body Can Work With You Again

The biggest takeaway is this:

If weight loss suddenly feels impossible in your 40s or 50s, it’s not a lack of effort or discipline.

Your body may simply need a different strategy.

When women focus on:

Lowering inflammation
Supporting hormone balance
Prioritizing strength training
Improving sleep and stress management
Following a smarter nutrition approach

...their bodies often begin responding again.

Energy improves. Strength returns. Fat loss becomes possible again.

Find Support at Our Lakeville Area Fitness Center

If you live near Lakeville, Burnsville, Apple Valley, New Market, Elko, Farmington, Savage, or Prior Lake, and you’re struggling with menopause-related weight gain or fatigue, you’re not alone.

At our fitness center and health club, our experienced personal trainers specialize in helping women navigate midlife changes with smarter training, supportive group fitness, and effective strength training programs.

With the right plan and guidance, you can restore energy, improve your health, and feel confident in your body again.

Because menopause doesn’t mean giving up on your goals—it simply means approaching fitness and weight loss in a smarter way. ��✨

THAT Was Then. This Is NOW

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 15:09:59 GMT

A new approach to menopause fitness, weight loss, and wellness for women in Lakeville, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Farmington, Elko New Market, Prior Lake, and Savage.

Ladies… remember when a little extra cardio and cutting calories actually worked?

Yeah… not so much anymore.

If you’re navigating perimenopause or menopause and it suddenly feels like your metabolism is broken — it’s not you. Your body has changed, and the old rules simply don’t apply.

As a personal trainer and owner of a women-focused gym and health club serving Lakeville, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Farmington, Elko New Market, Prior Lake, and Savage, I’ve had countless conversations that start the same way:

“I’m doing more and eating less… and nothing is happening.”

Here’s why.

Why Weight Loss Feels Different in Menopause

During perimenopause and menopause, your hormones shift dramatically. Estrogen fluctuates. Progesterone drops. Cortisol becomes more impactful. Insulin sensitivity can change.

And suddenly:

The cardio that used to lean you out just exhausts you.
Cutting calories leaves you tired, cranky, and stalled.
Belly weight appears out of nowhere.
Recovery takes longer.
Sleep feels disrupted.

When you double down on more cardio and fewer calories, you often overstress an already stressed system. Elevated cortisol can increase inflammation and encourage the body to hold onto fat — especially around the midsection.

“Calories in, calories out” is no longer the full story.

Hormones matter.
And your hormones are different now than they were then.

The Good News: There Is a Better Way ��

Menopause fitness isn’t about punishing your body. It’s about supporting it.

The right strategy in this season of life often includes:

Strength training to protect muscle and metabolism
Smart conditioning instead of endless cardio
Nourishment that stabilizes blood sugar
Recovery practices that lower stress
Community and group fitness for accountability and support

This is why our approach at our gym is rooted in total wellness — not extremes.

Women from Lakeville, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Farmington, Elko New Market, Prior Lake, and Savage come to us not just for weight loss, but for:

Sustainable energy
Hormone balance
Confidence
Strength
A supportive fitness community

Because this stage of life isn’t about shrinking yourself. It’s about building resilience.

You Are Not Broken. You Are Evolving. ��

Once you understand what’s actually happening inside your body, everything changes.

That’s exactly why I’m partnering with Andreya from Tone For Life to host a powerful, education-based workshop specifically for women in perimenopause and menopause.

MASTER YOUR HORMONES

�� Saturday, March 14th | 10am–12 noon
�� Hosted at my gym

In this workshop, we’ll break down:

What actually happens to your metabolism in midlife
Why the strategies that used to work stopped working
How to support your hormones instead of fighting them
Practical steps to restore energy, balance, and confidence

This is not another “eat less, move more” talk.

This is real education. Real solutions. Real empowerment.

Spots are limited to 15 women to keep it personal and impactful.

If you’re in Lakeville, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Farmington, Elko New Market, Prior Lake, or Savage and ready to approach fitness differently — reply to reserve your seat early.

You deserve to feel strong.
You deserve to feel energized.
You deserve to feel at home in your body again.

With you every step of the way. ��

Faith. Fire. Fitness. A Call to Men Ready for More in Lakeville and Beyond

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 19:34:20 GMT

Let me ask you something— man to man .

Are you actually living at the level you know God’s called you to ? ��

From the outside, life looks solid.

✔️ Business is moving
✔️ Family is intact
✔️ Calendar is full

But on the inside… something’s off.

Not broken.
Not failing.
Just lukewarm .

Faith becomes routine instead of conviction. ��
Health keeps getting pushed to “next week.”
Strength training turns into good intentions.
Discipline gets replaced with excuses.

And little by little… men drift .

The Cost of Drifting

Across Lakeville, Burnsville, Eagan, Farmington, Elko New Market, Savage, Prior Lake, and Apple Valley , we see it every day at our gym and health club .

Men who are:

Successful, but exhausted
Faithful, but disconnected
Busy, but not fulfilled

Weight loss feels impossible.
Exercise feels optional.
Wellness feels like a luxury instead of a responsibility.

And for many men—especially those navigating menopause-related hormonal changes in their household or their own shifting energy levels —health can quietly slide to the bottom of the list.

But here’s the truth:

�� Your body is not separate from your calling.
�� Your fitness is not separate from your faith.

Why Strength Training Is More Than Physical

Strength training isn’t just about muscles—it’s about mastery .

Mastery over habits
Mastery over emotions
Mastery over fear and complacency

Consistent exercise builds more than a strong body—it builds a strong man. And when paired with faith, accountability, and intentional coaching from a personal trainer , it becomes transformational.

That’s why we’re launching something different.

Introducing: FAITH • FIRE • FITNESS ��

A faith-based men’s fitness and wellness program built specifically for:

Business leaders
Husbands
Fathers
Men who know they’re called to more

This isn’t another weight loss challenge.
This isn’t another motivational talk.

This is a direct, no-fluff environment designed to sharpen men in mind, body, and spirit .

Kickoff Seminar Details

�� Saturday, Feb 28 | 9–11am
�� Puravida Fitness — Lakeville

We’ll talk honestly about:

Why most men stall in their health and fitness
How discipline is rebuilt through daily action
What it actually takes to steward your body as a man of faith
How strength training, exercise, and wellness impact every area of life

�� This isn’t for everyone.
✅ It is for men ready to be challenged, refined, and called higher.

A Final Word

If this stirred something in you— don’t ignore it . ⚔️

That tension you feel?
That quiet nudge?
That desire for more?

That’s not guilt.
That’s calling .

�� Save your seat by GOING HERE

Your next level doesn’t start “someday.”
It starts with a decision.

And that decision starts now.

Training Hard After 40: How Smart Men Stay Strong Without Wrecking Their Bodies

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 15:55:36 GMT

Alright, let me say the quiet part out loud.

Back in my meathead days, I was a bodybuilder in my 20s.
Single. No kids. No real responsibilities.

All I had to think about was myself—and my body could take a beating.

I trained hard six days a week, crushed marathon workouts, and bounced back like nothing happened. Recovery was fast. Energy was unlimited. Life was simple.

That was then.
This is now.

Fast forward to 53.

I still train hard—but I train very differently .

These days I’m running a business, raising kids, managing a household, and carrying real-world stress that doesn’t magically disappear when you walk into the gym. That stress drains energy before you ever touch a weight.

And let’s be honest—
Your body doesn’t recover the way it did in your “meathead” years.

If you’re a middle-aged guy trying to train like you’re 25, you already know how this ends:
joint pain, nagging injuries, stalled weight loss, low energy, and frustration.

That’s why men over 40—especially busy men in Lakeville, Burnsville, Prior Lake, Farmington, Apple Valley, Elko New Market, and Savage —need a smarter approach to fitness.

This isn’t about slowing down.
It’s about evolving.

The Biggest Mistake Men Over 40 Make in the Gym

Most guys think the answer is to train harder.

More days.
More volume.
More punishment.

But at this stage of life, that approach backfires.

As hormones shift during menopause (or “menpause,” as many of us call it) , recovery slows down. Cortisol stays elevated longer. Sleep isn’t always perfect. Stress adds up.

Training like a reckless 20-year-old is a fast track to burnout.

So instead of training harder, I train smarter —and I get better results now than most guys half my age.

Here’s how.

1️⃣ Joint Health Comes First—Always

If your joints hurt, your training sucks. Period.

Middle-aged men don’t need more punishment—we need better movement.

That’s why any intelligent exercise program for men over 40 prioritizes:

Mobility and flexibility
Smart warm-ups
Joint-friendly exercise selection
Rotating movements every 4–6 weeks

This keeps your shoulders, hips, knees, and back healthy so you can keep lifting heavy without pain .

At my fitness gym , joint health isn’t optional—it’s foundational.

2️⃣ Shorter Workouts, No Ego Lifting

Those 2–3 hour gym marathons?

They crush anabolic hormones and send cortisol through the roof. That’s how you end up overtrained, flat, and wondering why your weight loss stalled even though you’re “doing everything right.”

Middle-aged men need efficient workouts:

45–60 minutes
Focused strength training
Minimal junk volume
No ego lifts

Train with intent. Get in. Get out. Recover.

This is the difference between surviving workouts and actually progressing.

3️⃣ Less Training, Better Results

Here’s the truth most men ignore:

You don’t grow in the gym.
You grow on your rest days .

I lift 3–4 days per week—not six.

Why?
Because recovery is where muscle builds, fat loss happens, and hormones normalize.

A properly designed men’s fitness program accounts for recovery just as much as training. That’s how you stay strong, lean, and energized long-term.

This Isn’t About Quitting—It’s About Winning Smarter

If you’re a grown man with real responsibilities and you’re still training like a reckless kid, it’s time to level up.

This is what modern men’s fitness looks like:

Intelligent programming
Strategic recovery
Sustainable strength
Long-term health

Not punishment.
Not ego.
Not burnout.

Just results that make sense for where you are in life.

Coaching Middle-Aged Men Is Different—And It Should Be

As a personal trainer , I’ve seen it all:
men who are frustrated, exhausted, stuck, and wondering why the workouts that used to work… don’t anymore.

That’s why I’m building something specifically for men in their 40s, 50s, and beyond—men who still want to train hard, but are smart enough to train right.

This isn’t a generic health club program.
This is a precision-built system for real men with real lives.

Live Seminar: Training Smart for Men Over 40

I’ll be rolling this program out with a LIVE SEMINAR at my gym on February 28th .

If you’re in Lakeville, Burnsville, Prior Lake, Farmington, Apple Valley, Elko New Market, or Savage , this is for you.

We’ll cover:

How to train hard without destroying your joints
How to optimize recovery during menpause
How to structure workouts for strength and weight loss
How to stay consistent without burnout

It’s going to be practical, powerful, and eye-opening.

Ready to Train Smarter—Starting Now?

If you’re done beating yourself up with outdated workouts…
If you want a fitness approach that actually fits your life…
If you’re ready for real results without wrecking your body…

�� Hit the blue button below and let’s talk.

No fluff.
No ego.
Just smart training, real coaching, and results that last.

Stay strong—for decades, not just Instagram. ��

There Are No Shortcuts to Real Results—In Fitness or in Life

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 17:10:41 GMT

The other day, I saw an ad on social media claiming you can learn a new language in just two weeks.

That’s complete BS.

I learned to speak Spanish in my 20s, and it took me three years to become fluent. Not three weeks. Not a magic app. Three years.

It was daily sessions with a tutor — day in and day out.
It was traveling, practicing, failing, getting corrected, and testing my skills in the real world.
It was literal headaches from my brain working overtime — translating, thinking, and eventually living in Spanish.

It was hard.
It was uncomfortable.

And it was a process.

But today, I’m bilingual — because I respected the process.

The Lie of “Quick Fixes”

Here’s the truth no one selling shortcuts wants to tell you:

You will never truly learn a language in two weeks — no matter the app, system, or hack. There are no shortcuts to real mastery.

And that same lie is being sold every single day in the weight loss and fitness industry.

“Do this hack.”
“Try this quick fix.”
“Lose fat fast.”

Most of it is straight-up deception.

At health clubs across Lakeville, Burnsville, Farmington, Prior Lake, Savage, and Apple Valley, I’ve watched people bounce from fad diet to fad program — only to rebound, gain the weight back, and end up worse than where they started.

Why?

Because they tried to cheat the process instead of respecting it.

Real Weight Loss Takes Time

You didn’t get out of shape overnight.
And you won’t get back in shape overnight either.

Sustainable weight loss and lifelong wellness come from consistency, effort, and accountability — not tricks or trends.

This is where working with a personal trainer makes the difference. Not someone selling hype — but someone who understands that lasting results come from:

Structured training
Progressive strength and conditioning
Nutrition habits you can actually maintain
Mental resilience and discipline

That’s how real transformation happens — inside and out.

Do It the Hard Way — And Get It Done Right

My dad used to say, “Do it the hard way, and you’ll get it done right.”

I didn’t always want to hear it — but he was right.

You value what you fight for.
You protect what you work for.
And the struggle is what makes the reward worth keeping.

Whether you’re training at a gym in Apple Valley, starting fresh in Savage, or recommitting to your health in Burnsville, Prior Lake, Farmington, or Lakeville, the principle is the same:

The process matters.

Make 2026 the Year You Respect the Process

Maybe you’ve tried shortcuts before.
Maybe you’ve been sold lies before.

But 2026 can be different.

This can be the year you stop chasing hacks and start building real strength.
The year you commit to true weight loss fitness, guided by experience — not gimmicks.
The year you invest in your health, your mindset, and your long-term wellness.

Do it the hard way.

And this time — get it done right.

2026 Fitness Goals: Why Most People Quit—and How You Won’t

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 05:23:14 GMT

Here we are at the start of a new year—and whether you want to admit it or not, there are things in your life you want to be better in 2026.

Let’s not call them resolutions .

Let’s call them goals .

One of my core values as a Lakeville personal trainer is Kaizen—a Japanese word that means constant, steady improvement. Real progress doesn’t come from extremes; it comes from consistent, intentional actions over time. And those actions should apply to all areas of life, not just the convenient ones.

When it comes to fitness, the number one goal I hear from clients across Lakeville, Farmington, Burnsville, Prior Lake, Savage, and Apple Valley is simple:

“I want to lose weight and get into better shape.”

It’s a great goal—but here’s the hard truth.

Nearly 80% of people quit by February.

After 30 years of fitness coaching and working inside health clubs and private training studios, I can tell you exactly why.

Three vital pieces are missing.

1. A Strong Purpose — Your WHY

Most people stop at surface-level thinking:

“I should get in shape.”
“I should exercise more.”

That’s not a WHY.

That’s guilt.

Your WHY has to run deeper. It has to matter when motivation disappears.

Ask yourself:

How will better fitness improve your daily life?
Will you have more energy?
More confidence?
More years—and better years—with your family?

Years ago, I trained a woman who sat in the ski chalet every winter while her family skied without her. She wasn’t just missing workouts—she was missing memories. That became her WHY.

Because it mattered, she stayed consistent with her exercise and wellness plan. The following year, she skied with her family. That’s real weight loss success—not from hype or motivation, but from a clear, powerful purpose.

2. A SMART Goal (Not a Vague Wish)

“Getting in shape” isn’t a goal…it’s a dream .

A real fitness goal follows the SMART framework:

Specific – What does “in shape” mean? A target weight? Running a 5K? Improving strength?
Measurable – How will you track progress objectively?
Attainable – Be honest. Challenging is good. Unrealistic is not.
Relevant – Does this goal improve your overall health and lifestyle, or does it take away from what matters most?
Time-bound – Deadlines create urgency. A trip, race, or event gives your training purpose.

Every time I’ve seen clients commit to a real deadline, effort goes up—and excuses disappear.

3. A Real Action Plan (Not Guesswork)

Most people join a gym, wander around aimlessly, and hope exercise alone will fix everything.

Nutrition becomes reactive:

Cut all carbs
Try the latest diet
Start over… again

Ask yourself:

Is this plan realistic?
Can I maintain it long-term?
Will it still work after I reach my goal?

The truth is, most people don’t have the time, energy, or experience to build a sustainable plan on their own. That’s why progress disappears the moment they stop “trying.”

This is where professional fitness coaching, personalized exercise programming, and long-term wellness strategies make all the difference.

Make 2026 Different

If you’re serious about improving your health, weight loss, and overall fitness in 2026, these three pieces are non-negotiable:

A clear WHY
A SMART goal
A sustainable action plan

Without them, it’s just another year with the same results.

With them?

Your chances of success increase by over 80%.

If you’re ready to stop starting over and want expert guidance from a Lakeville personal trainer serving Farmington, Burnsville, Prior Lake, Savage, and Apple Valley, now is the time to build something that lasts.

Your goals deserve more than good intentions.

They deserve a plan.

Faith, Fitness, and Longevity: A Lakeville Personal Trainer’s Journey Through 2025

Sat, 20 Dec 2025 06:55:38 GMT

As 2025 comes to a close, it stands as one of the most challenging—and transformative—years of my life. In the span of eight days, I lost both of my parents. I navigated a sewer line backup in my basement, stepped into coaching high school girls lacrosse with no prior experience just one month before the season, celebrated my oldest daughter’s graduation, led a mission trip to Ecuador, and continued running my personal training business in Lakeville, Minnesota . At the start of the year, I never imagined it would unfold this way. Yet here I am—standing strong—not because of my own strength, but because of God’s grace. Faith as the Foundation for Strength and Wellness God has been my rock and foundation through every trial. Scripture reminds me that when I am weak, He is strong, and that I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. That truth carried me through moments of grief, uncertainty, and overwhelming responsibility. Faith comes first—but right behind it has been fitness. As a Lakeville personal trainer , I’ve learned that exercise isn’t just about appearance. In my younger years, workouts were ego-driven. Today, they are essential for mental clarity, emotional resilience, and spiritual strength.

Fitness for the Mind, Body, and Longevity. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is this:

You can’t control life’s circumstances, but you can control how you respond. When stress hits, many people react in FEAR—Forget Everything And Run . They stop exercising, neglect nutrition, and abandon the habits that make them strong. True discipline means doing what needs to be done—even when it’s uncomfortable. My personal one-two punch for resilience:

Prayer and God’s Word
Consistent training at the gym

Exercise releases powerful neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, improving motivation, focus, and mood. After a workout, a switch flips—I’m energized, grounded, and ready to take on the day. This is why fitness is critical not just for weight loss, but for wellness and longevity. Nutrition, Weight Loss, and Emotional Control. Staying consistent with nutrition has been just as important. Stress often leads to emotional eating, but that cycle never works—it leaves you feeling worse physically and mentally. Sustainable weight loss comes from discipline, structure, and habits that support long-term health. As a trainer serving Lakeville, Apple Valley, and Burnsville, I help clients build routines that fuel their bodies instead of sabotaging them. This isn’t about short-term results—it’s about becoming the strongest version of yourself for life. Building the Best Fitness Health Club in the South Metro. My vision goes far beyond workouts. I’m committed to creating the best personal training gym and fitness health club serving:

Lakeville
Apple Valley
Burnsville
Savage
Prior Lake
Farmington

My mission is to help people improve their fitness, wellness, and longevity, while also winning the mental battle that allows them to persevere through life’s challenges. Looking Ahead to 2026Faith and fitness were essential to my success in 2025, and they will remain the foundation of everything I pursue in 2026. I’m committed to going further in my ministry work, becoming a better husband, father, and friend, and continuing to serve my community as a trusted Lakeville personal trainer. Wellness is important. Longevity matters.

But winning the battle in the mind is what allows us to win in the world. If you’re looking for more than just a gym—if you’re looking for guidance, accountability, and transformation—I’d be honored to help you take that next step.

It Takes Courage to SEE BEAUTIFUL

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 02:09:14 GMT

It Takes Courage to SEE BEAUTIFUL

Yesterday was the 40th running of the Twin Cities Marathon - The Most Beautiful Urban Marathon in America! If you are like me, you stop everything to take it all in. Marathon Day is one of my favorite days of the year! A happy place! So much goodness packed into one perfect fall day! And yesterday was no exception!

34 years ago my friend and I were curious. What is the marathon anyway? It was hard to visualize people running 26.2 miles from the Metrodome in Minneapolis to the Capitol in St. Paul.

So without the assistance of Google maps, runner tracking apps or cell phones, we headed to St. Paul to "find the marathon." We rolled down our windows, drove up the Snelling Avenue hill and listened for people cheering. Sure enough we found it!

And boy were we inspired!

The road on Summit Avenue was loaded with runners! Not just elite runners competing for the win, but people like you and me. People running their own race... at their own pace...surrounded by beautiful.

Not only that, but the curb sides were loaded with fans! People were watching, cheering, playing their trombones, blasting their music, holding fun signs or using a megaphone to cheer their runner on. It seemed like the whole Twin Cities metro area was taking in the beauty or running in the race. Aside from all that, the fall colors in Minnesota were glorious!

As we watched the runners cross the finish line, I remember thinking to myself..."if they can do this, I can do it too."

And that was the start of my marathon running. I discovered the half marathons and the 10 mile races too and was blessed to SEE BEAUTIFUL in all of them...

It's hard to explain all of the feels that go with running long distances. In 2005, the theme of the marathon was SEE BEAUTIFUL. The marathon poster from that year describes it well. It goes like this:

To see Beautiful, it must be experienced with all the senses – it is a fusion of emotions that touch deep into the heart and reveal pictures that need not be seen, but must be lived.

Beautiful is the dawn's silence awakened by rhythmic beating of hearts echoing footsteps in their path. Beautiful is the clear crisp air drifting softly between towers of steel that stand like giant spectators applauding in the wind.

Beautiful are the lofty oaks releasing crimson petals like raindrops from the sky. Beautiful is the rippling water as it runs swiftly along your side. Beautiful is the energizing strength of a sound when it is sharpened into music or a supporting cheer.

Beautiful are the eyes of the young and the old, for they aspire as one. Beautiful are the memories of those we run for. Beautiful is the child waiting patiently for a loved one to run by and Beautiful is the hero that person becomes with a simple kiss blown in the breeze.

Beautiful is the bond between friends… made inseparable through the miles. Beautiful are the tears... of frustration... of joy... of accomplishment. Beautiful are the emotions of one last long mile, lined with the stunning faces of people who will never have names. Beautiful is that final stride and the stories that now will be told - all of which proclaim "I have seen Beautiful." (written by Orange Seed Design).

Why am I telling you this?

I would not have seen all the Beautiful, traveled hundreds of miles by foot around the Twin Cities, hit some personal bests, missed some personal bests, persevered through setbacks and made treasured memories with my sister and my friends, if I didn't have the courage to start.

First comes the commitment in your head and then the training plan.

It's not easy, but you have to start somewhere.

And we are here to help! If YOU want to SEE BEAUTIFUL while running from Minneapolis to St. Paul to cross the finish line next October, hit the button below and let's chat!

Maybe 26.2 miles isn't for you but a new fitness plan is needed. There is plenty of Beautiful to be seen there too and we can help! Just hit the button below to schedule a time to chat.

Ready to get you on a path to success and cheer you on every step of the way!

Tracy Farrell

Top Five Things To Look For In A Personal Fitness Trainer

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 00:47:10 GMT

Top Five Things To Look For In A Personal Fitness Trainer

The key to a successful fitness routine is finding the right personal fitness trainer. A good trainer will help you stay motivated and meet your goals, while a bad one can leave you feeling frustrated and uninspired. So, what should you consider when looking for a personal fitness trainer? We at Puravida Fitness want you to achieve your fitness goals and be the best version of yourself. This is why we have written down the top five things you should look for in a personal fitness trainer.

1. Do they have an accredited certification?

Many personal training certifications can be obtained over a weekend. This doesn’t mean that the trainer is qualified to train people if it is only a piece of paper. Here are some high-quality accredited certifications NSCA, NASM, ISSA, and ACE. If they have physical therapy or athletic training license, then that also is a good indication they know what they are doing

2. Do they have success stories that prove they can do what they say?

If you look at many personal trainers’ websites, they have one or two testimonials max and have not changed them in years. A good trainer should be documenting regular transformation success stories on their website and social media to prove they can get the results they claim they can get.

3. Do they have a large number of positive reviews on Google?

In the day of online presence, this really shows if this person runs a good business. A few reviews could be just friends and family, but a plethora of reviews show many satisfied customers. It also demonstrates excellent customer service in addition to quality personal training.

4. Do they look the part?

There are too many fat trainers out there. They don’t need to have washboard abs or 18-inch biceps, but they should be a product of what they preach. Training with an out-of-shape trainer is like buying an expansive home from a real estate agent who lives in a trailer park.

5. Do they do a movement screen?

With all the injuries and muscle imbalances in today’s world, it is essential that a fitness professional has a movement screening process to look for weak links and potential injuries. They should also implement corrective exercises to improve imbalances. Loading someone up who moves poorly is like turning up a bad song on the radio; it only gets worse as you increase intensity and load.

If you are looking for a personal fitness trainer in Lakeville, Minnesota, reach out to us at Puravida Fitness . We ensure that we exceed expectations and always put you first. We have fitness trainers whose schedules, specialties, and personalities can match up with yours. Whether you are recovering from a serious injury or are brand new to exercise, we work with all levels of fitness. Through our coaching and training, we assure results with structure, accountability, and progressions. We offer services like 1:1 personal fitness training, group fitness training, nutrition coaching, and online fitness training. We offer our services to people across Lakeville, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Prior Lake, Savage, Farmington, Elko New Market, Eagan, and the surrounding areas.

Get in touch with us today!

To learn more about the services we offer, please click here. To get in touch with us, please click here or give us a call at (952) 522-2462 . You can also send us an email at info@puravidafitness.com .

Those Who Stay Will Become Champions

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 06:48:31 GMT

Those Who Stay Will Become Champions

This is a sign that hung in my college football weight room. It meant a lot to me. It's what motivated me to put in extra work and ultimately become a scholarship athlete and starting offensive guard on the football team.

It wasn't always like that though. My life could have been drastically different - and not for the better.

Here's how it began...

My dream to play college football started after a disappointing senior year of high school. We started 4-1 and then proceeded to lose 5 straight games because half of our team thought partying was more important than winning games.

After my last high school game I decided I did not want to end it like that. I wanted to play college football at a Division 2 level school where I could earn a scholarship and also be a starter. I picked Mankato State, a Division 2 school here in Minnesota because they played in what was arguably the toughest D2 conference in the country. This made it even more challenging since I was undersized and I wasn't being recruited for a scholarship.

So I decided to walk on. This meant I was the low man on the totem pole and had to truly earn my way up. I would practice with the team and be cannon fodder for the older players to practice hitting. I was being given the chance to play football which was what I wanted to do and it excited me to go for something big.

I was going to be a starter and earn a scholarship.

The dream began with me diving in head first. I began working out like crazy and dialing into the practice regimen and team workouts. While my roommates spent their time partying, I spent my time doing extra workouts (which even included running in the rain with these goofy strength shoes listening to my boom box.) I was happy to be there because I really believed I would be a starter on scholarship. I really believed in myself.

I had endured countless brutal practices where I took massive amounts of physical punishment and humiliation as sometimes the coaches would have us 'walk ons" lay on the ground and be dummies to run over. I watched as my roommates left to go fishing and hang out at the beach as I trudged up the hill to workouts.

I felt I was outworking many of the scholarship players and it felt like no matter what I did I would never get a chance.

Things had not been going my way. I was discouraged and beat-up so I called my coach and told him I was done. I felt like a loser as I called my parents to tell them I was quitting college football. I didn't think I was a quitter but I was tired of chasing my dream and felt it was time to just throw in the towel.

I had hit the wall. But after I called my coach I had an epiphany moment. I realized I had dedicated 3 years to this program and we had spring football coming up where I could showcase my skills - so why stop now?

I made a deal with myself to keep going through spring football and if nothing changed then I'd be done.

When the smoke cleared after spring ball I was called up to the coaches office and they offered me a scholarship.

Goal #1 was complete. I had new life.

Another break happened when we got a new position coach.

Coach Muss had played the position I played and taught me how to be technically sound. Even though I was smaller than the other lineman, I developed great footwork and speed off the ball as well as "dirty tricks" that were effective against opponents.

He also taught me how to play with attitude and pride. Coach Muss spoke life and encouragement into me and gave me confidence. Turns out I needed that as the more talented player in front of me went down with a knee injury early in the season. I was thrust into action and responded to the call.

I played out of my head. The moment I had waited for had come- not how I had planned it - but it was here. I was the starter for the rest of the season and all the way through my senior year. I held the position even though the player I had replaced came back.

Along the way there were certain players and coaches that didn't think a former walk on should be there. They even made some derogatory comments. In fact, one of the seniors cornered me at the bar after one of our games to tell me he felt he deserved to start more because he was a senior. I let him rant knowing that he spent summers drinking beer and getting fatter and more out of shape while I had worked my butt off. I wasn't buying what he was selling.

We finished our last game by obliterating one of our conference rivals 54-7. As I reflected on the way home to Mankato I was sad it was over, but felt a sense of pride that I had seen this through despite all the trials and tribulations that happened.

I had stayed and I had become a Champion.

This experience has been the #1 experience that has shaped me for success in everything I do. I learned 4 important lessons:

Hard work and discipline beat talent any day. Hang in there - it WILL pay off!

Having a well defined and clear vision will keep you on course no matter what happens

To have success you need a good guide or coach to help you stay on course

The sweetest victories come with the most challenging obstacles

To this day when I get into tough situations, I revert back to that experience and how I made it through.

That old football mindset kicks in and helps me tackle challenges I face as a business owner, dad, husband, minister, and friend.

If I would have quit I would be a completely different person today.

So no matter what you are facing or going through - don't quit.

Stay and be a champion!

Dedicated to your success,

Erik Peacock

Puravida Fitness

What Is Your Olympic Event?

Sat, 24 Aug 2024 07:17:39 GMT

What Is Your Olympic Event?

Today marks Day 11 of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris. Ever since I was a kid, these games have been awe inspiring to watch.

In second grade, I was so inspired that I wanted to be just like Nadia Comaneci. I begged my mom to sign me up for gymnastics. Aside from some random cartwheels on the playground, a failed attempt at the uneven bars was my first and last stab at gymnastics!

Since then, the closest I've ever come to being in the Olympics is running a marathon.

Here's what I mean-

Running a marathon is the biggest athletic event I've ever accomplished. I've run 7 of them to be exact. And no, I didn't run at record breaking speed (far from it) or train for years and years and years for the one race.

I compare my marathons to the Olympics because there was an extensive amount of time and effort that went in to training. I had a prescribed training program that included long runs, speed work and hill repeats and a nutrition plan to coincide with the runs. Rain or shine, we ran. Weekends were always the long runs and if one was less than par, then next one was always better. Discipline was our friend and the race our victory lap.

My last marathon was at the age of 40. The day before leaving for Duluth I got to visit the orthopedic surgeon. He told me to "walk off the course if I had a sharp shooting pain from my hip to my foot." I wasn't sure I could actually follow those instructions and thankfully I didn't have to find out.

Since I began running when I was 16, all of those miles had taken a toll on my joints. At the time, I knew my marathon days were coming to an end but I just wanted to cross the finish line... one last time.

Fast forward several years to when I discovered Puravida. I was still running 10 mile races and half marathons, but at that point in my life, I needed to shift my training to incorporate more strength exercises and less pounding the pavement.

My focus changed from beating my previous race times or hitting a PR, to being able to walk my dog on a daily basis without knee or hip pain. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle became my new Olympic event.

How about you ?

What is your Olympic event? It may not be running a marathon or flipping around on the uneven bars. Maybe it's working in your garden and being able to get up and down off the ground several times. Maybe it is getting up out of your chair without falling. The stronger you are the easier it will be to get around.

We have the golden opportunity to work with many people in their 60s and beyond - some in their 80s. Their Olympic events are different than someone in their 40s, but all include improving balance and building strength in ways that are just right for them. This is so important because when a hip needs to be replaced, they will recover faster. Or if they fall, they'll have better balance to catch themselves and recover faster.

If you or someone you know fall into this Olympic event, hit the blue button below and let's chat.

Dedicated to helping you run your race,

Tracy Farrell

Tear Down The Strongholds in Your Life

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 07:23:57 GMT

Tear Down The Strongholds in Your Life

Ever hear the saying "your mind is a battlefield?" It's so true, and something we all fight everyday.

I say, win the battle in your mind and you'll win the battle with your body.

Those thoughts that keep you stuck from achieving the health and fitness results you want are really mental strongholds.

A stronghold is a secure place where armies can plan, strategize and attack then retreat back to their safety.

Your negative and self-limiting thoughts camp out here and attack you every time you try to move forward and succeed.

Unfortunately, we allow these strongholds to control our lives. But in reality, we have the ability to overcome them.

Let's be honest, letting them stay is easier, right?

You never conquer what you don't confront.

Meet Sarah.

Sarah had just lost her father and was also dealing with herniated discs. She decided enough was enough. She was going to break out of her 'mental stronghold' so she walked into our gym. We gave her a strategy and plan, and she got after it with the support and guidance of our team.

She chose not to let her challenging situations conquer her.

Sarah had tried to get in shape in the past but had failed so could have easily let her injuries and grief keep her down.

But she didn't.

Check out her picture above.

Here is what she had to say :

I was in such a dark spot mentally after losing my dad. I joined the FAT Method program and started training 3 days a week. Nearly 12 weeks later, not only have I lost 25 pounds, but my mental and physical strength is 10-fold better and for that I am forever grateful. I am off my blood pressure medicine, my nutrition has improved drastically, and my recent bloodwork showed my A1c and other markers in the “normal range”."

So what do you need to confront and conquer?

What strongholds are you allowing in your life??

A bad back or knee that you say will never get better? You've come to believe it's "just the way it is," but the truth is if you strengthen the surrounding muscles, it could be dramatically better.

The extra weight you tell yourself won't come off? You believe you've "tried everything" or your "metabolism is broken?" when the reality is you've been inconsistent on your nutrition habits and have not put the time in to change them.

The exercise program you keep saying you want to do but don't? You use the excuse of being "too busy" for not doing it when the reality is your free time is spent watching TV and scrolling social media.

These are just some common reasons I see people use. They are complete BS because we have the success stories to prove that these strongholds are beatable. Just click here to see the success stories of Sarah and others we have helped with bad backs, broken metabolisms, and busy schedules.

Is it time for some demolition?

Let's tear down those strongholds in your minds and get you on the path to transforming your body and your life so you can see the results you want and deserve.

Hit the blue button below and let's set up a SUCCESS SESSION to get the demolition started.

Dedicated to helping you demolish your strongholds,

Erik Peacock

Putting Out The Fire of Inflammation

Thu, 23 May 2024 07:29:57 GMT

Putting Out The Fire of Inflammation

Inflammation is not always bad. We need some inflammation

Inflammation is actually a process that helps the body fight things that could cause harm like infections and injuries. It's a healing process that is completely normal and healthy. However, too much inflammation over time keeps the body in a constant state of alert and can begin to negatively impact organs and tissues.

Like many things, inflammation is good to a point and when it crosses the line and becomes chronic and excessive, you now have a problem.

That problem is not just stiffness and soreness. It is much more than that. It is a BIG deal!

Chronic Inflammatory Diseases are the Number 1 cause of sickness and death in the world! In fact, more than 50% of ALL deaths can be attributed to inflammation related diseases such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, kidney and liver diseases, and more.

How do you know if you are inflamed? Well, here's a list of symptoms tied into inflammation.

Body pain
Chronic fatigue and insomnia.
Depression, anxiety and mood disorders.
Gastrointestinal complications like constipation, diarrhea, and acid reflux.
Weight gain
Muscle loss
Frequent infections.

Isn't it funny how these symptoms are now commonplace in our society?

We accept them as normal aging and a part of life. But left unchecked, they can go from "mole hills" to mountains.

The first step to putting out the "fire" of inflammation is minimize or eliminate the sources. We have to quench them and put them out.

Here are the main sources of inflammation we deal with in our society:

Alcohol - It's not the calories it's the chemicals that screw up your metabolism and drive up inflammation. Having 1-2 adult beverages once a week is not a huge deal. It's when it becomes a frequent occurrence that you are feeding the "inflammation monster."

Processed meats - Think hot dogs and deli meats. These things contain additives and chemicals that drive up your inflammation.

Refined sugar - Not the sugar in fruit, but the man made sugars in things like yogurt, coffee drinks, and candy. These things are like throwing gas on the fire.

Vegetable oils - Not only do we cook with these but they are hidden in salad dressings, protein bars, peanut butter and many other foods. These oils are high in omega 6 fatty acids which are pro-inflammatory.

Chronic stress - Like inflammation, stress is not always bad. Excessive stress is when the issues arise. Stress won't just go away so how we deal with it is the game changer. Managing our time better, learning to prioritize, saying "no," and practicing calming activities are great ways to combat this.

The second step to combat inflammation is to increase your intake of natural anti-inflammatory substances such as omega 3 fish oils, tumeric, and coenzyme q10. These are pretty tough to get from our regular diets, so adding an anti-inflammatory supplement is a good way give the body what it needs to fight inflammation.

LiveGood’s Factor 4 is the first and only Inflammation Management supplement formulated with 4 of the world’s most powerful anti-inflammatory ingredients: fish oil, turmeric, coenzyme Q10, and garlic, to help you CONTROL and even REVERSE inflammation!

You can get this product for just under $25 retail from a LiveGood supplements "Costco style" membership. Find Factor 4 and other great products at the link below along with info on how to join this "Costco" of supplements where you can get high grade quality supplements at wholesale prices.

Click here to learn more about LiveGood

Dedicated to your health,

Erik Peacock

Turn Your "I Can't" Into "I Can"

Wed, 15 May 2024 07:52:46 GMT

Turn Your "I Can't" Into "I Can"

Too often people sell themselves short or let limiting beliefs stop them in their tracks.

I love this passage from Proverbs 18:21: "Death and life are in the power of the tongue."

As you put limitations on yourself, you are really speaking death over yourself.

When it comes to getting in shape, I hear these 2 statements a lot:

"I can't get up in the morning to workout."
"I can't eat healthy because I'm too busy."

It's time to get real and quit BSing ourselves. It's time to realize "I can't" really means "I won't."

I'll use the two statements above as examples.

"I WON'T workout in the morning because I stay up too late watching TV so it's really hard to wake up."

Or the other one..

"I WON'T take time to plan and prepare healthy meals for the week so I default to grab and go options which aren't the best choices. "

See how the responsibility shifts?

We have a choice.

When we realize "I can't" really means "I won't," we can take control and turn them into "I can" statements.

"I CAN get up and workout if I go to bed by 10:00."
"I CAN prep and plan healthy meals if I make time to shop over the weekend so I have good food choices available to me during the week when my schedule is hectic."

Here are some hard truths I have learned from coaching people for almost 30 years.

If something is TRULY important to you, you will find a way to make it happen.
Excuses do not get results.
Everyone has 24 hours a day. We all get to decide how to spend it.
Transformation is not easy. It requires you giving something to get something.

If you're tired of saying "I can't" and are ready to say "I can," hit the blue button below and let's talk

Dedicated to your results,

Erik Peacock

Puravida Fitness

Remove the Planks From Your Eyes First

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 07:39:54 GMT

Remove the Planks From Your Eyes First

One of my favorite teachings in the Bible is from Jesus's legendary sermon on the mount.

In Matthew 7:3-5 he says "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's"

Just look at our society. Criticizing and ripping others to shreds is a national past time. It is even celebrated.

Sadly, there are whole shows based on this.

The hard truth is that...

Criticizing others does not accomplish anything. It does not move you forward in your own life.
Focusing on the faults of others distracts you from the work you need to be doing

One time in my life where this became apparent was early on in my marriage. My wife and I were both married before, so with that comes emotional baggage brought into the marriage.

In the beginning we were fighting a lot. If I am honest, it wasn't looking good and looking like divorce #2. Luckily a man of God came into my life. He helped me realize that instead of worrying about what my wife was or wasn't doing, I needed to focus on dealing with my issues (planks in my eye) not hers (specks in her eyes).

I can honestly tell you when I did that, things started to get better. Not that I have arrived as I am a work in progress, but when I dealt with my head trash and bad habits things in our relationship improved. However it took me owning my own garbage and being willing to clean it up before things got better.

This wisdom from Jesus rings true for all part of life... even fitness. So often I hear people criticize others for getting in shape calling them "fanatics" and "obessed." Yet here they sit... overweight and miserable. The discipline other people possess probably makes them insecure and realize what they are not doing. So it is easier to deflect that into criticism instead of actually dealing with their own issues.

Is it time to deal with some "planks" in your own eyes?

What are they?

Carrying too much weight
Winded when you climb stairs
Feeling weak and brittle
Always pulling muscle or tweaking your back

A COMPLETE fitness and nutrition plan can do wonders to remove the "planks" that are hindering your health and fitness.

We can help! Just hit the blue button below and let's start the plank removal process to get you looking and feeling your best again.

Dedicated to removing your "fitness planks,"

Erik Peacock

Puravida Fitness

Playing It Safe Is Dangerous

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 07:45:06 GMT

Playing It Safe Is Dangerous

Proverbs 22:13: The lazy man says, "there is a lion without, I shall be killed in the streets."

Too often we let the imaginary "lions" in our life keep us in the "playing it safe" zone.

Playing it safe is one of the riskiest things we can do.

I can't think of many worse things than being 3, 5...10 years down the road and seeing ZERO progress in life.

We were not created to be mediocre. But unfortunately many people choose to stay in the "safe zone."

Yes, comfortable but NOT fulfilling.

My wife Kymn works as an occupational therapist in a local school district. Her gifts and talents are working with kids with autism and special needs. She has always wanted to go overseas and use her talents in a country lacking such resources.

The opportunity came when she was picked by her school district to go to Cambodia and experience her dream.

She had to apply and write an essay telling why she should be among the final group of 5 to go.

She made the cut and was selected to go. However, we had to foot the bill for an expensive flight and it would require her to be gone for 2 weeks right in the middle of our daughter's club volleyball season. In addition, she suffers from occasional panic attacks from feeling trapped.

The trip would really stretch her out of her comfort zone since she would be on a plane for over 20 hours and stay in tiny hotel rooms.

There was a moment where she started to get cold feet and question whether she should still go. All the legitimate reasons to bail surfaced right before the trip.

We can't afford it
It's too long to be gone
What if I have a panic attack?
What if I suffer from heat exhaustion?

As we talked through it, I reiterated that the "what ifs" and "should haves" would haunt her the rest of her life if she didn't go.

She pulled it together and is currently in Cambodia fully embracing a life changing experience. I'm excited to hear her stories when she gets home.

How often do we play it safe only to miss out on living our BEST lives because of a "play it safe" mindset?

When it comes to workouts, if they aren't challenging you they get boring. "Playing it safe" leads to boredom, which leads to stagnation and then...nothing...

Boredom is a BIG reason people quit working out.

And one other thing...I hate the word maintain. There is no maintain. Maintain means you are coasting and coasting means you are going downhill.

You are either getting better or worse.

Is it time to step it up and get better?

We are running an 8-week SPRING INTO SUMMER challenge that will get you out of your comfort zone with your fitness program. Here is a quick video to explain more. Watch it here.

If you are tired of playing it safe and ready to get comfortable being uncomfortable, grab your sport by going here.

Dedicated to helping you go to the next level,

Erik Peacock

Puravida Fitness

If the Queen Isn't Happy, No One Is

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 08:00:31 GMT

If the Queen Isn't Happy, No One Is

When I was a kid, there were several things around the house we just did. If you ate the last pop-tart, you wrote it on the grocery list. If something fell to the floor, you picked it up. Coats went on the hooks, not on the table. When you drove dad's car, you put the seat all the way back before you got out. You replaced the gas before bringing the car home. If mom was napping on the couch, everything could wait. When you left the table, you pushed in the chair. Dishes went straight to the dishwasher, not the sink... Etc.etc. etc.

Back then these things felt like rules. They probably had to be or they wouldn't have gotten done.

Now I see the logic. Common sense. Everybody pitches in. Little things go a long way... especially for those who are running the ship.

At some point along the way, my mom came across a saying that has stuck with our family: If the Queen isn't happy, no one is.

Maybe you can relate.

Moms have a tendency to put everyone else's needs before their own. They take time for themselves after all the kids are taken to their activities or appointments, meals are cooked, laundry is done, errands are run and the dog is walked. For many, that's about 10 minutes before bed because exhaustion sets in. It might even be less if sick kids or job stress is added to the mix. 5 minutes peace would be a gift!

Whenever I find myself in that boat, I check my SELF CARE. What kinds of things am I doing to take care of myself? If I'm feeling overwhelmed, chances are the SELF CARE dial if way off.

And sometimes reminders come via email.

Last week a SELF CARE CHECK IN showed up in my inbox. Designed by the Passion Planner Team, I figured there was a reason it appeared, so I checked it out. There were several areas to reflect upon:

A movie you love
A satisfying meal
A hobby you enjoy
A grounding habit
A form of exercise or movement
A comforting song
5 affirmations that resonate with you
Your biggest strength and how it can be used
Who or what makes your life meaningful and why

It also included a SELF CARE REFLECTION. This pinpoints some feelings and the importance of taking care of yourself. I found it to be useful and the timing was perfect.

Several years ago, my mom gifted us with a small picture frame she designed herself. Each contained the message It's Good To Be Queen. All of us, including her, have placed it where we can see it daily. For me it's one of many reminders to take care of myself so I can take care of others.

Is exercise a form of self care for you? Do you have a plan to keep you motivated and without injury? Is good nutrition a form of self care for you? Do you have a program to follow and a coach to keep you accountable? If not, click the blue button below and let's chat!

We've helped hundreds of people transform their lives by making exercise and nutrition part of their self care routine.

Let us help you feel like a queen!

Tracy Farrell

3 Ways To Get Out Of The "Valley Of Darkness"

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 08:06:23 GMT

3 Ways To Get Out Of The "Valley Of Darkness"

The other day I woke up in a dark fog. I felt depressed, hopeless, and had zero motivation to get up and get my day going.

Can you relate to this?

I always think of Psalm 23:4 when this happens to me. It says. "Even though I walk through the darkest valley,[I will fear no evil, for you are with me your rod and your staff, they comfort me." I love this passage because it says we are walking through - not camping out - in the "dark valley."

There are 3 key things I do to get out of the valley when this happens to me because frankly it sucks. I don't like being there.

#1 - Spend time in the word of God and in prayer. With all the lies the world and you tell yourself you need some truth. Truth lies in the Bible. Unfortunately, many people have never read the Bible. It has been a game changer for me. When I think my life is pointless I read Jeremiah 29:11 which tells me God has a future and a hope for my life. 2 Corinthians 10:5 reminds me to take every negative though captive and not let it run free. Spending time with God and praying to Him ALWAYS redirects my thoughts and replenishes my spirit. I do this first thing in the morning so my mind and spirit are armored up before I go out into the world.

#2 - Exercise. If I'm being honest, this is the LAST thing I feel like doing. But I know I need to do it because when I do it "flips a switch" in my mind. Exercise releases key chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. These are endorphins, serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline. When these hit your system it fires you up and you feel motivated, focused and energized. It never fails to recharge me mentally and physically when I fight through my workout despite my unmotivated attitude. After the workout I feel victorious and "back in the fight." I'm ready to take on the day.

#3 - Do something for someone else. Our nature is to be self focused. We are programmed to be selfish and think of ourselves. More wise advice from the Bible is in Philippians 2:3. It says: "Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves." I have found that blessing someone WITHOUT any ulterior motives is super effective. Helping others helps me get over myself and resets my mind. Much like exercise, helping someone out flips a switch. This doesn't have to be a big deal like rescuing an orphan. Simple works well. Try calling someone to encourage them or thank them for their role in your life. Help an elderly neighbor with yard work or snow removal or pull over to assist someone on the side of the road. These things are around us everyday if we take our eyes off ourselves and look around.

Many of my emails relate to fitness. But this one is important because when you are in the dark valley it is virtually impossible to be effective in any area - including fitness.

You have to win the battle in the mind if you are going to win the battle with your body.

These strategies have helped me win and I hope they can bless you too.

Dedicated to your success in 2024,

Erik Peacock

Anything is Possible!

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 08:11:41 GMT

Anything is Possible!

When someone like Joe Mauer makes it into the Baseball Hall of Fame on the first ballot, that’s worth talking about.

I've had the privilege of knowing him when he was a kid! The first 5 years of my teaching career was at a neighborhood Catholic school in Saint Paul. He was a 4th grader at the time and I taught Pre-K so he wasn't in my class. But as the years went on, it was easy to know him because of his genuine kindness, talent on the teams and leadership within the school.

I spent my summers as a nanny for 2 boys and Joe Mauer was the same age as one of them. That meant their traveling basketball and baseball teams competed against each other over the years and Joe's character stood out there too. He worked hard, played hard and always made sure to greet me... no matter which team won the game.

When he put on #7 for the Minnesota Twins, that took Twins baseball to a whole new level for me. In college and beyond I loved watching Kirby Puckett and Kent Hrbek play. But now I got to watch someone I knew! A humble, genuine, hometown kid was living out a dream and all of Minnesota got to watch.

In an interview following the Hall of Fame announcement, Joe was asked who had impacted him the most as he developed into the player he had become. First mention was his dad and his grandpa. Their support for the game was endless. No doubt they had something to do with his character development as well. Next came his coaches and teammates... the people who challenged him and pushed him to be great at what he did. He's competitive but he's the one that did the work needed to be successful.

There's a lot we can learn from a hometown kid like Joe Mauer.

That got me thinking about what we do at our gym. I see many parallels. People come to us looking for help with their health and fitness. They want to make some changes but lack the knowledge to put a workout program together that contains all the necessary components needed to stay motivated. They may be lacking the discipline needed to stay true to their nutrition program and / or they need some accountability. The goal may not be to earn a spot in the Baseball Hall of Fame, but they recognize if left to their own devices, nothing will change.

Does this strike a chord with you?

Do you need a coach to challenge you and push you to achieve a nutrition or fitness goal? If so, hit the blue button below and let's chat. We've helped 48 people transform their lives in 2023 and we'd love to help you too! We'll set up a transformation session to get to know you, your lifestyle, and your obstacles and we will come up with a plan that will get you on your path to achieving greatness.

Anything is possible!

Tracy Farrell

Are You "Bearing Fruit" In The Gym?

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 08:19:59 GMT

Are You "Bearing Fruit" In The Gym?

Back when I worked at the big corporate gym there was a guy named Dan.

He baffled me.

I worked there for 9.5 years and he did the EXACT SAME routine over and over and over again.

Nothing ever changed for Dan. Including the way he looked. He always did the same exercises, sets, and reps. Again and again and again.

I wanted to pull my hair out.

What's the big deal? Why do I care?

Because I just can't understand how you do something and do not strive to improve in it. Why would you put so much time into something only to go....NOWHERE.

I hear the term "maintenance" all the time. I honestly hate that term. It's weak.

As one of my old coaches used to say: "There is no such thing as maintenance. Maintenance means you are coasting and coasting means you are going downhill."

A core value at my business and in my personal life is the Japanese word KAIZEN. It means constant steady improvement.

Routine is good but does that routine produce "fruit" a.k.a. improvement?

So many people go to the gym but fail to ever change. Every day is like the movie "Groundhog Day."

What should you do then if you are stuck in a rut like this?

Here are 3 ways to get your routine to produce fruit again and keep you motivated and see results.

Change your routine often - Like rotating your tires on your car, changing exercises and your program prevents overuse injuries and give your body fresh stimulus to adapt to so you see your body continue to change.

Progress every workout - Another key way to keep your body changing for the better is to get better every workout. Add morenreps, lift more weight or do more sets. A good program has a progression built in so once again your body is forced tomkeep getting stronger and transforming.

Do things that "scare" you. Too often we play it safe and do the easy exercises avoiding big lifts like squats, deadlifts and pull ups. Learning to do these exercises creates a more efficient nervous system and adds more overall body strength and function. The hardest exercises get the best results. You don't have to max them out but doing them proficiently creates a transfer effect that helps you do things like golf, skiing, and other activities that require athleticism and coordination.

Having these three things gives your routine life and bears fruit.

When is the last time you...

Hit a BIG goal?
Pushed yourself?
Set a new personal record?

It's time to start seeing fruit with the time you spend in the gym. Implement the strategies above and watch what happens.

You can have a whole new body in 90 days. This can be your breakthrough year so go SEIZE it!

You weren't meant to play small. So don't!

Dedicated to your results,

Erik Peacock

To Do or To Be

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 08:29:42 GMT

To Do or To Be

I've got an interesting thought for you today.

"To do" or "To be."

We all tend to go through our days with a "To Do" list. Executing tasks all throughout the day...work, home...some of them just mindless busy work that's not really serving a purpose in our lives.

It's a wonder we tend to feel empty and unfulfilled at the end of each day.

What if we changed our thinking....what if our "to do" list becomes a "to be" list. A list all about how we want to be and why.

This is truly much more powerful.

In 2024, I'm committing to shift from just knocking out all goals to doing things that will reinforce who I want TO BE.

Here are a few of my examples.

I want TO BE a good ambassador for Jesus Christ. So my TO DO list includes:

Perform outreach / evangelism 2x/month minimum
Conduct one men's faith training each month
Disciple 8 men
Do a weekly volunteer activity (high school group, prayer team, single mom support)
I want TO BE an awesome husband. So my TO DO list includes:
Date my wife 2x/month
Have a getaway each quarter
Meet weekly to communicate on finances and schedules
Pray together 3x/week

I'm committed to improvement and being better in ALL areas of my life. But I know better doesn't happen by osmosis. In order to be intentional about your TO BE, I suggest following this simple 3 step process - it's the same one I use to focus me and keep me on track.

Have a vision for each part of your life (marriage, business, physical fitness, spiritual, friends, mental, financial)
Create an effective action plan for each area. Don't write a book. What are 2-5 things you can do consistently to keep you moving forward?
Block time in your calendar for the action steps. What gets scheduled gets done. Fitting it in NEVER works.

Want to join me in my 2024 commitment? Would you like to BE more, not just DO more?

If part of your "TO BE" list involves getting in better shape or losing some weight, hit the blue button below and set up a Success Session with me. Together, we will come up with a realistic and effective game plan for you.

I hope this blesses you and we chat soon.

Dedicated to your success in 2024!

Erik Peacock

Put Yourself In Lockdown - Part 2

Sat, 23 Dec 2023 08:46:54 GMT

Put Yourself In Lockdown - Part 2

Last week I talked about doing an honest review and assessment of 2023 as a crucial first step to setting goals in the upcoming year.

Hopefully you have had time to do this since last week's email.

If not DO NOT DO THIS STEP UNTIL YOU REVIEW YOUR PREVIOUS YEAR.

You can't put the cart before the horse!

It's important to know where your weak areas are and address them or you will continually spin your wheels.

Moving forward without fixing these issues is like trying to fill up a bucket with holes in it.

Once you have that crucial data you can start looking at 2024 and how you will move forward in ALL areas of your life.

The BEST way to set goals is to identify your yearly goals and work backwards to identify the quarterly and monthly goals needed to achieve the end result.

Another key to a successful 2024 is to make sure ALL your goals have a strong purpose behind them.

Without a strong purpose they will fizzle out -guaranteed. Your purpose is the fuel that will keep you going under tough circumstances. For example, if you want to lose weight and your WHY is solid you will get up and go to the gym even if it is cold and dark. If not, the snooze button will get worn out.

Lastly, come up with a simple and tight action plan. Define 1-4 things you can do consistently over and over to keep moving forward.

Too often people write a book here and overwhelm themselves.

One of my BEST clients who lost 30 pounds in 6 months had these simple action steps.

Strength training 3x/week
Get in 8,000 steps on average daily
Fill out food log 6/7 days

She was able to focus and do these things consistently and it led to phenomenal results with her fitness. She had a well defined GOAL and STRONG PURPOSE along with a concise ACTION PLAN.

If you have these three things you will have SUCCESS in any area you want to improve.

Yes, it is mental work and takes extra time but breakthrough years and success do not happen by osmosis.

Do the work and get the results!

Once again I've attached the BEST LIFE E-book for you to use to guide you through this process and make 2024 your breakthrough year.

Dedicated to your success,

Erik Peacock

Put Yourself in "Lockdown" For Success

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 09:05:57 GMT

Put Yourself in "Lockdown" For Success

As a coach I buy what I sell. Meaning I invest in coaching myself.

One of the BEST practices taught to me through the coaching I have invested in is the LOCKDOWN.

It sounds more ominous than it really is.

It's 2-3 days where I isolate myself to focus on two main things.

Review of the past year, and
Create a vision and plan for the upcoming year

Today I'm going to cover the first step in the process. The REVIEW. The key to a successful REVIEW is not only to reflect on my business but to consider ALL areas of my life that are IMPORTANT to me.

Here are my categories.

Business
Marriage
Physical
Mental Development
Spiritual Growth
Friends
Family
Recreation And Fun
Environment

Basically I look at each area and ask these questions

What went well and what did I accomplish?
What did I plan to do but did not achieve?
How can I improve and grow in each area?

I also do an assessment called "The Wheel of Life." This asks questions and scores areas in my life to gain a sense of where my strengths and weaknesses are.

It's a great Darren Hardy exercise. I've attached the e-book BEST LIFE EVER to this email so you too can reflect and assess your "wheel."

It's important to keep in mind as you go through this exercise that it's not meant to be a 'beat down.' The entire lockdown process is designed to celebrate wins, identify weaknesses (and how to fix them) and to gain clarity and vision for the coming year.

Personally, I find this process useful. It helps me to focus on practicing one of my core values - KAIZEN - which is a Japanese word for constant steady improvement.

I believe it's vital to set goals and vision for every area of your life that matters to you. Sometimes we just do that for business or fitness and forget about the others.

They won't just get better on their own. There needs to be a plan in place to make it happen.

I recommend you download the attached e-book and block some time to do your own lockdown this coming week.

I'll be back next week with part two of the lockdown: Establishing vision and setting goals.

I hope this blesses you to make 2024 truly your BEST year ever.

Dedicated to your success,

Erik Peacock

Puravida Fitness

Dependent or Independent?

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 09:12:01 GMT

Dependent or Independent?

The BIG reason I get out of bed every day is because people depend on me. And I like it that way!

It gives me purpose and creates some good pressure for me to go out, show up and execute daily. I would rather have people depend on me than me depending on them.

Here's what happened in my twenties that really drove this home for me.

I was working two jobs and had become totally exhausted, both physically and mentally.

I was not taking care of myself and one day it all came to a head.

I got up for work like I always did. But that's as far as I got. I felt myself go super dizzy and all of a sudden I fainted and fell down my stairs.

When I woke up at the bottom I was completely disoriented. Turns out I had wrenched my back, broke my nose and given myself a concussion.

The ambulance came and insisted I go to the hospital because they were concerned about my health. Turns out they were right.

For the next week I was totally laid out. I couldn't move or take care of myself. I was totally dependent on others to get my meals and take care of my needs.

Although I was grateful for the friends and family who helped me out, I did not like the feeling of being completely weak and helpless.

I learned a valuable lesson from that incident.

It taught me to recognize when I need to slow down and rest. Thankfully that has never happened again.

I knew it was my poor decisions that led me to my "crash and burn."

There are many people out there who are heading for their own "crash and burn'' by not taking care of themselves. Continually making poor food choices, not moving, not willing to take care of themselves in a way that allows independence, not dependence.

Heart attacks come from being sedentary and eating crap.

Blown out backs are the result of weak muscles combined with poor movement patterns.

Do you have people who depend on you?

What happens to them if you go down?

Let's prevent that from happening.

Nothing will make you "bullet proof." But there are practical steps you can take to drastically reduce your chances of these incidents occurring.

The good news is it doesn't require endless hours in the gym or a super strict diet of chicken breasts and broccoli.

You can stay strong and healthy with just a few well planned strength training workouts per week, moving your body throughout the day, and a simple nutrition plan that does not require a bunch of rules, fake food, or endless tracking.

We can keep you strong and independent. If you are not already working with us, hit the blue button below and learn about our 12 Week Transformation program designed to transform your body and life in just 90 days.

Dedicated to keeping you strong for those who depend on you,

Erik Peacock

That's What It's All About!

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 09:17:47 GMT

That's What It's All About!

Yesterday at church our pastor had us stand up to do the Hokey Pokey! Remember that from when you were a kid?

"You put your right foot in, you put your right foot out,

You put your right foot in and you shake it all about.

You do the Hokey Pokey and you turn yourself around.

That's what it's all about!"

It was great to stand up and move in the middle of the sermon and that's a familiar childhood classic so people could easily sing along.

But he wasn't just giving us a movement break like it was in kindergarten. He used it to illustrate a point.

Where in life do you have one foot in and one foot out?

Hmmm. Good question.

Is it your faith? Your family? Fitness? Friendships? Finances? Food? Fill in the blank...

If we're honest with ourselves, we all could answer that question in one way or another.

Let's focus on fitness and nutrition since that's what we do.

If we have one foot in, we're working towards a goal. But if something appealing comes up - like cake, cookies, wine, etc. - we're easily persuaded. We eat healthy throughout the week and then make up for it with too many treats on the weekend.

If we have one foot in, we're working out a few times each week. But we don't have a goal or plan with progressions that will help build muscle and starve fat.

If we have one foot in, we might be following a workout plan but aren't addressing nutrition, sleep or stress. All of which play major roles in the big picture.

If you have one foot in, is it time to turn yourself around?

When we have both feet in, we're all in. We're fully committed - no matter what.

When we have both feet in, we have support and accountability. And when unexpected obstacles come our way, we declare our plan and hold true to ourselves.

When we have both feet in, we remember our purpose, picture ourselves at the finish line, the favorite jeans fit, and we keep moving forward until we reach the goal.

When we have both feet in, we are in control.

Sounds pretty good to have both feet in doesn't it?

Is it time to turn yourself around?

We are here to help!

Click the blue button below to set up a COMPLIMENTARY SUCCESS SESSION with us. Let us come up with a plan to help you put both feet in and turn yourself around before the end of 2023.

That's what it's all about!

Tracy Farrell

Find A Way To Win

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 09:20:44 GMT

Find A Way To Win

I am a lifelong Vikings fan.

There have been a lot of ups and downs as well as disappointments throughout the years (please don't mention the 1998 NFC championship game), but I continue to cheer them on regardless of what kind of season they're having.

Last Sunday might have been one of the BEST Vikings games I ever watched.

Their starting quarterback, star receiver AND talented left tackle were all injured. They didn't play. A rookie quarterback was slated to start the game and many backups were called up to play. It did not look good for the Vikings.

After just two series into the game the rookie quarterback got hurt trying to run for a touchdown.

Now, it looked even worse.

Enter Josh Dobbs. He had only been on the team for 5 days. He didn't know the playbook and had not practiced with the starters.

Things started badly. On his very first series he got sacked for a safety. AND, the #2 receiver got knocked out of the game. Wait, it gets better. The Vikings top running back also got injured and was out of the game.

Honestly, part of me thought they were screwed. Half the starting team was now on the bench. I thought there's no way to execute an offense now.

Then something magical happened.

They started to make plays. The new quarterback started to run which proved effective. Other players stepped up and made plays.

It came down to a final drive where the unknown, brand new quarterback, Josh Dobbs had to lead the team to a touchdown in order to win the game.

They drove down the field and stalled inside the other team's territory at 4th and 7. Things were not looking good.

But Josh Dobbs did it.

Faced with letdowns and adversity, he managed to avoid a sack and scrambled for a big 22 yard run. The crowd went wild. It was an amazing play. And then... beauty! He followed that up with a game winning touchdown pass to a 4th string receiver.

Despite the prior adversity and setbacks, the Vikings had found a way to win. They showed their intestinal fortitude and resolve in this game.

Now I know Josh Dobbs and the Vikings are professional players who are paid to overcome setbacks and adversity. But there's a great lesson in all of this.

Maybe your 2023 has felt like this particular game filled with setbacks, letdowns and adversity. Maybe you're feeling the year has been really tough, so why fight it out in this last 6 weeks of the year- maybe I'll just wait it out and start the new year fresh.

Take a lesson from the Vikings. You still can WIN. Champions show up no matter when the season or what the adversity. We are all CHAMPIONS.

What would be your "game winning touchdown" to finish the year? Lose 10 pounds? Hit a personal record in the gym? Do your first 5K?

Reply to this email and let me know.

Let's design your game plan for your winning drive, score a touchdown and finish this year STRONG.

Hit the blue button below and let's SCORE!

Dedicated to your "touchdown drive"

Erik Peacock

Pleasure or Purpose?

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 09:24:52 GMT

Pleasure or Purpose?

The other day a friend of mine was shocked to learn I get up at 4AM.

"How can you do that?"

One simple answer. PURPOSE over PLEASURE.

I say this because I have a clear purpose bigger than myself.

Here is my personal mission statement:

BE A CONDUIT NOT A CONTAINER

I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME.

EACH DAY COUNTS. I DON'T KNOW HOW MANY DAYS I HAVE LEFT ON THIS PLANET SO MAKE EACH ONE COUNT.

THE LORD HAS GIVEN ME TALENTS AND ABILITIES TO BLESS OTHERS AND NOT TO HOARD TO MYSELF SO I MUST FOCUS, SERVE, AND LEAD, LETTING THE LORD WORK THROUGH ME TO ACCOMPLISH HIS WILL FOR MY LIFE. THIS APPLIES TO EVERY AREA OF MY LIFE.

TO WHOM MUCH IS GIVEN MUCH IS EXPECTED.

I TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY AND WANT TO RUN A GOOD RACE BECAUSE I LOVE THE LORD AND LOOK FORWARD TO THE DAY I HEAR "WELL DONE GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT."

When I read that it reminds me my life is not all about me and pleasure. It's about serving others through my business and ministry work. I wake up each day with a purpose, whether it's coaching someone to transform their body or helping someone get to know God.

Each day has purpose.

I didn't always operate this way.

Earlier in my life it was all about pleasure. I pursued selfish things and always ended feeling empty looking for the next hit of pleasure. Whether it was chasing some hot girl or a big payout, it didn't matter. It never satisfied me.

Having done it both ways I now know a life of purpose is way better than a life of pleasure.

My mission is the reason I can get up and get after it even when it's cold, dark and snowy outside.

It's how I keep going even when I feel tired and unmotivated at times.

Now I truly believe there are two types of people. Those who live with purpose and those who live for pleasure.

Which one are you?

When you live with purpose you work on everything that supports your purpose. When you live for pleasure, you end up weak and depressed - you're always looking for the next pleasure hit, and it's never enough.

One area that supports any purpose is your health and fitness.

It's hard to live with purpose when your physical condition sucks.

Your mind might say "YES" but your body will say "NO."

I firmly believe if you are going to go "ALL IN" on purpose driven living you, need to be strong in MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT.

The great thing about exercise is that it works on all 3 and you don't need to spend countless hours in the gym. A well designed 30-45 minute program done just 3 times a week is a GAME CHANGER.

Just hit the blue button below to set up a SUCCESS SESSION with me and let's get going on living a life of purpose.

Dedicated to your purpose,

Erik Peacock

My Favorite Color is Fall!

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 09:30:20 GMT

My Favorite Color is Fall!

There are blessings about every season in Minnesota, but FALL is by far my favorite. The marathon. The cooler temperatures. Shorts and sweatshirts. Crisp cool mornings and warm afternoons. No mosquitos. The trees. And more trees. Beautiful vibrant colors everywhere you look. Eye catching leaves on trees. Crunchy leaves carpet the ground. School buses, kids at recess, people walking dogs, apple orchards, pumpkin patches, and excellent photo opportunities. The list goes on.

I saw a saying once that said "The trees are about to show us how lovely it is to let things go."

I like that imagery. It takes me back to teaching kindergarten.

5 year olds have big emotions. Very important little things matter in big ways at that age. They are learning how to deal with all sorts of emotions. I liked using a tennis ball to illustrate how we can let little things go. It went like this:

I'd hold a tennis ball on my head. It represented the emotion - let's say anger - (someone took the exact pencil I wanted). That anger could stick around with me all day and let other little things boil over... OR... I could talk about it and let it go. Then I'd let go of the tennis ball and we'd watch it roll to the other side of the room. Still representing the anger...we noticed where it was. It was way far away. It was no longer attached to me. It was gone! I could go on with my day because I let that go. This was usually followed by big eyes and bright smiles as they just learned something new!

How lovely it is to let things go...especially the little things that carry a lot of weight.

Much like the trees.

When I walked my puppy the other day, I watched leaves fall from trees. For every leaf that fell, I thought about letting go. Night time snacking is my current situation so I flipped it into powerful language and told myself "I don't need snacks at night." "I can stay out of the kitchen at night." "I have self control at night" It was a pretty windy day and the leaves just kept falling. I discovered many ways to let go of this bad habit.

What to you need to let go? Or what do you need to get control of? Maybe it's nighttime eating. Maybe it's having wine with dinner every night. Maybe it's hitting the snooze button and skipping your morning workout. Maybe it's having candy every day. We all have something don't we?

Here's where we can help!

We are starting another FREE 5 Day Challenge today. This is designed to create a culture of discipline with your nutrition. You can do it from anywhere. Our coaches are ready to help you take ground, let go of habits that don't serve you well, and create some that will. There's an instructional video and email each of the 5 days, a kickstart workout plan and a personal coaching call, along with a private Facebook Group for support and encouragement. It's a great introduction to our 8 Week F.A.T Method program where people are breaking through their weight loss goals right and left.

Ready to let go of something? Ready to take action? We kick off the FREE 5 Day Challenge TONIGHT at 7:30 PM with a ZOOM meeting. There are just a few spots left. Reply YES to this email to grab one of those remaining spots and we'll get you set up.

Before we know it, the trees will be bare. Let your time be now!

Tracy Farrell

How I Deadlifted 500 Pounds!

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 09:33:42 GMT

How I Deadlifted 500 Pounds!

This past week I hit a BIG goal.

I deadlifted 500 pounds! At age 51!

When I think of the journey to get there I think of 2 Chronicles 15:7

"But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.”

Hitting goals are always sweet but the things you learn along the way are even sweeter.

Here are three key things I learned on my journey to lifting 1/4 ton off the floor.

#1 - How you think and speak matters most

You first have to win the battle in your mind then you can win the battle with your body. I had 100% belief I could accomplish this goal even though folks were saying things like "you shouldn't lift heavy" or "you're too old." Even thoughts within your own mind such as "I could never do that" can have you losing the battle. Take those thoughts captive and replace them with your vision.

Having a strong vision and visualizing it over and over in my mind was key to seeing this goal through.

I also focused on using powerful speech like "I will" and "I can" versus "I'll try" and "I hope." Your brain can only do what you tell it to, so focus on telling it what you can and will do. I also made a point to listen to things that build me up and to hang out with the right people.

You can't soar with eagles if you fly with buzzards.

#2 - Develop a smart training plan

When going after big goals you need a plan. It's a destination you have never been to, so your brain needs a route much like when you plan a trip and use your GPS. You cannot just hope and wish. There has to be an effective plan of execution that progresses week by week towards your goal. My plan consisted of a progression of strength lifts over weeks to gradually work me up to the weights I needed. I also had a great mobility and recovery plan to keep my joints healthy because if I would have injured myself the journey would have come to a screeching halt.

Finally a good training plan breaks a BIG goal into smaller steps to make it more attainable and digestible. This is key to staying on track and focused.

#3 - Set an environment of success

To be honest there were many days I did not feel like lifting heavy weights. To combat this, I had triggers that would get my brain out of lazy mode and into kick ass mode. I put on my favorite hair band and grunge music and wore shirts with scriptures on them on the days I lifted to get my mind into a championship training mode. Many people use the excuse "I am not motivated" as a reason to skip out on executing key steps towards their goals. Motivation is a myth! You have to put things in place to create motivation not just wait for it to magically appear.

Going for a BIG goal puts purpose and meaning back in our lives.

Instead of just existing we start living again. Hitting the goal is awesome but it is who we become in the process that really matters.

An added bonus is that the drive and grit we use to get there flows over into other key areas of our lives.

So what BIG goal do you want to accomplish?

Use the three tips above to get there and if you need help designing a plan, hit the blue button below and let's get you set up for success.

2023 is not over it can still be your BREAKTHROUGH year so go seize it!

Dedicated to your BIG goals,

Erik Peacock

Curve Ball of the Day - It's Too Hot To Run!

Thu, 05 Oct 2023 10:13:08 GMT

Curve Ball of the Day - It's Too Hot To Run!

I was a runner for about 25 years. Marathons, half marathons, 10 mile, 10K and 5K races filled my calendar for years. Race numbers border the ceiling in my office and fill the walls in my garage. My legs have covered a lot of ground in Minneapolis and St. Paul as well as on the streets south of the river. When I drive to my mom and dad's house I smile with memories of running "way over there."

The Twin Cities Marathon was on the calendar yesterday. Known as The Most Beautiful Urban Marathon in America...this always falls on the first Sunday in October. For 41 years that has been the case. This time of year is absolutely perfect for a marathon - especially in Minnesota. Blue skies, crisp cool temps and colorful leaves are among the many, many highlights along the 26.2 mile course.

Marathon weekend is my favorite time of year! Although I no longer lace up my shoes to run, I know the course like the back of my hand. Now my job on Marathon Day is to cheer on the runners as loud as I can!

Yesterday was no different: wake up before the sun, get my bike ready to go and set up the marathon app to track my runners. First thing I saw on the app?

Races canceled.

I read it again.

10/1. Marathon and 10 mile races canceled due to black flag condition.

Extreme heat.

Oh my. Tough call. Curve ball thrown.

If you are a runner you know the time, energy and commitment that goes into training for long distance races. You know the mental game. You know the reason for your race, the setbacks and the blessings. Your training started 5 months ago (at least) and your heart and soul have been focused on this one particular day with great anticipation. The race is your victory lap after all of that hard work.

Races canceled. Extreme heat conditions.

If I was running, I would have been torn. Major disappointment on one hand... huge sigh of relief on the other. I'm sure there were plenty of mixed emotions.

Running is great exercise. Excitement fills the air on race day - especially marathon race day! But when the conditions are such that it becomes a health risk...for that many people... then the tables turn. The mindset shifts. The thoughts change.

Not worth it.

There will be other races...other chances for that PR.

God was protecting the runners, spectators and volunteers.

And then comes gratitude.

Mindset in check.

This happens so much in our lives, doesn't it?

Curve balls are thrown at us every day. What do we do?

I've been there. I've run a marathon in excessive heat and it wasn't pretty. My calf cramped up at mile 16 and by mile 19 the other one joined. I managed to walk (hobble) the rest of the way (thanks to beauty all around and my cell phone) but after I finished, the blisters on my feet were the size of quarters. And I still I had to get to the car!

Yesterday my spectator self was torn as well. It was Marathon Day. I always go watch the marathon on Marathon Day! I had a hunch there'd still be people on the race course and it was a great day for a bike ride. What we saw when we got to St. Paul was heartwarming.

Some runners were running - race numbers on. People were biking - right alongside their runner. Cowbells were ringing and voices were cheering. Cookie Monster was handing out cookies! Neighbors were taking care - offering water, ice, donuts and more words of encouragement. Sprinklers were set up in the street here and there to cool them down. A finish line crowd had gathered with signs all around, high fives, and voices that carried each time another runner came down the hill. Despite the curve ball, everyone we saw was smiling.

Yesterday was a day of unexpected changes, choices at hand and decisions to make. Let us help the race go on for you. Click the link below to schedule a Complimentary Success Session and let's chat!

Cheering for you!

Tracy Farrell

Fat Loss for Dummies

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 11:11:08 GMT

Fat Loss for Dummies

One of the craziest things about us humans is that we have a tendency to make things more difficult than necessary.

It's like my dad used to say "if you do it the hard way, you get it done right."

As kids, we always applied this mantra when doing our chores.

Even if my brother and I figured out a way to get things done more efficiently he would shoot it down and repeat "if you do it the hard way you get it done right."

I love my dad. He taught me how to work hard and I am forever grateful for that.

However, as I've grown over the years, I've learned that if I incorporate 'working smart' with hard work, the benefits and results are far greater.

My fitness business for example. Over the years I have worked on developing nutrition programs in order to help my clients gain great results. Since I know nutrition constitutes 80% or more of people's weight loss results.

I insisted they track their food and added more things to track using new apps and systems. It was what worked for me but not for them.

Some of my clients thrived when it came to nutrition (mostly the type As like me). Others, not so much. I realized that all the restrictions and systems and counting and apps were creating more overwhelm and less results. The program was too much work and difficult to adhere to.

I was channeling my dad in me by basically telling people they had to do it the "hard way."

Last December I was introduced to the F.A.T. Method program. The F.A.T. Method is a very different, very effective and very simple program that has resulted in thousands of folks getting real results, real simply.

It is basically "fat loss for dummies."

I was intrigued and recognized the F.A.T. Method could be the 'smart' solution I've been looking for to be our "bread and butter" nutrition program.

As I look back on this year I am happy to say this was one of the BEST business decisions I have ever made.

Paul hit his 20 pound weight loss goal and likes the simplicity of the program.

Watch his testimonial here

Nikki has dropped almost 10 pounds even though she is fighting hormones and menopause.

Watch her testimonial here

Shelly exceeded her goal even though she had two vacations in the middle of the program.

Watch her testimonial here

Jessie was not seeing results despite doing hard workouts 5-6 times per week and in her mind eating healthy. She smashed through her plateau losing 15 pounds on this program.

Watch her testimonial here.

My 8-Week F.A.T. Method program is a lifestyle. Not a diet. It is a program you can sustain for a lifetime as it gives you the freedom and flexibility to eat what you want, when you want while creating a lean, healthy and energized body.

It will be the last "diet" you will ever need. That is my promise.

Here's what you get:

All the tools and tactics necessary to develop a strong mind to help you get the most out of the program
Access to all the other FAT Method participants so you have support and encouragement throughout the 8 weeks
An exercise plan you can do anywhere, anytime without having to go to the gym
First rate coaching and accountability to ensure you stick to the program and get the results you strive for.

Our next F.A.T. Method Group kicks off tonight. There is still time to jump in and get started.

Remember our goal is to create 50 life changing transformations in 2023.

We have 30 down and 20 to go! We want you to be one of them!

I hope to see you in this group!

Dedicated to your 2023 transformation!

Hit the RESET Button

Thu, 14 Sep 2023 11:19:06 GMT

Hit the RESET Button

I remember back in 80s when I had my Atari 2600 video game console. My brother and I would sit for hours playing games. Pitfall was my favorite. I remember my brother and I walking into Target with a jar of coins we had accumulated from odd jobs so we could buy that game.

In Pitfall you were running through the jungle swinging over tar pits filled with crocodiles trying to eat you or avoiding natives shooting poison darts at you. There were a lot of dangerous things trying to take you out. Sometimes I would start out and fall into a tar pit or become crocodile food early in the game. When that happened I would hit the "reset" button and start the game again so I could make better decisions and avoid the nasty things out to get me.

Losing weight can be like Pitfall. You are moving forward and making progress but fall into a "tar pit" where you lose motivation and momentum.

I always say that pursuing goals is a 2 step forward and 1 step back process. You take 2 steps forward eating well the vast majority of the time but then comes that period where life happens and you lose focus, motivation and allow bad habits to creep back in.

It's time to hit the RESET button and move 2 steps forward again. We have a great "RESET button" called the 5 DAY FAT LOSS CHALLENGE. It is designed to create order out of chaos with your nutrition and reinstate a culture of discipline in your life.

It includes:

5 days of coaching emails and videos
A private Facebook group for support, education and encouragement
A kickstart exercise plan
One coaching call with one of our nutrition coaches

This is a $99 value but we are doing it for FREE.

All you have to do hit the RESET button and restart your "fat loss game" is reply to this email and we will get you in and back on track with your fitness goals.

The First Day of YOUR New Beginning!

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 11:35:23 GMT

The First Day of YOUR New Beginning!

Drive by any school right now and you will see a parking lot filled with cars. Teachers, custodians and staff are working around the clock to prepare classrooms and buildings for the fresh faces that will walk through the doors in the coming days.

Talk to any parent of school age kids and you will hear of their many shopping trips to find just the right shoes and the exact school supplies.

Meet up with parents of college bound kiddos and you'll hear how their home was transformed into a dorm room holding area as they prepared to set up a home away from home for their grown up child.

Step outside and you will feel crisp morning temps with bright blue skies that warm comfortably throughout the Minnesota late summer days.

This is a wonderful time of year! New beginnings are most apparent in the spring, but different new beginnings happen in the fall. Sometimes I think of it like January and the coming of a new year, but in September the year already is 75% complete.

That means there is still 4 months to start something and see it to completion before we ring in a new year. And 4 months is a ton of time!

Becky set a goal in our 8 week summer F.A.T Method group to lose 10 pounds. She figured she would get a jump start and hit the goal in 12 weeks. Wrong! She nailed her goal in just 8 weeks because she followed the plan and put in the work.

Stephanie started online training and nutrition coaching 3 months ago. She is feeling better than ever with a 28 pound drop in weight.

These stories encourage me and I hope the same for you.

So often we hear people say "I just need to wait until school starts to get back into my routine" or "once the cabin trips stop and the kids go back to school I can focus on myself again."

In reality though, once school starts, there are new demands for your time. Fall sports, dance classes and church programs begin. Will you really have more time?

If you MAKE TIME for yourself you definitely will. Time doesn't grow on trees.

Becky started in June, Stephanie in May. Why those times? Because each of them decided that the TIME IS NOW. They made the time.

September is a time for new beginnings. Maybe a reset.

Where are you at Tracy? Do you need to declare a new beginning or call out a reset?

This September, I challenge you to make some serious time for yourself - your health, your fitness, your nutrition, your self care. I challenge you to put YOUR NEEDS and workouts on the calendar first and work everything else around them.

You matter! Your wellness matters! When you feel good about yourself everything in you, around you and for you is better.

No one has ever left the gym saying "I feel terrible after that workout." The exact opposite is true! Sure you might feel tired before you work out. No problem. Energy and good focus await you - IF you make the time. I mean WHEN you make the time!

Need some accountability with your new beginning or your reset? We can help! Click the blue button below to set up a complimentary Success Session. We will meet with you to learn about your lifestyle, habits, and obstacles, and determine the best program that has you reaching your goals before the end of 2023!

Let's get started!

Tracy Farrell

YouTube and TikTok are not the Answer

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 10:26:13 GMT

YouTube and TikTok are not the Answer

Relying on online videos simply doesn't work as a solid workout strategy.

Case in point. A few weeks ago I was on a fishing trip and went to workout in the hotel gym.

One of my dad's friends was in there working out too.

He is disciplined and does online Beach Body workouts 5 times per week. He had signed up for an 8-week online plan where he followed streaming workouts.

The problem was, he wasn't getting the feedback he needed to ensure he was doing the exercises correctly. For the vast majority of his workout, the exercises he was doing were being done with incorrect form.

I spent some time coaching him up and he was grateful because he could feel a BIG difference after I had made some corrections.

If you want to get the MOST out of your workouts you have to do things correctly.

Watching YouTube and TikTok videos for your "workout plan' doesn't work either. Just picking gimmicky workouts is a random approach and YOU CAN'T GET SPECIFIC RESULTS WITH A RANDOM APPROACH.

Honestly, the more videos you watch and people you follow the more confused you're gonna get because different gurus say different things.

Nothing beats having a live coach that knows you and will program specifically for your goals. A live coach that doesn't give you a cookie cutter program. A live coach that makes sure you are doing things right and continually getting the results you strive for.

If you are ready to invest in a program that is made for you and not the masses, then reply to this email or text me at 952-220-2448 to set up a SUCCESS SESSION. We will sit down and come up with the BEST plan for YOU based on YOUR goals, not what TikTok or YouTube decides.

Dedicated to your results,

Erik Peacock

Are You Committed or Just "Interested?"

Fri, 25 Aug 2023 10:30:39 GMT

Are You Committed or Just "interested?"

The first step to achieving massive success in any area of your life is COMMITMENT.

Not just part of the way but ALL of the way.

The definition of COMMIT is to devote yourself completely. Whether it be family, work or a specific goal such as fitness.

To steal the poker term you need to be "ALL IN." Not partially in, as in testing the waters or finding reasons not to commit at a particular time.

But making a firm decision to do something.

Once you're committed, you follow through with consistent actions towards that commitment.

Take marriage for example. When you get married you commit. You don't spend your time looking around for another spouse. You pour your efforts into making your marriage the best it can be. You are ALL IN.

Too often with fitness there is no commitment. Just interest.

You are interested in seeing results but can't seem to stick to anything - or commit.

Do any of these scenarios sound familiar?

You start a program. You're all excited and ready to go and then....you see something on Tik Tok or You Tube. All of a sudden, you're switching to that program- until another one comes along. You end up jumping from shiny object to shiny object and never getting any results.

Or - maybe the program is "too hard to follow" or "too boring" so you quit doing it only to keep restarting and spinning your wheels over and over again while getting NOWHERE.

You can break out of this cycle. But you have to COMMIT.

At the beginning of the year most folks are ALL IN. But a few weeks in you see only a few people who are truly committed.

So which are you?

Committed or just interested?

If you are truly committed to transforming your body and your life, then click the button below and let's get you a SOLID PLAN you can commit to.

I am here to help. At Puravida Fitness we've helped hundreds of folks find a plan and commit to it - and get amazing results. Let's let you be the next.

We are on a mission in 2023 to create 50 transformations i.e. people hitting BIG goals. We are over halfway there and we are COMMITTED to make this happen.

Click the button below to set up a complimentary Success Session with us and we will come up with a plan that makes your commitment pay off.

Dedicated to your 2023 breakthrough,

Erik Peacock

True Fitness is Like BINGO

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 10:46:52 GMT

True Fitness is Like BINGO

Years ago I had a very wise trainer named Chris Giesking. It is no surprise he is now teaching at a local college because he was full of wisdom.

One of the coolest lessons he taught me was that fitness is like BINGO.

B is your cardiovascular health

I is your strength

N is your flexibility

G is your core stability

O is your athleticism

He taught me to importance of covering all the letters on my "fitness bingo card."

Too many people end up being one dimensional when it comes to fitness.

Here are a few examples.

I have a client named Chris who ran marathons all the time. He was in great cardiovascular condition but when I asked him to do a bodyweight squat he could only get a quarter of the way down. It was no surprise when he threw out his back playing with his daughter.

It was obvious he was lacking core stability and mobility, as well as strength.

Another example is Mike. A huge power lifter who could squat 1,000 pounds. He was so immobile he would waddle up to the squat rack like a duck because his hips were so tight. Additionally, anytime he walked upstairs he would be sucking wind.

Very strong but zero flexibility and cardiovascular endurance.

Being truly fit and in shape really means you cover all the areas of the "BINGO card"

Being too strong in one area while others areas lack is not a good definition of in shape.

Balance is important even though you might need one area more depending on the types of activities you are drawn to.

I can hear Mr. Miyagi saying "balance Daniel-son" right now.

Do you need to cover up some areas on your "fitness bingo" card?

As they say "you are only as strong as your weakest link."

If you have some weak links to shore up, hit the blue button below and let's get those letters covered up and yell "BINGO" when it comes to your fitness.

Dedicated to your results,

Erik Peacock

Bring In The Experts

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 11:03:53 GMT

Bring In The Experts

At the beginning of July, I got word that the dog belonging to a friend of one of my friends went missing. He got spooked by fireworks while staying at a home other than his own and took off.

I didn't know the owner, but my heart for dogs is larger than life and my dog Rosey had such a fear of fireworks she could barely leave the house on July 4. This dog was lost in Burnsville, not far from where I live, so I knew I needed to help.

When I got to the location of his last sighting, I came across the owner and several other people searching for her dog. Many people were driving slowly through the neighborhood passing out fliers and talking to anybody and everybody who was outside. Other well meaning people were walking around calling out for him, shouting his name and whistling for him.

My thought at this point was to CALL IN THE EXPERTS - The Retrievers. They are an all-volunteer team based in Minnesota offering the tools, experience and expertise to reunite people with their lost dogs.

They map out the sightings, record the dog's whereabouts, set up feeding stations and trail cameras, and if necessary, use humane live traps to safely rescue and retrieve the dogs.

Chasing, calling or yelling for a lost dog in fright mode is on the "never do" list when it comes to finding lost dogs. Not everyone knows this though...which is why it was good to call in the experts.

After 15 days, the sweet dog was safely rescued - by none other than The Retrievers! Their Facebook page has one success story after another of dogs who have been rescued because of people who called in the experts.

We ALL need to call in the experts for one thing or another, don't we? I have no idea how to fix a hole in my ceiling after a water leak so I called in the experts. Come tax season, same story. Call in the experts.

Oftentimes people come to our gym looking to call in the experts. They are seeking people with knowledge on how to develop a complete workout program that will keep them motivated and bring them positive results. Others are seeking accountability and strategies to keep them on track with nutrition and weight loss.

If this is you, you are in luck. Like The Retrievers, we have helped hundreds of people hit life transforming goals. Check out some of our success stories right here.

If you are ready to call in the experts, click the button below to schedule a FREE Success Session and let's chat about how we can get you on the path to retrieving your best self!

Tracy Farrell

Your Muscles Aren't Tight They Are Weak!

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 11:40:58 GMT