by Judith Lombard

I have the privilege of working with all kinds of people on their journey toward health and fitness. It really is a privilege because I have the opportunity to see a real side of them many people don’t get to see. I am able share their triumphs and be a part of their individual successes. However it’s also a privilege to be with someone when he or she is struggling, or is frustrated and who needs help. This is the journey, and we all share it, whether we are thin, heavy, healthy, or unhealthy.

The other day I met with a friend who wanted to share information about a product she was promoting. She complimented me by saying I was a “specimen” of health and fitness. It took me back for a moment. Me? I remember another time when a Challenger told me she walked into Freestyle last summer and saw this amazing body and wondered who it was; she said it was me. I was surprised again. I was a “specimen of fitness?” I was the one with an “amazing body?” Don’t get me wrong. I don’t have body dysmorphia, but I don’t see myself like that at all. Really I see myself as constantly struggling. I am always watching what I eat, always working out, and always concerned about staving off cancer, diabetes and heart disease, all of which plague my family.

I get discouraged all the time. It’s not fair that I have to watch what I eat so carefully, or have to work out so hard ALL the time to maintain my weight. I cut gluten, dairy, beef, pork, shellfish, beans, beer (gluten)… sometimes I cut all grains… This past year I trained for my 2nd degree (5 classes a week) and taught an average of 7-8 classes a week. This routine allowed me to maintain… to maintain. It doesn’t seem fair that with that type of activity I cannot eat anything I want. It doesn’t seem fair that with such a disciplined diet I need to work out that often, that hard all the time… but I do. I look at other people who frequently eat junk food and appear in better shape, and I think it’s not fair.

After my Black Belt test I decided to take a break; my neck, my body and my mind needed it. My break lasted about 2 months. During those months I still taught my fitness classes, but averaged only about 5 classes a week and none were Kickboxing. My diet took a break as well. I let myself eat some gluten and drink more champagne. However my calories consistently remained around 1300-1400. Not bad. In short, I’m maintaining an above average workout schedule, and my diet is decent, but guess what? I’ve gained 7 lbs! It’s not fair!

This is what I tell my struggling clients when we talk about the journey. Here I am the Fitness Director of one of the most elite facilities in town, and I struggle with my weight, my health and my fitness. I tell them, it’s not fair, but… it’s no excuse. We have two choices- we can let it stop us, or we can step up and get to work, everyday. No one will care that it’s harder for us. No one will give us an extra reward for working harder than the next person. In fact, we are the only ones who care. We have to make the choice every time, every day. Yes the next person can enjoy that Snickers bar of goodness, but we have to be satisfied with a Lara Bar. Yes the next person can get away with the occasional walk around the block to maintain her physique, but I know I need to burn at least 600 calories in a workout for it to even count.

For me it’s not fair, but it’s my journey. It’s imperfect, as I am, and while I cannot guarantee my fitness levels in the future, I can guarantee my effort. Rest assured, it will always be there. For those of you who can relate don’t let fairness get in your way. Do what is right for your body, for your health and your wellness. Make it a journey worth taking.