January 30, 2009FRIDAY 090130
Six women trainers in this photo from Mt. Baker CrossFit. How many women trainers do you have at your affiliate? One week out from FilFest 09 (aka The Affiliate Gathering). If you haven't signed up already, do it now, because we're about to hit the cap. Now, in our ongoing series of Words for Affiliates by Affiliates, CrossFit Gulf Coast's Frank DiMeo thinks weakness might be a crime . . . A Crime
by Frank DiMeo
Weakness is a crime against yourself. That's a bold statement, not completely original, but true nonetheless. Every time I hear about a young person getting diabetes due to obesity and lack of exercise, it really bothers me. Every time I hear about an older person falling and breaking their hip, it really bothers me. Every time I hear about a young father or mother having a heart attack around age 35 or so, it really bothers me. In fact, it does more than bother me. It makes me really both sad and angry, not at the people, but at the situations that brought on these various conditions. Most of which are probably avoidable. When I see these things in the people I know and love, I cannot describe to you how that makes me feel. Somewhere between hugging them and begging them to do something to improve their health and shaking them vigorously while asking them if their brains are simply turned off probably lies the answer. Why people choose to ignore the obvious is beyond me. Let me set the stage a little on why this is so important to me. You see, I was a fat kid growing up. No, I didn't say obese, I said fat. I am referring to myself so no one should get all riled up about that phrase, okay? As I got a little bit older and discovered what exercise could do for me, I was thrilled. I went for it with gusto! I played sports, I lifted weights (incorrectly of course, back then), I swam, and stayed active. The "curse" had been broken, thank GOD! Many of the people I really care about have not made that decision. How about the people you care about? Does it bother you as a trainer or coach to see them going downhill healthwise? I have often said the most dangerous weapon in America is not a handgun, it's the fork. I believe that obesity and its related diseases are a bigger threat to us all than any terrorist. Why do we allow this danger to enter our homes? Why do parents allow their kids to stay on the computer for hours and do nothing physical whatsoever? Maybe it's because they are in horrible shape themselves and can't justify telling the kids to do something they are unwilling to do themselves. Some even fear telling their own kids to do anything at all. Other blame it on "not having any time" to cook healthy meals or workout. Does it take less time to eat junk food, and spend hours watching TV as they become one with their couch? Whatever reasons (aka excuses) they give, none of them are any good. That's right, none! If people are honest with themselves, they usually always have time and money for they really want to do most. So here's why this is a crime against themselves (and against their families). Sooner or later, these bad habits accumulate enough to noticeably impact their health. Often times, their ability to work is interrupted or brought to a screeching halt. Debt skyrockets due to the high cost of prescription drugs, etc. Savings disappear, if they had any to start with. Marriages get strained to the max and the downward spiral has started. Eventually it can lead to a nursing home or death. The bad part about it is this: It probably could have all been avoided. Making some smarter food choices, and implementing a consistent exercise program could have really helped. When you look at loved one or good friend and see them in terrible shape, realize what they are doing to themselves. When they light up that cigarette or shove more junk food in their mouth as you are watching, think about what you can do to help change those habits in them. Can you reach them? Can I? Not easily. But if you can, you have prevented a crime from taking place. Posted by Lisbeth at January 30, 2009 12:05 AMComments
Great article Frank. I'm borrowing your line "the most dangerous weapon in America is not a handgun, it's the fork." Comment #1 - Posted by: JamesCFAddiction at January 30, 2009 4:23 AMGreat read Frank! This gets right to the heart of the matter. Most people know when they are out of shape, overfat or on a poor diet. They know they should change their habits. Why can't/won't they? Can we "talk" someone into better fitness? As a Firefighter, we run A LOT of medical calls, a majority of which could be considered "syndrome X" related. We see first hand, the worst effects of poor diet/habit choices and lack of exercise. The emotional and monetary cost to the families, community and Country are staggering. It's disheartening... Comment #2 - Posted by: Mike Manning Hc2 at January 30, 2009 4:27 AMGreat article post Lis, well done Frank. 50% of the trainers at BCF are female (grantid, it is only Jeannie and I, but still, it's 50%! LOL!) Merle, yes, that is me with the mohawk....and the pics in dc with the beard and no mohawk....and the video sporting a marine buzz with a chin only go-t and pressing jeannie for reps while she is in a handstand! (I get bored about every 10 days or so with a look and so it goes, and I change it up! Next week I plan on being a 5'2 65 year old over weight black woman... that will really throw people off! lol!) Cheers! Accept the Challenge, Train Hard amd Push Through "IT"! Comment #3 - Posted by: JroCk - Beach Crossfit at January 30, 2009 5:29 AMConstantly varied,functional makeovers done at high intensity JROCK! Come up for a visit sometime!
Thanks for the encouraging words everyone! Comment #5 - Posted by: Frank at January 30, 2009 7:32 AMLMFAO! Comment #6 - Posted by: JroCk - Beach Crossfit at January 30, 2009 8:05 AMGreat article. I often have these same thoughts/concerns/feelings. The best gift you can give a family member or friend is to guide them to better health. There is nothing more important. Comment #7 - Posted by: dan thacker at January 30, 2009 8:18 AMI was just informed by my partner that the ratio here at BCF is 75% female.... LOL! Comment #8 - Posted by: JroCk - Beach Crossfit at January 30, 2009 8:50 AMWe have a bunch of ladies here at CrossFit LA - me, Dawn, Cill and Jennifer are currently or have instructed here in the past. There was a time in the past where it was all female instructors and Andy! Comment #9 - Posted by: Becca at January 30, 2009 8:52 AMThere are definitely too many parents that are so out of shape themselves that they can't/won't tell their kids to get out and move. Sad. And that attitude translates to other areas of life. We see so many parents that want to be friends with their kids that they won't tell them 'no.' Be friends with your kids when they're adults. They need you to be parents first. Parents who Crossfit! Comment #10 - Posted by: Cynthia at January 30, 2009 8:59 AMGreat article Frank! BTW, I'll be back home after FilFest for a week so I'll be stopping by for a WOD. 7 days, 2 hours, 50 minutes until I'm back stateside...but who's counting...? :-D - Alex Comment #11 - Posted by: Alex Europa at January 30, 2009 11:23 AMAs for female trainers, we have 4 Females, (plus 4 Males... with 2 more Men in the wings, heading to their L 1 cert in FEB) and a few "prospects" , who happen to be female, up and coming. All were/are "homegrown". No "outsiders" male or female need apply. . But for any of you established trainers (especially the ladies), looking for some sunny Florida CrossFitting, we might make an exception! We're starting to get over run! Comment #12 - Posted by: Mike Manning Hc2 at January 30, 2009 11:34 AM#8 J-rock: "I was just informed by my partner that the ratio here at BCF is 75% female.... Now that is the funny-ist thing I think you've ever said. Comment #13 - Posted by: penty at January 30, 2009 2:16 PMThank you for posting the picture. They are from the back left to right, Rachel, Jodi and my gorgeous wife, Rhonda. Front from the left is Ashleigh, Tricia and Brittany. They are all zoners, consistent CrossFitter's and are a tremendous asset to Mt. Baker CrossFit. Not pictured are our trainers, Amy(a new mommy of twin girls) and Kathleen (CF level 1 at our Whidbey Island facility), Ty (Kid's trainer assistant at Mount Vernon). Donny (Amy's husband)is a trainer at Mount Vernon. Lt. Chad Hamm and CPO Trent Barnes are also CF Level 1 and train at our Whidbey Island location. Comment #14 - Posted by: Skip Chase at January 30, 2009 5:00 PMGood article, Frank. I always enjoy your posts. We are kindred spirits and carry the same banner...perhaps its our age. Comment #15 - Posted by: Skip Chase at January 30, 2009 5:59 PMWe have three outstanding female trainers up here at CrossFit Bellevue. Janice Spray will be shooting for one of the covetted spots to this years games. Great article, the best example for a child is a parent. Be it parenting or the military the number one rule is lead from the front and set an example other's want to follow. Our children are our legacy its up to us to make sure they are healthy, educated and give back more to society then they have been given. Comment #16 - Posted by: Dan C at January 30, 2009 6:02 PMFrank- I'm ridin' your wave with similar thoughts. It makes my head spin when I see overweight kids with their overweight parents. These children are growing up to find themselves in a tailspin of cyclical lifestyle behaviors. My brother in law has said more than once to people who complain about needing to lose weight.."Put the fork down." You are right Frank, it's excuses not reasons people give for not putting the fork down and getting off the couch. It is my hope through our affiliate I can change even 1 person's lifestyle so they can see that they are WORTHY of giving time to better themselves through fitness-CrossFit style. Comment #17 - Posted by: Fit Mom in CT of CrossFit Persevere (F38/125/5'3") at January 30, 2009 6:19 PMGood words, Frank. But, like drug addicts alcoholics, you can't make people change(or sell them) - they have to make the decision and do it themselves. We are at peace with that. Its too frustrating to coach and preach to deaf ears. Our mission is to transfer our passion for, and knowledge of fitness to our clients and make them fit beyond their expectations. Thats all we can do. Our motto is: "If you don't come, we don't care. If you do, we care." Comment #18 - Posted by: CraigH-DiabloCrossFit at January 30, 2009 7:17 PMI definitely need to visit that box. Looking good ladies! Comment #19 - Posted by: freddy c._one world at January 30, 2009 9:58 PMFrank, Great Job. I have mulled over this situation much. I see so many people I care about, people that I know are not lazy or unmotivated in other area's of their lives, and I must fight the urge to grab them and shake them. I want to say please, let me help you, you don't have to be like this. Comment #20 - Posted by: Jerimiah at January 31, 2009 8:24 PMPost a comment |
