October 2017
This October at Fit For Anything we have lots to celebrate and also to look forward to. However, success isn't always easy and often we have obstacles that we think will prevent us from achieving our goals. But those obstacles are there to be overcome - to be climbed, hurdled, and sometimes to literally drag yourself through - but success is all the sweeter when you come through the other side.
These obstacles might be physical, they might be mental, they might be situations that mean you are short on time or motivation. We all have to make a choice to overcome them.
In this October Newsletter, I couldn't think of anyone better than client Geoff to talk about his experiences, how it affects his everyday life, his outlook and his training.
Geoff can you tell us a little about you?
I am 55 and a journalist by profession as well as a motivational speaker.
I was born with disabilities associated with thalidomide – the drug was given to women in the late 50’s/early 60’s to help with morning sickness. As a result, I have an upper limb disability and poor vision.
How have you adapted to overcome these?
I have to make some adjustments in daily life, to make things in life a little easier and more practical. This can include technology, or help when I need it but I don’t see impairments as an obstacle – I just do things differently when I need to.
How did you get into training with Roel?
I have always been a member of gyms and met Roel whilst at Riverside in Northwood. He helped me with one of the machines. Just from our first conversation, I knew he was different. He goes above and beyond and we have a great relationship and shared ethos.
How do you tailor your training to meet your needs?
I need to make some adaptations to my training. However, what made Roel different to other trainers I had worked with, was that this didn’t mean adapting to a low expectation or a soft approach. There wasn’t a compromise – just a different way. I may not be able to do some exercises but I could do more of others.
What advice would you give to those who feel like obstacles such as time, fitness or physical ability stop them from achieving their full potential?
The only obstacles that exist are in your head. To demolish them you just need to change your thinking. Whatever life throws at you, the solution might not be conventional but there is always a way to overcome challenges – even if it is a variation.
What is your greatest achievement?
In terms of training definitely, getting to grips with the bosu ball. I am doing things now I never thought possible. When I first started training I didn’t believe I could ever balance on it. I would say to Roel “you need to support me, I can’t do it”. But what I needed to learn to do was to trust Roel. I needed to change my thinking that I wasn’t good enough. Now I’m not only balancing on the bosu ball – I’m doing squats on it!
Roel Jansen demonstrates a Bosu Ball squat. This requires balance and technique but is a great workout for quads, calves and core stability.
This months' blogs have been centered on the theme of overcoming obstacles - both literally, physically and mentally. If your mind is setting the obstacles in the way of physical success then check out the Fit For Anything blog on overcoming mental blocks for some inspiration or the full interview with Geoff.
A HUGE THANK YOU !!!!!
Following my incredible adventure at the OCR World Championships in Canada I would like to say an enormous thank you to all my clients who have supported me with sponsorship, donations and well wishes. Superb team effort!
Imran Ahmed, Penny Newman, Paul Stoica, Caroline Isaacs, Simon Hargreaves, Phil Ladmore, Victoria Peckett, Sanjay Lakhani, Mukesh Lakhani, Rajeev Lakhani, Kashap Karia, Ravi Karia, Sadhana Karia, Vyoma Karia, Jahnvi Karia, Jackie Kessess, Geoff Adams-Spink, Ronak Mashru, Nicki Cawood, Emily Cooper, Sarah Rowe, Rita Doherty, Vimal Pau, Tahir Alloo, Conrad Tokarcyzk, Harry Lomas, Florin Stoica and Sudheer Gupta.
You are MASSIVE STARS and I am forever grateful as it wouldn't have happened without YOU!!!
It is not too late to donate...please visit my go fund me page until the end of October for further details.
If you are interested in more pictures videos and info on OCR check out the FFA Facebook page or the OCR World Championships website.
Our H2O and Improve running performance sessions at Merchant Taylors are now in full swing. If you have been inspired by the OCR World Championships then perhaps join our How to Obstacle-run and Improve running performance Facebook group to stay up to date, check out www.fitforanything.net or come to a session and try it out!
Further sessions for 2017 are:
Sat 21st October Sat 11th November Sat 25th November
Sat 2nd December Sat 9th December
Well done to all and of course to the Fit For Anything (FFA) clients who took part in various events over October. This included:
*The Moor Park 10K and Junior Fun Runs - 1/10
Well done to Olivia's school Christ Church Chorleywood who won both the Under 7's and Under 12's age categories and had 5 top 3 places
Coming up this Autumn! Don't forget to sign up or come and support your FFA family!
Ricky Road Run - The 10-mile run - 29/10. All the best to Lauren Diventura and her husband.
Nuclear Fallout OCR event 11/11 in Brentwood, Essex nuclear-races.co.uk
Watford Autumn (off-road) 10K - 26/11http://www.raceonline.uk/race-entry/watford10k
FFA is also going to put a team together to participate in (Half, 5 miles) - 7/7 + 8/7 2018.
Please see event details here: Tough Mudder London North
The event is near Hemel Hempstead which is the nearest obstacle event for FFA clients. Each month there is a price rise, so please let me know if you are up for this. The FFA team will ensure all participants will finish and have a fantastic day!
For more information on any upcoming events, new sessions or availability, get in touch.
You can Be(come) Fit For Anything!
All the best,
Roel