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How Boot Camp Classes Squelch Negativity

By Daniel Iversen

Today I talked with a great boot camp member who confessed something.

She told me she had to break up with her boyfriend...

...over boot camp!

Wow.
Well...
You know...

So often, when people profess the desire to join Portland Boot Camp, they receive derision from so-called friends, family, or even spouses.

As soon as those unfortunate women so much as whisper they are joining, they receive derogatory remarks.

Sometimes the remarks are subtle. The “friend” may pretend to feel concerned and say things like, "But you don't need to lose weight - who wants to do all that exercise - it'll never work - you've tried other plans and classes before, why waste your money?"

Now, sometimes they are right. Maybe the person HAS tried a lot of different things and they are expressing genuine concern.

But quite often the harsh reality is: they aren't concerned at all.

Instead, they feel threatened.

They know, subconsciously, if their target dares to improve themselves, then they will have to face their own feelings, insecurities, and growing self-dissatisfaction.

For them, the easiest way to avoid self-improvement is to attack others for trying.

Fortunately, there are ways to handle these would-be success-interrupters.

Here are a few examples.

You could: Let's get real here: if someone wants to stop you from getting fit, they have issues.

And perhaps it's time to think about whether they add value to your life or rob you of your right to improve your life as you see fit.

Here are a few favorite phrases of the fitness haters...

"Oh, come on. One piece won’t hurt!"

"Just a bite! LIVE a little...it's so good you won't believe it!"

Or...

"Running? Oooh I hate running. Why would you want to do that?"

"Oooh. Exercise. We're all gonna die anyway. What's the point?"

The whole charade is designed to make the receiver feel guilty or negative about self-improvement.

But it's all designed to give the antagonist psychological relief from having to exert EFFORT for self-change.

As they say, "Misery Loves Company."

So true.
So true.

Stay the course. Decide what is right for YOUR life.

And if it is Portland Boot Camp...

I will be there with you, and for you as always.

Live long and laugh a lot,

- Coach Daniel Iversen, NASM-CPT, PES

About the Author:

Daniel Iversen, NASM-CPT, PES
Portland Adventure Boot Camp
www.portlandbootcamp.com
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