Hello Again. I had a request to share my experience of getting my YogaFit Level 1 trainer’s certificate. It was held in an Atlanta suburb in a Lifetime Fitness facility. I’m sure you’re wondering if Smokey (my Shih Tzu) went along. Well, of course he did. So, it was Smokey, me and 21 females. Don’t ask me how I get myself into these situations because I do not know..just lucky I guess. I will tell you now that we (Smokey and me) the only two males there, had a great time and the ladies welcomed us with open arms.

 

Now, you must understand that it’s not every day that you see a 230lb. bodybuilder, with an eleven pound dog ( in his pet carrier) attending a Yoga class… let alone be an instructor. We made new friends and it was an enlightening experience…. which is why we attended. You see, regardless of how I look and what I do, I am traveling on a personal spiritual journey and I’m leaving no stone unturned. My journey has been going on for many years now. I hope you won’t mind if I touch on that along the way.

 

YogaFit is a trademarked non-traditional style which I found out about several years ago while living in Florida. It was introduced to me by a true earthly angel and I will forever be indebted to her. It was “shelter from the storm” for me. I originally attended the class because of the athletic benefits, but much to my surprise it went far..far beyond that. During the weekend class, we were surrounded by an awesome group of people. In total we (Smokey and me) spent 18 hours on the mat over the course of two days. At the end I was so energized, but as the same time, totally exhausted. It was an amazing experience. In order to complete my certification I must give 8 hours of community service. I am in the process of that now. You see, giving back is so important in life and the YogaFit organization exemplifies this. They are God sent and I am so very humbled to part of their family.

 

Breathing is extremely important in the practice of yoga. It unifies your mind, body, and spirit. It, dramatically, lowers stress and blood pressure. Most importantly, Yoga helps you to focus and keeps you in the Now. We learn to let go of competition, judgment, and unrealistic expectations. In the past years of my journey, I have come to want less, know more and shy away from drama, negativity and mindless conversation. I find myself studying nature more….being in awe of things we so easily take for granted, craving silence and the simple truth. The Yoga breath will cleanse your body and your mind.

 

Along with the “breath”, the movements will allow you to feel and to listen to your body. This wonderful practice will also assist you in letting go of self expectations and to observe life without judgment.

 

 The Yoga positions were designed to help quiet your mind and body for meditation. In my life, prayer is me talking to God and meditation is God talking to me. Allow me to quote a few sentences form Beth Shaw’s (the founder of YogaFit) 2^nd Edition book.  “You are not trying to find anything through the practice of meditation. Rather, it is through meditation that you are found. It is a mistake to think that through meditation you are trying to become somebody else. The true intent of yoga and meditation is to become the best possible version of yourself”.

 

 Yoga is not a religion, but a way to obtain a stronger relationship with yourself, your fellow man and your Higher Power. We are faced with new obstacles each day, although our core beliefs and truths stay the same: simply look into your heart.

 

I urge anyone, male or female, to try YogaFit or any style of Yoga to discover the simple wonders that await you. I wish you well on your journey.

 

Homework assignment:

 

•  Dream dreams and bring them into reality.

 

•  Forgive.

 

•  Smile.

Namaste,

Tom

                            

Hey There,

Friday, August 6, 2010 at 6am my sister, Tammie, Smokey (my dog) and I took off for Jacksonville Fl to “The Dexter Jackson Classic” bodybuilding show. I ate dry pasta and drank water until noon. I had to drop the water in order to be “tight” for the show.” Tight” is a term used in the sport that means minimum subcutaneous water, which makes the skin appears tight. This allows your musculature to be more pronounced, to appear larger. 

Bodybuilding shows have a “pre-judging” in the morning where the winner is chosen. You are compared to each of the others in your class. My class was “The Over 50 Men”. Each year the competition grows stronger. It is amazing to see these finely tuned men at 50, 60 and sometimes over 70. There is no way to imagine it. It must be witnessed.  At the “ finals” the contestants perform a 60-90 second routine to music they have selected and show their “work” to an audience of fans cheering on their sons, daughters, husbands, wives, and significant others. One thing I found overwhelming about this sport is the way the competitors cheer for each other. That, my friends, is not often seen and makes “us” even more unique.

Well, to make a long story short…..I WON !!!!! The best Over 50 man. I train, eat and live my life to win, but if I don’t …it’s OK. My biggest battle is the one with myself. It’s ME vs. ME. I have won (in my heart) if I am in better condition than last year. If I have done my homework, I am good with it. If I win, there is no one in which to share the glory. If I don’t, I have only myself to blame for exceeding the standards I have set for myself. This mind set has carried over into everything I do. It has truly made me a better person. I thank my Creator every day for that.

 All of those who stand on a bodybuilding stage are “winners” just because they are there. You are a winner because you set goals for yourself and followed through, regardless of any negativity from those who do not have the strength of will or of the mind.  

Bodybuilding is a solitary lifestyle, regardless whether you may have a workout partner or not. It’s just you and the weight.  There is no team to blame for the loss or share in the revelry. Perhaps that’s what drew me to it in the beginning. It is a science which becomes an art form. You must constantly stay in tune with your body. What worked last year may not work this year. The idea is to create a balanced physique.  To be successful you must read and learn the latest information on training, nutrition and supplementation. To be in charge of your body you must be in charge of your mind. You are what you think. 

I know very few are into bodybuilding. However, I urge you all to begin some type of an exercise program… even if it’s just a daily walk. People, in general, do not like the discipline of an exercise program.  But, I promise you, if you persevere…. in a short time you will come to cherish the high with which it comes, including mental clarity and physical well being. Surround yourself with positive people who are enjoying the benefits of fitness. Don’t be afraid to ask for their advice or help. 

And I quote: “no man can fail, if some one person sees him as successful”. Such is the power of the vision, and many a great man has owed his success to a wife, sister, or friend who “believed in him/her” and held without wavering to the perfect pattern”. 

 I am blessed with the success I have experienced in this thing we call “bodybuilding”. I am one of a few amateurs who have gained a contract from a supplement company and have photos in the industry magazines. I tell you now, as God as my witness, I owe my sister for her undying support, her faith in me and for being my best friend in the world. For the 13 years I have been competing she has never left my side.  I have stood on stages from South Florida to Columbus, Ohio. I could not always see her, but I can hear her screaming SMILE!!!!!.

 She did, however, talk me into letting her paint my finger nails when I was about 10.  When I realized…YIKES!!!!  This crap doesn’t come off.  I took off running like a kid shot out of a cannon to my Grandmother (one of my heroes) who got out the polish remover and saved the day. WHEW!  Yet another close call. I’m still a bit upset about that.

It seems as though I am getting closer to that “inner chick” thing I was telling you about. 

Let me back track just one quick moment….that “smile” comment was meant for you too. It is very contagious and unless it makes you smile….don’t look back.

Your homework assignment is:

•  Hold hands with your Sweetie and feel that hand inside of yours.
•  When you say “I love you”, mean it.
•  Watch clouds.
• Listen to your dog snore.
• Live in the “NOW”.

MEMAWISM OF THE DAY:    Me, my, mercy.

Peace,

Tom

Hello everyone. I’m Tom Doyle. I am a personal trainer and certified to consult on nutritional programs. The wonderful ladies at WBN have invited me to join them on a journey across the universe traveling on this marvel they have created, called “The Women’s Broadcast Network.”  When one of the ladies told me of this idea I knew the Spirits were with them. Then, low and behold, they wanted me to be a part of it.  

I became light, you know…like weighing less… got it?  I was thinking …ME? What a blessing.  Then, a tear. I suddenly remembered something I stumbled upon in this world of information and I felt I should share it with you. I have no idea exactly where or from whom it came, however, I wish I did so I could give them a big hug:

 “THERE IS SACREDNESS IN TEARS. THEY ARE NOT THE MARK OF WEAKNESS, BUT OF POWER. THEY SPEAK MORE ELOQUENTLY THAN TEN THOUSAND TONGUES.THEY ARE THE MESSENGERS OF OVERWHELMING GRIEF, AND UNSPEAKABLE LOVE”. 

One of things I would like to do here, with your permission, is to share quotes I have come across along the way. Perhaps, they find me. Either way they oftentimes shed light when we are in the shadows.

This labor of love called WBN is straight from The Source. I am one of the lucky ones asked to be a part of the journey. But, then again……So are you…. because you will be sharing the lives of the wonderful people you will meet along the way. Just remember, you are one of those wonderful people as well.

What I am doing here you ask?      Well…..

I am going to share my research, findings and personal experience on training, nutrition, general health, and more. BUT!!!! I can assure you that I will do my best to stay in tune with the latest findings coming down the pike about weight loss, skin rejuvenation “look good and feel good stuff”. Some good, some not so much. This has been my life for a long while. Check it out and know that I am upfront and honest with the information.  I will, for the most part, have periodicals to back it up. Please feel free to send me questions or suggestions. I can take it
 

I have been a certified personal trainer for 15 years, but training myself for almost half of my life. I operate two “ladies only” boot camps; one is at Southside Medical Center (in Atlanta, GA) for the staff. The other is my personal camp. The name is…ok are you ready???   “BOOTY KAMP”. 

At 55 years young I am still competing in bodybuilding shows. As a matter of fact I am on my way to one this weekend, August 7 in Jacksonville, FL. I know, you have to be crazy to do that and look like that…but I do.  However, I think you will come to like me and enjoy reading my “meanderings”. 

My sister, who is 3 years younger and my best friend, will be driving me and my trusty sidekick, and other best friend, Smokey (my 1 year old Shih Tzu) from Atlanta to the show on Friday. Together we will chronicle the event for you. It should be fun and, hopefully, it will interest you. My sister has been my biggest fan over the past 13 years of competing. I am blessed to have her, Smokey, the ladies of WBN and now YOU in my life. 

Oh yea!  I almost forgot.

Did you have a Memaw, Granny, Grandmother, or Nanna?  I thought so. Some time ago a dear friend of mine thought that we should compile a list of sayings from this very special group of “Girls”. So, thrown in with all of the other things, I thought I would add, from time to time, what I will fondly refer to as “MEMAWISMS”. Please feel free to send me yours. This part will be in honor of my special friend and her “Mems”( short for Memaw.)

Finally, a dear friend of mine from WBN told me that I am in touch with my “inner chick”. OMG. I truly did not know what to say…or, for that matter…what to think. I’m OK with it now and understand what that means… ..I think. So, you might want to hear about that as well. Oh come on, you know you want to hear about that. Trust me; this one will require some “splainin”.

So, jump on board the Estrogen Express and experience this journey we call Life.

*Memawism of the day:   “Well, bless your heart”.

 

Peace,

Tom