Last week, I was excited to tell everyone about my Cardio Blast DVD. We received a generally positive response from our readers, most of whom are familiar with the online workout videos that I've done. Now I know that I don't have the perfect body. I used to weigh a lot more than I do now, and I probably have a good 20-30 pounds on most of the fitness models (yes, they're usually models, not trainers) who lead the workout DVDs that you see in stores. But does that mean that I can't lead YOU through a good workout that will help you reach your goals? I sure don't think so! But then I saw this comment, below my post about the DVD release: "You need to get those arms toned and get a makeup artist if you want to sell those workout videos in today's competitive market! People aren't going to buy your product if you don't embody the ideal. Hate me if you want to, but it's free advice a marketing professional would charge you money for." Ouch. That stung more than a little bit...and then I deleted it! (hehe, the power of admin privileges!) I've seen hundreds of comments on my YouTube workout videos, and this isn't the worst thing someone has said about Last week's experience inspired me to share some thoughts with all of you. I consider myself a fit person. I exercise five or six days a week, usually for over an hour per session. I lift weights and I'm not afraid of heavy ones, either. I do cardio 4-5 days per week, ran a 5K last year without training, and I've mastered some of the challenging Pilates moves that I couldn't do a year ago. I live an active lifestyle, and I choose activities that are fun so that I don't dread working out. I'm sorry if others who look at my body don't think I'm fit enough for their standards, but you know, I'm fit enough for me. A healthy lifestyle and a fit body comes with moderation—not obsession. There was a time in my life when I obsessed over calories, exercised way too much, and ate way too little. I looked very much like the fitness models you see on magazines and DVDs then—defined shoulders, abs and legs. I tanned, too. But you know what? I was obsessed. Although my body looked "ideal" in terms of fitness and just the right amount of definition, I was not healthy. I had an eating disorder. And it took me YEARS to really understand the concept of moderation and to find peace with my body and the food I ate. I used to look at photos of celebrities and other fit models and be jealous. Today I look at them and, while I'd love to look like that, I realize that—for me—it's not worth it. It's not worth not eating cake on my birthday; feeling hungry all the time; dragging myself out of bed at 5 a.m. to exercise for two and a half hours, and then again for another hour before I went to bed; choosing exercise over other fun activities with my friends; or losing my period for months at a time. Is that really the picture of health and fitness? Hardly. I'm not saying that every person who "looks" fit is obsessed or unhealthy. Some people have excellent genetics that allow their bodies to respond favorably to a healthy amount of exercise and a moderate diet. But for the rest of us? To be honest, it might not be in the cards for you unless you're willing to go to extremes. I don't want you to lower your standards or think that you'll never look good or be happy with your body, but I do think that there is much more to life than achieving what others consider to be the perfect body. I want to be the NEW picture of health and fitness--one that isn't about perfection. For too long, we've been bombarded with images of "beauty" each day and felt bad about ourselves. Most advertisers try to make you feel bad about yourself so that you'll buy a product, service, or even a workout DVD to make yourself better. Well, I'm not going to be a part of that. I'm a busy working professional with a house, a garden, a boyfriend, friends and a life outside the gym. I don't have all day to exercise, and even if I did, I'd probably choose a different way to spend my time. To me, exercising and eating right are just one—important—part of my life that allows me to live and enjoy my life to the fullest. I'm just like you. I'm a real person. But I'd like to think that I can still be an inspiration to others, even if I don't have a perfect body. Do I really need a makeup artist and more defined arms to help people feel empowered, motivated, and successful? I sure don't think so. When you see me, you can feel good about yourself instead of never feeling good enough.  You will earn 5 SparkPoints
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Comments
I have most of your workouts because I don`t feel intimidated by them .A lot of workout dvd`s are way too hard for an older,larger woman like myself. Report
Needless to say, I'm a guy and I enjoy guy things - which workout videos are typically not. A while back though I started having some foot issues and needed alternatives to the treadmill and I bought a couple of your videos. I won't go so far as to say I'm "comfortable" doing them, but I'll do them and I like your approach. You make it as comfortable as possible for a man with NO rhythm and terrible balance.
Thank you! Report
For me, this says you aren't into this to become the next big celebrity trainer/tv personality/product endorser. You're in this because it's an advocacy, one driven by your own struggles and triumphs.
That's the kind of coach we need. :) Report
And for the record, your arms look great and you have killer legs :-) I don't know what comes over some people that causes them to make such negative, off-the-wall comments, but don't buy into it. You have it all and I for one appreciate your fitness guidance! Report
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As a Christian I know there's so much more to me than what meets the eye. I'd rather be a kind and gentle woman being the most beautiful one on the planet. You? Report
You are beautiful inside and out :-) Report
You look great! Your workouts kick my butt! Report
Way to go! I mean I am so glad you feel the way you do.
I love your videos and you always look great doing the exercises.
People who think otherwise are the ones with the problem.
You are right to say that many of the people in the videos are not healthy.
So many people who look like that have eating disorders or are simply
underweight and definitely not fit.
Thanks for doing your videos, thinking about picking up one or two.
Keep up the great work! Report
When I was younger and only saw those "perfect" people, I would feel bad about myself and for many years thought worse and worse of myself (which led to overeating, stress, and of course weight gain).
Suddenly seeing a normal, real person who is still fit and healthy made me feel like its okay not to look like a tanned bag of bones.
Sometimes, on the days when I don't exercise, I still start to feel maybe I'm not good enough.
But, after exercising, and especially after hearing my boyfriend tell me he thinks I'm pretty or beautiful, I feel like... who cares what you look like as long as you're healthy?
The thing that helps me remember it is to think about love and relationships....
When you fall in love with someone, they are the most beautiful/handsome person in the world - even though someone else might think they are ugly.
An ancient Chinese philosopher once said "If there is beauty, there also exists uglyness"
So, maybe we should stop focusing on beauty, and start focusing on healthy instead^^ Report
You have helped me a lot. I'm always using your videos here on Sparkpeople to mix up my fitness routine. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Report
God Bless you, you are an inspiration. Report
Like many followers here, I totally agree with Coach Nicole.
Very point the "marketing professional" pointed out, is the reason I like Spark people's work out videos. After going through several different videos and found out "OK, those people in the videos are doing something else to be in that kind of shape", all I want is honest truth about exercise.
Anything extreme does not last long. After all, exercising and being in shape is everyday work for lifetime.
Anyway, I just wanted to say that there are tons of people who appreciate what you think and what you do, Coach Nicole.
And I posted a comment for first time in my life, just to tell you that. Report
You rock the healthy, 'just right' look, Nichole! You should be proud! Report