Inspiration from Todd Durkin

(photo credit)

I received Todd Durkin’s newsletter in my inbox yesterday and couldn’t wait to share this article with all of you.  This came at a perfect time as I am working on a fitness page for this blog that I hope will motivate and inspire you to get moving.  I met Todd in San Diego at last year’s ACE Fitness conference.  At the end of the first day, after attending two other workout sessions and basically working out all day, I went to Todd’s boot camp class. To say I was tired and sore would be an understatement.  I ended up having a great time and an amazing workout because of the energy this guy brought into the building.  It’s no wonder that he has so much success training the big-time athletes like Drew Brees, Cole Hamels and Shaun White.  I hope that you will take the time to read this short article.  I know it will motivate and inspire you to lace up your shoes and get moving.

“Lace Up Your Shoes”



By Todd Durkin, MA, CSCS, Owner, Fitness Quest 10 

My newest client is my oldest client. Just this week, I had one of those high impact moments I would love to tell you about. I met Alice Danskin when she came into my performance center, Fitness Quest 10, to work with one of our superstar personal trainers – Meg Kruse. Their first session together was in our upper studio (“The Roots”). I raced upstairs, caught a fair amount of their session and then stayed afterwards to talk. It was a great first session: a little client history in training and athletics, questions about previous injuries and special concerns, goal setting. What you’d expect.  
      I watched as Alice followed Meg’s instructions.  Hover plank – check, bodyweight squats – check, modified pushups, balance work – check, cardio – check, and so on. She did awesome. She was motivated, goal-oriented, focused and enthusiastic. She had unbelievable energy, vitality and spirit. Her strength was better than many and the overall package was extraordinary… You see, Alice is 87 years old. 
      We have several standout clients in their 70s and 80s who train with us. Alice is our newest… and our oldest. After her session, she told me a few wonderful stories found only in history books and the cherished memories of someone who lived through some of this country’s most notable events (The Great Depression, World War II, the list goes on). My favorite story from Alice took place when she played high school basketball in the mid-1930s. The women weren’t allowed to pass half-court (just imagine) and they had to wear special dress-like “bloomers” for a uniform.  
      A great story. A great moment that got me thinking. What drives someone at the age of 87 to START training with a personal trainer or coach? There’s something here for all of us. I learned three lessons from my short encounter with Alice. 
1.  It’s never too late to get fit… or to get better. Feeling past your prime? Wish you started working out 10 years or 10 pounds ago? Worried you lost your edge and you’ll never regain it? Get over it! No more excuses. My friends, lace-up your sneakers, and START exercising today – regardless of your age, shape, size, or level.  
2.  You’ve got to commit now! To world-class fitness… to world-class eating… to world-class recovery…and to world-class ENERGY. Chance are you’re going to live a long life. But the quality of living is mostly up to you and the choices you make. I hope you choose world-class living. Commit today. Take the first step and never look back. 
3.  Ready, FIRE, aim!! There is no perfect time. No perfect situation. It’s corny but it’s true: Today IS the first day of the rest of your life. Alice is investing in her quality of living at 87 as she looks to her 90s. What about you? Are you investing in yourself? In your future? Your sneakers are on and they’re all laced up. You took the first step. It’s your time to fly. 
      For 10 years, I have taken pride in knowing we serve a diverse clientele at FQ10. From Joes to Pros and everything in between. Many inspire me. Alice did. And I hope she inspires you too. Imagine yourself at 87 embarking on a new adventure. Making a commitment. Investing in your future. Start today because the message is clear: It’s never too late to commit to your future. September is a great month for new beginnings. Maybe not the blockbuster of fresh starts we love each January. But still a good time to initiate or renew your efforts and finish strong for 2010. Because life is for the living. So live well. Live world-class.   
Peace and love,

Todd

Todd Durkin, MA, CSCS, is a personal trainer and massage therapist who motivates, educates and inspires people worldwide.  He is the owner of Fitness Quest 10 in San Diego, CA, where his wonderful team of 35 focuses on personal training, massage therapy, Pilates, yoga, sports performance training and nutrition to help transform the bodies, minds and spirits of a broad clientele.  Todd trains dozens of NFL and MLB athletes and provides motivational talks and programs to companies and conferences worldwide. He is a featured presenter on the Perform Better educational circuit and he is the Head of the Under Armour Performance Training Council.  Men’s Health recently named his gym, Fitness Quest 10, one of the Top 10 Gyms in the US.  Todd has appeared on 60 Minutes, ESPN, NFL Network and has been featured in Sports Illustrated, USA Today, Business Week, Prevention, ESPN the Magazine, Men’s Health, Men’s Fitness, Men’s Journal, Stack Magazine, Self, Shape, Fitness, the NY Times and Washington Post.  Todd has authored 35 DVDs on strength and conditioning, functional fitness, massage/bodywork and business/personal growth.  Todd conducts 3.5-Day Mentorships several times per year and ongoing Mastermind Groups for trainers seeking business and personal growth.  Sign up for his FREE award-winning Ezine newsletter, TD TIMES, at www.FitnessQuest10.com or www.ToddDurkin.com. Todd’s new book, The IMPACT! Body Plan is available for pre-sale now through Amazon and hits newstands on Sept 28, 2010.



I did not receive any kind of compensation for blogging this…I just really liked it!

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