Copy Cats Aren’t Cool

Over the last week some disturbing images have come across my Facebook news feed. No, they aren’t bloody or sick or anything like that. But the process behind them is what disturbs me. These images are of my colleagues, which at first glance I recognized right away, but something about the pictures were off. I had to do a double take before I realized the pictures were tagged, bannered and posted by another company portraying that the physical transformations these people had made came from their product.

At first I was mad, ok I will say it, I was pissed.

The reason I am so upset is because over the last year I have seen other Facebook post linked to videos from this company and when I watch them the only thing I can think of is that they are stealing, cheating and copying our videos. It is scary how similar they are to Beachbody’s videos. Changing the background color and fabricating what ingredients are actually in their product is completely bogus in my eyes. However, I wrote it off because in the name of art I guess changing the background color does not cross any copyright laws?!?!?

I’ve tried to give this company the benefit of the doubt time and time before, because I know there are some decent reps who are really trying to help people become healthy(ier)..... (Well, honestly if they truly know anything about health & fitness they would probably sprint away from this company). None-the-less their intentions are good… I guess?? I truly hope these reps aren’t trying to purposely deceive anyone to make a quick buck, but are being unfortunately manipulated and deceived themselves from the top down. If their intentions are good, I have to hope that one day they will realize there are better tools/programs available to them, because in this business it should never be about us (the coaches/trainers) but about helping our clients live healthy and fulfilled lives.

After I took a few minutes to calm down, I started to think about this rationally.

I quickly realized that this is a compliment, so…. THANK YOU.

This company could have copied any of the 1000’s of health/fitness companies from across the globe and they chose to copy Beachbody. To me, that says a lot about our products, programs and coaches. More importantly that says even more about the people who have achieved amazing results with our programs. Results speak for themselves and I know we aren’t the only company doing a great job to “end the trend of obesity” so to those other companies that are doing it right; keep on keepin on. And to the companies that are just out to make a quick buck. Please stop. Not only are you lying to people about your product, you are giving them false hope which may burn them so badly they give up trying to get healthy ever again, even with another company that can actually help them.

How to spot a copy cat.

1. Is it a “one stop shop” If a company is only promoting one product like a magic pill, shake, ball, machine etc. chances are they only out to make a quick buck, not help you get healthy. Why? Because science tells us that we need both proper nutrition and proper exercise to live healthy. Also, to break the bad habits we have created for ourselves, an accountability partner (coach) greatly increases the success of your health/fitness journey.

2. Do a “Double Take” In today’s world we can get additional facts and information in a matter of seconds on the web. Take your time to do some research on the product(s). It is better to start a few days or even a week later and use the proper tools than waste your time and money using the wrong products. Some questions to consider when looking for more info. What ingredients are they using? How does their exercise program work? Why is it effective? Is their accountability? Ask a coach or someone who has achieved similar results to the ones you desire for their feedback.

3. Remember Newton’s 3rd Law. “For every action there is an equal an opposite reaction” What I mean by this is… Unless you got outta-shape by popping weight gain pills, chances are, simply taking a weight loss pill isn’t going to make you fit. However, if over eating bad foods, a lack of exercise and no accountability got you overweight, I’d bet that by eating the proper foods, exercising more and having someone to hold you accountable will get you healthy results.

P.S. I hate that the picture shows the name of the other company because I don’t like bashing other companies. However, there is no hiding the truth and they too need to be held accountable for their misleading information.

Stay Strong and Be Blessed

Stretching Is Important!!

I am sure you were a lot like be growing up and thought that some basic stretching for 5-10min before working out or practice was sufficient. I did the typical hold for 10 seconds as a loosened up my hamstrings, calfs, quads, triceps, and if I still was not loose I would mix in the good ole trunk twist. Yup, that pretty much did it.

As I have gotten older my body seems to crave stretching more and more, however it is my absolute weakness. Over the last few months I have tried different ways to improve my flexibility and here are a few reasons why stretching is so important.

1.Warm up your muscles: By doing 10min of cardio first. It is easier to stretch warm muscles than it is to stretch cold muscles. This will allow you to get a deeper stretch and push pass previous resistant points.

2. Stretch and hold: For 30 seconds with every 10 seconds taking a deep breath, pulling deeper into the stretch. Again this will allow you to push past those resistant points.

3. Unblock twisted nerves: Stretching straighten out your nerves, which will allow your muscles and brain to have better connectivity and respond quicker.

4. Activate your fast-twitch muscles: Stretching will get these muscles ready to work, which are the muscles responsible for your strength, speed, and power!!

5. Better flexibility = Better balance

6. Loose muscles prevent injuries: Most muscular injuries occur when our bodies react to something unexpected. ie. quick change of direction, jumping, or starting/stopping.

7. Stretching after working out: Will help prevent soreness and stiffness that next day.

Be Bold, Be Strong, Be Blessed