Your words can determine your success

I think the words a person chooses says a lot about their mindset. For example, I often here people talk about how they "have" to workout or how they are "not allowed" to eat fast food. You need to understand that you have free will and can do whatever you want, but just keep in mind that there's a price tag on everything. You want to eat pizza? Go for it, but don't get upset when your "pants make you look fat on Saturday".

You don't "have" to work out. You get to workout today. So take advantage of your free will and your vocabulary. Use words and actions that show success...not weakness.

It's ok to offend

Eating right has always come easy to me. Maybe it's because I grew up in a household where eating breakfast and vegetables with dinner were the norm or maybe it's because I participated in sports that required me to learn about nutrition such as wrestling and bodybuilding. I don't know for sure but I do know that many people struggle with making good food choices. They give into their cravings and sabotage their meal plans on a regular basis.

I'm in a unique position that I get to ask people the great question "why?" Why did you eat that cake even though you knew you'd pay for it later. Although I get many answers, one of the common ones I get is I didn't want to offend the person that offered it to me. I hear this a lot!

Here's my advice to you...go ahead and offend. It's okay to say "no thank you". You don't have to eat everything you're offered. Another technique (if you are that worried about the persons feelings) is to make an excuse such as "I'm full, but I'll have one later." Time will pass, people will forget about it and later never comes.

One thing you don't want to do is start getting into a debate with people and making a big deal about why you are not eating the piece of cake. Also, don't pass on it and sit there bitching for 30 minutes about how you're not allowed to have it because of your diet. Nobody want to hear you whine about that stuff.

SO, if you are serious about losing weight, simply learn to say "no thank you. maybe later" and move on with your day. you're friends will still like you.

Making Your Way Through the Supplement Maze

The whole "working out and nutrition thing" can be very confusing. There is so much information out there by so called experts that even an experienced and knowledgeable person can find themselves confused. So what do you do when it comes to supplements? Today a client of mine was flipping through the Ironman magazine in the lobby and asked "How do you figure which one of these to take?" That's a great question.

The first thing you want to do is look for a reputable company that doesn't make ridiculous claims. Many companies are always trying to sell the latest thing with no real science of studies behind it. Also, I think it's best to stick with the basics. No need to get too fancy. Your best off spending your money on a high quality protein powder and Meal Replacement Powder first. Then, if your budget allows it, you can look into other things such as Pre-Workout energy supplements and creatine.

I've been taking AST supplements for over 10 years and I 've been sponsored AST athlete for 3. I took their products way before I got sponsored and they are the only ones I sell or recommend.

So if you're looking to start a supplement program, i suggest you start with VP2, Muscle XGF and shaker bottle from AST.

Big things happening at Personal Fitness

Here at Personal Fitness (PF) we are always coming up with new ways to keep people motivated as well as help the community. We have some big events coming up this summer.

This weekend will be our second year having a team for Relay for Life. Last year we raised $3,000. We look forward to another good showing and lots of fun!

Our second annual Kids day will be July 18th. This is open first to PF clients and then the public if there are still spots open. We will be giving away a "raw version" of a kids weight training DVD at the event.

We will also be starting our annual strength contest here at the gym on July 13th. We are looking for the most fit man and woman in Meadville. Last year was a blast with the finals on TV.

These are just a few of the great things coming so stay posted.

The Bill Lawrence/Personal Fitness Blog is now open

For quite some time now, I 've been thinking that I should have a blog. I'm a national level natural bodybuilder and owner of Bill Lawrence's Personal Fitness. I've won my weight class at the Team Universe 2 times and my next focus is on NPC Nationals.

Personal Fitness is small small group personal training facility where we focus on teaching people how to live a lifestyle of fitness and nutrition.

So please stop by often and check out our thoughts on training, nutrition and other topics as well.