HyperStrike-Partners

Implementing Change Through Action

If we consider the goal as the intention to change, then an action plan would the implementation of change. An action plan is the when, where and how the goal will be attained, and according to research, people who form action plans have more success achieving the intended change. A valuable key function of a comprehensive action plan is the anticipation of barriers and the exploration of strategies to over come them. No matter how important a goal is, or how well constructed the plan is, obstacles will emerge. Identifying potential barriers and developing strategies to deal with them will increase the likely hood of following through with goal attainment.  

A simple approach to guiding clients through the action plan process is to expand on the SMART goal format (which supplies the what) and determine the how, when and where. Complete the process by identifying potential obstacles and establishing strategies to address them. For example, a goal may be to increase physical activity by performing 45 minutes of calisthenics after work 3 days a week. The plan might be to stop off at the gym on the way home on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The follow up question would be “what could possibly keep you from getting to the gym Monday, Wednesday, and Friday?”  

No two action plans are the same. Although two people may have the same goal, how to implement the goal and the obstacles people face maybe very different. For example, the goal may be to lose 10 pounds within the next two months, however how, where and when the 10 pounds will be lost and the challenges each person might face will be individualistic. This is why a client-centered approach to goal setting and action-planning process is crucial. Guiding the process with open-ended questions and active listening skills will enable each client to find their own goal, plan and solution.  

With every goal and every plan, a time for evaluation and re-evaluation is essential. Life is in a constant state of flux and what was once considered an important goal may diminish in priority. This is why I make SMART goals SMARTER by including periodic evaluation and re-evaluation of the goal and it’s relevance. It is also necessary to evaluate and re-evaluate the action plan to determine how well the plan is working and make adjustments to areas that aren’t effective.  

Speaking of evaluation and re-evaluation, there comes a time when we need to step back and take a critical look at our career path. In my next post I will explore professional development and how we can position ourselves for greater opportunity.  

Karen Moreno, MA Candidacy Kinesiology/Exercise Physiology

BA Social Science/Education

Are your Clients setting SMART Goals?

“Our goals can only be reached through a vehicle of a plan, in which we must fervently believe, and upon which we must vigorously act. There is no other route to success.” – Stephen A. Brennan, Basketball coach  

This quote speaks volumes about the process of creating and accomplishing goals. Many of our clients come to us with general long-term goals, such as losing weight or increasing energy. Generating a clearly defined goal and a plan for attainment can be as easy as setting SMART goals. 

SMART = Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Time Sensitive.  

Specific – a clearly defined goal with identifiable behaviors have a greater chance of being accomplished than a general or undefined goal. For example, the goal to get “in shape” is too general and the behaviors involved in attaining the outcome of being “in shape” are vague. However, the goal “to increase my aerobic capacity so I can complete a 10K race” requires specific and identifiable behaviors. 

 
Measureable – identifying a method to measure progress and set specific targets will help keep the goal in focus and add to the construction of an action plan. The exhilaration of achieving each target will provide greater motivation and keep the plan on track for reaching the goal.  

Attainable – identifying and prioritizing the most important goals will provide greater desire for achievement. A personal investment attributes to greater meaning and value in the goals, which in turn fuels the determination and creativity necessary to accomplish them.  

Realistic – a realistic goal is one I am able and willing to work toward.  A goal can be both challenging and realistic. There is more motivation to accomplish a goal that challenges us than a goal that is reached with little effort.  However, if I don’t believe in my ability to accomplish this goal, or don’t feel I have the time or energy necessary to work toward the goal, then it may not be a realistic venture at this time.  

Time Sensitive – a goal with a firm time schedule creates a sense of urgency, and reduces the tendency to postpone efforts.  

Guiding our clients through the SMART goal process may improve goal attainment. However, not all goals are easily achieved and the plan may require revision. In my next blog post will I share how to make SMART goals SMARTER and the advantages of a well-constructed action plan.  
 

Karen Moreno, MA Candidacy Kinesiology/Exercise Physiology

BA Social Science/Education 

More Often For Improved Health

Move Often for Improved Health

 

Two questions were posed this week: Do trainers and avid exercisers discount the benefits of low to moderate intensity physical activity? And, in order to gain benefits from exercise, does every workout need to be intense? During the discussion that resulted in these questions, I found myself presenting the argument that greater health benefits are gained during higher intensity exercise, and that many people do not engage in vigorous activity. However, I’m also aware that research supports similar health and fitness benefits with both moderate and vigorous intensity; in addition evidence points to duration and frequency rather than intensity for health benefits.

 

Duration more important for improved fitness capacity

 

Researchers from Duke University performed a nine-month study of exercise duration and intensity, and their finding concluded that duration was more important than intensity for improved fitness capacity. In their study, the higher intensity group showed the greatest improvements in peak V02. However, the researchers found that when exercise amount was controlled for peak oxygen consumption, fitness capacity did not improve when intensities of 40% to 55% were compared to 65% to 80% (MedicalNewsService.com, 2005).

 

Inverse relationship between chronic disease prevention and increased physical activity

 

A 2006 review by Warburton, Nicol and Bredin found a 20% to 30% risk reduction in all-cause mortality and mortality related to cardiovascular disease, with exercise expending approximately 1000 Calories per week. This outcome was equated to walking at moderate intensity for 60 minutes a day, 5 days a week. The researchers concluded that there was an inverse relationship between increased physical activity and the prevention of chronic disease.

(Kravitz’s, 2006).

 

Exercise duration and frequency for improved insulin sensitivity

 

Houmard, Tanner, Slentz, Duscha, McCartney, and Kraus (2003) examined the effects of exercise duration and intensity on insulin sensitivity in physically inactive, overweight or obese men and women with dyslipidemia. At the end of the six month study, the researchers found improved insulin resistance, regardless of total energy expenditure, with exercise programs using either moderate or high intensity (40% to 80% of peak VO2), at a duration of approximately 170 minutes per session, and exercise frequency of 3 to 4 times per week. The researchers concluded that weekly exercise duration and frequency seems more important than intensity or dose when developing an exercise program to improve insulin sensitivity (Houmard, et al., 2003).

 

I have read numerous studies that have found greater health and fitness improvements with higher intensity activity, however there is strong evidence that similar and complimentary benefits can be gained at lower intensity levels, as well as with greater duration and frequency. The bottom line seems to be, move, and the more often you move the better.

 

Karen Moreno, MA Candidacy Kinesiology/Exercise Physiology

BA Social Science/Education

 

 

 

 

References:

Houmard, J.A., Tanner, C.J., Slentz, C.A., Duscha, B.D., McCartney, J.S., and

Kraus, W.E. (2003). Effect of the volume and intensity of exercise training

on insulin sensitivity. Journal of Applied Physiology, 96, 101-106.

Kravitz, L. (2006). Vigorous versus moderate-intensity exercise. Retrieved

January 7, 2008, from

http://www.unm.edu/~lkravitz/Article%20folder/VigorModerateEx.html

MedicalNewsService.com. (2005). Exercise amount more important than

intensity. Retrieved January 7, 2008, from

http://www.medicalnewsservice.com/fullstory.cfm?story/ID=3496&fback

 

KettleBell Training

5 Reasons to Train with Kettlebells 
 

1. Requires higher skill level for complex movements
2. Increases movement velocity
3. Greater range of motion with resistance
4. Variety of movement and exercises
5. Improves coordination

 

I am always on the look out for exercise resources and one of the websites that consistently provides quality demonstration as well as new complex movements is Jason C Brown’s KettleBells for Combat (www.kettlebellsforcombat.com) 

Kettlebells are a fantastic tool to increase performance, particularly for athletes that require strength, power, coordination and velocity within specific ranges of motion. One exercise I am looking forward to adding to my training routine this week is the Angled Deadlift and Press. Here is the link to see this deadlift variation http://www.combat-sports-conditioning.com/public/255.cfm

 

Not only do I train with kettlebells, I use them with my clients to add a new twist on many traditional and weightlifting exercises. For examples deadlifts, front squats, shoulder presses, cleans and snatches can all be adapted to the kettlebells. I find many of my clients enjoy the kettlebell exercises and because kettlebells require higher skill and coordination, they are a great way to provide progression as well as variety. Check out the Hyperstrike exercise library for kettlebell exercises and more.   

Karen Moreno, MA Candidacy Kinesiology/Exercise Physiology

BA Social Science/Education 

Obesity is Going To The Dogs

Obesity is Going to the Dogs.  

During an examination for my scruffy white 18-pound Jack Russell Terrier, the Veterinarian and I engaged in a discussion about obesity and dogs. I was surprised to hear the obesity rate was as high as 40%. According to a first ever alliance study between the American Veterinary Medical Association and Hill’s Pet Nutrition, 54 million cats and dogs in the United States struggle with being overweight or obese (AVMA & Hill’s, 2008). Obesity in our beloved companions is just as damaging to their health and wellbeing as it is to ours. In fact, many of the same chronic diseases associated with obesity in humans are also major medical issues for man’s (women’s) best friend:  

• Insulin resistance and diabetes
• Metabolic Syndrome
• Hyperlididemia and dyslipidemia
• Orthopedic disorders
• Cardiorespiratory disease and hypertension
• Urinary tract and reproductive disorders
• Shortened life expectancy (Germen, 2006)

 

It’s About Energy Balance  

Being a new dog owner I have been actively learning how to care for my little buddy, for example what type of food to feed him as well as how much and, most importantly, how much exercise he needs to be happy and health. Interestingly, activity level and energy requirements are just as important for our four legged friends as for us. Just as I watch my portion sizes, reach for low calorie healthy snacks and exercise daily, I need to make sure my buddy has access to healthy nutrition appropriate to his energy needs as well as plenty of exercise.  

Exercising With My Buddy Keeps Me On Track.  

Public health organizations have recommended a physical activity minimum of 30 minutes a day for adults, however this is a general suggestion and physical activity needs vary from person to person. Similarly, the exercise needs of our four legged friends are individual to their breed and environment. According to our Veterinary, walks to eliminate and romps in the backyard are not enough exercise for most breeds. My little buddy gets between one and half to two hours of exercise a day, he is a Jack Russell after all, which I incorporate into my own workout schedule. For example, we go for long trail hikes, short 3-4 miles runs, interval sprints, and 45 minute (Jack Russell pace) walks. Thinking about how to schedule adequate exercise for my little buddy has kept me on track with my own exercise program and encouraged me to find fun outdoor activities we can all enjoy. I even bring my little buddy along when I am instructing Boot Camp classes. For the health and wellbeing of all of us, two legged and four legged, proper nutrition and daily exercise are a must, and why I encourage my clients to be active with their beloved companions.

Karen Moreno, MA Candidacy Kinesiology/Exercise Physiology

BA Social Science/Education  

Reference

American Veterinary Medical Association and Hill's Pet Nutrition Launch First-Ever Alliance to

      Address Pet Obesity Epidemic

      TOPEKA, Kan. and SCHAMBURG, Ill., Jan. 22 /PRNewswire/

http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS142740+22-Jan-2008+PRN20080122 

German, A.J. (2006). The growing problem of obesity in dogs and cats. The Journal of Nutrition, 136,

      1940S-1946S.

Three Core Skills of Wellness Coaching

Wellness coaching is a rewarding and challenging skill to develop. In the role of fitness trainer, we give advice, make suggestions, and provide solutions concerning the mechanics of movement and physiological adaptations of exercise, as well as techniques for skill acquisition and improved exercise performance. However, the key to being a great wellness coach is to listen, inquire and reflect. According to Moore and Tschannen-Moran (2010), these three skills are the core of coaching.   

1) Mindful listening asks the wellness coach to be completely present in the moment and give undivided attention, without judgment, to what the client is saying. According to Moore and Tschannen-Moran the motto of a great coach is “listen until I don’t exist.” The skill of mindful listening requires that we set aside our own ideas for the plan of action and focus on the client’s agenda. This can be challenging for those of us use to designing exercise prescription. When a client comes to you with movement issues the first thing we do is to analyze the situation and provide a solution, however the goal of wellness coaching is to allow the client to find their own solution.  

How does the client know I am listening?

Applying the five key elements of active listening will let your client know that you are completing engaged in listening to what they have to say. The purpose of mindful listening is to allow the client to tell their stories, and in the process reveal their experiences, values, feelings, challenges and goals. Periodical summarize what the client has said provides an opportunity to clarify meaning, encourage deeper thinking, and promote open communication. Moore and Tschannen-Moran have provided the following five tips for mindful listening.  

Quick tips for mindful listening

• Do not interrupt or plan your respond until your client has completely finished speaking.
• Create silence and pause between your client’s thoughts and your response.
• Use the client’s last words to begin open-ended inquiry.
• Use the client’s story for perceptive reflections.
• Listen for emotions.
• Reflect back to client what you have perceived whenever possible.

 

2) Open-ended Inquiry prompts the client to elaborate and elicits more of their story. This is contrary to closed ended questions which elicit short, usually yes or no, responses that halt deeper communication.  

Examples:

Closed Ended Questions   

Do you like to exercise?   

When did you exercise last week? 

Have you heard about the nutritional value of fruits and vegetables?     

Open Ended Questions

What do you enjoy most about exercising?

How did things go with your exercise last week?

What have you heard about the nutritional value of fruits and vegetables?

According to Moore and Tschanned-Moran, “What” and “how” questions encourage more elaboration and are the key to great coaching, where as “why” questions can be more challenging. For example the question, “why didn’t you exercise last week?” asks for some type of analysis and may stimulate resistance or even be perceived as judgmental. However, if properly used, “why” questions can also help gain deeper insight. For example, “why do these goals deeply matter to you?”  

3) Perception reflection provides an opportunity for clients to hear what they are saying from the perspective of another person.  The purpose is for the wellness coach to elicit statements of change from the client. Rather than the coach providing the rational for making the change, the client is encouraged to present his or her own case for change. In Motivational Interviewing this is referred to as eliciting “change talk.” The researcher’s that developed Motivational Interviewing have found greater progress moving toward behavioral change adoption when the client provides the reasons for change rather than the coach. The job of the coach is to use perception reflection to identify “change talk” and make the prospect of change sound positive, rewarding, and inviting.  

Skill acquisition requires practice, practice and more practice. This coming weekend I’m going to a party and I plan to change all close ended-questions to open ending questions, employ active listen skills and use pauses before responding. I am looking forward to the opportunity to practice valuable skills and elicit deeper communication throughout the evening.   
 

Karen Moreno, MA Candidacy Kinesiology/Exercise Physiology

BA Social Science/Education

Co-Founder Fitness In Action  

Reference:

Moore, M., & Tschannen0Morean, B. 2010. Coaching psychology manual. In E. Lupash (ED.), Coaching

      relationship skills (pp. 22-24). Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

How to Discuss Difficult Health Topics with Clients

I have just completed a health risk screening for a new client and it is time to sit down with her and review the results. If the client’s blood pressure reading was normal; BMI, waist circumference and body composition percentages were in healthy ranges; and health risk scores were low, this would not be a stressful conversation. How can I discuss difficult health issues with my clients without generating resistance or possibly alienating them?  

For the tools to effectively enter into difficult conversation about health risk, I turn to the work of William R. Miller (the originator of Motivational Interviewing) and Stephen Rollnick (champion of Motivational Interviewing and co-author of the book Healthy Behavior Change: A Guide For Practitioners). Rollnick states the information should be presented with a neutral tone of voice and to avoid overuse of the word “you” (you statements can be perceived as confrontational and put people on the defensive). I flash back to Dragnet, one of my mother’s favorite television shows. The main character, Joe Friday, would always say “just the facts mama” in what I image is the definitive neutral voice. Using my best Joe Friday voice, I present the results of the screening without interjecting my personal thoughts or over loading my client with additional information.  

Motivational Interviewing is a client-centered approach, therefore the next step is to determine if my client would like more information, and if so about what. For example, I might ask my client  “Would you like to know more about hypertension?” or inquire, “How much do you know about hypertension?” This process provides an opportunity for the client to share information about their health issue and for me to ascertain what type of information they may be interesting in. At this time I might ask if she would like more information about hypertension. If I get the feeling my client is not receptive to this process and does not want additional information, Rollnick suggests backing off completely. The key is to not appear too enthusiastic about their response. However, if additional information is requested, it is importance to continuing with a neutral and even tone. The objective is to provide this information in terms that won’t make the client feel bad, signaled out or on the defensive. To accomplish this I don’t talk down to, or over my clients’ head, rather I use language they will understand and frame the information in terms of “other people”. For example, “What happens to some people …” or “Other people have found …” 

The final aim of this encounter is to encourage my client to make sense of the information and help build motivation toward change. Rollnick suggests asking, “What do you make of this? or “I wonder how you have been affected by …?” By continuing to follow my client’s reactions, I may be able to detect where she is in the process of change, which will help me prepare for our next conversation.  

For more information about Motivational Interviewing check out: http://www.motivationalinterview.org/ 

Karen Moreno, MA Candidacy Kinesiology/Exercise Physiology

BA Social Science/Education

Co-Founder Fitness In Action  

Reference: Rollnick, S., Mason, P., and Butler, C. 1999. Health Behavior Change: A Guide for Practitioners. Exchange information and reduce resistance (pp. 110-112).

Time Magazine Article - Important

Getting the Right Health Message Out to the Public  

The American College of Sports Medicine has asked for the assistances of ACSM members and health professionals to get the “right health message out to the public.” This request was made in response to a Time magazine article that too narrowly examines the role of exercise and weight loss. For the most part the article is a personal account of the author’s dissatisfaction with a long-term exercise program and lack of results, however an Exercise Physiologist and ACSM member was consulted for the story. Unfortunately, according to the researcher, his study outcomes and opinions were selectively reported. There were five points made in the article that the ACSM is concerned with:

• “Losing weight matters more than being aerobically fit in preventing heart disease”
• “One can’t lose weight from exercise because exercise makes you hungrier – and willpower can’t conquer the hunger enough to make good food choices”
• “Exercising 60 to 90 minutes most days of the week in order to lose weight (a recommendation from a ACSM Position Stand) is unrealistic”
• “Leisure-time physical activity-just moving around more during the day – is more effective for weight loss than dedicated exercise”
• “Vigorous exercise depletes energy resources so much that it leads to overeating – i.e., weight gain” (ACSM addresses myths about weight loss, exercise)

 

As health and fitness professionals our goal is to help people become healthier, which encompasses more than weight loss. There is strong scientific evidence that greater levels of physical fitness promotes greater health benefits, for example decreasing the risk of diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. Swain & Franklin (2005) suggested in their review of both clinical trails and epidemiological studies that improving VO2max is more important for cardiovascular health benefits than merely engaging in moderate intensity physical activity. The researchers proposed that both the acute and chronic physiological adaptations to aerobic capacity (VO2) following vigorous exercise, such as lower resting heart rate, higher resting stroke volume, and lower resting blood pressure, promote greater cardiovascular disease protection than can be produced through moderate or low intensity physical activity. A point here is the distinction between “exercise” and “physical activity.” Exercise is planned, structured repetitive movement designed to improve or maintain physical fitness, where physical activity is any energy requiring movement carried out by the musculoskeletal system. Swain & Franklin indicate that low to moderate physical activity may not be sufficient for improving aerobic capacity and providing cardiovascular benefits as a structured exercise program would be.  

Although I agree that exercise alone is not the most effective way to lose weight, I also believe that a healthy body composition is more important than the number on the scale. Exercise focused on building lean mass contributes to healthier body composition and metabolic processes as well as decreases age related declines in strength and power. Vigorous aerobic exercise has also been found to reduce visceral and subcutaneous abdominal fat (the fat distribution associated with diabetes and heart disease), and even induce these favorable changes in body composition without an accompanying decline in weight. Irving et al. (2008) controlled for energy expenditure when examining the effects of low and high intensity exercise on total abdominal fat. The findings supported greater improvements in both fitness level and body composition with higher intensity aerobic exercise.  

Slentz, et al. (2004) examined the effects of different exercise intensity on weight, body composition and waist circumference. After finding significantly greater improvements in all measurements in the groups that exercised at the lower volume of 12 miles per week at moderate (40% to 55% of peak V02) and vigorous intensities (65% to 80% of peak volume) when compared to the non-exercising control group, the researchers also found that the higher volume higher intensity group  (20 miles per week at 65% to 80% of peak volume) lost more body mass than all the groups. Interestingly, the author also found that the non-exercising control group gained weight during the 8-month study. Both these studies indicate the benefits of exercise to promote health body composition and weight management.  

Weight loss through diet alone does not promote lean muscle mass, does not increase insulin sensitivity, and does not reduce hypertension.  The message is clear; exercise promotes greater health benefits than diet alone, even if the scale does not budge. After reading the Time magazine article, the additional comments I would like to make are as follows: 1) if your exercise routine is not enjoyable or providing the expected results, change it and examine whether or not your expectation are realistic and your training program is appropriate, 2) just because you exercise does not mean you can eat everything and anything you desire. The commitment to a healthy lifestyle requires knowledge, effort and determination. If your goal is to lose weight and your exercise routine is only using 300 Calories of energy, don’t eat a 500 Calorie post workout meal.   

Karen Moreno, MA Candidacy Kinesiology/Exercise Physiology

BA Social Science/Education

Co-Founder Fitness In Action  

Irving, B.A., Davis, C.K., Brock, D.W., Weltman, J.Y., Swift, D., Barrett, E. J.,

Gaesser, G.A., and Weltman, A. (2008). Effect of exercise training intensity on abdominal visceral fat and body composition. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 40(11),1863-1872.

Slentz, C.A., Duscha, B.D, Johnson, J.L., Ketchum, K., Aiken, L.B., Samsa, G.P.,

Houmard, J.A., bales, C.W., and Kraus, W.E. (2004). Effects of the amount of exercise on body weight, body composition, and measures of central obesity. Archives of Internal Medicine, 164(1), 31-39.

Swain, D.P., and Franklin, B.A. (2005). Comparison of cardioprotective benefits

      of vigorous versus moderate intensity aerobic exercise. The American

      Journal of Cardiology, 97, 141-147.

Natural Nutrition - Eating the Way Nature Intended

  For many people incorporating exercise into daily life is the easy part. Figuring out how to eat healthy for a lifetime, avoiding the temptations that surround us every day and making it all taste good is the challenge.

       Our society has become a breeding ground for immediate gratification. We know what we want and we want it now. Fast food chains have made grabbing meals on the way to soccer practice or on the way home from a long day at the office convenient (there are fast food chains on almost every corner so you don’t have to go out of your way), cheap (almost all fast food options have some sort of low cost/value menu) and, easy (you can drive right up and never have to leave the comfort of your A/C or heated seats). Eating healthy and actually preparing food at home almost seems to be a thing of the past. However, incorporating a healthy eating plan into your lifestyle and that of your family is one of the most rewarding things you can do. Not only will you have more energy (from all those essential nutrients and no chemical additives) but you will have more brain power, better performance for workouts and you can do it economically with a little effort. And let me tell you, the little effort is worth it.

       Eating healthy is simply eating the way nature intended us to eat. Consume fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats. All of these can be easily obtained through real food, not packages, cans or a fast food drive thru. By incorporating a few basic principles, you can be on your way to eating healthy for a lifetime!

* Eat small meals regularly throughout the day, every 2-3 hours.
* Avoid portion distortion and stick to proper serving sizes.
* Combine complex carbohydrates and lean protein at each meal.
* Drink plenty of water!
* Never skip meals and remember, breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
* Your body has been deprived of nutrients and fuel for the hours you have been sleeping.
* Avoid processed and refined foods.
* Avoid/limit sugar and alcohol.
* Avoid saturated and trans fats.
* Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.

       The secret to eating healthy for a lifetime isn’t a secret, it isn’t found in a pill and it isn’t the latest fad diet. It is simply eating whole, healthy, natural foods.

       As an athlete, these foods also provide outstanding fuel for performing your workouts. Make sure you know your daily caloric recommendations and stick to real food…not processed supplements. Although quick and easy, they are often more expensive than real food and contain a lot less nutrients. Our bodies are designed to process and use nutrients in their natural form, not those created in a lab.

       Make sure you give your body fuel prior to working out, just make sure you test different options to see what your body can handle prior to exercise. Even more importantly, fuel your body post workout. The first 30-60 minutes after a workout is the best time to get optimal results from refueling muscles. This is when they are emptied out and need to replenish glycogen stores that will be used in the next workout.

       Don’t underestimate the value of giving your body proper fuel. You wouldn’t think of leaving your house for a trip with your car’s gas tank on empty, now would you?

The Mission Statement: It’s About You, Your Principles and Your Values

Contributed by Karen Moreno:

The Mission Statement: It’s About You, Your Principles and Your Values  

The other day, after over hearing a comment from a client that the trainers at our facility must follow their own advice because everyone was thin and fit, I began wondering how many professionals practice what they preach. Everyday we help people make changes in their attitudes and patterns concerning nutrition, physical activity, fitness training and disease prevention. How much of what we recommend do we following in our own lives? Most of us have chosen the health and fitness industry because we have a passion for living healthy, how can we articulate that passion to our clients without sounding preaching, hokey or insincere? Businesses use mission statements to briefly present their purpose and values. Why not create a professional mission statement to express to our clients who we are, what we stand for, and why we have chosen this career?  

Creating Substance and Meaningful Description 

A mission statement provides a relevant and specific description of why your business or service exists. This statement should be powerful enough to motivate, broad enough to encompass growth and robust with believes and values that guide decision-making and work efforts. There is no room for industry jargon, buzzwords or catch phrases when the focus is to create substance and meaningful description.  

Building Your Mission Statement  

Creating this powerful, robust concise statement seems a little daunting considering the best mission statements tend to be about three to four sentences in length, In other words, defining what you do, how you do it, and the principles and values that guide you within 30 seconds. Radtke, J.M, (1998) suggested working through the following three questions to start construct a purposeful business statement:  

1. What are the opportunities or needs am I addressing? (the purpose of the organization)
2. What am I doing to address these needs? (the business of the organization)
3. What principles or beliefs guide my work? (the values of the organization)

 

A well-constructed mission statement can be a powerful tool for expressing our health and fitness philosophies and re-enforcing our purpose and direction. The mission statement should always be relevant, and therefore should be revisited regularly and updated as our careers and business develop and grow. For more information and tips for creating your mission statement checks out the following resources and websites:  

http://www.how-to.com/Operations/mission-statement.htm 

Radtke, J.M. How to Write a Mission Statement 1998 retrieved from http//www.rgci.com 

http://articles.bplans.com/writing-a-business-plan/writing-a-mission-statement/206 

Kennen, E. (2006) Writing a mission statement A free how-to on creating a mission statement.

http://nonprofitmanagement.suite101.com/article.cfm/writing_a_mission_statement