Nicki Anderson Offers Fitness Reality Check

Nicki Anderson wants people to take an interest their personal health

With all the chatter out there regarding weight loss and healthy living, isn't it good to know there are a few people who are willing to give it to you straight without all the "fluff" and empty promises that generally comes with that pricy "advice?"

Well, I've found someone who fits that description perfectly. Her name is Nicki Anderson from the Naperville, IL-based 2,000 square-foot personal training studio called Reality Fitness.

After growing up as an obese teenager, Anderson lost 50 pounds nearly a quarter century ago through a healthy lifestyle change and fitness program. Today, she is a BIG BELIEVER in making those permanent lifestyle changes you always hear me talk about and is vehemently against the "quick fix fads" that too often garner much of the attention of the American dieting public.

In 1993, Anderson started Reality Fitness, Inc. to begin helping others achieve the same kind of success that she did through weight loss, fun exercise and a new outlook on life. In the thirteen years since she began this venture, Anderson has seen exponential growth and a genuine hunger from people who desperately want to get into shape and improve their health.

Unlike your usual health clubs, Reality Fitness opens its doors to people of all shapes and sizes and makes them feel welcomed. There are even personal one-on-one trainers available to assist those clients who need a little motivation to get them going on the right track and to keep it interesting for them so they don't get bored and quit the program. Anderson believes a solid educational experience regarding healthy living and fitness is the foundation for reaching the long-term, permanent goals that people need to achieve.

When it comes to the subject of exercise, Anderson knows what most people think about it. In fact, in my book I have a chapter on that subject I call, "Exercise Is Not A Dirty Word." LOL! You laugh, but that's EXACTLY how MOST people feel about exercise who DON'T make it a regular part of their life.

Rather than looking at exercise as "punishment for an imperfect body," Anderson uses her training as a fitness professional to help shift that perception in people's minds so they realize it is something that can be incredibly beneficial to them physically, mentally and emotionally in ANY amount that they choose to do. In fact, recent study found that exercise can actually lengthen your life span. Now THERE'S a good reason to start moving, isn't it?

Author of the book Reality Fitness: Inspiration For Your Health And Well-Being, Anderson is a columnist for Suburban Chicago Newspapers and a family fitness contributor for the popular eDiets.com.

An accomplished public speaker on health and fitness, she is constantly looking to inspire and motivate anyone willing to put in the effort to change their life forever. That was one of the reasons why she created "Nicki Anderson's Real Life Weight Loss" program focusing on nutrition, exercise and education/motivation to help women especially meet and exceed their weight and fitness goals. This in a one-of-a-kind plan for success that has served Anderson and her clients very well.

Remaining an active part of her community is what has made Anderson the success she has become. She encourages people who care about the health and well-being of their neighbors to play an active role in reshaping the thinking of the people around you. If you have been able to overcome a weight problem or improved your health through diet and exercise, then share that experience with those you come in contact with. Make it a priority to pass along that gift that you have been given and share it freely so others can benefit, too.

Anderson has a weekly newsletter called "Happy Monday" that she would just LOVE to share with you if you need some inspiration and motivation in your weight loss journey. You can sign up for the newsletter by clicking here (be sure to tell Nicki that Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Man sent ya!).

Here's just a sneek peek at what you have to look forward to if you subscribe to her newsletter:


"After Heidi Klum delivered her baby, she had 1 month to get back to her pre-pregnancy weight." -- VHI 100 Hot Bodies

O.K., so I admit it, I was watching trash T.V. but I was doing something productive while watching, making dinner I think. Anyway, on VH-1, they had this segment called, "100 Hot Bodies" and no I didn't turn the channel instead I watched the whole thing all the while thinking to myself, "No wonder the average woman/man has a distorted body image."

This particular piece covered those in Hollywood that have the hottest body, and well, if you and I spent 4 hours a day with a trainer, had a personal chef and incentive to earn a gazillion dollars a year based on our figure, yeah, we might be a hot body too. But the sad truth is people are watching this show feeling completely an utterly inadequate. You see, I watched the show and know all too well the work that goes into the look that these folks have -- not to mention the genetics and the food, (or lack thereof) that they eat. All of these elements put together are what creates the Hollywood "ideal." Unfortunately, the average person has been led to believe that the Hollywood ideal is the norm and well, that's where the problems start.

Each time a client comes through my door they have this vision of what they think they'll look like after being touched by the personal training fairy. They see themselves walking out of my door in 8-12 weeks with a Hollywood "Hot Bod." Then the stagecoach turns back in to a pumpkin and well, the truth is revealed when I say, "You have to remember, there is a direct correlation between the work you put forth and results you get. In addition to that, it depends what your body is willing and able to do and how long it will take it to adapt." They respond with a, "Huh? Wha? But I thought.........." Clearly, they are disappointed, because after all, that's not what the commercials say; they say 10 pounds in 10 days, slimmer thighs in just days and on and on.

I tell every client that comes through my door the truth because I never want anybody starting a program with visions of a miracle, it's unfair to them and it's unfair to me. My job is to provide the truth which not everyone wants to hear. Telling people that their goals mean a lot of hard work is the truth and well, in the words of Jack Nicholson, some people "can't handle the truth." And I don't mean that in a negative way, I mean that the public has been brainwashed by so many commercials and ads to believe that miracles can happen in just 30 days. So when I break the news that work is involved and could take much longer, well it's disappointing.

Wouldn't we all like to achieve our goals with minimal work? Well you know and I know that doesn't happen. It is only through hard work and dedication that good results occur and this applies to attaining a healthy body. If your desire is to develop and maintain a Hollywood "hot bod" well, God bless you but understand all the work that will be involved. You need to decide what work you're really willing to do and then make sure the results are congruent with your efforts. Does that make sense? In addition to that insight, you also need to be sure you're clear on what your body can actually do. I'm 5'2" and would love to be 5'6" but no matter how often I stretch, I will never be 5'6". So I have to understand what my body can and cannot do so that I have a clear understanding what my efforts will create. For some, having a flat stomach or 6-pack is possible, for others, not so much. In the end, it's got to be about your health and your commitment to exercise and sound nutrition will pay off.

So decide what your goals are with regard to your health and body and make sure the work you’re willing to do ties in realistically with your goals. If they do, you are good to go! Here's to your continued success!

Have a great week, why? Because you can!

Stay well,

Nicki

Oh, I REALLY LIKE this lady and her line of thinking a lot! And I think YOU will, too! She reminds me of, well, ME! :)

Visit Nicki Anderson's web site and don't forget to sign up for her encouraging weekly newsletter, too!