First, my question for you.ย A MizFit’s Reader Mail if you will.
This question is something I pondered when I launched MizFit & something I began to mull even more after Jillian Michael’s guest post.
Who are your fitness gurus & what do you look for in them? (and no. you may not say me.)
Before The Biggest Loser Id not head of the toughasnailsbutweloveher Jillian (you?).
And, Ill admit, the show had been on for a while before I learned that she’d once lost fifty-five pounds.
Which all lead me back to:
What do you look for in your guru?
Do you seek someone whom you think can identify with your struggles because they, too, have experienced the exact same thing?
Does it diminish in your eyes someone’s ability to relate when they’ve lost a great deal of weight at a different place in their life than you are right now? (Jillian, for example, shed the weight when she was approximately 13.)
Do you care not a bit if someone has experienced your *same* struggle?ย Do you believe, as I do, that struggle is the great equalizer of the human experienceย & we can all RELATE to the feeling & the specific situation is unimportant?
Do you feel, as many of my personal training clients did, that your guru has to be someone with zero current weight issues/struggles?ย Must your guru be someone whom you already view as a success story in order to lead you down the healthy living path?
(I was always surprised how my clients who wanted to lose weight were often the ones who refused to take group exercise classes from instructors who weren’t uber fit.)
Inquiring MizFit minds wanna know.
Id love your thoughts in the comments.
(musical interlude so as to provide a smooooth transition)
On a lighter, sillier note I give you Dave Grotto & his second installment of MizFit’s Food of the Month Club.
Please to enjoy.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHHJsolvTT4
Rupal says
March 3, 2009 at 1:53 amI know that we all have struggles of our own, weight related or not and the key is how we manage these struggles in our daily lives. So many of us manage them constructively and half the time aren’t even aware, so it’s so important (for me) to learn from others no matter what the struggle is. One persons struggle-success is another person’s open door!
Great topic miz!
Have a great day!!
~rupal
Berni says
March 3, 2009 at 2:27 amMy only criteria for a guru is that they care. I don’t mind if they’ve lost weight or have always been fit and slim. For me it’s all about compassion.
The person who most influenced me when it comes to food and fitness, was a woman much younger than me that had never had a weight problem. She was always positive and encouraging, she never judged me and always treated me with respect and care, and that’s what really matters to me.
I often wonder if I started working as a Nutritionist now, rather than waiting until I’ve lost weight, how I’d be received….. maybe the comments to follow will answer that question.
Thanks for a great think inducing post.
I LOVE the Food of the Month Club, Ken and Barbie have never been so educational ๐
moonduster (Becky) says
March 3, 2009 at 2:46 amI never knew that Jillian had ever lost 55 pounds! She looks as though she’s never had an ounce of her that wasn’t lean muscle!
I don’t have a fitness guru (since I can’t say you).
But I know that now, after losing 80.5 pounds, I really need to start strengthening my muscles. I still have 57 pounds to lose, and I want to be able to keep the weight off.
The places on me that need the most work – my belly and my upper arms. I’m going to look through your archives for some good strengthening and toning exercises to do for them.
If I had the money, dh and I would be joining a gym right now, not just for the weight machines but also for the pool. Swimming, I hear, is great for toning up.
moonduster (Becky) says
March 3, 2009 at 2:49 amOh, and my only criteria for a personal trainer would be:
1. They are nice but still willing to push me when I need it.
2. They know what they are talking about.
Chantelle says
March 3, 2009 at 3:18 amI like someone who is TRIUMPHANT. Someone that has been somewhere, and achieved something.
I remember watching a fat camp documentary. The kids were all sitting in a hall listening to a speaker who was harping at them about weight, weightloss and all things you’d expect at a fat camp.
One kid put her hand up for a question. The speaker stopped and asked her what she wanted to know.
The kid said: Have you ever been fat?
The speaker said: No.
And I think they all sorta tuned out from the speaker. He wasn’t speaking their language. He hadn’t felt what they had felt. He hadn’t walked in their shoes.
I found myself nodding, and agreeing.
It’s nice to know that you’re not alone. That your Guru once walked in your shoes… but now runs in them. xx
Nan says
March 3, 2009 at 4:48 amDave and Barbie and Ken? THANK YOU!!!!
My guru.
I don’t think I have one since I can’t say you, however, I hadn’t thought of the fact that I am working to lose 50+ pounds and you have not.
There is your answer I guess.
It doesn’t matter as long as my guru is empathic.
Jamie says
March 3, 2009 at 4:52 amI don’t think I have a guru. I draw inspiration and knowledge from several sources, and try to synthesize everything (that makes sense) into one overarching philosophy. But I really don’t think that I have one person who inspires me above all others, who’s fitness instruction I always trust.
If I were able to afford a trainer/coach, I’d want someone who was successful at coaching runners (not necessarily a great runner), because that’s my main weakness. But really, if I were going to hire a trainer/coach, it’d be because I’m tired of writing my own training plans, and all I’d need would be a warm (somewhat qualified) body to tell me what to do.
I like the previous responses, though; compassion, experience, empathy, yes.
Cammy says
March 3, 2009 at 4:56 amIf I have a fitness guru, it would be my friend Morgan. She was the first woman I ever met who lost weight to be healthy, exercised to be strong, and learned to accept her body as it is. I’m still working on that last one, and she’s still nagging me to get there. ๐
Sara says
March 3, 2009 at 5:19 amDave is awesome.
What is the name of his book again?
As far as a guru I am not sure I have one.
I loved how yesterday you showed us that you struggle and were I to find a guru I think that’s what I’d search for.
Someone who is real.
Rebecca says
March 3, 2009 at 5:38 amI’d say my DH is my main guru son of a coach, runs marathons, and has a black belt. All this because fitness is really a part of his life. If I have an exercise question he helps me.
BUT he doesn’t make work out videos or pilates DVDs so…I gotta say I loved Jane Fonda in high school and a few years ago Mari Winsor was my guru. And too bad Miz.. your on the list too! And since you said Jillian I gotta say I love Bob.
ClumberKim says
March 3, 2009 at 5:48 amI think I hate them all. I’d rather have a workout buddy. That said, I’m Jillian’s bitch for the month of march.
Monica says
March 3, 2009 at 5:51 amTough question, probably why I’ve never found a “guru”. Requirements:
1. As focused on the mind as much as the body.
2. Doesn’t talk to me like I’m an idiot.
3. Bases his/her guru-ness on science.
4. Rational, logical.
5. Doesn’t pretend that their guruness hasn’t come from a lot of hard work – i.e. my guru would share with me THEIR own trials and tribulations with getting and staying fit.
6. Appreciates the importance of eating good whole food.
I had a personal trainer once who violated almost all of the above… particularly 2. and 6. Never had a personal trainer since.
I too love Jane Fonda… largely for her legwarmers. And Richard Simmons, to… largely for his cute little shorts.
Linda says
March 3, 2009 at 6:15 amOh, Dave.
Oh, Barbie.
Oh, Ken.
Oh, Todd.
Oh, avacado.
That Barbie and Todd sure have some impressive vocabularies. Who knew?
Guru: I have no current, in my face or house or life fitness / health guru.
I gave up my gym and trainer because of the $$ and because the trainer was so about herself that she couldn’t get me. I would go to the gym and listen to her for 15 minutes talk all about her, keeping me from my workout. The next client coming in would be regaled with the same tales as would the next and next. She was more into her own thing than into helping me. And she believed that cleaning eating was the ONLY way to lose weight. Soooo, I would say my guru would have to be able to
1. understand that every overweight person is not the same
2. client needs are most important
3. one program is not doable for everyone
Who I love out in the big ol’ world is Bob Harper from Biggest Loser. I’m reading his book again and trying to fix my compass. He’s beautiful to look at and wonderful to listen to, and I’d walk on glass for that man. I would love a week with him as my trainer – though after 15 minutes I’d probably be crying like a baby begging for mercy. Bob is love.
TTFN
FLG says
March 3, 2009 at 6:16 amHmm, if I were to have a fitness guru aside from you, it’d probably be this guy called Steve on the weight-loss.fitness forums. The main reason I’m drawn to his advice is he’s into the science side of fitness, occasionally linking to scientific studies to help illustrate his points.
And he’s part of why I was drawn to this blog. He’s big on weight training, was a personal trainer, and likes to help people, but he’s rather blunt ๐
As far as I know, though, he hasn’t really had any weight problems. Certainly not as severe as mine, if any. And that really doesn’t bother me. With fitness, there’s a bit of a disconnect from everything else for me. I consider it more like a science, in fact. So having someone who doesn’t know what it’s been like to be in my shoes doesn’t really matter. What matters is they know what they’re talking about, and giving me accurate information. Of course, if they have been where I have, that’s just a bonus.
dragonmamma/naomi w. says
March 3, 2009 at 6:17 amWhen I first got started on all this fitness-stuff, my first (and still one of the most inspiring) internet gurus was Ross Enamait:
http://www.rosstraining.com/
I didn’t care about his health history. All I knew is that his video demo’s made my jaw drop open, and all I could think of was “I want to be a bad-ass like that!” It never occurred to me that simply because I was an overweight, out of shape woman 20-some years older than him, I wouldn’t be able to do it.
Mara @ What's For Dinner? says
March 3, 2009 at 6:25 amOk love the video…
My fitness guru is most definitely Jillian (or Bob)…there’s something motivating about what they do for so many people!
MizFit says
March 3, 2009 at 6:26 amdamn. You all never disappoint.
Many thoughts for later but life calls.
As anticipated this post is, for me at least, creating a craving for the ‘cado AND the legwarmers.
Tom Rooney says
March 3, 2009 at 6:33 amMy idea of a guru is someone that I can trust. I like the “been there done that” person “and here’s how I did it” approach too. Maintaining a healthy body takes all the help you can get. Face it Miz, you fit some of the criteria.
Gemfit says
March 3, 2009 at 6:44 amI have a great trainer – we’ve been training together since Nov ’07. Love him (although every session I tell him that I hate him but that’s when I’m in pain!).
I don’t need someone who’s been overweight but I need a human being – someone who cheats and has good and bad days. Someone who accepts that injuries and illnesses happen. Someone who can empathize.
I have one bugbear: I don’t want a trainer who is currently struggling – someone overweight and unhealthy giving me advice will not make it through my psyche. And if that makes me shallow, so be it.
Gena says
March 3, 2009 at 6:48 amYou tell ‘im, Barbie!
My idea of a fitness guru would be someone who is dedicated to their health and fitness and has a desire to inspire others to take charge of their own health and fitness. They don’t have to have all their own issues worked out; in fact, knowing they have to struggle sometimes would make them more real and reachable to me.
MizFit says
March 3, 2009 at 6:51 amoooh Gemfit you have my mind whirling.
So the GURU can be notyetathis/hergoal but as long as the unhealthy habits are pretty much in the rearview mirror (except for the ‘human moments’ we all experience) its ok?
Jen says
March 3, 2009 at 6:51 amSome people who have never gained serious weight (I’m talking more than 20 pounds) can have a real lack of empathy and understanding for people who are in that situation. And even sometimes people who have seem to forget what it’s like to face all the crap that goes along with weight gain/loss: the sense of shame, the hopelessness, the fear.
So empathy is good. Understanding is good. And I wouldn’t discount someone completely because they still had weight to lose, but we’ve all known the weight loss “expert” who has been overweight for years, has tons of ideas on what everyone else should do, but still hasn’t managed to drop the weight him/herself. I had a very fat guy tell me I wouldn’t lose weight on Weight Watchers because they let you eat too many carbs. When I had lost 25 pounds, he was still the same size and still harping at me about the carbs. No, I don’t give people like that much credit for their wisdom.
Jillian is great because she gets it. She has a no-nonsense attitude but still has compassion for people’s struggles. And she takes her own advice.
My guess is that the lecturer at the fat camp got the “have you ever been fat” question because he didn’t sound like he had those things.
bea says
March 3, 2009 at 6:57 amI’ve been waiting for Dave’s next video.
I bough his book a few weeks ago and it’s fantastic too!!
Thanks Barbie & Ken!
Bea
Gemfit says
March 3, 2009 at 7:02 amExactly Miz.
Case in point: talking with my trainer at our session last night. He’s a muscular guy – not built like a machine but healthy. But we were talking about our weekends and he started telling me about his eating crap on Saturday but you know, life happens. He’s started a new training routine and he’s hurting – which makes me feel better about hurting after our routine. I don’t feel the need to be perfect or apologise for my slip-ups b/c he’s human and slips up too.
He’s not perfect but I don’t need someone perfect. He’s fit and healthy most of the time. He’s a role model in a lot of ways. And that’s what I need. More of a guru than someone with 0% body fat and who doesn’t get that life happens.
Make sense?
Kim says
March 3, 2009 at 7:24 amThanks for an AWESOME video dave.
I love this addition.
MizFit says
March 3, 2009 at 7:29 amTHANKS Gemfit!
POD says
March 3, 2009 at 7:37 amJack LaLaine – is he still alive?
I admire people (and myself) who have lost a lot of weight if they are going to talk to me about dieting and struggling at weight loss but for fitness, anything goes as long as I can see their muscles.
I thought avocados were considered fats, not fruits, not vegs.
MizFit says
March 3, 2009 at 7:43 amOOOH I LOVE LALAINE!
saw him in person a few years back.
hes a bit hardcore for me (am I recalling correctly he has NEVER had caffeine? I know he NEVER has desserts.) but inspirational none the less.
reminds me of MY role model.
My grandma.
Passed away at 102 and was the first woman I knew who lifted soupcan weights.
the Bag Lady says
March 3, 2009 at 8:06 amWe’re supposed to have a fitness guru? …..Oops. Maybe that’s why I’m in such bad shape.
Sigh.
Valerie says
March 3, 2009 at 8:08 amWell, you actually named my guru specifically – I heart the Jillian.
I look for several things: first, I do prefer that they have experienced the same difficulties. I’d like for them to know what it feels like to be doing those squats and lunges when you’re carrying several dozen extra pounds.
Next, I want them to absolutely refuse to accept that as an excuse NOT to do the lunges or squats. I want them to know, to understand, and to care that it hurts – but to absolutely refuse to entertain that as an excuse for quitting. I want a no-BS attitude.
And I want someone who, once the workout is done, can give me a hug and tell me I’ve done great, and who can also talk with me about the mental and emotional process of changing your life and losing weight. (Those two don’t, unfortunately, always go hand-in-hand.) I want someone who totally GETS both sides of the equation – physical and mental – and who insists on the very best and most I can achieve on both sides.
From what I’ve seen on the show, on her website, in her books, on her radio show – that’s the Jillian. And while I can’t have her there in the gym (or my exercise room at home) pushing me, I can absolutely use her as inspiration when I want to quit – what would she say, if she WERE standing there?
And to lengthen an already lengthy comment – did anyone catch Jillian’s radio show a week or so ago, where she talked about the finalists confronting their “before” cardboard cutouts? I was so impressed – she said they always say “I hate that person” and “I’m never going back there” – and she talked about how unhealthy it is to reject that person, who is after all still you, and how necessary it is to integrate that pain that got you there into the person you are now and find ways of coping with it, because it’s a never-ending, lifelong process.
As she put it – “that person lost X number of pounds. What’s the NEW you going to do?”
She always amazes me.
V.
erin says
March 3, 2009 at 8:22 amI have never really thought about who is my fitness guru, but it’s an excellent question. I don’t think I’d care if my trainer/guru still needed to lose a little weight as long as I could tell they weren’t taking every opportunity to go on an emotional eating binge or something. I think it would be helpful if the guru is someone who has been through the weight loss struggle him/herself, but I think as long as the person is passionate and compassionate, I think I’d be okay with it. Jillian is awesome. But she also kind of scares me. ๐
Missicat says
March 3, 2009 at 8:26 amDefinitely the trainers at the studio where I take exercise classes – they really pay attention and get to know you as a person, not just a client. They also remember where you tend to have aches and pains and adjust the exercise when necessary. They are the best!
Felice says
March 3, 2009 at 8:27 amCan’t say I have a guru, really. But I do love Jillian. I also love Bart Yasso. And Kristin Armstrong.
Leah J. Utas says
March 3, 2009 at 8:31 amIf I were to attach myself to a guru I’d want someone who was a work in progress like me.
Miz. says
March 3, 2009 at 8:32 amKristin Armstrong (a fellow Austinite) is an interesting choice!
Great role model on so many levels, too.
Rachel says
March 3, 2009 at 8:35 amFunny video!!
I don’t have a guru either, but, I can name lots of athletes I respect…Kristin Armstrong, Coach Al, Gabby Reece, etc..
tricia2 says
March 3, 2009 at 8:36 amI’m gonna go with The Great Fitness Experiment’s Charlotte.
I’m not a fan of Jillian because of the dumping salt on cake (which she’ll do after she takes one bite of it), and refusing to work on her obliques because she claims that it’ll make your waist bigger.
And yes, the fact that she lost her excess weight around puberty does take away from the accomplishment.
kikimonster says
March 3, 2009 at 8:46 amBob and Jillian are my fitness gurus, mainly because of how important the Biggest Loser was as a motivator when I first started out. However, I can’t discount all the people I’ve met in the blogosphere… like you! I’ve learned so much though this blog, sparkpeople and other sites like that.
Dave Grotto, RD says
March 3, 2009 at 8:46 amI’m quickly becoming a fan of the Ren Man. I love his debut – no words but all action. Hmmmm. A potential ideal political candidate in the making?? When can we see more Ren Man? You both could be like Penn & Teller!
Thanks for the feedback on the video. Since you asked Sara, the book is called “101 Foods That Could Save Your Life.” I’m finishing up my second book tomorrow – I’ll keep you posted! Have a great day!
Dave Grotto, RD says
March 3, 2009 at 8:49 amHey, how about “Ren and Tell Her”? I don’t evevn know what that means…
mamarunswithscissors says
March 3, 2009 at 8:52 amWALK THE TALK!
i would have a hard time taking exercise or nutrition advice from someone who isn’t using it in their own life. i’m not saying they would have to be uber fit but if they were considerably over weight or not doing regular exercise then how could i take the advice seriously. i think there would be no motivation behind the advice.
it is kind of like having kids….we need to display the kind of behavior that we want to see from them.
Tammy says
March 3, 2009 at 8:57 amI have a friend who I would consider my fitness guru. She has never really been overweight, but she still ‘gets it’. She does struggle every single day with the same choices I do, and she comes from a family that is very overweight which makes her that much more vigilant for herself.
I know it may not be a popular sentiment, but I wouldn’t be able to have a trainer who was overweight. On the other hand- If there were such a thing as a person who has ZERO current weight issues/struggles, I don’t think I would want to meet that person. I still believe that doing the healthy thing is a daily choice, and anybody who is human must struggle with it from time to time.
Deacon says
January 20, 2012 at 3:09 pmWhat I find so inteestring is you could never find this anywhere else.
yxomfgrire says
January 24, 2012 at 4:15 ameG0yhv kinizzoomlvr
Melany says
March 3, 2009 at 9:02 amHmmm… good question. I do have to say that we had a pilates instructor come to demo at our mommy stroller class one day and she was…ummm… not physically what I strive to be and it did kind of bug me. I definitely didn’t jump to sign up for her class. I think I need to think about this some more. I don’t currently have a guru.
The video made me laugh. SO goofy. Love it. And I love avacados.
mamarunswithscissors says
March 3, 2009 at 9:02 amdon’t have a guru BUT i’d love to have the chance to be trained by MIZ or BOB!!
even better than i guru….everyday people that overcome challenges and keep on living their lives to the fullest! SO inspiring!
Shannon says
March 3, 2009 at 9:03 amI risked it and watched @ work.
That video made my day.
Thanks Dave!
TB--Milwaukee says
March 3, 2009 at 9:14 amWondering if guru and role model are one in the same? I have many role models that are everyday people around me that I look to as a success. One in particular I saw walking everyday and inspired me to do the same. Gurus? Not so much.
Merry says
March 3, 2009 at 9:15 amWhat, I can’t nominate the Mizfit? Wah ๐
I’m reminded of that episode of House where a fitness trainer’s deepest darkest secret is that she had gastric bypass surgery to lose weight. She figures if the world finds out, she’ll be out of a job.
Does having the surgery vitiate her ability to do one-handed push ups?
Miz says
March 3, 2009 at 9:22 amMerry? that might get me to watch house. creative plot ๐ and sisterfit raves about the show nonstop.
Now I’m also wondering if there aren’t snippets of reality in there…if that is more than a few people’s secret?
We know it happens with plastic surgery ๐
I dont care what people do….I just don’t love when they lie about it.
ANYWAY. That’s a different post (& when IS Dr 90210 returning to E! Anyone?).
TB? Really interesting point and perhaps why, too, I less have GURUS than role models.
Nina says
March 3, 2009 at 9:29 amI can’t say that I really have a fitness guru, but there are certainly people who I find inspirational.
I don’t think that you HAVE to have gone through the exact same things that someone else has experienced in order to empathize and relate and be able to provide useful advice. But it does HELP. Sometimes you meet people who are really lovely, kind people but you can tell that they simply have no ability to really understand some kinds of problems. And that does make their advice less credible. (Example: the knee surgeon who suggested, quite seriously, that my husband would be able to lose 200 lbs. in 6 months. You could just tell that he had no clue at all… no way of relating.)
I don’t think you have to be uber-fit to give good fitness advice. In some cases, exactly the opposite. And some people can coach things a lot better than they can do them (I can coach racquetball, for example, far better than I play it). But you have to have SOME sort of ability to carry through your advice for yourself.
And you have to care. I am not a big Jillian fan mainly because I find the kind of exercise that they do on the Biggest Loser dangerous and likely to cause long-term knee issues… but you can tell that she really care, absolutely radiates really caring. That buys a lot. (Bob, on the other hand, I kind of hate. He acts like he cares most about product placement. Just my impression.)
The puberty thing, though… 55 lbs is a lot to lose, even at puberty. I suppose I’d value later somewhat more… but on the other hand, she’s tiny, she lost a lot of weight, and she has maintained that loss. There are so many people who cannot do that, regardless of age.
Holly says
March 3, 2009 at 9:34 amHmmm…I don’t know that I have a fitness guru! I think it’s tough because I would want them to be a. empathetic (having lost weight themselves would definitely be more appealing to me just because they’ve been there), b. criticize me constructively but without hurting my feelings and c. be able to teach in a non-condescending way. I’d want them to be fit, of course (would you want to take swim lessons from someone that can’t swim?), but not intimidating. I guess that’s why I’ve never had a trainer….too picky? ๐
Dawn says
March 3, 2009 at 9:41 amI’ve had several fitness gurus along my 19 month journey (you included). For me it’s always been about a person that believes in me, believes I can do it. Someone that takes a heart felt interest in me.
When I started this journey I went to an all day Dr. Oz seminar and the thing he said that I took to heart was a 30 min walk everyday could change my life and it did. The fitness guru he had there that day Joel Harper has emailed with me through this whole journey giving me a pat on the back when I needed and a little positive push in the right direction when I was down.
I went on to fitness classes and a wonderful woman named Gail that believed I could do anything at 300 lbs and she helped to empower me to believe in myself more.
Then there is you who amazes me with how many people you touch here. Your kind words to everyone and the time you take to read sooooo many blogs and leave caring comments to help push us forward. I appreciate all you do and the great person you are. Thanks.
It was nice thinking back to the people that have touched my life through fitness. I look forward to us being here together for years to come.
Hannah says
March 3, 2009 at 9:50 amRight now my brother is my guru. He has been through the trenches and come out on top and shares his human struggles as he maintains and works at his healthy lifestyle. If in his shoes, it would be easy to say, “I lost 100 pounds so I can just maintain from here.” But he knows it is in his power to reach his goal. That inspires me! (and anytime I see an older picture of him and can see just how far he has come!)
I usually find inspiration from those who have overcome and lost weight. That being said, I don’t know who all those people are, so personality must play a role!
This is a lot of great feedback! I have my own reservations about teaching again because I am not “ideal”, but from comments from other people in the class, and from reading here, it gives me confidence. I may not be there yet, but I am shrinking and maybe others find inspiration in that (plus I teach a killer bag class that leaves you feeling like jello- can’t argue with that!)
Diana (Soap & Chocolate) says
March 3, 2009 at 9:54 amWow, that question is tougher than meets the eye. In a nutshell, ditto to #29 (Valerie). I loves me the Jillian. I think she’s a human being, and I’ve learned great stuff about her the couple of times I listened to her radio show – this is stuff that doesn’t come across in her videos or on BL. And I LOVE that she aggressively encourages you to tackle the head stuff too – making over your body doesn’t mean much if it doesn’t really penetrate how that body takes up space in the world. She makes me want to be the best presence I can, and working out helps me really take care without neglecting how it makes me feel in the brain.
Sagan says
March 3, 2009 at 9:56 amOoohhh so it’s YOUR grandma who started the soupcan lifting! She was a smart cookie ๐
In my hypothetical guru, they need to know their stuff but also be open and willing to learn new things. And they’ve also got to have a real interest and passion in what they practice and teach.
So far, I’ve been lucky with my gurus… both of my boot camp instructors, my sensei, and my friend who got me into aikido are all what I would consider fitness gurus.
Meg says
March 3, 2009 at 10:10 amHmm that’s a tough question. I think, honestly, all I look for in a guru is someone who is dedicated to what they teach. Someone who I can learn from. Someone with a sense of humor and humility, who nonetheless has knowledge and sincerity. Yeah, idk. My fitness gurus are many and diverse, so that’s about all I got.
workout mommy says
March 3, 2009 at 10:15 amomg, i love Dave and his family! “Let’s guac around the block?!” PRICELESS!!!!!
I definitely prefer someone that can relate to my struggles. When I was a trainer and not yet a mom, I never understood why moms had so many excuses and couldn’t do the workouts. NOW I GET IT!! (and I’m sorry to all those moms out there that I offended.)
That being said, I’d still love for Jillian or Jackie Warner to come to my house and kick my fluffy ass.
Fab Kate says
March 3, 2009 at 10:22 amYou know what? I don’t think I have “a” fitness guru. My needs change as my body changes, and I’ve relied on a number of people I’ve just clicked with in various classes. My Nia instructor was one of them. Sure, it’s easy to say “Bob” or “Jillian” because they’re not REALLY our trainers, just on air inspiration, but a lot of times I get the same amount of inspiration as some of the online bloggers. Two of my BIGGEST inspirations are Felicia of Life Happens and Irene of Losing Irene.
are they “gurus”? um… no.
If I had to choose one… if I could choose any personal trainer, I’d probably choose Bob, because I like his more holistic approach to fitness.
I actually thought about that a lot last year when I tried out for TBL… but came to a different conclusion, because when it comes to “winning” I’d want Jillian… when it comes to transformation, I’d want Bob. And I also like the no- nonsense approach Ruby’s trainer uses, he’s pretty cool too, but we just haven’t seen that much of him.
My primary PT and trainer at my old gym had a few pounds to lose herself, and was gaining weight it seemed. Of course, when I saw her at the gym it was one thing, at the pool she was always eating. I kinda had mixed feelings about that. But she knew her stuff, and this was about MY fitness, not hers, so I was able to (albeit hesitantly) get beyond that. She did well with me, so I’d really have a hard time faulting her for her own fitness struggles.
Miz says
March 3, 2009 at 10:27 amahhh the Warner.
How has she completely slipped my mind as of late?
Is that show returning?
Is Peeler every gonna follow through on his facetime promise to the Bumbling Band (seriously, dude. It was your idea!)?
All that.
Thanks wo mommy!
๐
Dawn? You know I need a MizMag article on the OZ.
I’m emailing you.
deb says
March 3, 2009 at 10:37 amMy perfect fitness guru? Believes in me. When I’m in doubt, he/she/they/it believe in me more than I believe in myself.
It doesn’t matter to me if they have fought the same fight; we all have our own battles. But that they understand that it is a fight and they help me keep my eye on the prize.
And, I hope with all my heart that that same quality in me is what my eventual clients cherish most of all.
Heather says
March 3, 2009 at 10:49 amLet’s say, hypothetically, that my fitness guru was someone I met about, oh, three years ago, in a magical place where it’s always springtime, and that she (or he) inspires me by being so wonderfully selfless in sharing bits of fitness wisdom and inspiration with me and a few others . . . .
As I only have one fitness guru and didn’t really look for her–she just happened to be living down the street from me–I don’t know what I look for in a fitness guru, really.
No, I don’t look for someone who has gone through a similar struggle. That doesn’t bother me so much as someone who recognizes that it can be a struggle and that having trouble with food/exercise does not make you a bad person. I really don’t know how I would feel about whether a fitness guru had zero body issues. I suppose I want someone confident, though. Not someone who goes around whining about her thighs.
Really the top criteria for me are knowledge, a sense of humor, and compassion.
Shelley says
March 3, 2009 at 10:52 amLOVE the video – good info and looks like they had a lot of fun doing it ๐
My husband is my fitness guru along with a certain blogger/friend who shall remain nameless.
When I hear advice that doesn’t apply to me or that comes from someone in a different situation than me, it doesn’t resonate at the time, but I do remember it later (because inevitably, I’ll be in their same place sometime down the road). I try, though, to pick out something that makes me relate my situation to theirs and glean inspiration from it, but I’m not always successful.
Alyssa says
March 3, 2009 at 11:00 amI need a guru who has struggled, has a life outside of the gym, is maybe the same age as i am or older, and has empathy. NOT a drill sargeant type, and definitely NOT someone who’s going to give me grief when i have to cancel last minute because one of my kids has a fever (which has happened!)
Luckily, I’ve found just that. And she happens to be my boss!
(As well as a certain blogger who shall remain anonymous.)
Amanda says
March 3, 2009 at 11:05 amI think I have a lot of gurus, because they all bring different things to the table. It’s neat to see someone who has lost weight, but that doesn’t mean they are better for me than the person who has just always been healthy or active. So i think it’s really a matter of finding someone that you click with…does that sound silly and childish? maybe, but oh well!
s says
March 3, 2009 at 11:26 ammy fitness guru is my weight watchers leader. she is also a trainer at a gym and she’s always running marathons and doing crazy gym stuff.
i also love the avocados video. it was so well-done and hilarious :)!
carrie says
March 3, 2009 at 11:40 amDave is awesome.
Thanks for the video now I know I need avocado and want my own Barbie and Ken.
Did you know she’s turning 50?
She looks great! LOL
Laura says
March 3, 2009 at 12:02 pmThat video is TOO FUNNY.
Dave needs to take that show on the road.
I had no idea about the eyesight and prostate stuff.
Thanks Dave!
MizFit says
March 3, 2009 at 12:09 pmI know, Laura. He is SO funny and I love the Grotto Family Players.
I also had no idea about the prostate health aspect.
The Ren Man is happy to get a break from the constant TOMATO pushing (lycopene).
Are avocados same for that, Dave? better?
(if you liked the video click thru to youtube & rate. we want the Grotto to come back for more :))
Miz, who is eagerly anticipating Beans Beans the Musical Fruit.
Marste says
March 3, 2009 at 12:15 pmWait, all those comments, and *I’M* the first one to break the rule? SERIOUSLY?!
I pick you. Neener neener. ๐ Because I like to see that you sometimes present yourself in a light that might not be your best (one-handed pushups and balances? ;D), and the world does not stop spinning. Because *I* am convinced that everyone is looking AT ME AND OMG DON’T LOOK STUPID. So it’s a good reminder that the world will not stop spinning if I am not 100% PERFECT at everything I do. ๐
If I had to *invent* one? Hmm . . . I’m not sure I COULD. I could invent a perfect TRAINER, but a “guru” is often a little less “attainable.” There’s a reason for that “guru on the mountaintop” cliche. They tend to be more inspirational, and hand down opinions on a more occasional basis than a trainer would.
Having said that, I guess you couldn’t be a guru if you weren’t educated. Ignorant opinions sort of defeat the whole IDEA of a guru, right?
tfh says
March 3, 2009 at 12:17 pmReading through the comments I find it a little sad (though not unexpected) how few people would want a trainer/fitness guru who has some weight to lose or doesn’t appear incredibly fit. Feel free to disagree, and I know this has so much to do with where I personally am coming from: one side of my family consists of naturally thin people, some of whom criticize/mock fat people as they themselves eat junk food and don’t work out. So sometimes I mistrust people for whom being thin (or, say, fast runners) may come easier, although I really LIKE what you said, mizfit, about struggle being “the great equalizer of the human experience & we can all RELATE to the feeling & the specific situation is unimportant?”
Then again, I don’t really have a personal fitness guru, although whenever I take a yoga class I feel ready to convert– they have the most affirming little sayings!
Heather says
March 3, 2009 at 12:21 pmI don’t believe in gurus.
For me the people I see day in and day out working hard at whatever they do inspire me.
Famous people do not.
I really enjoyed that video, too. Dave has a knack for conveying the information in a way I receive it.
(Does that make sense?)
I am not one to enjoy the avocado (sorry Dave) but will now try it again and think of barbie & ken every time.
Kelly says
March 3, 2009 at 1:05 pmI have several friends who I consider my gurus.
They have each lost 30+ pounds just by hard work and eating right. They are all moms, some of them work, some don’t. They all started in a place where they weren’t happy with how they FELT, and that was their inspiration and mine!
I have another friend who is my guru and inspiration for training for and competing in triathlons. She is amazing, and has the most awesome biceps (other than MizFit’s!)
I’m not there yet, this winter has been full of illness, but I hope to jump on the fitwagon in the next few weeks.
I do admire Gywneth Paltrow for creating goop and putting all the privileged info she gets out there for people.
Heather McD (Heather Eats Almond Butter) says
March 3, 2009 at 1:50 pmThese days, my guru is Polly over at Yoga is Yummy (http://yogapol.typepad.com/yogayum).
As a former long distance runner, I totally relate to Polly’s history as a runner turned yogi. I only hope to someday become as flexible, strong, and graceful.
Redbush says
March 3, 2009 at 1:54 pmI like Jillian and Bob for all the techniques they use to get them to lose. I didn’t realize that Jillian had lost that much weight herself. I’m an outdoor person, so, I like that a lot of their activities are outdoor ones, although, I wouldn’t have a lot of the apparatuses that they use.
Nancy says
March 3, 2009 at 2:05 pmGood god I am so sick of BL.
Thanks for a fun video post.
Dave & his players are edutainment at its finest ๐
I love the avocado!
Mary Meps says
March 3, 2009 at 2:27 pmEllen Barrett. I heart her.
She’s sensible and encouraging. She taught me correct form and breathing, basics I can use anywhere and with any workout.
Lately, my new weights are my gurus …
charlotte says
March 3, 2009 at 2:50 pmI have so many gurus I admire! JM is not one of them tho… ๐ Although you certainly make the list! And now Ren man after those push-ups yesterday…
Pubsgal says
March 3, 2009 at 3:25 pmI can’t really say that I have one go-to expert for fitness stuff. I gravitate to the fitness blogs lately, because I want to figure out the mindset of people for whom fitness is a big part of their lives, since I’d like to keep growing that mindset in myself.
Aw, Miz, I know you don’t want us to say “you.” But you are the closest thing I have to a guru. I also get a lot of inspiration from my MizFit Motivational Buddy, SeaBreeze, especially when it comes to advice re: the gym. She’s at a totally different (higher) fitness level, yet is very encouraging to this newbie.
Video-wise, I don’t follow BL, but when you read a lot of fitness blogs, you can’t escape The Jillian. I just tried her 30 Day Shred video for the first time the other day. Good 20 minutes! I liked the way she coach-talked on that video, rather than the cheerleady babble that so many of the fitness video people use. (Let’s just say I’m surprised the husband doesn’t come running out to see what on EARTH I’ve got on the TV with some of those.) I also like the Keli Roberts “Kickboxing Bootcamp” video. I know the tough trainers would probably intimidate the heck out of me in person, but I rather like them on video.
In real life, I appreciate my BodyPump class instructor. She’s tough, but she takes the time to coach us (in class and individually) on form.
Quix says
March 3, 2009 at 3:27 pmI can’t really name specific names anyone would recognize – coaches when I was younger I guess – my gymnastics coach that made the 80 Olympic team but didn’t get to go because of the boycott and ended up working at the Y of all places. Our little chant was “GUTS”, both working on core strength and having courage to do crazy things.
I guess my idols just do things that I can’t yet do, that I want to…
Camevil says
March 3, 2009 at 3:31 pmThis is a great question because it froze me to my core. Wow, I never thought about this before. I started working out 3 years ago and never watched the Biggest Loser until the end of the last season, so I didn’t know Jillian by name.
I’m still learning about myself and what I need from fitness so I never thought about an ideal.
I started working out to Coach Nicole’s videos on Spark People and liked the fact that she was seemingly patient and easy to follow. Her back story and the “controversy” surrounding her weight kind of endeared her to me more, because she is the atypical but ideal model of healthy. At least for me, because she is close to my goal weight…about 150 or so (I’m 5’7″) with some cushiness.
However, I think I want more than that now and want someone challenging, who inspires me to kick my own ass. I just haven’t started looking yet.
Oh man, I need to think about this and give more thought about what I want out of my fitness regimen.
Thanks for the great question!
Lynn says
March 3, 2009 at 3:35 pmGURU? Definitely Jillian.
Role model? People who overcome adversity. No matter the challenge.
Now I shall add Barbie to the list since she over came her feat of fat!
It made me laugh but I used to not eat avocado ever because of the fat.
I finally get it and my hair and skin look so much better for it.
MizFit says
March 3, 2009 at 3:42 pmD*MN YOU ARE ALL SO INSIGHTFUL (and no. not because some of you mentioned me.)
too many to quote here (or it would be a post in and of itself) so Ive emailed many of you privately.
I admire you tfh for stepping up with this comment:
sometimes I mistrust people for whom being thin may come easier,
I get that. ENTIRELY. would I hire a woman to train me who had **amazing genetics**/looked muscleamazing but lifted sporadically to get that way?
Im not sure!
Id wonder if she could ‘get’ where my struggling for every bit of muscle a** was coming from.
food for thought.
Miz, who does not mean in any way she struggles to gain WEIGHT merely muscle. Thank you.
Geosomin says
March 3, 2009 at 4:06 pmMmmm…avacados.
Avacado smoothies are the best thing ever…
I’ve always wanted a personal trainer, but couldn’t quite afford one. I’ve found taking bellydance classes to be similar. Once a week, I get a kick in the ass and encouragement from someone who cal tell when I’ve been exercising and practising and it makes a big difference. In the winter I can’t run due to the cold, and this has given me an amazingly fun thing to do…
To me, someone with sincerity and who is able to tell me the hard stuff and make me work hard, without being a jerk about it is what I like in a coach. If you’re too nice, I just don’t try hard enough ๐
Marianne says
March 3, 2009 at 4:58 pmCan I say my motivational partner???
erin says
March 3, 2009 at 4:59 pmI just read a news story about a trainer in Australia who is gaining weight so he can better understand his clients. That certainly would give him more empathy, but it seems like a publicity stunt to me. Just thought it was interesting in light of this post and the ensuing conversation. Here’s a link: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Fitness/story?id=6973029&page=1
HT: TheDailySpark.com
Eva says
March 3, 2009 at 5:21 pmI would love to know if Dave and the players eat healthy all the time.
MizFit says
March 3, 2009 at 5:31 pmthanks for the link, Erin.
Im conflicted. It makes me SO THINK STUNT mainly because, were it not, Id imagine he’d have refused the interview?
(cue MizFit is SO CYNICAL music)
also reminded me too much of Super Size Me.
anyone else?
Giz says
March 3, 2009 at 5:56 pmI love the avocado video… and I love me some avocados!
Fitness guru – I look for intelligence/knowledge/success/charisma… and whatever unknown quantity it seems to be that motivates me to try whatever they suggest!
Giz
PS Remember Dragonmamma’s big box jump? I read Nate Green’s stuff so I may be help/understand younger male clients and where they’re coming from. He’s got some videos on Youtube – check this one out
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7Zuj1ErO9c
and watch it just before the 1 minute mark. Made me giggle to think a 50 year old woman did very similar…
Giz says
March 3, 2009 at 6:00 pmPS Nate’s the guy doing the big jumping. Dunno who the others are.
Melissa says
March 3, 2009 at 6:09 pmOh NOOOOOOO–not avocados–at least not until after April 1st. That’s when my fat bet stops. NOT watching this until after then.
And MizFit is my guru, along with Crabby McSlacker and Merry Sunshine.
Dave Grotto, RD says
March 3, 2009 at 6:41 pmMelissa! You will be happy to know that you can still win the bet with avocaods. Barbie sets Ken straight with the popular misconception that avocaods are “fattening”. Sure, maybe if you scarf down an entire jumbo-sized bowl of guac everyday.
Eva – the Grottos hold their own in the junk department meaning we all love it, but truly consume it in moderation.
Hmmm. Maybe that should be the next question from Miz Fit? Who’s your nutrition guru? And you can’t say me either! Ha!
I know for me its not someone who tells you “don’t eat this or don’t have that”. That has never worked and never will work but we are drawn to that dogma like a junkie is drawn to a crack pipe – (Huh? What the hell is he talking about?).
Maybe like a fitness guru, I want to hear advice from someone who “walks the talk” but every now and then walks on the “wild side”. Can I get an “Amen”? (now, now…time for you to take your medication now Dave and say nite nite to all the nice bumbling band folks out there. Say nite nite). I hate that lady in my head…nite nite…
josha says
March 3, 2009 at 8:04 pmI love to read of someone who overcame any obstacle. We all have them. Weight loss seems to precipitate many other accomplishments. One of my running heroes is John Bingham who writes for Runners world magazine. He isn’t fast, he is just a normal guy, but if you read any of his work, he is constantly learning and moving forward. I also really like Bill Phillips who has transformed his life both physically and spiritually and sees it his goal to inspire others. Then, there’s Lolo Jones who just is.
kristisummer says
March 3, 2009 at 10:12 pmLove Jillian. I heard she used to be heavy in high school days. Hard to believe. I just learned that she used to be the owner of Sky Sport. You know that show Workout on Bravo? That gym. Funny b/c that annoying trainer Jackie Warner, who owns the gym now, acts as if she built it from the ground up. Not really…lol.
JanetM97 says
March 3, 2009 at 10:22 pmI heart avocados AND the video! ๐
I don’t have a guru, but I have lots of fitness presenters at the annual aerobics convention who I admire (don’t think any of them had weight issues though): Lexie Williams, Gin Miller, Kathi Smith…etc. They have made fitness into a career. You have to kind of be in awe of that. (kind of like you, MizFit!)
Myra says
March 3, 2009 at 10:53 pmTHATS IT! Finally I know why I am having such a hard time losing 100 lbs. for the third time! I lack the guru in my life!
It is not my age, or my metabolism, or my mother or my 12 year old, or my job, or my boss, or my dog, or the fact that Susan Powter still wears her hair bleached and spiky! Its my lack of a guru!
You Mizfit…are changing my life. but alas you are not here in New Jersey…neither is Jillian….I love her angry face..sooo scary..seriously she’d be really angry at me today…rambling..and I do love Dr.Oz…check out the Turkish shepherd salad…HE lives in NJ….near me too…
But I choose ME….Maybe things will work this time…I always wanted to tell the trainers a thing or two…..I’ve always wanted to be a guru
Ms. V says
March 3, 2009 at 11:08 pmI’m about someone who looks great, lives what he/she preaches, works out, eats cleanly, and can get my ass moving.
How about that.
Dana says
March 4, 2009 at 3:04 amMyra – I think we are all gurus – we may need help but that does not me we are not the experts about our own life, minds and bodies… good luck.
Jen says
March 4, 2009 at 8:46 amPersonally, I have so many guru’s. Some I know and know me, some I see from afar or only for a moment or even on paper or film. People with real lifes and real commitments and real struggles who wake up every single morning and re-commit to trying to simply do the best they can for themselves and those around them every day. Kathy – who helped me lose the last 50 lbs out of 200 last year by training my body and, most importantly, helping me recognize what was internally keeping me holding on to those last pounds. Rachel…who has lost 90 pounds herself, and was teaching spin at the gym – imperfect body and all. But she was motivating and challenging and REAL. She held the key for me – if she had the cajones to get up there in all her imperfect glory and kick our asses daily, my god, then so could I! And now I do. I’m a certified weight loss coach, spin instructor, group ex instructor, teach pump classes and am working on my personal training certification. I’m also certified to teach Zumba. I love what I do, and my clients tell me that they find me extremely motivating. That seeing someone who was were they are and, in many cases, was way worse than they are, gives them an immediate and concrete visual that THIS CAN BE DONE. Without surgery and pills and magic. It’s sweat and commitment and education and support. I will never be a barbie doll. That’s not in my genetic make-up, but I’m strong and curvy and beautiful and I wake up every morning hoping to help some other person finally feel that good also!
*whew* Where did that come from? Must go wake up my children for school! : -)
Annette says
March 4, 2009 at 9:11 amlove Jillian’s way of making us check into reality!………..and Leslie Sansone———very realistic approach to fitness……..any one can do her programs ๐
Marathon Me says
March 4, 2009 at 10:29 amTony Horton is my fitness guru. P90X, bring it. ๐
He is in such great shape for being 50 it is amazing. The p90x workouts kick my butt and I am in reasonable shape.
I have way more energy and strength just 2 months into the program and I am a lot stronger.
Love it.
Laura Brandon says
March 10, 2009 at 12:29 amLet me just say, I love Love LOVE Jillian Michaels! I have loved her since day 1 on the Biggest Loser, and no I had not heard of her before then, but that’s ok. And I think it might actually have been the 1st season that she mentioned she had once been overweight, and her mom enrolled her in martial arts to lose the weight, so the fact that she had been there before really made me feel like she knew something. I mean, look at her! She’s like 5′ 2″ (an inch shorter than me), she once weighed more than I do now, but now she is hard as a rock! What can be more inspiring than that? And I LOVE her no bullshit attitude. It’s not like, Oh Jillian you would never understand, because she DOES understand, she’s just like whatever get over it and move on!
I would have to agree that I am one of those who has a hard time even taking advice from anyone currently struggling with their weight… that’s why I don’t really give any advice, because I feel like, who am I to advise you when obviously I haven’t even figured it out for myself? Yeah, I have a blog, but it’s more just to follow my own struggles – I rarely give advice. I just have something against that.
And yes, Miz, I CAN also say you! Look at you! You’re amazing!
Oystein Lund says
March 10, 2009 at 12:04 pmHonestly? Me. I’ve learned a lot from the Cosgroves, Alan Aragon, Lyle MacDonald, Rippetoe, Kilgore, etc., but ’twerent none of them who lost 63lbs and counting or who’ve spent the last two years advising everything from 17-year old girls to 70 year old grandfathers on their diet and fitness regimes ๐