fitness Archives

#VFITSTRONG – Thank you from your VFit Trainer Team

April 13, 2020 by Maria Sogard 2 Comments

VFit’s Weekly Inspo

Wow, what a month that has felt like a decade! One month ago VFit opened its doors for free to the world.

It was one of the scariest things I’ve ever done. Letting one of my “babies” out into the big world with so much unknown. But we had to do it, people needed us, and we wanted to help in any way we could.

I didn’t know that the universe had been preparing our team for this over the past 4 1/2 years. We had been training for one of the biggest events we didn’t even know we signed up for!

Overnight we more than doubled our schedule, we welcomed back a few original trainers coach Lindsay started a youth conditioning program, we brought on members to help with electives like drawing, Spanish, story time, lunch and learns, youth sports, and most importantly we came together as one of the strongest teams on earth!

Close to 2000 VFITSTRONG passes were claimed. 4-5 times the amount of traffic was coming through our classes!

And at first I was overwhelmed. Scared. Exhausted.

We will always share this month TOGETHER where we have given each other stability, smiles, kindness, lots of sweat and true compassion that we are all going to get through this.

VFit stayed 100% true to our core values and as a reward, we have been gifted the opportunity to have helped so many.

We showed everyone who let us, the true VFit lesson in life…. no matter how much is going on, no matter how out of control your life may seem, no matter how overwhelmed you may be – you always have the opportunity to make your health and happiness a priority!

VFITSTRONG has always been a tag line of ours. Now it means more than we ever knew possible.

Thank you sounds so insignificant for the emotion I am overcome with right now. Your support through all of this and your enthusiasm to share VFit with so many has forever left an impression on all of us.Below, each trainer shared a little bit about what this experience has meant to them. It’s really meant the world to all of us to do this together!

In health,

Rachele

During these surreal and uncertain times our VFit community remains a vital source of joy in my life. Thank you for sharing your spirit and energy with me over this last month; I hope you’ve enjoyed our time together as much as I have.

In Health, Trainer Ceci (also a nurse on the front lines)

When I jumped back in to teach for this special month I was delighted to see so many of the same members consistently taking classes after I had been away for 2.5 years. VFit truly is an inspiring tribe of all stars!!

Xo
Trainer Chris

Rockstars,

What a month we’ve had together!! From the bottom of my heart, thank you for making this time of such uncertainty, certain in one way- knowing that my side of the screen was going to be filled with smiles and sweat from all over the world! When we didn’t know what major announcement was coming next, we DID know that you’d be there sweating with us the next time we logged in. And we are thankful!

More than these things though, you showed up for YOURSELF!! You wanted to move, to sweat, to get your happy juices flowing for yourself and your family. What a powerful action!!! It’s my hope that we’ve 30 minutes you spent with us made your day better. You got stronger physically and mentally every.single.time you made the decision to log in to class. CONGRATS!

I’m excited to keep seeing so many of you as we move forward. Even if you’re not choosing a membership, keep moving and showing yourself this kind of love. We’re all in this together. VFITSTRONG

XO, Trainer Christine

I’ve loved having all of the new people in classes along with our members! The first couple of weeks of the shutdown were really rough for me, my business shut down and I was suddenly shut off from my entire support system.

Knowing that so many people were in the same boat and that we were all exercising through it really helped me to feel more connected and to have something to look forward to every day.

Getting to know all of the new people, all over the world, that have joined Vfit for the last month has really been a bright spot and motivation for me to find the good in all of this! I hope many people continue on to a fit memberships so I can continue to get to know them!

In Health,

Trainer Leslie

Being a keen vfitter for the past 3 years, I was honored when Rachele asked me to teach Youth Sports Conditioning. We are getting a lot of repeat young athletes working out 4 days per week. I am so impressed by their dedication and hard work. I love unmuting everyone at the end of class and getting to say hello to all the athletes.

My family has been loving Mr. Tom’s drawing class and Chef Alias’s cooking class. And I love getting to try out more class formats at different times of the day.
Trainer Lindsay B

This team is my rock, my connection and my tribe! I’m so grateful to those who joined us for VFit Strong and to our loyal members for staying with us through thick and thin. I will never forget this time together!

Namaste, Trainer Lindsay

You write a company mission and vision, and it sounds lofty. Impossible. But it’s still something you WANT and know the world needs.

I would have never thought something like COVID-19 would happen in our lifetime and cause half the world to go into shelter in place.

I also would never have imagined we’d find a way to help so many with our online fitness studio. These past four weeks have brought me so much joy and light in the darkness of the unknown.

I’ve personally had goal smashing days, and then others barely wanted to get out of bed. The one constant with the VFITSTRONG tribe each and every day, there to lift me up. Light up my screen. Fill my heart!

Thank you to all of you who joined us, got out of your comfort zone, and took classes with our trainer team. I’m forever thankful we’ve been able to share VFit with you this past month.

In health,
Trainer and Director of Operations at VFit, Maria

VFit strong friends. What an amazing month we have had together! I have loved every moment of having you all in classes with me, and I hope you will continue your journey with us. You all truly do become, not only members, but also dear friends. I have made some of my best connections and friendships with this team.

VFit strong always,
Trainer Shari Belmarez

Thank you for lighting up my screen for the last month and allowing me and my silly boys into your homes as we sweat and coped together. Your energy was felt across the miles and I hope each 30 minute session together lifted you up and reminded you of how amazing and resilient you are! Be well!

Be Well,
Trainer Steff

Every situation in life is temporary. So, when life is good, make sure you enjoy and receive it fully. And when life is not so good, remember that it will not last forever and better days are on the way.” -Unknown

Team, these uncertain times have been challenging to say the least. But what has made it bearable is THIS community. You showing up to class matters! You matter.

You have made a huge impact on me. Your commitment and determination is inspiring. You have helped me during this time more than you know. It is nice to be included in this amazing and supportive environment. I appreciate you all. Be well friends

Thanks!
Trainer Steph

What is YOUR Zihuantanejo?

February 21, 2020 by Rachele at VFit Studio 4 Comments

Always take the trip, a reminder I was in need of. It isn’t easy to step away from the hustle of everyday life, but we must remember to always take the trip!

Sometimes that may be simply unplugging down the street from your house, maybe that will be a cruise through the Mediterranean, or going away to a retreat that lights you up.

Earlier this month was an experience of a lifetime when I stepped away from work and family to attend a 3 day Mastermind Retreat in Coronado, CA.

I was in the company of 100 passion driven Fit Pro’s and there was some serious magic to take away from this experience.

Last year, I made the decision to up-level my professional career and joined a Mastermind Group, under one of the most influential mentor’s out there – Todd Durkin. And I finally I had the opportunity to come together with this group in real life. I had to take the trip!

“The only person who can put limits on you, is you!”

It has taken some time to process this experience. I was surrounded by some of the most heart centered, passionate and down right purpose driven people on the planet.

I am excited to share some of my top takeaways from this retreat in hopes that it inspires even one person to keep growing outside your comfort zone.

In no particular order, my top inspo bombs from the TD 2020 Beach Retreat:

Lesson 1: “Being Uncomfortable Pushes You to Be Better.”

It is one of my favorite quotes to remind myself of. And as much as we know this concept to be true, it takes A LOT of effort to keep pushing outside your comfort zone.

Heading off to this retreat was WAY outside my comfort zone. I was leaving all 3 kids for the first time, travelling alone and spending the weekend with people I had never met before.

Getting outside my comfort zone is what got me to SHOW UP!

Lesson 2 : “Success is small wins each day.”

I always say, “beat the sun up and you already won the day”. Meaning that when you wake up and start your day with purpose and a workout, you tend to do better at life.

Look at any successful mentor out there (and I don’t measure success by money in the bank, but rather purpose, impact and happiness), and they all have a strong morning routine, which includes some form of movement to get your mind up and ready for the day.

This was proven to me again by my fellow masterminder’s.

Here we were on “retreat” and yet 90%+ of us CHOSE to wake up before the sun was up each morning to get in a killer workout together.

Rise and shine, literally! Above is a picture of our day 2 workout watching the sun rise over Coronado Bay…. more to come on that magical morning in #7.

Lesson 3 – “If you are not growing, you are dying.”

Humans are the most complex species on earth. It is our innate desire to continue to grow and flourish, yet we tend to be our own worst enemy when it comes to letting fear, comfort and doubt take the wheel.

Investing in yourself to be around the right people and events is always a good idea!

Most of your personal and professional growth will happen outside of your “office”.

It is through the people and experiences that we put ourselves out there for, that we grow the most toward our full potential and purpose.

Lesson 4 – “What is your Zihuantanejo?”

One thing that I loved most about this Retreat was there was an overall “theme” and that was “What is your Zihuantanejo?”

Now just like most of you reading this, I had no idea what the heck that meant at first, but as we dove into the meat of the retreat this concept was the heart of everything.

Yes, Zihuantanejo is a place in Mexico, but what it symbolizes is so much more. The value of this concept is to center your life, work and the things you are “doing”; around creating experiences that light you up from the inside.

You know…….those moments where you heart is literally smiling!? We ALL need to focus more on creating lives filled with THESE kind of moments.

The tragedy of Kobe Bryant, his daughter and the others aboard that tragic helicopter flight are a prime example that nothing in life in more important than right now and who you spend you time with.

As a mom of 3 young kids, trying to run a business is quite the juggling act most days. This theme was a HUGE reminder of the truly important things in life and where to place more of my time and energy.

Lesson 5 – “Be the Coffee Bean.”

Damon West, Author of “The Change Agent” and co-author of “The Coffee Bean” hung out with our group for a day and also gave one of THE most powerful presentations I have ever heard.

Damon grew up in a nice middle class family, was a star quarterback, who had everything going for him, when he let addiction take over his life and landed himself with a life sentence in prison.

I’ll let you read the story or listen to his podcast with Todd Durkin, but Damon is an incredible person and has one of the most powerful lessons to share.

I have been sharing the “coffee bean theory” left and right with my members, kids and anyone who wants to listen!

You have 3 choices in life: be a carrot, be an egg, or be a coffee bean.

When placed in a pot of boiling water, aka “the world”, a carrot will become soft and weak. The carrot lets the hot water break it down and take it’s strength and grit away. Don’t be a carrot!

What happens to an egg when it is placed in this same pot? It becomes hard (and stinky as my kids reminded me!). The egg lets that hot water harden its shell and insides. The world has way too many eggs. Angry, resentful and negative people. Don’t be the egg!

Be the coffee bean! Be that bean who when placed in a pot of water, changes the water into coffee! The coffee bean doesn’t let that water change it, IT changes the water.

We have the power to change our surroundings and make a positive impact in this world.

Smile more at strangers, walk into a room ready to light it up, laugh more, live more, compliment more. Be the coffee bean!

Lesson 6 – “The power of a team”.

That is what a mastermind is. A TEAM!

It is the belief that being part of a team with others of like minded values, passion and purpose; brings more value to your life than any one person can do alone.

I found my people this weekend! People who believe in lifting each other up, not climbing on top of each other to get to the top.

People who believe so deeply that we are on the FRONT lines of healthcare and that is is going to take all of us working together , to have a chance at changing this world for the better.

Each one of us wake in the morning driven to spread positive IMPACT around us. Let me tell you, being in the company of such passionate, fun and amazing people was a true honor.

Lesson 7: “Regret and excuses take a lot more time and energy, than ACTION does.”

I talked above about the importance of a strong morning routine. Does that mean it is easy to bounce out of bed each day? No way!

The second day at retreat, I didn’t want to wake up and work out. I was tired…. I didn’t have my kids…. We had blackout curtains in the room…. I had every excuse in my head why I could miss this workout. It was optional after all.

But I know better! As usual, I had already put out my workout clothes the night before. I couldn’t let them go home fresh!

I knew if I missed that workout, I would spend FAR more time regretting it, than if I just got my tired booty out of bed and in action.

How often do you get to workout on THE BEACH with a bunch of other amazing, driven and FIT beasts?!?!

I’m never one to sugar coat that being healthy and feeling good takes effort. “You aren’t always going to feel like it, but you must always be disciplined.” I tell my team that ALL the time.

I am so glad I woke up and went to that workout! We ran on the beach, there was so much laughter and bonding, I taught a segment of the workout to a group of peers (back to getting uncomfortable!), we watched the sun rise over the day and we laughed some more.

THAT workout was a highlight of my weekend and PURE MAGIC! So many “aha” moments were had during that beach workout. Much more magic than any sleep would have been.

Lesson 8 – “Polar Bear Plunge” – the power of a motivated LEADER

This picture above SAYS it all – united and stronger together! Let fear fuel you and rely on the power of a team to push you outside your comfort zone.

It was actually really cold in San Diego this day, and if you have ever been in the Pacific Ocean in CA, it’s pretty dang cold in general.

I had told myself I wasn’t getting in the water. Thank goodness my heart knew better and I put my swim suit on “just in case”.

But when our fearless leader, Todd Durkin led us through a sunset pep talk and encouraged us to link arms, to go run into that water together and to release anything that is holding us back – you bet we knew we had to take this once in a lifetime opportunity!

That is what a good leader does. They motivate, inspire and push you to be a better version of yourself. And it was 100% worth the plunge!

Being around some of the best leaders out there over the course of the weekend was infectious. From that “plunge”, I came out of the water a stronger leader myself.

Lesson 9 – “Chase more sunrises and sunsets.”

This one needs no further explanation.

It’s simple – you either can get busy living or get busy dying.

Go out there and chase as many sunrises and sunsets as you possibly can!

In health,

Rachele, VFit Owner

Don’t Wish For It, Work For It

January 13, 2020 by Maria Sogard 3 Comments

VFit’s Weekly Inspo

At the VFit Studio, we like to set a studio-wide intention for the year. With so many of our members working towards becoming a better version of themselves each time they log in and focus on self care, we chose this mantra for 2020:

DON’T WISH FOR IT, WORK FOR IT

Now that’s powerful!

It’s a little bit of tough love, and a bit of a dare.

Today we are releasing the latest tool to help YOU work for reaching your fitness goals.

Are you willing to WORK for your goals?

Goals, goals, goals … everyone has them, right?

There are no shortage of goals to be set and there are no shortage of tools and resources out there to help you achieve those goals.

But how many actually hit their goals consistently? Sadly, over 50% of people give up on their goals because they forget to set the most important part – the foundation.

What is the secret to those that continue to achieve success?

We believe that people spend too much time in the “wishing” stage of setting goals, and they are forgetting the part that matters most – ACTION!

We are here today to share a very simple, yet life changing approach to making your goals a reality. A tool that will take your goals from wishes to reality.

There is study after study about how much more likely you are to achieve your goals if you WRITE them down – like 7 times more likely!

I don’t know about you, but if the simple act of writing my goal down will make me 7 times more likely to achieve it, I am going to arm myself with those odds no doubt.

Then, if you SHARE your written goals with others and build in accountability, your success rate jumps up to 95%!

It really is that simple! Of course next comes the actual work that you will need to put in to reach that goal, but setting a strong foundation for which this goal actually has a shot of becoming successful is a KEY STEP!

Want to work out more this year? Let’s start with this goal. Just thinking and saying you want to exercise more is not a goal, it is a wish.

We are now going to turn it into a goal.

How many times do you want to workout this year? 150? Perfect, that is a substantial and powerful amount of exercise.

So write that out. “I WILL workout 150 times this year”.

Then under that line, write 5 action steps you WILL take over the year that will get you to this goal.

We like to reverse engineer our goals, but you can work through in whatever direction feels comfortable to you.

150 workouts a year sounds like a lot, especially if you are starting from 50 or less, but watch just how DOABLE it is.

150 workouts a year means just 2-3 workouts a week, 12-13 workouts per month. EVERYONE has that it them and deserves to hit that goal.

Then you stick that written statement and action you wrote down and put it somewhere you will see EVERY DARN DAY and you commit to reading what you WROTE! Every. Single. Day.

But since we are human and we tend to be our own worst enemy, you need to take this a step further. YOU NEED to tell others about this goal you set.

We tend to be ok letting ourselves down, but I promise you, you aren’t the type of person who will want to let others down.

By telling your goals to your family, your fit tribe, your co-workers, kids, boss and anyone else, you are now making them part of your team.

And THEY ALL want you to succeed, and if they don’t, that is a whole nother blog on who you are surrounding yourself with.

I know that if I tell my family it is important to me that I get in 2-3 workouts a week, and to please help keep me accountable to that, they will! Same goes to my fellow VFit members, they want the best for me, now I owe it to all of us to make it happen.

Goal setting is a skill, it is something that takes time and focus and practice.

The number one reason I see many short change themselves in life, is that they aren’t setting any tangible goals and they have no action plan on how to achieve the goal.

If you know anything about VFit values, you know the number that we track and that matters most is how many times you SHOWED UP! No heart rate, calorie, or pant size number matter more than that stat.

Because we love you and we want to give you every opportunity to put what we are sharing into action, we have created a WORKPAGE Goal Sheet just for YOU!

Simply download this one page worksheet and state your Annual Workout Goal on the top. Then think through 5 action steps you can take each day/week/month to get you to this goal.

Below the action steps, we have a grid for you to fill in monthly with the number of workouts you showed up for.

Put this simple piece of paper in a place you will look at DAILY, and watch the magic start to add up.

But don’t forget, to make your chance of success shoot up to 95%, you can’t keep this to yourself.

Share with your friends, fam and the VFit team. We would love nothing more than to see what stats you are aiming for and then we vow to do our share of the job to help keep you accountable and on-track.

We believe if everyone embraces the motto of Don’t Wish for It, Work for it, then you are unstoppable. You will work to build in more healthy habits and create less space for the ones that are deterring you from reaching their goals.

We hope you enjoy this free download and really put it to use. Whether it becomes your inspiration to join us for a free week of classes, or helps towards reaching another fitness/life goal, we hope this concept is one that you work to embrace in your own lives.

Goal + Action = Success

In health,

Rachele & Maria