Sergeant Tony's Blog

I had an MRI done a few weeks ago.

Since I’ve had some problems with my voice lately, Dr. Arthur Franklin — wonderful physician, lousy boot camper — wanted me to have an MRI to eliminate anything more serious than overuse of my vocal chords, and such, as the cause. (The MRI detected that I suffer from extraordinary levels of awesomeness. But then you knew that already! Yet, it’s good to have medical confirmation!)

A few days ago I was talking with Andrew Forsdick — never on time boot camp veteran, and all-round good guy — about life. I’m currently in a bit of a pickle. Actually it’s more like a quagmire. I am caught in the middle of an ongoing “disagreement” between members of my family. My elderly mother’s health and care are at issue. It’s a complicated mess made worse by my mother’s stubbornness and insistence on being independent and living alone when she really can’t. She’s almost 80 and she ain’t no Bob.

The two members of my family, both of whom I love dearly, suffer from misinterpretation. It’s what happens between people who are at odds with one another.

For example, if you’re upset with “Billy” then there’s NOTHING that Billy does or says that is neutral or good. Everything Billy says or does is evil and wrong and intended to inflict as much harm and harassment as possible. Billy can’t blow his nose without it meaning something nefarious. Billy is the antichrist. If it rains on your picnic, Billy had something to do with it.

Sound familiar?

Ever been “Billy”?

So my loved ones assign the worst of intentions to the most innocent of actions of the other.

Watch the movie “Crash” and you get what I mean. That whole movie is based on lack of knowledge and misinterpreting the knowledge one has to interpret the actions of others. It teaches us how it’s possible for any of us to take 10% of the details of a situation and then unknowingly read into or create the other 90% from our own biases, prejudices, and ignorance.

What a mess … made worse by misinterpretation.

None of us has all the facts about anything … ever! Even eye witness accounts of the same event will vary so wildly from other eyewitness accounts that you’re sure those people weren’t even in the same place at the same time.

We hardly know our own hearts and minds or the reason why we do what we do, much less the intentions and actions of others. And we’re US!!! If anyone should know what we’re up to it ought to be ourselves. How many times have you answered “I don’t know” when asked why you did or said a particular thing?

See what I’m sayin?

Andrew and I were talking about this very thing. He said that a boss of his had shared the “MRI Theory” with him sometime back. In a nutshell this is the MRI Theory:

“Until there is evidence to the contrary, assign the Most Respectful Interpretation to an event, to an off handed comment, to an action.”

Thanks, Andrew! The MRI Theory is golden! The MRI Theory will keep us from becoming complete chowder heads, over reacting, misinterpreting, misunderstanding, misreading … It might keep us from making horrible mistakes and splintering an otherwise good relationship. The 5th of Steven Covey’s 7 Habits is: Seek first to understand, then to be understood.

Now if I could just convince my loved ones to get their own MRI.

“Until there is evidence to the contrary, assign the Most Respectful Interpretation to an event, to an off handed comment, to an action.”

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COMBAT CHALLENGE #2
$5,000 COMBAT THE FAT WEIGHT LOSS CHALLENGE

To date, the 10 members of the First Challenge have lost over 500 pounds!!!

In September this first six month challenge will end and the winner will receive a check for $5,000!!!

I’m taking applications for the Second Challenge! I’ll conduct interviews during the month and the Second Challengers will be selected in early August with the Challenge officially beginning on September 6.

Do you know someone who should be in this Second Challenge?

– The Second Challenge will be limited to 10 people.
– Men must be 65 pounds or more over their ideal weight; women must be 50 pounds or more over their ideal weight, each knowing that those who are heavier have more to lose and a slight advantage.
– Each Challenger chosen will be required to get their doctor’s okay to participate in the program.
– Entry fee is $1,000. Each Challenger must get at least $500 of that entry fee from at least 5 sponsors: family, friends, co-workers.
– Entry is open to ALL, Boot Campers and non-Boot Campers alike.
– The Second Challenge is a six month program beginning on September 6 and ends on February 28.

Pass the word!! Forward this email to someone who might be interested in this highly successful, life altering, awesome program!!

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PAYING FOR BOOT CAMP

May I ask you to please check your check registry to see when you’re due for reenlistment.

I’ve been asked about this and thought a reminder would be good, here at the end of July. In the future, I’ll have a better way of letting you know when you’re due, but for now, would you mind checking your account?

FYI: The current fee schedule is on the website on the Recruiting Office page: http://www.usmcfitnessbootcamp.com/recruiting.html

Briefly, $180 is the Recruit Month fee to start, then it’s $75 a month. There are discounts for those who pay for 3, 6, or 12 months at a time! Also people CAN start anytime, I’ll work it out with them so that it’s in their favor! Cuz that’s just how I roll.

NOW HEAR THIS: there is a discount for new recruits for August. Scroll down for the details!

REMINDER: when you pay with a check, PLEASE note in the memo section who it’s for and for what months. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

FREE MONTHS: When you recruit someone at the full price of $180 each, or a group of people who pay $90 each, you get a FREE MONTH!!
For each $180 that comes into the BOOT CAMP treasury, you get one free month. When that happens, in lieu of a check, take an index card and write your name, the name of the recruit(s) and which month or months you’re getting for free!

Thanks everyone!

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RUN FROM THE SUN 5K — Friday Night (NO EVENING BOOT CAMP THIS FRIDAY)

When: August 1
Time: 7 PM
Where: Ridgeway Loop
All proceeds from this race will go directly to the Melanoma Research Foundation to help educate and promote awareness for Melanoma. Memphis Dermatology Clinic will be at the race to provide FREE skin screenings to all participants who would like to be checked.
http://www.paleisthenewtan-sla.com/RFS2008.html

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0645 CLASS?! … 0830 Class??

It has been our recent practice to offer the 0645 class only for the summer. However, there has been such a good turn out for this class that I’ve been approached about keeping it on the schedule. I am willing to do that if the interest is there. If you’re a part of that class, or would like to be, email me right now and say “YES TO 0645!” I’ll make the decision based on your response!

During the summer the 0830 class is on hiatus. It will go back on active duty on September 1.

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TUESDAY MORNING SPEED WORK

In addition to the regular weight workout at Christ Methodist (CUMC) on Tuesday mornings, until further notice, there will also be a speed workout option too! Runners will meet at CUMC, jog over to St. Mary’s and stretch there, and then do some speed work. We’ll cool down by jogging back to CUMC.

Tuesday morning lifters will meet at CUMC as normal.

TUESDAY EVENING SPEED WORK & CARDIO

The Tuesday evening class (5:45 PM) will meet, until further notice, at St. Mary’s track (Walnut Grove and Perkins) behind the church. This will be for speedsters and non-speedsters alike. There will be a speed work as well as a non-speed work option!

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USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP — COLLIERVILLE!

Battalion Commander Sergeant Les Bonnett commands USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP — Collierville at Faith Lutheran Church, at the corner of Byhalia Road and White. This is just down the street from The Home Depot. There is currently one class there at 0530, Monday through Friday!

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USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP — MIDTOWN!

at Evergreen Presbyterian Church, 0530 to 0630, Monday through Friday,
under the direction of Battalion Commanders Theresa Andreuccetti and Holly Guthrie!!

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ANNIVERSARY MONTH DISCOUNT

Starting August 4, ALL new recruits joining USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP can join for the Buddy Program rate of only $90 per person. This is in celebration of our Ninth Anniversary! Tell your friends and family! This is the BEST time to join USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP!

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“When you stop moving, it’s over.”
~ Don Wildman, 75 year old athlete and adventurer

To your continued good health and fitness!

Tony

Sergeant Major Tony Ludlow
USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP, Commanding
5358 Denwood
Memphis, TN 38120
901-644-0145

www.usmcfitnessbootcamp.com

www.shaklee.net/tonyludlow/main

The second session of Sergeant Tony’s $5,000 Combat the Fat Weight Loss Challenge will begin on September 6, 2008?

Do you want to be a winner AND a loser??

Contact me and request an application! Not sure if you should apply? Read this testimonial from someone in the current challenge!

“Every season of ‘the show’ has one. An emotional basket case/crybaby full of excuses and unfortunately that was me at the beginning of the CTF challenge. It’s not something that I am proud of, but I’ve definitely grown emotionally as a result from this experience (and lost a little weight too)! I still have a long way to go on my weight loss journey, but the foundation has been built for a healthier and more active lifestyle with the help of Tony and Wendy Ludlow.

I will forever be grateful to them for offering this challenge because it has had such an enormous impact on my life. I think the most brilliant part of the contest was the requirement that you raise a portion of the funds from at least 5 people because it forced me to make a public commitment to lose weight. Writing my support letter was one of the most difficult things I’d ever done in my life, but once I distributed it I felt a huge sense of relief and knew that my life was never going to be the same. Who did I think I was fooling anyway? Anyone who saw me could clearly see that I struggled with my weight so I was not telling them anything they didn’t already know. Accountability has been the key for me. Other people invested in me and this is one time they want to see their asset shrink!

I’d be lying if I told you the workouts were easy, but Tony makes exercising as fun as he possibly can with his corny jokes and the group setting is awesome! I would never push myself that hard working out on my own and as a bonus you are surrounded by other people with common interests and a built in support group! Just do what Tony says and you will be successful with your weight loss. The man knows what he’s doing and he will be your biggest cheerleader! So get with it! Fill out that application and take the first step towards a happier and healthier you!”

This could be you! If you’re a man who is 65 pounds or more over your ideal weight, or a woman 50 pounds or more over, you just might qualify!

What have you got to lose … except the weight and the excuses!!!

JUST DO IT!!

I love July.

There are two sports events in July that make it one of my favorite months of the year:

Wimbledon and The Tour de France.

I’ve been a fan of Wimbledon since the days of Borg, Conner, McEnroe, and Evert. And long before 17 year old Lance Armstrong passed me on the bike in a triathlon — and then went on to win an unprecedented SEVEN Tour de France titles — I had a poster on my wall of Belgian rider Eddy Merckx who won the Tour 5 times in the late 60’s and early 70’s.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with the Tour, it’s a lung burning, heart pounding, leg exploding bike race that lasts for almost the whole month of July, circumnavigating France, and covers over 2,000 miles. The Tour also includes climbs over the Alps and the Pyrenees mountains.

I mentioned both of these events a few weeks ago.

I said that I’d never win either one. Here on the last day of my 50th year, I am resigned to the fact that I’ll never hoist the champion’s cup on Centre Court in London, nor will I ever wear the Tour’s Yellow Jersey (maillot jaune, the jersey worn by the winner) on the podium in Paris.

I can’t be like Rafael Nadal or Lance Armstrong … but I would very much like to be like Bob.

I don’t know Bob’s last name. (Maybe one of you do?)

Bob was at St. Mary’s track Tuesday night running wind sprints.

Bob was moving fast! I mean FAST!

Bob is almost 80 years old.

Bob was on fire.

Bob rocks!

I want to be like Bob!

Eddy Merckx is now an overweight cherub-like 63 year old businessman. But Bob … seventeen years older …

Well … Bob is da man!

“Simply put: If you can’t move, you grow frail. Grow frail, you die.”
— Dr. Walter Bortz, 78 year old clinical associate professor of medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine and the author of “Dare to Be 100.”

Said another way:

If you CHOOSE not to move, you choose the consequences. Slow, lazy, sluggish, weak, frail, feeble consequences.

LET’S MOVE PEOPLE!!

MOVE!

MOVE!

MOVE!

MOVE!

MOVE! ——————>

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RUN FROM THE SUN 5K

Several of you have mentioned this 5K to me.
When: August 1
Time: 7 PM
Where: Ridgeway Loop
All proceeds from this race will go directly to the Melanoma Research Foundation to help educate and promote awareness for Melanoma. Memphis Dermatology Clinic will be at the race to provide FREE skin screenings to all participants who would like to be checked.
http://www.paleisthenewtan-sla.com/RFS2008.html

——————————————–

TUESDAY MORNING SPEED WORK

In addition to the regular weight workout at Christ Methodist (CUMC) on Tuesday mornings, until further notice, there will also be a speed workout option too! Runners will meet at CUMC, jog over to St. Mary’s and stretch there, and then do some speed work. We’ll cool down by jogging back to CUMC.

Tuesday morning lifters will meet at CUMC as normal.

TUESDAY EVENING SPEED WORK & CARDIO

The Tuesday evening class (5:45 PM) will meet, until further notice, at St. Mary’s track (Walnut Grove and Perkins) behind the church. This will be for speedsters and non-speedsters alike. There will be a speed work as well as a non-speed work option!

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MIGHTY MITE TRIATHLON

Last Saturday was the 25th running of the Mighty Mite Triathlon in Forrest City, AR. (I was there for the very first one!) USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP was well represented by the following Boot Campers: Wendy Ludlow (winning 2nd place in her division!), Daniel Shaffer (coming in 1st in his age group!), Andrew Forsdick, Scot Bearup, and John Pender! Congratulations everyone! You guys ROCKED! Wendy, Scot, and Daniel also did the Dragonfly Triathlon in Sardis, MS in June!

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COMBAT CHALLENGE #2
$5,000 COMBAT THE FAT WEIGHT LOSS CHALLENGE

To date, the 10 members of the First Challenge have lost over 500 pounds!!!

In September this first six month challenge will end and the winner will receive a check for $5,000!!!

I’m taking applications for the Second Challenge! I’ll conduct interviews during the month and the Second Challengers will be selected in early August with the Challenge officially beginning on September 6.

Do you know someone who should be in this Second Challenge?

– The Second Challenge will be limited to 10 people.
– Men must be 65 pounds or more over their ideal weight; women must be 50 pounds or more over their ideal weight, each knowing that those who are heavier have more to lose and a slight advantage.
– Each Challenger chosen will be required to get their doctor’s okay to participate in the program.
– Entry fee is $1,000. Each Challenger must get at least $500 of that entry fee from at least 5 sponsors: family, friends, co-workers.
– Entry is open to ALL, Boot Campers and non-Boot Campers alike.
– The Second Challenge is a six month program beginning on September 6 and ends on February 28.

Pass the word!! Forward this email to someone who might be interested in this highly successful, life altering, awesome program!!

———————————————

USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP — COLLIERVILLE!

Battalion Commander Sergeant Les Bonnett launched USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP — Collierville on July 1 at Faith Lutheran Church, at the corner of Byhalia Road and White, is the location; this is just down the street from The Home Depot. There is currently one class there at 0530, Monday through Friday!

———————————————–

USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP — MIDTOWN!

at Evergreen Presbyterian Church, 0530 to 0630, Monday through Friday,
under the direction of Battalion Commanders Theresa Andreuccetti and Holly Guthrie!!

———————————————-
WEEKEND RUN AT U OF M

Mike Barta and Anne Emmerth are organizing an informal run on Saturday morning. Great way to complete your weekend homework! We’ll meet at 8am on the University of Memphis campus. From Central, go S on Zach Curlin to the 4-story parking garage. The group meets right in front of the parking garage. We’ll warm up and then run for 1 hour, using the 5 minute run/1 minute walk program. With a possibility of some speed work at the end! All fitness levels welcome.

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ANNIVERSARY MONTH DISCOUNT

Starting August 4, new recruits joining USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP can join for the Buddy Program rate of only $90 per person. This is a part of our Ninth Anniversary Celebration! Tell your friends and family!

—————————————–

“When you stop moving, it’s over.”
~ Don Wildman, 75 year old athlete and adventurer

To your continued good health and fitness!

Tony

Sergeant Major Tony Ludlow
USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP, Commanding
5358 Denwood
Memphis, TN 38120
901-644-0145

www.usmcfitnessbootcamp.com

www.shaklee.net/tonyludlow/main

Sergeant Tony’s $5,000 COMBAT THE FAT WEIGHT LOSS CHALLENGE

The success of the First Challenge has inspired me to launch the second challenge beginning in September. The first challenge has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever been a part of. Lives are being changed!!

To date, the 10 members of the First Challenge have lost over 500 pounds!!!

That’s right, OVER FIVE HUNDRED POUNDS!!!

In September this first six month challenge will end and the winner will receive a check for $5,000!!!

That’s right, FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS!!!

I’m taking applications for the Second Challenge! I’ll conduct interviews during the month and the Second Challengers will be selected in early August with the Challenge officially beginning on September 6.

Do you know someone who should be in this Second Challenge?

Here are the details of the contest:

– The Challenge will be limited to 10 people.
– Men must be 65 pounds or more over their ideal weight; women must be 50 pounds or more over their ideal weight, each knowing that those who are heavier have more to lose and a slight advantage.
– Each Challenger chosen will be required to get their doctor’s okay to participate in the program.
– Entry fee is $1,000. Each Challenger must get at least $500 of that entry fee from at least 5 sponsors: family, friends, co-workers.
– Entry is open to ALL, Boot Campers and non-Boot Campers alike.
– The Second Challenge is a six month program beginning on September 6 and ends on February 28.

Pass the word!! Forward this email to someone who might be interested in this highly successful, life altering, awesome program!!

THE COMBAT REPORT

The QUEEN still reigns!

Our leader is still Sarah Bowen, AKA “Lady Bug!”

Congratulations Sarah!!!

AND check out the “rise” of Rising Sun!!! Way to go Beverly!!!

COMBAT CHALLENGE — PROGRESS REPORT FOR July 18, 2008!

1. Lady Bug – down 57 pounds, 24.25%, 6x plus Friday evening!

2. Heavy G – down 74 pounds, 21.59%, 3x

3. Dumplin – down 54.6 pounds, 21.27%, 2x

4. Rising Sun – down 43.2 pounds, 17.3%, 3x

5. Lunchbox – down 63 pounds, 16.04%,

6. Drake – down 47.9 pounds, 15.63%, 5x

7. Puddin Head – down 36.6 pounds, 13.47%

8. Gurkha Woman – down 29 pounds, 11.08%, 3x

9. Houdini – out of town.

10. Bubbalicious – no report

Sometimes I look at my high school classmates on Classmates.com.

You too?

We’re all a little curious about how our fun, life-of-the-party, krazzy, athlete buddies are doing these days. How they’ve morphed into … well … something else.

Or we want to know what the girl who wouldn’t give us the time of day, back in the day, looks like to-day.

But I often scratch my head in disappointed confusion when I read about the lives and lifestyle that some of those childhood friends are leading. Sometimes I’m encouraged, inspired, and genuinely happy. But most of the time I feel a little sad.

It’s sad to read that your friend peaked in high school. That they decided to settle. They settled on a life that the trajectory of their high school days didn’t predict.

Settling.

“Our youth is fleeting
Old age is just around the bend
And I can’t wait to go gray

And I’ll sit and wonder
Of every love that could’ve been
If I’d only thought of something charming to say.
… this is the sound of settling” — lyrics by Death Cab for Cutie

“Where have our days gone?
Have they gone south with other wings?
I’ll just learn to settle on
slightly lesser things.” — lyrics by Floater

Gradually, probably without meaning to, (though sometimes I think it’s on purpose) we can settle … into a rut … into the comfort zone … into mediocrity … into materialism … into consumerism … into a life of ever narrowing margins and ever decreasing joy.

But it doesn’t have to be that way! We can break out of all of that! We can choose life! Said another way, we can choose to live!

You can find new adventures and cool experiences! You can turn 30 and enter your first triathlon! You can turn 40 and buy your first road bike! You can turn 50 and hike Mount Kilimanjaro! You can turn 60 and mountain bike the mountains of Colorado!

And that’s EXACTLY what some of you guys have done! Those weren’t just imaginary examples! Four of you Boot Campers have recently done those things!

And happily, those Boot Campers are NOT alone! A LOT of you reading this have refused to settle!

And how about Dara Torres, the “refuse to settle” 41 year old mom going to her FIFTH Summer Olympics! She’s qualified to be on every USA Olympic Swim Team since 1988! Dara Torres is a woman who doesn’t settle!

And neither should you!

Refuse to settle!
Refuse to yield!
Give no quarter to old age, frump-ism, shlumpadinka-ism, or anything that robs you of vitality and life!
Don’t go easy into that good night … go sliding in at Mach 2 with your hair on fire and “Stairway to Heaven” blarin’ on your speakers!

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UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE!!! Please see the change in the weight requirement.

$5,000 COMBAT THE FAT WEIGHT LOSS CHALLENGE — Second Challenge

The success of the First Challenge has inspired me to launch the second challenge beginning in September. This first challenge has been one of the most awesome things I’ve ever been a part of. Lives are being changed!!

To date, the 10 members of the First Challenge have lost over 475 pounds!!!

That’s right, FOUR HUNDRED AND SEVENTY FIVE POUNDS!!!

In September this first six month challenge will end and the winner will receive a check for $5,000!!!

That’s right, FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS!!!

I’m taking applications for the Second Challenge! I’ll conduct interviews during the month and the Second Challengers will be selected in early August with the Challenge officially beginning on September 6.

Do you know someone who should be in this Second Challenge?

Briefly, here are the UPDATED details:

– The Second Challenge will be limited to 10 people.
– Men must be 65 pounds or more over their ideal weight; women must be 50 pounds or more over their ideal weight, each knowing that those who are heavier have more to lose and a slight advantage.
– Each Challenger chosen will be required to get their doctor’s okay to participate in the program.
– Entry fee is $1,000. Each Challenger must get at least $500 of that entry fee from at least 5 sponsors: family, friends, co-workers.
– Entry is open to ALL, Boot Campers and non-Boot Campers alike.
– The Second Challenge is a six month program beginning on September 6 and ends on February 28.

Pass the word!! Forward this email to someone who might be interested in this highly successful, life altering, awesome program!!

——————————————-

COMBAT CHALLENGE #1 — PROGRESS REPORT FOR July 11, 2008!
End date: September 6, 2008

1. Lady Bug – down 53 pounds, 22.55%, 6x plus Friday evening!

2. Heavy G – down 77 pounds, 22.47%, 3x

3. Dumplin – down 52.6 pounds, 20.49%, 2x

4. Lunchbox – down 60.3 pounds, 15.35%, 3x

5. Houdini – down 48.9 pounds, 14.76%, 4x

6. Puddin Head – down 37.6 pounds, 13.84%

7. Drake – out of town

8. Gurkha Woman – out of town

9. Bubbalicious – no report

10. Rising Sun – no report

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USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP — COLLIERVILLE!

Battalion Commander Sergeant Les Bonnett launched USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP — Collierville on July 1 at Faith Lutheran Church, at the corner of Byhalia Road and White, is the location; this is just down the street from The Home Depot. There is currently one class there at 0530, Monday through Friday!

———————————————–

USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP — MIDTOWN!
at Evergreen Presbyterian Church, 0530 to 0630, Monday through Friday,
under the direction of Battalion Commanders Theresa Andreuccetti and Holly Guthrie!!

———————————————-

BLOGGED

You’ll find a couple of articles on these two subjects on the blog: http://usmcfitnessbootcamp.com/blog/

1. Heart rate monitor training and tips.

2. Alcohol and weight loss.

————————————-

“When you stop moving, it’s over.”
~ Don Wildman, 75 year old athlete and adventurer

To your continued good health and fitness!

Tony

Sergeant Major Tony Ludlow
USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP, Commanding
5358 Denwood
Memphis, TN 38120
901-644-0145

www.usmcfitnessbootcamp.com

www.shaklee.net/tonyludlow/main

If I were thinking about someone’s opinion or deep thoughts I might value, his name wouldn’t have come to mind 15 years ago.

Now it does.

He became famous as Alex Keaton on “Family Ties” and then parlayed that fame into a successful film career. But “Teen Wolf” and Marty McFly don’t make you think of philosophy or life coach, do they?

But since the early 90’s Michael J. Fox has been battling a personal and public battle with Parkinson’s disease. A battle that has changed his perspective and outlook on life.

Lately I’ve been giving a lot of thought to happiness and contentment, being positive and having a sense of calm. Partly for personal reasons and reflections, and partly for professional reasons.

Over the past two years I’ve screened over a dozen prospective USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP franchise owners and haven’t been able to find very many who qualify. Usually people with a military and/or fitness background contact me, so their commitment to exercise and fitness aren’t the issue. The issues have more to do with personality.

In January 2007 I brought 25 of you together over the course of a couple of months to study USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP. I called this think tank my “Tank Commanders.” I wanted to know things about BOOT CAMP that I could only speculate about. These 25, representing a cross section of The Battalion, considered the reasons for the success of the program and what it would require to duplicate it in another city.

I learned a lot about the program and why others thought it was successful.

In a word, the Tank Commanders told me that Sergeant Tony was the reason for the success of the program. That was pretty embarrassing, even for me! For all of my perceived cockiness and conceit (acting, I tell you!), I was a little humbled by the assessment.

In the franchise owner screening process, I ask prospective franchise owners to take a 10 minute shortened version of the Meyers Briggs personality survey (http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/JTypes2.asp) I use this survey to see how closely that person’s personality matches my own. Egotistical, isn’t it? But the Tank Commanders convinced me that franchise owners needed to have a similar personality.

That’s one of the reasons I’ve been thinking about happiness and contentment, being positive and having a sense of calm. Those things, I think, are essential for people who do what I do. For people who coach or lead.

Recently I reread an interview that Michael J. Fox gave to Esquire magazine last year. In it he touched on two things that I’ve been thinking about too. The two keys to happiness: acceptance and expectation. Fox said, “My happiness grows in direct proportion to my acceptance and in inverse proportion to my expectations.”

Acceptance isn’t the same as resignation or fatalism. It just means that there are some things I canNOT change. It is what it is. There are some people who will never like me. There are some things I will never be able to do. There are realities in life that just have to be accepted, otherwise you’ll be slamming your head against a brick wall, thinking you’re going to change the wall.

It is what it is. And you can’t change anyone but yourself. Others will change in response to the change in you.

Athletically, I know I’ll never win an Olympic medal in the marathon, but I’m not resigned to sit on the couch. I CAN run a marathon though! I know I’m never going to win Wimbledon, but I CAN play tennis. I know I’m never going to win the Tour de France, but I CAN race my bicycle!

Expectations will keep you in a constant state of misery and disappointment. People who have unrealistic expectations and a sense of entitlement are trapped in a prison of anxiety, vengeance, and unhappiness. As are people who woke up this morning expecting the world to screw them, misinterpreting every event that happens in their life in the worst possible light.

When I think about the things in my life that make me unhappy or disappointed, I can usually trace it back to my expectations being unrealized. I expect ABC and I get FPQ, making me angry, hurt, or upset. If I do ABC for someone expecting XYZ in reciprocation, I’m doomed to disappointment and anger. Doomed!

One of my favorite teachers in high school used to say, “Lower your expectations, but not your standards.”

Accept it … it is what it is.
Expect nothing and everything you get becomes a gift.

Moral of the story: If you don’t exercise and eat right, go ahead and accept the fact that you’re going to gain weight and feel like crap. Expect to slow down, become weak, and enjoy the benefits of diminished capabilities and seat belt extensions.

———————————————

UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE!!! Please see the change in the weight requirement.

$5,000 COMBAT THE FAT WEIGHT LOSS CHALLENGE — Second Challenge

The success of the First Challenge has inspired me to launch the second challenge beginning in September. This first challenge has been one of the most awesome things I’ve ever been a part of. Lives are being changed!!

To date, the 10 members of the First Challenge have lost over 420 pounds!!!

That’s right, FOUR HUNDRED AND TWENTY POUNDS!!!

In September this first six month challenge will end and the winner will receive a check for $5,000!!!

That’s right, FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS!!!

I’m taking applications for the Second Challenge! I’ll conduct interviews during the month and the Second Challengers will be selected in early August with the Challenge officially beginning on September 6.

Do you know someone who should be in this Second Challenge?

Briefly, here are the UPDATED details:

– The Second Challenge will be limited to 10 people.
– Men must be 65 pounds or more over their ideal weight; women must be 50 pounds or more over their ideal weight, each knowing that those who are heavier have more to lose and a slight advantage.
– Each Challenger chosen will be required to get their doctor’s okay to participate in the program.
– Entry fee is $1,000. Each Challenger must get at least $500 of that entry fee from at least 5 sponsors: family, friends, co-workers.
– Entry is open to ALL, Boot Campers and non-Boot Campers alike.
– The Second Challenge is a six month program beginning on September 6 and ends on February 28.

Pass the word!! Forward this email to someone who might be interested in this highly successful, life altering, awesome program!!

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COMBAT CHALLENGE — PROGRESS REPORT FOR July 4, 2008!

1. Lady Bug (Sarah Bowen) – down 50.4 pounds, 21.44%

2. Heavy G – down 72.8, 21.2%

3. Dumplin – down 51.6 pounds, 20.1%

4. Drake – down 45.4 pounds, 14.81%

5. Lunchbox – down 56.9 pounds, 14.49%

6. Puddin Head – down 37.6 pounds, 13.84%

7. Houdini – down 43.7 pounds, 13%

8. Gurkha Woman – out of town

9. Bubbalicious – no report

10. Rising Sun – no report

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USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP — COLLIERVILLE!

Sergeant Les Bonnett launched USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP — Collierville last week! Attendance has been super!

Faith Lutheran Church, at the corner of Byhalia Road and White, is the location; this is just down the street from The Home Depot. The excitement and interest in the program from the staff at Faith Lutheran has been awesome!

Tell your friends who live in Germantown or Collierville that USMC FITNESS BOOT CAMP has landed!!

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AND DON’T FORGET USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP — MIDTOWN
at Evergreen Presbyterian Church, 0530 to 0630, Monday through Friday,
under the direction of Battalion Commanders Theresa Andreuccetti and Holly Guthrie!!

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BLOGGED

You’ll find a couple of articles on these two subjects on the blog: http://usmcfitnessbootcamp.com/blog/

1. Heart rate monitor training and tips.

2. Alcohol and weight loss.

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“My happiness grows in direct proportion to my acceptance and in inverse proportion to my expectations.”
— Michael J. Fox

To your continued good health and fitness!

Tony

Sergeant Major Tony Ludlow
USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP, Commanding
5358 Denwood
Memphis, TN 38120
901-644-0145

www.usmcfitnessbootcamp.com

www.shaklee.net/tonyludlow/main