Sergeant Tony's Blog

“It was character that got us out of bed, commitment that moved us into action and discipline that enabled us to follow through.”

- Zig Ziglar: American author, salesperson, and motivational speaker

This is a good thing to think about this time of year.

But it’s an even better thing to put into action.

The three keys to success are simple: Character, Commitment, and Discipline.

Of course Zig isn’t the first to put these attributes together. The core values of the Marine Corps (you KNEW this was coming) are Honor, Courage, and Commitment.

All of these things are similar in nature.
But they’re just words.
Just words.

Honor, Courage, Commitment …

Character, Discipline, Loyalty …

Heroism, Valor, Determination.

Those words were painted on the walls, the stanchions, and the common areas of the barracks I was assigned to as a Marine recruit. I had hardly even known such words before that. They became the catechism of my conversion.
They’re words.
Just words.

The point at which you put words into action is the point at which your life changes. It’s the point where you take your life to a new dimension, paint with a new palet, journey in a new direction.

2010 can be a year of greatness and accomplishment. Greatness and accomplishment defined by you, your definition of what it means to be successful. Success on your terms.

Have you written — or are you writing — goals and resolutions for this new year? Have you at least thought about it?

Include the key areas of life in your goals and resolutions: health, fitness, faith, career, family, finances, service.
1. Put it in writing.
2. Make it specific and measurable.
3. Give yourself deadlines.
4. Set intermediary goals.
5. Make it realistic.

You can use the acronym SMART to help you formulate your goals: Specific.
Measurable.
Attainable.
Realistic.
Time Defined.

Some of you joined with me to formulate goals to be accomplished by January 1, 2010. How you doin with that?

A friend of mine said this to me about her life: “I won’t settle for anything less than amazing. I just don’t want to waste time confusing contentment with real love. Too many people don’t realize there is a huge difference.”

I am determined not to settle. Compromise in which everyone wins is one thing. Compromise in which I lose is another. And settling is something all together different.

If settling has a sound (my apologies to Death Cab for Cutie *) it’s the sound of a resigned sigh. The sigh of resignation. It’s the sound of a missed opportunity. It’s the sound of absent courage. It’s the sound of mediocrity. It’s the sound of a lifeless rut, a loveless relationship, a lonesome heart.

I surprised my mom for Christmas and it was wonderful! My mom is bedridden in a nursing home in my hometown of Fort Smith, Arkansas. She and I have grown closer than we ever have been in these past two years. (Thank you WJG) And we’ve had the deepest conversations.

On Christmas morning I woke her up, just like I did when I was a little boy on Christmas morning. She cried tears of joy and held me and told me how “beautiful” I am! Then we spent the next two hours just talking. One of the things she told me was this: “Life is both too short and too long to settle.”

My mom can’t give me presents wrapped in paper anymore. What she gives now are the gifts of wisdom.

Don’t settle. Don’t sell your soul for comfort and ease. The road less traveled isn’t a well worn trail. Passion will have a different path.

I hope you’ll take off the bridle and the bit and let 2010 run free!

*My thanks also to Robin Trower and his “Bridge of Sighs.”

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NEW WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM!

In the 10 year history of USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP I have never endorsed a weight loss program. I have always given the advice, “eat less, move more.” Which works. But is very hard to accomplish.

For this reason I’m officially recommending, and partnering with, the Take Shape For Life weight loss program! This is a VERY successful and results oriented weight loss program developed by physicians, recommended by over 20,000 physicians, and endorsed by John’s Hopkins Hospital. And now by USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP!

I’ve written a short description of why I’ve chosen Take Shape For Life on the website blog: http://usmcfitnessbootcamp.com/blog/2009/12/01/take-shape-for-life/

As a personal testimonial, after I had knee surgery I spent the next 2 months doing little that resembled my normal level of activity. Result? I gained 10 pounds. I started Take Shape For Life in early December and lost those 10 pounds in two weeks!

You can go directly to the Take Shape For Life website and bang around there for a bit. You can also sign up there as well. Go to: www.combatchallenge.tsfl.com

I’m excited by the success that many have already had in just the first month! Let me know if you’re interested. I can help you with this and can be your coach!

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BOOT CAMP SWEATSHIRTS

The black and gray zippered hoodie have arrived! Embroidered BOOT CAMP sweatshirts are the way to show your coolness! Sizes are available in S to XXL! Get yours ASAP! $35 each or two for $65! If you’d like to buy one during the holiday break, just email me or give me a call (901-644-0145) and I’ll hold one for you!

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BOOT CAMP GIFT CERTIFICATES

I’ve still got them! They make a GREAT NEW YEARS present for that friend or family member!
As you know, the first month of USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP is $180. Then it’s $75 per month after that. BUT a Boot Camp gift certificate that YOU purchase costs YOU only $75 to give to your friends or family members! The certificate you buy takes care of their first month’s fee.

Only members of USMC Fitness Boot Camp can purchase these gift certificates at this savings.

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TWO THOUSAND TEN!

Our first workout for the new year is Monday, January 4!! It looks to be “cool”, so be sure to dress appropriately. In other words, LAYER!

The 0530, 0645, 0830, and 5:45 PM classes will ALL resume on the 4th!

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WHY ARE OUTDOOR WORKOUTS SO GOOD FOR YOU IN THE WINTER?

Q: Tony, why must we workout outside? You’d make more money and you’d have more recruits and you’d make more money and you’d have more recruits (see a theme?) if we worked out inside! So …how ’bout it?

A: Here are the five benefits of cold weather workouts!
1. Strengthens the immune system!
2. Naturally increases the body’s production of saratonin, a natural calming chemical in your body.
3. Increased calorie burn!
4. Runny noses keep the cooties from taking up residence inside your schnozz and making you sick.
5. Bragging rights! You get to tell your sissy “indoor” friends how tough you are!

* If I moved us inside, my Marine Corps buddies, including my Marine Corps son, would abuse me, harass me, and laugh at me. Plus, in shame, I’d have to remove the “USMC” from our name and replace it with USAF. hahahaha

What should you wear? Layers. Layer your clothes so that you can adjust your body temperature as you get warmed up.
One more thing to remember about our outdoor winter workouts: hydrate! Because we’re not hot and sweaty, like in the summer, we often don’t drink enough water in the winter time. So hydrate y’all!

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“The only thing that scares me is a succession of ordinary days.”

Make your days extraordinary!

To your good health and fitness for 2010!

Tony

Sergeant Major Tony Ludlow
USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP, Commanding
4888 Southern Cove
Memphis, TN 38117
901-644-0145
www.usmcfitnessbootcamp.com
www.combatchallenge.tsfl.com