Ok, I have never said I was better than anyone else.  Oh… actually I’ve done that too.

Hmmm…

How about this:  when I said or implied either of the above things I was lying my ass off.  Ok, there we go-  that sounds about right.

Some people truly believe that because I am a trainer and pretty damn good at my job that I must always be perfect.  While it is true that I do not drink, smoke or gamble, I am not exactly Amish either. 

Truth be told I have some bad habits.  And we all have bad habits. These habits are of course relative.  I mean I’m sure what I deem a bad habit for me would still be an improvement for someone like Lindsay Lohan.

So just to prove I am as human as the next person, I have compiled a list of my current top 3 bad habits.

#3:  I Love Peanut Butter
While that is very VERY true (mmm…peanut butter), the more salient point here is I love to eat.  I always have.  Like many of us I am an emotional eater – I cry when I eat.  Just kidding, I mean that when I am under stress I tend to eat like I am a bottomless pit.  I eat when I am happy, sad, bored or whatever.  Again, like many, for much of my life I self medicated with food.  Definitely a BAD habit.  (Then how / why do I stay lean?)

#2:  I’m one Lazy SOB
This might seem curious as I am a personal trainer after all. It’s true I am nothing if not complex.  But the truth is I am as lazy as they come.  An ideal Saturday for me is the aforementioned jar of peanut butter, a spoon and the remote.  Left to my own devices my house would look like one of those disgusting trash heaps on that show Hoarders.  Not because I hoard mind you, but because I am too damn lazy to pick up after myself.  I think if my life had gone in another direction I would be one of those video game testers that never leaves the house and lives on Twinkies and Coke.  Yeah, laziness is definitely a bad habit.  (Then why do I workout 4 x week?)

and the number one bad habit….

#1:  I Absolutely LOVE Glee

I can’t help it and certainly cannot explain it.   When those damn kids start singing I just feel positively magical inside.  Sadly, there is no disputing that when a 6’1”, 240lb man is singing “Defying Gravity” at the top of his lungs while driving down the street, his coolness rating is drastically diminished (if not obliterated).  Unfortunately the picture to the right says it all.  I have tried to stop, but I am helpless against the charms of those dorky yet determined teens struggling to be accepted for who they are in today’s society through the power of song.  Helpless I say. 

But here’s the thing – although I love to eat (and overeat) I stay relatively lean.  And even though I could not be more lazy I work out religiously.  WHY?

I have priorities – that’s why.  And my drive to stay true to those priorities is far more powerful than any bad habit.

I was a fat kid because of #3 and #2 (which also explains #1), and when I got to college I decided I was done – I had had enough.  I did not like how overeating and being lazy made me look, and more importantly how it made me feel.  That was when I made the change and improved my life. I made learning and getting healthy priority number one. I was so inspired I literally made it my life’s work.

Nowadays my priorities have again shifted.  As I head towards my 40’s, being healthy for the long haul  is extremely important to me.  I WILL be around to see my kids graduate high school and have kids of their own.  The work I put in now is an investment in my future, and more specifically my future happiness as I will be around longer to get back at my kids to spend time with my family.

I still have bad habits, I still have bouts of extreme laziness and the occasional semi-binge, but for the most part I am in control of my life and my health.   (Unfortunately I do not think there is anything that can help my Glee obsession.)

Don’t beat yourself up for your bad habits – that accomplishes nothing.  Acknowledge them and come up with a plan to demolish them (or at least keep them under strict control).  Determine what is important in your life and use it as your motivation for improvement. 

If I can help, let me know…

Joshua Carter, CPT The Body Transformation Expert Carter Fitness http://carterfitness.com http://thefitbodybootcmap.com 818-337-6175

First the HUGE news:

I have transformed the transformation program.  That’s right, I have made the best transformation program in LA even better. Now, just in time for summer we are not doing the uber successful “6 Week Body Transformation Program”… now it’s the

6 Week BELLY Transformation Program

(Truth be told, you will transform your entire body, but this time the emphasis in on getting rid of that stubborn belly fat!) A full on abdominal assault! Get ready to rock summer with the flattest stomach you have ever had and your best body ever.  We are launching soon, so keep checking your email for the official launch date.

But wait, there’s more…

The HUGER news:  I am GIVING IT AWAY.

That’s right I am having a contest and giving the full 6 Week Belly Transformation Program including the 6 weeks of training, complete nutritional program, full cardio program, full supplement guide and professional motivation coaching for all 6 weeks to not one, but 2 lucky people.

Here’s the deal… It is no secret I am in business, and like every business man I want to grow my business.  And the best way for me to attract more business is through referrals – and this is where you come in.

The 2 people who refer me the most email address of their friends (who they know will benefit from my awesomeness) will win the FULL 6 week program.

This will NOT be spam fest on my part (I hate spam a much as anyone.) And there will certainly be no pushy sales tactics. In fact I will only be ASKING them to join my list (not automatically adding them) and if they choose to join then they are on my email list, just like you are.

As an “ethical bribe” I will be emailing l them a free copy of my latest eBook “7 Tips to Lose 7 Pounds in 7 Days”( plus access to a top secret video I just filmed.)  They can say “no thanks” and keep the free stuff with no hard feelings.

The rules are simple:

• Most valid emails wins
• You can be a current client,  former client or future client
  (in other words anyone can win)
• DO NOT just send me your whole contact list
  (Be respectful of your friends privacy and only send me people who you think would benefit from my info)

That’s it!  You help me and I help you.  It is a win / win!

The deadline to win is Monday April 19th, so get back to me ASAP! (email me now!)

Joshua Carter, CPT The Body Transformation Expert Carter Fitness http://carterfitness.com 818-337-617

PS:  There’s something else.  I have even BIGGER news regarding the 6 Week Belly Transformation Program (HUGEREST?).  I will make the announcement week.  Suffice it to say this announcement is BIG BIG BIG, even for me.

UPDATE (4/09/2010):

The Sweetener:
Everyone who sends me a referral gets 2 free weeks or training OR 4 free one-on-one coaching sessions from me personally.

EVERYONE.

How’s that for a win/win?

The deadline is Monday, so get back to me ASAP!!!

(call 818-337-6175 or email for full details)

Let me say from the entire staff of Carter Fitness, and from my family as well as myself- Happy Holidays.

This has been an odd year to say the least.  It has had it’s ups and downs.  And it seems this year  for many of us has had more downs than ups.  First the gas prices went through the roof, then the economy hit the crapper.  It make you wonder what is next?

I’ll tell you what is next: 2009.

You might think it is just another year, another date and just another chance for those is power to screw things ups.

Well let me give you some power of your own.  Something you can use to make the new year the best ever.  In truth I am not giving you anything, it is there for you to take.

Take this and use it.

2009 is your year. It does not belong to anyone but you. Make it everything you want it to be. Believe that you can change what needs to be changed and it will become a reality.

Believe in your ability to make your dreams come true. No one will do it for you.

Be like Santa, make a list and check it twice.  Make a list of everything you want in the new year.  It can go from the mundane to the extravagant.

This goes beyond a simple new years resolution.  This is your list of life goals for 2009.  (Yeah, I know sounds kinda cheesy, but stay with me anyway.)

I made my 2009 list. So for instance, I need a new universal remote control.  Mine has hit the floor a few too many times, and I think I’d be better off yelling at my TV to change the channel than using the remote. So that is on my list – a little simple and ordinary.

I also want a 2 week vacation this year, something I did not do in 2008.  I might even take my family. So that too is on my list – a little more extraordinary.

That does not mean others can’t help you along the way, you will not do all this on your own.  I plan on taking advantage of every opportunity I can to make my list a reality.  I will accept the help of friends, family and colleagues and I in turn will help them with their plans for success.

Belief is a powerful, powerful tool.

"Whether You Believe You Can Or You Can’t You Are Right"

-Henry Ford

And no matter what else you might believe in, believe in you.

Joshua Carter, CPT The Body Transformation Expert Carter Fitness http://carterfitness.com 818-337-6175

PS: If I can assist you in your goals and dreams for 2009, do not hesitate to contact me.  Just for the new year I created all new fitness and fat loss plans that can fit any budget, starting at $9 per day.  CONTACT ME