What’s Greater? Your Excuses or Your Dreams?
I’m too old
My stomach will never look like that
I bet she never had kids
I don’t have that kind of time
I have a full time job, plus 2 kids to raise
I don’t know what to do.
She was probably always fit
She’s probably a lot younger than me
She just has good genetics
I don’t have the discipline
I wouldn’t know what to eat
My body could never get that lean
I’ve never done anything like that before
I wouldn’t even know where to start…
These are all common excuses and comments I hear when people see a bikini or figure competitor. People almost talk themselves out of even wanting that kind of body – just because they don’t think it’s even achievable for them. However, Ursula Kepferer, knew what she wanted and she made the decision she was GOING to compete, no questions asked. No excuses.
Ursula, a 42 year old working mom, came to my husband Steve late last year and told him she wanted to do a competition in the spring. She had never done anything like that before, but she knew she needed to lose weight – and she knew a competition would force her to follow through. 30 pounds heavier than she is today, Ursula did everything Steve asked. Many times I would see her training with Steve in the gym, and I’d see the look on her face that said “I hate him right now”. No matter how tough the workout was, she never stopped and she never gave up. It wasn’t easy, but she always left proud (and little more fit) each day.
“Although most people realize what fitness can do for someone’s physique, I don’t think most people truly realize what training can do for their OWN body.”
She 
had a lot of fears and a lot of doubts I’m sure. Could she really do this? Would she be able to lose that much weight in 90 days. What would her skin look like? Could she get lean enough? What was hiding under that fat? Much of it was sort of a mystery.
When someone commits to being on stage in the smallest bikini they’ve ever worn, even thin people get nervous. You notice every little bit of cheese you still have no matter how fit you are getting. And when you are just starting out, you wonder if your butt will ever look OK in that teeny bikini bottom that you have to wear AND turn your back to the judges so they can examine it. THAT’s a frightening thought all by itself.
Although most people realize what fitness can do for someone’s physiques, I don’t think most people truly realize what training can do for their OWN body. I believe many people actually think their body is just built a certain way and they are stuck with it. That is SO untrue. Although you may be prone to easily build muscle or not, have a smaller waist or bigger hips, etc you CAN greatly improve your body no matter how it looks now. Fitness works for everyone.
On April 6th, Ursula found out just what her body was capable of. She hit the stage, admittedly shaken and nervous, but also excited. She did it. She crossed the finish line! All those cardios – were worth it. All the dieting – was worth it. Trusting her coach – was worth it. Following through – was worth it.
Ursula finished 1st in her class. But she says she’s wearing her real trophy, and that is so true. Your best reward is your new and improved body! Congrats Ursula!!
Inspire Someone:
Bonnie Pfiester
Owner of Lift Vero and motivational "pfitness, pfood and pfaith" blogger in Vero Beach, Florida.
8 Comments
Michelle
To get fit, strong and in shape on a low budget – stick to the basics: consistency (but intensity too) in the gym and the kitchen, protein and a fibrous vegetable with every meal, and lots of water. This shouldnt be probitively expensive.
Never over eat, eat regular small healthy meals. Dont fool yourself that you are working out hard, one of Bonnies other posts also mentions this, are you really pushing yourself or just coasting along? Give it your all, all the time. Money then shouldnt matter, I’m also on a tight budget, and it seems to be working.
Good luck, its really just all about commitment.
We Are 2Fit2 Quit
Theres no excuses in my book, nice post!
Mason
I love this post! Very inspirational and so true. We are often are own biggest roadblock to achieving the results we want.
Ashley M
For me the hardest excuse to get past is “I don’t have the money right now”. Getting fit and eating right unfortunately isn’t free and even if you have a very cheap gym you can go to, if you don’t know what to do or what to eat (other than whatever you read on the internet) you won’t get the results you want on your own. Hiring a trainer can be very cost prohibitive and unfortunately even eating healthy is often more expensive than junk food. I’ve started to make it work for me but what advice do you have for others that are trying to get fit on a LOW budget?
Brenda
I’ve had 5 kids & even though I workout 6 days a week (and I’m in my 40’s) I’ve often wondered if my stomach could ever be flat after being stretched out 5 times.
I’m OK with the shape I’m in (5’1″ about 103 lbs)but there is always room for improvement. I wont be putting on a tiny weenie bikini anytime soon 🙂
Bonnie Pfiester
Keep at it!! Much of the tummy/pooch thing is just retraining those muscles to tighten (in the gym) and stay flat (when you leave the gym with good posture and not over-eating to stretch them back out again). You are right, we ALWAYS have room to improve – no matter how big or small 😉
Michelle
Wow, that is absolutely amazing, well done to Ursula, and thanks so much for the inspiration. The one I tell myself is that my body could never get that lean. I’ve even AVOIDED having kids, for fear of not being able to lose the stomach etc. and have in the last year been absolutley astouned at what some women have managed to do to get back their pre-baby bodies. I almost feel, well no not almost, I feel ridiculous for using that as an excuse not to have kids all these years.
I cannot stand many aspects of Facebook, but the inspiration I have gleaned from the pages there in the last few months (just looking at pictures day in a day out), has been wonderful. This is finally going to be my year too!
Thanks Bonnie.
Bonnie Pfiester
Awesome Michelle! thanks for sharing – and I tooootally understand the kids thing. This IS your year!