A shot of Inspiration: The Pain of Growth

One of my favorites of all times! Enjoy!
The Pain of Growth

A man found a cocoon of a butterfly, and he brought it home. One day, a small opening appeared in the cocoon. The man sat and watched the cocoon for several hours as the butterfly struggled to force its body through that little hole. Then it seemed to stop making progress. It appeared as if the butterfly had gotten as far as it could, and it could go no farther.

The man decided to help the butterfly in its struggle. He took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the co coon...and the butterfly emerged easily.

As the butterfly emerged, the man was surprised. It had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings. He continued to watch the butterfly expecting that, at any moment, the wings would dry out, enlarge, and expand to support the swollen body. He knew that in time the body would contract, and the butterfly would be able to fly...but neither happened!

In fact, the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and shriveled wings.

What the man, in his kindness and haste, did not understand was that the restricting cocoon and the struggle were required for the butterfly to be able to fly.

The butterfly must push its way through the tiny opening to force the fluid from its body and wings. Only by struggling through the opening can the butterfly's wings be ready for flight once it emerges from the cocoon.

Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our life. If our Higher Power allowed us to go through life without any obstacles, it would cripple us. We would not be as strong as what we could have been... and we could never fly!


Until Next time.
Take Care of yourself:)

          Chelsea Cooper, Fat Loss Coach and Expert
           www.lbfitcamp.com

Your Assignment.....

Hope your week is going well! And if you are in Southern Cali you are beating this heat. Stay hydrated.

Came across this the other day and shared it with one of my classes they enjoyed it and I hope you do to. Feel free to share:)

Finish Strong!

Chelsea Cooper, CPT

www.LBFITcamp.com

5 Things I learned from the Perform Better Summit!!

This past August I went to The 3 Day Functional Perform Better  Summit 2013... I had a great time, hanging with fitness professionals, learning and  just having a great time. It doesn't get much better...for me of course.
At the end of any seminar,workshop or summit I step back and think about what I learned. Of course they give  you a huge booklet with all of the presenters presentations which is great, but sometimes you can leave those events overwhelmed with new information and ideas. So I sifted through the information and began implementing some of the ideas right away.

Here is a sneak peek into some of the crazy workouts we get to do...of course I couldn't shoot the video and workout but I did participate in most of the workouts! Feel the Burn and energy!




Any how I picked 5 things that were my biggest Ah ha moments and thought I would share.

1. I am NOT normal. Well actually I knew that before I walked into the PB Summit its just confirmed now LOL! I say that only because one of the speakers said that everyone at the summit was not normal because we are the only people that go on vacation and the first thing we want to know is where the gym is in the hotel. Everyone in the room agreed that's what we all do. Hey don't judge me... I like working out, balance is the key in all things.
2.When you want to be more than just 'average' or good at something you must invest time and sometimes money.  I usually go to seminars at least 3x a year. For some reason this year I've only gotten to one so far...but the year is not up yet.  I have  come to realize that to really be "Great" at anything  you have to go where the "Great"ones are. And in my case many of the top fitness professionals present and allow us to find out how they have become so successful at these seminars.

Basically learn from the best in what ever area you want to get better at whether its fitness, business, finances, family, relationships, spiritual etc. We are not meant to do this life alone there are so many great resources and people that are willing to help us in whatever area we desire.

3.Like Energy attracts like Energy. When I walked into the Convention to get my badge and all my goodies, there was this almost tangible energy. It was a good energy of expectation, excitement and passion. You really can't put a price tag on that type of energy, its contagious and feels great!

One of the crazy workouts we did!!

Everyday since the Summit I have vowed to be that energy, that light when I walk into a room. And its not for me or my ego its actually for the people around me. Marianne Williamson  sums it up when she said "As we let our light shine we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same". And that's my mission  to let people know that they are a bright light and to not cover it up for others.  At our Fit Camp that's especially true everyone that walks through our doors has there own individual greatness that they must let shine. And my job is to uncover it:)

Hello!

4)  Learning is fun...and life long.  Some people have bought into the misconception that as soon as you are out of school you stop learning, stop reading, stop everything. It's like you learned everything in formal schooling. I believe after formal schooling is where  the real "fun"  takes place.

Now we can read about whatever topics we want and  we don't have to sit in a class for an hour and hear about obtuse angles, the periodic table, and when the tariff act took place. I'm not saying that this information isn't useful in some aspects but what about actually learning something you are passionate about.  Not going through a curriculum that someone else thinks is important to you but making up your own study. I love the quote that says "Anything that isn't growing is dying". So lets continue to grow and learn you have the power and the resources are out there.




 5)I am blessed beyond my capacity to comprehend. As I was at the Summit listening to the presenters and doing the hands on workouts. I took a  few minutes and took  it all in.
I'm not sure how I became  a fitness professional it was not a life long dream. I don't know why I have had the pleasure to help so many women and men lose weight and gain a new life and self awareness. I don't know how I can be at a fitness summit and have classes  going on at the same time..oh yes I do..  I have awesome trainers that are teaching and doing a fabulous job!

I've realized I  don't have  to figure it out, my job is to be grateful and take in every moment of every day. Stop and look at your life if you have great people in your life and you doing something you love on a daily basis you are very rich and blessed. If you don't have those things in your life...you can, its your choice. Today you can move toward creating a life you want and deserve.


Well that sums up a few of my take aways from this years PB Summit. Of course I met a lot of new people, laughed alot, networked, got sweaty and learned more than I can write in one blog. Hopefully some of the things I learned you can use as well.
Untill the next time.

Until the next time!

Take Care
Love.Peace and Fitness!

Chelsea Cooper, CPT
www.LBFitcamp.com
 

As we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence actually liberates others.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/marianne_williamson.html#it8u1ukRj4V1XhgB.99

As we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence actually liberates others.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/marianne_williamson.html#it8u1ukRj4V1XhgB.99

As we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence actually liberates others.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/marianne_williamson.html#it8u1ukRj4V1XhgB.99

As we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence actually liberates others.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/marianne_williamson.html#it8u1ukRj4V1XhgB.99

As we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence actually liberates others.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/marianne_williamson.html#it8u1ukRj4V1XhgB.99

A good laugh and my birthday pictures...the pictures aren't the good laugh...Enjoy

Hope your week is going Fabulous!!

They say laughter is good for the soul and we all should have a few good belly laughs a day. I believe it keeps you young and healthy. There may not be much reason to laugh today in your life or circumstances but remember things are always changing and a good laugh could be just what you need. So click on the link at the end of this and laugh away.....

yep the Aquarium was too fun!!

 Last weekend I turned 36 and I had way too much fun...actually you can never have too much fun! Here are a few pictures of the day that turned into several days of festivities.

penguins!!

Jelly fishes!!!

My sister put this together..how did she get in all the pics?

Me and a friend at the house party my friends and I  crashed sort of like the wedding crashers!! LOL!

Made my cousin laugh when I made this when we went out for my b-day dinner ( you must celebrate yourself first)

Everything you see here was organic :)and delicious

It was another beautiful day in Long Beach...

This is what I did all Sunday..chillin on the couch

Okay on to the video...If you workout at Lean Body Fit Camp you never have to worry about any of these things happening to you...but if you don't  and  you work out at a gym or some other random places..I can't guarantee it won't happen...its pretty funny.
Here is the video:
         http://www.buzzfeed.com/daves4/why-going-to-the-gym-is-a-huge-waste-of-time

Until the next time....
Peace, love and Health

Chelsea Cooper,CPT
www.LBFITCAMP.COM

For the month of August come in for a FREE WEEK of Fun and Fabulous Workouts!

Lean body Fit Camp Farm tour (Pics)

A few weekends back LBFC had a GROW IT. SHARE IT. EAT IT Farm tour. We spent the morning farming (okay we didn't really farm but we saw people farming)  in the middle of the city.

We had a blast I  learned that tomatoes don't go on trees (hey persimmons look just like tomatoes from a distance). Im a fitness trainer not a botanist:)

We went to 3 different farmers markets/community gardens. All those that came had a blast and if you didn't make it you missed out for sure.

Here are a few pictures of our fabulous day!!

Us chillin at Farm lot 59 in Long Beach

        

        

This sunflower is huge!! Nature at its best

thats a pretty good shot if I don't say so myself.

Tanya C pointing out something very profound...

Larmar one of our super trainers found a baby  melon but I had to find a way to get in the picture..yes that's my hand:)

Our Tour guide at Farm Lot 59 Sasha...she was great thanks!!

The Scarecrow looked lonely so we decided to cheer him up

This is the front of Zaferia Junction you can buy a farm plot and farm and eat the food that grows!

they had chickens we were all mesmerized....they were cute but greedy

Posing for the camera...looking good ladies and gents i think we are missing a few people

Our LBFC crew is too silly... Angie B and Tanya were acting like they were discovering something new...don't quit your day jobs!

We went to three  different places on our LBFC GROW IT. SHARE IT. EAT IT. outing.

We went to the

•  Growing Experience  located at 750 Via Carmelitos Long Beach, 90805 this was an Awesome Community Garden and farmers market its a must...they had everything from fish to chickens to hydroponic plants and apple orchards.

•  Farm Lot 59 located 2714 California Ave Long Beach, 90755. they had a stand watermelons, celery, and a host of other fruits and veggies. It felt like we were in another place.

• Zaferian Junction Garden Tour  on 10th and Grand Ave wehre people by a plot of land plant there fruits and vegetables they take care of their mini farm and harvest and eat off it. It was Awesome... We all learned so much.

A special Shout out to Tanya Comerford who put this tour together for us.You Rock!Thanks we couldn't have done it without your help.

At L.B.F.C we not only do we  have great programs that help you lose weight and feel great we are truly a community that looks for ways to improve our selves and our local community.
So if you are ready to change your life for the best and get in the best shape of your life with a great group of people, come get a week for Free:)

 The next excursion which is LBFC Beach Day is coming in August...all are welcome. Ill keep you posted :)

There are more pictures on Lean Body Fit Camps Facebook page go here
 https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lean-Body-Fit-Camp/149952331732002

Love and Health,
Chelsea C.
www.LBFitcamp.com

Your Body Pledge of Allegiance

This is an Awesome Pledge that we should all have somewhere where we can see it  and read daily. Feel free to save, print and pass along.

My Body Pledge of Allegiance:

Today, I vow to start loving my body – no matter how I am feeling, how I look, and wherever I am in my journey.

I promise to stop the self- criticism, negative self-talk, and to be present in each moment to stop and acknowledge my negative thoughts, and how I am feeling. This will help me realize that almost everything my inner critic says is not true, and to change my beliefs.

I pledge to never again to participate in a barrage of bashing of myself. This includes picking myself apart when I make an error in judgment or a mistake – no matter how big or small.

I promise to begin treating my body with respect by feeding it what it needs, and taking care of it so it can function as efficiently as it can - no matter what my age.

I promise to recognize that I can only ask so much of my body, and that it deserves to sleep and rest in order to prepare for the next day, and I will honor by giving it at least 7 hours of sleep every night.

I promise not to consciously or unconsciously compare my body to others.

I promise not to be influenced by the media, or the fashion industry in what makes a woman beautiful, or the right size. I know that the media does not set the standards for beauty or my self esteem, and is there only to further their own agendas, and line their pocketbooks.

I vow that I will no longer let the scale or a certain size define me.

I promise to recognize that all body types can be beautiful - including mine.

I pledge to recognize my strengths, achievements, and attractiveness. I will affirm to myself every day that I am a wonderful just as I am in that moment.

I promise not to criticize myself, punish myself, or feel guilty when I make a mistake. I am human, not perfect; I know that my mistakes are a way to help me learn, which then helps me become stronger.

I pledge to be true to myself and others because it is who I wish to be.

I promise to stand up, and speak up for myself and others when I hear something harmful or emotionally demeaning said. We all deserve the respect and love of others.

I vow that I will remember that I deserve to love myself right here and right now – in every moment.

Today, and every day from here forward, these are my choices!

Create a great Day!

“If people refuse to look at you in a new light and they can only see you for what you were, only see you for the mistakes you've made, if they don't realize that you are not your mistakes, then they have to go.” -Steve Maraboli

Chelsea C.
www.lbfitcamp.com

LBFC Hiking Day (Photos)

 Hope this post finds you healthy and happy!!

The other week we had our first LBFC Excursion.

We all put on our hiking shoes and shirts yes shirts.. LOL and jumped into our cars and headed to the Hollywood hills!!

Ill be honest I'm not a hiker. I hiked one time prior to this outing  and needless to say I wasn't impressed. But I decided I would try it again. And I'm glad I did we had a blast!!

It was about 20 of us and we did everything from jogging up some mountains to stopping in a section of the mountain that had a garden and some of us went the extra mile and went to the top of this cliff for a beautiful view of the city.

At the end we had a dance off and did some exercises as well. Then we had lunch! All in all everyone had a good time. We will be doing a similar hike soon.As well as a bike Ride in May. So Ill keep you posted if you want to join.

Fitness can be fun!! Check out our pics. Leave a comment too!

Before the Hike...

Taking a short rest...they are still smiling

Yen and Rob made it to the very top....

I see you Rhonda and PT those are LBFC Hops!

Can't forget about Jessica and Tanya they started it all!!

oh tha'ts me chillin' with nature

Mina and her girls...and me!

Taking a break to enjoy the scenery

This is my favorite picture..on top of the mountain!

The trek continues.....

We made it to the top!!

even the first timers did great...even though it got a little shaky toward the end.

Wrapping up a great morning  LBFC Hike

yep we saw this on the hike...Just kidding I just think this is the cutest picture and I like what it says!!:-)

Well that's it. We will be having a LBFC Biking Day in May if you are in the Long Beach,CA area we would love for you to come and join us!!

just leave a comment or email me at LBFITcamp@yahoo.com

Until the next time,

Chelsea C.
www.lbfitcamp.com