No Ask J column today.

Last night, I had the pleasure of having my local, Chaska fitness boot camp, Look Great at the Lake Boot Camp, as a featured presenter at a Women’s Wellness night.

The theme of the evening was basically that women need to start taking as good care of themselves as they do of everyone else in their lives.  Women always put themselves second, third, fourth…well, you get the picture.

But, there is an inherent problem with that philosophy.  If women continue to neglect themselves, they become unhealthy, out-of-shape, tired and sick.  Then what good are they to the people they’re trying to take care of?  Not to mention, what kind of example are they setting for their children.

Ladies; do you want your children to grow up unhealthy, out-of-shape, tired and sick? 

Of course you don’t.  Well, then you better start leading by example!

One of the biggest reasons child obesity is becoming so dangerously prevalent in this country is because moms are not taking good care of themselves, and the kids just follow in their mother’s footsteps.

Hey, husbands out there!  Stop holding your wife back!!  Get a clue!!!

While you’re off “bringing home the bacon” she’s dealing with crying kids and poopy diapers all day.  She’s a nurse, a chauffeur, a teacher, a cook, a maid, and on and on.  Oh, and then you expect dinner on the table when you get home.  Dude, she needs a break!  She needs time to herself, and she needs a healthy outlet.

Now, how about those moms who have a career AND raise kids.  Double whammy!

Oh, one more thing gentlemen.  Stop with your foolishness that she should be able to exercise on her own; she should know what to do.  The reality is, you probably don’t know what to do either.  You’re doing the same routine you did since high school sports, and you don’t deal with the same issues as she does.  You’re metabolism didn’t get all jacked up with a pregnancy.  Not too mention, it’s not just about the workout.  It’s an outlet for her.  It’s adult time.  And, it’s freakin’ fun for her!

Man, I’m really beating up the husbands right now, aren’t I.  Sorry, I just get fired up and can’t control myself sometimes.  When you’ve been training for as long as I have, you hear it all.  You’d be amazed at how many women I’ve met that want to workout so badly, but their husbands won’t support them – whether it be financially or time wise.  Anyway, back to the ladies.

Ladies.  You need to learn to put yourself first more.  Think about this one:

God forbid the air-masks drop out of the ceiling of a plane your on.  Who’s mask are you supposed to put on first, and why?

You put your mask on first, because you’re no help to your child if you’re passed out.  Now you’re both dead!

The same goes for your health.  If you don’t stop and take care of your needs, your not going to be able to best take care of everyone else.  And, like a said, you’re a crappy role model.

And, here’s another point.  Who’s in charge, the parents or the kids?

Don’t give me the, “my kids won’t do this” or ” they won’t eat that” or whatever other excuse you’ve got.  You’re the boss.  You’re the teacher.  You’re the role model.  Sit down with your child and explain to them in terms they can understand that you need mommy time or you want to eat a certain way so you can be a better mommy.  Kids aren’t stupid.  They have the same mind as you and I.  They just have less experience and less vocabulary.  Put it in a way they can understand.

Well, I could go on and on, but the main point is LADIES YOU NEED TO TAKE BETTER CARE OF YOURSELVES.  We love you to death.  We’d be nothing without you.  Do us both a favor and practice wellness for yourself…and us.

Thanks to all the ladies in my life.  I truly appreciate you.  Mom, you’re the greatest.  I can never repay you for raising me.  And, Janell I love you so much.  Thank you for believing in me and standing by me.

Have Faith & Take Action!

Justin Yule, B.S., CPT

Your friendly neighborhood Chaska / Chanhassen boot camp instructor and online personal trainer.

Burn 9x more fat at a fraction of the cost of other personal training programs.

P.S. – One more thing guys.  If you’re wife feels better, has more energy and feels sexier, you’ll get a lot more action!  Yes, I just said that.  Hey, why do most people workout?  The real reason?  They want to look better naked.  That’s the bottom line for most people, and there’s nothing wrong with that.  When you look better you feel better.  And, when the ladies feel better…well, so do the guys.