Sicko

There is nothing worse than having the stomach bug. Just when you think you are doing everything possible to stay healthy and you tell yourself that this year the flu isn't going to get you; the flu slaps you accross the face and gives you a wake up call.
No matter how much muscle you have or how many vitamins you are taking, the darn flu is going to catch you.

I came home Monday night to my wife and both little girls throwing up everywhere. It was a scene straight out of the "Exercist" with projectile vomitting covering the house. As Tracie and I cleaned up the girls and the surrounding areas I realized that I was in for it.

Naturally, I took a ton of vitamins and fluids to try to combat the crud but I figured it would hit at some point. Last year the flu took 6 days off my life, this year just one full day. What was really tough was watching Kate and Taylor get hit with full force and there is nothing you can do for them except to comfort and get ready to clean up the nasty stuff.

Well, enough with the vomit talk. I think we are all in the clear from the flu bug, or at least I hope so. We are heading to Texas for Christmas and the drive will really be awesome if everyone starts puking again. Let's hope not.

Anyway, happy holiday's to everyone and get ready for an awesome new year. 2009 is going to fantastic for all of you who are willing to work hard and go get what you want in life. I truly believe 09 will be my best year yet and I hope it is for you as well.

Best,

Brad

I Created A Business Full of Friends

As many of you are aware, we held our annual holiday party last Friday night at The BAR. My biggest worry was that no one would come and all the hard work that went into putting the party together would have went un-seen.

Little did I know that more than 200 of my closest members, friends and family would show up. The party started at seven and by 7:30 the place was packed with people having fun and enjoying the unbelievable food that Heidi of Hedi's Events and Catering provided.

Just a little side note: If ever you need to throw a unforgettable party, hire Heidi. She won't steer you wrong and it's worth every penny. Thank you Heidi... you're the best!

I couldn't believe the support we've received this year. As I went around the party shaking hands, an occasional hug and giving "good game" pats on the butt to some special members who deserve it, all I could focus on is the fact that every single person at the party was there for The BAR and that they could be anywhere else in the world but they made time to support us. I'm extremely humble and grateful for that.. I personally thank all of you for coming you made the night one to remember.

One of my favorite comments of the night came from a father of one of our athletes. He and a few other dads were in the back room enjoying a little classical guitar and laid back atmosphere when he grabbed me and said, "Ahwatukee needs a room just like this one for us guys to hang out in. Somewhere to unwind and relax." I told him that his son would have his head if we took away his room and made it into lounge. Tell you what though, the next place we build, I'll plan on having a lounge for the dads and moms for that matter.

Not sure if anyone noticed but we had to do make two separate alcohol runs during a matter of 2 hours. Thank you to Kevin's wife Sarah and his dad Shane for handling that for us. By the way, we gave Kevin an award for being the top dog in the gym for 2008. He deserves more than anyone. He busts his butt day in and day out making sure that The BAR continues to strive for greatness. I couldn't ask for a better trainer, manager and friend. Thank you Dry for taking The BAR to the next level and always having my back.

Hey, did anyone notice that there was only three pieces of equipment in the gym Friday night? Kevin, Jake, myself and two of our favorite members, Doug and RJ moved everything out in the morning. The Mountain Pointe baseball team came by at 3pm and decorated (nice work) and back again at 10pm to put all the equipment back in. Thanks MP baseball, you guys were work horses for us and I appreciate your hard work.

Also, thank you to Erik Kelly for allowing us his moving truck to store some of the equipment. I was a little worried that it wouldn't hold it all but if was definitely a must have in order to get the job done. Thanks Erik, I owe you one.

How about the Member of the Year Award? Many people were in the running for this first time award but we felt that Cynthia Hammersley was the most deserving. She has been the most consistent member as well as the one member to keep me on my toes with suggestions to make The BAR better and she's absolutely the best ambassador a business could ever ask for. Thank you Cynthia and much continued success to you.

Yes, my blog is random this week. My mind is on overdrive and out of control. I've got so many ideas in the fire and I can't wait to implement them. Those of you who are on board had better get ready because The BAR is about to explode with excitement and kick butt workouts.

That's it. I've got more to say but my hands are starting to cramp. Oh yeah, thank you to Rod Ticknor of Native New Yorker for getting the MP baseball team in to his restaurant on such short notice. By the way, the boys loved it. Thanks Rod.

I'm done. I hope to see all of you this Friday night at The BAR for Casino Night. If you want to come let me know soon so I can put you on the list...

Thank you all once again for all your support this year. I feel very blessed to have all of you in my life.

A Little Appreciation Can Go A Long Way

The economy thing has many people mind boggled and has given some a false sense of world turmoil. For me however, I see an abundance of opportunity.

Today I was running some errands with my dad when I mentioned the holiday party that I throw every year, and this year is no different. When I told him what I had planned he looked extremely surprised and almost disappointed. Not disappointed in the fact that the party is going to be ridiculous but the fact that I am going to spare no expense and utilize quite a bit of man power to transform the studio from a gym into a winter wonderland.

His response was typical of a media prone individual who is consumed with the negativity of this economy; he said why would you do a thing like that when cash is tight for everyone in the world? My response was simple. I said because my members need to know that I'm planning on being around for a long time in this business and I can only do that with their support.

I also know that my competitors won't do for their members what I'm doing for mine and perhaps the word will get out that The BAR truly is the best place to get in shape. Maybe I'll get lucky and get the interest of a few people that want to cross over to the dark side with us.

The bottom line is this: The only way business owners are going to stay in business is to go the extra mile for what they believe in. Those who aren't willing to work will fail and those of us who put in countless hours and do whatever it takes to keep people happy will prosper. I see nothing but opportunity right now and I plan on capturing it.

This holiday party on December 5th is going to be the talk of Ahwatukee when I'm done with it and I can't wait to see every one's face when they walk through the door that night. You don't want to miss it!

For those of you who are going through tough times right now, my advice is this: Get off your butt and get something done about it. If you want to succeed in life, go get what you want and don't wait for someone to hand it to you because right now handouts are few and far between.
Keep on truckin' and create a new path of success.. I'll be there paving a way myself.

Who Knows What to Think!

So the title of my blog is "What is he thinking." Do you really want to know and can you handle what's about to hit you? Here you go: Well, for once I think I've hit the jackpot when it comes to fitness. For the last three years Tracie and I have gone to a fitness business seminar and brought a couple of trainers with us each time. This past week we went to a customer service seminar that has to do with fitness. I like to think that we already have a special place with great customer service but as I found out, we still have a lot to learn.

I've put together a team of people that are part of my board of advisers. Basically, these people are either members, past members or just people that I have developed a relationship with and will give me honest answers to ideas that I want to implement into our existing programs.

Thomas Plummer was the seminar I went to and his ideas are what would be considered to be ahead of the curve in the fitness business. The basic premise behind his ideas is simple: People want to have more fun and are tired of the same old body builder type workouts!

You know what's funny? He's right. For years since we've been in business, members have expressed the fact that they want to either look like an athlete or workout like an athlete. Let me ask you, do you want to look like Schwarzenegger or Brad Pitt. When I was in high school, I wanted to look like Arnold but I think Brad Pitt would be more fitting for both me and my wife. Besides, when Arnold is a big saggy mess of muscle, Pitt will still look like a million bucks.

You know how Pitt does it? He works out like an athlete. What does that mean? How about lots of kettle bells, up downs, rotations, throwing weight balls around the gym and all kinds of other unorthodox exercise techniques. One particular website that I like to get ideas from is www.artofstrength.com. The guy who runs this site is the Tennessee Titans strength coach. He completely changed the way the team trains and the coach of the Titans attributes their success to the fact that they are the most in shape group of guys in the league.

I've watched some of the video's this guy put together and I have really been inspired to incorporate his techniques into our existing programs. What does this mean for you? How about more fun and a stronger body? To me, this all makes sense. Know one in this gym wants to look like a bodybuilder nor should they train like one. We'll still do curls and bench press but it might be with our own body weight and with a twisted trunk during the press. How confused are you now?

Don't worry, your workouts are still going to rock and you'll love it even more when you walk through the door. I want this place to be number one, not only in Arizona (which we are) but all over the country. Innovation is key to continued growth of a company and we are going to break out the innovation hammer and start building. Get ready for a crazy time and for the best workouts you've ever had...

Gnome Sweet Gnome!

Just when I think I've stumped everyone with this hide and go seek game of gnome hunting, someone finds him. I've got to admit, I really enjoy this game and I think everyone who is participating is having a great time too.

I went out again today to the mountain and racked my brain on how to make this next hunt 10 times more interesting and fun. I think I've figured it out. If I play my cards right, this next one should take at least a month to find but who knows, with my evil nemesis RJ on the prowl all the time, he'll probably find it by the end of the week. I'll do my best though.

I was thinking about how much fun it must be to go out looking for something that is pretty well lost and use your brain to find it. What a self-rewarding feeling you must get when you find it. All I know is that is is very self-rewarding for me to hide it. How about a role reversal sometime? Any takers???

Well, off to the desert, enjoy the Halloween weekend and keep having fun getting fit. It gets easier with every step you take.

Good Times in Texas!

I just got back from a wonderful trip to Texas where I went to visit my family and to see Willie Nelson at a famous "honkytonk" in Fort Worth, called Billy Bob's. It was must see for anyone who enjoys country music. I went with my brother, step brother and nephew (Luke, he is more of a hard rock kid, 14). I outfitted my nephew in Willie gear, red head band and all.
The best part of the concert, other than Willie being a favorite of mine is Luke, my one time long haired, dyed black nephew fit in just like one of the guys. He wore cowboys boots and everything. I haven't seen him in over two years and what a change. He's no longer a youngster that gets left behind. He even said that he really like the concert; Willie can still jam for a country guy... Luke's words.

Anyway, my trip was awesome. I rode some horses, tore up some ground on a four wheeler and bonded with the family. Texas is a special place for me and I look forward to being there every year.

Now it is off to get the business mind going again. Tough at times but it's part of the job... i love it!

At What Age Are Considered an Old Man?

I was sitting at my desk this morning talking with Kevin about what to write about for my weekly blog and all I can really think about is how bad my body is aching. You see, Kevin and I played baseball this weekend in a huge men's league tournament consisting of something like 50 teams from around the United States. Of course, we had to play in the most competitive division being the competitors that we are.

I've been working out with Jacob for the past month and I thought I was in pretty good shape for the tournament but playing in 5 consecutive games and catching 4 of them, my body says otherwise.

I've got pains on top of pains. You all know exactly what I'm talking about, you know, after your first workout in a while, those leg pains that you tend to get you from doing so many lunges and squats? That's what my entire body feels like.

I remember playing baseball in college (not all that long ago), catching more than 60 games plus another 50 or so in summer ball and not even thinking about my body aching. Here is the difference; I'm no longer 20 years old and I don't workout as much or as intense as I used too. I suppose that if I pumped iron and ran like I did when I was playing all the time, my body would be fine. So from today on, I'm going to get ready for next year's tournament. Does this mean that I need to workout everyday and completely crush my body each workout? Not at all. This means that I just need to get a little more active and possibly take a few swings here and there. Remember, it's only a few games, not 100 like it used to be.

That's my goal for next year. I just want to be ready for one more time of strapping up the gear and re-living the glory days and of course being able to function when it's all over.

Moral of the story is this; stay consistent with your exercise routine. It doesn't mean that you need a trainer every time, just that you need to be active daily and do the things that keep you healthy, otherwise, when you decide to crank it up again in the gym you'll continue to go through the aches and pains all over again. Stay consistent and your aches and pains will more than likely go by the way side.

As for me, I'm off to hide the Gnome again... also known as my exercise for the day!

Good Times with the Gnome

With the economy being up, down, left and right over the past few months and especially this past week, I've been thinking of how I can put a few smiles on the faces of people in Ahwatukee as well as maybe motivate a few participants to go venture out and about and get a little workout in.

I was out last Wednesday afternoon doing what I like to do to take my mind out of the business side of the fitness world and I thought of an idea! While riding my bike through the beautiful trails of South Mountain I ran across 8 hikers/walkers 5 mountain bikers and 2 crazy runners. I thought to myself what do all these people have in common? They all exercise using the outdoors or also known as Nature's Gym.

When was the last time you went outside to exercise or perhaps a better question would be, have you ever been to South Mountain located in our own Ahwatukee backyard? Yadayadayada, ok here it is; I own a gym yes but my objective is not to force people to only workout in a gym environment but rather I want people to think outside the box and get there bunz outside for a change, so I came up with this contest involving a hunt for a Gnome. You've seen the photo in the newsletter right? He's a good sized, red hat, red shoe wearing little man taking a nap waiting for someone to come and find him.

So what's the contest? How about for the first week, if you find him I'll give you and one of your buddies 8 personal training sessions each. That's right, I'm willing to give up 16 personal training sessions to get you all to go outside and exercise. What happens during the second week if no one finds him? I'll add more value to the package. Not sure what will be added to it but I'm sure it will only make you want to find him even more.

So, read the clues on the newsletter and head on out to the mountain. If you can't find him the first week, check the newsletter every Monday and Thursday for more clues and more incentive. Well, I hope everyone enjoys the hunt and I'll look forward to watching it unfold...

FYI: Bring a backpack to put the gnome in (he's good sized)!

The Simple Things!

It's funny how sometimes the simple things in life can make everything so much better. At times we become complaisant with day to day life and used to how our typical days unfold. For the last four and a half years I've been blessed with the ability to create a comfortable exercise environment that people really seem to enjoy. I try to do my best with the details of the studio, things like mirrors that lite up for makeup application, using cleaning products that are non toxic, bringing in stainless water bottles so to do away with all the plastic bottles we tend to go through and having mints at the front for after you workout is over.
All of these details I take a great deal of pride in and I'm always trying to find new detail items that will enhance the experience at The BAR.
Here is the funny part, with all the details and additions that we constantly work on, the best detail we've done in the past six months was to just change out the old sweat towels and add some plush new ones.
Apparently, the old towels were getting so rough that someone mentioned that they were bummed to see the exfoliating towels go away.
I guess with all the detail items that I worry about I forgot to look at the basic ones. I can promise you that we will change the towels a little more regularly now that I see the difference it has made with the experience that our clients have at the BAR.
All to often we tend to look past the simple things in day to day life. Yesterday, at home I took a moment to do something simple; push my two little girls on their swing set that "Grandma Texas" got for them. It took little effort from me but I got so much joy watching my girls go back and forth with huge smiles on their faces. Simple, yet effective and rewarding!
Here is my challenge for you, find something today that's simple, effective and self rewarding. I'd bet it's closer than you think and will undoubtable put a smile on your face as well as the people around you!

PAIN !

Do you ever have one of those days where everything hurts. You know what I mean, your feet, your back or with the wonderful economy that we like to blame everything on, probably your head aches a little more often than it did last year.
Let me tell you my story. I'm 31, own a business that supports not only my family but it also supports three trainers and gives a partial living for two other employees. Plus I still think I can play a little baseball on the weekends even though my shoulder, back and now an elbow pain that I've never had before, have started to make me think twice.
We've all got aches and pains in some regard. I happen to work a lot harder when my aches and pains kick in. If business is slow, I re-evaluate the business and find a way to add more value to what we are already offering. I know for a fact that what we offer is completely different than what our competitors can offer, but sometimes even with great service we need to find ways to improve on that service.
Sometimes, when you think too far outside the box, your box will eventually collapse because of lack of support. I like to look back and ask myself what created my original box (business). I can truthfully tell you that my box was created with passion to help people achieve health. Sounds like a cookie cutter response but in all honesty it's the truth. I love helping people achieve!
Although it can be tough to help like I used to because I hide in this office for most of the day (it's not all it's cut out to be). Now I get a chance to teach trainers how to become great trainers not just instructors who can count reps and point to the next exercise.
I really like the team that I've created. I've had numerous trainers over the years but this group is special. These guys have a gift that is only scratched at the service. They have yet to see their full potential as a personal trainer.
Well, it's off to teach and help with other's aches and pains. By doing so, my aches and pains will more than likely go away!

BAR Launches New Website

Today we launched our new website. Not that our old website was bad, I just couldn't figure out how to utilize it without calling someone to add details for me. I'm kind of a do it myself type person so I asked Kevin, our head trainer, to help in creating something that was more user friendly. I absolutely love the new look and easy accessible information. One of my long time clients created the avenue for our original site which I am greatful for. She did great work but I didn't have a clue on how to work it. With our new site we can add new text anytime we need as well as all of our PSX Athletes will have a page that can be visited by college coaches for recruitment (coming soon).
I hope everyone enjoys the site and please feel free to give feedback on how we can make it better...
Still the same name: www.thebarfitness.com

BAR Athlete Makes It "BIG"

In one's lifetime, we rarely have those times that happiness brings a tear to your eye and goose-bumps throughout your body. Yesterday, I had one of those moments. For the last 9 years since finishing up college I have dedicated my career to helping people achieve some sort of fitness goal or assisting them with their respective athleticism. Yesterday, Friday May 30 I witnessed the greatest moment in my professional career. When I first starting training in Phoenix, fresh out of college I came across an opportunity to work with the Chicago Cubs Scout team, which was made up of the best high school baseball talent in the area. I can remember the first day at Fitch Park watching this tall, 6'6" 175 lb soaking wet short stop take a 85 mpg fastball over the let field fence and across Arizona Avenue hitting the house on the other side. To my estimation I would say the ball first hit the ground somewhere around 450ft away.. did I mention he was swinging a wood bat? I remember thinking, this kid is going to be a monster if someone can get a hold of him and pack on some weight. Funny how things happen; some years later I ended up coaching at his old high school where I developed a great relationship with his father and himself when he was around after his professional season.
Naturally, with the opening up of The BAR, I met with Joe and asked him to go through a pre-season regimen with me to get ready for Spring Training. Let me be the first to say the Joe is the hardest most dedicated athlete I have had the opportunity to work with. He doesn't drink, use tobacco or put junk into his body. Our first year of working out he put on 20lbs of muscle; he doesn't have any body fat at all so it all had to be pure good stuff. Needless to say he dominated at Double A that season and was called up to Triple A for the following.
Yesterday, I got the chance to watch one of my athletes that I've had the special chance to work with finally get his shot in the "Show." Joe made a diving catch that made the highlight real on ESPN and the positive comments that the commentators where making about Joe where nothing but the truth.
What Joe may not realize is that he is representing all of us that as a children wanted to become nothing more than a big leaguer. After his catch they did a close up on his face; a simple smile occurred, a slight glance to the stands and what looked to be "man" coming from his lips. His dream came true yesterday as well as mine and others that have had the chance to work with him.
In my business, I tend to live through the results of other people. More specifically, my athletes. There is nothing like helping a kid earn a scholarship or have a chance at pro ball. Yesterday, so far is the single greatest achievement in my professional career and I owe it all to a 6'6" skinny kid who gave me the chance help him achieve greatness and yes, I would say yesterday in St. Louis with the number 62 on his back he was just that, "great."

Fundraising for the Matt Leinart Foundation

The BAR Fitness is helping a local business, Dolce Luna raise funds for the Matt Leinart Foundation. All proceeds for this event will go to the Banner Children's Hospital. Come and be a part of the silent and live auction. There will be sessions given away from The BAR as well as many autographed footballs and jerseys by Matt among other items up for auction. Do your best to get to the event at Dulce Luna on 48th and Chandler.. starts at 5:30pm.. Hope to see you all there!

June 2nd Launches Kenyan Marathon Program

With the help of Harrison Korroso, a world class Kenyan marathon runner and former Olympian, The BAR has been able to develop for the first time a marathon program specific to the teachings of the Kenyan way's. This program will incorporate both the running side of things as well as a professional weight training regimen. Look out Boston.. here we come!

Softball Athlete's are on the Rise!

Softball in the East Valley is up and coming. The BAR School of Athletic Performance has accepted the contract for the Horizon Ahwatukee softball team as well as two exceptional players from Corona High School; Ashley Hanson, who is the Player of the Year in Arizona and will be attending Stanford on a scholarship as well as Jamie Pollak, an outstanding junior pitcher/first baseman who was awarded All-City honors this year.
Very exciting for The BAR to be able to work with such great female athletes and we can't wait to see what the future brings for all of them.

Best of Phoenix

Can you believe it? Our little performance studio was voted #1 gym in Phoenix. We beat out everyone, including LifeTime and all the YMCA's valley wide. Amazing what a little customer service and a clean environment will do for you... Thank you all!