I have always been an active individual and a few years ago felt like I was in really good shape. However, as we age, we have a natural tendency to restructure what is important to us. I lost my way and put the needs of others (or what I thought their needs were) in front of my own. I needed change.

I found Kris Gethin's Hardcore daily trainer and signed up but never started the program. One of the weekly email reminders came into my inbox as my brother stood over my shoulder and he asked about it. I showed him the program and he instantly fell in love with it. As it turns out, he was looking for something to give him direction and more control over his life as well. He began the very next day. I continued to slack and he would send me his weekly photo updates in side by side comparison.

His week 3 photos blew me away. I was inspired. Of course having my older brother progressing only meant I had to get my butt in gear so I could compete with him. Having him be almost a full month ahead of me serves as inspiration in the gym so that I can continue to push out that last rep and catch up to his progress.

It gives me a frame of reference for my life. It's the perfect analogy for life - ultimately I believe we are all in control of what we accomplish. Conversely, we are responsible for what we are experiencing - we can't blame our body, or how we feel about it on someone else or a circumstance. If you look in the mirror and you hate how you look - it's up to you and ONLY you to change that. Nobody can do it for you, and hard bodies are earned, not handed to you.