In the first part of this interview with Christopher Drozd, we jump into some of the background that led to his writing new book, Fitness: straight-up. It's a journey over years in the fitness capital of America where Drozd had close-up opportunity to observe or try out the trends and movements of the day, came away with conclusions on what was working and what was either superficial or pure junk, and developed his own independent insights from years of one-on-one personal training interaction with a broad spectrum of L.A. clients.
Then in most recent times, he reached a benchmark where he brought all those fitness insights into a whole new dimension by also accessing the potential of self-hypnosis. It's a dimension and synergy with fitness that he's passionate about nowadays, and which his book details in depth. Here he begins to explain what sparked that passion.
Suite101: When you approached writing this book what did you believe was absent or not being addressed sufficiently in the fitness media that you wanted to contribute as something important based on your own considerable experience?
Christopher Drozd: Ya know, it's funny. The question in publishing is always, "What's different about your book?" And, in the case of Fitness, Straight-up, there are several things that make it a better choice for exercisers of all levels. But, hold that thought— I'll come back to it in a moment.
I don't know if you've noticed this yet, or not, but as I mention in the book, "fitness" is a commodity. It's a consumable. There's always a new workout, gadget, or supplement being marketed as the latest thing, a silver bullet, right? Yet, the facts remain that Americans are fatter than ever, and healthcare costs are spiraling out of hand. I wonder if the gimmicks, and the idea that fitness should be quick and easy are two of the problems? Have we been unscrupulously conditioned to expect that good health and fitness in a no-sweat solution, that we can have something for nothing? (Well, almost nothing— just 3 easy payments of $19.95.) Really, when you think about it, do logic and reason really provide for 6-week makeovers, 8-minute abs, and 4-minute body hacks? Of course not, but we buy the illusion, or the delusion, anyway.
When it comes to fitness, you will get the health, figure / physique and fitness exactly commensurate to the quality of your efforts. Whether it's cloaked in a something-for-nothing guise, success comes only by adopting a lifestyle that delivers health and fitness. Believe it or not, there are not shortcuts, you must do the work to get results. Period. Look around at others and maybe even look in the mirror to verify this for yourself.
So, that's one of my differences— I tell you, straight-up, you're going to do the work. Your four-minute body requires hours of conditioning, just like your four-minute work week still demands you punch a full-time clock.
I do, however, show you how I've simplified the whole process of eating, and working out. It's no shortcut, but doesn't just knowing that fact eliminate a lot of confusion, already?
But, perhaps the biggest difference is that instead of just telling you what to think, I tell you how to actually change your thoughts so you can align your behavior with your conscious intent. That is, I teach you how to tap into the vast power of your subconscious mind because that is what truly drives our behavior, anyway. Self-hypnosis isn't magic, but it can sure seem like it is!
Ultimately, I point out that because people are more alike than they are different, and that since I'm pretty ordinary, physically, if I can manage to accomplish some significant physical changes, so can others! From building a muscular, magazine-photo quality physique from skinny beginnings, to radically changing my running form and eliminating injuries common to tens of millions of runners, and to racing ultra-endurance events, I'm living proof of what's possible. I'm not Superman; I'm Everyman. I'm you!
People tell me that what's different about Fitness, straight-up is that it's wholly encouraging and positive, that it's life-changing, and that it's surprisingly well-written. I can say with certainty that it's authentic and real!
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Next in our Talk with Christopher Drozd on Fitness, straight-up: reaching out to both special interest fitness and the ordinary guy, and how the response from the fitness public to his book is going so far.
Hal W. Peat - Hal Peat is an independent journalist on fitness, exercise, health and sports personalities. He has contributed for over 12 years to a ...
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