Hey POPsters!
How is your weekend so far? I saw a lot of you made the 2 ingredient banana peanut butter ice cream! Wasn’t it SOOOO GOOD? Crazy! I know. Been experimenting other goodies like this ultra nutritious carrot cake! I’ll share the recipe soon! It’s super easy and doesn’t take too many ingredients. I really like to keep things simple and quick.
Anyway, I wanted to continue the discussion I started on my instagram after I posted this picture of me and Brett Hoebel at Cafe Gratitude on Thursday! It’s actually a pretty funny story how this lunch actually happened.
FLASH BACK: So I was dining at Cafe Gratitude back in December when I was searching for apartments in LA when my friend noticed a guy sitting at a table with his laptop and facebook fan page open. He was like…looks like a fitness person working on social media. Immediately I turn my head over (cuz ya know, fitness and facebook are totes my thang) and was like OH. MY. GAH. That’s Brett Hoebel from Biggest Loser and BeachBody Rev Abs!!????
I really didn’t know what to say…sooooooo I didn’t say anything.
Being the social media freak that I am, I actually decided to tweet him after he left. Hahahahahahaha. I know, I know. I’m a sad case aren’t I? I really didn’t expect to hear back from him.
But I did!
So that is the story of how we both ended up meeting for vegan lunch back at the place where it all happened!
FAST FORWARD: We both ordered the “I am Accepting” sushi bowl which boasts a load of quinoa, sea veggies, avocado, micro greens, sesame seed, kale, and a lovely tangy sauce. It’s my fave menu item at the restaurant, so if you ever get a chance to eat here (there’s one in San Francisco too) – ORDER IT!!!!
Now the reason why I am writing this post is to involve you in a very enlightening conversation Brett and I had about weight loss, the fitness industry, and how to help people achieve their goals. After we both talked work stuff, common friends, family, schedules, and traveling, we started talking about how important it is to be able to help your students ignite their own fire within…to keep striving for the best version of themselves everyday. To not focus on skinny jeans, muffintops, or the number on the scale. To genuinely want to work for health and happiness…not just physical beauty.
We high fived across the table over every point that made us go YEAHHHHH because seriously – the fitness industry is so commercially focused on weight loss and pure physique. Do you ever see an infomercial that says this?
“For just 5 easy payments of $19.95, you’ll get the DVD for Happy HIITs, the cookbook for Nutrition to Nirvana, and the Smiling Stepper to sky rocket your heart rate while soaring your spirit to the heavens! Hurry! Time is running out!”
Okay, I know it was corny….but NO.
The infomercials and ads we see promise six pack abs, thinner thighs, a perkier butt, drastic weight loss, and total body transformations. Now listen, I am not saying there’s anything wrong with that! Every trainer or instructor can surely show you how to achieve that dream body of yours. So let’s be real here – the reason why MOST PEOPLE choose to work out IS to look better. That’s just the honest truth. And it’s totally okay! Because once you’re in, and you start feeling those endorphins after a fantastic POP Pilates sesh or energizing run outdoors – oh man, it is addicting! And it’ll get you coming back for more.
I’ll admit it too. How did I get into Pilates? I was 16, a sophomore in high school, and wanted to look more fit for a pageant I’d be competing in. So when I saw Mari Windsor on TV advertising her Pilates DVDs I begged my parents to buy it for me! Yes her DVDs firmed up my body and flattened by belly – but guess what else it did? It introduced me to a whole new world of healthy living and exercising because it makes me so crazy happy. I mean, look what I do now!? Fitness is my life!
Brett and I were saying that it’s fine to “lure” people in to exercising using weight loss or flat abs tactics, so long as in the long run, people begin to realize by themselves the OTHER INTANGIBLE benefits to choosing an active lifestyle. Here’s what I’d like to call:
In more detail…
LEVEL 1: I work out because an authoritative figure (PE teacher, doctor, the media etc.) forces me to.
*In this stage, individual would never work out if it were up to their own choosing. They despise exercising.
LEVEL 2: I work out because I want to change my body.
*Individual desires a physical change for any reason.
LEVEL 3: I work out because I want to get stronger! Run faster! Be more flexible!
*Individual shifts focus from sculpting physical attributes to developing skill and talent.
[edited 11:38am 2/16/12 thanks so you guys in the comments. Realized I was missing this new level 4!]
LEVEL 4: I workout to nurture my health.
*Individual focuses on exercise for longevity, disease prevention, and overall health and wellness.
LEVEL 5: I work out because it brings me happiness.
*Individual exercises because they simply enjoy it.
[edited 12:28pm 2/16/12]
Level 6: I work out because it inspires others to choose a healthier lifestyle.
*Individual serves as a role model to others through working out. At this stage, individual may also be in a position to influence the fitness industry by developing exercise formats to help more people work out.
Which level do you think you’re on? Only you can decide if you’ve truly graduated onto the next level! But listen, it’s possible to feel like you’re on a few levels – like you can “feel fat” but also work out because it makes you feel good. If you realize this, TRY TO SHIFT YOUR FOCUS!
Why?
Because whether you are exercising to fit into a size 2 or exercising because it’s fun, you’re most likely going to lose weight/gain muscle/increase bone strength anyway! These things are built in already. The great thing about working out is that as long as you work hard and work it with passion, you WILL benefit from it. Now it is time to control your mental focus in order to make the journey more enjoyable.
It’s like going to work at job that makes money to pay the bills versus making a career out of your passion as money just comes because you’re doing what you love, you’re good at it, and people are willing to pay you for your talent. Get it?
REFOCUS. Tell yourself that it’s not about making money or losing weight. It’s about doing what you’re doing because you LOVE IT. Trust me. If you put your heart in the right place, everything will happen as it is supposed to. Life just works that way.
My goal is to help you shift your mind and help you achieve your goals in the funnest way possible! I believe it is all about great instruction so you’ll never feel lost, having a supportive community to keep you inspired, awesome workouts to challenge you, and tasty recipes to nourish you! I will do whatever it takes to help you sculpt a healthy and positive outlook on life! I promise you.
It was so fabulous meeting Brett! The conversation was engaging and we definitely are on the same wavelength about this enlightened approach to fitness. I know you POPsters would have loved having an open discussion with us at Cafe Gratitude too! I’d love to hear your thoughts!!! So here are some questions I have for you:
1. Anything you wanna add to the 6 Steps of Exercise Enlightenment?
2. Guess Brett’s enthicity. He’s half Palestinian and half ________. (No cheating! DO NOT LOOK IT UP!!!! I’ll reveal in next blog post!)
You can also follow him on facebook and twitter for more inspiration!
Love you guys!
<3 Cassey
I’m a 5. Love you Cassey (:
It’s truly very difficult in this full of activity life to listen news on Television, thus I simply use world wide web for that purpose, and obtain the latest information.
Hi Cassey,
The only thing that you haven’t mentioned, but I feel it everyday I workout(I don’t know if it’s normal) is that sometimes I do think I cannot do something (exersice or a cardio video) I mean I feel like it is just too hard…but if I really decide to do it all over anyway I CAN DO IT. So my conclusion is that working out gives me faith, that I am able to do/achive anything I’d love to :) How about you?? xoxo Vik
I think I am a 2, 4, and 5. Right now I am 30 pounds overweight, straddling the obesity line and I’m only 13! So that’s why I’m a two, Trynna get fit by June. I am a 4 because once when I went to the doctor I learned that I had either high blood pressure or low blood sugar or something like that. So I had to stop eating all sweets and drastically change my diet. Now I’ve added exercise to help reduce my risks of diabetes and heart problems. And lastly but DEFINITELY not leastly….I am a five. Honestly before I started exercising with Cassey (on YouTube) I never gave a hoot about exercise. But now it really exhilarates me and makes me feel AMAZING!!!!
THANK YOU CASSEY!!! You inspire me!
;)
I can definitely relate to a lot of these steps. When I was in high school, and for a couple years after, I bounced back and forth between being bulimic and anorexic. I was completely obsessed with being as thin as possible; I worked out and barely ate thinking that it would make me feel better about myself and look better. At my thinnest, I weighed 115 lbs (I’m 5’10″). Eventually I met my current boyfriend, and (i know how cliche this sounds) but the way that he really loved me for who I am and wanted me to be happy and healthy made me want to be stronger and get better. So, I started eating well, and once I felt that I was strong enough to start an exercise program, I searched on YouTube and discovered Blogilates. At first I worked out strictly to get stronger and because it made me feel less guilty about eating. But your never-ending happiness and perkiness is so contagious, and it didn’t take long before the workouts stopped completely draining me and genuinely made me feel good about myself. So then I added going to the gym, and now, about three years after this whole recovery process started, I’m really truly happy with my body. I’ve gained 20 pounds, and I regularly get compliments on how toned and healthy I look (I always tell them to check you out on YouTube :D). I’ve never felt better. I wish I could say I inspire people to be healthier, but I don’t know that I do, so I’m probably still a 5. At any rate, I would like to genuinely thank you from the bottom of my heart for the role you’ve played in helping me to become a better, happier, fitter person.
Thanks :)
I’m a level 5 definitely. I’m only 14 years old and I’m really motivated to continue my working out. I do really love exercising, but sometimes I get lazy. I have a friend who inspired me with all her workouts. She’s definitely a level 6. Thank you!
amazing post Cassey! Being fit and healthy is a lifestyle not a fad diet or 2 classes a week sort of thing. You have to give it your all and make it your life’s goal to treat your body as best as you can becuase you only have one! thanks so much for your inspiration Cassey you! xo
I definitely started out on a level 2. Although I do feel like I am still on level 2 a lot, I am definitely a 3-5 now! I love working out, and if I don’t get a chance to do it for a week if I’m away on holiday I feel sluggish and horrible. I love the energy it gives me and how good it makes me feel both during and after the work out.
OK, So I am level 4 – doing it to support my health and nurture my body.
And I am guessing Brett is half German or Jewish (my assumption based on his surname:))
I am level 2, 3 and 4! I want to change my body, get fitter and stronger and of course healthier :)
I’m levels 3 and 5. I love the feeling when I can run a bit faster, do an advanced yoga pose, or make it all the way through one of your videos. And it makes me happy! My day gets better when I make a little progress transitioning from a shoulder stand to a bridge. I’m in a better mood after working out, even if I dreaded getting off my butt and onto the treadmill.
But thanks for this chart super much! It’s making me realize that I can focus on becoming healthier, or inspiring others. Hello, new motivation!
Also, this post has made me admire you a lot more. I now understand what you were getting at with your VS Model theme: Advertising a perky butt and flat abs isn’t to make people feel like they need to be skinnier, it’s an easy way to get them interested in fitness. That’s how I started! And I feel like I understand your Honey Boo Boo post better, too. Society is constantly being bombarded with “buy this product, lose 10 pounds” etc. that when we see somebody encouraging a healthier lifestyle, we automatically think it’s about physical beauty; when really, that’s not always the case.
Love you Cassey! x
I work out to have a chance to wear nice workout clothing :) Just kidding, but I think a nice outfit can motivate you, as well as it improves the experience from the exercise/outdoor activity etc. Other than that, I exercise because I want to shape my body, get stronger muscles and because it is so much fun and I cannot be without it, it makes me feel better.
PLEASE post the carrot cake recipe!! I’m literally about to run out the door to buy the ingredients.
it brings me happiness, level six, i do workout every day after my studies, it so good , thank you Cassey!!)) i do new body workout… and somth whatever i like , it so nice)
Started as one of the others, but now I am TOTS a level 6′er!
I am more of a level two. Mainly my focus has been on just looking better – but lately I have also been a level four where I have begun to realize the importance of good health and eating and exercise and that has become very important to me as well as looking good.
OMG i got your dvd today and just finished the whole workout! KILLER!! I’m like so totally on step 5 right now (Happiness all over the place) and I would do the whole thing over if I was able to move, which I won’t be for the next couple days. So anyway, you definitely inspired me….Oh and this friday I’m gonna inspire my mum, she loooooves pilates and is gonna get addicted to the dvd! Thank you soooo much for everything you do for us POPsters!!
Love, becky
Love this post!! I have to say I’m a combo of all your levels. I have reached #6 because I have 2 kids and I want them to be inspired by good nutrition and exercise. I love your recipes and have made numerous dishes for my family. Can’t wait to make that carrot cake. It looks scrumptious!! As for your friend, he actually looks a little like my daughter’s tennis coach who is Italian. :-)
I am a four but I feel that being the sole inspiration for people to become fit impossible they have to want to be fit for their own reasons to truly devote themselves to a healthy lifestyle. In my opinion thfirst step should be to “I want to help others lead a healthy lifestyle” or something similar.
Thank you so much for this, Cassey. I just moved to a new place and as you know, it’s tough to find time to work out when there are so many boxes to unpack. I think I’m between a 3 & 5 on the scale. It’s tough to stay at 5 all the time. Plus, there are days when reason #3 is more motivating to work out haha.
Anyway…this revitalized me a bit and I’m even more excited to work out now and work my way to be at #5 & #6 every day.
<3
I’m happy to say I’ve recently reached step 6. I don’t stay there all the time of course..Steps build upon one another so, I’m still doing it for all the prior reasons. I’ve just noticed I’ve willingly be lending a hand to people and trying to inspire those people to get healthy/workout more. :’)
I am somewhere between 2 & 3…..
Love this! I’m always stuck between Levels 2~5, mainly because 2 tends to drag me down sometimes, but it’s great to see these ‘levels’ articulated. It really helps :)
He looks half Palestinian and half Mexican, Maori, or Korean. Pretty wide range of guessing, I know. Haha!
Thank you Jodie :)
I love love love this post.. I am going to repost it tonight (linking back to you of course). I’ve personally achieved all levels of fitness enlighenment and it feels amazing!
I just started your vids not too long ago and I can already feel a shift in my purpose. I started at a level 3/4 but I’m already falling in love with being healthy. Being in college it’s hard for me to eat right without starving all the time but your vids have given me the encouragement and creativity needed to turn all aspects of my health around.
About 7 years ago I was at level 5…and then I just fell off the wagon completely! I have been teetering on level 1 but haven’t gotten back into it until recently. Now I am at level 2. I know level 3 is right around the corner though.
I think it is important to go to level 6 and stay there when you get to it. Otherwise you will do what I did; gain a lot of weight, bad eating habits and lose the mind set. It seems harder to get motivated because you get stuck in thoughts of, “I used to be a size 4,” and can’t keep up steam to just be a healthier you, not a healthier you 7 years ago.
I might one day be at that size again, but that is not my goal. My goal is to thin out and be strong. Why…because it will make me feel wonderful and it will help my overall health as I get older.
Thank you Cassey!!
I’m a 3,4, & 5! Sometimes a 2 but I started out a 3 when I really started making an exercise regimen part of my daily life. I have a history of being unhappy with my body ( though I was never overwieght or obese. Have always been naturally athletic and slim and a size 4) and obsessing about trying to lose so many pounds and inches, suffered an eating disorder in high school and after treatment I really didn’t know if I could ever be physically active or eat healthy without becoming obsessed again and getting frustrated but by some miracle I became quite content.
I was overall happy with the way I looked by the time I started taking pilates and dance classes, I had a few nuissance areas on my mind of course but I wasn’t expecting to transform them in a day or even a year. Soon after that, I had a wake up call in the form of BOTH of my parents being diagnosed with diabetes in the same year, it was only then that I decided to also make a few dietary changes. Nothing major or extreme and of course I had been a somewhat healthyish eater before then anyway, softdrinks however were my greatest vice so of course that was my biggest challenge. I eat a lot cleaner now, and workout daily, look great in everything (forgive my boasting) but I only truly care about and prioritize my health. It also really does make me feel super to live this kind of lifestyle! I like feeling like a bada** when I train with weights or like a pro athelete when I push myself :)
“I eat a lot cleaner now, and workout daily, look great in everything (forgive my boasting) but I only truly care about and prioritize my health.”
It struck me that it’s actually unusual to hear a woman say she thinks she looks great. I’m sure you do – but I wanted to say well done for your positive attitude also!
I am so frustrated at the fitness industry. Nothing is real. I am 53, and have had four children, Before my kids were born, I was very much into staying healthy, then life happened. Now that the kids are grown and gone, I am trying to get my young body back, and know I can never be as small as I was before, it would not be healthy, yet as I see the commercials, about loosing weight, etc, it depresses me. They never show real people. This not only goes for loosing weight, but makeup too. You know the ones, “Try this and your wrinkles will go away.” Then they show a 20 year old. Really!? And then there is the food. Most of it is fake food. My daughter (who is a dancer and yoga instructor) is really getting into this health craze too. No GMO’s, only organic, etc. It is not an easy thing to do. She lives in a big city, but me, well, I am in a small town, and it is really hard to find REAL food. I know, eventually, I will figure it out. Thanks for your blog!
This reminds me of David Logan’s TED talk on tribal leadership/”stages” of organizations:
http://www.ted.com/talks/david_logan_on_tribal_leadership.html
My reasoning really depends on the day. I can bounce from a 3 to a 6 or anywhere in between from one morning to the next or even from morning to evening. I believe there are multiple reasons and those multiple reasons are what keeps us going. Like working, sometimes it is only to pay the bills, sometimes you want money to go on a date, sometimes you are saving up for something big like a down payment for a house. I think all those reasons are important.
I agree with you. You said it a lot better than I could. Just during one workout, I could be motivated by many different factors, and I am thankful for all of them.
I really love those levels of exercise enlightenment, because it’s totally true in my case! I’m on level 3 now, and I really did start with level 1, went to level 2 and now I’m there. Thanks for showing me my future reasons for working out haha :D
Cassey, I found out your blog next week and just wanted to say how great your work is. You are a true inspiration to me and finally got me get my bum from my couch and kick some ass with your videos. You are beautiful on the inside and on the outside, and that’s truly a rare thing. I love you! (By the way, I’m working out because I really want to be healthier -it’s not even that I don’t feel like looking good, I just feel like for being a 20 yo girl my body is too weak… and I really want to change that!)
I loved this post! Right now, I’m definitely at level 2 wanting to get to level 3. I just started working out to your youtube videos and you are so inspiring and motivational. I wish I discovered you last Summer; better late than never. Have a good day!
GREAT GREAT post. I love the 6 steps. I thoughs I’m on level 3 or maybe 5 or 6 ha haha. Thank you for inspiring post. love u CASSEY^_^
Great post. I think I’m around a 4-5… A 6 if the exercise is something like tai chi. I haven’t quite gotten to 6 with pilates, though I love the results. I think an additional level, one that is strong for me, is that I work out hard because my body complains if I don’t. If I haven’t worked out in a few days for whatever reason, my legs start to get restless and achy. Also my back starts to hurt more. My body is literally hurting from a lack of exercise. It almost seems the more I work out, the more I have to. Anyone else like that? Perhaps it’s an age thing (mid 30′s)
I think I’m on multiple levels because I workout for more than one reason. Can’t wait for the Carrot Cake recipe.
oooh, i’m at Level 5 pretty much always have been! i’m lucky my entire family is active but i wonder if one day i’ll ever get to Level 6.
Brett’s half Palestinian?! that’s funny because I thought Brett was latino (i’m brazilian) so he seems from our continent haha in any case, he is incredibly attractive! if he’s single and straight + you’re single too, then you guys would make an incredible couple ;)
Awww Cassey! This post is something I’ve been waiting for you to speak on for a long time! I know you live and breathe this lifestyle but I’ve longed for you to just call us out on the tendency to just do these kinds of things just for the sake of looks. I’ve struggled with body image all my life, and I know that many of the women and young ladies on your page resonate. I believe that you spur on women to walk beyond the mirror and get excited about healthy delicious foods and valuing health and nutrition because it is whats best for each one of us. period. And not best because _______________________ (enter clarifying reason). Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
Have you ever thought about doing live chats, or live video chats that discuss topics like these? I’d love to just be in a web room with you and other popsters and hear each other’s struggles and victories about weight loss, body image, diet ups and downs, tasty recipes, etc, etc….
You are such an inspiration. This is my favoritist post EVER.
P.S. He looks Half Palestinian and Half Korean or Japanese or Filipino? I’m guessing Asian descent.
Oo oo and I think I’m at a 4. But I workout because I know exercise is a factor in my overall sense of fulfillment in life because it promotes my physical confidence, develops my strength and flexibility and sustains my overall health and wellness which contributes to my joy and happiness.
Wait. Does that make me a 5? Lol. What do you think? I’m confuzzled.
Yes that is a great idea! we should do that! i’ll have it when the community launches or maybe even before that!
That carrot cake looks so yuuuummmmmy!! I love cooking healthy for my family my lil babies eat food that trip people out lol I love that though.. When are you gonna have more booty shorts and workout bottoms on your store??? I’ve been wanting to buy more but there all gone :(
Yes they are coming this week! end of week/weekend.
Hello! I guess I can say i’m a #2, #3 and #4, but I believe I’m progressing into #5 as well.
Also, is Brett half latino?
My guess is half Brazillian! IS he??? Ugh! I need to find out!
I definitely workout for to stay fit, get stronger, to cleanse my mind, it is a kind of meditation in motion, to challenge myself and I love it, even at times when my energy level is not that great. From your list, combination of # 3, 4, 5, 6.
Hey Cassey!
Love the 6 steps, they are so true. I am definitely at both a level 2 and a level 4. Not gonna lie, my biggest motivation for working out is for an inner thigh gap and a flat tummy, but after about 1 month of working out, I started working out not only for that reason, but because I find it SO much FUN and exciting. I cannot wait to workout to your vids everyday! Hopefully I can get up to a level 5 and 6 soon. :)
And dang, you two would look GREAT together ;) Two beautiful, fitness people with a lot in common. Whhaaaat? Totes perfect. I’m guessing he is… half Italian? Half Persian? Either way, he’s super cute and sounds like an interesting guy!
Can’t wait for the carrot cake recipe, looks absolutely delish! I’m guessing the frosting is made outta Greek yogurt? :)
<3 Gabby
Thanks Cassey. Great post! I’m on level 3 and 4. I love the fact that I can look forward to moving up the scale. Don’t know what ethnicity Brett is, but he looks good next to you :) wink, wink! <3 u
Is he half Brazilian?
What a great post! Thank you <3
I am def level 2 but I am really trying to shift my thinking that exercising will not only help me lose weight but also improve my general health and make m stronger!
Cassey! Thank you for this post! And thanks for adding another category, I think it fits very well and it is definitely one of the reasons I’m working out. I guess I am a 3, 4 and 5 at the same time.
Also, I do believe you’re right and that it’s important to focus on one’s happiness instead of obsessing about beauty and perfection.that’s encouraged everywhere.
Now I considered your inspiration to not focus on the looks part anymore but to work out because it’s fun and makes me feel happy and relaxed. Yet this is really hard for me. Today I tried to shift my mindset to thinking that going to spinning class is loads of fun, instead of thinking that I have to get stronger. But then I noticed that I was super tired and exhausted from the long week. I thought, if I don’t really have to work out because it’s not about getting stronger anymore, but it’s about my happiness, then I would rather lie down and listen to music. If I had told myself “you have to go to the gym to get rid of that extra fat and get super toned” then I would’ve probably gone to spinning class. And then, I would have probably felt a lot better afterwards. Still, I can’t seem to remember this “after-sports-feeling” but mainly focus on the exhausting workout that’s coming up. Now I’m not blaming you that I missed my workout today. Obviously, I am still way too obsessed with how I look and how I should look like to be the perfect girlfriend/woman generally.
So I was wondering: How do you do it?! Is working out your equivalent to laying down and listening to music? Is this the ultimate goal I have to reach – to think of sports as the number one thing? Or do you also have to force yourself to workout sometimes because you want to look better?
Hm. Hope you get where I’m coming from. And thanks for being awesome and inspiring me to live healthier every day :)
I work out because I enjoy it and it is my zen time! so in a way yeah it is like laying down and listening to music…but wayyyy more active! haahah