I wanted to pay tribute to a really incredible person in my
life, today.
It’s been a long time coming. He’s a pretty humble
individual. Especially about the work he does with people, so I’m pretty sure
it goes without saying that he’s going to be stunned to read this. But, praises
are long overdue and he deserves to be recognized.
The man I am referring to, is my Fitness Guru – Jimmy
Triantafillou.
Jimmy and I have worked with each other for years, coming up
with smart workout strategies. Throughout my life, we have had MANY travels and
each one of my journeys had different needs to adhere to. He has been there
through it all. For anyone out there who has gone the route of getting a
Personal Trainer, you know that it’s not an easy task. It’s not just about
having an individual devise a routine for you to follow. It’s about having
someone in your corner who truly cares about you. Fitness expertise is great
but when you combine that with someone who is personally invested in you –
that’s priceless!
I’m very proud to say that our families have known one
another since childhood. Jimmy and I used to run aerobic workout routines in
his garage, since high school. His Boot camp, was my first and needless to
say: He kicked my ass all over the place. He’s someone who has known all my
struggles. He’s been there for all the emotional pitfalls and physical
roadblocks and has never once judged me or left my side. Instead, he has been
the one constant person in my life that has always said the infamous 4-words
that everyone needs to hear when they’re down and out: “YOU CAN DO THIS!”
To say that Jimmy is just a Personal Trainer would be a huge
understatement. And to categorize him as one would be sad. Aside from being a
Fitness Expert, he is a Body-Building Competitor, a Wellness Motivator and a
Family Man. He is as humble and as genuine as they come. He’s not just a guy
you simply walk into a gym with. He’s a man who invests his time, energy and
effort into making sure that you are getting everything you need. I’ve learned
the hard way that getting into ideal physical shape is much more than just
running on a treadmill or pumping iron. It’s a state of mind, body AND soul.
Jimmy is a great investment in ALL THREE. I mean how many Trainers do you know
send inspirational/motivational quotes to their clients via text, at 5 a.m. –
just because they’ve had a bad day and need some uplifting words of
encouragement? None that I’ve known – except Jimmy. We’ve had countless
discussions at 4 am just because I really didn’t feel like getting out of bed
and facing my personal/physical demons that day. He wouldn’t allow
it!
Battling an eating disorder is not an easy thing. The stigma
of its depression and anxiety, not what anyone can phantom unless you are
experiencing it firsthand. People judge you. Ridicule you. Make you believe
that it’s all in your own mind. That you should just be stronger and snap out
of it. To all those people, I have a few choice words and hand gestures that
I’m not ashamed to use but, this is not the time or place. I shall leave that
kind of racism by saying only this: Society is ignorant. First you create the
disorders and then you criticize them. How convenient. First, live in the
glass house and then cast stones.
Thankfully, I have an incredible team of people working my
journey with me. Not to mention, an amazing family/friend and fan base that are
right there, to keep me going, when my fire is burning low. Jimmy is one of
them.
“Jimmy, I will never be able to repay you for all that you
have done and continue to do for me. Even my silly words could never truly do
you justice. Always know, that I appreciate you in every way. Thank you for
being such a dear friend all these years, and treating me like family –
always!
I will never forget you and how you’ve “shaped” me. From the
bottom of my heart, I love you to pieces, brother! “
No comments:
Post a Comment