The Innovative Results Family has been blessed with amazing surroundings, great gym classes, and spectacular clients!

 

Roger Swibold is reaching his 6 month anniversary with Innovative Results and for that IR wants to praise Roger on all his successes and dedication!

 

Here is Rogers’ journey!

“I just feel compelled to let you know how much I appreciate what you and the IR team are doing for me (even though I moan every step of the way).”

 

You already know that for the past 8 years I have had no exercise program and 90% of my meals have been eaten out – and those meals basically consisted of crap.  However, what you don’t necessarily know is the emotional baggage that I bring with me (baggage that I’m working on).  Actually, I may have shared some of this with you and you may have guessed some of it, but regardless, here it goes …

 

Even though I was a thin kid, in junior high and high school I avoided gym class like the plague because I was horrible at sports.  Sooooo … I gained weight (I know, big surprise).  We were required to take a certain number of gym classes, so I took the easy classes like “lifetime sports” (golf, archery, tennis, etc.) and indoor recreation (racquet ball, badminton, bowling, etc.).  Because I had no athletic ability, you would NEVER see me on a basketball court or football field, and rarely on a baseball field or volleyball court.  (However, I did find out I was pretty good at racquet ball and “killer” badminton, so THAT was a plus.)

 

Athletic people have no idea what the lack of athletic ability can do to one’s self image.  Basically, I developed this sort of “2nd class citizen” mentality about myself at a very young age.  It wasn’t prompted by my family or friends,  it was all my own doing, and it translated into a poor self image … EVEN THOUGH I was quite confident in many aspects of my life.  For example: school was easy for me; I was a fairly decent artist; I had great friends; and I was known for my singing ability.  Looking back, I was very blessed, but for some reason I let my lack of athletic ability cloud my self perception.

 

So … fast forward to adulthood.  I have a decent job, I still have amazing friends in my life, I sing in a renowned master chorale, I sing and play piano for the worship team at church, I’m even somewhat fun to be around, I have great taste (in style and décor), and I smell nice (I just had to throw in a few extras, for fun), and God has blessed me in many ways.  I’m actually confident in most areas of my life.  But my lack of athletic ability, my weight, and that nagging self-image insecurity has persisted.  It has kept me from doing things like:

 

1.  Working with youth or college aged kids at church; and

2.  Getting involved in something like a Big Brothers program.

 

Why?  Because most of those groups thrive on physical activities.  They organize a football game, shoot hoops, or hang at the beach.  (Lord knows, I won’t let myself be seen shirtless.)  I have never wanted to be the dud sitting on the sidelines (kids don’t gravitate toward duds), so I’ve just avoided getting involved in such groups.  I know it’s a stupid way of thinking, and I know there may be some kid out there who could relate to my issues, but those issues are why I haven’t gotten involved.  In addition, I’ve also missed out on typical male camaraderie that comes from participating in team sports or golf.  As a result, I don’t have many buddies to hang with.

 

But enough of the Sad Story.  Here’s the transformation …

 

You, sir (referencing IR Owner Aaron Guyett), are a God-send for me.  I truly mean that!!  Even though there are some amazing things about my life, from a physical and health perspective I’ve been heading down a path of apathetic destruction for quite some time.  I know it was up to me to make a decision to change, so yes, kudos to me for doing that.  But the IR gym “style”, your philosophy on healthy living, you personality, your genuine interest and concern, and the fact that you’re cool enough to work with middle-aged farts in horrible shape, made it easy for me to make the lifestyle change that I desperately needed.  I’ve always hated the traditional gym (for various reasons), but I totally dig the IR concept.  I love the fact that there are these amazing athletes there struggling just as hard as I am.  (Granted, they are working with heavier weights and are doing workouts that are much more taxing than mine … but they are struggling, nonetheless.)  I think it’s cool that the trainers and members take the time to encourage one another.  Most people really seem stoked to see the improvement of others, and they’re not afraid verbalize it.  I love the fact that it’s not crowded and you don’t have to wait for equipment.  And even though I feel like a weakling at times, those thoughts are fleeting, because I’m now a RECOVERING weakling … IMPROVING each and every week!!

 

I realize that working out does not (and will not) make me magically adept at sports … I’ll still suck at football, basketball, etc. … BUT it has helped to build self-confidence regarding physical activity (in general), it has improved (and is still improving) the way I look and feel, it has given me a community of folks that I hope to build into friendships, and it is helping me to obliterate some of my own stupid, ingrained, insecurities.

 

So for THAT, my friend, I thank you – from all that is within me.  I hope you receive as much encouragement as you give.  I’m sure you can get bogged down with the details of “the business” (like you mentioned tonight), with life, and with your own issues.  But through all of that, I hope you KNOW in your heart of hearts that you and the IR Team make a huge difference in the lives of so many.  What you do is important … it is life changing!!  That fact that you’re a spiritual man and a growing Christian, is just this amazing icing on the cake.  (oooh, “cake” … bad word)  I know that your energy, your compassion for others, and your God-given talents will translate well into the ministry work that you’re contemplating.  But I ask one thing … don’t make that transition into your other ministry until I’m all better.

 

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Thank You Roger for allowing the IR Family to be a part of YOUR success!

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