by Rochelle Griffin

Today I have a special message for you. While there are thousands of people who are trying to lose weight AND just as many who are dealing with health issues, I’ve personally found a connection between sodium and weight loss that has made my life so much easier. I’m going to not only share with you the connection but what SHOCKED me along the way!

A Toast to Your Health,

The post Sodium and Weight Loss: What’s the Connection? appeared first on Go Fit Coach.

by Rochelle Griffin

Have you ever made a decision that people questioned you on, yet you knew in your heart it was the right one? I have. It was the day that I left my nursing career. I remember my family and friends questioning how I could leave such a lucrative career behind after spending so much time in school earning my BSN. After all, as a nurse, I’d never have to worry about having a J-O-B.  I knew that I was making the right decision, as scary as it was, because I was no longer happy in my career. It wasn’t bringing me joy. Instead it was bringing me stress, anxiety, and separation from my family. I found joy in what started out as a hobby: helping people get fit and healthy. I’m often asked how I was able to turn a hobby into a 6-figure company that allowed me to walk away from nursing. The answer is simple…the use of the Internet and social media.

When I grew up in the 80’s, we didn’t have Internet (yes I’m dating myself.) I remember only being married for a few years in the 90’s when my husband was trying to convince me that we needed to get a computer in the house. I couldn’t understand WHY. After all, I could do those things by hand! It makes me laugh now to think about it. I didn’t understand in that moment how our lives were going to change.

We live in a culture today that is completely connected via the Internet. We can Skype someone halfway across the world. We can easily share photos, videos, and ideas with the click of a mouse. We can create a cyber-space that is ours alone and put our stamp of individuality on it. As busy as we all are, we can do all of this on our own time schedule. The technology today is crazy amazing.

When people in my town find out that I’m a health/fitness coach, the next question is typically “Do you go to people’s homes or do they come to you?” They find it hard to believe that, no, I actually coach people all across the world using my computer and smart phone. As a result, I’ve been able to reach and help thousands more people than I ever could as a nurse all while creating freedom for myself and for my family. It’s completely win-win.

I want people to be healthy because I’ve seen, first hand, the results of obesity. I’ve taken care of these people in the hospital. I’ve seen the toll that it takes on the family unit. Because of our fast-paced lifestyle today, people need to be able to workout when they can fit it in. Often the answer is for them to workout right in their own home. I help guide them in the best program to fit their needs, help them with their nutrition, and provide the motivation and support that is so necessary for success. I can do this whether I’m lying in bed, sitting in my office, watching my son in the park, or even if I’m on vacation in Williamsburg, VA with my family as I am at this very moment. If I have an Internet connection and my smart phone, I’m in business.

I don’t know where you are in your life. You may be completely content with your current situation and the amount of time you spend with your family. You may not be working 40+ hours a week just to make ends meet. I sincerely applaud you. On the other hand, if you aren’t happy with your current situation, I’m here to tell you that there is another way. If you have a love for people and a desire to reach a broad audience via the Internet and social media, my Coaching Mentorship is currently accepting registrations. I want to help. ☺

A Toast to Your Health,

Rochelle Griffin is a Registered Nurse with over 20 years experience who has transitioned her love for fitness, health, & freedom into a 6-figure company that now helps others live the life of their dreams.

PS. If you found this post to be of any value to you, please SHARE it below!

The post How the Internet Set Me Free appeared first on Go Fit Coach.

by Rochelle Griffin

I first wrote & published today’s article back in November for National Adoption Month. I am re-publishing in honor of Mother’s Day yesterday as it speaks to ALL moms. It was on Mother’s Day, 12 years ago, that we received the “official” call. Enjoy.

While yes this month is special because we celebrated Thanksgiving, it’s even more meaningful to my family because November is National Adoption Month. I have a story to tell…it’s not one that I parade in public, although I definitely don’t hide it. In honor of National Adoption Month, I’d like to share a story in honor of our son…completely with his permission.

You have to go back in time to when I was 16 or 17. I remember distinctly standing in the kitchen of my childhood home with my mom. I told her that I had a gut instinct that I’d have difficulty conceiving. Of course, I had nothing to base my feeling on so my mom brushed it off. In my mind, however, I knew…and I was totally open to adoption.

Fast-forward a few years when I started dating my then-future husband, Keith. As we grew closer, we began having the typical serious “life” conversations. In these conversations, I shared with him my instinct and that adoption would be the route that I would probably go. He didn’t blink an eye. (I seriously have such a great man!!!)

For the first 10 years of our marriage, we did try to conceive without success. I finally had exploratory surgery and found that my fallopian tubes were blocked. Both were re-opened but still no pregnancy. The next step for a biological child was in-vitro fertilization. Keith and I decided to not pursue that avenue. It was never important to me to give birth. It was important to me to be a mother. We decided to move forward with the adoption process.

Now if you’ve never been part of the process, trust me…it’s called a “process” for a reason…OY…long and drawn out. We were almost through with the grueling stages when we made the decision to put it on hold due to the cost. Adoption can be very expensive and we were already in debt.

About a year later, as I was working as a Hospice RN, I started talking casually with a co-worker about our families. I mentioned that we had stopped the adoption process, and she replied that her friend’s single granddaughter was pregnant and considering adoption. I smiled but truly didn’t expect anything to come from it and didn’t even mention it to Keith. Imagine my surprise when she called me about a month later to tell me that this girl wanted to meet us! Ummmmm…yea, I had to tell Keith. He was in shock as we had put the thought of children behind us for a while. I told him that I wanted to at least meet her.

We met her at her grandmother’s house one evening. I’ll never forget it. She was 6 months pregnant and having a little boy. We all hit it off right away, talking about our lives. We said goodbye, knowing that she was going to meet with some other couples as well. As soon as Keith and I were in the privacy of our car, I turned to him and flat out said…with all the conviction that I could muster…”She is carrying our son.” I KNEW she was. I was as sure about it as I was when I was a teen and knew I wouldn’t be able to conceive. Keith could hardly say a word for the next several hours.

Of course, there was still a period of pins & needles as we waited. On Mother’s Day 2001, she called me to tell me that we were the couple that she wanted to adopt her son! For the next 4 months, we had the privilege of going thru the pregnancy with her…to doctor appointments, ultrasounds, and then of course the birth! I’ll never forget it…the doctor placed Jacob into her arms and then she placed him into mine. As happy as I was, I could see her heart breaking. We each cried but our tears had different meanings.

Six months later, Jacob officially became a Griffin in the eyes of the law.

I wanted to tell this story in honor of National Adoption Month because not many people get to see the whole process, including what the birthmother goes thru. I am eternally grateful to Jacob’s birthmother as I can’t imagine life without our son. I have zero doubt that this was God’s plan for our life…he even looks like Keith & me! I always tell Jacob that he may have not been born from my tummy, but he was definitely born from my heart.

Thank you to all birthparents out there. You are such special people and are instrumental in making others’ dreams come true. Bless all of you!

The post Born From My Heart appeared first on Go Fit Coach.

by Rochelle Griffin

Everyone craves stability…babies, children, and adults alike. As adults, stability often take the form of employment. We work, potentially for years, to build a solid foundation in either our jobs or our businesses. Is it ever too late to then change our focus? Even after all of the time that we invested into our current endeavor?

I received a wonderful email this week from Marsha in response to my article about getting older. She wrote:

“I have maintained a 100-pound weight loss for 40 years! I turned 65 in February, and I, too, have experienced the same issues with aging as it affects weight, body systems, etc.“

She then went on to write:

“And I really enjoy having continued vitality and viability in my later years.  In fact, I am exploring the possibility of changing the focus of my practice from strictly mental health to a health and wellness  “life coach” if that is the correct term.  Do you think that is too late?”

First of all, CONGRATS on maintaining the weight loss! Incredible! Once I moved past that incredible feat, I read the rest of the email and it really got me thinking…

IS it truly ever too late?

My short answer is NO, it’s never too late! It’s never too late to step into everything that God has designed you to be. If you remain open and trust, you will be amazed how events can evolve into something much bigger than anything you’ve ever dreamed about!

Case in point when I made the move from a 20-year nursing career to a Full-time Beachbody Coach five years ago. Yes it was scary, but as I began to step into who I was meant to be…in my gut, I knew that there was still more. I knew I wasn’t finished. I knew that I wanted to impact people all over the world, but I didn’t know how or what it would look like.

Now here I sit in awe of what’s currently transpiring in my life. Because of life circumstances and meeting my mentor, Sandi Krakowski, I’m able to impact more people than I ever imagined.

…and I’m not ready to stop.

All because I was willing to take a chance 5 years ago. If I hadn’t taken that chance, I’d still be the miserable nurse working in the hospital. I would have missed out on so much.

So Marsha and anyone else who is wondering if they should take a chance on what their gut is telling them…I say a big resounding YES! It doesn’t matter what your age is.

Do your research. Find a mentor. Go back to school if required. With today’s technology, the possibilities are endless.

It’s never too late to live your dream. In living your dream, who knows how many others that YOU will inspire to live theirs.

The post Stability or Gut: Which Should You Follow? appeared first on Go Fit Coach.

by Rochelle Griffin

What I’m going to say may shock you…as it took me by surprise myself. Are you ready?

We are all getting older.

There, I said it. Yep, we are. I recently had to admit that although I may feel in my 30’s, my body isn’t and I have to monitor myself differently. Let me explain…

About a month ago, I badly sprained my ankle resulting in no workouts for 4 weeks. As a self-proclaimed emotional eater, I can tell you that fitness and healthy nutrition go hand-in-hand for me. Take away my fitness…well, let’s just say that my eating during that month wasn’t exactly stellar.

At the same time, I became aware that I was having a really hard time relaxing. I was constantly feeling stressed, even when nothing was going on. I blamed it on our recent move as we are STILL unpacking.

Two weeks after my sprain, I went into the Emergency Physician Clinic on a Saturday because I was still in pain. I needed to be sure that I wasn’t dealing with a fracture. Turns out that I wasn’t, but my blood pressure was high.

Say what?!?!?! I chalked it up to a fluke and forgot about it.

Two weeks later, I was in the grocery store with my family. My son always likes to do the automatic blood pressure machine that is by the pharmacy, so I decided to do it myself. Low and behold…my blood pressure was high again! Ok, it had my attention. I bought a home machine on the spot.

The next morning (last Monday) I made an appointment to see my physician that very day. I was starting to put two and two together. That feeling that had been plaguing me…the inability to relax…may have had nothing to do with my stress level but with my blood pressure level.

It was no surprise when it was high at my appointment as well. Hypertension plagues my family, so my doc shrugged her shoulders and said “Looks like genetics has kicked in” because other risk factors didn’t pertain to me. Before she put me on medication, she wanted blood work first. Plus she wanted me to monitor my blood pressure for a week.

OK, so this past week I’ve been monitoring my pressure. Also this past week, I’ve been back to exercising again, have been drinking tons of water, limiting caffeine, completely cut out alcohol, and eating clean.

Low and behold, my blood pressure has steadily decreased and has been normal for the past 5 days. Also, that “unable to relax” feeling has disappeared.

My follow up appointment is later today. My doctor is anticipating starting me on medication. She doesn’t know it at this moment, but she won’t have to.

Things that never affected my body systems in the past…sodium, alcohol, eating poorly… do adversely affect me physically now. It was an eye-opening moment for me. Gone are the days of working out & eating well to look good and fit into my jeans. Here are the days of working out & eating well to truly be healthy…otherwise I’m going to end up on medication.

If you are experiencing high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or high blood sugar, I strongly suggest that you speak to your doctor to see if he/she will allow you a trial period of trying to get it under control with nutrition & exercise before turning to medication. Although I’ve always “known” that proper diet and working out could control these ailments, for the first time in my life, I personally now “KNOW.”

The post Mind Over Matter: How Getting Older WILL Affect You Physically appeared first on Go Fit Coach.

by Rochelle Griffin

Take a chance. Live life to the fullest. Be adventurous.

We’ve all heard these statements, but this week I’ve been reminiscing about a trip that I took a year ago…a time I  took them completely to heart. I was in Tahiti on a trip of a lifetime, and I truly can’t believe how I put myself out there.

Before I get into just HOW I pushed myself out of my comfort zone, I first must tell you a bit of my past. I grew up as a very timid girl. I can’t explain to you just why…perhaps environment. I had so many phobias that they actually became (and still are) a running joke between my hubby and myself. Should I even admit to you that there was a time that I was afraid to turn left when driving if it wasn’t at a stoplight? (Anyone remember “I can’t get left” from the movie European Vacation? Ha!) Or that driving in the rain was enough to make me break down? Swear. I’ve since overcome these fears, but what was it in my past that made me fearful? When did I lose the adventurous spirit that children have?

My self-discovery over the past few years has unleashed the inner adventurer in me with a fury. I actually PUSH myself into situations now…wanting to prove something to myself. So, back to a recap of this amazing week abroad. I had so many “firsts” that I’m sitting here shaking my head in disbelief. A few still stand out for me:

Day 2: We spend the day on a boat and head out to where sharks and stingrays are. I get in the water and touch the rays. This was HUGE for me because on my honeymoon, 20 years ago, we swam with stingrays. Well, actually my hubby swam with stingrays…I CLUNG to him instead. Pretty sure he lost some skin that day. I was petrified of the docile creatures.

Day 4: We went to a private island and had Polynesian Olympics…most of the time in the rain…drenched. It was AWESOME!!!! I threw spears at a coconut (and actually hit it!), milked a coconut, native danced, raced in an outrigger, and lots of other games. I felt like a kid again and didn’t care how I looked. Wow. First.

Day 5: I went on an aquasafari. This is called “snuba” in the USA. Basically we were taken on a boat to an area about 10 feet deep. Then they put this helmet-thing on you that allows you to breath, and a diver takes you under the water to the bottom. The helmet weight keeps you under water. I was able to hand feed fish AND I touched a sea anemone (which DID have a Nemo fish in it!).

This day was a big deal because I’m claustrophobic. I had to take some deep breaths when the helmet was first put on…my heart was pounding pretty fast…I wasn’t sure that I’d be able to do it. Then, I felt myself get pulled under. For a split second, I thought I’d die…then, low and behold, I could breath! Not only could I breath, beautiful fish were coming directly up to me. I was able to stay under for the whole 30 minutes. First. Not gonna lie…I WAS relieved when it was time to come to the surface.

Day 6: Another big day for me. I went parasailing. As the instructor strapped me in, she told me that the ride purchased was for 350 feet in the air, but she was going to give us 1000 feet just because…WHAT?!?!?!…then she let us go! For a minute, it was scary. Trust is something that I always have to work on. Ummmm…yea, being strapped to a parasail involves the ultimate trust. Well, after my hands stopped the death grip on the straps and I took a look around at the scenery, I was breathless. It was one of the most beautiful sights EVER. When I say that there were at least 6 different shades of blue water, I’m not kidding. It was as though a great painter had been there. First.

So…what lesson can be learned from all of this? Am I trying to say “Hey, look at me and everything that I got to do while I was gone?” Nope, not at all. I’m trying to say to you that you can’t let life slip by because you are afraid. Life is too short, too precious. I know it sounds cliché, but it’s not. Don’t make the same mistake as I did. After all, who knows WHAT I missed out on all those times because I turned right instead of left. Turn left and see where it leads.

The post Step Outside Your Comfort Zone: Life is Too Short appeared first on Go Fit Coach.

by Rochelle Griffin

We’ve all been there…taken an unintentional break from our fitness. It may be due to various reasons: illness, injury, falling off the wagon, etc. Regardless of the “why,” the important question is HOW to get back to it when we are ready. I’ve just recently experienced this very situation after having to take a month off from exercising due to a sprained ankle. I’m pleased to say that I’m now on day 3 of being back to the endorphin release of a good workout.

I’m going to share with you 6 tips to help you transition forward if you’ve been on hiatus as well. These have personally helped me get started again.

1. Start slow. Don’t expect to start where you left off. Trying to start at the level where you last were will be setting yourself up for failure and potential injury. Give your body time to adjust. Be flexible with your routine.

2. Listen to your body. I can’t stress this point enough. It’s easy to want to “go hard” when you first start because you are motivated, but your body may have other ideas. If you feel any pain, shortness of breath, or other difficulties, pull back…take a break. Your body is giving you signs of what it needs. Listen.

3. Be sure to have support. I’m speaking of emotional support. Especially if you find it hard to get back into the groove, support is essential to your success. My Success Workbook is a great way to stay on track as well if you have fallen off the proverbial wagon.

4. Stay hydrated. Your body won’t be used to exercise and will need the fluid to flush out toxins. Water is essential to get your body back to optimal working level.

5. Don’t beat yourself up. Illness & injury often can’t be helped. As far as falling away, well quite frankly, we all mess up occasionally. It’s time to forgive yourself and simply more forward.

6. Think health, not weight loss. Remember why you are doing this to begin with. Sure we all want to look good in our jeans, but ultimately we want to be healthy for our families and ourselves. Striving to improve our health will naturally result in weight loss anyways.

While it can be difficult to get back into a health & fitness routine after being away, it’s absolutely doable in small steps. Instituting these tips will make the transition easier. Now go out there and have fun!

The post Getting Back to Fitness: 6 Tips to End a Fitness Hiatus appeared first on Go Fit Coach.

by Rochelle Griffin

I have always had a rebellious streak and leader’s heart…two traits that one may consider polar opposites. I respectfully disagree.

Growing up, if my mom told me to not do something, I was the kid who stuck her toe over the line just to see what would happen. Then regardless of the outcome, there was a good chance I’d step over the line again just because.

Don’t get me wrong. I had a healthy respect for laws and wasn’t breaking any but I would definitely push.

In college, it meant that I would play by the rules, get the grades, & have fun all at the same time. It also meant I would bring home the guitar player or the bouncer (who went on to become my hubby I’m happy to say) to meet mom. In the 80’s, it was the long-haired guys that would provide the element of surprise for my parents.  I was growing up and learning how the world works.

Once I hit corporate America, I began to struggle and feel stifled. Even as a RN manager, although it may not be considered the typical “corporate” job, there was administration to answer to and politics to maneuver through.

For a while, I could play the game but then I’d begin to feel restless and my rebellious spirit would begin to stir.

Then I became an independent business owner in direct sales and became a leader in my industry. Along with it came accolades, requests to speak, and truthfully the same politics from corporate America. This time, however, it was expected that my knowledge would be freely shared among the masses.

And for a while, I played the game.

Then my spirit began to stir again. I knew in my gut that there was more…that I didn’t have to play this game…that I could move beyond the constraints of the box put around me.

But how?

Well, I didn’t know…until I met my mentor, Sandi Krakowski, the pink haired, tattooed multi-millionaire with a heart of gold. Her looks alone screamed REBEL and I was immediately drawn. Through her actions & words, she showed me that it was ok to be myself and still be able to lead and prosper.

I jumped into the water with two-feet not knowing what to expect…only knowing I was excited about moving in another direction to build my business on my terms.

Little did I know that I would be jumping into a pool of controversy.

Some people stopped talking to me. I was removed from certain Facebook groups.

Interesting.

But a funny thing also happened…

My income increased and…

My rank increased and…

My reach of clients increased and…

My work hours decreased and…

My stress level decreased.

It turns out that I’m only a rebel when I feel that I’m not being fully myself. When I’m being myself…the person who God intended me to be, there’s nothing to rebel against. I’m simply at peace. Life happens organically and naturally.

If you are struggling right now, if you are feeling stifled, if you are feeling pressured into something that isn’t you, I want you to know that there is more out there. You don’t have to feel this way. Find a mentor who will support you for exactly who you are…who will help you grow without putting you into a pre-conceived box.

Once you feel this type of freedom, promise…there will be no going back.

The post Rebel WITH a Cause: Being Who You Are Meant to Be appeared first on Go Fit Coach.

by Rochelle Griffin

Business owners, do you ever feel like you are breast feeding or changing diapers in business? There is a culture among direct sales companies to create dependency in the masses vs. raising up individual business leaders. I don’t think that people start out to initially become dependent nor do I think that leaders start out to make others dependent on them. Unfortunately it is the reality of what happens over time. The leaders tend to remain this “elite” group that the masses strive to be a part of but very few actually achieve it. In fact, it’s less than 1% that joins this particular group.

The direct sales industry says that people have their own independent business as contractors, yet among the ranks, they really don’t behave as if they do. Instead people tend to move in a herd and God-forbid, they decide to do something that the herd isn’t. The masses become paralyzed that their sponsor, upline, whatever the word that you use, won’t agree with them, so they are afraid to think for themselves for fear that they will make a mistake.

I’m about to take a huge burden off of someone’s shoulders with my next two statements.

You are NOT responsible for others success. THEY are 100% responsible for it.

They are also responsible for utilizing or not utilizing tools. You have no control if they don’t follow through…you have no power if they quit, so stop taking the responsibility away from them and making them co-dependent on you. Let them think for themselves. Likewise YOU are responsible for your own success as well.

Attempting to do it all…be it all…for your organization simply isn’t sustainable long-term. I equate it to trying to be Superwoman or Superman in your family. Can we all say burnout!?!?! Training your team, feeling responsible for creating success…over time the load will become too much to bear on your shoulders.

Promise that I’m not just blowing smoke your way. I speak from experience. I did exactly this…and before I knew it, I was working 80-90 hours per week, was miserable, & had people expecting me to be at their beckon call. Sure the money was great, but it was at the expense of my family who hated what I did. You know those “elite” leaders that everyone strives to become? Promise that they make sacrifices to reach that point…and not all are pretty.

Instead of making people dependent on you, give them the tools and let them fly…or fall. Teach people to be leaders in their own right…a leader of their business…a BUSINESS OWNER! It’s not your job to grow THEIR organization. It’s theirs.

Am I saying that you don’t have any responsibility as someone’s mentor? Nope, that’s not what I’m saying. You do bear some responsibility, but what is your role?

Your role is to:

1) Give them the tools to be successful

2) Support them & be their cheerleaders

3) Call them out when dependency shows itself

4) Point them in the right direction to find their own answers

That’s it.

Then you turn your attention, as a responsible independent business owner, to growing your own business.

If you’ve already created dependency in your organization, it is reversible but will take some work on your part. It’s time to establish firm boundaries and stick to it. Some won’t be happy about it. Some will be down right ticked off. It’s ok, and it’s not your worry.

When you fully place the responsibility of others’ success directly into their own laps, you will be amazed how people will step up to the plate. You will see your organization grow, mature, and develop deep roots. You will have set people free to be more successful than you’ve ever imagined. ☺

The post Breast Feeding, Diaper Changing, & Dependency in Business appeared first on Go Fit Coach.

You may have NO clue what this picture means, but it’s a HUGE deal! This morning, I officially achieved Eight-Star Diamond Coach status with my Beachbody Coaching Business.

You may say.”Okkkkkkkkkk…and this means……?”

I’m going to tell you exactly what it means. It means that I have a business team of ROCKSTARS who are:

• changing their lives
• changing others’ lives
• building a legacy for their family
• creating FREEDOM
• firing their boss
• going on vacations
• getting healthy

I am SO DARN-TOOTIN PROUD of my team that I want to shout from the rooftops!

How would YOU like to be a part of a winning team and change your life…regardless of what the media tells you the economy currently looks like?

At this very moment, I’m accepting registrations into my 60-Day Beachbody Business Coaching Mentorship.

Look…my mentorship works. My track record proves it, and I know what it takes to be successful in this business.

I’m not going to ask you to sacrifice your individuality (I’m not looking to make a bunch of “mini-me’s”) or to be tethered to texts, phone calls, and emails. NO WAY!

Instead I’m going to show you how to maintain your own voice & reach the masses!

My mentorship always fills up quickly, so don’t hesitate.

GO NOW!

A Toast to Your Health,

The post Diamonds ARE a Girl’s Best Friend in a Beachbody Business appeared first on Go Fit Coach.