Michael Angel Ambrosio, NCSF-CPT
Certified Personal Trainer

It's Always Darkest Before the Dawn
In the same way honesty without compassion is cruelty, hope without willingness is fantasy.  Faith and action must go hand in hand.  There is an old, Russian proverb, "When your boat springs a leak, pray to God and row for shore." 

At my top weight of 287 pounds, I would cry out in despair to God for help, but continue to overeat.  I was praying, but not rowing.  My faith -- without cooperation -- truly was dead.  I had to change just one thing… everything! 

Living by these principles has changed my life:  honesty, hope, faith, courage, integrity, willingness, humility, self-discipline, love, perseverance, spiritual awareness, and service. 

The Road Less Traveled
Knowing what to do and doing it are two different things.  I did not need another diet or gym membership.  How many times had I bought exercise equipment from a late night infomercial only to wind up with an expensive clothes hanger?  How many times had I joined gyms only to go a few times?  How many times had I started a diet on Monday morning, which ended on Monday night?