I’m sure this incredible woman needs no introduction to those that watch Extreme Weight Loss religiously. But for anyone that may have missed one of our most jaw-dropping transformations every, meet Jacqui McCoy. Not only is Jacqui an inspiration to the millions that got to know her on ABC last summer, but she is also one of my biggest role models in life. Jacqui McCoy is beautiful inside and out, and has words of wisdom beyond her years.

“I Can’t”
by Jacqui McCoy

The two most hated words of trainers and coaches every where are the word?s: I can?t. I know every time I was presented with something very challenging, especially in the beginning as much as I tried my hardest not to utter those two negative words they often did slipped out of my mouth before I could catch myself. Chris Powell and his wife, Heidi,  as well as my local trainer, Matt Franco, would be pretty frustrated when I would tell them I can?t do it. These are some things I learned about saying ?I can?t!?

1) Don?t say you can?t do something unless you try it first. Sometimes I would defeat myself mentally before I even gave it a shot. Give it your best try and see what happens. You may surprise yourself! Most trainers will not ask you to do something you can?t physically do but they want to challenge you. The challenges change your body and empowers your mind.

2) What I can?t usually truly means is: I?m scared. It is SO ok to be scared. I know my trainers would have been way more receptive to me telling them that the truth was that I had fear and anxiety and was way out of my comfort zone. In fact once I started owning up to being afraid they found ways to coach me through it and help me face my fears. One of my biggest fears was box jumps. In fact I refused to do them for a really long time. I did box step up?s instead. One day another trainer of mine in Arizona, Aj Richards, just would not let me get out of it. He knew I could do it. I told him I was terrified of the tripping on the box. So, he made a stack of weights for me the same height as the box and said ?ok, now try it, you can?t trip on these.? I was still afraid but I did it, and was amazed I could actually do it! It was a huge victory and I was so glad he helped me face my fears.

3) Sometimes you really can?t do it. There were things that no matter how hard I tried I just wasn?t able to do what was asked of me. I wasn?t at the fitness or strength level to complete the task. However, I never say I can?t do it anymore. I say I am not able to do it YET, but I will keep training until I can. Changing your mindset really will change your health and your body.

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