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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54 Responses
even though I was so tired I made myself read it before going to bed so awesome thanks for another inspiring blog…
I am so tired and exhausted, going to have to read this in the morning
My eyes are falling asleep at the computer screen but I will get more out of it in the morning it sounds like I need to read it
It’s hard to get over the “I Can’ts”
Interesting to read this tonight as I was just talking with a friend today about how my trainer teased me this morning. He said we were headed over to the boxes and I asked what we were doing and he said jump ups and I said I didn’t think so. I think he knows I’m not able to do those right now, but in talking to my friend today I acknowledged that I have a mental aversion to jumping in any form, even on the floor, so really it is true, our thought is the controller of all things physical. Change that and anything is possible!!
Someone once told me that “I can’t” means “I won’t”. I still try not to say those words. Zumba is really helping me to exercise and NOT quit. It’s sooo much fun and I love it so much that no matter how much I think I can’t take another step, the next song comes on and I just can’t help dancing. After doing this for 3 months I’m discovering that I CAN do whatever I want. I walked a 5k a few weeks ago! I was soo proud of myself that I’m beginning to think I could run at least part of the next 5k. And when I discover I can do that, I can keep doing more and more. All because I love zumba and it’s teaching me that I CAN!!
I always have to tell my self when I hit a wall “just one more!” Though some days my mental block gets the best of me, I just have someone around to push me
Thank you Chris and Heidi for showing us every week that you can do anything if you put your heart, mind and soul in it! I watch your show every week and try to remember what you tell them when I am needing a little push! You are both amazing people that I only wish I had the honor to meet one day! You have so much heart and make people believe in themselves! Thank you every week for your inspiration!
Great advice! ! Loved seeing you working with Alyssa! You look amazing!
I have to really remind myself every time I workout that there maybe things I cant do now but as I get to my goal weight it will get easier. For instance when I first started working out I couldn’t do one push-up without being on my knees as of tonight I could do five, yayyyy! that’s huge I think and I know it will happen with other exercises I currently cant do for example pull-ups… one day…you can do it!
I agree – the words “I can’t” really are debilitating. I’ve learned lately that I REALLY CAN!!!! It’s amazing!!! My highest weight was 230 and today I was at 204.5!!!! Almost in ONEderland!!!!!