Today I broke out of my comfort zone because of a conscious decision to mix things up big time. My normal workouts take place at 24 Hour Fitness. It is a low energy, low intensity environment and just a basic gym.

Instead of the usual cardio at 24 hour, I made the drive to Gold’s Gym Venice since I am fortunate to live within 45 minutes of the Mecca. What a difference from the moment you walk in that place. You can feel the energy of that gym. Its energy is almost tangible. So many legendary bodybuilders, athletes, actors/actresses and regular people alike workout here. They all want to experience something better.

Today was just a cardio day. I warmed up for a few minutes on the treadmill and to my left was actor Ray Liotta! Cool! After warming up, I decided to do elliptical instead of treadmill and moved across the room, giving me a different vantage point. Right in front of me there is well known Bodybuilder Dennis James with legendary trainer Charles Glass pumping away. Then Stone Cold Steve Austin goes walking by! Is this place for real? I’m not star struck. It did feel strange though to be surrounded by so many well known folk’s all inside the same room. An old friend from college, and pro-bowler, Brendan Ayanbadejo came up and chatted for a few minutes. I hadn’t seen him in 5 years. The trip to Gold’s was worth it already! On the way out, I see Tito Raymond training a client and Shawn Ray and Lonnie Teper coming in to do a shoot for Ironman magazine’s preview of the upcoming Arnold Classic. What a start to the day!

I do not share this story to name drop celebrity sitings. The point the story makes is that when we step outside our own routine lives, and do things out of the “ordinary,” EXTRAORDINARY things start happening. Stay tuned for more on this…

After leaving the gym, I went for breakfast at the Firehouse, a famous bodybuilders diner just walking distance from Golds Venice. The menu is “bodybuilder” friendly and has outstanding food. Egg whites and oatmeal were on the menu for me because I was keeping things clean. On my way back to my truck, I stopped off at Max Muscle owned by Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler. There was another adventure in store for me and I did not want to miss a meal, so I purchased 3 meal replacements.

I headed for Hollywood next. Driving up sunset I pass Mel’s Diner, Saddleranch, the Standard and a host of other well-known Hollywood hotspots. Continuing up into the foothills, I arrived at the trail head for Hollywood sign. This is considered Hollywoods best-known landmark and certainly most photographed. I had never been!

I set out on an hour long hike to get up close and personal with the sign, carrying only a camera and bottle of water. I have only hiked a few times in my life and not for many years. I certainly do not claim to be a hiker. Wow did those hills feel amazing on my legs though. The weather was sunny and the sky was crisp and blue. The incredible weather seemed to warm me from the inside out. How thrilling it was to be up there! I even took my shirt off and worked on my tan since the weather was so nice. Keep in mind that this is February. How many places on earth can you feel warm enough to jog without a shirt at this time of the year?

After a combination of hiking and jogging, I was as close to the sign as legally possible. I snapped a few pictures of myself standing proudly with the sign in the background before turning back. Talk about tough, I found out that trail running is no joke. I jogged all the way back to the bottom and my legs are sore now! This was certainly not a treadmill.

I thought of a great lesson today taught to me in a personal development seminar. The speaker admitted that the habits which enabled him to become a multi-millionaire were keeping him from becoming a billionaire. What a re-frame! This man has tremendous financial success and he understands and admits that the actions which allowed him to become highly successful in the eyes of most are keeping him from the next level.

In the past I was never a hiker and was never interested in hiking. If one hike per month meant the difference between being an ultra-fit person and an average joe, I never would have known. Hiking was not an activity or behavior I participated in or even thought about for that matter. When we look at each aspect of our life and ask how can we shake them up. What can we do to force ourselves out of our own way, we will uncover limitless opportunities.

Respected businessman and billionaire Bill Gates struggles with creativity at times like any other human. He once drove a different route home from work each day for an entire year and never repeated himself. New neural pathways literally formed in his brain from the forced behavior and lead to massive changes in his personal and professional life.

This could mean new foods, spices or a change in your running route. Perhaps a new workout partner, fresh running shoes or different gym would be the answer for you. Avoid eating the same foods twice in the week and force yourself to grow your healthy food choices expand your dinner menu. By implementing these disciplines into your routine, you increase your odds of long-term fitness success and ultimate transformation.

As the saying goes, a mind once expanded can never contract to its original size. The behaviors that got us where we are today are likely holding us back from what we really want. Successful entrepreneur and mega millionaire, Bill Phillips, spoke of his vision 10 years ago in Body of Work, when he explained how he materialized his dream of owning a red Lamborghini. At that point in time, Bill defined exactly what he wanted and went about changing his actions and behaviors in order to get the car and attain “success.” He has since far surpassed the red sports.

For all of us, everything begins with thought. We know we want better bodies, more health, younger looks etc…Now that we have some information and strategies to apply, the process seems all the more practical.

Have an awesome day!

Dr. Shaun Stuto is a chiropractor near 59801 and the founder of Transormation Chiropractic in Missoula, MT. Call TODAY and Schedule an appointment (406) 728-1250