Suzie Cooney, CPT
UPDATE: Nov 2, 2012: Thank you everyone for helping me reach 
my goal of 3100 squats with 20lbs. I am continuing on with new found strength and am wondering why I took so long to do this. See, even trainers need a little help now and than. My legs are super strong AND my butt and legs got more toned!
I am writing this blog entry today, October 9th, 2012 with 900 squats completed in my own training log. Today was proof, with a high surf advisory here on the N. shore of Maui, my legs held me up and helped me stick 2 head high waves at Kanaha. It was closing out all the way across and at first, I simply could not get out, then finally a small lull. I felt confident and strong. YES!
Why in the world you may ask am I challenging myself to perform 100 squats a day with 10lb (20 total) dumbbells? Did you know that this is my LEAST favorite exercise to do? I absolutely with my heart and soul detest doing squats. You’d never bet that would you?
Well guess what, I need to be motivated and challenged too. As a trainer I tell my clients that if you make a commitment and goal to yourself, then tell someone publicly; your trainer, spouse, friend or whatever, you will more likely make that goal. Write it down, post it, let the world know. You don’t want to let them down do you?
Have you heard of the 21day rule? If you do something for 21 days in a row it becomes habit. I will admit I think things are not only taking shape but it’s shaping my thought and my brain.
So, the main reason for me sharing this on Facebook the month of October 2012, is that I need your help. You see, after busting my legs in April of 2009 (Maui Weekly Story) that 3 month wheelchair stint did a number on me. I mean, my legs turned to mush in two weeks. My lower half atrophied in ways I’ve never ever experienced and even with all the training they are not quite the same legs they used to be and yes, I do run like a girl!-
That freak accident changed my life in so many amazing ways and here I am professing and confessing to you my weakest link! Three years later I’m still trying. My left ankle is bigger than the left but you won’t notice at first, my strength is ( to me ) about 75% and I really want to be extra strong for surfing, stand up paddling, and long distance crossings.
I still have to wear a compression stalking on the left leg once in a while and it still swells up once in a while. It feels great and maybe I’ll start a new trend!
Now I am accountable to you. I don’t want to let you down and simply by posting this blog, I have assigned accountability. That is one of the many reasons people hire me is to hold them accountable and help them reach their goals. I get it. But did you know that even trainers come to me to get motivated, get a jump start and ask me to hold them accountable? It is true.
I know that some of you are doing it with me and I really appreciate that. It helps more than you can know. I will occasionally jump in here or on FB to keep you updated and please feel free to do the same.
I want to thank straight away Tracy Lynn Penny and son from Sunset Beach, Hawaii , sales person for freesurfmagazine. Way to go Tracy! Also to Jennifer Gladwin, Jacqueline Tan-Barclay, Amie Engerbreston, Jenny Ryan, Suzi Tucker, Joel Edwards, Brian Coppedge, John Smalley, Carlita T., Marty Melum, Salma Ansari, Elder SUP, Brianna Castillo, Mary Lynn Hershey, Nick De Meyer, Kimberly Sutton, Casey Gotcher, Blen Hinton, Jeffrey Zerkle, and many more.
Precautions/Important Notes:
Training is cumulative so what that means is you can do 10-20 every hour in that same day. You will get the
same result/benefit vs doing them all in a row. Go easy and make sure your form is solid with knees tracking over your 2nd & 3rd toe. Good posture is important as it for you the ability to manage that form without strain or unusual pain or discomfort. Use a full body mirror to help cue you. Dumbbells are optional. Keep your feet flat on the ground.
Cross training and performing other exercises in all planes of motion are important during this month long challenge. Also proper stretching of the hamstring muscles, glutes, IT, calves and hip flexors and the lower back.
Well, thanks everyone for helping to train the trainer. It feels good to share and get your help. I’m doing great and won’t let you down and maybe one day I will LOVE to do squats! I’m actually starting to!
Please drop a line and let me know how you’re doing.
Much mahalo,
Suzie Cooney, CPT owner SUZIE TRAINS MAUI, LLC
For extra strong legs, I highly recommend the Indo Board Balance Trainer Gear. My favorite gear is the Gigante 24 inch Flo Cushion atop the Kicktail board for extra action and leg performance. Learn more in my video here: You can purchase on this website.
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nice job on the blog Suzie. Keep at it, you are doing a great job. I read an article about following your calling and you are doing it. She was a doctor and started blogging and after 4 years got good at it and said it reall improved her life. Sorry, can’t join you in the squat challenge this month. I have my own challenges with running, yoga and swimming this month. there is a 12 mile trail race on the 20th I am working towards. Keep up the great work.
Aloha and thank you Rob for writing. I know you are training really hard and wow, killing it in your weekend triathlons. You inspire me too you know! Well, I have a break until my next client, so guess I’ll do my squats. Thanks again my friend.
Suzie Cooney, CPT of Suzie Trains Maui