MESSAGE FROM TODD

Happy New Year! I am so excited for 2008 and all the wonderful things in store. As I do with every New Year, I had the chance to reflect on all of the blessings in 2007 and strategize and plan for 2008. Some of the highlights for 2007 include the 5,000 square foot expansion of our brick & mortar business, I spoke at over 25 conferences and companies and had the opportunity to meet some really great people, I created several new DVD's, products, and programs, and our wonderful staff at FQ10 grew and got even stronger and stronger.

2008 is going to be even better. It started off with the wonderful addition of a new alliance that I am extremely excited about. I signed an agreement with Under Armour Performance to help spearhead their training initiatives. This multi-level partnership will involve Fitness Quest 10, myself, and the Under Armour Brand. This relationship will help Under Armour bolster its position as the leader in the performance category, as well as create many new and exciting opportunities for all of us. We have some really big things planned for 2008 and you will be hearing about them real soon.

Our Fitness Quest 10 team is fully immersed and passionate about doing great things in 2008. I feel extremely blessed to be surrounded by so many great trainers, massage therapists, Pilates and yoga instructors, and staff. Great things are in store for our staff this year and I am excited to have a year where we can focus on doing what we do best without the distraction of a major expansion. Our clients and guests of Fitness Quest 10 will surely prosper from a fired-up, motivated staff.

On a personal note, I am really pumped about Melanie and I having our 3rd child, a baby girl in March. Luke (5) and Brady (2.5) are excited to meet their little sister and Melanie is excited to have some estrogen added to this family.

I wish you and yours a happy, healthy New Year and one that all your personal and business resolutions and goals come true!

Peace and God Bless,

Todd

FEATURE ARTICLE
Qualities for Success & Happiness in Your Life
By Todd Durkin, MA, CSCS, NCTMB, Founder of Fitness Quest 10

I just returned from a trip to the Under Armour High School All American Football Game down in Orlando, Florida. My role was to provide a motivational talk and start educating these top 90 graduating senior football players about physical conditioning and qualities of success in all areas of life. I warmed them up, trained them a bit, and answered a ton of questions about conditioning, strength training, speed training, flexibility, and football. It was great!

On my trip down to Florida, I was reading John Wooden's book, "Wooden: A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections On & Off the Court." I absolutely love John Wooden and there are several aspects of his book that "spoke" to me...
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GUEST ARTICLE
"Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone in 2008"

By Ryan Burgess, CSCS, Fitness Quest 10 Director of Football Development

"Unless we go beyond what we've already mastered, we will not grow."

Take a minute, and re-read that quote. Think about those words, and think about what they mean to you. Now ask yourself, "Am I truly doing everything in my power to go beyond what I already know?"

Too much of our society these days is based on one word: comfort. We wake up in the morning and climb out of our doctor approved comfortable bed to eat our conveniently microwavable breakfast in our scientifically designed, ergonomically correct chair. We go from there to our car, sitting down again in our seat with 37 different positions, designed for, well, optimum comfort. We spend the rest of our day comfortably sitting at our desk and pecking away at the computer (now before you shout and scream about how "uncomfortable" that can actually be, compared to plowing a field or digging a ditch, it seems pretty cush to this guy). We leave the office, head back to the car, where we hit up the drive-thru for dinner, because let's face it, all those creature comforts have added up to a pretty exhausting day, so we're WAY to tired to actually prepare and cook our dinner.

When you look at what that "comfortable" lifestyle has done, when you think about the lack of physical activity, and the poor nutritional choices that have been conveniently placed along the way, is anybody really surprised that we have an obesity problem in this country? If you ask me, there's only one way to right the ship and start heading in the appropriate direction...CONTINUE

ATHLETE CORNER
"The Cure for Childhood Obesity- It Starts at Home!"

By Brett Klika, CSCS, Fitness Quest 10 Director of Athletics

Much of what we know and do, we learn from watching others. Our close friends, frequent associates, neighbors and communities are fairly influential in shaping our thoughts, beliefs, and habits. What we learn and observe in our own home, however, is going to be the most significant factor in shaping our behaviors. When we look at the "behavioral epidemic" of childhood obesity, it's important to take note of this. CONTINUE

CLIENT SPOTLIGHT
Mary Anne Lawrence

Mary Anne Lawrence, who has been a Fitness Quest 10 client since the Spring of 2005, recently showcased her dedication to health and fitness in our two most recent "client competitions". She placed as a winner of our "Transformation 2007" competition this past fall, and over the course of the holiday season, continued her hard work and managed to run away as one of the winners of the "Look & Feel Great Before '08" competition! For her hard work and dedication, she is our Featured Client this month. We recently asked Mary Ann a few questions about herself and her experiences at FQ10.

What is your occupation? Retired from San Diego Police Department (Human Resources Analyst).

What do you enjoy doing outside of work and training at FQ 10? Spending time with family & friends, traveling, taking classes, playing golf, reading and looking forward to welcoming our first grandchild this year.

Why do you come to FQ 10? The #1 reason is the top-notch FQ 10 team, the level of intensity and positive energy that makes working out fun. In addition I enjoy the encouragement and motivation from the staff and other clients. I like the way I feel after working out. I also train here because it gives me more energy and helps improve my quality of life. It was very evident during our recent trip to Thailand where I was able to participate in many physically challenging events, such as elephant training, long hikes and other rigorous outdoor adventures!

What services do you use? Personal training, fitness classes, Pilates, yoga and massage.

What are your current fitness goals? To lose weight, tone, improve my strength, and be able to attend Boot Camp.

What has your experience been at FQ 10? After starting and stopping many fitness programs with FQ 10 I finally found what works for me to keep me wanting to come back for more. The FQ 10 team has encouraged and motivated me to achieve goals I never thought I could reach.

What would you say is your motto in life? To be the best I can be!

FITNESS PROFESSIONALS SECTION
Todd Durkin, MA, CSCS

My question is about the ACE Certification. With my course work in college that I have taken, I can easily go in and take my ACE certification exam here in Texas. But I was told from a strength & conditioning coach that works with our team that getting an ACE Certification would hurt my chances of getting an internship or any kind of job with pro-athletes or D-1 college students. He said to only get my CSCS certification, and hearing that, I have not to this date followed through with my ACE certification. How true is this?
--Garrett, Texas

I don't agree with this statement. I do believe wholeheartedly that if you want to be a college or professional strength coach, work with athletes and get a good internship, you need to earn your CSCS. I believe that the CSCS is the premier certification if you want to work with athletes. That being said, I disagree about the ACE certification. ACE was my first certification way back when and it allowed me to get started in the fitness field. I was than able to attain my CSCS which gave me further knowledge in regards to sports training. Not only is the ACE certification a solid one for personal training and measuring a certain level of competence, I don't think you can ever "hurt your chances" of enhancing your career by getting any legitimate additional certifications and education. ACE has NOCA accreditation and has some wonderful continuing education programs. For example, I teach a 16 hour "Training & Conditioning for Sports Performance" program for them. I think you keep your mind open to learning and continually quest for as much information as possible and a few different certifications.

When you go for a job or an internship, there are many factors that are important. Your certifications, education, and credentials are part of it. The other aspect is your "people skills", your experience, your energy & enthusiasm, and your persistence and desire to continue learning. As someone who hires people for internships, mentorships, and jobs frequently, I look for the total package. Do work to achieve earning the CSCS, but continue learning in many ways. Take continuing education, have mentors, watch videos, attend conferences, read journals, and immerse yourself fully in the fitness and sports performance fields. As you graduate from college and search for a job, you will be well-rounded and prepared for the work-place.

Good luck with your desire to get ahead. Keep learning. Keep pressing. Stay focused. Your path and journey will unfold if you continue to work hard and stay positive.
-- Todd

ABOUT TODD
Todd Durkin is a Two-Time Personal Trainer of the Year and Founder of Fitness Quest 10 & Todd Durkin Enterprises in San Diego, CA. He trains people from all walks of life, but is best known for the work he does with over 25 NFL Superstars. He trains the likes of LaDainian Tomlinson, Drew Brees, Carson Palmer, Reggie Bush, Alex Smith, and Donnie Edwards amongst others. His expert staff of 30 trainers, coaches, and massage therapist/bodyworkers perform over 400 weekly sessions and help educate, motivate, and inspire the world to greater levels of health & fitness. Todd has 17 DVD's on fitness & sports performance and has been featured in many national magazines and media outlets. His ezine newsletter "TD Times" is his way of connecting clients, trainers, coaches, colleagues, and friends from all over the world. He can best be reached through FitnessQuest10.com, ToddDurkin.com, or by directly e-mailing him at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .