RE: http://www.military.com/opinion/0,15202,154837,00.html

I really resent Nikki saying that "many women, esp. those married to the military, turn to food for pleasure." HUH? What does a person married to an ABC news anchor know about being married to the military? Why, exactly, is she a columnist for this website?!?!?!

really good question. as a disabled, retired military officer, and woman, wife and mother of 4 and grandmother of 2, i really find this article insulting.

yes, there are many women who are not as fit as they could be, but there are also many MEN who are overweight, and unhealthy, whether it be as a dependant spouse, OR active duty member.

this is a reflection on our country as a whole, not just military families, who are a subset of our American society.

I think this shouldn't be unexpected. She is a journalist first...probably a good one. After attending a few courses courses she is now a 'fitness expert'. I do think she is probably a good instructor, but not an expert.

If you actually read her bio-blurb, she IS an expert in fitness.

I didn't find anything insulting about the article at all. She's absolutely correct and not saying anything that any other fitness expert--or your own mother for that matter---wouldn't tell you. Bottom line is: don't take your life for granted, get off your butt and live better, happier and healthier lives. What's so insulting about that?
Perhaps if she had substituted Doctor's wife, Lawyer's wife it would have been better for you...

Well, I 'actually' did read her bio, and that is where I determined that she is not an expert in fitness. She attended a few courses and got some certifications. Being a college cheerleader and attending those courses might giver her an edge in being able to teach, but, even together those two elements do no qualify her to be an expert in fitness.


"Perhaps if she had substituted Doctor's wife, Lawyer's wife it would have been better for you..." Nope, it would not have made a difference. Why, do you think it would have or should have? This is not about her social status, (nor is it about your false assumption that I did not read her bio) this is about her fitness expert qualifications.

What would have made a difference is a more indepth background WRT the qualifications needed to become an expert in fitness. As an example, this organization requires at least a Bachelors degreee to even sit for the exam. http://nsca-lift.org/ The oranization she is certifed by does not require a degree.
Here is another very well respecte organization: http://www.acsm.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Certificatio...ns/Certification.htm

And another one here: http://www.nata.org/

And so why does her article get your panties in such a bunch again then....? So far you've not had a swift comeback for that one.....

My panties are not in a bunch. Doesn't seem like I need a 'swift comback for that one....."

I did notice the defense of her is shifting towards an attack of sorts on those who dispute your opionion instead of proving her worth as a fitness expert.

She is a journalist, (and from what I have read a good one) and not a fitness expert. You don't seem to be able to dispute that.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: feddoc,

She is a certified fitness instructor-this makes her qualified as a contributor to Mil.com.
And whether people like her credentials or not---still doesn't dismiss the fact that she was right in her article, no matter if you're a military spouse, attorney's spouse, or doctor's spouse.

quote:

Originally posted by bobbysangelwife:
She is a certified fitness instructor-this makes her qualified as a contributor to Mil.com.
And whether people like her credentials or not---still doesn't dismiss the fact that she was right in her article, no matter if you're a military spouse, attorney's spouse, or doctor's spouse.

Her article was ok, but, I disagree with this portion: "Many people, especially women married to the military, make the mistake of thinking of food as a gift, our one pleasure for the day."

I have not found that to be true (when compared to civilians) during my time in the Navy.

I agree with that. It was improper to target military women, but then again---I hear it all day long about 'I need to lose weight', 'I just ate (choose you flavor) pie', 'I just ate .....' and it goes on. And then hear 'I shouldn't have eaten that and now I gotta go to the gym to work it off' or 'now I'll be at the gym twice as long----tomorrow'. So I can see where she's coming from in her article.
I rarely indulge in any of the stuff mentioned, I go to the gym, and yet I'm unable to lose anything in the past year myself. I know there's something going on inside me that's screwing me up, I just haven't gotten myself to a Doc yet....too busy taking care of other people's issues in the family.

Hmmmmmmmmmm. What’s the problem here, the real problem? Does it really bother some out there that Nikki is trying to drum up business from the wives of members of the Armed Forces or do some folks just feel guilty because maybe they indulge a wee-bit too much? If you are complaining because of her choice of words, then shouldn’t you find a hobby? Every business caters to specific consumer groups and attempts to find ways to find a wider customer base.

Let’s be totally honest. It’s true that many wives of military men (and vice versa) resort to food as a means of comfort in difficult times. I spent the first 6 years of my 22-year career in the Army. It was obvious that there was discomfort as the joke amongst us single guys at the time was the paradigm of the fat Army wife. That was rude, but we were young stupid 18-year-old kids. However, even today, the paradigm of the average military wife does not mirror the TV series; they never do. The rest of my career was in the Coast Guard, and occasionally an overweight wife was to be found, totally different than the Army. Perhaps that is because there is more stress in being an Army wife, and I can certainly believe and respect that, and it is no secret that depression and frustration can lead to poor eating habits and emotional splurges in the pantry. It is my guess that Nikki was eluding to such habits. I guess this is where I am supposed to say, “Don’t get your PANTRY in such a bunch.”

Clean out the pleasure foods. Replace the Doritos with fat-free popcorn. Remove the chocolate fountain from the table and replace it with a dozen mixed flowers in season. Don’t make excuses for being called a “biscuit eater” behind your back. You are better than that. Please, don’t read this and think I am picking on overweight people, because there have been times in my life where I was exceptionally depressed and ate poorly. Trust me, my neck used to look like a Sharpee. So, let’s not get all over Nikki because she is trying to help (you and her). Also keep in mind that there are those that will complain just to take away from their own self-reflected shortcomings or laziness. Don’t be one of them.

CoastieK

quote:

Originally posted by writergirl:
RE: http://www.military.com/opinion/0,15202,154837,00.html

I really resent Nikki saying that "many women, esp. those married to the military, turn to food for pleasure." HUH? What does a person married to an ABC news anchor know about being married to the military? Why, exactly, is she a columnist for this website?!?!?!

Nicely said. She should be removed from that position as doesnt meet any of the criteria for it

Hi There,
This is Nikki. In this article I wrote that "many women, especially those married to the military, turn to food for pleasure" because of the hundreds of letters I get from them.
I would never want to offend anyone.

Also, I have plenty of certifications to be considered a fitness expert and get great inspiration from my personal training clients.

My only goal is to create a workout and some tips to keep military wives, who I respect so much for thier sacrifices for thier family and our country, that is short and affordable.

I love reading thier letters to me and I personally take the time off from all of my jobs to answer them all. I also love to hear feedback about what works and doesn't in thier fitness goals.

Sincerely,
Nikki

quote:

Posted Wed 19 December 2007 07:16 PM Hide Post
Hi There,
This is Nikki. ...
Also, I have plenty of certifications to be considered a fitness expert

Are you suggesting that the number of certifications is more important than the substance of those certifications?

Hey Nikki.....any way to get that fitness video of yours? I went to the site and checked it out, but not finding a link to actually buy it.


Feddoc---you don't even know WHAT she's got. Ever bother to ask that before trying to beat someone down for trying to make life better for others?? sheesh.....everyone so quick to tear someone down rather than building them up. Sad.

quote:

Originally posted by 13791802:
Hmmmmmmmmmm. What’s the problem here, the real problem? Does it really bother some out there that Nikki is trying to drum up business from the wives of members of the Armed Forces or do some folks just feel guilty because maybe they indulge a wee-bit too much? If you are complaining because of her choice of words, then shouldn’t you find a hobby? Every business caters to specific consumer groups and attempts to find ways to find a wider customer base.

Let’s be totally honest. It’s true that many wives of military men (and vice versa) resort to food as a means of comfort in difficult times. I spent the first 6 years of my 22-year career in the Army. It was obvious that there was discomfort as the joke amongst us single guys at the time was the paradigm of the fat Army wife. That was rude, but we were young stupid 18-year-old kids. However, even today, the paradigm of the average military wife does not mirror the TV series; they never do. The rest of my career was in the Coast Guard, and occasionally an overweight wife was to be found, totally different than the Army. Perhaps that is because there is more stress in being an Army wife, and I can certainly believe and respect that, and it is no secret that depression and frustration can lead to poor eating habits and emotional splurges in the pantry. It is my guess that Nikki was eluding to such habits. I guess this is where I am supposed to say, “Don’t get your PANTRY in such a bunch.”

Clean out the pleasure foods. Replace the Doritos with fat-free popcorn. Remove the chocolate fountain from the table and replace it with a dozen mixed flowers in season. Don’t make excuses for being called a “biscuit eater” behind your back. You are better than that. Please, don’t read this and think I am picking on overweight people, because there have been times in my life where I was exceptionally depressed and ate poorly. Trust me, my neck used to look like a Sharpee. So, let’s not get all over Nikki because she is trying to help (you and her). Also keep in mind that there are those that will complain just to take away from their own self-reflected shortcomings or laziness. Don’t be one of them.

CoastieK

Wholeheartedly agree with that entire statement CoastieK.

quote:

Originally posted by bobbysangelwife:
Hey Nikki.....any way to get that fitness video of yours? I went to the site and checked it out, but not finding a link to actually buy it.


Feddoc---you don't even know WHAT she's got. Ever bother to ask that before trying to beat someone down for trying to make life better for others?? sheesh.....everyone so quick to tear someone down rather than building them up. Sad.

Got your panties in a bunch?

I looked at her website, websearched the quals she had posted on her site and asked her a question. I am not trying to beat her down for anything.

How about YOU asking me why I asked that question instead of ASSuming something which is not true. Sad.

I can only "ASSume" by what you've already posted...and after little to no posting history, there's not much to go on. I can base my opinion based on these

"I think this shouldn't be unexpected. She is a journalist first...probably a good one. After attending a few courses courses she is now a 'fitness expert'."

"She attended a few courses and got some certifications. Being a college cheerleader and attending those courses might giver her an edge in being able to teach, but, even together those two elements do no qualify her to be an expert in fitness."

The number of my posts has nothing to do with the question I asked her.

How about you...do you think the number of certifications should bear more weight than the quality of those certifications?

Her quals*taken from her website*(prerequisites listed for each, from the AFAA website):
AFAA Primary Group Exercise Certification
Prerequisites: Early registration, self-study before program and group exercise teaching experience. The Practical Skills & Choreography workshop is a useful precursor. Current CPR certification required before certification is issued.

AFAA Cardio Kickboxing Certification
Prerequisites: AFAA Primary Certification or experience as a group exercise instructor. Current CPR required before certificate is issued.

AFAA Step Skills and Choreography
"This one-day workshop...."


AFAA Pre-Natal Fitness Certification (could not find information on the AFAA website wrt prerequisites for this course)

AFFA Personal Trainer Certification
Prerequisites: Personal Fitness Training: Theory and Practice ($59+ shipping) is the required text for this workshop and is not included in the regular price. Current CPR required before certification is issued. Weight training/weight room experience is recommended. Early registration and pre-study is suggested.


From the AFAA website: "AFAA provides a comprehensive written and practical examination accredited by Vital Research. AFAA is proud to be granted affiliate status with the National Board of Fitness Examiners (NBFE) and is a member of the National Organization of Competency Assurance (NOCA). AFAA also applied for an additional accreditation through an organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the US Department of Education, meeting IHRSA's 2005 recommendation on accreditation for fitness certification organizations."

Vital Research..... http://www.vitalresearch.com/healthcare.html

National Board of Fitness Examiners..... http://www.nbfe.org/ Founded in 2003.

National Organization of Competency Assurance...... http://www.noca.org/NCCAAccreditation/AccreditedCertifi...bid/120/Default.aspx This organization is very well respected in the fitness industry.



Take a look at the prerequisites for the certifications which Nikki holds, and compare them to the more stringent requirements of the NSCA ( http://www.nsca-lift.org/ ),

ACSM (http://www.acsm.org//AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home_Page),

and

NATA ( http://www.nata.org/ ).

I find it difficult to call someone an expert whose qualifications do not include either a dissertation, thesis or peer review research.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: feddoc,

All:

I initially drafted comments under “13791802.” I’ll start this off by stating that I do not know either party, Nikki or FedDoc. However, I’d say it’s pretty clear that Nikki’s qualifications do not measure up to FedDoc’s standards. My apologies if FedDoc is a man as I reference this person as a woman in the remarks below. The only reference I have to gender is FedDoc’s November 14, 2007 comments, “My panties are not in a bunch,” and I don’t know any men that wear panties.

After all and as stated in her remarks to bobbysangelwife, it seems that FedDoc believes it is necessary to produce a dissertation or thesis to be a fitness expert? Anybody in the real world knows that a dissertation is nothing more than a professor’s __t dream in order to feel superior, and to require one for Nikki’s chosen profession is insane.

Here’s an example: Which officer would you rather follow, an academy grad (four years of school) or a graduate of Officer Candidate School that was prior enlisted? The second choice might not have a four-year degree, but most of the time he or she has a great deal of common sense. How many bodybuilding and fitness books are on the market by steroid pumped gym dogs? Hint: Not all of them are qualified by any standard but their own, so give Nikki credit where it is due, FedDoc.

How would FedDoc have felt if everyone that he ordered in the Navy said, “Nah, I honestly don’t think you are qualified to give me an order? Let me see those transcripts and company commander evaluations, and I’ll get back to you.” Hmmmmmmmm. I guess I have to trust that Feddoc was a responsible military officer, and I’ll grant Nikki that same courtesy in her area of expertise.

I have a couple of friends that are retired Captains (O-6). They would roll their eyes at FedDocs comments, such as “Got your panties in a bunch”. You see, they would applaud people like Nikki for what she is trying to do, run a successful business and help people in the process. Don’t worry though; I’m sure everyone here appreciates FedDoc’s attempts to put Nikki in her place since she didn’t get her qualifications approved through FedDoc.

Have a great day, everyone, and you hang in there, Nikki. Thanks for what you are doing in the military community. Not all of us retirees feel the same as FedDic.

Sincerely,

MyParadigm