My Induction into the Hall of Fame

by Cathe Friedrich

Wow, somebody pinch me….what an amazing weekend! I am still coming down from the incredible high I was on this past weekend in Columbus, Ohio during my 2011 Fitness Hall of Fame Induction. It all began last Thursday night, flying to the event, with many thoughts going through my mind. Upon arriving in Ohio, I was feeling incredibly anxious and excited at the same time. I spent most of Thursday night unpacking and going through my three minute acceptance speech over and over. On Friday, my family and some close friends flew in to celebrate this honorable occasion with me and we all headed to the inductee Meet and Greet that night. As soon as I walked in the door I was warmly greeted by the co-founder and executive director of the Fitness Hall of Fame organization, John Figarelli. I introduced him to my family and then began to mingle with the other inductees and their families and friends. There was a long wall of all kinds of posters, magazine clippings and memorabilia of the inductees accolades (including my own) and the many accomplishments achieved over the (minimum of 25) years of dedicated service towards educating/demonstrating the lifestyle of health and fitness. Some of them retired and others, like me nowhere near ready to retire yet. Introductions, laughter and bonding were enjoyed by all the families, friends and inductees. By night’s end we were a team and ready to officially unite the next day (Saturday) at noon for our official induction ceremony.

I woke up Saturday feeling a little nervous. I looked over at my kids sleeping peacefully in the bed next to me and instantly relaxed. It’s amazing how the sight of a sleeping child just warms your heart and calms your spirit. I lied there in bed another 15 minutes going over my speech before getting up to take on the big day ahead.

On the cab ride over to the ceremony my belly butterflies started to appear again. I saw the big sign for the Arnold Festival standing proudly over the heads of the massive amounts of people scuttling along beneath it. Upon entering the building, the high energy of the crowds, along with the big event displays gave me goose bumps. The huge bodybuilding expo had over 700 vendors with more muscle than I have ever seen under one roof. It was a mob scene of colorful fitness enthusiasts, arm wrestling events and card board “insert your face” cut outs for all those who wanted to know what’s it’s like to look like high ranking professional bodybuilders. There was also gymnastics, cheerleading, and dance competitions, fencing events, powerlifting championships, mixed martial arts eventss, Cross Fit demonstrations, etc. The talk and feel of the day was fitness. My family had never seen anything like this before and my dad was especially getting charged up and into it.

At noon we entered the banquet where our induction was going to be held. It was loaded with VIP guests, the press, and friends and families of inductees. I met up with our other 2011 inductees, Lee Haney (8 time Mr. Olympia) , Lenda Murray (8 time Ms. Olympia) and Bill Kazmaier (World’s Strongest Man), who weren’t able to be at the meet and greet due to their event obligations the night before. We all had some nice conversation throughout the dinner, mingled around and took lots of pictures before the ceremony began.

“Can I have your attention please”, says the voice on the loudspeaker. “We will begin the ceremony in five minutes”. Suddenly my heart started to pound and I ran over to grab my index card to review my speech (as if I didn’t already do this 1000 times the week before, lol). The crowd started to split up and find their places and the room slowly quieted down as the opening announcements began. I was so nervous and I didn’t know when I was going to be called up. My family was so cute and supportive helping me through this. We all had a three minute maximum speech to deliver and my dear friend and Cathlete Sue Weir said “Cathe, I have waited so long to tell you this and I’m finally able to”. I looked at her and waited to see what she was going to say. She said “you can do anything for three minutes”. I just cracked up at that and it really helped deflate some of the nervous tension that was building up in my body. After about the second inductee speech, there was excitement and chatter forming rapidly in the back corner of the room near the entrance door. Suddenly a herd of security came in with Arnold….yes, ARNOLD…. walking in the middle of their circle. Oh My Gosh….I just froze while the press swarmed over to get a shot. My heart was pounding and my hands began to shake. I fumbled around for my iphone to grab a picture knowing all too well that that was most likely going to be a blurry shot with my unsteady hands. I snapped away numerous pictures hoping at least one of them would come out good and as Arnold walked by me I said “Wie gehts?” (German for “how are you?”). He answered back in German , “Sehr Gut” (very good). He continued to walk up to the front of the room through the chaos of applauding and cheers. He sat down and watched some inductee speeches and even gave one of his own. Suddenly, I hear my introduction being announced on the stage and I immediately snap to it and collect myself. My name is called and I step up to the podium and begin my speech. It was very nerve wracking looking into all of those press cameras with a swarm of camera men crouched down on their knees snapping away. But front and center were my two little boys smiling away all proud to see their mom on the stage. The sight of their little faces just melted me and I felt a sense of calm start to settle within me. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous at all to give my speech but I can honestly say I felt much better knowing my family and friends were all with me to support me as I received my award. I ended my speech with many thank yous as I have so much to be thankful for. You can bet that all of you were included in my speech, because without you, I would not have been standing up there to receive an award for helping to make a positive impact in your lives as well as the lives of others around the world. Thank you for allowing me to inspire you, to guide you and to continue to help you make a healthy difference in your life!

Categories: Announcements, Arnold Expo, Blog, Events, Featured News
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64 Responses

  • “Hee, hee, you can do anything for three minutes…” That’s truly a priceless moment! Congratulations on this well-deserved honour; and I’m thrilled you’re nowhere close to retirement!

  • Congratulations Cathe!!
    You are such an inspiration to us all. There is no one like you Cathe. Enjoy your journey as it is well deserved. May your success just continue to multiply and your goals continued to be reached. I love how just seeing your son’s put you right at ease and so those “3 minutes” were a breeze, right?? Looking forward to seeing more pics.

  • Congratulations, Cathe! I’m so proud of you! You are truly an inspiration to sooo many people, including me! Thank you for sharing this story. So excited for you, you surely deserve this prestigious honor. Enjoy!!

  • “You can do anything for….” Yes! That’s YOU, Cathe! I repeat that inside my head with suitable variations: You can do anything for x minutes, y seconds, z reps. And I hear your voice saying it as I think it. 🙂

    I’ve been involved in the fitness business for almost 20 years now – mostly as a writer and editor, but I’m also a certified personal trainer and fitness instructor. My first job was at a bodybuilding magazine in Sweden, my second as the editor in chief of a major fitness magazine in Sweden. I’ve gone to SO many conventions, seen and trained for SO many instructors. I’ve interviewed tons of international fitness stars. I’ve watched hundreds and hundreds of fitness dvd’s – not just the ones I use myself, but for various tests for the magazines I’ve worked for. I’ve interviewed international elite athletes in a number of different sports for my books and for articles I’ve written. None of them – NONE – come close to you in terms of terms of how much I’ve been inspired. Thank you so much – your induction into the Fitness Hall of Fame is so very welldeserved.

    And like Zippity, I’m happy to hear you’re nowhere close to retirement. A few more HIIt, perhaps? Even more MMA? Actually, anything will do. Keep ’em coming. I can do anything for… whatever you say, actually. 🙂

  • Cathe you are such an inspiration to me I work out with you every morning and love the challenges your workouts give me. You inspire me to be healthy in which I pass on to my family.

    Congratulations!! It is something you well deserve.

  • Congratulations, Cathe! I really enjoyed this summary of how the weekend went from your viewpoint. I can’t imagine you nervous! I greatly admire your achievements and look forward to many more years of your wonderful efforts. Great job!!!

  • Cathe! Thanks so much for sharing all these details with us! I really felt included in your thanks near the end for us being there along your journey! I thought back to my early days of first trying your step workouts and all the tough fun workouts ever since. What a great moment for you and your family! I loved hearing about Arnold. Please post a pic of your boys and your father too. I’m sure they were so proud of you! <3

  • Thanks for sharing this tale of your “little adventure.” And of course, congrats. You definitely deserve this – I think I speak for all the cathletes out there when I say – we are so proud of you! And grateful for the difference you have made in all our lives.

    God bless 🙂

  • Congratulations! You definitely deserve this recognition. Thanks for motivating us, inspiring us, and kicking our asses through your workouts and passion for good health and fitness. xo

  • Thank you so much for the time you took to describe your experience. I am almost in tears… knowing how you have put heart and soul into your work and are finally recognized. Very deserved!!!

  • Congratulations! Your honor is well-deserved! Also I am glad to hear you aren’t thinking of retiring anytime soon. Thanks for sharing your experience with all us Cathletes. 🙂

  • Congratulations! My daughter competed in the Arnold Gymnastics Challenge on Sunday. it was a really neat experience seeing all of the different events going on. Thanks for all you do!

  • Thank you so much for sharing this story. You’re not only great at fitness instruction but writing as well. Fantastic job all around!! It’s so wonderful when someone like you gets the credit she truly deserves. Hope you, like me, are still actively exercising at 61!

  • Cathe, all I can say is that you are an incredible person who gives so much inspiration to so many and you deserved every minute of recognition that you received.

    “You can do anything for 3 minutes”— now that’s good stuff…Haha! LOVE IT!

  • Congratulations Cathe!! That is so awesome. Thanks for sharing the details of the event. Felt like I was there. Enjoy your accolades!!!

  • Cathe, you are such a positive and bright point of light in my life!! I look in the mirror as I’m working out and see that I’m actually smiling, and it’s because your happiness and energy and positive outlook is being transferred over to me. Thanks for sharing!!! You deserve it so much!!

  • Bravo, Cathe. Well done!!! You are SO deserving of this honor and yet so humble. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us and for being who you are.

    I wish you many, many years of continued success.

  • I had butterflies just reading about your experience! Thanks for sharing this monumental acheivement with all of us! I feel so lucky to be included in the Cathe “family”!

  • You are so deserving of this award cathe! I loved reading about it all! I even tear’ed up I was so happy!!! I cant tell you enough how much of an inspiration you are 🙂 🙂

  • Thank you so much for sharing your experience with your fans, Cathe. You have earned this honor and I’m extremely happy for you. Something told me back in 1996 when I purchased my first Cathe workout (and got hooked) that you would be around for a long time and here you are, still motivating and kickin’ butt! You’ve been my “personal trainer” ever since (I tell people you’re my secret fitness weapon!). Thank you for all you do and I wish you many more years of the same rewarding success.

  • Cathe, thanks for sharing your Fitness Hall of Fame induction story with us. You are truly an inspiration to me, I can’t think of a more deserving recipient. Bless you!

  • Cathe, I’m so excited to hear all the details. What a wonderful tribute to all your amazing accomplishments. You have positively affected the lives of so many, both young and old. I, for one, hope to keep up with you as “we” age. I know it will be a lot easier for you than for me, but I can do anything for…..20 more years! God Bless you for all that you do. See you in July!!! 🙂

  • Cathe, congrats. This award is long overdue. You are a great inspiration to all of us, and I’m honored that someone who I look to for fitness, nutrition and a balanced lifestyle is being recognized in this mega way. I thank you for doing what you do the way you do it – with grace, humility and compassion.

  • Congratulations Cathe! Thank you so much for sharing it with us. 🙂 I’m sure your little guys were beaming with pride for their Mom.

    Wow, Arnold….how cool is that! 🙂 I can’t imagine him needing bodyguards, lol. Heck he could “squash” or intimidate anyone brave enough to attempt anything. 🙂

    Thank you so much for all that you do. I truly appreciate your dedication to creating quality products as well as your enthusiasm for your work. It’s a pleasure to work out with you every morning. 🙂

  • Congratulations, Cathe. I loved reading the story of your experience at the NHOF ceremony.

  • Congratuations! Great story and a well deserved honor. You have a standing ovation from me! If you have a video of your speech, we’d love to hear it!

  • Cathe, I am surprised you didnt get there sooner. If you truley only knew the lifes that you inspire….mine too, I am 53 years old and just started training classes at my gym, boot camp, body works etc….you did that and I thank you.

  • Cathe:

    It was so exciting to attend and share in your terrific moment……your many accomplishments led to this honor…….Congrats !!

  • Cathe, I really enjoyed reading of your experience, I felt I was right there with you! CONGRATULATIONS!!!

  • Cathe, thanks so much for sharing your experience with us! Congratulations again!!

  • Cathe you soooo deserve this great honor. You have inspired so many people!. Thank you for sharing your story with all of us, I felt as if I was there with you. Can’t wait to see you in JULY!!!!

  • Congratulations, Cathe! Thank you for doing everything you do and am looking forward to much more fitness guidance from you!

  • Have your feet touched the ground yet? Sure makes doing those Air jacks and tuck jumps a lot easier when you’re flying high!
    Grin!

  • Cathe – once again I must say – Congratulations!

    It was an award well deserved and I hope you will have more photos to share with us!

  • Congrats, so deserving. You do very good work with great attention to detail and I’m glad it was recognized in such a permanent way. I love the behinds-the-scenes look at your special day, especially Sue using your own great words on you. Nerves are a funny thing and a good laugh always sends some of the nerves packing at least. My personal favorite of your inspirational gems is from Imax 2, “Things in life aren’t always predictable.” You have so many, all of which cross over into our lives, which is genius. Thanks for all that you do.

  • Sounds odd, but it feels like I know you so personally and have seen you grow. My fitness journey for the last 20 years would not have been complete without the last 15 or so. You are an inspiration to me and so many others. I am so proud of you. So Proud. God Bless You Cathe.

  • Congratulations Cathe!!! Well deserved. Thanks for sharing your story and your feelings. You have inpsired me so much during the last 10 years. Keep up with what you are doing. Love You!! Eva

  • WOW!!!!

    WELL LET ME JUST SAY THAT YOU ARE AN ABSOLUTE LEGEND!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    AND EVEN BEFORE YOU WERE INDUCTED YOU WERE THAT SAME LEGEND…. I WAS SO PLEASED TO HAVE SUCH AN AWESOME FITNESS EXPERT TO HELP ME AND OTHERS IN THE WORLD GET THE RESULTS NEEDED. IT IS TRU THAT YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION AND ARE WELL DESERVING OF NOT ONLY BEING INDUCTED BUT JUST FOR WOT YOU BRING INTO OIUR LIVES EVERY SINGLE DAY WHICH IS THE UP MOST WONDERFUL THING EVER.
    SO CONGRATS ON BEING INDUCTED INTO THE FITNESS HALL OF FAME AND YOU GO GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Wow, once again I am speechless! Thank you for your genuinely heartfelt words. I read each and every one of them and now I clearly need some tissues….big hugs to all of you! Love, Cathe

  • Cathe,

    Congratulations on your induction into the Fitness Hall of Fame!!! I’m so thankful and grateful to be able to work out with you every morning! You have made me stronger both physically and mentally. You rock my world and I can’t wait to see you again in Disneyworld!

  • How amazing!!!!! Congrats… I am going to echo many of the others and say that I am so grateful to have found you – originally on FitTV and now your site/DVDs etc….. Thank you!!!! And know you deserve this!

  • Wipes tears! Such a wonderful experience for such a wonderful person! Cathe, you so deserve this honor! I am so proud of you on sooo many levels! YOU are the model of humble fame and fortune! Thank you for allowing us to experience your inner emotions on this whole journey! I love you and I am so grateful you came into my life when you did! Without you and your hard work, I do NOT know where I would be today! Thank you for your dedication to yourself, your family, and to all of us! HUGS! Congrats to you! Soooo well deserved!

  • I’m crying. What an awesome story, and I can just imagine your boys front-and-center. I wonder if they’ll be auctioning off Mom’s packed-lunches at school for the next month! 😉 CONGRATS, Cathe. MUCH DESERVED!

  • What a wonderful recap of your exciting weekend! Oh how I wish I could have attended! Your heartfelt words brought tears to my eyes. If only I could express how much you mean to me and what you have given me over the years! You are so very deserving of this prestigious award. How exciting that your family could attend, especially your sons! I loved how they helped calm your nerves. I feel honored to call you my fitness trainer and especially, my friend! Big hugs to you Cathe and again, CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!

  • Also, I’m just curious what the gentlemen in the photo are laughing about? You don’t look nervous at all!

  • wow – what an amazing experience! that was funny – “you can do anything for 3 minutes!” Thank you for sharing!

  • “you can do anything for three minutes” AWESOME! This just brought tears to my eyes! Perfect!

  • …AND… I just love how “real” you are. The part about your kids touched my heart especially. This was a tear-jerker! I am so happy for you!!! Your humbleness and “realness” are part of what makes you such a huge inspiration.

  • This was absoulutely well-deserved. I cried reading this for the part about your family truly touched my heart. My family means everything to me and YOU have been a big part of my family for years. Through the t.v and videos of course, but I have had the priviledge of passing on all the things you’ve done, to my family and friends and it’s been a blessing over the past 15+ yrs. of my teaching fitness classes and talking to school children during their classes to share all I’ve learned from you! Congratulations to a long journey to where you are now!! Enjoy it fully….

  • you are amazing and you have changed my life for sure…well deserved award!

  • Thank You Cathe!!! You make the impossible possible again!! You truly are a great inspiration and Congratulations!!!

  • Congratulations Cathe! You so deserved this. You are such an inspiration and I thank you for all that you have done for me and so many others. I have learned so much from you and I’m sure I will continue to as time goes on.

  • Cathe at least one of your steps appears in every one of my classes. You are a wonderful role model – ladies have said they look up to me as an instructor but if only they knew I get so much of it from you, and in turn I look up to you for that inspiring kick up the bum/words of wisdom. Well done, and cute as hell you getting nervous over Arnold. I would be beyond nervous meeting you!

  • Cathe,

    You are awesome! Way to go! “If nothing ever changed, there would be no butterflies!” Thanks for helping me change into that butterfly!

    Ellen D. Lawrence

  • You are so deserving of this honor. You have dedicated your life to helping others life a healthy, fit life and you lead by example. You are a very awesome person in the literal sense of the word, we should all be in awe of what you have done throughout your career. May you continue for 20+ more years, congratulations Cathe!

  • Thank You again Everyone! Your words are so beautiful and have really touched me. I am very fortunate and very happy to have you all in my life. See you next workout! Love, Cathe

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