It's Happening!

I am seeing changes!!  In how my body feels, how I feel.  My mind is clearer, my body feels stronger, healthier.  It is so amazing how food and activity can change your life!  I am always teaching classes and all in with my clients.  I absolutely love my job but sometimes I use up all my energy on others and struggle to fit in time for me or find motivation to move for me!  Well, that is changing!  It is something I sometimes go in and out of; lose focus of my goals, helping others achieve theirs.  But, I am back - and feeling great!  Cant' remember how I ever got to the point of choosing to stop.  It feels so good!  Taking the time, doing the work, feeling AND seeing the benefits in my body.  Physically as well as how my mind feels about my body.  Its time to be a little selfish and put me first.  No before my responsibilities but first in the fact that I am now scheduling my time, just like I would my clients!  Loving life!  How are you doing in your journey?  Do you need to sit-down and revisit that goal you wrote down?  Do you need to adjust it or add to it?  Maybe even define it a bit better.  I was struggling with mine, one that I would have to work for but could also achieve.  It was a simple goal but takes a lot of effort.  Be consistent for one week!  Now I am going to redefine that, having the motivation of accomplishing my week, its time to challenge myself further!!

Sometimes…It's Hard!

Sometimes, fitness, healthy choices, figuring it all out while you are going about what is most likely a very busy life, is hard!  No one ever said it would be easy!  In fact, if it was easy, then we wouldn't need help, encouragement, support!  I know I need it.  Some days, more than others but as a general rule, at least once a week I have to be reminded about my priorities.  Whether it is taking a deep breathe and realizing I am not wonder woman and breaking things off into tiny lists so I can have the validation of progress or my husband saying, "you got this, how can I help".  No matter what the little reminder is, without it, I know I wouldn't be as motivated or committed as I am.

We all fall, but I am sure you have heard the old adage, it's not how hard you fall but how fast you get up!  Well that is where I am.  I am up, I have brushed myself off, and I am ready to focus my efforts to achieve improvements.  I am really great at maintaining, however, sometimes I need a push to actually progress.

The push I am talking about is why I do this blog.  These little blurbs, ideas, suggestions…whatever you want to call them, is about trying to motivate YOU.  I am far from perfect and trust me, I am a champ at not stepping off the cliff but sometimes jumping!  We all do it.  So when you read my blog, just know, I am not projecting to you a life without hiccups of my own.  I want each and everyone of you to know, this journey is also mine, and I struggle with the constant check and balance of life just as you do.  So I just want to say, yes, it is hard!  But, chin up!  Keep plugging along and take the opportunities that present themselves and try to stay strong!

Why Be Healthy?

We decided to take the kids on a special weekend!  For Christmas we purchased tickets for "Frozen on Ice".  Well, the weekend finally has come and gone and it was fabulous!  A little Christmas fun in March!  Frozen On Ice was a hit.  Fabulous!  It was amazing to watch the performers with their grace and power on the ice.  But what came after the performance is what I am most pleased with.  We found a facility that is full of trampolines!  Wow, what fun can a family have and what better was to encourage active children than to participate in healthy activities with them.  We spent an hour and a half jumping!  What a wonderful workout.  Giggles, laughs, falls and tricks, we did it all.  All four of us were a fun sweaty mess by time we finished.

This brings me to what I truly want to share.  Exercise to many feels like work and can be motivated by so many vain reasons and sometimes, those motivators can make it easy to waiver from our commitment to health.  I think it is important to really reflect on the true meaning of a healthy lifestyle and the benefits that it allows us.  At just shy of 40 years old, I was toe to toe with my girls.  Jump for jump.  I attribute this to my everyday choices.  It feels wonderful to be strong and fit.  I love having the stamina to run, play a game of tag, soccer or whatever activity I choose.  I want everyone to experience this feeling!

What is best about beginning a fitness regime or deciding to commit to a healthier, more active lifestyle?  You can start small!!  Everyone comes from a different beginning.  Decide to take the plunge.  Go for a walk…you don't have to get out there a kill yourself.  Progress is still progress.  This week, schedule 20 -30 minutes of a healthy activity.  Walk, ride a bike, swim, Yoga, Pilates, whatever you have available. You don't need a gym membership to get fit, you can do it right in your own house, no equipment needed!


A quick example of an in-house beginning cardio workout.  Walk in place, change it up a bit by stepping side to side, or big high-knee steps.  It is something everyone can do.  I want everyone to try it and post with (or without) a picture to my blog and share with us what your motivation was this week and what made you successful!  I can't wait to hear from you!!

Of course, if you are unsure of where or what is a healthy place for you to start, talk to your doctor before beginning anything new.