Alright so this weekend is the weekend I go away to NS for the cycling instructor course, therefore, no posts until Sunday or Monday!
Take care over the weekend- eat well, move lots, laugh hard, and be kind to yourself.
Friday, March 13
Wednesday, March 11
Place Your Bets!
My dad once used money as a means of committing to a weight loss plan. He set aside a sum of money (a fairly large sum!), picked the weight he wanted to be at by a specified date, and swore he'd give the money to a certain someone he disliked if he didn't reach his goal. I thought he was crazy at the time, but I'm learning that this may actually be a good way for some people to keep on track and reach their goals.
When you make up a contract with some guidelines laid out, you might find yourself fighting a bit harder to keep on track, especially if there's money involved!
Perhaps make a contract that states you will walk every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday morning for one month, for example. Sign it, date it, and get a friend or someone you know will hold you accountable to sign it as your witness. Have a reward planned if you succeed, and some type of negative consequence (like donating money to the most hypocritical person/organization/politician you know) if you don't.
My only hesitation with something like this is that some people may take it too seriously, and may end up taking drastic and unhealthy measures to meet their goals. Some may also take "failing" too seriously and won't feel encouraged to try again if unable to stick to the original contract.
You need to be capable of being disciplined without being too hard on yourself, and able to pick yourself up and dust yourself off to start again if you fall off the wagon once in awhile.
Of course, I think the best way to begin a health and fitness plan is to get help from someone who knows what they're doing! I believe hiring a trainer to keep you from going in circles on your own, and to hold you accountable so you stay on track is the best way....I guess I'm bias, but hey, the proof is in the pudding!
When you make up a contract with some guidelines laid out, you might find yourself fighting a bit harder to keep on track, especially if there's money involved!
Perhaps make a contract that states you will walk every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday morning for one month, for example. Sign it, date it, and get a friend or someone you know will hold you accountable to sign it as your witness. Have a reward planned if you succeed, and some type of negative consequence (like donating money to the most hypocritical person/organization/politician you know) if you don't.
My only hesitation with something like this is that some people may take it too seriously, and may end up taking drastic and unhealthy measures to meet their goals. Some may also take "failing" too seriously and won't feel encouraged to try again if unable to stick to the original contract.
You need to be capable of being disciplined without being too hard on yourself, and able to pick yourself up and dust yourself off to start again if you fall off the wagon once in awhile.
Of course, I think the best way to begin a health and fitness plan is to get help from someone who knows what they're doing! I believe hiring a trainer to keep you from going in circles on your own, and to hold you accountable so you stay on track is the best way....I guess I'm bias, but hey, the proof is in the pudding!
Tuesday, March 10
Be A Role Model
Your kids will always look up to you, or will always want to, even when they are grown up and out on their own. You can always set a good example, it's never too late to have an impact on how they view themselves and life.
If you have younger kids, I beg you not to talk negatively about your body around them, ever. Making comments about how you need to lose weight, for example, can, and will, cause your kids to question their own bodies. Before you know it they'll begin to look at themselves in the same negative ways you look at yourself. I'm not kidding, read up on it. It's a shame but "dieting" is becoming a main focus among girls at an increasingly, alarmingly, young age.
Create a positive household and encourage healthy living rather than simply focusing on faults or problem areas. Pointing out your flaws is mentally bad enough to do yourself, but when children are seeing you be unhealthy, mentally and physically, that's what they'll learn.
Give your kids the right tools to live long and fulfilling lives by learning to do the same for yourself. And remember, like I said before, your kids are never to old to look up to you. You can set an example at any age and your kids will respect, appreciate, and admire you for it.
Parents have a lot to compete with. Kids at school can be so horrible, I know, but that's all the more reason to have a stable and healthy home. Being active with your kids, as a family, will create stronger bonds between you, and exercise provides a great way to build self-esteem and relieve stress.
Get out there and go for a walk with your kids! Go play at the park, get on the swings with them, try out the monkey bars (I promise you it's harder than you remember!!) and enjoy your time together!
PS- IF you're reading this and feeling horrible because you're already in the habit of beating up on yourself in front of your kids, don't worry! It's never to late for you to make a change. Showing them that you can change and make better decisions for yourself will give them the strength and encouragement to do the same if and when they need to for themselves.
If you have younger kids, I beg you not to talk negatively about your body around them, ever. Making comments about how you need to lose weight, for example, can, and will, cause your kids to question their own bodies. Before you know it they'll begin to look at themselves in the same negative ways you look at yourself. I'm not kidding, read up on it. It's a shame but "dieting" is becoming a main focus among girls at an increasingly, alarmingly, young age.
Create a positive household and encourage healthy living rather than simply focusing on faults or problem areas. Pointing out your flaws is mentally bad enough to do yourself, but when children are seeing you be unhealthy, mentally and physically, that's what they'll learn.
Give your kids the right tools to live long and fulfilling lives by learning to do the same for yourself. And remember, like I said before, your kids are never to old to look up to you. You can set an example at any age and your kids will respect, appreciate, and admire you for it.
Parents have a lot to compete with. Kids at school can be so horrible, I know, but that's all the more reason to have a stable and healthy home. Being active with your kids, as a family, will create stronger bonds between you, and exercise provides a great way to build self-esteem and relieve stress.
Get out there and go for a walk with your kids! Go play at the park, get on the swings with them, try out the monkey bars (I promise you it's harder than you remember!!) and enjoy your time together!
PS- IF you're reading this and feeling horrible because you're already in the habit of beating up on yourself in front of your kids, don't worry! It's never to late for you to make a change. Showing them that you can change and make better decisions for yourself will give them the strength and encouragement to do the same if and when they need to for themselves.
Monday, March 9
It's Not Always Easy But:
Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.
-Joshua J. Marine
-Joshua J. Marine
Sunday, March 8
SPIN!
So I've registered for a cycling course next weekend and am super excited. I'm going to be certified to instruct spin classes! If you've never been to a spin class, you don't know what you're missing! It's an amazing workout and you walk out just drenched in sweat- I love it!
Spin classes are fantastic because they really work your cardiovascular system, strengthening your heart and lungs by aerobic and anaerobic training, and cycling is really easy on the joints. It's a great option for people that are looking for a low impact, high-calorie burning, and fun workout.
Cycling focuses mainly on the largest muscles of the lower body, which is why you get such a high calorie burn. Your body weight is supported by the seat so you're not putting all of that pressure on your knees and ankles, which is why it's considered to be low impact.
Even if you don't like to bike I recommend trying one of these classes. You might feel that the seats are too hard, but I know from experience that it only takes a class or two to condition your tush so it's able to take the abuse.
When you're in that group setting, with the energy of everyone around you and the music thumping, the intensity will drive you and keep you going back for more!
Spin classes are fantastic because they really work your cardiovascular system, strengthening your heart and lungs by aerobic and anaerobic training, and cycling is really easy on the joints. It's a great option for people that are looking for a low impact, high-calorie burning, and fun workout.
Cycling focuses mainly on the largest muscles of the lower body, which is why you get such a high calorie burn. Your body weight is supported by the seat so you're not putting all of that pressure on your knees and ankles, which is why it's considered to be low impact.
Even if you don't like to bike I recommend trying one of these classes. You might feel that the seats are too hard, but I know from experience that it only takes a class or two to condition your tush so it's able to take the abuse.
When you're in that group setting, with the energy of everyone around you and the music thumping, the intensity will drive you and keep you going back for more!
Saturday, March 7
Laugh Out Loud!
I love to laugh and it's usually pretty easy to get me going! Thank goodnees too- seeing as how laughter really is the best medicine!
Laughing has been researched and shown to strengthen the immune system, reduce the level of stress hormones, AND exercises the diaphragm, abs, heart, and even the back and shoulder muscles. There's even such thing as 'Humor Therapy'!
So this is a good excuse for you to chill out and relax with someone you love while watching a hilarious movie or TV show, just don't shovel handfuls of buttery popcorn or fatty chips in your mouth between chuckles!
Laughing has been researched and shown to strengthen the immune system, reduce the level of stress hormones, AND exercises the diaphragm, abs, heart, and even the back and shoulder muscles. There's even such thing as 'Humor Therapy'!
So this is a good excuse for you to chill out and relax with someone you love while watching a hilarious movie or TV show, just don't shovel handfuls of buttery popcorn or fatty chips in your mouth between chuckles!
Wednesday, March 4
There's No Quick Fix:
There's always free cheese in the mouse traps, but the mice there ain't happy.
- Anonymous
I love that quote! Hehehe
You wondering how it relates to fitness? Basically I just want to encourage you to not be tempted by fad diets, and disregard the empty promises of diet pills and other products that claim to help you lose weight "faster", burn more calories, build more muscle, etc etc. Buying into the idea that you can see big changes without doing any work will leave you empty handed, and probably with a lot less money than you had to start.
The fact is that the process of changing your life takes work, time, positivity, and patience. There are no quick fixes. Now, in saying that, you will notice benefits right away when you start making little changes- take my dad for example, he never had to take heartburn medicine again after losing just a bit of weight. But, if you're judging your success by appearances alone, or by the number on the scale instead of how you feel, you're likely to feel frustrated and give up.
Your body just needs time to adapt. You can reach your goals, just give the body you abused so much, for so long, a chance to adjust. As soon as it does, great things will happen! Until then, focus on the changes that happen quickly and improve your overall life. Think about how much better you sleep at night, how much more energy you have in the day, and how great it feels to not be exhausted and out of the breath by preforming the simplest of tasks.
Don't end up like the mice in the mouse traps! Be weary of what's too good to be true, and work to earn what you want!
You CAN do it!
- Anonymous
I love that quote! Hehehe
You wondering how it relates to fitness? Basically I just want to encourage you to not be tempted by fad diets, and disregard the empty promises of diet pills and other products that claim to help you lose weight "faster", burn more calories, build more muscle, etc etc. Buying into the idea that you can see big changes without doing any work will leave you empty handed, and probably with a lot less money than you had to start.
The fact is that the process of changing your life takes work, time, positivity, and patience. There are no quick fixes. Now, in saying that, you will notice benefits right away when you start making little changes- take my dad for example, he never had to take heartburn medicine again after losing just a bit of weight. But, if you're judging your success by appearances alone, or by the number on the scale instead of how you feel, you're likely to feel frustrated and give up.
Your body just needs time to adapt. You can reach your goals, just give the body you abused so much, for so long, a chance to adjust. As soon as it does, great things will happen! Until then, focus on the changes that happen quickly and improve your overall life. Think about how much better you sleep at night, how much more energy you have in the day, and how great it feels to not be exhausted and out of the breath by preforming the simplest of tasks.
Don't end up like the mice in the mouse traps! Be weary of what's too good to be true, and work to earn what you want!
You CAN do it!
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