InsightsfromtheMat

So I am going to share my thoughts on #21DFX. Why?  Because this may help someone else, and that is part of my motivation for doing this. I, like many people, have a hard time making time for myself.    I am not saying this is a good thing, it tends to cause more problems than is solves.  I do, do, do.  I can't say no.  I push, push, push.  Then I snap, snap, snap.    Why?  because I am exhausted and I haven't practiced any self care.  So the last year, I have tried to stop doing just that.  (I have tried, it is by no means perfect.)  As the first step, I started exercising again. I like how I feel when I exercise. I like how I feel mentally, it helps that I also like how I look better:) It is also a piece of myself that I had lost since finishing my PhD. A couple of months later, I started coaching.  Now here is the double edge sword.  I LOVE working with my challengers.  It makes me feel g...

Let me start by saying I have spent the majority of my career working to get people off the couch.  I typically work with the never-ever exercisers, or the ones that have not been consistent and seen the results they want.  Why- cuz I can relate to them. I have avoided most things "performance" and I am pretty anti supplement.  So why am I considering using the Beachbody Performance Line? 1.  I tried it yesterday, and I did feel my workout was easier.   (Realize I used to run about an 8-10 minute mile, now I am a 12-15 minute mile.  I know I am older but I am struggling with that and would like to improve.)  I have done research in the area of "Pre- Workouts".  The results from my research and others are mixed.  The primary ingredient is caffeine- and is not banned by any of the anti-doping agencies.  If you are sensitive to caffeine this can be a mixed bag, make you jittery.  But I did find it easier to work harder DURING my ...

HealthCare/SickCare - Our current system is broken and focused on politics, not health. So what do we do about Pre- Existing Conditions?  If 50% of our health care costs are preventable, but I have a pre-existing condition what can I do?  Many people I know have a pre-existing condition so here is my take on pre-existing conditions and one of the many exercise recommendations. It is harder - not impossible - but harder.   Most of them benefit from an improved diet or consistent exercise or physical activity.   I have a pre-existing condition.  I have HypoThyroidism.  It is genetic, it will get worse as I get older.  It causes me to gain weight, have mood swings - when it is not controlled-, and thins my hair.  (The later is not a vanity issue as much as it is hard on the plumbing- LOL.)  Not as bad as many, but it is not always easy. So for me, I have to focus more on my diet and exercise to see results.  I have to be a...

So I decided to do another 3 Day Refresh.   (http://www.teambeachbody.com/cleanse-program/3-day-refresh-diet)   I had done it before.  It is not easy, but it provide results.  I tend to avoid restrictive programs but they serve a purpose. CONS: The research shows that restrictive diets don't produce lasting results. For me, restrictive diets trigger my control issues.  These can be good or bad but not habits/feelings that I like to promote. PROS: Restriction for a short time can really highlight your weaknesses. The research shows that cycling your diet and exercise can help to keep weight loss moving forward. So I start the Refresh on Saturday.  I did well, I had pre-planned, I had a plan.  Well you know what they say about plans . . . .   Looking back on it, I probably should not have started a Refresh this weekend.  I have a lot going on, it is the end of the semester for both me and the kids (e.g. high stres...