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...

I had a challenger ask me, HOW do I actually fit in 30 minutes of exercise a day.  She was coming from a place of frustration.  How did I know that?  I was there, not that long ago.  So I thought I would share to show that you can do it, that starting slow is ok, and for me my groups are the requirement. Couple of things you know  -           1.  I like to run and always have.  (I have run 4 Marathons, I like to Run).          2.  I have been in the health and fitness industry for almost 20 year, and all this weight started        after I finished my PhD and stopped training people.  I lost my accountability, and had to find it again to get my own fitness back on track.   This is why I coach.   In April of 2016, we wrapped up our ski season.  I weighted 184lbs- the same amount I weight before delivering both of my kids.   My clothe...

So I did the 21 Day Reset, I have done it once before.  Here is my lessons learned, successes, and failures. Last Time:  I was Militant!  I did every meal and had a panic attack if I missed one, or was late.  In short, I made myself crazy!  I lost 10lbs and felt good, but stressed out. This Time:  I had a different mindset this time.  There are certain meals on the plan I LOVE.  I ate a lot of them!  This made my meal prep and planning easier, e.g. less stress. I also wasn't perfect!  I tried, and I pushed myself, but I didn't beat myself up when we went out for our Anniversary. Last Time:   I didn't exercise at all.  This time I did yoga daily, skied, and started running the last week.  It meant that sometimes, I needed more food.  I stuck to the plan, but not always the portions.  Exercise helps me manage stress, helps me sleep through the night, and generally makes me a better me.  I wasn't goi...

Follow my blog with Bloglovin As I have shared, I have been working in the health and fitness industry for the last 19+ years. I have done it all, and LOVED it all. * Group Fitness * Personal Training * Wrote a Book * Lecture Circuit * Consulting * the list goes on and on and on. . . But in 2009, I went back for my Doctorate and in 2014, I got it! Now I teach people to become group fitness instructors, personal trainers, exercise physiologists, and physical therapists. I do love parts of my job, but I miss working with people one-on-one to achieve their goals. I also miss being the fit me, who taught yoga 3 days a week, or swam everyday in the pool. My desk job has gotten in the way of ME. That is when Lauren Baker (a former student believe it or not), shared Beachbody with me. I had been following her online, and I loved her motivation and consistency. Consistency is the key, but dang is it hard to implement. I also love the online platform. Let's be real, i...