2005 2010 August : Motivated and Dedicated

Fit and Fabulous Over 40

Posted on August 27, 2010
Filed Under General | Leave a Comment

Okay, so you’re in your 40s (which is the new 30 by the way), you think that you’ll never feel or look like you did when you were younger. You think that you’re too old to make positive health and wellness changes. Well, I have news for you. That’s not true. It’s never too late. First, age is nothing but a number it’s a state of mind. We’re only as old as we feel. Often times, we put limitations on ourselves because of our age. I believe that we should not let it dictate or define who or what we are (personally, I’m never growing up). :-)   

As we get older we want to take special care of our bodies as well as our hearts and minds. We want to eat as healthy as possible. We want to stay as physically active as we can. We want to take time for ourselves to nourish the soul. All of these things contribute to being fit and fabulous women.   

First, change your mind set about being too old. If you’re not exercising start to do so. Try to strength train 4-5 times a week and include a cardio regimen in addition to a wellness class such as Pilates and/or Yoga. Go for a massage every once in awhile. Take quiet walks or go walking with a friend. If you’re not eating right, eat healthier. If you need to see a nutritionist to get started then by all means do so. Be diligent about your health and make sure to get your annual exams. (see February Newsletter)

As I’ve stated before, we’re so used to putting everything and everyone ahead of our needs and wants. We get lost in the mix. It’s very important to take charge and enhance our lives by incorporating these necessities.

I fall victim at times to not following my own advice and you know what, it doesn’t feel good.  If I haven’t worked out, I feel out of sync.  If I haven’t done Pilates work, even as simple as my breathing exercises, I feel out of balance. I try to get a massage every so often because of the physicality of my work.  I do remain diligent about scheduling my doctors’ appointments. I do  stay pretty disciplined with my eating, but allow more freedom on the weekends to enjoy myself.

No matter what your age, you can be Fit and Fabulous Forever!!! :-)

 

It’s Never Too Late To Get Started!!

Posted on August 27, 2010
Filed Under General | Leave a Comment

26ce

 

Okay, it’s February and those New Year’s Resolutions have not quite panned out the way you had hoped. Have no fear, it’s a brand new day. That’s the beauty in all of this. If it’s your diet that went out the window, start by cleaning out your refrigerator. Stock it with healthy foods such as vegetables and fruits. Plan your meals for the week (this works really well).  Prepare as many meals as you can and store them in the freezer.   Depending on where you’ll be during the course of the day, plan out what you’ll eat and when. Pack a lunch bag with yogurt, nuts, a protein bar or fruit for example. The key is to never go more than three hours without eating.

If you have not made it to the gym, that’s okay too. Start up tomorrow. Don’t try to make up for lost time your first time out (that’s how people get injured). Take it slow. Start with your cardio then maybe add one or two body parts. Get into a routine. Maybe you would like to try a class (be sure to let the instructor know you are a rookie, first timer, kindergartner-for those that take my classes you know what I mean). :-) If you’ve been apprehensive about going to the gym on your own, bring a buddy. If you’re not sure about how to start out once there, hire a trainer. They will help get you started. 

If you’re not able to make it to the gym at all there are lots of options at home.  If you have stairs you can use them for many different exercises.  For example, you can walk or run up and down for cardio.  You can do squats, lunges and pushups.  You can be as creative as possible provided you’re doing the exercises in a safe manner. If you have weights and or resistance bands you can have a great workout. You can do many other exercises just using your body weight for resistance if you don’t have weights. 

Well, I hope I have eliminated the excuses for you. :-) Remember, stay focused on your goals and just have fun. ”It’s never too late to get started”. :-)

Make Yourself A Priority

Posted on August 27, 2010
Filed Under General | Leave a Comment

Women tend to put ourselves on the back burner (I put myself in this category from time to time).  We address the needs of others before taking care of ourselves.  As I often tell my female clients, “if we do not take care of ourselves, no one else will”.  Our family circle cannot exist in a positive way if we don’t treat ourselves well.  We can address the needs of our families better when we are healthy (both mentally and physically).  I don’t mean to sound vain or selfish but to some degree if we don’t take a selfish attitude, we are doing more harm than good to ourselves and everyone else around us.  Think about it, when you work out, go for a walk, pamper yourself, etc. you feel so much better and are able to take on the world or at the very least, be a good mother, a good wife, etc.

When adopting this newfound attitude or way of life, you will see so many positive changes.  You can start small.  For example, take 10-30 minutes a day to meditate, stretch or something as simple as going for a walk.  If you have little ones at home, try to schedule their nap time at the same time and you can go into the next room and do the above.  Engaging in some type of physical activity will give you more energy throughout your busy day.    

When possible, try to schedule even more time during your day, what I like to call “me time” or “rejuvenation time”.  If all you have time for is 10-20 minutes in the morning or mid-afternoon, then try to take an additional 10-20 minutes in the afternoon or evening.  I guarantee that you will feel like a new woman.  You will feel great about yourself, you will have more patience and your family will reap the benefits.  It is a win-win situation all around.  Go ahead and treat yourself.  “Make yourself a priority”. :-)   

  

 

 

 


0