COMMUNITY

Community; the word means different things to different people but undeniably it means that we aren't alone. I believe God made us to be social beings. If you look at any example of someone having to face something alone you will see that is true. Isolation is used by our enemies for torture and as punishment in our justice system. We crave to be around other people even if we don't like "people". It is something we need in order to stay healthy human beings. It also helps create who we are and who we become in the future. If you are a part of a negative community, people that are always critical and put others down, then most likely you will become a very negative person. If you are a part of a positive uplifting community, then you will probably be a positive uplifting person. 

So why am I talking about this? I believe community and the people we hang around affect our health. Spiritually, socially, mentally, emotionally and also physically. I could write a post on each one of those areas but I want to focus on how it affects us physically today. 

Over and over again I talk to people about the Beachbody programs and I hear, "I already have the DVDs. They are good, but I can't stick with it." Those people have not achieved their fitness goals and over and over again they start the programs and end up getting distracted or quitting. Why is that? I know the programs work. I've seen it time and time again. All they would need to do is commit to 30 minutes a day. That isn't a lot of time. So why don't they? 

Here is the snag...think about it. Why does CrossFit work? Why do team sports work? Community. Relationships. Both of those are built when you are working in a group. When you are involved in those types of activities you have other people keeping you accountable and motivating you. You aren't going to give up because you aren't alone. 

Of course CrossFit and working out in the gym isn't for everyone. As a single mom I just don't have time or the money for a sitter to participate in group fitness. Besides, I really don't want everyone to see how much I really do sweat like a man! But I still need that community to stick with it. Sure there are people that can do it on their own but that is a small minority. For the majority of us we need that "community" to help us stick with it to achieve our goals. The development of Challenge Groups has met that need. It has brought together the three ingredients necessary to achieve the fitness goals we want; amazing programs, great nutrition, and community support. That is why I encourage people to sign up for the Challenge Groups. Do the programs work? Yes. Does Shakeology work? Yes. Both of them work but only if you stay consistent every day and the Challenge Groups help you do that. The people I have met through these groups are some of the most encouraging and motivating people I have ever met. Everyone in the group has a goal they want to meet and we help each other reach those goals. Not to mention the awesome information you can learn from some of these people.

So you have a fitness goal to reach?? That is great! The first step is deciding you want to get healthy. The next step is to decide what you need to reach that goal. Where are you going to get support and motivation?? I have Challenge groups every month and I would encourage you to join one. I want to help you get healthy!  

I'm not a psychic but I think I can guess where you mind goes next...Does it cost money? Yes it does BUT you need to put it in perspective. I drink Shakeology every day for breakfast so it is part of my grocery budget (basically the same amount I was already spending).  But it has also helped me save money because I no longer buy 1-2 diet sodas or sugary snacks every day. (those cravings are gone!) Shakeology is $4 a day. Those diet sodas were $2 a piece so it all balances out. The programs are the same thing. I don't pay for a gym membership which is $25-$150 a month (depending on where you go). The last program I purchased is basically a $6 a month gym membership but it fits my needs way better than any gym would. 

The bottom line is that I am not "selling" a product. That isn't how I look at it. I'm encouraging people to live healthier and giving them the tools to do that. All starting with COMMUNITY. There is a cost but in the end, if you join a group, it is worth every penny! I hope to see YOU in the next group!!  

Please DON'T HESITATE to contact me if you want to join a group or just learn more. You can click on this "form", email me, or contact me via Facebook message.

The Science Behind the Shake

Outside of my coaching business I work full time in Cardiology Research. That involves a lot of exposure to clinical trials and how a drug or device is studied. I was excited to see my two worlds intersect when Beachbody had an outside research company conduct a clinical trial. Check out this link to understand the science behind my favorite meal of the day; Shakeology!

http://www.shakeology.com/blogs/2014/07/03/shakeology-now-clinically-proven/

And did I mention it TASTES AWESOME! I drank a Chocolate Vegan shake this morning with bananas and strawberries and I was literally licking the cup. (sorry if TMI!) If you haven't tried Shakeology and you are struggling to live a healthier lifestyle I highly recommend trying it. I have some amazing recipes I can share with you too!! 

Comment below if you want to know more about incorporating Shakeology into your diet!

What is Beauty??

I just talked to an old friend of mine and she was expressing the struggle she is having with body image. She is a beautiful, loving, and all around wonderful person but she feels bad about herself. That makes me so sad. Why do we focus so much on the outside? Does the mirror reflect who we truly are? 

From the time I was a little girl I thought I knew what "beauty" meant (at least according to society). Super Models, Movie Stars, Pop Stars...they were beautiful. The perfect proportions, matched with a killer smile, and great hair. I wanted to look like that! I didn't want to struggle with weight, have short legs and Fred Flintstone feet...but that's what I have. 

I know God didn't make us using cookie cutters. He obviously finds beauty in diversity. So why is it so hard for us to accept ourselves. To learn to treasure what makes us who we are and not envy others. 

Over the years this has been a struggle for me. Who am I kidding??... I still struggle with it every day. It's hard not to when we are bombarded with the "perfect woman" in the media and meet men who's standards are set so high because of airbrushed models. But I'm trying and I've come up with a couple things that have helped me and will hopefully help you too. 

One of the things that has helped me is finding beauty in those around me instead of comparing myself to them. Not thinking, "I'm thinner than her" or "I wish my legs were that long", but instead thinking, "She has pretty eyes." It takes the focus off myself and helps me see beauty in others. 

Another thing that helps me is to find the positive in the things I don't like about myself. For example; I have always struggled with my weight so I have had to pay attention to what I eat and make sure I exercise. Having that struggle has made me a healthier person. I probably wouldn't work out every day if I was just naturally thin and then I wouldn't have the healthy habits I have today.

Lastly but maybe the most important thing is to take care of myself. Giving my body the nutrition it craves and the exercise it needs. Taking time to develop myself on the inside too. Growing spiritually and mentally will help you have a better prospective on life. 

The worst thing to do is turn to a negative lifestyle. Who wants to be around someone that is constantly negative and miserable? Not only will people not want to spend time with them but any beauty that was there will be squashed.

Some of the most beautiful people I know aren't Super Model gorgeous. They are beautiful because they are uplifting, positive, and encouraging. 

Today, take a step toward real beauty. Find something about yourself that you don't like and make it positive. Then take a baby step toward becoming healthier. Maybe that will be drinking more water or parking farther away so you have to walk more.

YOU CAN DO THIS!  Find the beauty within yourself and appreciate what God has given you. Take care of yourself and you will feel better about yourself and the world around you.

Why did I start this blog? 

It's a good question. I don't really like the "grab a megaphone and tell everyone what I'm thinking" mentality. Don't get me wrong, I can be pretty loud (Ask anyone who has heard me laugh!). For me it's more of a fear thing. Always worrying about what others will think; will someone be offended?, will someone think I'm weird?, what if I sound dumb?, and a million more questions where those came from. I read and re-read everything I write in an email or on FB and then I have "Posting/Sending Remorse" immediately after I send or post. 

So why step out of my comfort zone and start a blog?  I want to help other people live a healthier more productive life. No one should have to struggle walking up the bleachers to watch their kids or grandkids play in the "big game" or be out of breath from walking around the block. 

Some people have very real physical obstacles but I believe that most of us struggle more with the mental obstacles. In future posts I will get into the obstacles that I struggle with but please know they are there. Working out and eating right have never been a cake walk for me. You can ask my teammates that I swam with in high school. I wasn't the fastest swimmer by a long shot but you could always hear me cheering. That is where my passion lies. Do I like to sweat and push myself? Yes I do but what I love more is encouraging others. I want to be alongside you cheering you on and telling you to "Bring It!" because I know you can!  

So that is why I started this blog. To encourage and support others as they overcome the obstacles to reach their health goals. If I can do it, anyone can do it!         

Here goes...I'm going to hit "publish"!