Wow - It's been a while since I had time to sit and get back to my blog. I miss it! It's not because I've stopped learning about ways to be the best, healthiest version of me or because I've stopped trying new recipes - I'm still cooking and baking up a storm. What is different? I've completed my first year back to school and am now enjoying the summer break.
It's definitely a balancing act - but one that I'm committed to! I mean, education is part of bettering myself in the long run, finding what I love to do and doing it. Who knows where this crazy journey will take me, but I want to be prepared so that I can move forward, prepared to succeed and get out there and KICK SOME ASS!
I've also got some fun things coming up - a girls trip to Chicago for a Cubs game, hanging at the pool with my kiddo (as long as he'll still be seen with me), enjoying farmers markets, fun runs (like Run or DYE, The Color Run, Glow Run) and time with family and friends.
Oh, and I still get to Compete Personal Fitness 6 days a week to get my workout in. I'm even teaching Spin classes twice a week (working on being an officially certified RPM Spin instructor). Most recently, I've started a challenge with a group of folks - Run 1 Mile every day from Memorial Day to 4th of July. 2 days in, and I'm 2 for 2! This challenge isn't for mileage or time... what it really does is remind us that we have to commit to fitness activities, that they can be fun (with friends, in awesome locations, with your puppas), and that we need to MAKE time, not sit around and wait for time to just become available. It requires a little planning, some accountability, and let's face it, we're all going to look fabulous!
So, that's what's up with me... what are you all doing now that the warmer weather is finally here?
Last time we talked about balance and the Five Pillars of Your Whole Life. This past weekend might have been a challenge for some of us. BBQs, parties, more food and adult beverage than we should have had... but that's what balance is about. If you indulged a little this weekend, that doesn't mean you have to give up on your healthy eating. It means you are living your life and enjoying yourself. But balance - moderation - is key! So, making healthier choices this week is important. Drink some more water, work in some veggies, and get back to your fitness regimen.
I've been working on balance in my workout regimen, too. Literally.
I still try and get at least an hour of work in 6 days a week. And I love to lift (heavy) and spin. What I realized is that I'm not getting a good balance of stretching and recovery in my week. I needed to add yoga, or Pilates or something similar to stretch and elongate muscles, work balance, and to help recovery. But most importantly, I need to find time to be quiet and still, focus on my breath, and SLOW DOWN.
I'm lucky to workout at Compete where we have access to Suzan, our Yoga instructor, twice per week and two Saturdays per month. I've been to 2 classes and really enjoy it. My knees don't always cooperate and bend the way a pose should be, but I've realized I have solid balance and good core strength, and I'm excited to get even better. The time to reflect and be still is also a great benefit, and something that I want to continue to incorporate into my healthy life.
If you haven't tried yoga - believe me, I understand the hesitation. I'm not a "yogi" - not that there is anything wrong with that. It's just not my personality.
I appreciate the discipline, the strength and the flexibility of yoga, the quite reflection and meditation. But that's about where I end my "yogi-ness". You don't have to be neck deep in the culture of yoga to enjoy classes, feel great after working through some challenging poses, and sitting still at the end of class to reflect on all you've accomplished. It just feels great.
Whether you use videos, go to fancy yoga studios, take Yoga in the Park, or come and join me at Compete, I think adding yoga to your workout schedule is a great way to find balance in the Exercise Pillar of our Whole Life. Don't you?
Let me know what you love about yoga, how it's helped you find balance, and where you take classes! I'd love to know and maybe we can catch a class together!
Let me know what you love about yoga, how it's helped you find balance, and where you take classes! I'd love to know and maybe we can catch a class together!
Until next time,
<3 Jen
