Get Moving Doing Something You Love

Hey friends!

I was thinking today about all the new goals, plans to be fit, gym advertisements and people who feel like they HAVE to get on a treadmill or try and figure out the machines at the gym in order to get in shape. People get frustrated because they don't know what to do, how to do it, and don't want to look foolish by asking.

Why do people get so hung up on what "the guy" says you should do? You don't have to take that magazine to the gym and do exactly what it says either. How about we find ways to be active that make us happy?

Exercise comes in hundreds of different packages. Why shouldn't we find the ones we like and ENJOY getting fit? Think about it, wouldn't you be more likely to stick with a workout plan if it was fun, made you feel good, and helped get you the results you want (more energy, building strength, etc)?  Here's a list of the things I do to stay active:

Lifting weights
Spinning / Indoor Cycling (I'd TOTALLY bike ride outdoors if A) it wasn't cold/icy and 2) I had a bike!)
TRX - Group Fitness Class
Yoga
Zumba
Volleyball
Running (or at least I did before my knees got stupid)
Walking my dogs
Dancing
Hiking

All these things make me happy. My workouts are what keep me sane - well, sort of. :) - and helps me release stress from 'real life'.  It's just become part of my daily life.

The other thing that keeps my fitness activities fun is working out with friends. Having a buddy or a group of friends to hold you accountable, keep the mood fun, and even add a little friendly competition, keeps workouts enjoyable - so you WANT to MAKE time to get those fit activities in your daily schedule.  Having a trainer or instructor that is expecting to see you at a particular time is also helpful. Especially when they text you if you're not there.

A work out doesn't have to feel like work to be good for you. I sometimes say to my trainer, "It should be called a FUN out!"  Let's face it boys and girls, if I hate what I'm doing, I won't continue doing it. I'll find excuses. I'll find the couch and a bag of M&Ms.

Don't get me wrong, I know that in order to see gains in strength and endurance, some of my exercises are going to be challenging. I'm going to have to do those exercises that are tough, push a little more weight, run faster... but I LOVE the work. I love the feeling of accomplishment when I finish a tough set or a Personal Best weight. I love that my body can feel strong.

I've discovered something else that I really love - helping OTHERS have fun and get fit. I've picked up a couple classes where I lead folks through tough workouts, but I try and bring in the element of fun, encouragement and diversity to help them look forward to their workout.   If you're every in my neighborhood, come to one of the classes that I lead at Compete! Mixed Bag (a combo class with elements of Kickboxing, Spin, TRX and more- M/W at 6pm), or On & Off the Bike (Spin & TRX - Tu at 7pm). See how a tough workout can be FUN!

(You can also catch me teaching Zumba at Elite every other Saturday at 9:15am.)

How do YOU get your "FUNout" in? Maybe we can get together to workout together sometime!  Post in the comments! Maybe your favorite will become mine! :)

Until next time,
<3 Jen

Ugh, Where's the Sun Again?

Howdy, friends.

Today is a cold day for the record books. Schools were closed because of it. I get up before dawn to head to the gym, I hit the cube farm and don't leave until the sun is setting. I'm home, it's dark and I'm tired, but it's not bed time yet.

How many of you fall into the winter blues or S.A.D. funk each year? I do. For SHO. Everything becomes a struggle, I get mopey, I want to eat all the time (the holidays do that to me, too!), and I find myself pining for spring and summer weather and falling into a lazy, grumpy depression.

While there are few things I can do about the cold (moving to a warmer climate is one, but that takes a whole lot more planning, coordination, job hunting, house selling, and craziness) there are things that I can do to make it through this funk-a-licious time of year.

Lifehacker (one of my favorite sites) posted a great list to help navigate the frigid season here and there are definitely some tips I like:


* Stay Active, Even in the Cold.  Even though it SUCKS to get out of the cozy bed in the dark at 4:45am 3 days a week, I make myself do it. It's great to see my gym pals up and at 'em, get a great workout in, and feel like, "Yup! That's done for today!"  Would I rather stay and snuggle the hubster and pups? Absolutely - short term. But if I skip the workouts I KNOW that I'll regret it later. Mopey, feeling like a slacker and grouchy - they wouldn't want to snuggle me!

There are tons of fun ways to stay active outside of the gym or studio where you workout. From activities like skiing and snowboarding (which isn't a huge pull here in Omaha), to hiking and snow-shoe hiking, to ice skating and trail running - weather permitting, there's all sorts of options! Having the right gear is also a must - layers, layers, layers and COTTON IS ROTTEN!

There are some super fun places I'd like to get out to: Bowling, roller skating, and there are these awesome places that are wall-to-wall trampolines! WHA?!  Great ways to be up and moving and spending time with your friends and family.

* Be Positive, Thankful. This is something that really does help me, I've just started doing this every morning, and we do a version of it at dinner time.  No matter how much I don't want to do <insert annoying or dumb or stupid thing here>, think of the reasons I'm thankful for it.

"I don't want to go to stupid work today! ARGH!"
There are so many that would give just about anything for the opportunity to work and support their family.

"GOSH! My car sucks! It doesn't get warm enough!"
There are families that manage without cars, or have to balance with one family car.

"I don't want to pack lunches. I'm tired of leftovers!"
So many go hungry every day. Why am I complaining about having too much?

I know this all seems very elementary, but think about the 'First World Problems' you complain about. They just bring you down, encourage complaining, and add to the winter funk-a-tude. Find something to get excited about. Be thankful - and sincere! Make gratitude your attitude.

* Protect Your Body & Hair.  Sounds strange, but in the winter, your body and hair go through some harsh days. Cold and dry air wreaks havoc on both. Start by covering up when outside. Limiting exposure is a great first step to protecting your skin and hair. I also make it a point to exfoliate regularly and moisturize. I continue to dry brush and it really seems like it makes a difference!  Plus it just feels amazing!  Don't forget about lip balm, WebMD suggests going with a little more 'heavy duty' lotions and creams in the winter months. Don't be afraid to try something new - and if you have something you love, let me know in the comments! I'd love to try some new things with your recommendations! And don't forget your lip and eye protection from wind as well!  There are tons of products out there, but I tend to keep things pretty simple. A vitamin E oil or lotion for my skin, moisturizer (Cetaphil) for my face, and argon oil for my hair.

Did you know that those steamy hot showers are bad news for your skin during the winter? Try a warm shower instead. It will make a difference in your skin's ability to hold moisture.

Oh, and guess what else? STAY HYDRATED! You thought that was just for the summer? NO WAY!

And here are some additional tips of my own, things that help me forget about the cold and lack of sunshine:

* Plan a great night IN. Enjoy things that are special in the winter. Warm socks, blankets, movies and popcorn, board or card games, reading by the fire place... there are so many truly great things about the seasons. Plan a night and enjoy your favorites.

*Make more time for family.  This is always important, but when you're feeling down and mopey, isn't it great to spend time with your family? Tell old stories (like the time the dog wouldn't even eat the meatloaf!) and laugh, enjoy a jointly prepared meal, and just spend time together - smiling and being thankful that you have each other! This is something I'm working hard to do - no matter how "busy" we all think we are, I need to do this.

* PROJECTS! Find some things that are on your project list - updating your pictures in the frames, crafting some new wall art (I'm super excited about a sunburst mirror I'm going to make), finally make that concert t-shirt quilt (I wish I could sew!), or try some new organizational methods with your closet, pantry, or storage room. These are the things that you put off because it's "too nice to be inside" - so now that you're stuck in, HOP TO IT! Feeling accomplished and having something you can SEE completed is a big boost!

I think with a combination of all of that - and the lengthening of the days that just started December 21st - my mood should be improving in no time!  I may even add a little happy hour catch up time with my girl friends to my list... sushi always makes me happy!

Until next time friends,
<3 Jen

2015? - Where'd THAT Come From?!

Hello Friends,

I can't believe that it's been over 6 months since I sat down to write to you all. I just can't believe it. Living my Whole Life is still as important to me as ever - I just have seriously neglected my writing. No more!

So, let's catch up....

Over the summer I enjoyed a wonderful trip to Chicago with my girls - and even though we were there for pleasure, we made time for our scheduled runs (here's a pic of me and the gals out for a run on the streets of CHI!)  and our 30 Burpee per day challenge! Who says you can't mix "business" with pleasure?!

I was also lucky enough to spend 2 weeks in Hawaii to celebrate the newest addition to our family - our first son-in-law and new grand daughter - and 15 years of marriage with the hubster! (How he's put up with me this long, I may never understand!) We played with the kiddos, explored, hiked, kayaked, paddle boarded, walked, and indulged. One of my 2014 goals was to be "Beach Confident" and not have to hide under tents and towels and enjoy the body that my fitness journey has given me. I'm proud to say that while I still know there is work to be done, I feel good, proud and confident in my body! No hiding under a mu-mu for me!

I also made time for the push up challenge - 30 Push Ups per day for 30 days. I made it my personal challenge to find the most AWESOME places to do my push ups, and boy did I!

I didn't enroll in classes for the fall knowing that I'd be out of town for at least 3 weeks of the semester - and I'm debating on this spring semester. I haven't given up on finishing, but timing (and financing) is always a challenge.

As far as my fitness life goes...

I continue to workout 5 or 6 days each week with my pals at Compete. I do a mix of classes (including Yoga when I can work it in!), personal training sessions and circuits. I teach Spin - and am a certified RPM (Les Mills Indoor Cycle) Instructor. I have also recently become a Level 2 TRX instructor, along with Ben and Josh at Compete.  I really love TRX because it challenges you every time you use it. It's easy customization and there are seemingly endless exercises to try!


In addition to RPM and TRX, I am also a Licensed Zumba instructor. I haven't taught a class of my own, but it's always good to expand your knowledge and thoughts about what fitness looks like. It's different for everyone - and anything that gets people moving and their hearts pumping is fitness to me!


Completed my 7th & 8th
Half Marathons this year - both were disappointing as far as finish times go, but when it comes down to it, I finished, right?! I  mean, 13.1 miles is 13.1 miles!  The first was in the pouring rain - sorry no pics! The second I was lucky enough to train with and run with some super great peeps! And though my knees gave me hell on race day in Des Moines, I finished, in a respectable time, and was still able to walk at the end.

Just two weeks later I was able to run my first ever Trail Run - 7k of crazy hills, mud and creek crossings, and a TON of fun!  I will absolutely do that again. Plus, running trails seems to be kinder to my knees (but the hills kicked my ass!!!). Check out this character we bumped into on the run... OH MY!

Let's see... what have I missed?

Well, lots. And for that I apologize. I'm recommitted to making this blog a resource to my family and friends. A place for encouragement, information, and insight. A reminder of how living our Whole Life doesn't have to be full of stress and negativity.

I'm excited to share my own experiences, with the help of my local experts, with all of you. And I look forward to having all of you along for the ride!

Happy New Year to each of you - I can't wait to see what 2015 has in store for us all!

Until next time,

<3 Jen