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5 Ways To Get Your Fitness On In The New Year
The holidays are nearing their end and you may be thinking that after a couple of months of over-indulgence, how are you going to fit back into your non-winter clothes? I think most of us can relate but here is something to remember, it is never too early to start working on that summer body.
I know many of us make New Year's resolutions and swear this is the year we are going to get committed and stay committed to a health and fitness routine. I think if there is ever a time to commit to your fitness, it is early winter because we tend to be less active this time of year, eat more, and gain more weight.
The days are shorter, the weather may be challenging depending on your location, and the food temptations are ridiculous. Not to mention game day Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays with all of the gatherings with snacks and drinks. But you can get fit and stay fit in the winter, despite what seems like the worst time of year to achieve your fitness goals.
The first thing to remember is nothing has changed. You are still you whether you have gained a few extra pounds or not. You can indulge but just do it in moderation. And most importantly, remember that a bad day, or even a bad week does not undo all of your progress, so no matter what, just get back at it.
Your fitness journey may need to start indoors, either at a gym or at home and that is okay too. This is not an advertisement for Peloton, but I use my Peloton tread, bike, or the Peloton app daily for my fitness needs. I say make whatever you have available work for you.
5 Ways To Get Your Fitness On Now and In The New Year
Walking and Hiking
I am fortunate enough to live close to many trails, so walking and hiking is always an option for me. On days when it gets dark early or it is too cold out, I choose to walk on my treadmill. Find your favorite place to walk or hike, bring a friend, or just pop in your earbuds and enjoy the scenery in solitude.
Treadmill
Running is exhilarating. My treadmill is my bestie and my happy place. Whether you choose to speed walk, jog, or take a run, the treadmill is a great place to work on your conditioning.
Cycling
If you are like me and have knee issues, cycling is a great way to build cardio fitness and leg strength without the traumatic impact that running can have on the body. Cycling is a great option for low-impact exercise to take either indoors or outdoors.
Strength Training
Strength training is very important as we age. Our bones need it. Our bodies need it. Strength training burns a lot of calories and builds muscle while strengthening bones and reducing the risk of osteoarthritis.
Pilates and Yoga
Doing pilates and yoga is a way to work on flexibility and strength while minimizing impact on the body. Pilates and yoga moves are easily performed indoors and are great companions to your endurance exercises.
I have given you some options to help get you started on your fitness recovery or journey but there are so many more that I did not mention. What is your favorite way to move your body and exercise? Please share!
New Resolutions... Will There Be A New You In 2022
Can you believe another year has come and gone already? It is the first day of January 2022 and as we look forward to the new year, we often ask ourselves what we want for ourselves and our loved ones in this new year. With the pandemic still looming, I think health and well-being are at the top of most of our lists, but besides those two what else do you want for 2022?
Honestly, I have not made a New Year's resolution in years. I find them pointless, and a pre-destined failure of sorts. Don't get me wrong, I am all about changing for the better and being the best me I can be. I don't know, maybe it is the rebel in me, but I refuse to make January 1st of any year my pivotal point.
My day of instant epiphany, self-discipline, and yes, self-righteousness. Why any particular day to change, to do better, to be better? Procrastination maybe? Just a few more cheat days, weeks, or months if you start on the first of the year?
Personally, I am always working on losing weight, getting healthier, giving more, learning more, and striving to be a better wife, mother, and friend. Would I have more success if I made a New Year's resolution? Not likely for me, but if it works for you go for it. I am currently in a highly motivated zone.
After I turned forty, I told myself that I would become the best version of myself yet. I am still a work in progress, but I have a few more years before my next big milestone. Hopefully, I will be a better version by my fiftieth birthday.
Here are the top resolutions people made for 2021. I am betting you will recognize yours.
Focus On Improvement Of Your Health
Prioritize Your Finances
Pursue A Dream Or Aspiration
Invest In Your Relationships
Take Care Of Your Mental Health
Live More Sustainably
Disconnect From Your Phone/Devices
Read More Books
Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone
Plan A Once In A Lifetime Trip
I think the 2021 list is a great place to start. The list encompasses all the things needed for having a happy and healthy life. The top resolutions on the list every year tend to be to lose weight and exercise more. After dealing with gyms being closed, being less social, and working from home for the last years, I think many could stand to move more.
What are your thoughts on making New Year's resolutions? Did you make a resolution? Do you always make resolutions? Statistics show 42% of people never make resolutions. Either way, I hope 2022 is your best year yet.
"Do not wait until the conditions are perfect to begin. Beginning makes the conditions perfect." - Alan Cohen
The Benefits of Meditation
If you had told five years ago that someday daily meditation would be part of my life, I would have said you don’t know me very well. Yet here I am now, practicing meditation daily and finding peace in my heart and mind that I never thought possible.
Meditation is a practice where an individual uses a technique such as mindfulness or focusing the mind on a particular object, thought, or activity - to train attention and awareness, and achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm and stable state. - Wikipedia
The thought of meditation may sound silly to some, I know that’s how it sounded to me not too many years ago. But if you are someone who is finding yourself consistently stressed, tired, unhappy with life, or unable to focus, give daily meditation a try for a week and see if you still find it silly after giving it try.
The Basics of Meditating
The practice of meditation is simple and calming and can be done just about anywhere. The basics of meditation are finding a place to be able to sit quietly, close your eyes, and focus on your breathing.
When I meditate I like to have the lights low. I sit on the floor in a quiet room, with a small blanket under my tailbone, and with my legs in the crossed position. I close my eyes and take deep slow breaths, as I clear my mind.
When I first started meditating, I would do it for about five minutes, which honestly felt like forever. Now I meditate for twenty minutes or more and the time flies. I stand up from meditation and crawl into bed, completely relaxed, at peace, and ready to sleep.
The Benefits of Meditation
Relieves Stress
Life can be very stressful. Whether you are a student, a parent, or a boss, the demands on us in our daily lives can feel overwhelming. Just ten minutes, or three minutes if that’s all you have, can help bring calm, center you, and help you refocus your thoughts and reduce your stress level.
Helps With Sleep
I am an insomniac. I have struggled with sleep for years, which is why I choose to meditate before bedtime. Meditation is very calming and brings down your blood pressure, slows your heart rate, and gets your body ready for a good night’s rest if sleep is your goal.
Relaxing
Meditation is about quieting your mind and getting rid of all the brain chatter that prevents you from being able to decompress and relax. When you center yourself, focus on your breathing, and shutout all those other thoughts, you will feel your body soften as you began to relax.
Helps You Focus
Meditation promotes thoughtfulness. If you have a project or an important event coming up, meditation will help you clear your mind and focus. As you close your eyes and quiet your mind, breathe slowly as you allow your mind to gently focus on the specific topic.
Brings You Peace
The practice of meditation can clear both your head and your heart. When you are able to clear your heart and mind, you are able to make space for love, gratitude, and peace.
I am by no means a meditation expert or Zen master, but I can speak to how meditation has changed my spirit, how it has changed my stress levels, and how it has changed my life for the better. I work on my Zen daily and focus on inner peace.
What are your thoughts on meditation? Do you practice meditation? If so, how does it benefit you? Please share your thoughts and experience with meditation!
What To Do Before Before Your Peloton Arrives
Once you make the big decision to purchase your Peloton, it can feel like an eternity waiting for it to arrive. The Peloton bike is more popular than ever before since the pandemic struck, keeping many of us at home and closing down gyms.
Searching for workout alternatives led many, including me, to the pricey yet perfect option of the Peloton bike. While you anxiously wait to meet your beautiful machine, there are many things to do in the meantime in preparation and to get your body moving.
Create Your Home Gym Space
One of the things that make the Peloton bike perfect for your home gym is the fact that it does not take up a lot of space. The Peloton bike is five feet long and two feet wide, so it is essentially perfect for tucking into a small space if that is all you have.
I suggest, if you have the room, that you bring in a mat for your bike and yoga mat for workouts. Also, consider adding space for free weights to the area, as well as storage for resistance bands, workout towels, and storage for your cycling shoes.
Download Peloton App
Once you purchase your bike, you are immediately given access to the Pelton app and all of the workouts. You will need to set up your account. You need to select your profile user name and password and start getting familiar with the app on your phone, tablet, or by utilizing your online account.
Your user name can be as unique as you want it to be, and once set up, you can search for any friends you have on Peloton as well. Follow friends or other Peloton members to get inspired or motivated.
Work Out With Peloton
Just because you don’t have your bike yet that doesn’t mean you can’t get your fitness on. Peloton offers just as many workouts off the bike as they do on the bike, and no matter your age, your interests, or fitness level, there is something for everyone.
Peleton offers breakout workouts for strength training, yoga, meditation, stretching, boot camps, and cardio. The cardio breaks out further into HIIT, outdoor running, outdoor walking, barre, and dancing. You also have the option of taking live classes or recorded classes so you can take your favorite classes over and over again.
Get Familiar With The Trainers
Every trainer brings a different vibe and personality to their class and you want to find the vibe that suits you best. So far I have found that all the Peloton trainers are great, but my standout favorites are Chelsea Jackson Roberts and Robin Arzon. Of course, I’m still new to Peloton so I’m sure as I take more classes I will find that other trainers bring out my best as well.
Are you excited about a future with a Peloton bike? I know the price is high so if that is a concern, you can go with the classic bike which is $1895, with monthly payments option of just $49. Or you can choose the Peloton Bike + which is priced at $2495, with a monthly payment option of $64 monthly. I highly recommend it, it will change your life. Use my Referral Code JXDMTG today to save $100 when you purchase your Peloton.
10 Best Ways To Destress and Clear Your Mind
For many people, life feels more stressful now than ever before. The feelings of uncertainty, instability, and vulnerability weigh heavy on many hearts and minds daily, so being able to manage your stress level, and clear your mind to focus and think is a much-needed tool to make it through tough times.
Life is stressful, and while a certain amount of stress is normal and healthy, too much stress can cause serious physical and mental issues.
Unfortunately, there is no magical cure to make all of your problems and worries go away, but there are things you can do to help you cope better.
10 Ways To Destress and Clear Your Mind
Play With A Pet
Animals are wonderful stress relievers. They are loving, and affectionate, and can really be your best friend. If you don’t have a pet, head to the animal shelters and consider giving a home to an animal in need. It’s a win-win decision.
Go For A Walk
Getting outside into the fresh air can do wonders for clearing your head and destressing. The sunshine and vitamin D will almost instantly improve your mood.
Focus On Or Find A Hobby
Hobbies are fun, relaxing, and a great way to spend your free time. Maybe your hobby is bird watching or crocheting, or fixing cars and cooking. Whatever you enjoy doing, dive on in and destress.
Exercise
While walking is technically a form of exercise, you make want to challenge yourself more mentally and physically by doing some cardio and weight training. Hit the gym, or workout at home with free weights, videos, or fitness apps.
Spend Time With Friends
Spend time with people who make things feel lighter and better. Great friends can truly be a lifesaver in times like these. Have your friends over for dinner, or meet up for a hike or drinks.
Take Time For Yourself
Do something just for yourself, whether that means going to the spa or to the gun range. The simple things in life have been missed lately. Going to get your nails done, going to the gym, or just window shopping feel like activities of the past. Normal is different, so allowing yourself the little treats you can is worth it and will help to reduce your stress.
Spend Some Time Alone
While many of us have been in quarantine during the pandemic, we still may not get any alone time. Time alone with our thoughts or time alone with our hobbies. Close the bedroom door or bathroom and give yourself an hour of alone time. You deserve it.
Declutter Your Life
Believe it or not, clutter can make you feel more stressed and unable to focus. Spend a Saturday decluttering your closet, your bedroom, or your kitchen, and you will reap the benefits. Not only are you getting rid of stuff you no longer use or need, but you can also help others in need by donating your stuff.
Volunteer
Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community, give yourself a purpose, and a way to find appreciation for your life. Whether you choose to volunteer at a hospital, at a retirement home, or at a homeless shelter you are likely to come away from your experience less stressed about your own life.
Get More Sleep
Sometimes managing stress is just a simple matter of getting more sleep. Turn off all of the electronics, put on a sleep mask if needed, and get a good night’s rest. When you wake up in the morning, the world and your life will still be the same, but you will have the energy and the focus to face anything that comes your way.
While we cannot control the world around us, we can do our best to manage and control our response in what often feels like chaotic times. Remember, you got this. You will get through this and things will get better.
Are you feeling the weight of the world on your shoulders? What do you do to destress and clear your mind? Please your share experience and advice!
“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.” - Albert Einstein
8 Signs You May Be Depressed
We all get the blues or feel sad sometimes, but there is a difference between feeling down from time to time and suffering from depression. Unlike the blues, which can last for hours or a couple of days, depression can be far longer lasting and dangerous if ignored.
In order to be clinically diagnosed with depression, the symptoms need to last for at least two weeks.
In a time where far too many people are shameless, and a variety of topics once considered taboo are now openly discussed, mental health issues are still often treated as a dark secret. There is no shame in suffering from a mental disorder, and know that it is not indicative of being weak.
If you think that you or a loved one may be suffering from depression, here are the signs to look for.
8 Signs Of Depression
Feeling Sad or Down
When sadness becomes your norm you may be suffering from depression. Feelings of hopelessness can take you to dark places, and without help or treatment it may be difficult to find your way back.
Low Energy
When struggling with depression you may start to lack the energy to do basic things such as shower, comb your hair, or to get dressed. Everything feels exhausting.
Trouble Sleeping
Although you may you struggle with a lack of energy or feelings of fatigue, you may still have trouble sleeping. You may having trouble falling asleep and staying asleep.
Change In Eating Habits
If you suffer from depression you may find yourself eating all the time, or you may stop eating altogether. When depressed you may use food as a coping tool, or may have a loss of appetite.
Thoughts of Suicide
When suffering from depression you may have feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, and self loathing.
Risky Behavior
In an attempt to feel something, anything, you may engage in risky behavior such excessive drinking, drug use, picking up strangers, and even starting fights.
Irritability
When suffering from depression, you find yourself easily agitated, easy to anger, and also easy to tears. You may also find yourself easily frustrated, and anxious.
Difficulty Making Decisions
If you are suffering from depression you may find it difficult to make decisions, no matter how simple they may seem. You can’t decide what to eat, what to wear, or even if you should get out of bed. Everything feels harder, and just the thought of performing basic activities seem exhausting.
If you think that you may be depressed please consider getting treatment. For more information on depression and ways to treat depression please go to Helpguide.org.
“Mental pain is less dramatic than physical pain, but it is more common and also more hard to bear. The frequent attempt to conceal mental pain increase the burden. It is easier to say, "My tooth is aching" than to say "My heart is broken".” - Unknown
Managing Migraine Headaches...The Best Home Remedies
If you are a frequent migraine sufferer you know how miserable they can make you feel. Migraines are a beast to contend with, and sometimes when you feel one coming on all you can do is lay down, and bear it until it's over.
Migraines are a recurring type of headache. They cause moderate to severe pain that is throbbing or pulsing. The pain is often on one side of your head. You may also have other symptoms, such as nausea and weakness. You may be sensitive to light and sound. - Medline Plus
I suffer from migraines, and what I have learned over the years is that the best way to treat a migraine is through prevention. Learn what triggers migraines for you, and avoid those things, if you can.
For me, I know eating gluten, high stress, and poor sleep are my biggest migraine triggers. So I try my best to on the migraine offense.
While I do my best to prevent migraines, I still get them on occasion. Unfortunately, ever migraine is a little different, so there is no one way to get rid of or minimize the symptoms. There are however, some home remedies that I use, and that may work for you as well.
Home Remedies For Managing Migraines Headaches
Dark Room - A dark room if often the first tool used to combat migraines, because usually during a migraine people become sensitive to light and sound.
Ice Packs - You can use an ice pack on your head during a migraine just like you would for any other part of your body in pain. The ice pack works to numb the area, and may ease the pain.
Caffeine - Caffeine is an analgesic and may offer pain relief. This is where knowing your body comes into play, because although caffeine may help for some people, it will exaggerate the migraine for others. For me, caffeine makes my migraines 10 times worse.
Meditation - Meditation is a technique used to focus your mind and clear your emotional state. Meditation will calm the body and relieve stress. As your stress level decreases, your migraine may dissipate.
Pressure Points - Applying pressure to pressure points will do wonders to ease a migraine. For migraine relief, take index fingers and apply pressure to the indentations on either side of the are where the bridge of the nose meets the ridge of the eyebrows for at least 10 seconds.
Chamomile Tea - Teas work wonders for all kinds of ailments. Chamomile tea in particular aids migraines by working as a mild sedative, and will help you relax and ease pain.
Essential Oils - My three favorite essential oils to use for a migraine are lavender, eucalyptus, and peppermint oil. I use them in a diffuser and inhale them. The oils work to relieve stress, decrease nasal inflammation, and reduce sinus pressure.
Many chronic migraine sufferers may take prescription medication, but if you are looking for a natural remedy, many of these may work. What works all depends on the trigger for your migraine. If lack of sleep is the trigger for your migraine, then resting in a dark room may be the cure.
If you have a migraine, what tricks do you use to recover, besides use of prescription or over the counter medications? Do you take the holistic approach when possible, or find them to be of no use? Please share your experience!
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, registered dietitian, or fitness expert. The purpose of my blog is to share my experiences with food, fitness, and life—not to dole out medical advice. When it comes to your health and fitness, do your research and consult your doctor.
Open Stride Machine...Get Your Best Calorie Burn!
My latest gym obsession is the Open Stride machine! I cannot tell you how much I love this machine! I did an hour on it tonight and burned almost 900 hundred calories, 882 calories to be exact!
Yes I know not everyone has an hour to spend at the gym on one machine, and I usually do not either. But on this particular evening, I had about an hour to kill while my daughter was at dance class, and I had some stress to burn off.
I have always loved working out, but with back and knee injuries I have struggled to find my fitness groove. Up until recently, walking trails, and the elliptical machine have been my best friend.
Walks are nice because they are relaxing and get you out in the fresh air. Walk the right trails and you will find yourself with nicely toned legs and bottoms. While I enjoy walking, I am more of a fast paced, high intensity workout kind of girl.
I got on the machine, and after an awkward beginning because it takes a little coordination to get it moving, I was pleasantly surprised. There were so many movement options, including one that feels very similar to running, which I never do anymore because of my knees.
For the purpose of this blog, I am specifically discussing the Precor Adaptive Motion Trainer (AMT), because Precor is the brand of machines at my gym.
Precor Adaptive Motion Trainer Description
A Total Body Workout In One Piece of Equipment
Users can go from short stride to long stride, walking to running, climbing to lunging, allowing them to target different muscle groups. Pushing and pulling the moving handlebars will engage the upper body, resulting in a total body workout. - Precor.com
Burn More With More Enjoyment
The Precor AMT delivers a higher level of caloric burn while giving users a lower perceived level of exertion. So they can go longer and harder—and get better results. - Precor.com
Creates An Elliptical, Bike, and Treadmill Workout All In One
Open Stride lets you not only change the length of your stride but also the height, providing an infinite variety of motion paths. Go vertical and it’s a stepper. Increase resistance and it’s a climber. Then go more horizontal and walk, jog or sprint with a stride length that goes up to 36 inches (91 cm). - Precor.com
Needless to say, I am in love. I have found the machine that challenges me, burns lots of calories, and allows for variation so I don't get bored. Have you ever tried the Open Stride machine? What are your thoughts on it? Please share your experience!
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, registered dietitian, or fitness expert. The purpose of my blog is to share my experiences with food, fitness, and life—not to dole out advice. When it comes to your health and fitness, do your research and consult your doctor.
5 Benefits Of Dead Sea Mud Masks...My New Favorite Beauty Product!
I am not really one for trying new things. Once I find a product I like, I tend to be brand loyal and stick with what I know. Historically, I usually only change things up when a product is discontinued, hard to come by, or they change the formula, to my dismay.
I have been working on being more open to trying new things, and I was in the market for a new exfoliator and face mask. I started my research a few weeks ago to find just the right face mask for my skin type. I Googled of course, and then starting searching on Amazon. After I narrowed my choice down to three face mask brands, I settled on New York Biology Dead Sea Mud Face Mask, which had great reviews.
I have been very fortunate most of my life when it comes to my skin. I never had acne as a teenager, but my skin does to run a bit more on the oily side, which helps when it comes to skin aging. I am in my forties, and while my skin is wrinkle free, I have started to notice larger pores and some loss of elasticity. Although I have no desire to go back to my twenties, and I am very proud of my age, I still want to look good.
There are many benefits to using dead sea mud and I plan to reap all of the them.
5 Benefits Of Dead Sea Mud Mask
- Brightens Skin
- Reduces Pores
- Removed Toxins From Skin
- Improved Skin Elasticity
- Treats And Prevents Acne
Once my Dead Sea Mud Mask arrived I was very eager to try it. I read the ingredients and was pleasantly surprised that I recognized all of the ingredients including Sunflower Oil, Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil, and Aloe Vera. The mask is charcoal colored, creamy and smooth in texture, and has a very light scent.
I followed the directions to apply a thin layer of mud to my clean face avoiding mouth and eye areas. After 10 minutes I used warm water to gently remove the mask, by using circular motions. I dried my face and moisturized with my favorite night cream, Resilience Lift Night by Estee Lauder.
It has been four weeks since I started using New York Biology Dead Sea Mud Mask, and I have noticed positive changes in my skin. After using the mask twice a week, my skin is brighter, softer, and my pores appear to be smaller. I highly recommend adding this mask to your beauty regimen. I am excited to see how my skin looks in another four weeks!
What are you using as part of beauty regimen? Do you have a favorite mask or exfoliator? Please share!
Ways To Get Your Fitness On In The Fall...No Waiting For The New Year!
Summer is winding down, and autumn is nearing. It's time to start packing away your shorts, tank tops, and swim suits, and begin pulling out your sweaters and cooler weather clothing. It is also time to start packing on some pounds, if we are not careful, as we get to hide them under layers of clothes, after indulging in Halloween candy, and yummy turkey dinners.
I know many of us make New Year's resolutions, or focus on getting that perfect summer body, but I think if there is ever a time to commit to your fitness, it is fall. We tend to be less active this time of year, eat more, and gain more weight.
The days are shorter, the weather may be challenging depending on your location, and the food temptations are ridiculous. Not to mention game day Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays with all of the gatherings with snacks and drinks. But you can get fit and stay fit in the fall, despite what seems like the worst time of year to achieve your fitness goals.
The first thing to remember is nothing has changed. Nothing will taste as good as you will look or feel as being at your best weight or in your "skinny" pants. The second thing to remember is that you can indulge, but in moderation. No second servings, and stop at one piece of candy, or maybe two depending on what kind it is. DO NOT raid your kids trick or treat stash. But most importantly remember that a bad day, or even a bad week does not undo all of your progress. Get back at it.
The next part is to keep moving. If you are like me, then you like going for long walks everyday. But going for a 1-2 hour long walk in the dark after work is not safe, no matter where you live. So you will need to make those lunch breaks at work really count and take the stairs whenever you can. Also hit the gym, or workout at home with a dvd and free weights. When there is a will there is a way.
I plan to continue to work on my fitness and get stronger and healthier. I know I will have my bad days and I am okay with that, but I also know how to get myself back on track. What's your fitness plan for the fall? Or are you waiting for 2018?