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Mix-It-Up Monday
The leaves will soon change color, and it’s also the perfect time of year to make some changes to your fitness routine.
They say variety is the spice of life. That’s definitely true when it comes to making fitness a part of your daily routine. The trick is making sure your program doesn’t become too routine.
So on this Monday I offer another simple motivational tip to not only help you get moving, but make sure you stay in motion: be sure to mix things up! The beginning of a new season is the perfect time to look for some new activities to freshen up your workout routine.
Many health clubs change their group exercise schedule in the fall. If you’re a gym rat like me, be sure to check the latest schedule and see if there’s a new class that sparks your interest. Maybe you’ve always wanted to give Zumba a try or take out your stress on a heavy bag during a non-contact boxing class. Of course, just make sure the classes are convenient for your schedule. That way you’ll be sure to add it to your calendar for a set time each week. Before you know it, getting to that class will be as routine as brushing your teeth. If you’re more of a workout-on-your-own type, this could be the time to treat yourself to a personal training session or two and get some new exercise programs from a pro.
If you don’t like being confined by four walls and you’re wondering what to do now that your days walking along the beach are coming to an end, don’t sweat it! Mother Nature makes this a wonderful season to be outside for some great workouts. I’ve been writing about the Saturday morning CrossFit UWS class in Central Park that has added a serious punch to my exercise routine. Wherever you live, chances are there are outdoor “boot-camp”-style classes or maybe a soccer, kickball or dodgeball club that you can join. Check your local paper or just do an online search. These options offer the added benefit of being social. Join with a friend or two and turn the workout into an opportunity for a weekly or bi-weekly catch-up afterward. If you sign up solo, it’ll be hard not to make a few new friends while you’re getting your heart rate up and moving your muscles.
If you sign up for a club or make a commitment to get to a new class, why not reward yourself with a new piece of fall fitness gear. Even something as simple as having a new hoodie or pair of kicks to “show off” can motivate you to get out and get moving!
Whatever your fitness level, mixing things up is one of the best ways to kick boredom to the curb and stay on track with your goals to have fun, be fit and feel fabulous!
It’s-All-About-Me Monday
Self-Doubt? Knock It Out! Photo by Leslie Hassler
Welcome to another Monday and a new shot of motivation to kick off the work week!
Today, I want to address one of the worst things we can do to ourselves when we make the decision to pursue a healthy lifestyle and start exercising. Do NOT waste your energy comparing yourself to others!
Whether you’re out for a power walk, sweating it out on the elliptical, lifting weights or taking a group exercise class, you should be working out at a pace that feels good for you. The reality is there will always be someone who can walk or run faster, lift more or be more graceful at Zumba than you. Who cares?
I’m still working on getting over my own insecurities. While my love affair with fitness dates back to my childhood, I got certified in the fitness industry “late” in life. Many of my new fitness friends have been personal training or teaching group exercise classes since the days I started my journalism career. That’s about 15 years ago. Others got certified at the same time I did, but they’re 10 years younger. They recover from some of the tougher workouts more quickly than I do at the age of 38. Comparing myself to any of these peers is pointless. Instead of feeling inadequate about my capabilities, I’ve decided it’s much more productive to turn to these fitness friends for motivation and information on everything from human movement science to exercise program design.
So, stop comparing yourself to that “ripped” girl or guy on the machine next to you. Focus on yourself. Do what you can, as best as you can and remember, you’ve made exercise a part of your life to make your heart healthier, your body happier and your mind a little saner.
Sometimes, we all need a reminder on why it’s important to be our biggest cheerleader when it comes to following through on the plan to have fun, be fit and feel fabulous!
Mindful Monday
Now’s the perfect time to take stock of what makes you smile!
Photo by Leslie Hassler
I can’t believe we’re one week away from Labor Day. I’m part of the group that considers the holiday the unofficial end of summer.
When I was a kid, that meant dealing with a mix of dread and excitement in anticipation of a new school year. Now that I’m a grown up, (not that I always feel like one) even though I don’t have kids, I find this back-to-school time one of the best times to take stock of where I’m at and figure out where I’d like to go from here.
What does that mean exactly? It’s time for me to get out the big planner and set up a new schedule and some new deadlines for some new adventures. That involves taking all of the following into consideration:
- Reality: The hours involved with my Monday through Friday work schedule.
- Current deadlines: That includes the writing I do for the posts here each Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
- Necessities: Working out on my own and the group exercise classes that my body and spirit can’t live without.
- New projects: I’ve been collecting information for a new writing project for quite some time and I need to get my butt in gear and start putting things together. I also want to lure some guest bloggers to appear on my site and hopefully get some of my writing on other sites in return. There’s a lot of social networking ahead of me!
- Down time: Yes, I plan to designate which days and/or nights I’ll be social and which ones where I’ll be alone to work on all the other “stuff” or simply chill out.
What’s my motivation for getting my fall plan on paper in the week ahead? Because when you have a to-do list in your head, it can be overwhelming. You stress about all there is to do, and with no plan, the stress festers and nothing gets done.
If you’re busy helping the kids get ready for the new school year, why not use this time to also get your own September schedule in order. Maybe this is the autumn you put it on your schedule to get to that gym class or meet a friend for a walk one or two days a week after you get the kids out the door. If the afternoons are better, then schedule an hour to get some exercise before you have to pick the kids up from practice or other after-school activity. While they’re busy with their extra-cirriculars, maybe that’s your hour to spend on a project you’ve had on the back burner for too long. Have you wanted to start your own blog or write a book? Or maybe now’s the time to find out what the Zumba craze is all about or take that photography class.
Making time for you doesn’t mean you’re being selfish. Prioritizing what you need to find your contentment will only make it easier for you and the people you care about to have fun, be fit and feel fabulous!
Recharged & Ready for Reality!
Soaking Up the Sea & Sun in Montauk, NY
I don’t think I realized how badly I needed a vacation until it actually started.
Yes, I’m a pretty upbeat and positive human being, but we all have our moments. Between stress at work and in my personal life, I had more than my usual share of those moments over the past several months.
As I start this new work week fueled with more energy than I’ve had in what feels like forever, I believe a lot of that stress got lost at sea in Montauk.
I made a very important decision before escaping the concrete jungle I love to call my home. I left everything behind. My production job, this blog and even the new project I hope to make a serious dent in this fall. (Stay tuned.) Being a creature of habit, I did check my office email a couple of times while I was on the beach. In response to my responses, my boss kindly told me to get back to vacation. So I did. (Thanks, Larry!)
So what did I focus on while I was away? Taking care of myself. That included:
- Working out
- Trying a new Zumba class at the fitness center
- Taking long walks on the beach
- Catching up on back issues of People
- Indulging in a 90-minute massage
- Cutting back on the social media scene
Finally and perhaps most importantly, I also made a point of writing in my journal everyday. Like exercise, writing has always been a cathartic experience. I may be too afraid to say things out loud, but sharing those thoughts on the blank pages of my journal helps me see things more clearly, especially with a little help from an exercise-induced endorphin rush and some sea air.
It was during one of those moments that I wrote my first poem in at least 15 years. I realize I’ve never shared a poem here on my blog, so I hope you’ll indulge me in this shift from the ordinary. Before you dive in, let me say I realize taking week off from work or life may not be possible in your life right now, but make sure you find some time to focus on taking care of yourself amidst the madness we call life. Sometimes an extended workout or escape to the backyard to catch up on some reading is what the body and soul need to recharge so you can have fun, be fit and feel fabulous!
“Wash Over Anew”
Staring out into the black night,
White foam stretches across the sand, only moments after the crash of a wave.
Another crash, another ripple of white foam,
All the while, the bright stars hidden in the city somehow shine down upon me from this night sky.
Each crash, each ripple of white foam, each sparkling star – a reminder –
Good times, bad times
They come and go,
Enter and retreat from this life,
Yet the rhythm of the ocean stays constant , just like the penetrating stare of the stars,
As does the fire burning within us –
The fire we cannot allow to die.
Use your inner strength to keep it aglow –
And just like the sea, the power to retreat and the power to wash over anew,
Lies within.
Fast Fitness Friday
Make the Most of August!
I don’t know about you, but I have no idea where the summer is going. I feel like we went from Memorial Day weekend to the beginning of August in the blink of an eye.
That being said, there’s still plenty of the season left to enjoy. If this was the summer you were going to get your butt and your fitness routine in gear, there’s no time like this weekend to get things going!
As our brains start shutting down from the work week and move into weekend mode, I’ll keep this post short and sweet, but hopefully offer just enough motivation to turn the next couple of days into productive ones when it comes to working on your health and fitness goals.
1) Start your weekend with a workout: While I’ve never been a 6-am workout girl, I do like getting to the gym when it first opens at 8am on Saturday mornings. It feels great to kick-start the heart and break a sweat while clearing the mind of the leftover mental clutter from the work week. Afterward, the endorphin rush provides the energy I need to get all those pesky errands done. Then I can transfer the energy to enjoying whatever fun is planned later in the day or in the evening. (The added bonus: not feeling totally guilty if those plans include some cocktails or sweet treats!)
2) Try something new: Have you heard rave reviews about the new Saturday morning Zumba class at your gym? If you belong to a gym, check the schedule for a group class you’ve been meaning to take, but have found a million excuses not to get there. No gym membership? No problem! Make this the weekend you explore that new hiking trail or ride your bike to the beach and then take a long walk on the sand.
3) Make it social: Getting fit with a friend is a great way to incorporate some fun into your schedule! Meet a pal for a walk, group exercise class or to spot each other for a solid weight training session. Afterward, you can catch up over coffee and egg whites!
So, make the most of your escape from the daily grind and enjoy a weekend filled with chances to have fun, be fit and feel fabulous!
Time for New Kicks!
As we kick off another work week, I realize we’re more than half-way through July. Which means I am almost a month overdue on updating one of my most important fitness tools: my sneakers!
Like many women, I love shoes. I love them even more when I find a great pair at one of the discount shoe paradises that have popped up all over the country. There is one type of shoe, however, that I will gladly pay full price for if I have to, and that would be my sneakers. Why? Because wearing the proper footwear while you workout is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself from exercise-related injuries.
Here’s a little trivia that may come in handy if you’re ever on Jeopardy! and land a “Daily Double” in “The Foot” category: there are 26 bones, 33 joints, 107 ligaments and 19 muscles and tendons in each foot. That means there are 370 places vulnerable to injury in your feet alone. Now consider that improper foot support can lead to compensations made by your knees and hips, and you are putting your body at risk for a world of hurt.
So, what’s the best footwear? It depends on your foot type. If you have a high arch, you need sneakers with good shock absorption. If your feet are flat and/or “roll” inward or outward, you need a sneaker with stability. An “average” foot needs a shoe with both cushioning and stability.
I don’t know your foot type, but I can tell you what works for me. Since my fitness routine includes elliptical training, rowing, and strength training classes, Tabatas and Zumba, cross trainers keep me well-grounded and stable. I started wearing New Balance cross trainers five years ago. I currently have the 1011s, but it turns out, they’ve already moved on to the 1012s. I get a new pair every six months, and if I put it off for too long, I actually notice pain and discomfort in my knees while I’m on the elliptical or while doing squats and lunges.
As you repeat readers may remember, I’m not a runner. However, my fitness friends who do pound the pavement only lace up in running sneakers. When I played tennis back in high school (which seems like ages ago!), I had sneakers specifically for tennis practice and matches. Many basketball players like high tops for the extra ankle stability. If there’s one sport you play often, it’s a good idea to get a pair of sneakers specifically for that activity, and also have a more “universal” pair, like cross trainers, for days when you mix up your routine.
I look at it this way: I have far too many purses in my closet and most guys have more gadgets than they’ll probably ever need. So why wouldn’t you spend the money to have at least one good pair of sneakers to protect you from getting hurt while you’re working so hard to stay healthy?
In the end, wearing the proper footwear is one of the easiest ways to have fun, be fit and feel fabulous!
LauraLovesFitness Turns One!
Yes, I ate the cupcake! (As part of my “Everything-in-Moderation” lifestyle)
Wow! I have NO idea where the year went, but here we are 365 days after my very first post at LauraLovesFitness.com. It’s been a wonderful ride so far and I’m excited to see where the blogging adventure leads to in the days ahead.
Since July 11th, 2011, I’ve published 149 posts on topics ranging from key concepts in core training to the power of positive thinking and the importance of taking care of our mental health while focusing on our physical fitness. There have been express workout routines, music lists, interviews with icons in fitness and show biz, lo-cal cocktail recipes and reassurances for why it’s okay to take a day off from the gym AND indulge in a cupcake once in awhile.
Whether I was sharing my reasons for loving everything from small group training to Tabatas or offering a personal account of why you shouldn’t ignore warning signs like pain and severe fatigue, I wrote each and every post with the same purpose: to motivate people to take better care of themselves. Not everyone likes to exercise. Not everyone wants to choose celery sticks over cheesecake. Yet, if I’ve inspired just one person to go out and find some sort of physical activity that makes him or her feel good or pack frozen grapes instead of chocolate covered ones for that trip to the beach, that’s all I need to truly celebrate my blog’s first birthday!
Here are a few links to some of my personal favorites from the past year. (If you have others that you particularly enjoyed, please let me know!)
- An interview with fitness guru Chris Freytag about the importance of sleep
- Why I love the foam roller
- Why I can’t believe it took me until this year to discover Zumba!
- Motivation for your Workout Wednesday – or any day of the week
- My instant connection with a sledgehammer
Of course, I can’t let this special occasion go by without saying thank you for the support from my family, friends and all my readers. Whether you signed up for a subscription on day one or stop by occasionally to leave a “like,” post a comment or question, I appreciate anyone who takes some time out of a busy day to check in. Moving forward, I’d love to know which topics you’d like to read more about as well as the ones you’d prefer to see less frequently.
I’m also using this as an opportunity to invite fellow bloggers to appear as guests on this site. (If you’re interested, here’s a link to my contact information.) Sharing knowledge in different areas of expertise in the world of fitness, nutrition and overall health and well-being can only help more people on their journey to have fun, be fit and feel fabulous!
Oh What a Night!
Ready to get “Movin’ for a Cure”!
I really only need two words to sum up my Friday night: Zumbathon® rocked!
The energy that filled the Roseland Ballroom was palpable the moment Ebonny and I walked through the doors and were greeted by fellow Zumba lovers wearing sparklers in their hair. (Of course, I had to buy a sparkler!) By the way, Ebonny is the fabulous fitness friend who introduced me to this amazing phenomenon last year. I was so glad we could participate in this event together! An added bonus was catching up with another Zumba pal, Michelle, whom I hadn’t seen since my Basic Instructor licensing workshop. After snapping some photos and downing some water, it was time to get moving with Zumba® Fitness and Team Fox in the fight against Parkinson’s Disease!
As soon as Michael Jackson’s “Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)” started blaring from the speakers, I knew I was in for a booty-shaking good time! With our heart rates elevated and muscles warmed up, Zumba superstars Tanya Beardsley and Gina Grant took the stage and led us through the energizing Zumba mash-up of Merengue, Salsa, Cumbia and Reggaeton. (I was lucky enough to have Tanya as my instructor for the licensing workshop back in January!) As the two hours flew by to the feel-g00d sounds of songs like “Caliente” by Daddy Yankee, I sweat more than I have from any workout in recent memory – and I never stopped smiling.
WIth Zumbalicious friends Ebonny & Michelle
Just like the classes I’ve taken, this event featured Zumba lovers of all ages, shapes, sizes and fitness levels. While I certainly couldn’t nail all the moves Tanya and Gina busted out with ease, and despite my turning in the wrong direction at least a half-dozen times, I never felt self-conscious. Why? Because Zumba isn’t about mastering each and every step. It’s about enjoying the moment and letting the music move you. Fueled by a constant flow of positive energy, you get all the benefits of exercise and an extra dose of fun.
One of the Zumba mantras Tanya had us repeat over and over again during our training workshop was this: “Leave your ego at the door.” If you’re someone who shys away from going to the gym because you’re self-conscious and you dislike the idea of “traditional” exercise programs, give Zumba a try.
Of course, the added bonus of this particular feel-good event was knowing the proceeds would help the Michael J. Fox Foundation’s aggressive search for a cure for a disease that affects more than one million people in the United States. Beth Hochstein, the force behind this Zumbathon, is one of them.
At the age of 36, the podiatrist and foot surgeon was diagnosed with young-onset PD. She retired from her career and after finding Zumba helped her reduce her symptoms, she became a licensed instructor. As a Team Fox member, she’s raised more than $60,000 for the Michael J. Fox Foundation – and that was before Friday night’s Zumbathon! It was exhilarating to be a part of something to help in the ongoing fight against the progressive and chronic disease of the nervous system.
Superstars Tanya Beardsley & Gina Grant were amazing!
The final takeaway from this night was it made me realize I really want to start teaching! With some more practice and dedication, I hope that some time in the not-so-distant future I’ll have another way to help others on their journey to have fun, be fit and feel fabulous!
Friday Night Fun!
I’ve been looking forward to this particular Friday since April. That’s when I bought my ticket for tonight’s Zumbathon® at Roseland Ballroom here in New York City!
More than one thousand people are expected to get their Zumba on during what’s sure to be an amazing event. It marks the first time Zumba® Fitness and Team Fox have joined forces to raise money for the Michael J. Fox Foundation and its fight against Parkinson’s Disease. PD is a progressive and chronic disease of the nervous system marked by tremor and muscular rigidity.
Here are some of the latest statistics for Parkinson’s Disease in the United States from the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation:
- Nearly one million Americans live with Parkinson’s disease.
- Between 50,000 and 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease each year.
- An estimated seven to 10 million people worldwide are living with Parkinson’s disease.
Needless to say, I’m excited to get moving to the sounds of Merengue, Salsa, Cumbia and Reggaeton for a good cause. I’m also pumped because the event is being presented by Zumba superstars Gina Grant and Tanya Beardsley. I was lucky to have Tanya as my instructor for my basic instructor licensing workshop back in January. I simply can’t wait to experience the positive and booty-shaking energy she and Gina will surely create in a crowded ballroom. Last but certainly not least, I can’t wait to enjoy a heart-pounding good time with some Zumba friends and I also look forward to meeting new ones!
You know what I’ll be writing about for Monday! Til then, I wish you all a wonderful weekend and whether your plans include Zumba or a long walk on the beach, here’s to plenty of opportunities to have fun, be fit and feel fabulous!
Using Fitness to Make a Difference
If you’re looking for ways to add some variety to your fitness routine, why not turn your passion for being healthy into a vehicle for helping others?
As many of us look for ways to take our workouts outdoors, this is the perfect time of year to sign up for a walk, run or other athletic event in a town near you that raises money and awareness for everything from cancer to childhood disabilities. Just this past Saturday, my friend Rob laced up for a 5K run in Central Park to benefit the YAI Network, an organization that’s been helping people with developmental disabilities and their families since 1957.
Of course, there are also plenty of fun and meaningful indoor fitness activities to join. I was so excited when my weekend mail included my ticket to the June 29th Zumbathon event at Roseland Ballroom. The proceeds will benefit the Michael J. Fox Foundation and its fight against Parkinson’s Disease. The event co-stars the legendary Tanya Beardsley, who I was lucky to have as my instructor for my licensing workshop earlier this year. I can’t wait to enjoy a heart-pounding good time with some of the gals I met at that workshop, and make some new Zumba friends. The best part will be knowing I shook my booty for a great cause!
If you’re looking for ways to combine your love of fitness and the desire to do good deeds, I found a pretty cool website called CharityHappenings.org. You enter your home state or zip code, the range of dates you’re looking for, and you can then select from a list of activities ranging from golf outings to dancing. You can even narrow your selections by causes ranging from animals to autism.
Whatever you do, another bonus to signing up for a fitness event is you can encourage members of your fitness family to join in the fun. Not only will you motivate each other to push through the last mile or spin cycle, but you get to enjoy breaking a sweat with people you’ve probably been hoping to spend more time with anyway!
We all know the health benefits exercise has to offer, but how great is it being able to turn your heart-pounding moves into positive energy for the world around you? I can’t think of a better reason to continue the search for the countless ways to have fun, be fit and feel fabulous!
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