You vs You

Everyone is at a different place in life and same goes for fitness – everyone is at a different place. Everyone has struggles and successes so when you see someone that is where you want to be, before you take even a second to get discouraged – know that someone is looking at you, wishing they were where you are. STOP COMPETING – just try to get better than YOU were yesterday.

Take pictures, take measurements, keep a fitness journal and track YOUR journey. Scales can be very misleading so ditch the scale and look in the mirror – that’s your competition.

 

youvsyou

Try something new

We all get into a routine or pick exercises we like but the way to results is to push yourself to a new limit! 👊
Many gyms offer all sorts of classes, no harm in trying one out. You may find a new passion! If you don’t like it, try a different one. ✔✔ Whether it’s yoga,  pilates,  kick boxing or a spin class the variation will target your muscles in a different way. 💪💪💪
I did my first spin class today and it was tough🔥🔥🔥.  Am I gonna go back?  Definitely. I’ll try to improve and get better each time.  Don’t think you’ll be a pro right away, work into the class and I bet you’ll see the results in your body and the way you feel!

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Sunday BUNSday

Happy Sunday!  If you can’t make it into the gym today don’t worry, I got you!

3-5 rounds of this booty blasting routine will keep you on track and best part, it will take at MOST 35 minutes of your day! Get everyone involved family, friends and neighbors!

Pin,  share,  tag your friends and tackle this Sunday BUNSday workout!

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Moment of clarity

With the ALS ice bucket challenge taking over all forms of social media it wasn’t until I saw the Pete Frates feature on SportsCenter that the severity of the disease hit me. Then it got me thinking, so many able, young people are obese and do not take advantage of their ability to go for a walk, run, or swim. People with ALS, rapidly lose the ability to do basic every day functions like sitting up, talking, even feeding themselves. Seeing people in this condition makes me so glad the ice bucket challenge happened to raise awareness of those suffering from the disease but also to remind those of us that are healthy and fully able to be active and take care of our bodies, to do so.

Not exercising, drinking alcohol and poor eating habits are poisonous to the body, very slowly weakening the immune system, stiffening joints and inhibiting many from doing daily tasks; taking a perfectly able body and destroying it from the inside out.

Take time to donate to ALS or any disease close to your heart,  but also reflect on how blessed you are to have a body that hasn’t failed you. Don’t be the one to fail it.

 

 

nourishyourbody

Kale Health Benefits

In the previous post Snack time: Kale Chips I gave step by step directions on how to make, a personal favorite of mine, kale chips. I came across this article about the many healthy benefits kale has and figured I’d pass it on! #eatkale

10 health benefits of kale from http://www.mindbodygreen.com

 

1. Kale is low in calorie, high in fiber and has zero fat. One cup of kale has only 36 calories, 5 grams of fiber and 0 grams of fat. It is great for aiding in digestion and elimination with its great fiber content. It’s also filled with so many nutrients, vitamins, folate and magnesium as well as those listed below.

2. Kale is high in iron. Per calorie, kale has more iron than beef. Iron is essential for good health, such as the formation of hemoglobin and enzymes, transporting oxygen to various parts of the body, cell growth, proper liver function and more.
3. Kale is high in Vitamin K. Eating a diet high in Vitamin K can help protect against various cancers. It is also necessary for a wide variety of bodily functions including normal bone health and the prevention of blood clotting. Also increased levels of vitamin K can help people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.
4. Kale is filled with powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants, such as carotenoids and flavonoids help protect against various cancers.
5. Kale is a great anti-inflammatory food. One cup of kale is filled with 10% of the RDA of omega-3 fatty acids, which help, fight against arthritis, asthma and autoimmune disorders.
6. Kale is great for cardiovascular support. Eating more kale can help lower cholesterol levels
 
7. Kale is high in Vitamin A.Vitamin A is great for your vision, your skin as well as helping to prevent lung and oral cavity cancers.
8. Kale is high in Vitamin C. This is very helpful for your immune system, your metabolism and your hydration.
9. Kale is high in calcium. Per calorie, kale has more calcium than milk, which aids in preventing bone loss, preventing osteoporosis and maintaining a healthy metabolism. Vitamin C is also helpful to maintain cartilage and joint flexibility
10. Kale is a great detox food. Kale is filled with fiber and sulfur, both great for detoxifying your body and keeping your liver healthy.
For this article and more on healthy living visit: http://www.mindbodygreen.com/

Family Fun for a Good Cause!

ImageJoin us on Saturday, November 1, 9:00 a.m. at Bluemont Park located at 329 N. Manchester St. Arlington, VA 22203 for a Family Fun Run and Dog Walk all to support Paws2Care. The organization helps children battling cancer, children with special needs and children of wounded warriors.

Beamer the Therapy Dog is on the Nationally Certified Pet Partners Therapy Team. He visits children in hospitals offering some fun and laughs! Come out and support this wonderful cause and get your whole family moving! It’s a win win! Don’t miss it!

CLICK HERE to Register today!!

 

Here is Beamer with some of his friends!

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Go for a hike

Sometimes we get in a routine, work, gym, kids practices, church, whatever you have going on, taking a break and going outside for a hike may be just want you need! Hiking is great exercise and ALL ages can enjoy it together. The health benefits are just icing on the cake!

Here are a few:

  • Improved cardio-respiratory fitness (heart, lungs, blood vessels)
  • Improved muscular fitness
  • Lower risk of coronary heart disease and stroke
  • Lower risk of high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes
  • Lower risk of high cholesterol and triglycerides
  • Increased bone density or a slower loss of density
  • Reduced depression
  • Better quality sleep

Change it up and get your family and friends on a trail! Check out to http://www.mapmywalk.com/us/ and look up local trails near you!

 

Source: http://www.goodhiker.com/2011/05/25/health-benefits-hiking/