I'm a big proponent of switching up your workout. You have to make changes every 4-6 weeks to keep progressing. I'm as likely as the next person to fall into a rut, especially if it's a workout routine that has worked well for me. When I find something like that, my idea of switching things up goes easily to increasing weight, height, or reps. That's somewhat sufficient, but certainly not optimal.
I have to say that I sometimes get bored with my routine, but not as often as most. I do a 6am workout before work and the routine portion of it is helpful and changing things can sometimes mess with my timing. Variety is a good thing, but so is getting to work on time ;)
Nevertheless, change has become necessary for me. A recent trip to the Doctor confirmed what I pretty much was afraid of, that I had developed plantar fasciitis. Not that it had mistaken my attention - not being able to walk in the mornings, and being in pain throughout the day didn't really escape my attention, I was just in a bit of denial hoping that it was more an issue of over-training and needing to work on my form. Now this Doctor thinks that means to stop running for 4 - 6 weeks in order to allow everything to heal properly. Can I just tell you, that is not gonna happen! I have cut my mileage and days in half and will keep it at that while incorporating a dedicated stretching and massage routine as well as working on more of a fore-foot strike (which does actually seem to help). But stop running - no dear, I don't hardly think so!
He did actually order me to incorporate yoga into my routine. I think he doesn't understand how much stretching is in Pilates, which I already do a considerable amount of in addition to my weight training, but ok, I'll give it a try.
I have tried Yoga before, and I like it just fine, though I do prefer Pilates. Adding something new to an already intense workout plan is a challenge, and I haven't decided if this means I get to replace something or if this is an addition. Time will tell. For now, it's an addition.
Every time you make a change, your body will start to give you some pretty dramatic responses. Yoga doesn't burn a significant amount of calories, but the balance and stretching portion are valuable and I can already see some benefits. I noticed a considerable difference in the accessory muscle development when I changed my Pilates routine from mat work to chair work. I'm looking forward to a similar benefit by the addition of the yoga circuit.
For those of you who haven't tried it yet, and want to incorporate Yoga into your home workout program, I highly recommend the Wii Fit.
Yoga is balance based, and without proper instruction the poses can be difficult. The Wii Fit does a great job of guiding you through the poses, and the balance board is pretty amazing for sensing body positioning. I've had difficulties with the rechargeable battery pack. It's not very 'green' but I say stick with your standard alkaline batteries, you'll have less trouble. Stupid rechargeable pack misses most of my steps, push ups, and assorted other things that makes me look like a total slacker. Seriously, if I do 50 push ups and it tells me I did 7, what the heck is that about! and forget step aerobics, it thinks I'm in a coma half of the time. Now I already know what I can do, but I don't like having an inaccurate record, even if no one sees it but me (except cartoon-trainer-guy)....ok, I'm a little competitive. BTW, it will also affect what 'challenges' are unlocked (or not) if you don't have an accurate count.
Try something new, you will see some great results, and I'll keep you posted on mine ;)
Showing posts with label massage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label massage. Show all posts
Monday, September 3, 2012
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Life Lessons from Running
First, a little history:
I'd been a confirmed gym rat for years, and about a year or so ago I was stuck at a plateau that I couldn't break with cardio or weight training. I'd hit a wall and no matter what I tried or how hard I worked, I just couldn't break through this final plateau. Oh those last 10#s are stubborn! Someone suggested I try running. Now, I never could run and the thought of it was NOT something I wanted to entertain. Finally, begrudgingly, I gave in and tried it.
I first started on the treadmill, could run maybe 30 seconds then walk a minute or more. I persisted until I was finally able to achieve a 5 minute run/1 minute walk. That didn't really take as long as I thought it would, but persistence paid off. I was tied to the metrics on the treadmill and had never considered running outside. First, I figured I'd just walk more frequently, sit down when I could. Also, I felt I needed the treadmill to move in order to keep me from slowing down or stopping altogether. See, I was running for the purpose of reaching a goal and not for the process. I really didn't enjoy it, but I was committed to the process.
One day a friend from the gym grabbed me on my way in and took me running outside. We ran the Silver Strand from IB to Coronado, wow that really is a beautiful run (or bike ride!). Needless to say, I was hooked and haven't been able to get back on a treadmill since. I also found, surprisingly, that I ran faster and longer outside than I did inside. I didn't need the machine to pace me. I was even able to run a full 5 miles without a single walk break. Surprised myself!
Some months later I experienced a severe high ankle sprain and stress fracture. The result of both over-training and failing to slow down on a trail. 2 months on crutches and unable to do much in the way of any training put me back to nearly ground zero on my training regimen. Back on the road again, but with a new run/walk training method. It took awhile, but I'm back to running a full 5k without a walk break. Not the 5 miles I used to do, and not at the pace I used to run, but I'll get there. I can't say I love running, or that I'll always do it. But I don't hate it anymore, more often than not I really do enjoy it, and there's no arguing with the results: lower body fat and increased cardiovascular fitness...so I press on.
I've learned a lot through this experience. Most of which I apply to my training schedule, but much of which also applies to life and business. See, cross-training isn't just for the gym, it's also for the mind and spirit.
1. Pace Yourself:
Go at your own pace and take breaks when you need them. Walk when you need to, and sometimes when you want to. as long as the "need to" is more often than the "want to" then you're fine. This helps your training, but also your business plan. Sometimes you need to slow down, catch your breath, then pick up the pace again. You have to go at your own pace, not one set for you by someone else. Yes, a defined pace or program can be helpful, but in the end you run your own race and have to modify it for yourself.
2. Set Goals:
Set a goal and then strive to beat it. I like setting a minimum goal that I need to reach and then exceed that. Some people try and set their maximum goal and then reach it. Either way, the sense of accomplishment is motivating. Without a goal, you won't notice progress. That's fine for a hobbyist, but for serious training, and serious business, goals matter. They matter a lot. Now, once you've reached those goals comfortably, change them. Make them a bit more difficult. Rinse and Repeat.
3. Run Your Own Race:
Competition can be a good thing. It can be motivating to compete against others. But at the end of the day, the best person to compete against is yourself. Beat your own time. Exceed your own goals. Forget what's right for someone else. How fast they run or how well their business appears from your view. Your goals, your pace, that's what matters. As long as you're moving forward, you're doing great!
4. Enjoy the Process:
Find something you truly enjoy and then just dive in. Do you love to run? Then do that. Do you prefer cycling? Dance? Swimming? Machine-based cardio (Elliptical/Stairs)? Whatever you truly enjoy, start there. You shouldn't have to hate your workout, or your job for that matter. Take some time to find out what you love and do that. Within that there may be parts of the process you don't love, but you should enjoy it overall. Make it fun!
5. Cross-Train:
Now that you've found something you enjoy, switch it up some. Try something new. Don't just be tied to one thing, your body and mind need variety. If you run or bike and it's a rainy day, don't just hit the treadmill or indoor cycle, dance or do some other indoor cardio-fun. Using different muscles will benefit you in the long run.
If you weight train, and you should, then you should also do some yoga or pilates on your off days. Not only will this benefit your weight training, but it will also benefit your cardio workout as well. Yoga and Pilates, while both being a form of strength training, focus heavily on developing your core as well as stabilization muscles and flexibility. All of which you need for total body conditioning.
In life and business, find a hobby that's completely different from your job. Now that can also be your workout, or it can be volunteering for a cause you believe in. It can also be using your business skill-set to benefit another business or individual as a volunteer. Take a class. If you excel at numbers, take a marketing class. If you are a star-networker, take an accounting class. Stretch your mind and you'll find areas you never knew you could use and grow. Your primary gift remains, but cross-training your mind will help you grow in amazing ways.
6. Reward Yourself:
It's hard work, hard on your body and mind. Take time to enjoy your life, de-stress. Go shopping for something fun. Go out with friends. Spend time with family. Get a massage. This is critical, life is meant to be lived and loved. Appreciate what you have, where you've come from and where you're going. Enjoy the process! At the end of the day, and the end of your life, these details matter.
I'd been a confirmed gym rat for years, and about a year or so ago I was stuck at a plateau that I couldn't break with cardio or weight training. I'd hit a wall and no matter what I tried or how hard I worked, I just couldn't break through this final plateau. Oh those last 10#s are stubborn! Someone suggested I try running. Now, I never could run and the thought of it was NOT something I wanted to entertain. Finally, begrudgingly, I gave in and tried it.
I first started on the treadmill, could run maybe 30 seconds then walk a minute or more. I persisted until I was finally able to achieve a 5 minute run/1 minute walk. That didn't really take as long as I thought it would, but persistence paid off. I was tied to the metrics on the treadmill and had never considered running outside. First, I figured I'd just walk more frequently, sit down when I could. Also, I felt I needed the treadmill to move in order to keep me from slowing down or stopping altogether. See, I was running for the purpose of reaching a goal and not for the process. I really didn't enjoy it, but I was committed to the process.
One day a friend from the gym grabbed me on my way in and took me running outside. We ran the Silver Strand from IB to Coronado, wow that really is a beautiful run (or bike ride!). Needless to say, I was hooked and haven't been able to get back on a treadmill since. I also found, surprisingly, that I ran faster and longer outside than I did inside. I didn't need the machine to pace me. I was even able to run a full 5 miles without a single walk break. Surprised myself!
Some months later I experienced a severe high ankle sprain and stress fracture. The result of both over-training and failing to slow down on a trail. 2 months on crutches and unable to do much in the way of any training put me back to nearly ground zero on my training regimen. Back on the road again, but with a new run/walk training method. It took awhile, but I'm back to running a full 5k without a walk break. Not the 5 miles I used to do, and not at the pace I used to run, but I'll get there. I can't say I love running, or that I'll always do it. But I don't hate it anymore, more often than not I really do enjoy it, and there's no arguing with the results: lower body fat and increased cardiovascular fitness...so I press on.
I've learned a lot through this experience. Most of which I apply to my training schedule, but much of which also applies to life and business. See, cross-training isn't just for the gym, it's also for the mind and spirit.
1. Pace Yourself:
Go at your own pace and take breaks when you need them. Walk when you need to, and sometimes when you want to. as long as the "need to" is more often than the "want to" then you're fine. This helps your training, but also your business plan. Sometimes you need to slow down, catch your breath, then pick up the pace again. You have to go at your own pace, not one set for you by someone else. Yes, a defined pace or program can be helpful, but in the end you run your own race and have to modify it for yourself.
2. Set Goals:
Set a goal and then strive to beat it. I like setting a minimum goal that I need to reach and then exceed that. Some people try and set their maximum goal and then reach it. Either way, the sense of accomplishment is motivating. Without a goal, you won't notice progress. That's fine for a hobbyist, but for serious training, and serious business, goals matter. They matter a lot. Now, once you've reached those goals comfortably, change them. Make them a bit more difficult. Rinse and Repeat.
3. Run Your Own Race:
Competition can be a good thing. It can be motivating to compete against others. But at the end of the day, the best person to compete against is yourself. Beat your own time. Exceed your own goals. Forget what's right for someone else. How fast they run or how well their business appears from your view. Your goals, your pace, that's what matters. As long as you're moving forward, you're doing great!
4. Enjoy the Process:
Find something you truly enjoy and then just dive in. Do you love to run? Then do that. Do you prefer cycling? Dance? Swimming? Machine-based cardio (Elliptical/Stairs)? Whatever you truly enjoy, start there. You shouldn't have to hate your workout, or your job for that matter. Take some time to find out what you love and do that. Within that there may be parts of the process you don't love, but you should enjoy it overall. Make it fun!
5. Cross-Train:
Now that you've found something you enjoy, switch it up some. Try something new. Don't just be tied to one thing, your body and mind need variety. If you run or bike and it's a rainy day, don't just hit the treadmill or indoor cycle, dance or do some other indoor cardio-fun. Using different muscles will benefit you in the long run.
If you weight train, and you should, then you should also do some yoga or pilates on your off days. Not only will this benefit your weight training, but it will also benefit your cardio workout as well. Yoga and Pilates, while both being a form of strength training, focus heavily on developing your core as well as stabilization muscles and flexibility. All of which you need for total body conditioning.
In life and business, find a hobby that's completely different from your job. Now that can also be your workout, or it can be volunteering for a cause you believe in. It can also be using your business skill-set to benefit another business or individual as a volunteer. Take a class. If you excel at numbers, take a marketing class. If you are a star-networker, take an accounting class. Stretch your mind and you'll find areas you never knew you could use and grow. Your primary gift remains, but cross-training your mind will help you grow in amazing ways.
6. Reward Yourself:
It's hard work, hard on your body and mind. Take time to enjoy your life, de-stress. Go shopping for something fun. Go out with friends. Spend time with family. Get a massage. This is critical, life is meant to be lived and loved. Appreciate what you have, where you've come from and where you're going. Enjoy the process! At the end of the day, and the end of your life, these details matter.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Friendships Matter
In an age of technology and a down economy, it's easy to lose sight of what really matters. Friendship has taken on a decidedly broad term with Facebook and other social network 'friends' who are often complete strangers. In business too, we network with acquaintances and other associates and loosely use the term 'friend' to define what are, at best, tangential relationships. Then, in a down economy, we start transforming those closest of relationships into networking opportunities, thus devaluing the true friendships we have created and relegated them to a potential business opportunity.
It's sad, because true friendships are what really matters. Focusing on developing true relationship skills helps us deepen our personal relationships, and also our business ones. It gives us great customer service skills, phenomenal colleague interaction skills, and will help us grow both personally and professionally. Developing deep relationships helps feed our spirit and we grow into the person we were always meant to be.
Taking time to invest in your friends and family, with no thought of any return, is fulfilling in and of itself. There can be no greater pleasure than being a part of someone else's success, to watch as your words and actions build up and enrich someone else. That is true joy.
Take a moment today to encourage someone. A word, a gift, a service. Do something for them that they cannot (or maybe just will not) do for themselves. Do something for someone who can never repay you, and for whom you would never accept repayment even if they could. Actively seek out ways to be a blessing to others. Yes, we should keep our eyes open for opportunities that present themselves, but even more than that, we should actively look for opportunities that might be hidden. When you do this, you'll make their day, enrich their life...and your own as well!
****************************
Great gift ideas (click here)
A fun and effective parenting aid (click here) also here
A Spring Friendship Special (click here) also here
It's sad, because true friendships are what really matters. Focusing on developing true relationship skills helps us deepen our personal relationships, and also our business ones. It gives us great customer service skills, phenomenal colleague interaction skills, and will help us grow both personally and professionally. Developing deep relationships helps feed our spirit and we grow into the person we were always meant to be.
Taking time to invest in your friends and family, with no thought of any return, is fulfilling in and of itself. There can be no greater pleasure than being a part of someone else's success, to watch as your words and actions build up and enrich someone else. That is true joy.
Take a moment today to encourage someone. A word, a gift, a service. Do something for them that they cannot (or maybe just will not) do for themselves. Do something for someone who can never repay you, and for whom you would never accept repayment even if they could. Actively seek out ways to be a blessing to others. Yes, we should keep our eyes open for opportunities that present themselves, but even more than that, we should actively look for opportunities that might be hidden. When you do this, you'll make their day, enrich their life...and your own as well!
****************************
Great gift ideas (click here)
A fun and effective parenting aid (click here) also here
A Spring Friendship Special (click here) also here
Friday, February 10, 2012
Organization Matters
Whether it's your life, your job, or even your workout, organization is a vital part of the process.
A cluttered room or desk can distract your thoughts and keep you from achieving the productivity you are seeking. It can cause your mind to jump from one thought to another, leaving you in a disorganized mental state that mirrors the physical. The first step is to reduce both physical and mental clutter.
Organize your space. There are many organizational materials, the stores are full of them, but I bet you have enough shelves and drawers to handle most of it. Files and paper are another matter, that just might require a trip to the closest office supply store. But remember, the organizational system has to work for you. There are many ways to file and organize, but it does have to work naturally with your brain. Permission to shop around for just the right item(s) :)
Organize your mental space. Start your day with a plan, put it on paper. Write down the things you need to accomplish for the day, week and month. Don't tie yourself to it, life happens and sometimes items on today's agenda get moved to tomorrow. Then again, sometimes things on tomorrow's agenda get accomplished today so it all works out. But without a plan, we often just spin our wheels and never progress to the next level. Don't forget to plan in fun and healthy activities, things that make you happy and help reduce your stress.
Even for your workout, if you approach it without a plan you will find yourself overworking certain body parts and completely ignoring others. A great workout requires planning and direction in order to achieve your goal. Whether you choose to meet with a trainer or research it yourself, write down your workout on a card, plan it out and keep track. Also, remember you can't out-exercise a bad diet, so your fitness log should also include a food diary. Lots of free apps available for iPhone, iPod Touch and Android phones, or just a simple notebook will do just fine.
Plan for yourself and your sweetheart. Flowers, candy, dinner, oooh, a massage, all great ideas for both of you. No sweetie this year? Be your own sweetheart. Give yourself a day to enjoy all these things :)
For planning assistance for your business or lifestyle, contact us, we have just the right consultant to help accomplish your goals.
A cluttered room or desk can distract your thoughts and keep you from achieving the productivity you are seeking. It can cause your mind to jump from one thought to another, leaving you in a disorganized mental state that mirrors the physical. The first step is to reduce both physical and mental clutter.
Organize your space. There are many organizational materials, the stores are full of them, but I bet you have enough shelves and drawers to handle most of it. Files and paper are another matter, that just might require a trip to the closest office supply store. But remember, the organizational system has to work for you. There are many ways to file and organize, but it does have to work naturally with your brain. Permission to shop around for just the right item(s) :)
Organize your mental space. Start your day with a plan, put it on paper. Write down the things you need to accomplish for the day, week and month. Don't tie yourself to it, life happens and sometimes items on today's agenda get moved to tomorrow. Then again, sometimes things on tomorrow's agenda get accomplished today so it all works out. But without a plan, we often just spin our wheels and never progress to the next level. Don't forget to plan in fun and healthy activities, things that make you happy and help reduce your stress.
Even for your workout, if you approach it without a plan you will find yourself overworking certain body parts and completely ignoring others. A great workout requires planning and direction in order to achieve your goal. Whether you choose to meet with a trainer or research it yourself, write down your workout on a card, plan it out and keep track. Also, remember you can't out-exercise a bad diet, so your fitness log should also include a food diary. Lots of free apps available for iPhone, iPod Touch and Android phones, or just a simple notebook will do just fine.
Plan for yourself and your sweetheart. Flowers, candy, dinner, oooh, a massage, all great ideas for both of you. No sweetie this year? Be your own sweetheart. Give yourself a day to enjoy all these things :)
For planning assistance for your business or lifestyle, contact us, we have just the right consultant to help accomplish your goals.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Less Stress, More Life
Stress kills, we've all heard that...and it's true. In addition to sapping your focus and productivity, disrupting your peace, and making you feel, well, miserable, stress leads to heart attacks, strokes, and even obesity. It causes rising levels of hormone that attack every cell of your body.
Telling someone "not to stress" probably causes more of the same, in addition to making you just want to, quite honestly, slap the person that told you that since they obviously failed to recognize (or seem to care about) the reality of whatever situation is causing your stress in the first place. That's a platitude with no real solution. In order to conquer stress, you need a real strategy. It requires work, effort, and a plan.
Strategy. If certain situations cause you stress, it's time to make a list of potential strategies to address these situations. Just putting it down on paper will help to make the situation a bit more conquerable. Finding a group of people similarly situated to help brainstorm solutions also helps, and nothing wrong with a little venting - so long as it leads to productive strategizing.
Exercise. Well, the thought of it might create a bit more stress if it isn't part of your regular routine, but once it is you will find the release of endorphins and lowering of cortisol (and reduction of your waistline) a major stress-reliever. Join a gym if you like, or just start taking free, regular walks. A run on the beach is my favorite, but when that's not practical, a walk around the neighborhood will do just as well.
Meditation. Often shrouded in mystery, meditation is a real stress reliever, and can be practically done at any time of the day. It can be as simple as finding a nice quiet place (my favorite is the local beach) and just taking a few moments to relax and enjoy the view. You can begin with a positive-thinking exercise.
For a great start to your day, try this simple mediation technique:
Think positive thoughts about how you want your day to be. Laugh at any obstacles that arise throughout your day.
Massage. Aside from the many other health benefits of massage, it is an amazing stress-reliever. Find a local therapist. If you found the perfect fit the first time - great! If not, get some recommendations and try a few until you find just the right one. Best investigation experience you'll ever have :)
Implement these ideas and you'll see less stress, and find more things to enjoy about your life.
Hint: 'like' the facebook pages below for updates and discounts.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Stress Relief for the Holidays...and all year long
The holidays are a wonderful time of year, but can also be stressful. In this current economy, stress is a year-round issue and the effects of that take a toll not only on our minds but also our bodies. Managing stress requires a strategy. We can't do much about the economy, but we can take strategic measures to help minimize our personal stress level.
Being proactive, taking control over that which we have control, is the first step. There are many strategies for stress reduction, but exercise and massage are two that have both stress-reducing and additional long-term health benefits.
Exercise is a proven method of stress relief. You release endorphins, causing you to feel better. And you also burn off some of those holiday cookies :) It doesn't have to be intense exercise, though there are significant benefits to that, just a simple walk, a bike ride will help. If your holiday parties include dancing, well all the better! Strive to do something active for at least 30 minutes every day and you will not only help reduce your stress, but you will gain other health benefits as well.
A massage may seem like an indulgence, but it's real medicine that not only helps reduce your stress, but can even boost your immune system - nice bonus during cold and flu season! You'll feel better, be more relaxed, and know you're doing something positive and healthy for your body. For more reading on the health benefits of a massage, read the article here. Finding a good massage therapist may take some time, but its well worth the effort (and you'll get some great massages while you 'shop').
So, enjoy the holidays, get out for a walk, top it off with a great massage, and enjoy spending time with family and friends!
Shop: Great Holiday Specials Here!
Health & Fitness: Personalized Nutrition & Fitness Programs
Massage: A Great Massage!
Being proactive, taking control over that which we have control, is the first step. There are many strategies for stress reduction, but exercise and massage are two that have both stress-reducing and additional long-term health benefits.
Exercise is a proven method of stress relief. You release endorphins, causing you to feel better. And you also burn off some of those holiday cookies :) It doesn't have to be intense exercise, though there are significant benefits to that, just a simple walk, a bike ride will help. If your holiday parties include dancing, well all the better! Strive to do something active for at least 30 minutes every day and you will not only help reduce your stress, but you will gain other health benefits as well.
A massage may seem like an indulgence, but it's real medicine that not only helps reduce your stress, but can even boost your immune system - nice bonus during cold and flu season! You'll feel better, be more relaxed, and know you're doing something positive and healthy for your body. For more reading on the health benefits of a massage, read the article here. Finding a good massage therapist may take some time, but its well worth the effort (and you'll get some great massages while you 'shop').
So, enjoy the holidays, get out for a walk, top it off with a great massage, and enjoy spending time with family and friends!
Shop: Great Holiday Specials Here!
Health & Fitness: Personalized Nutrition & Fitness Programs
Massage: A Great Massage!
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