Making Fitness a Family Affair!

I rang in the New Year at home with one of our favorite family activities… a super-swell dance party!  We turn down the lights, turn up the music, and dance around waving glow sticks to the beat.  After about 30 minutes of mayhem, we settle in to watch the New Year’s Eve entertainment on t.v.  It made me start thinking about other ways we can all make fitness a family affair.  So here’s to you and your family… let’s make 2010 your best yet!

THINK

You’re much more likely to stick to a fitness plan if you share the experience.  Usually a friend, co-worker, or familiar face at the gym comes to mind.  Don’t rule out your family though!  Your spouse, kids, siblings, or parents can also make great fitness partners.  Chances are good you’ll feel comfortable with them because you know each other well and can bring out the best in each of you.  (It may not need to be said, but don’t choose the relative that pushes all of your “hot” buttons or who puts you down for your size, shape, or eating and exercise habits.)  Consider activities that you can do as a family and try to make them fun.

MOVE

This month, my husband Greg agreed to train with me twice a week.  This is a big step for us because Greg struggles with weight and I coach people like him for a living.  Learning with your spouse is one thing, learning from your spouse is quite another.  (It’s why he couldn’t teach me to play golf.) We’ll be blogging about our journey together on this website very soon (I’ll keep you posted).  During one of our sessions, we let our kids come along with plans to have them watch a movie while we trained.  As it turned out they were much more interested in exercising!  Our 9-year-old daughter showed our 4-year-old son how to jump on a Bosu balance trainer, we all did pushups, and Greg led them in a cool-down stretch.  I was so happy!  I realize that most clubs won’t let kids on the equipment for safety reasons, but one place you can take them to play even on the snowiest of winter days is Rainbow Play Systems.  For a small fee you and your kids can run and play really make fitness fun! http://www.rainbowplay.com/index.php/showrooms/

 EAT

It seems almost impossible that we’re about to close the curtain on 2009.  It’s been a challenging year for many of us in light of our nation’s economic situation, but it has also brought many of us closer together and given us reason to reassess what we consider to be truly meaningful.  As I paused to blow out my 41^st birthday candle this month, I gave thanks for the blessings of my life… a loving family, dear friends, and a fitness business that helps others live lives they want, in the bodies they want.  My wish?  More of the same… in abundance.  If your New Year’s wish includes a stronger, healthier, happier you… I’ll be waiting to hear from you.

THINK

Before you make that resolution to “do” something different in 2010, try taking a few minutes to decide who you’re going to “be” instead.  Robert Kiosaki, author of the Rich Dad, Poor Dad series of books, offers up a strategy for meaningful change called BE-DO-HAVE.  Essentially, if we decide who we really want to be, it will affect what we do, allowing us to have what we ultimately want.  Want to be healthy and fit?  Begin to be that way in thought, word, and deed.  Watch your health and fitness level rise to the occasion when you do.

MOVE

The feeding frenzy is just about over and soon most thoughts will turn to burning off those holiday indulgences.  If it’s been several months since you’ve exercised, start slowly.  In just 30 minutes a day, you can make great strides.  Give yourself about 30 minutes of cardio every other day, and on the off days, do some strength training (Legs, chest, back, arms, shoulders, abs).  If you find yourself “going through the motions” or unsure if you’re doing things correctly, just ask!  Send me an e-mail, ask a trainer at the gym… we were all beginners at something once upon a time.  Veteran exercisers might try something new.  Ever been on a Bosu, gliders, or TRX equipment?  Try it, you might like it… your body will too.

EAT

Time to stop the insanity.  Get rid of any temptations still gracing your kitchen counters and cupboards and go get some veggies! Five a day.  Have a banana with your breakfast.  Put an apple and some carrot sticks in your work bag to snack on.  Enjoy a salad for lunch with peppers, cucumbers and sprouts.  How ‘bout a stir fry for dinner with chicken breast, broccoli, onions, and pea pods?  Going green will make your body and our world a better place to live!   

Your questions, comments, and suggestions are always welcome at Yvonne@YvonneGreer.net .

HAPPY NEW YEAR!  Here's to a fabulous YOU in 2010!

A few weeks ago I attended my first Count Me In Leadership Institute in Boca Raton Florida.  (www.CountMeIn.org)  These events, spearheaded by Nell Merlino and Isisara Bey, were created to help women business owners connect, prosper, and learn from each others’ experiences. One of the speakers challenged us to take advantage of opportunities, wherever they presented themselves, saying “It’s always the right place and the right time”.  Just two hours later I found myself seated across from Isisara Bey eating lunch and the speaker’s words rang out in my head.  I asked Isisara if she would consider adding a fitness component to her event and let me “demonstrate” for the attendees after lunch.  She said yes!!!  Fifteen minutes later I was on stage in front of the group.  We were smiling and shakin’ our groove thangs to my very own Hot Mamas Theme Song as we re-energized and prepared for the afternoon’s learning sessions. What an experience!  I’ll let you know if I become part of the program, but in the mean time, know this:  I left Florida exhilarated and confident that the right time to reach for your dreams is always RIGHT NOW.

THINK

Think about your health and fitness level RIGHT NOW.  Are you seriously still telling yourself “it’s not that bad” while you silently curse yourself each morning in the mirror, on the scale, and in the closet?  Who do you really want to be and what kind of life and body do you really want to have?  Imagine yourself as this strong, healthy, beautiful person living the life you dream of.    Every time you look at a clock for the next 24 hours, think to yourself “RIGHT NOW I choose to be my best self”.  You’ll quickly discover that it’s easier to get moving and eat better when you firmly state your intentions throughout the day.

MOVE  

What kind of exercise can you do RIGHT NOW?  “Finding” time for exercise is impossible because if you’re not already working out regularly, chances are good you’re not really seeking time to do so.   “Using” time for exercise is not only do-able, it’s important if you’re challenged by working out in 30-60 minute time frames.  Take the stairs.  Walk down the hall instead of calling or e-mailing co-workers. Try doing 10 pushups (off the floor, your desk,  or a wall)  and 10 squats (stand with feet shoulder width apart, bend knees while pushing hips back and down  to knee level, return to standing)  three times a day.  Resistance tubing is another way to work out all the major muscle groups without leaving your home or office.  Check ‘em out at the link below and move something  RIGHT NOW.  http://spriproducts.com/Item.aspx?ItemID=526&CategoryID=24&ItemGroupTypeID=1&ItemGroupID=1

EAT

Think about your next meal RIGHT NOW.  What can you do to plan ahead so you’re not tempted to over-indulge?  Going to a restaurant?  Write out your order in advance and ask to have it prepared special.  Headed home?  Open the veggie drawer instead of the cupboard if you tend to nibble before dinner.  Have a glass of water and save the wine for the weekend.  Let your food be your fuel and live better RIGHT NOW.

One more thought… Halloween is fast approaching.    Consider giving crayons, play-dough, or spider rings instead of candy, so you won’t have left over treats to eat!

You can live the life you want, in the body you want, starting RIGHT NOW.  I believe in you and I’m here for you at Yvonne@YvonneGreer.net .

Aloha!  I write this newsletter after a family vacation to Hawaii.  I went with a fearful attitude because even before we left, I knew it was going to cost more than we had budgeted.  I stressed myself into a horrible headache and got off the plane feeling achy and congested.  The next morning I felt even worse, and I knew why… my thoughts were focused on everything I would not be able to experience on this trip.  I decided right then to allow the law of attraction to work for me, instead of against me.  As my husband and kids headed for the water slide, I got busy getting grateful… for safe travels, family time, the beautiful ocean and mountains of Maui, the birds, the flowers, the hotel staff, the cozy bed, my new swimsuit, and anything else I could think of.  I also gave thanks in advance for the wonderful vacation we were about to have.  That very afternoon a family approached us at the pool saying they were leaving the resort and asked if we wanted their boogie boards, water toys, and a suitcase full of snacks and beverages they wouldn’t be able to take on the plane.  Three days later, we met one of my favorite authors, Dr. Wayne Dyer, on the beach.  His work focuses on ways to put ego on the shelf and stay aligned with God. He invited us into his home and gave us a copy of his new movie “The Shift”, and gave my kids signed copies of two of his children’s books!  Lesson learned again…

THINK

Dr. Dyer’s latest book, Excuses Begone! stresses the importance of shifting your thoughts from ones that hold you back to ones that propel you toward the desires of your heart.  It’s a great read that forces readers to take off the blinders and see new possibilities for themselves.  Are you living in a state of good health and vitality?  If not, what excuses are you using to keep blinders on your fitness plans?  Too old to start working out?   Your whole family has blood pressure issues?  No time?  Each year we all get another year older.  Genetic predisposition can inspire you to better behavior.  And the busiest people in the world work within the same 24 days and still manage to exercise.  If you really want it, it can be done.  No excuses.

MOVE

One way to combat the “no time for exercise” excuse is to actually plan your workouts ahead of time.   As you schedule the events of your week, put fitness on the agenda just like your meetings, luncheons, and appointments.  If you’re asked to join others for coffee, shopping, or a round of golf and it conflicts with your workout, you’ll know where your true intentions lie based on the decision you make.  Sure there are times when stuff will “come up”.  Keep a stocked gym bag in the car and you’ll be ready for whatever comes your way.

EAT

As a personal trainer, I know that my clients have the scheduling thing down because they’re with me.  As a result, the excuses I hear most are about their eating habits.  Family gatherings, office luncheons, and busy schedules can all be challenging, but you’ve got your dreams on your side pushing you to success.  Schedule the shopping like your workouts, bring a healthy dish, fruit or veggie tray to the pot-luck so you’ll have something you want to eat, take sandwiches and healthy snacks to work with you or e-mail me for suggestions.  No excuses. You’ve got the power and I can’t wait to hear about your success!