A Fitness Pro Travels

We just returned from a nice weekend up in Vancouver BC. We were up to celebrate my upcoming birthday and get away for a little R & R without the kids. It was fantastic and much needed as we haven’t had a non-working, training or presenting vacation in about 8 years from my recollection- even our 10 year anniversary I worked on the resort. I’m a die hard

In any case I loved not having to be up at a certain time, go to business meetings, prepare for my workshops, change out of my sweaty clothes to teach another class or worry about what my kids wanted to do. It was just perfect. Within the first 24 hours I realized that my head was clear, full of inspiration and I was just pumped up with energy and happiness. I thought to myself, “I really should do this more often.” I was so inspired that I started to take note of a few things about myself and just thought it would be funny to share.

Whenever I travel I always:

Taking it all in on Robson St.

1. Leave 2-3 hours later than I planned, unless I have to catch a flight.

2. Unpack my suitcase and toiletries first thing, then locate the fitness center, or a local place I can run

3. I always go the wrong way off the elevator unless I’m following somebody- ALWAYS! I’m the idiot who walks into the wall

4. I always second guess which floor I’m on when I get on the elevator and usually get off too soon and just act like I know what I’m doing

5. Along the same lines, I usually go down the hallways the wrong way to my room, too. Do you see a pattern here? Issues maybe-LOL!

6. I love to walk around and look at everything local if I get a chance- we did a ton of this in BC even though the hubby isn’t a fan of this. He likes to look at the pictures instead.

7. Will always find a sushi place if I can

8. Want to know what the locals do for fun: sports, exercise, food, art, music and adventure and will read the little magazines in my hotel room for info or ask the concierge and then get out to experience it if possible

9. Use my time in the gym and/or fitness facilities to soak in the way other people work out and realize that the fitness industry is still needing to reach out and touch of few of them with some modern activities

10. Watch the way staff at the fitness center interact or don’t interact with participants and realize that the fitness industry is still needing to educate them on proper communication strategies and effective training methodology

11. Usually come up with 3-4 ideas for exercises, workshops, articles or blogs when I’m in the fitness center

I enjoy every moment of the experience from the packing, transportation to get there, facility, people and whatever else is a part of it. I try to take everything in and observe my surroundings, including the not so happy travelers. They make me laugh when they get so pissed off over things, such as long lines for dinner, missed flights, lost baggage or just unexpected things which happens a lot when you travel international, or to resorts to work. Yes, it can be frustrating but you’re on vacation, so mellow out man.

My journeys aren’t as vast and exciting as others, but they are mine and I cherish every one of them from the simple day drives to the mountains or beach, to the long, red-eyed flights to Jamaica. Each one has a place in my heart, memories to last a lifetime and an experience to speak of. I look forward to many more in my lifetime. Now, if I could only get the elevator thing figured out.

Happy travels!
Amy

PS- This trip included one of the best pre/post workout meals ever for me. Pre-workout chocolate truffles and post workout glass of Chardonnay-LOL! So healthy, eh?

5 Ways I Stay Fit

Happy Cinco De Mayo! I thought it was only appropriate to serve up a healthy blog post in honor of this special holiday. I find most of my friends, colleagues (myself included), and family like to indulge in the celebration of the 5th of May with some extra cheese, chips, salsa and of course something that contains lime and tequila.

Having a good time hanging with friends, joining others for a social celebration, eating fine authentic food and a little cocktail can just make it a great day don’t you think?

Because it is the 5th of May I thought it would be clever to share my 5 secrets to staying fit and hopefully inspire some of you to enjoy them, too.

1. I break a sweat every day (through exercise) for at least 30 minutes, but mostly longer

2. I strength train more than I do cardio; very important to maintain lean mass

3. I change my workouts continuously so I’m never bored and always challenged

4. 90% of the time I eat balanced, regular meals that include proper portions and calories for my level of daily activity and exercise routines. You won’t see me skipping meals!

5. I stay happy, positive and look for the best in negative situations. Being flexible and adaptable makes it easier to handle a crisis and go with the flow when things change or don’t go as planned.

These 5 little beauties have kept me fit, happy, healthy and allowed me the ability to do many physical/mental things other can’t. I think it’s important that we understand it’s not just exercise that matters, but also what you eat and how you handle life. It’s a package deal really.

Here’s to a happy, healthy and fun filled Cinco De Mayo. Indulge a little and embrace every moment.

Cheers-
Amy

Treating Your Symptoms and Ignoring the Culprit

I was talking to one of my students after yoga class today and one thing came up in conversation that inspired a brilliant comment from her. We were discussing my mother and her recent back injury, as well as my struggle to support her with her unhealthy lifestyle choices, hence part of the back injury.

She said, “People will treat their back, but not their weight.” I almost screamed I was so impressed with that statement. I told her I just had to go home and blog about it..so here I am.

I do find it strange that symptoms of extra weight, such as increased incidence of lower back pain, chronic, knee, ankle and foot issues, increased risk of cardiovascular disease, certain cancers and decreased ability to function with day to day activities are more commonly treated with ignorance rather than being pro-active.

The statistics are out there, healthcare professionals support it and fitness professionals are screaming it at the top of their lungs. If you lose weight, these issues will not be such a nuisance in your life. You may still suffer from the aches and pains of too much, too soon or experience a case of muscle reawakening from doing a new activity, but the chronic symptoms that plague so many overweight individuals will no longer be an issue.

Do you want to treat these symptoms?

So why are so many still treating the symptoms of being overweight rather than addressing the culprit itself? It’s like bandaging up the wounds from your attacker, but the attacker is still free to roam and injure you again. I’m not sure about the logic, but I do know this:

Exercise works for everybody. We have parameters, guidelines, exercises and programming for all of you no matter where you are in life. If you have an injury (chronic or acute), medical concern, previous to no exercise experience, or are a former athlete there is still something that you can get started with immediately.

Certified and educated fitness pros can help guide you in the right direction and develop a sound program based off of your current state of fitness and health, help you formulate your goals and design a specialized routine that will work for your individual needs.

I know some people dread exercise more than anything in the world, but you just can’t avoid it. We have to move it to lose it, and we have to move it to stay healthy. The alternative is continue down the path of treating your individual symptoms and enjoy the lackluster lifestyle.

I’ve picked my path and hope you will all join me in an occasional day of delayed muscle soreness from exercise. I feel great and look forward to a long, happy life!

Make it a happy, healthy, fit day!
Amy