A change for the better with a Fitness First giveaway

Hi everyone, it's a brand New Year and I am super excited that we are all focused on reaching our new goals for 2014. A new year gives us the opportunity to re-evaluate and refocus our attention to what we want to achieve.

As you all know, I was extremely fortunate to go away to the Gymea Retreat recently. The retreat was facilitated by the amazing Amber from Bloom Wellness and was just an experience I cannot recommend highly enough. I met some amazing people and totally got inspired by the health practitioners and professionals that were there to help us reach our goals.

WOWZA!! What a really relaxing time, I highly recommend it and a retreat is exactly what a health practitioner ordered! 

If you have never been to a wellness retreat, you may be wondering what to expect and think it is geared up specifically for hippies. Not the case and here's what I experienced - it was a total escape outta this world, solace, a haven for getting away from the grind and reflecting inward. It gave me a chance to reconnect with myself, solve some challenges I had prior to attending, gave me a fresh outlook and perspective on life. It restored my health and hey, I even dropped a few kilograms with eating all that raw food :-) 

I know we're all busy, trust me I know. With 4 kids under 8 years I am constantly on the move so this came at exactly the right time.  A retreat gives you time to reflect on your life, ponder your next move and questions whether your lifestyle supports your wellness aspirations.

Although I was able to attend an offsite retreat, I understand this is not physically or financially possible for everyone. With this in mind, there are other ways to achieve this goal.

To find nirvana, you need the tools of the trade along with a quiet space to put this into practice.

To coincide with my recent collaboration with Fitness First NEW YEAR, NEW YOU, I wanted to take this opportunity to "share the love" by giving back to my loyal readers. All you need to do is tell me what your health and wellness goals are for 2014.

x1 Lululemon Weekender Warrior Bag and 

x1 The Pure Mat 3mm by Lululemon

You always need a great bag when working out and a handy place to store your yoga mat. Gotta love the 2-in-1 combo.

x1 iPod shuffle

Music is my life, it motivates me so I want it to do the same for you.

x1 Jawbone UP Activity Tracker Wristband

This is one über cool wristband which measures your lifestyle throughout your day. Let it be movement, water intake, sleep you name it! This baby is for you.

So how do you enter?

Terms & Conditions

• Entries will close on 6th March 2014, and a winner will be announced shortly thereafter.
• Tell me what your health and wellness goals are for 2014 & include your IG or FB name beside your comment below.
• You must be an Australian resident to win.
• The winner’s answer will be judged on most creative response.
• Please ensure you have subscribed to my blog, as the winner will be notified by email. If the prize remains unclaimed for 72 hours, a new winner will be selected.
• Ensure you tag your pictures on social media with #changeforthebest showcasing your New Year, New You. 
• Only one entry per person.
• All color options of products limited by availability.

Some exciting news from Fitness First!

1. Fitness First is changing. Fitness First Australia today launched two industry- first initiatives, Pay As You Go (PAYG) and Fitness Guarantee, bringing significant improvements to its members’ fitness experience, as part of the company’s ongoing transformation.

Change is seen in every aspect of the business from the new look and logo, to new equipment in state-of-the-art gyms, through to new services that optimise the member experience

2. Fitness first launches New You awards to help motivate Australians to keep their New Year’s health & fitness resolutions. 

Registration for the Fitness First New You Achievement Awards open in July and close at the end of August 2014. New members of Fitness First can pledge their goals online at fitnessfirst.com.au/newyou 

Find out more about what is happening at Fitness First click here.

Connect with Fitness First on their social media, website and Facebook page to keep updated: 

http://www.fitnessfirst.com.au/changeforthebest

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FitnessFirstAustralia

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FitnessFirstAU

#changeforthebest

Pretty cool huh? So leave me your comments below with your #changeforthebetter health and wellness goals for 2014 and please add your Instagram and Facebook username if you have one.  

Much love and friendship,

xxDani

Fitness Transformation Tuesday with Christelyn AKA Fitness Mama

A great Transformation Tuesday story, thanks again for sharing your journey with us Christelyn. Keep on inspiring and for more information on this beautiful lady, click on all the hyperlinks below.

Enjoy!
xxDani

My name is Christelyn and I am the founder/creator of Fitness Mama.  I'm a full time wife and mother of two kids ages, 7 and 2.  I'm a certified LVN and a certified Hot Hula Fitness instructor in the Sacramento area. 

The past year and a half has been life changing not only for myself but for my family as well.  We changed from an extremely unhealthy, sedentary lifestyle to a healthy, active lifestyle.  The road has not been easy and there have been ups and downs.  Having to balance being a wife and mom and the daily routines is hard enough.  And then incorporating time to workout is a battle within itself!  It took a lot of courage and perseverance to even begin in the first place. I knew that if I didn't change, my kids' unhealthy habits would definitely take a toll on them when they got older.  To date, I've lost 60 lbs and still working towards my goal.  Click here and here for more about my weight loss journey.  And then here and here for more about how I got started.  It has become my passion to help others to become more healthy while facing life's challenges.

Fitness Transformation Tuesday with Donnie Hodge

Today's transformation makes me smile. It's people like Donnie that are making a difference to other peoples lives and not only his. Donnie decided to make a change in his life and along the way changed a lot of other lives as well.

It's amazing how you can change the simple things that end up making such a big impact. Donnie lead by example and today his parents too are living a much healthier lifestyle.

You look fantastic Donnie!!!

Here is his story;

• How old are you and please can you share your health and fitness journey to date?
  I am 23 years old. April 14 was when I first started my journey to living a healthier lifestyle. I started off working out but not taking it to serious. I was still eating unhealthy foods. So I said I'm going to do a 2 week detox. I juiced for 2 weeks and only did light cardio. Once I grab hold of my eating I started going to the farmers market every weeks to buy my fruits and vegetables. I began to workout 5 times a week, working a new body part every day. Once I started getting into better shape I applied for my personal training certification. So I began to train other people and workout with them at the same time. So not only helping myself I was helping others. I started turning 5 times a week into 3 times a day for a 6 day period. My body started to form into what I wanted it to look like. I started training my friends and we all shared results together. My journey started in april and it still continues I'm still not where I want to be. So I'm going to keep working hard.
• What types of foods did you used to eat as a kid and young adult? What's changed since then?
  As a kid I ate hamburgers, pizza, all the fast food. White castle used to be one of my favorite things to eat. I used to eat a whole pan of meatloaf. As a young adult I ate hamburgers, pizza even more fast food because I was working and I can pay for it. So food was never a problem to get. What changed for me was I stopped eating late at nights. I don't eat after 7pm now. If i do its a piece of fruit only because I just left the gym or working out. I juice in the mornings and that consists of spinach, cucumbers, green apples, and maybe another fruit. I eat my heavier meals around 4pm. That will consist of a type of protein, maybe a tuna sandwich, fish, chicken breast. My third meal will consist of more vegetables and fruits. I dont eat any candy, I don't drink any alcohol, no red meat, no cake, no juice, I only drink water and juice that was prepared by me.
• Do you play any sports or what sports do you like watching?
  I used to play basketball, baseball, and football. I lost interest in them and now I am a boxer. I watch baseball, basketball, football, tennis, golf, boxing, and volleyball.
• What are your interests, passion and what makes you smile?
  What makes me smile is when my clients say they already feel healthier. When a client says they are sore but they want more. What really puts a smile on my face is when a client says they can fit in a pair of jeans that they have been trying to fit in for a while. My passion in life is to help people reach there goals in life. My passion is to inspire people to look how they always wanted to but they didn't have any guidance.
• What was the catalyst that sparked your lifestyle change?
  My Great Grandmother died of a heart attack. My Grandmother died of a heart attack. I said I will be dammed if my Mother or Father died of a heart attack. I said to myself if I can get in the best shape of my life and document everything., I can help people around me live a healthier lifestyle. So one day I stayed up thinking of a plan on how to get healthier. I already had an athletic background I just was using my abilities. I was partying every weekend sometimes starting on thursdays and ending on sundays. I looked at some old photos of myself and I thought about what happened. I started boxing may 18 but I was still partying, smoking and drinking. I found out the hard way, those things dont go together. I couldn't breath some days I felt like I was going to die. So I had to stop. If I really wanted to pursue a boxing career I had to stop. I had to not only stop for me, I had to stop for my family. Being the youngest in our family, I had to lead by example. Once I started being healthy the whole family jumped on board. Since my change, my mother changed and she has lost 53 pounds and my father has lost 33 pounds.
• What are some of your dreams/goals you hope to achieve over the next 12 months?
  I will win the golden gloves championship for New York state come this January. I am looking to open my own gym by the end of next year. A place where it is very affordable for people and they can still get a great workout. I am also looking forward to winning other boxing tournaments to help build my resume as an amateur boxer. I am also looking forward to competing in a physique contests in the summer.
• What tips would you like to share with my readers about your transformation?
  It's not easy but what in life is. Being healthy builds confidence, you're not as tired, you start to become a motivator not by choice. You start to get a hold of your life. Food controls you whether you think it or not. It controls how long you live, it controls the people around you, it controls how much energy you will have to do in your daily task. The healthier you are, the better your day will become. Every time I look at how far I have come, I just smile.
  
  
  List your social media's if you would like people to follow youInstagram @unfinished_product_fit twitter: _upfitness
  Facebook Upfitness

Weight loss Transformation Tuesday interview with Timothy Roberts

One of my most favourite Instagram fitness pages and what an inspiration he is. From starting up his own business to competing in fitness competitions and running marathons. Gone are the days of heavy partying and drinking alcohol. 

I have been following Timothy since I have been on Instagram 6 months ago and he is one committed young man. Thank you again Tim for sharing your life with us xx Dani

Tim Roberts transformation

1. How old are you and please can you share your health and fitness journey to date? 

I am 27,  And 2008, I was 70lbs overweight, had just been let go from my car sales job at Ford and had no clue what to do next. I began working out and to make a long story short; overcame much struggle and was able to get into pretty great shape. I started my own fitness company, called BodiesByTim, so that I could educate the masses on how to get fit and avoid struggling as I had. I feel blessed to be as far a long in my career as I am. I continue to push myself participating in everything from Men's Physique competitions to Marathons!  

2. What types of foods did you used to eat as a kid and young adult? What's changed since then? 

Nothing has really changed. I have always been attracted to flavors that were natural and from the earth. As an adult, most of my food choices are still clean organic foods that I can prepare at home. Although, you will still catch me sneaking a pop tart here and there! 

3. Do you play any sports or what sports do you like watching?

I love playing all sports recreationally. And run marathons yearly to get out and push my body. 

4. What are your interests, passion and what makes you smile?

Wow! What a great question ;) my passion is promoting health and wellness to the world. What makes me smile? When someone realizes they are able to do what they once thought was impossible! 

5. What was the catalyst that sparked your lifestyle change?

I was 22 at the time and was on vacation at the River. While partying, swimming and wreaking havoc, I really had gotten myself into awful condition. Alcohol is really bad for your body in excess. With that simple fact and knowing I was young. I had to get back into shape. 

  

6. What are some of your dreams/goals you hope to achieve over the next 12 months?

I want to hopefully get my e-book launched. It has great educational tool I want to share so others succeed with fitness as I did

7. What tips would you like to share with my readers about your transformation?

As unreal as my transformation seems, this is what I look like after never giving up for more than 1500 days! When is your day 1?

Do you want to follow Tim and connect with him? See below....

www.bodiesbytim.wordpress.com

Facebook.com/BodiesByTim

Twitter: @BodiesByTim

Instagram: @BodiesByTim

YouTube.com/BodiesByTim

Tumblr: BodiesByTim

BodySpace: BodiesByTim

Linkd In: BodiesByTim

Lorna Jane Active Living Sporty Sister SNEAK PEAK

I have been pinching myself these last couple of days. I received a call from the beautiful Lorna Jane team last week inviting me to be part of their Active Living Sporty Sister campaign next month. I have been nothing but humbled and of course jumped at the opportunity.

I was going to write how chaotic my Thursday was with the logistics of arranging our 4 kids baby sitting, getting a spray tan, nails done, getting my pop colour runners, writing up a Vision Crusaders (if you haven't already done so, please LIKE my Richard Branson picture) proposal to hand to Lorna personally in hope she can sponsor my 6 Rides to Conquer Cancer etc......

Instead I'll just give you the snippets of what a wonderful experience this whole Lorna Jane gig was.

Campaign manager Sofie told me to bring my brightest coloured accessories I typically work out in and of course that included my nails, arm candy and runners!

Pop colour workout gear

A HUGE THANK YOU to owner Paul Tudorovic at Ballarat's Athletes Foot for my amazing runners for my Lorna Jane photo shoot. For my local readers, please head down to Bridge Mall as they have their massive half yearly SALE ON NOW!!!!

My view from my hotel room as I arrived at 11:30pm in BrisVegas late Thursday night.

Brisbane River View

Arriving at 5:45am to meet the Lorna Jane girls Sofie, Kristina and Kelly at their head office in Eagle Farm. Meeting one of the worlds top make up artists Tania Travers , she is truly one beautiful and talented lady! Me posing in the studio and all the gear ready for us to shoot on location.

Lorna Jane Studio

Our first shoot was at New Farm park, Brisbane around 7am and what a wonderful way to kick start the day, giving the Founder and inspirational lady a big hug!!! I was hugging her like there was no tomorrow. Meeting people you admire and look up to is a very rare moment in life, so I made the most of it. As you can see :-)

BTW I took the first opportunity to let Lorna know I had a Vision Crusaders pack to give to her before she left for the day.

Lorna Jane with Fitness Food And Style

Next stop was at the Biologic Labs around 10am where Lorna Jane herself trains with her trainer Matt (who mind you killed me when I did 100kgs leg presses!! I am still sore as I type!). It was super awesome meeting my Sporty Sister Maileen Hawthorne who has the fittest body going around. She has inspired me to be more diligent, so thank you my beautiful friend. I love you.

Tania working her magic, making me look all gorgeous and Lorna going through my kettle bell interval pics.

Biologic Labs photoshoot

Last stop was at the Metro Arts Centre where we wrapped up the shoot and here's Lorna going through my pics again.

Lorna Jane Active Living Sporty Sisters campaign (sneak peak)

So all in all, an absolutely sensational day. THANK YOU LORNA JANE AND THE ENTIRE LORNA JANE TEAM. You have the best team!!! Thank you for your warm welcome and making us feel so comfortable and at home. Can't forget our amazing camera boys!!!! Love you Jason and Rod!

Ahhhhh yes, how beautiful is Lorna as she was leaving she said:

"Dani, you told me to remind you to give me your Vision Crusaders pack".

So here was my front cover!

Lorna Jane please sponsor my 6 Rides To Conquer Cancer

Fingers crossed! As I would love to be a Lorna Jane ambassador as I ride my butt off, to raise more awareness and money for research to get rid of this deadly disease, that takes 1 in 3 lives away from us. If you are reading this Lorna, I look forward to hearing from you soon x

Pretty cool huh? Never a dull moment in Dani's day. Can't wait when the campaign is launched so you can check out all the pics!

To top my day off, I caught up with my gorgeous friend Shari from Your Family Survival Coach who is just the best person in my life! Thank you Shari AKA wing woman, for meeting me with your gorgeous little Grace.

Family Survival Coach with Fitness Food And Style

There you go my wonderful friends, dreams do come true and I have each and every one of you to thank. Your love and support that I receive on a daily basis is simply mind blowing!

At the end of the day I am living my life for all the like minded people that share my passion. It is an absolute honour and privilege to have a chance to make a difference - a qualitative difference in peoples lives and that is why I love what I do.


What's been the coolest thing that has happened to you?

XxDani

Please click here for your chance to win 12 months free Private Health Insurance

Why I Do It ~ A Client Success Story

Do You Like My Blog…Donate a Protein Shake Today

This is WHY I do It

I am over-the-top excited about this Blog!!!  I wake up every day with excitement to help people adapt healthy lifestyles and when my clients have been walking the talk of Stay Healthy Fitness, it definitely shows.  I schedule new client assessments 12 weeks out from initial intake giving their bodies a chance to change and to see the results of their dedication.  I get just as excited about assessment day as they do and it is a proud trainer moment....this is my reward…watching their faces light up, listening to all the great ways they have changed, how much they are enjoying the foods, feeling good, having more energy, less pain, and overall confidence…the comments are endless…and the celebration for that moment…PRICELESS!!!   Living a Stay Healthy life means having a quality life inside and out, and I am so happy to be able to walk beside so many fabulous people to educate, coach, and celebrate every moment of progress that brings them closer to their goals.  When a client comes to me for the first time and shares that they want to look better, feel better, have more energy…and the list goes on and on…we begin our journey as a trainer/client team and together we work to obtain those goals.  It takes discipline each day and a progressive approach celebrating every small victory with each step closer to the goal.  The beautiful part about starting to live a Stay Healthy life are the benefits that go unseen but are exciting for me to share with them as a trainer…decreased cholesterol and blood pressure readings, decreased resting heart and recovery heart rates, decreased BMI, decreased body fat measurement…and my physiological list can go on and on.  The more obvious benefits of creating a “New You” and shout YEAH…LOOK I AM DOING IT…are reduced weight, decreased body fat, inches lost, strength and stamina gained, increased range of motion…all that defines the outward appearance of what healthy feels like and what friends and family notice.  The combination is absolutely my wish for everyone and my passion to reach out and help as many people as I can to live a Stay Healthy Life…this is Why I Do It…It is people like Cindy that make it easy for me to say to myself…YES, Darla, continue to do this!  So, let me introduce my wonderful client Cindy to you…I am so excited about her accomplishments and I will not give it all away here, but I will let you read her story, feelings, and WOW moment of her assessment results and so much more.  Cindy is 59 years young and our Stay Healthy Fitness journey together began in May 2011:  

 

Stay Healthy Fitness Success Story

Cindy, age 59

CINDY NOW!!!!

Darla has provided me with the tools to change my life.  Prior to contacting Darla, I was exhausted all the time and I felt like I didn’t have the time to workout or prepare special meals.  Shopping for clothes was depressing and I needed resuscitation after getting on the scales.  The big 6-0 was approaching and I didn’t want to spend the future in a recliner.  So, I messaged Darla for help explaining to her that I also had a health condition requiring me to take weight gaining medications.  Darla was encouraging and supportive...exactly what I needed to make my 12-week transformation, a loss of 23 inches and 19 pounds.  No unhealthy weight loss tricks, just clean, simple meals and workable exercise routines.  Darla is extremely knowledgeable and continually concerned about preventing injuries and often providing me modifications to avoid inflaming painful joints.  She was also helpful in unlocking a health mystery for me.  For years, I had agonizing hip pain often waking me up at night and periodically causing me to limp.  X-rays only revealed mild osteoarthritis.  Gleaning information from our initial assessment, Darla suspected I also had trochanteric bursitis and had me begin a series stretches and exercises.  The results have been amazing.  I truly thought I would have to live with that pain forever.  After our first meeting, I knew Darla’s enthusiasm for life and fitness would be infectious.  She’s a wonderful and caring person and shares in your success for fitness.  Her gym is well equipped and immaculate.  Working with Darla has been the best investment in my life and I look forward to continuing my goals.  Thank you, Darla. 

Cindy, age 59

Roseville   

 BEFORE                                                                                               12 WEEKS AFTER

 

                                                

5-23-11, 179 lbs                                                                                      9-14-11, 160lbs                 

BMI 26.2, BF 32.1%                                                                             BMI: 23.5, BF: 26.7% 

  

                              

Cindy continues to work on her goals, has lost a total of 20lbs now, is gaining lean mass, continues to decrease pain, increase her range of motion, and overall, continues to improve the quality of her life

I began working with Cindy in May 2011 and what a wonderful first meeting.  Cindy was ready for a change and her enthusiasm was apparent.  We began our journey as a trainer client team to improve Cindy’s quality of life while reaching her goals.  I provided the exercise & nutritional guidance and Cindy lived this philosophy not only while working with me, but outside of the training studio…this is what it takes to achieve results.  Cindy, I celebrate your accomplishments…you are truly an inspiration and motivation to those around you.   I look forward to our continued time together as we progress toward your overall fitness and life goals.

Big Stay Healthy Hugs and Trainer Pride, from your trainer and coach, Darla;) 

If you enjoyed my Blog, Like it, Leave a Comment, and if Inspired…Donate a Protein Shake Today to help spread the Stay Healthy Life.

Stay Healthy!

It’s All Chemistry to Me….

DO YOU LIKE MY BLOG…OFFER ME A SHAKE TODAY

Me and My Protein

It really is a fabulous relationship…chemistry is so important when it comes to that.  What is also important is breaking those relationship bonds…YIKES.  How can that be good at all…the chemistry I am talking about is the process of what food turns into when it hits my face…my relationship with food.  What it comes down to is the simplicity of the calorie and me.  Do I count them….NO…but eating my 5 to 6 meals per day in small portions keeps me in the ballpark of where I want to be every day.  The Law of Thermodynamics says this…whatever is not burned as energy is stored…that is it people.  It is truly that simple. So, when large portions of food are hanging over plates and made up of high calorie fat laden items….look out energy storage…when excess calories are consumed the body converts what is not used into FAT stored on the body…OH YUCK…some would like to get more colorful than the YUCK word.  Also….I hear stories about the snack grabs…going to the pantry and grabbing a handful of this and that…snack snack snack..and usually on CRAP…guess what…calories in the face not burned through physical activity add up…BIG TIME!  Look at this example…let’s say you take in 2000 calories per day but are only burning 1500 calories per day, that means an excess of 500 calories are left over which are placed in the fat storage body bank.  There are 3500 calories in one pound of fat, so on this course of eating, a person would gain one pound of fat every 7 days…that is 4lbs of fat per month.  Can you see how this adds up…can you see how this works.  So do I sit around eating out of boredom, without reason, and just because it takes good….Hell to the BIG NO.  If you look at the simple chemistry behind it, and realize every morsel placed in the face is a calorie ready to be converted to another form of energy in the body….that in itself can be the motivating factor to knock it off, and take control of the chemistry relationship with food.  I eat to live and not the other way around….I have shared this before.  I maintain a fabulous chemistry balance with my food in (energy) and energy out (the physical activity) which keeps me at a maintenance weight.  Now if I consumed too much over several days…guess what…I would gain…Not what I want to do.  I ensure that my food choices are not heavy calorie laden with lots of veggies, fruits, lean protein, and healthy fats.  In fact, I eat as many veggies and as much salad as I want at my last meal….over half my plate are the greens.  My lifestyle with eating this way is as natural as breathing so it is not hard for me, and is key to maintaining my physique.  I never plan to count calories ever again in my life…been there done that years ago…it is a pain in the bootie….however for newbies wanting to get a handle on food intake….I feel journaling it for awhile is great accountability until the Stay Healthy lifestyle is completely adapted.  The Food Administration just developed a new food pyramid guide…the dinner plate…and I love the simplicity of the visual… a long time coming and it covers my philosophy on food intake pretty well.  The point I am strongly making is that weight loss is not hard to understand when you grasp that it is all about Chemistry….one last look.

The New Dinner Plate..Check Out the Portions!

~Too many calories consumed to energy out – fat is stored, weight is gained ..YUCK

~Less calories consumed to energy out – energy is burned, no fat is stored, weight is lost…YEAH

~Same amount of calories consumed to energy out – no weight is lost, Maintenance…This is ME…so YEAH

So, yes it is all about the chemistry for me...YIKES..that was a tough one in college...but now it all makes perfect sense for my Stay Healthy Life;)

  

Motivation of the Day: It's Starts with the Person in the Mirror

 My Workout of the Day:

Arc Interval Training: 30 minutes...YIKES..I really had to motivate myself today...did a no/no &   went to bed too late..BUT..Stayed TRUE to my Workout...LESSON LEARNED..Bed on time tonight!

This was Tough Today!

Body Work: repeated cycle 4x

Hamstring Curls 25 lbs @ 25 reps

Leg Extensions 25 lbs @ 25 reps

Low Ab work, Leg Lifts on Bench 25 reps

Modified Triceps Extensions 10lbs on bar @ 25reps 

My Meal 2

Nutrition of the Day:

Coffee, one cup please (needed it BIG TIME)

1-Post Workout Shake (gotta have my prune juice in it..lol..love it)

2-Sweet Potato with plain non-fat yogurt topping

3-2 Protein Balls (Vanilla Whey, Flax, Cinnamon, Raisin) YUM!!!

4-Grilled white fish with lots of grilled veggies

5-Protein Pudding

My Sunday Night Spontaneous Splurge...It was FABULOUS!

Splurge Report: Hubby & I made a Margarita Pizza on a thin crust Boboli, used low fat Italian cheese blend, fresh basil, roma tomatoes, olive oil, and minced garlic (YUM)!!! I had 2 slices. Our dessert...Low fat butter pecan ice cream with chocolate grahm crackers.  We were out all day and instead of stopping at a pizza place, we made our own...It was a spontaneous unplanned splurge...I never plan as I shared before and everything is better when I make it myself!!! 

I am SERIOUS about Spreading the Stay Healthy Life!

IF YOU ENJOYED MY BLOG, LIKE IT, LEAVE A COMMENT...AND OFFER ME A SHAKE!

Stay Healthy!

Struggling ….OH POOH!

DO YOU LIKE MY BLOG….OFFER ME A SHAKE TODAY!

Me and My Blogging Area

YES…I have days like these.  I am not some un-human human…that sounds funny.  Sometimes people think that I am some super human never struggling, never burned out, never unmotivated, never eat a cookie, never tired woman of a woman, super trainer…WRONG.  I mean really, really???  Let me just say for the record…I am struggling today.  In fact, it was hard to get up this morning and I thought…crap, am I coming down with a cold…a bit of a scratchy throat…and just BLAH…YES really BLAH.  I was motivated by hubby this morning to drag my bootie to the ARC trainer and I originally had it set for a 30 minute strength run...and what the heck was I thinking…one of the hardest programs on the thing…it was a love hate relationship with my ARC…and I stopped at the 20 minute mark.  YES…the damn thing defeated me, or did it?  Let me think…what I did was the BEST that I could with what I had today…so I was not defeated…but ACCOMPLISHED.  I did continue into an arm/core/stretch program for an additional 20 minutes.  This was not going to be the day for interval training…NO WAY.  I am having one of those days where everything seems a bit overwhelming, and I am working on a specific goal right now and part of me just wants to say…do I have to?  Why does there always have to be something to do...My personal share: I am an A1 personality type and sometimes this can get in the way of putting on the reigns and STOPPING…letting my brain take a breather, letting all the THINGS in life just be for awhile, but the biggest for me is the thoughts that continue to go through my head…this now, that next, then on to the next thing..and OMG I forgot about that, and on and on and on…OK Darla…STOP already.  It is this kind of thinking that can get in the way of living a healthy life.  It is this kind of thinking that does not allow acceptance of who I am at this moment in time….well…today I am recognizing that I am struggling with being tired, working on this specific goal, and utilizing my time wisely and efficiently.  Seeing me for who I am helps put my life into balance, perspective and even acceptance.  So, today I am tired and struggling …and THAT IS OK.  Taking it a bit further, I will still do the BEST that I can with what I can give today in all areas of my life.  I did my BEST workout…YES…it was my BEST given how I feel today. I will apply my BEST self in working on my goal today…and that is OK. If my body is yelling for a nap…then that is OK.  The things will be there for me when I wake up…but I remember that through it all, balance in exercise, eating healthy, emotional, and spiritual living is key for my happiness & health.  So, yes…I am just like you and I am sure you can relate to some of the things that I have shared…Do I feel like finding a fabulous hammock in the sunshine and rocking my cares away for the afternoon…OH YEAH…sounds good to me and why not the whole year…now that is stretching it…but I am sure you know what I am talking about.  Reeling myself back in… I do have a plan, I do have a goal…and by writing this Blog…I have just motivated myself to get my backside in gear and get to it.  The beautiful thing that I realize is I do not have to do it all today…I will take what is my priority and work on that the BEST I can with what I have to offer today….and that is OK…struggling, well…I feel better now.

MOTIVATION OF THE DAY: GIVE THE BEST THAT YOU HAVE ALL THE TIME

My Workout of the Day:

Arc Trainer strength mode 20 minutes

Bodywork repeated 3x
Low rows 30lbs @ 20 reps
Biceps curls 12lbs @ 15 reps
Modified smith triceps press 15lbs on bar @ 15 reps
Body Ball abs 20 reps

LONG STRETCH!!!!

My Meal 2

My Nutrition of the Day:

Coffee, gave me NO perk
1-Post-workout shake
2-Sweet potato & Egg Whites
3-Protein Balls (May issue Natural Muscle Magazine)
4-Grilled Veggies & Shredded Crock Chicken Breast
5-Protein Pudding

47 Years Young

IF YOU ENJOYED THE CONTENT, LIKE IT, LEAVE ME A COMMENT, AND ALWAYS APPRECIATE A PROTEIN SHAKE;)

STAY HEALTHY!