TIGHT BODY HAS OFFICIALLY BEEN FILMED!

Yea! You heard me right...Tight Body has finally (well, seems like finally to me anyway), been filmed. It's been a long time in the making. It was set to filmed a couple months ago, but one of my sons suddenly could no longer swallow food, and was down to nothing but water thin liquids. Not good when your only nine years old. After at least a month of not eating, and too many Dr. appts.,  we finally found him relief, and he's happily eating again, I am very grateful. Nevertheless, TBBC was postponed. 


We, the Tight Body Team and I, had a great weekend. When I say the 'Tight Team', I mean everybody, production crew, athletes, my good friends who have been such a support to me, and of course that Ultimate One. We worked it hard, played hard, and I'm sure my athletes are now resting and recovering hard (not to mention putting down quite a bit of water and other yum, yums, meaning nutrient rich food, of course). 


It was phenomenal to see the change in people as they came in for the day, and left for the day. Miracles were taking place before our very eyes, very touching. I was impressed by the good sportsmanship of the athletes, great attitudes, and sense of 'all for one, and one for all' Team attitude. Great people. 


I hope to have Tight Body Boot Camp available for you ASAP!!! We are already editing, and hard at work to get it to you. Thanks for your support. 


Keep your dreams alive, and never let them rest.
Hugs.

CONFESSIONS OF A SOFT DRINK

Hello, I am a humble, effervescent liquid. Humble? Well, that is debatable. Actually, I am quite proud of myself. Allow me to brag a little.


I fizz, I sparkle, and bubble my way into thousands of people all over the world, everyday. I have much power. I cause masses of humanity to make beelines for snack dispensers in plush, high rise buildings. I stir men, women, and teenagers to dash into their nearest 24 hour convenience store.


To give me an appetizing brown tint, I contain carmel coloring, which has genetic effects, and is a cancer causing suspect. I sometimes have polyethylene glycol as one of my ingredients. Glycol is used as anti-freeze in automobiles, and as an oil solvent.


The bubbles and fizz with which I potently burn human insides is caused by my phosphoric acid. The phosphorus in the acid upsets the body's calcium-phosphorus ratio and dissolves calcium out of the bones. This can eventually result in OSTEOPOROSIS, a weakening of the skeletal structure, which can make one susceptible to broken bones. The phosphorus fights with hydrochloric acid in human stomachs and renders it ineffective. This promotes indigestion, bloating, and gassiness in many individuals.


I offer a selection of three types of sweeteners, according to the customers preference. The sweeteners are: saccharin or Aspartame in the diet type, and sugar or corn syrup in many regular drinks. These substances enhance my appeal and come disguised as 'good' for everyone. However, tastes can be deceiving! Let me explain....


SACCHARIN is an artificial sweetener which has raised some concern about cancer in laboratory animals. There are warning labels on containers in which saccharin is an ingredient. ASPARTAME, the more common 'diet' sweetener, has been linked to convulsions, depression, insomnia, irritability, weakness, dizziness, headaches, and mood changes and mental retardation. SUGAR and CORN SYRUP can induce both HYPOGLYCEMIA (low blood sugar), and HYPERGLYCEMIA (high blood sugar), in susceptible individuals. Hypoglycemia has been linked to mental illness and hyperglycemia to diabetes. Sugar gives you a lift or burst of energy, then sends you crashing down to severe fatigue. To get another charge, more sugary drinks are consumed. This pattern exhausts the adrenal glands and leaves a person with a chronic tired feeling.


Gorgeous, that's what I am! I come dressed in a shiny metal can in various colors and tints. Sometimes I am silver, gold, or blue, red, etc. I beckon and dazzle shoppers as they stroll past me in the store. On a hot day, I am especially attractive, and hands reach for cases of me to share with friends at picnics and parties. However, I am tricky. My thirst quenching liquid, which is alluringly encased in a aluminum can, contains traces of the same metal. The acid in the 'soft' drinks, eats away the aluminum, which floats around until it is ingested by the consumer. Aluminum is a very toxic substance and builds up in the human body. It is a particular affinity to the brain and has been linked to the degenerative senility affliction, ALZHEIMER'S disease.


Many times humans think they can LOSE WEIGHT by drinking me in the 'diet' form. NOT SO! My high sodium content helps them retain water in their bodies, and they become edemic. The kidneys and bladder do not function properly after a long habit of 'soft' drink intake. The sugar in me destroys the beneficial flora in the colon and constipation results. This locks the toxins in the body so they cannot be eliminated properly. The blood is not pure, as a result, and the cells are affected. In order to lose weight, fat must be flushed from the cells. The enzymes responsible for aiding the process of fat release are paralyzed when they are poisoned, and so cannot do their job. People DEFEAT THEIR PURPOSE when they try to lose weight by drinking me.


In conclusion, I would like to admit there is not a smidgen of humility in me. I am very egotistical. I am master over much of the decision making ability of the human race. Ha! You don't believe me? Look on school campuses, in parks, ball games, business offices, and street corners...anywhere there are people....see you around!    


I know too many people who have been hooked on this garbage. Too many others who have developed kidney stones, and yet others, who seem to rely on it as though it's somehow providing them with some kind of nutritional benefits. Do not rob yourself. Do not kid yourself. The sooner this liquid, sugar water, is eliminated from your system, the better. Do not be deceived. 

See also: http://www.tightbodybootcamp.blogspot.com/2014/09/soda-should-people-be-consuming-this.html

WHAT'S THE RUSH....ENJOY YOUR SEASON

So I'm shopping at one of my favorite warehouse places, and can't help but notice the Christmas items out on display. Believe it or not, they've been out now for a few weeks. Talk about anxiety ridden, no, not me, I mean the individuals who just can't wait to get this stuff out on the floor. Is it just me, or does it seem to appear earlier and earlier each year? Don't get me wrong, I'm all for the holidays, but WHOA baby, one at a time, please. It's just now entering fall, then we have Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. I feel for anyone who has a birthday or anniversary, or some other significant event in their life, as well, during this time. 

So, as I gaze amongst the displays, I can't help but make an analogy of this with our lives. I have often run into someone in high school who just can't wait until they get out of it. Single women who regularly entertain the idea that "when they meet so and so", or they've meet so and so but just can't wait to get married. The married who can't wait to have kids, the college student who can't wait to graduate, the potential employee who can't wait to get on with a good company, the working who can't wait to retire, and the retired who wished they had taken the time to savor a few more areas of their lives. I find myself guilty of this at times myself.

Of course, we all have these thoughts cross our minds, it's natural. We are meant to progress, however, let's not do it at the expense of missing out on the present goodies laid out in our lives at the moment. If you're raising your kids, enjoy raising them. If your single, enjoy the parts of being single that others long for. If you're looking for that ultimate job, career, make the best of where you are at, and learn all you can while you are there. If you're in school, be in the moment, it makes it a lot easier to study, pass tests, and look back with no regrets.

Before my oldest son passed on, I knew he would not be with us long. I was blessed to have practically my entire family with me at the time. I kept insisting everyone take pictures, then I'd go change my clothes, and my sons, and insist on more pictures, and again, and again, and again.  Looking back at his scrapbook, you would think he was here much longer than he was.  I'm very grateful for the memories, the pictures that keep everything on top of my pile, reminding me of what is truly important to me in my life.  I desire to enjoy every step, every stage, and celebrate the moments of my life with the people I love so dearly. 

May each of you enjoy the present, plan for the future, and actively engage in the process of making your dreams come true. 

Enjoy your season!

LIVE FOOD FOR THE LIVING, DEAD FOOD FOR THE DEAD

Yes, you heard me right. Yes, it sounds like common sense. Live food for the living, dead food for the dead. We are whole, live, natural beings. Our cells thrive on whole, natural foods. Our immune system depends on them. Our brains function to their highest ability on them. Our performance craves them. Live food. 

What is live food? Fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, lean meats, poultry, and fresh fish. Yes, there are supplements made from fresh fruits, and vegetables, these too, are acceptable, but to be used as a supplement to your healthy meal plan, not in place of. Yes, there are protein powders intended to supplement, as well. Yes, we have fish oils in capsules, and green food in containers, so on and so forth. The main idea here is to eat fresh, wholesome, unadulterated food, as often as possible, throughout the day. 

Some of us can plan ahead, have wholesome meals prepped for the day/week, etc., and are good to go. Yes, it takes a significant amount of time, and organizational skills to make it happen, yet, the benefits are far greater than any inconvenience. Others have careers, commitments, and are in places where it can be more challenging, yet it can be done. 

Let's talk about dead food. I have a hard time even classifying this stuff as 'food'. It's more like manmade concoctions, geared to appeal to the basest of our desires...taste, to then sell to consumers, and line the pockets of the people who concocted them, with the almighty dollar. These individuals even go so far as intentionally adding illegal substances they know cause addictive cravings. They advertise on t.v., ads, and theaters, with the precept these 'foods' bring joy, are somehow good for you, and do no harm. These 'foods' make up over half of what is available in most grocery stores. They are there greeting you as you walk in. Aah, the bakery, you whiff it entering a store, see all the garbage neatly on display, and the live foods? Well, you'll have to head for the back of the store, or to the perimeter, as they are to be found, by those truly seeking them.

Don't kid yourself. Your body cannot survive on these dead 'foods'. Eat fresh whenever possible. Steamed. Frozen. Canned as a last resort. Dead for rare, desperate circumstances, not for everyday convenience.

You hear of disease. 

Let's take a look at a few interesting facts:

Studies on causes of cancer reveal the following:
   1) 40% of cancer deaths are due to malnutrition
        (As in the body is starving at the cellular level. Hence, dead foods are void of true nutrition)
   2) 37% due to diet and alcohol
   3) 30% due to tobacco
  
Now, let’s take a look at what the average American consumes yearly:
         756 donuts
         7 lbs. of potato chips
         22 lbs. of candy
         365 cans of soda
         23 lbs. of ice cream
         90 lbs. of fat
         60 lbs. of cookies/cakes
         134 lbs. of refined sugar

What American’s aren’t eating enough of?
         41% do not eat fruit daily
         82% don’t eat cruciferous veggies
         72% do not obtain Vitamin C
         80% do not obtain Vitamin A
         84% don’t eat a high fiber diet

Sure, we all have those 'special' occassions, where there are generally dead foods offered as a form of celebration. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying one must be perfect, remember, it's what we are doing the majority of the time that counts. When one is eating healthy, say Monday thru Saturday, I see nothing wrong with a reasonable serving of a dessert, etc. I do believe it is a process to eat more healthfully. I believe a person should be allowed to have a 'free' meal once a week, and not feel as though they are deprived.  It's when these things are a part of a daily regimen that they become destructive. We are literaly bombarded with junk. One must stand tall, and make the decision as what they desire for their body, their health, and their state of mind.

Can the American population expect to win the war on cancer, or any other disease, when people are literally starving themselves to death nutritionally? You be the judge. There are other factors determining one’s fate with...or without disease, but it would appear that a healthy diet, regular exercise, sunshine, clean air, and water can availeth much. Perhaps we would do well keeping in remembrance of the ole’ phrase “Eat to Live”, not “Live to Eat”.

Consider the following facts ((dosomething.org):

1. In a 2012 study, 52% of Americans (that were polled) believed doing their taxes was easier than figuring out how to eat healthy.
2. At least 1 in 4 people eat some type of fast food every day.
3. Data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that in 2011 the average American consumed nearly one ton of food. That’s 1,996 pounds of food a year.
4. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s tests have found widespread pesticide contamination on popular fruits and vegetables, also known as the "dirty dozen." Here is a creative way to encourage your friends to buy organic fruits and veggies. 
5. The study also revealed some other interesting numbers. Americans ate: 632 lbs. of dairy products (including 31.4 lbs. of cheese), 415.4 lbs. of vegetables (most popular being corn and potatoes), 273 lbs. of fruit, and 183.6 lbs. of meat and poultry.

6. According to a 2012 Food and Health Survey, only 3 in 10 Americans believe that all sources of calories play an equal role in weight gain. Many Americans believe that carbohydrates, sugars, and fats are the key sources for weight gain
7. Americans consume 31% more packaged food than fresh food.
8. Healthiness of the food we eat decreases by 1.7% for every hour that passes in the day, meaning that people generally eat healthiest at breakfast and will most likely eat unhealthier food later in the day.
9. Over 10 billion donuts are consumed in the US every year.
10. 20% of all American meals are eaten in the car.
11. Americans spend 10% of their disposable income on fast food every year.

Bon Appetit!

Sources

• 1 
  International Food Information Council Foundation . "2012 Food & Health Survey: Consumer Attitudes toward Food Safety, Nutrition and Health." Food Insight. Accessed April 14, 2014. .
• 2 
  Schlosser, Eric. "Americans Are Obsessed with Fast Food: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal." CBSNews. Accessed April 14, 2014. .
• 3 
  Aubrey, Allison. "The Average American Ate (Literally) A Ton This Year." NPR. Accessed April 14, 2014. http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2011/12/31/144478009/the-average-american-ate-literally-a-ton-this-year>.
• 4 
  Economic Research Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. "Fruit and Tree Nut Yearbook Spreadsheet Files." 2010. Web Accessed March 13, 2014.
• 5 
  Aubrey, Allison. "The Average American Ate (Literally) A Ton This Year." NPR. Accessed April 14, 2014. http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2011/12/31/144478009/the-average-american-ate-literally-a-ton-this-year>.
• 6 
  "Food Insight." 2012 Food & Health Survey: Consumer Attitudes toward Food Safety, Nutrition and Health. http://www.foodinsight.org/2012_Food_Health_Survey_Consumer_Attitudes_toward_Food_Safety_Nutrition_and_Health (accessed July 16, 2014).
• 7 
  Fairfield, Hannah. "Factory Food." The New York Times. Accessed April 14, 2014. .
• 8 
  Radcliffe, Shawn. "Eating Habits: Healthy at Breakfast, Junk Food at Night." Men's Fitness. Accessed April 14, 2014. http://www.mensfitness.com/nutrition/what-to-eat/eating-habits-healthy-at-breakfast-junk-food-at-night>.
• 9 
  Jacques, Renee. "Sweet Baby Cheesus, Americans Eat A Lot Of Mozzarella (And These 11 Other Foods)." The Huffington Post. Accessed April 14, 2014. .
• 10 
  Stanford University. "What's for Dinner?." Multidisciplinary Teaching and Research at Stanford. Accessed April 14, 2014. .
• 11 
  Clauson, Annette. "Despite Higher Food Prices Percent of U.S. Income Spent on Food Remains Constant." Research in Agricultural and Applied Economics. Accessed April 14, 2014. .

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF

"You are always a valuable, worthwhile human being, not because anybody says so, not because you're successful, not because you make a lot of money, but because you decide to believe it and for no other reason."
                                                                               - Wayne Dyer


Believe in yourself. Believe you can make it through your workout. Believe you can follow your healthy meal plan. Believe you have the energy to meet your needs. Believe you will pass the test that awaits you. Believe in yourself. Believe in your goals, believe in your dreams, and let your actions manifest your beliefs. 


I believe in you. 

MULTIVITAMINS

I'm frequently asked, "Should I be taking a multivitamin?" For those of you who know me well, you know I'm not a big fan of synthetics, mainly because they don't deliver the goods as efficiently as whole foods, not to mention, some people seem to believe they can replace disliked foods, or food groups, by taking a multivitamin, simply not true. Synthetics are generally accepted into the body in relatively small amounts, regardless of their 'guaranteed potency', but can still wreak havoc when taken unnecessarily.

An advantage to food as obtaining nutrients, is their ability to work together synergistically, meaning, various compounds all work to the advantage of the whole, what's not needed is simply flushed, or excreted from the system. In other words, you cannot overdose of vitamins from whole foods.

I do believe their are various individuals who could benefit from a multivitamin, or a specific item, such as iron, calcium, vitamin C, etc., as a form of 'insurance' not reliability. These individuals fall into the following categories:

- Women with excessive menstrual bleeding
- Pregnant and/or nursing women
- The elderly
- Anyone taking medications which interfere with the absorption of nutrients, digestion, or metabolism
- Those at risk for heart or circulatory blockages
- Those at risk for osteoporosis
- Those who have undergone surgery
- Those with serious injuries
- Those with periodontal disease
- Vegetarians
- Those whose bodies are constantly undergoing high stress, whether physically, or mentally.

Now, don't get me wrong. Even in these circumstances, I believe an individual will receive the benefits from food over a supplement any day, however, some circumstances do not allow the individual to take in food at the rate necessary to meet their needs. For instance: a person with digestive disorders will still have a difficult time processing nutrients. You see, we are not what we eat, we are what we assimilate.
We can take in plenty of nutrient dense foods, however, if we are not assimilating it, it impedes the ability to render its services to us.

I like to make my own calcium by using good old fashioned Apple Cider Vinegar (Bragg's brand, with the 'Mother' in it), and a few herbs. I believe this calcium is taken into the body and utilized much quicker, easier, and readily available, in comparison with a supplement. There have been times, when my supply has suddenly run short, and I resort to a regular supplement until I can make a new batch, I do not feel it does this job as efficiently, however, one must choose what to do in the circumstances they are in. I like to use food and herbs, and natural substances such as molasses, to get the extras I feel I need, but this is not for everyone, as it takes time to plan, shop, figure out what you need, where to find it, and let's face it....we live in a society that lives 'on demand'. Natural health doesn't quite operate that way.

So, what does all this mean to you? Take a look at what you are taking and ask yourself if it is necessary. Or, can you simply be sure to add the foods in your eating plan to bring those nutrients to your cells, instead? I'm not saying discard what you have been doing, rather, take inventory. Sometimes, people get on autopilot, taking the same supplements for years without considering if they are still necessary. By all means, supplement if you need to, just be sure to know what you are taking, and why you are taking it, and decide if it's a temporary thing, or not. Mark it on your calendar if it's temporary. Have a super day!

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT...

"A non-doer is very often a critic—that is, someone who sits 
back and watches doers, and then waxes philosophically 
about how the doers are doing. It's easy to be a critic, 
but being a doer requires effort, risk, and change."
— Wayne Dyer: Self-help lecturer and author


Hmm....what are you most of the time? Critic? Or Doer? I believe, as long as one has the resources, might as well be up and doing. If one does not have the resources, start figuring how to get them, by planning, acting, and performing some act that will bring you closer to your desired outcome. One small step each day, can make a huge difference over time. Go for it!
 

IN A HURRY...S T R E T C H ... IT OUT FOR SUCCESS

We all go through it. 

You're running late, you only have 15 minutes to get the job done, you don't feel like it, or perhaps, feel it doesn't really make a difference, but you must decide...to stretch, or not to stretch. 

Why do we stretch? For many reasons. Stretching is generally done by most people after a workout, however, getting in that stretch prior to going into an intense workout, is just as important. 

Where do we start? 

First, warm the body up, get the blood flowing throughout your body, raise the body's temperature, get synovial fluid moving, and most importantly, use stretching as a preventative measure to avoid injuries, by preparing the muscles for the impending workload. 

You can accomplish this by simply walking on the treadmill for five minutes at a brisk pace, the stair master for five minutes at a bit less than comfortable setting, the elliptical for five minutes briskly with light resistance, or bike for five minutes, etc. You get the picture. Of course, this can also easily be done at home: Quickly go up and down your stairs for five minutes, jog up and down your street for five minutes, do burpees for five minutes, ride your bicycle, or jump rope. 

A proper warm-up brings us to a state of breaking a sweat, and we feel our heart rate beginning to rise. At this point, it's a good time to get in the pre-workout stretch, an entire body stretch is always ideal, however, if time is an issue, focus on the muscles that are to be used heavily during your training, for instance: if you're running stairs, focus on the hips, quads, hams, and lower legs. Hold the stretches, work the Range of Motion (ROM), then get right into your workout. 

Post-workout, bring your heart rate back down before going into your stretches, you'll be much more relaxed and focused. Really take time to stretch the whole body this time, giving added attention to the muscles you've just stressed. Hold each stretch for 20-30 seconds, playing with the ROM, and rehydrate. Stretching is a great way to wake up, refresh yourself, prepare your body for exercise, and prevent injury. Many injuries are due to lack of full range of motion, and/or training when ill, tired, or distracted. 

Start where you are at, and keep at it, daily. You will be surprised at how quickly the body begins to loosen up. It takes just five to ten minutes a day to keep the muscles pliable. 

Stretching is also invigorating after travel, sitting for long periods of time at a desk, or even while traveling when one doe not have time for an official 'workout', as it increases circulation (this includes to the brain, for afternoon slumps), restores a state of feeling healthy, and refreshes the mind, body, and spirit.

EXERCISE AND ILLNESS

It's that time of year, you can feel a hint in the air the seasons are getting ready for a change. As is so often the case, as the weather cools, illness arises. I figure now is a good time to cover the difference between feeling fatigued, and illness, and the big question of..."Should I train today?"

Generally, when we become ill, it takes a gradual course, unless it is a case of food poisoning, or something similar, in that scenario, we know within hours there's a problem.

To decide whether you should train or not, start the deciphering process:

How are you feeling? Is it a Monday morning kind of blah, or is is downright exhaustion? Are you feeling sore as a result of a training recently, or do you have body aches indicating a pending fever. Are you feeling cold because you left a window open over night, or do you have the 'chills'? Do you feel like eating, or have you lost your appetite? Is your throat just dry, or  is it sore? Do your ears ring and your head hurt because you were at a concert last night, or is this a sign you're coming down with something?

All these are indicators which give you information about yourself, so you can come to the right conclusion. If things are pointing to not ill, just a lifestyle situation, work through it. If your body indicates you're coming down with a bug,  listen. Not a good time to go train. As your body is telling you, you need to begin resting, hydrating, flushing out your system, and allowing all energy to go towards getting rid of harmful bacteria, viruses, and in some cases fungus, and/or parasites.

By taking a few days off now, you'll save yourself many days, weeks, or even months, of lingering fatigue and unnecessary weakness. You'll allow your body the energy, rest, sleep, and resources it needs to get the job done, efficiently, and be back to your training within a few days.  

Push yourself to the gym, and not only will you pay for it for many a day to come, but so will the people around you, whose immunity could be a little low that day, and pick up what you've got. 

Enjoy the rest, read a book that's been sitting on the shelf for months, watch a movie, bask in the sun while it's still shinning, tidy up your place, etc. You can still put that time to good use. Don't feel like your dodging your training, and you'll fall apart by missing a few days...  look at it as an investment in your health. 

You will come back, stronger, healthier, and happier, knowing you've nurtured yourself, and got some valuable things done in the meantime. Best of all, you'll feel and look refreshed, aah, the priceless things in life are the intangible. 

Have a great week!

SLOW BUT STEADY....WINS THE RACE.

So a client tells me she wants to drop "X" amount of weight by Christmas, and asks if it can be done. It was a reasonable amount, not too little, not far fetched. "I don't see why not", was my reply. Within 12 hours she had asked the same question, sincerely wanting to know if she could really do it. Self-doubt is the killer of all success in my book. How can a person possibly go after what they desire, and succeed, if they are doubting themselves, and their decisions throughout the day? Now, if one thinks they are going to accomplish this feat overnight, well, we must be realistic. Of course, the weight, or anything you desire in life that is worthwhile, isn't going to happen overnight, perhaps this is where many fall short, and give up on not only their goals, but their dreams as well, and begin settling for less. Now, if we take it a step at a time, that's doable. For instance, it's been found it takes 21 days to form a habit. When one takes the first item on their health agenda and applies it daily, for 21 days, it is said to become a habit, something one does without as much thought, or effort. Say an individual decides to begin drinking "X" amount of water per day. Boom....21 days later, it's all good. They now go to the 2nd item on their list, 5 servings of vegetables a day, okay. 21 days later, item 3 on their list, you get the idea. In one year 18 new habits can be formed, amounting in "X" amount of bodyfat dropped, and lean muscle built. Now 18 items might sound like a lot of progress, or it might sound like a little, depending if your glass is 1/2 full or 1/2 empty, lol. I believe 18 items is quite plentiful, think about it: water, veggies, lean proteins, getting rest, sleep, a new healthy hobby, read a health book, clean out the kitchen, get a new fitness outfit, get blood work done and see where levels of triglycerides, etc., are at, find out what supplements would be beneficial for you, get a new "do", a new weight training routine, a new cardio plan, go for your 1st hike to the top of a mountain..........and we can still add more! Sit down today, come up with your own 18 items, and gave at it. Enjoy your journey, and let me know of your success!

IS THE GLASS 1/2 FULL OR 1/2 EMPTY?

So we wake up, within a half hour we can pretty  much tell if we're feeling like our glass is 1/2 full, or 1/2 empty. It would be nice if our glasses were full ALL the time, however, there are certainly times, and days, when perhaps we're running on less steam, whether we didn't sleep well, were up late working or playing, maybe on the edge of catching a cold, etc. It's okay. Life happens. When my glass is full, I like to fill as many other glasses as possible, while I can, because I know at some point, mine will be temporarily empty, too. Have you ever had one of 'those' days, only to encounter an enthusiastic friend or maybe even a stranger, who insists on getting a smile out of you? I love it. Our workouts can be the same way. Some days we are so on top of the world, our workouts are pleasant surprises, we go home feeling exhilarated. Other times, we feel like we're working out in quicksand! It's all good. Work your way through it, just like life. Know there are far more good days ahead, then the blah's. Have a super day!

IMPORTANCE OF REST/RECOVERY

Okay, so you've been working hard at the gym, on the track, hitting the pavement, climbing trails, swimming laps, or maybe some of everything, and getting some great results. You decide to push yourself further, test your limits, this is all good, just be sure to give yourself adequate rest/recovery time. What exactly does rest/recovery mean? Just what it says, rest, meaning don't go 'full steam ahead'. Take it easy for the day, perhaps go for a nice brisk walk, or a casual recreational bike ride, play in the pool with your kids, play a game of volleyball with your friends. You get the idea, move around, but give your body a rest from intensity. After your through, be sure to give your body a good stretching session, take your time, and be mindful of tender areas, give them some extra attention. Be sure to slip in that afternoon nap if you need to, as well, it's amazing what just 20 minutes can do, to restore a restful feeling to your body, your mind, and enliven your spirits. During this time, be sure to hydrate, and refuel yourself to the best of your advantage, taking in those foods that will give you the most benefits and set up for your next workout appropriately. Fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and lean meats are all healthy choices your body will appreciate, and will pay you back tenfold.

Shooting for Tight Body begins this month!!! Get ready for a rockin' workout.