5 Simple Tips to Help Reduce Pain After You Work Out

Post-workout aches and pains are no surprise for many fitness fans, especially for those who are new to working out regularly. While it's important for your muscles to recover from a hard workout, waiting too long can make you antsy and can even throw you off your groove. So what can you do to help reduce those pains so you can get back to running, kick-boxing, and other aerobic activities that let you feel the burn? Here are a few simple tips you can use to fight back against workout soreness. Before I dive in let's discuss that sometimes motivation can come in many forms, including new workouts or fitness gear. It's important to remember to follow these steps and also protect your body when you start out. The right protection can help prevent injury whether it's wearing the proper … [Read more...]

News, Notes & Favorite Earth Day Things

How is everyone doing right now?  I mean, really, how are you doing? For my family here in Virginia, we have been in quarantine for over a month. We are in our second week of distance learning for our kids despite them being out since Friday, the 13th.  It's been a challenge.  However, we now realize that the slower pace suits us in a lot of ways.  Still, we miss our friends. We miss their faces. We miss our church family. Truthfully, I'm in a full Lymes flare up the likes of which I haven't experienced since 2018 when I was in full treatment mode.  I've been put on new drugs and anti-anxiety meds and I'm breaking out like a hormonal teen but I'm weeks away from turning 44. I feel so pretty! Sigh. Some days I don't know if I have got a handle on things or not.  Some days I am barely … [Read more...]

How to Get the Results You Want From Your Workout

Are you getting the results you want from your workout routine? Did you start something new in January with the best of intentions and total excitement to achieve this new goal and then QUIT?  Did you miss your January fitness and wellness goals? 💪Do you feel exhausted? 😴 IT'S OK! ❤️ I have been there too.  I can help you with this part! I was the same way for YEARS.  I did so many classes at the gym and then I would burn out on them.  I did challenges online too.  I put in time running, training for a race, or on the treadmill at the gym. I did Weight Watchers too.  And way back in the day I took ephedrine.  Yup, I totally did.  Ugh.  I wasted a lot of time and money. I felt really bad about myself too which made no sense. Then about three years ago I did something … [Read more...]

What’s In Your Gym Bag?

Do you want to know what is in my gym bag?  I'll tell you what is in my gym bag. NOTHING. Nada. ZILCH. I work out from home, but I think you know that by now.  I would love to say that I carry around this very cute Adidas bag by Stella McCartney but that would be a lie.  Instead, I'll let you in on a few of my favorite, can't live without workout essentials.   In the last year, I have come to rely on these Epsom salt baths to detox from Lyme disease but also to relieve the soreness I get from my daily workouts.  They are a must and I do them a few times a week.  The blender with a cup is for the daily post-workout shakes that I LOVE.  It's the perfect pick me up after a strenuous training session and the best way I know to curb my cravings and forget about … [Read more...]

How I Made My Health the #1 Priority and Everything Else Fell Into Place

Girl, you better work. That phrase played in my head on a constant loop this last year. I wasn't talking about sitting at a desk or improving my career either.  It was all about working on my health and healing and treating it like a job. "In health there is freedom. Health is the first of all liberties." Between starting with yoga, then walking, adding in light weights,  progressing to running and then moving onto HIIT workouts once I was strong enough, exercise was one of the things I have done consistently this last year to help me battle my chronic Lyme disease. Sweat. It does a body good. You know what?  I'm in the best shape of my life.  I even decided to help others to get there too. How Did I Get Here? Part of that motivation came from thinking of each day of the week as a … [Read more...]

Aging Gracefully: Slow Down, But Never Stop Moving

You're young, full of zest, and ready to live a balanced and enriched life; it can be hard to imagine that time will continue to drudge ever onward (usually too quickly), that you won't always be young and able-bodied, but it's true. Before you know it, your body will start creaking as bad as your grandparents', with aching knees informing you of coming storms and bad backs that threaten your sleep if you so much as look at something heavy. Luckily, you don't have to just sit and let it happen -- which, ironically, is the problem. If you sit on a couch for 30 years, you're not really allowed to suddenly be shocked when walking more than a mile causes pain to radiate out of your hips and lower back. Motion is lotion: the sooner you start moving, even if it's just a little, you will age … [Read more...]

Do You Want to Transform Yourself?

I have a confession to make.     🌱Transformation doesn't happen overnight. The last year of my life is pure proof of that.  There were days I thought I had beat the diseases running rampant within my body only to fall a few steps backward and have to rebuild again. Now there are more good days than bad.  Now I see a future and it looks wildly different than I ever imagined.  I'm full of more joy.  I see more wonder in the world.  I think that was all part of the plan too. One of the best things I did to heal was to KEEP MOVING no matter how unmotivated I felt there was always a walk, yoga or something gentle until I can build strength again.  Today?  My body may not be in remission but it is STRONGER than it was before I got sick. How Crazy Is That? My doctor is amazed … [Read more...]

How to Look Great at The Gym- A Brief Guide

    Even though we’ve just left summer behind us, it doesn’t mean that we should let ourselves go. Cold months ahead of us will make it easier to stay in the comfort of our homes, which, in turn, means that we’ll put on weight more easily too. This is why it’s a good idea to get a gym membership and stay in shape. When you go to the gym, you don’t have to spend an hour getting ready, but you shouldn’t look like you’ve just gotten out of bed either. Here’s a brief guide on looking stylish at the gym. Stay clean Yes, you will get all sweaty and stinky after a workout, but that doesn’t mean that you should go to the gym smelling like you’ve spent a whole day in the sun and forgot to take a shower. You shouldn’t go too far with the deodorant, perfume, and cologne … [Read more...]

Safety Tips for Exercising Outdoors

The outdoors makes me happy, and, when working out, I typically aim for activities that take me out of the house. Indoors simply feels too restricting, too full of technology and distractions. Outside means freedom, sunshine and the fresh air…and so much space to explore. If I could, I would climb boulders and hike on the daily. But, unfortunately, I live in the ‘burbs. So seeking out prime hiking spots—and those fantastic rocks—means quite a trip. But there are still a few good hiking trails and walking paths not far from home. A daily dose of exercise is optimal for good health, and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that “adults aged 18–64 should do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity throughout the week or do at least 75 minutes of … [Read more...]

Fabletics March Picks: Brights

Fabletics made my activewear dreams come true this month. Fabletics March Pick of Brights was spot on for me.  I love green leggings.  I don't know why but I can't deny it.  I have a dark green pair but I wanted that bright bit of color for spring.  They did not do me wrong! Fabletics Albury: Salar Capri/Eunice Tank/Amna Sports Bra Perfect for running, yoga or any other type of workout the Salar Capri pants are flattering and wear well after repeated use.  I love that the weather will soon be warm enough to wear capri leggings again too. I own two other pairs of Salar capris and I always reach for them when I work out.  I love the fine mesh on this white 'Eunice' tank and the green detail in the back.  The Amna sports bra has black mesh in the straps and molded cups for a good fit … [Read more...]