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Stepping Away From the Mirror to Focus on the Real You

How do you feel when you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror? I’m sure, if you’re anything like me, it changes from time to time. Maybe you’re all dressed up, ready for a night out and looking (and feeling) fantastic. Or, maybe you’re feeling tired and stressed and those circles under your eyes seem darker than usual. Our reflection is often a better indicator of how we’re feeling on the inside than how we look to the rest of the world.

A recent study found that women look in the mirror an average of 38 times per day, with men averaging 18 looks.

So, what if you decided to stop paying attention?

A new trend, dubbed “mirror fasting” has been popping up all over the Internet. Fasters are opting to avoid their reflections for a prolonged period of time. According to some fasters, the way they feel is actually improving. Some people said they’ve felt a boost in confidence and don’t feel as “judged.”

What do you think? Would you give this unique fast a try? Were you surprised to learn how often we’re checking ourselves out? I’d love your feedback!

photo credit: jox. via photo pin cc

Run Like a Track Star Workout

This workout is a track workout that you can have some fun with on the treadmill. You start off with 4 laps on the track, adjusting your intensities to find your speeds for the workout. Then move on to some focused drills. The first one you work on good speed, the second one you are working on good swing.

For more instruction on this come to a TREAD class or schedule some time with me to review, then you’ll be ready to hit the track on your own. Really makes a difference in your running!

The workout then moves on to 4 x 400 meters with a :45 second recovery. Different focus each segment, just like the real race!

Second part is 200 meter x 4 with a :30 recovery. Also with a different focus each segment.

Have fun and remember…SPRINT LIKE YOU MEAN IT! :)

 

Running Workouts to Do On Your Own by Vision Fitness and Wellness

Click here to download a PDF of this workout to take with you!

Finding Balance – How Your Emotional Wellbeing Impacts Your Physical Health

There are so many factors that impact our overall health. And, while fitness often places importance on the physical wellbeing, true wellness comes from the balance of a healthy body and mind. Emotional factors like stress and anxiety can impact overall fitness, including reaching weight loss and training goals.

You might know the feeling: you’re overwhelmed and stressed-out from work and family obligations. You overeat or grab food on the go to compensate. You may even skip your normal fitness routine to make more time in your busy life. This cycle leads to weight gain, guilt and – sadly – even more stress and anxiety.

Additionally, our bodies work to combat our stressful lives by producing hormones like Cortisol to help “fight” the conflict in our lives. Although Cortisol is a necessary and sometimes helpful secretion, a high-stress lifestyle can lead to over production of the hormone. This means slower metabolism and higher blood sugar and pressure. Which, you guessed it, can cause even more long-term stress!

But, don’t let this get you down! There are ways to combat your stress and get your mind and body working together for optimal health and wellness. If you’re feeling out of balance, give these tips a try:

  1. Avoid alcohol and cigarettes. These are unhealthy and temporary crutches that will negatively affect your emotional and physical wellbeing.
  2. Don’t skip your fitness. It can seem tempting to free up an extra hour by skipping a workout, but exercise is proven to boost happiness and lower stress. Studies show that depression is related to low levels of certain neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine. Exercise increases concentrations of these neurotransmitters by stimulating the sympathetic nervous system.
  3. Find your favorite healthy snacks. Grabbing food fast doesn’t have to mean grabbing fast food. A little strategic shopping for snacks like almonds, Greek yogurt, fruit and lean proteins will mean that you have healthy treats at your fingertips when you need them.
  4. Take breaks. It’s easy to get overwhelmed (and underproductive) when your life is non-stop. Give yourself time away from the computer and quiet moments alone. Focus on your breathing and slowing your heart rate.

If you’re feeling like your stressful life is impacting your health, let’s talk. As both a personal trainer and health coach in Santa Monica, I work with clients as a whole – both body and mind. We can put together a plan that fits your busy schedule and gives you balance.

 

Stepping Away From the Mirror to Focus on the Real You

How do you feel when you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror? I’m sure, if you’re anything like me, it changes from time to time. Maybe you’re all dressed up, ready for a night out and looking (and feeling) fantastic. Or, maybe you’re feeling tired and stressed and those circles under your eyes seem darker than usual. Our reflection is often a better indicator of how we’re feeling on the inside than how we look to the rest of the world.

A recent study found that women look in the mirror an average of 38 times per day, with men averaging 18 looks.

So, what if you decided to stop paying attention?

A new trend, dubbed “mirror fasting” has been popping up all over the Internet. Fasters are opting to avoid their reflections for a prolonged period of time. According to some fasters, the way they feel is actually improving. Some people said they’ve felt a boost in confidence and don’t feel as “judged.”

What do you think? Would you give this unique fast a try? Were you surprised to learn how often we’re checking ourselves out? I’d love your feedback!

photo credit: jox. via photo pin cc

Run Like a Track Star Workout

This workout is a track workout that you can have some fun with on the treadmill. You start off with 4 laps on the track, adjusting your intensities to find your speeds for the workout. Then move on to some focused drills. The first one you work on good speed, the second one you are working on good swing.

For more instruction on this come to a TREAD class or schedule some time with me to review, then you’ll be ready to hit the track on your own. Really makes a difference in your running!

The workout then moves on to 4 x 400 meters with a :45 second recovery. Different focus each segment, just like the real race!

Second part is 200 meter x 4 with a :30 recovery. Also with a different focus each segment.

Have fun and remember…SPRINT LIKE YOU MEAN IT! :)

 

Running Workouts to Do On Your Own by Vision Fitness and Wellness

Click here to download a PDF of this workout to take with you!

Finding Balance – How Your Emotional Wellbeing Impacts Your Physical Health

There are so many factors that impact our overall health. And, while fitness often places importance on the physical wellbeing, true wellness comes from the balance of a healthy body and mind. Emotional factors like stress and anxiety can impact overall fitness, including reaching weight loss and training goals.

You might know the feeling: you’re overwhelmed and stressed-out from work and family obligations. You overeat or grab food on the go to compensate. You may even skip your normal fitness routine to make more time in your busy life. This cycle leads to weight gain, guilt and – sadly – even more stress and anxiety.

Additionally, our bodies work to combat our stressful lives by producing hormones like Cortisol to help “fight” the conflict in our lives. Although Cortisol is a necessary and sometimes helpful secretion, a high-stress lifestyle can lead to over production of the hormone. This means slower metabolism and higher blood sugar and pressure. Which, you guessed it, can cause even more long-term stress!

But, don’t let this get you down! There are ways to combat your stress and get your mind and body working together for optimal health and wellness. If you’re feeling out of balance, give these tips a try:

  1. Avoid alcohol and cigarettes. These are unhealthy and temporary crutches that will negatively affect your emotional and physical wellbeing.
  2. Don’t skip your fitness. It can seem tempting to free up an extra hour by skipping a workout, but exercise is proven to boost happiness and lower stress. Studies show that depression is related to low levels of certain neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine. Exercise increases concentrations of these neurotransmitters by stimulating the sympathetic nervous system.
  3. Find your favorite healthy snacks. Grabbing food fast doesn’t have to mean grabbing fast food. A little strategic shopping for snacks like almonds, Greek yogurt, fruit and lean proteins will mean that you have healthy treats at your fingertips when you need them.
  4. Take breaks. It’s easy to get overwhelmed (and underproductive) when your life is non-stop. Give yourself time away from the computer and quiet moments alone. Focus on your breathing and slowing your heart rate.

If you’re feeling like your stressful life is impacting your health, let’s talk. As both a personal trainer and health coach in Santa Monica, I work with clients as a whole – both body and mind. We can put together a plan that fits your busy schedule and gives you balance.