Friday, November 30, 2007

An Epidemic?

I've recently seen numbers as high as 75%. Researchers are predicting that the percentage of obese Americans will rise from 65% to 75% in 2012.

Could this really happen? Take a look around. Observe the people sitting in your office, in the grocery store, gas station, restaurant or people in your family. What do they look like? Have friend/family gotten bigger or smaller in the last decade? Can you go into the grocery store without seeing 4 people who aren't extremely overweight?

The crazy thing is, most of the people you observe probably have tried to lose weight. Dr. Dean Ornish, MD explains the reason we are gaining weight:

"The average American consumes 300 calories more today than he did 30 years ago. He also burns 260 less calories each day due to increased automation, technology and sedentary occupations."

Just some food for thought the next time you contemplate skipping a workout.

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Sticking with your Budget


This year my husband and I started listening to Dave Ramsey, a financial teacher to millions of people across America. He's helped us discover what we need to accomplish in order to be financially healthy.

Finances and fitness are comparable. For example, if a person spends more money then they make, they are financially unhealthy-they go into debt. The same is true for a person who eats more calories in a day then they need-they gain weight.

The idea here is to make a written plan-for both fitness and finances. There's something about seeing it on paper that can change how a person spends the calories/money. I have referred many clients to calorie-count.com in order to keep track of what they are eating throughout a day. It's amazing to see what you actually put in your mouth when it's on paper. We've found that by putting a name on every dollar we spend, our money goes farther throughout the month. The same can be true for food.

The best part of all, finances and fitness collide. You end up saving money and calories by taking time to make your plan! Your food and wallet go even farther because the unconscious spending of calories and money goes out the window!

Monday, November 19, 2007

Infant CPR at Slim and Tone

This is huge and could help save a life-what a priceless skill!

Saturday, December 1st from 11am-1pm, Slim and Tone will be hosting a CPR certification through the American Red Cross. Certification will cover a thorough understanding of child and infant CPR. This includes obstruction procedures since choking is the #1 killer of 3 years olds.

Cost is $15 before November 28th

Please email me if you are interested!

Thursday, November 1, 2007

Goals for the Season

I have been a trainer now for over 2 years. Exercise has always been a part of my life. Making healthy decisions has been a priority. I do not see that changing.

However, I am just like every other person on this earth. I struggle with leading a healthy life. Let me explain, I LOVE food! Lately I have learned that being healthy isn't a short term goal but rather a life-long journey. Okay, so I have always known that health is a lifestyle not a fad, heck I did my master's research paper on preventative health.

My point is it seems that throughout life we will always have different seasons. Maybe this season I am pregnant and I want to eat everything in sight not caring how many calories enter my body because, "it's good for the baby" seems to be a good excuse. Or perhaps I enter a season where I'm planning a vacation and want to be skinny for my getaway. Whatever the season or reason, I have learned I always need some short term goals for my overall long-term goal (staying healthy). I think it's what makes the journey that much sweeter.

So I have a solution to my problem-maybe you could benefit from this too. My season right now is a nature of giving but also being selfish. I love the feeling I get of helping or giving to someone else but what's even better is gaining something more from the experience (like a workout!)

Even though the New Year isn't quite here, I have started to make goals for 2008. Along the side of this web page there will be different events that I would like for you to participate in with me. There will be many options, you can do them all or be selective. Each event goes to help someone else, from arthritis to special needs children, feel your heart heat up as the money goes to benefit someone whose in need.

So far, I have 2 events planned for the near future (check back often as their will be an opportunity for most every month in 2008).

Just one in 2007-The Jingle Bell Run. This one is special because a client of mine, who suffers from rheumatoid arthritis. 2007 was her year! She completely changed her life around (lost more than her goal weight and 8 dress sizes!!) She looks absolutely amazing! Although most of her days are spent facing the excruciating pain from the side effects of rhuematoid arthritis, she pushes right through it being an inspiration to everyone around her. Go Sharon, the race is for you!

Next up is going to be the Groundhog Run. It should be fun, it's in a cave. Talk about an experience-they tell me the cave temperatures are a cool 67 degrees year-round. The money raised goes to beneifit the Children's Therapeutic Center. Hope to see you there!

Again, please check back often to gain insight, and motivation to create your unique healthy days.