Monday, March 31, 2008

Walk for Life



My trainer friend, Mendy and I are putting on a walk in order to support the Liberty Women's Clinic. Read on for more information...I would love it if you could make it...for a great cause!

Please come support our Local Liberty Women's Clinic as we walk/run 3 miles around the Pleasant Valley Church Parking Lot. No registration required. This is a great way to exercise together while we support a local Liberty Ministry. Spouses, children, strollers, and ipods are welcome. For more information on this event please contact Mendy Shriver via email at MendyShriv@sbcglobal.net or call 415-3798.

April 19th at 9 a.m. in PV parking lot-meet at the main east entrance inside Pleasant Valley Church *Please bring a monetary gift or baby item in order to participate (size 1 or 2 diapers and wipes).

Liberty Women's Clinic offers abortion clinic alternative services in Liberty, Missouri. Offering pregnancy help services to Kansas City, Gladstone and North Kansas City, MO. Pregnancy testing & confidential services for those in Independence, Kearney & Excelsior Springs, Missouri as well as in Holt and Richmond. For more information on The Liberty Women’s Clinic go to: http://www.confidence2choose.com/

Please come……Support Life……Please come……Support Life

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

We did it: Snake Chase 2008!

Mary, Jennifer, Sharon and I participated in the Snake Chase last Saturday. It was somewhat of a windy day but we made it through. It was a lot of fun and Mary even got 1st place in her age division...way to go Mary!

I hope more of you will think about joining me for the trolley run (or walk) next month!!!





Sunday, March 23, 2008

Only Human-Take 2

I am SO thrilled that my trainer friend, Mendy, reminded me in the comment section of the last post about my swiss cake addiction! Maybe when I was writing that last post I didn't want to incriminate myself too much?! However, the other day I told Mendy that I was going to write my "Only Human" post, except in the version I told her I mentioned swiss cake rolls. Ah....one of my biggest weaknesses!

Basically, the other day before my run I also had a swiss cake roll-for energy, right?! Okay, not really. I LOVE swiss cake rolls...my husband was so nice to buy a box for me. However, anytime I get swiss cake rolls I normally polish the whole box off in less than 24 hours. There are 6-270 calorie servings in a box. I noramlly eat 4 servings in a day. Then feel so guilty the next day and want to just get rid of them, that I finish the last 2...done! Thus my illustration of weakness.

How do I fight this? Well, I have found I just can't buy them anymore. I have no self control (or maybe its all the high fructose corn syrup that's in them) so I just can't have them in my house. I have found that to be true in many other cirumstances and I have to admit it's a 2 for 1 deal: we stay fatter in our wallet and thinner in our body. There is only 1 thing that is difficult-the grocery store trip. As long as I can get myself out Target supercenter without swiss cake rolls in my cart, I consider it a success.

There you have it folks, personal trainers are human too!

Friday, March 21, 2008

Only Human

This is somewhat of a difficult entry for me. I really dislike talking about myself, normally friends would vote me a good listener. My passion is asking questions, getting answers and observing behavior. However, I had an experience much like many of my clients the other day and feel the need to expose it.

This Wednesday around 4pm I was at home. The weather was wonderful, around 70 and I still hadn't gotten my second run in for the week. My brain told me to hit the new 4 mile route through my neighborhood I mapped a week ago. Though my body was singing a different tune. I was tired, tired because I hadn't done anything throughout the day since I was strictly at home this week taking care of my sick child. The music on my ipod was getting old and I just felt lethargic altogether. Maybe a little hungry but knew if I ate anything I wouldn't go on that run. Yes, I wanted dinner at 4 o'clock in the afternoon!

What happened next completely threw me for a loop. I needed something to rejuvenate me for the energy I would expend during the 40 minute cardio experience which faced me in the near future. I proceeded to take a nap. About 20 minutes, just enough to give me that bit of energy I was lacking. I also took a quick look at the new songs on itunes. I'm really enjoying Leona Lewis, "keep bleeding in love" right now. Something about the beat that really works for me.

It was a GREAT run. I enjoyed every minute and every step. I was so happy that I followed through.

I must point out how easy it is for me to slip away from a healthy lifestyle-just like anyone else. Yes I am a personal trainer; which is why it's so hard for me to be so self disclosing about my personal hang-ups. Don't misunderstand me, I thoroughly enjoy exercise but sometimes it's difficult for me to pick myself up and do it. I often think if we all had that "feel good" feeling before we exercised and the only way to keep it was to begin exercising-it would make life much easier. However, in my short time here on earth, I know life isn't all about being easy. Maybe I am nuts but there's something about a embracing a challenge and "getting there" that really does it for me.

Micro goal setting played a huge part in my success the other night. Making a little goal to participate in a 5K each month, a 100 mile bike ride in August and a marathon in October put a huge amount of fear on my plate. I knew that if I don't keep my training consistent, I will pay for it later. I am the typical person-I will always need to have a micro goal set in place. Otherwise I could very well fall off the wagon. I thrive on making a plan and sticking with it. I like checking things off my list. Well, I definitely checked off that Wednesday night workout!

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Some Insight from Ginger

Have I mentioned before how much I love my clients?! Okay, I know I have but they really are the best. Ginger is one of my clients-she always has a great attitude and good ideas. Here's a REALLY cool idea that I'm stealing from her to share with you all.

Hiking Vacations

It looks like there are places all over Europe that you hike along with some areas in Canada and New York. How fun!

Also, Ginger is a very smart gal--I am not sure exactly what she does but her title is "process architect" and it has something to do with computers. Other than that its beyond my comprehension of what she does! Anyway, she wrote this great blog entry. She titled it "The Personal Trainer has much Knowledge." As much as I wish that were true, I learned quite a bit from what she wrote that I think we could benefit from. There are 3 areas that she talks about, 1. Keep your goals in mind 2. Be Tough but kind 3. Safety First. As you read the article, use the information as it relates to you....keeping your goals in the forefront of you mind at all times. Be tough, i.e.-work hard but also be kind to yourself. Stay focused on how hard you worked rather than the small insignificants you might have messed up on. Lastly be safe-this is so important because too many times have I seen bad form or lifting too much weight that resulted in injury which in turn, results in inactivity. Click below to check it out.

Ginger's Blog Entry

Lastly Ginger sent me the link to the P.F. Chang's Rock 'n Roll Marathon for next January. It looks like SO much fun...maybe this could be the start of next year?

P.F. Chang's Rock 'n Roll Marathon

Sunday, March 16, 2008

DEADLINES

Only 2 more days until the registration for the Nike Women's Marathon (or half marathon) closes!!

So far there are 12 of us signed up for the lottery!!
Mandy F.
Sharon M.
Sondra B.
Sara W.
Cathy C.
Debbie B.
Kathy S.
Brenda D.
Andrea V.
Mary J.
Johnna P.
Holly B.

Let me know if you have signed up but I don't have you down...this is excititng!!

ALSO: The Snake Chase (see right for link) is this Saturday. A 5K on the Cerner Campus...will you be there with me?

Friday, March 14, 2008

Pilates and Zumba

I've updated the right side of this blogger with two different classes I endorse. I also recommend two other classes that are local; Pilates and Zumba.

Pilates Mat Class

When: Wednesday nights at 5:45 – 6:45pm
5 week session begins March 12th

Where: Pinnacle Therapy Services
Located in the Maple Crest Professional Plaza

This class is designed to teach and reinforce the fundamentals and beginning movements of Pilates exercises. You will learn a variety of Pilates exercises and Pilates based sculpting moves targeting the buns and thighs, arms and shoulders, and core area. These non-cardio movements will strengthen, sculpt, and lengthen your muscles.

Cost: $30 for the 5 week session

Contact: Kim Sickels
Certified Pilates Instructor, Certified Personal Trainer, Group Exercise Instructor

To register call 816.589.6489 or email questions to knrsicls@aol.com


Zumba Fitness Classes

Where: PINNACLE Liberty, 840 W Kansas Ave, Ste G; Liberty, MO 64068
When: Saturdays, starting March 22 through Summer
Time: 8:00am-9:00am
Price: $7.00/class or $20/pass for 4 classes
Contact: Instructor, Mandi Wong 816-520-2399 or zumbamimi@earthlink.net.

ALL fitness levels welcome!
No dance experience necessary.

Why I love my job....

Where do I even begin? I have the most wonderful clients...I always have. I can honestly say I look forward to meeting with ALL my clients, my job is one of the greatest highlights of my week. This week has been no different. Monday I took on a new client, Kathy, and let me just tell you she has amazed me. She has worked her tail off...cut down DRASTICALLY her mountain dew intake as well as done everything I've asked (that always gets a person on my good side:). Her goal is to lose 150 pounds and this week marked her first week of her weight loss journey. I think this is a great idea-she started a blog to journal her thoughts, feelings, battles, triumphs and whatever else is going on in her life. I think this is a great motivational tool for her to stay on course plus it's a great way to keep track of where she's come from and where she ends up. If you are interested, here's her blog address:

CATHY'S BLOG

I would encourage anyone who thinks this is a semi-good idea to start a blog of their own. It's FREE! The best part...you can start one and not tell anyone the address. Then if you like how it's going you can share it with me and I will honor you by writing some great things about you along with sharing the link to everyone that reads here.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Burn Fat Faster

Have you been trying to lose body fat, but find it comes off at a snail's pace? If you’re working out with efficiency and maintaining a slight caloric deficit, you can actually lose up to 1.5 pounds per week.

However, even if you haven’t been consistent, I have some metabolism-boosting tips that should help ignite some good, steady fat loss.

1. Increase your meal frequency: Eat more often but don’t increase total calories. For example, break three meals into five to six smaller meals and eat every three hours. Food can actually help burn body fat when used strategically. Breaking meals into smaller feedings helps to control blood sugar and puts you in a better position to lose fat.
2. Break up your workout: Many people are pressed for time and the thought of exercise becomes another stress in their lives. However, research has proven that two short bouts of exercise per day will actually stimulate the metabolism more than one longer bout. Go for two brisk 15 minute walks per day, five days per week, and you’ll see progress at the end of 30 days.
3. Eat breakfast: If you sleep through the night and then deprive the body of food in the morning, the body is sensing a potential famine and holds onto stored body fat to keep you alive. Remember, calories from food represent heat. Use the heat to rev your metabolism.
4. Cycle calories: For three days, consume your minimum calorie requirement based on your height, weight and goals. Then, on day four, increase your calories by an additional 400 (nutritious foods only). This technique can actually get the metabolism racing and stimulate additional fat loss.
5. Drink lots of water: If you limit your water intake, the body will retain water; the body only needs to be dehydrated by approximately 2 percent for this to take place. Drink 0.55 multiplied by your body weight in ounces of water per day.
6. Exercise in the morning: If you can fit it into your schedule, exercise in the morning. People who exercise consistently in the morning find that exercise at this time regulates their appetite all day long. They don’t get as hungry and they start the day with a boost to the metabolism.
7. Perform cardio interval training: Cardio interval training is simply short bursts of high-intensity exercise combined with more moderate intensity within the same workout. Studies have shown that people who perform interval training twice a week (in addition to two other days of lower intensity cardio) lose twice as much weight as those who do just a moderate cardio workout. You can easily incorporate interval training into your workout by inserting a 45 second burst into your stationary bike workout every four to five minutes.
8. Boost your metabolism by reading instead of watching TV: Researchers at Memphis State University monitored 32 girls as they watched a half-hour television program. They found the metabolic rates dropped as much as 16 percent below resting metabolic rate. They burned fewer calories watching TV than they did just by reading!
9. Drink green tea: Green tea is a popular tea from Japan that has numerous health benefits, including weight loss. It’s not 100 percent certain how green tea helps one to lose fat, but it appears to increase the amount of calories the body burns—not necessarily because of the small amounts of caffeine it contains, but due to a compound abbreviated as EGCG. When purchasing green tea make sure the label states that the green tea used is standardized for caffeine and EGCG.

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Two Interesting New Studies

Artificial Sweeteners Once Again Linked to Weight Gain
Foods and beverages that contain no-calorie artificial sweeteners may be ruining your ability to control your food intake and body weight, according to new research by psychologists at Purdue University’s Ingestive Behavior Research Center. In their study, when compared with rats that ate yogurt sweetened with glucose (a simple sugar), rats that ate yogurt sweetened with the zero-calorie artificial sweetener saccharin: Consumed more calories (and didn’t make up for it by cutting back later, gained more weight, and put on more body fat. It’s thought that consuming artificial sweeteners breaks the connection between a sweet sensation and a high-calorie food, thereby changing your body’s ability to regulate intake.

The researchers also measured the rats’ core body temperatures, which typically rise after eating. However, after eating a sweet, high-calorie meal, rats that ate saccharin had a lower rise in body temperature than rats that ate glucose. The researchers believe that this blunted biological response led the rats to overeat, and made it harder to burn off the calories later.

They concluded that consuming foods sweetened with saccharin would lead to greater weight gain and body fat than eating the same foods sweetened with sugar. Although further research needs to be done, the researchers believe that consuming other artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, sucralose, and acesulfame K would have similar effects.
Sources:
Eurekalert February 10, 2008
Behavioral Neuroscience February 2008, Vol. 122, No. 1, 161-173


Why Don't The French Get Fat?
The French dine on baguettes, cheese, pate and pastries, all washed down with plenty of wine -- so why don’t they seem to get fat? This so-called “French paradox redux” that allows French people to eat all the “forbidden” foods and stay thin while Americans get fatter has been demystified by a new Cornell study.

Researchers found that while the French use internal cues -- such as no longer feeling hungry -- to stop eating, Americans use external cues -- such as whether their plate is empty, whether their beverage has run out and whether their TV program is over. The study, which analyzed questionnaires from 133 Parisians and 145 Chicagoans, also found that the heavier a person is, the more they rely on external cues to tell them to stop eating, and the less they rely on whether they feel full. Over time, the researchers concluded, instead of relying on external cues, using your body’s internal cues to tell you when to stop eating may improve your eating patterns.
Sources:
Eurekalert February 15, 2008
Obesity October 2007 15:2920-2924

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Nike Women's Marathon Lottery

To register for the Nike Women's Marathon or Half Marathon, click here. Registration is open today-March 18 and we should find out if we made the lottery by April 1st...training will start shortly thereafter if we get picked. Please read everything on the link above, it gives a great description of what to expect. Also, we are going to register as a team so copy and paste my email address when you register. This way we will all either make the race or not make the race-no one will be left out.

froehlich.mandy@gmail.com

Please email me if you have any questions. As of now I believe there are close to 8 of us that are interesting in going. Let me know if you have made a decision to go and I am not aware--as you have until March 18 to decide. Remember this is one of the best races because it's in a very relaxed environment. Sure there will be good runners, but for the most part there's a lot of walkers. Don't feel like you have to train to run this whole thing because most all of our group will be walking the entire course.

Sunday, March 2, 2008

Get There

I've been thinking a lot lately about how to get my clients to their goals. Of course there are the obvious things like exercising and eating well but we all know it takes more than that. Over the past couple of days my brain has been going over and over this topic. I've been reflecting back on my personal goals and looking step-by-step at what it took for me to get there. My husband would tell you it's my stubborn personality, but there were more ingredients that took me to where I wanted to get. Thus, this post is dedicated to everyone reading that needs some direction and focus in getting to their goal. It's very easy on January 1st to make those resolutions and the endless promises to yourself about what you are "gonna do". So my thoughts....

1. Micro Goals: Instead of, "I want to lose 20 pounds", focus on the tiny goals that will get you there such as: exercise 5 times per week or eat breakfast everyday.

2. Positive Focus: It's easy to come down on yourself when you mess up like eating a dish of ice cream at 10pm before bed. But I beg you, don't do it! Instead focus on the good things you did that day. Maybe on the same day you ate ice cream at 10pm, earlier you worked out for an hour or passed up the second helping for dinner. Important...this is NOT Mandy giving you an excuse to flub up, rather it's an understanding about yourself that you are human and will make mistakes.

3. Keep a motivator handy: When I was working to lose some baby weight last year, I kept finding myself craving late night snacks. I brought myself back to why I wanted the weight off so badly - to fit into my clothes. I made myself try on the clothes I wanted to wear and it motivated me when I saw that they didn't quite fit yet. It gave me the power I needed to forego eating before bed.

4. Don't Lie: Treat yourself with respect. Don't tell yourself you are going to lose weight or begin an exercise program just to find 5 months later you have given up. Avoid false assurance, instead trust yourself. I am sure you wouldn't lie to a friend so why do you deserve to lie to yourself?

5. BELIEVE: This one is the most important of all my random thoughts. I want you to believe and visualize yourself at your goal. Maybe you don't have the strength to do it on your own. You need the help of someone else, a higher power perhaps? I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. Phil 4:13

These are just some ideas if you feel you're falling short of the goals you made for yourself 60 days ago. Keep going, you can do it....I know you can....