Archive for November, 2009

HOLIDAY EATING

Wednesday, November 18th, 2009

Uh-oo!  Here come the holidays!  Are you prepared or are you freaking out just thinking about the pounds you are going to gain after the hard work you put in all year? 

Well quit obsessing or it may lead you to be grumpy, and then you could end up overeating since everyone is mad at you and now you’re depressed.  Instead, let’s come up with ideas that will keep us relaxed and de-stressed.   

We know that we will want to try all of the wonderful recipes that others will be bringing to work, parties, or wherever we hang out.  We also are going to want to try new recipes that we are seeing on the food channel and magazines.  So, the first step is:

Acceptance.  Accept that you will be over indulging in food items that you usually say no to or limit in your diet.  So, with that in mind, you want to

Be ready.  Got to have a plan!  What will your plan be?  Mine will be “a little more sweat, and a little less eats” BEFORE the day of celebration. 

Now in reality, we know that there will not just be one day of celebration, but many cuz those wonderful friends are already starting their baking creations and bringing them in!  It’s already happening at my work place.  So, that means our “little more sweat and a little less eats” are going to have to happen “a little more than normal” through the next few weeks.    

Stay in control.   If you end up eating ½ a pumpkin pie with whip cream, you are not going to be happy with yourself!  You will end up beating yourself up then probably eating the other half!  If that pie means everything to you, you better sacrifice other areas, like Turkey, potatoes, dressing, rolls, gravies, veggies with cream sauces, drinks and all salad dressings!   And for me, when it comes to pumpkin pie, I just might do that!

We work hard so we can take a break.  But keep yourself sane!  It may taste and feel good for the moment, but if we go crazy wild and eat like we haven’t eaten in a year, we will pay!

Laurie Jones offering in home personal training

Lauriesimplyfit.com    530-370-8228

THANKSGIVING IS COMING QUICKLY!!

Wednesday, November 11th, 2009

The big dinner of Thanksgiving is coming up.  Some of you are looking forward to the holiday, and some of you are not, and all of us have different reasons.  Some of you have been trying hard to loose weight and you are looking at that day as a disaster for the sacrifice you have already done.  Some of you are looking forward to the day of feasting cuz you have worked hard at loosing weight and you are taking a vacation from your diet that day.  Many of you are going to try new recipes that you have found on the food channel or magazines and books.  It’s also a great day cuz most of you will have the day off or a 4 day holiday. 

Since this is a fitness article, I mainly deal with the physical when I write my articles.  So, when it comes to over eating on Thanksgiving which practically everyone will do, I make the same suggestions.  Enjoy the day and eat as you like, but cut your calories a few days before Thanksgiving and a few days after.  Keep your exercise routine up.

Fitness however is not just about physical.  Fitness is also about emotional health.  The media advertises how great the holidays are, being with family and friends. However, the holidays are a time of great emotional distress and sadness for a lot of people.  Many have absolutely nobody to spend Holidays with.  Keep this in mind.  Be kind to everyone around you, forgiving each other quickly.  And above all, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.    

 

 

Laurie Jones

Personal trainer offering in home exercise training

Lauriesimplyfit.com

YIKES!!!

Wednesday, November 4th, 2009

 

A few weeks ago, I purchased a road bike.  My boyfriend has been biking for many years and wanted us to ride together.  Now, I have been in the gym for years and part of those years I had led spin classes (stationary bikes) that are very intense.  Let me tell you what!  I had no idea of the difference!  On the road bike, I use clips to lock my feet into the petals.  Clips are great cuz you can use the back of your legs for power causing the muscle to become stronger.  The first time out, we started in Bidwell Park.  While on his bike, my well experienced guy was patiently trying to teach me the appropriate gears (which I couldn’t seem to get!) and while looking back at me, one handed, lost balance and flipped over!  Two bikes pass us by, offering their condolence saying to him “Don’t worry!  It happens to all of us!”  Well, he said it has NEVER happened to him!  Scraped up his bike and skin!  We continued, and then I fell over 3 times forgetting I was clipped in!  (I think that helped his pride a little and hey, unless you have been clipped, don’t laugh!)  Anyway, we have continued day after day, taking hard rides from Chico to Paradise, up Honey Run (which is a climb that you think is never going to end!) and riding flat lands with speed.  Last night we rode at the park and he had me doing intervals of speed and stands.  Oh my gosh!  As I gave him the evil eye, he reminded me (laughing) that is how my clients feel toward me!

 Because of all the running, spin biking, and weight lifting I could hold my own, but it is hard.  Being out on the open road is so different.  It is a whole new work out.  He challenges me, yelling “come on!” making me grind and determined!  The point?

#1.  Training in the gym is great and essential.  However, whether running, biking, whatever, being out in the world is a total different experience.  Intense.  Imagine being in the middle of a hard climb and everything inside of you cries “stop!”  Guess what.  No stopping.  Can you imagine resting and then starting again on a hill?? Then there’s the constant watch out for cars, bikes, runners, walkers, dogs, cats, squirrels and potholes!  And riding in traffic is unsettling and freaky!

#2.  I am a personal trainer.  I push my clients, and even though I believe I push myself, he pushes me harder, much harder than I would push myself.  We get lazy.  Having a good partner or hiring a trainer is essential if you want to get stronger, fitter, and reach your ultimate goals!

Laurie Jones

In home/gym personal fitness

Lauriesimplyfit.com

370-8228