Things to Come!

Since I quit paddling (two weeks ago), I feel like a huge burden has been lifted off of me. Although practice was only twice a week and races on Saturday, I felt like it was consuming my life. But now I’m done and I can concentrate on much more exciting projects, such as teaching Turbo Kick and PiYo, taking Muy Thai Kickboxing, and learning about nutrition.

I began teaching Turbo Kick this past month and I love it! It became real to me when my first non-family member student walked into the room. For a moment, I was unsure as to what I should do but then my senses returned and I introduced to her and started the class. The next class, she came again as did another girl. Then, last Wednesday, I had 8 people in my class! Two were family members but the rest were new students! I loved it! It was a lot of fun. I hope I can retain these students because that would mean that I am succeeding as an instructor. I teach twice a week and use my off days to cross-train.

I started taking a spinning class last Friday and really liked the intensity and I’m determined to go back. My boss just gave me a gift of 10 yoga classes at a yoga center in town, so that will be another exercise for me to do. Also, the gym that I teach at gives Muy Thai Kickboxing lessons so I’m going to be starting that either this week or next. I haven’t started these classes yet because I am a little under the weather and don’t want to kill myself. My brother and sister are still in town from the mainland as well, so I don’t want to spend all my time at the gym while they’re here. But once my schedule is free, I will definitely immerse myself into these activities. I’m hoping to be pushed to my limit physically and mentally. Exciting!

One element of health that I lack discipline in is nutrition. I am slowly beginning to incorporate the 5 small meals-a-day plan into my daily schedule but it isn’t without difficulty. I am used to consuming huge quantities of food at one time so eating a little here and there is slightly excruciating. But I know it is good for me so I shall persevere.

I am beginning to save money to become a personal trainer. If I go through the American Council of Exercise, it is only $400. I’m aiming to buy it in October. Then, (this is no sooner than two years from now), I would like to become a licensed massage therapist. These are my plans. I don’t know how soon I can make them happen or if I change my mind along the way but right now, it’s pretty exciting.

Swing the Bat

If you have heard of John Maxwell, then you will know what I mean by “swing the bat.” 

John Maxwell (motivational speaker and former pastor) tells of a story when he attended his nephew’s first little league baseball game.  After his nephew has his first strike out, Uncle John pulled him aside and gave him these words of advice, “Eric, forget what your coach has told you about baseball. Your Uncle John is going to tell you how baseball really should be played.  You see, baseball is a very simple game.  You only have to do one thing.  The next time you go up to bat and Butch (the pitcher) throws the ball, you just swing the bat.  That’s all you have to do.  Butch throws the ball, you swing the bat.”

Eric replied, “You mean, I don’t have to get a hit?” 

“That’s right, Eric.” 

A smile lit up on his face. “Uncle John, I can do that.” 

So, the next time Eric went up to the plate, he swung his bat.  After three pitches, he struck out and returned to the dugout while his Uncle John gave him a standing ovation, yelling, “Eric McCullough, that is the finest strike out I’ve seen in my life! I loved the way you strike out.  Way to go, Eric!” 

On his third time at bat, Eric swung and the ball hit the bat!  It dropped directly in front of him and dribbled just a few feet away.  At this time, Maxwell is out of his chair running down first base line shouting, “Eric, keep running.  Don’t stop!”  Uncle and nephew are rounding the bases and as Eric ran for third base to home, Maxwell recalls, “Together, we both slid safe into home!” 

10 years later, Eric is on his way to college on a baseball scholarship. 

“Swing the bat” is a beautiful way to remember that to get results, you have to try.  You may strike out.  You may get a foul.  You may not get the promotion.  You may be rejected…  then again, you might not. 

This expression has really helped me move forward in my Turbo Kick journey.  Since the last time I’ve written, I have begun teaching Turbo Kick in a local gym and will begin teaching in a University gym come fall.  The only way this has happened is because I’ve “swung the bat.”  I didn’t know how I was going to be received, I didn’t know if I was going to strike out or get a foul but I “swung the bat”… I called, I emailed, I visited different gyms, and I inquired.  And while I have a ways to go with this, I’m so excited at the prospects that are opening up to me. 

So, please remember.  Anytime you want to do something and you’re scared, just do it.  Swing the bat.  You may not hit it the first time, but if you keep swinging, chances are you will at some point.  So go to it.

Diets are Bogus

You’ve heard of them: Atkins Diet, Nutrisystem, WeightWatchers, Medifast, Jenny Craig.  Diet Empires that convince men and women everywhere that their product is exactly what you need to lose weight and feel great about yourself.  The part they forget to include is that their program rarely ever works.  Sure, you might lose the weight in the two months that they promised you, but you won’t have fun doing it AND it won’t be long-lasting.  Science News reported that, “Several studies indicate that dieting is actually a consistent predictor of future weight gain,” and 95% of dieters failed to keep the weight off for 5 years and most gained back more weight than they lost. 

Diet programs teach you how to take it off if you use their products but only for a certain amount of time, between 1 - 3 months.  After that, the dieter is on their own to keep the weight off and since they didn’t learn how to eat and live healthy, they revert back to their old habits and gain all the weight back.  Diet programs don’t EMPOWER the dieter to live a healthy lifestyle or to look into the future and understand that being healthy and fit is a long-term, life-changing decision.  Instead, they urge them to keep their eye on the short-term prize - being beautiful and thin NOW, even if it won’t benefit you in the long-run. 

The problem, however, does not just lie with the Diet business - it is also the dieter’s fault.  They want radically different results NOW without wanting to change anything about themselves except for drinking a “low-carb” milkshake for two weeks.  They tell themselves that they can live without their potato chips for a little while so they can lose the weight but the ENTIRE TIME they are on the diet, they are looking forward to the day they reach their desired goal so they can binge again on their favorite foods.  And if they don’t reach their desired goal, they become depressed and revert back to junk food.  The problem is that they want to look like how they don’t live; they want different results but still live the same way.  According to Albert Einstein, this is the definition of insanity: “Doint the same thing over and over and over again - but expecting different results.” 

This comes back to a previous post that I wrote: You have to take responsibility for your own life.  When people go on diets, they expect the diet to do the work for them… give them bars and provide meals that are already portioned out for them.  This can work for someone in the beginning, but they have to make the effort and discipline themselves to learn how to live well.

I’m sorry to admit this, but it’s a slow process.  The best way to start living healthy is to slowly yet steadily incorporate new and healthier foods into your diet so that you can adjust to it’s presence.  Also, begin exercising at your own pace and challenge yourself a bit more each week until you reach a level of fitness that you are happy with (if you’re like me, you will never be happy with whatever level of fitness is achieved.  I am always wanting to go further).  If you jump right into a new way of living, you won’t enjoy it and it won’t last.  To be successful, it needs to be gradual.  Look at the long-term results and break it into short-term goals - you will appreciate it more because you WORKED for it - and enjoy a healthier way of living and a new and beautiful you! 

The Importance of Cross-Training

First off, what is cross training?  According to Wikipedia, it is “training in different ways to improve overall performance.”  Incorporating different exercises into your fitness schedule will give your body a more balanced workout and make your body stronger overall, instead of just working one particular set of muscles.  For example, if you only run, you will have a strong legs and good cardio but your core and upper body will be weak; if you only lift weights, your cardio will be weak so that even a quick jog to catch your dog will make you tire very easily.  The ideal fitness routine would be to include exercises that will build your cardio, strength, endurance and balance.  This may seem like a lot but varying your workout in the week with different types of exercises will improve your fitness.   For example, you can take an aerobics class for cardio, pick up some weights to improve your strength, try some yoga moves to increase your flexibility and balance, and run for endurance.  The more variety you bring into your workout, the better.

Only recently did I discover the benefits of cross training.  For a while I was only doing cardio and weights (my main focus was cardio), so my balance, endurance, and strength were not as strong as I wished them to be.  In the past few months, though, I have picked up paddling, running, and yoga and I can feel/see the difference not only in my Turbo Kick workouts but also in how I look.  In my Turbo Kick class, I do not get as tired as easily as before which helps keep my movements sharp, and I’ve noticed that my body is getting leaner without me amping up my Turbo Kick workouts to the level of insanity. 

So, if you’re looking to be stronger and get a better workout overall, just add a different exercise into your schedule.  Happy Cross Training!

The Joy of Soymilk

I have fallen in love… with soy milk.

I can’t help myself. I don’t know how it happened… it just happened. One day, I drove up to my favorite coffee joint, Just Cruisin’ Coffee, asked for a Hazelnut Latte and in my attempt to be healthy, I decided to try soy milk as I’ve heard it’s good for you and less fattening than regular milk. As I drove away with a smile on my face because the customer service there is so friendly, I daintily lifted the coffee cup to my lips, took a sip, and all of a sudden, everything stopped - time and space froze. I had just experienced one of the most satisfying and delicious tastes in my entire life and I wanted to cry. I knew right then that this was something special. This… this… soy milk was a thing to be treasured, cherished, savored, delighted in. It was creamy, it was flavorful, and my god, it was healthy. Not only was it beautiful on the outside, it was beautiful on the inside.

But it didn’t stop there. I had to try it again just to be sure that it wasn’t a fluke; to be certain that it wasn’t only a one-time thing; and that this new-found love would be consistent throughout my entire life. So, I kept going back in the days following to become better acquainted with my “crush” and I found that it was as good as I thought it would be. Every single time I took a sip, I would sigh and close my eyes as I experienced a rush of joy and delight. It made me happy, it made me healthy, and it made me confident. Then yesterday, as I walked out of Starbucks with my Hazelnut Soy Latte, I knew. I just knew.

I was in love.

Today: Yay!

So, I did wake up early this morning and put on the Kickin’ Core Turbo Jam video (45 minutes cardio), along with Booty Sculpt (30 minutes of free weights).  My feet hurt a lot this morning during the cardio exercise but I pushed through it and now am quite proud of myself.  After my workout, I washed up and set out to spend time with myself.  I meant to head to Hilo Bayfront and sit by the shoreline but I accidentally passed by the spot that I had designated as my “hangout.”  The only place to turn around was at the scenic point which is about 5 minutes out of town and as I headed there to do my turn-around, I realized that I just wanted to keep on driving and not stop, so I passed by the scenic point and drove on and on and on and on until I remembered that my car is really crappy and I didn’t know how far I could take it before it would break down on me, so 11 miles out of town I turned my car around and came back to Hilo.  After that, I went to Starbucks, turned on my iPod, and worked on my Turbo Kick Form & Technique class.

Long story short (is it too late for that?), I got back on track regarding exercise and began concentrating on my Turbo Kick routines.  I also went to the grocery store and picked up healthy food for me to eat… things are definitely looking up from last week. 

One Word: Blah.

Wow, this week could not have been worse.  It’s right before my period and I gained, like, 10 pounds.  I know they will soon come off, but the fact that they showed up at all threw me off and made me depressed and unmotivated this whole week.  It also gave me the hugest cravings I have had in a while.  The other night, I downed a personal pan pizza, a cheeseburger, fries, and a bowl of ice cream with cookie crumbles… in about 30 minutes.  Can I hear an “oink, oink”?  These cravings consumed all my thoughts until I could eat what I wanted and it sucked that I succumbed to them.  However, yesterday my cravings went away and that has been a relief to me BUT since I was so terrible this week regarding my diet, that made me so depressed that I didn’t stop eating everything that came in sight.  It’s been such a battle!

Tonight, though, I became so disgusted with myself and my lack of willpower that I resolved to do the things that make me feel happy and balanced and to get back on track to my search of being nutritious, healthy, and fit.  So, tomorrow, I am waking up early to do Turbo Jam (cardio & weights), and then heading out to the park to get in some reading and writing.  After that, I plan on going to the grocery store to pick up some healthy snacks.  I’m getting back on track… yay!

I heave a happy sigh and say good night!

It’s All Up To You

If you have read my very first post, then you will know that my current fitness status (crazy, exercise-obsessed girl) didn’t come easily and is still a work in progress.  It took me about a year to get to this place that I am at; and “this place” is my ability to exercise for a long time without getting tired, fitting into sizes 3-5 (compared to when I started which was nearing the sizes 7-9 arena), loving exercise, and eating healthy.  And this all came out because of my determination to succeed and my discipline to keep on keeping on - it wasn’t easy!

However, if you talk to people that know me, you would think that I got here by some magic formula.  Now that I am starting on a journey towards teaching my own exercise, I’m getting comments like, “You have to make me skinny like you” or “Teach me how to run” (seriously?!) or “Help me exercise.”  The last comment is fine to make but the implication is that it is up to ME to help YOU lose weight and be healthy.  Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to help someone become fit but I’m just not the type of person that will coddle and fuss over someone if they don’t want to do it.  I’m sorry, folks, but that is not how it goes.  It starts with you and it ends with you.  If you want to lose weight, fit into those size 5 jeans again, or just feel better about yourself physically, YOU have got to be the one to get your ass out there and do the work.  YOU have to take responsibility for YOURSELF.  Forget about dieting, using pills, or those “quick fix” workouts - there is no secret to getting into shape, all it is is making the decision to do it AND STICKING TO IT!  I’d like to say this just one more time:

THERE IS NO SECRET TO GETTING INTO SHAPE, IT IS MAKING A DECISION AND STICKING TO IT.

I know you can do it because I did it.  Me, Miss Start-something-and-never-finish-it, did it.  I lost 15 pounds and dropped 2 pants sizes because I didn’t quit.  People will always make the excuse that they don’t have time to exercise but will still complain about how fat or out-of-shape they are.  Hey, if you have time to complain, you have time to exercise; if you have time to watch tv, you have time to exercise; if you have time to surf the web after you get home, you have time to exercise.  Maybe you feel like you don’t have the energy, then start small.  No need to begin jumping rope or sprinting - take a walk.  Gradually increase your speed until you start jogging.  If you get home after dark, do squats.  Buy a home-exercise video (I highly recommend Turbo Jam).  There are ways to get into shape if you just think about it. 

Really, becoming fit is all up to you.  There is no way around it, it’s hard work.  But it can be fun, just find what it is you like to do and DO IT!  If you remember just one thing, remember this:

YOU HAVE TO MAKE THE DECISION AND JUST DO IT.

Happy exercising all.      

Turbo Kick Workshop Was a Blast!

I had so much fun at this certification workshop!  Blasi Jacobi, who conducted the workshop, has such a positive attitude and incredible energy!  She kept the class fun, exciting, and interesting.  There was about 15 other girls who were in the class as well and they were all awesome! 

We learned the choreography for Round 32 (a round is a routine) and it was intense.  Turbo Kick classes are more challenging than Turbo Jam which for me is both exciting and a bit scary.  I’m excited at being pushed out of my comfort zone excercise-wise but I’m also nervous that I won’t be able to do it.  Eek!  Must keep positive attitude!  We also practiced cueing which I am told is the hardest part of teaching.  So, that is something that I will definitely be working towards being good at. 

There were so many things that were taught that it would be impossible to write it all down.  The most important thing, though, was that I had tons of fun.  The workshop and people totally exceeded my expectations.  I CAN’T WAIT to start teaching. 

Turbo Kick!!!

Let me tell you what I’ve been up to and what I will soon be up to. 

The past two weeks, I have been exercising so much and loving every minute of it!  A little while before that, I was feeling tired and lethargic and I wasn’t sure why.  I’m still not entirely sure why, but I think it’s because I wasn’t eating enough to sustain my energy and not getting enough sleep.  So, I have been making more of a conscious effort to eat enough to get through my workouts and then some, and it’s working because I feel so great whenever I exercise now.  In the morning, I do a Turbo Jam workout (usually cardio with some weight lifting) and then after work, I run for 30 minutes before paddling practice starts, and practice usually goes for about 2 hours.  I love it that I can put in these hours of exercise and still come out energetic and ready for the next thing.  Now, I just have to work on getting those 8 hours of sleep in (but my gosh, who can do that?!?!). 

And now, for what I’m REALLY excited about: Tomorrow, I will attend a Turbo Kick (live class version of Turbo Jam) workshop to become certified to teach my very own Turbo Kick class!!!  I am uber excited but slightly nervous.  I shouldn’t be nervous, I know I’ll do great but there’s still those doubts that creep up in my mind that I am going to be the most inexperienced and uncoordinated one there.  I am also hoping and praying that when the workshop is finished, I’ll feel prepared and confident enough to actually teach a class.  The workshop will be given by Powder Blue Productions (Chalene Johnsons’ company) presenter Blasi Jacobi and over the phone and through email she seems like an absolutely awesome and positive person, so the class should be fun!  From the email she last sent out, it seems there will be about 11 other people taking the workshop.  *Sighs* Ah me, all I can say is that I am INCREDIBLY excited and I can’t wait to share with you how the training went.  I’ll be in touch!