The Reasons Why I Exercise!

Hey!

For a little while now I have been wanting to have a regular feature on my blog that focuses on fitness and health. The last post I shared that was fitness related was back when I was pregnant with Lydia! I thought it would be fun to kick start this feature by listing the reasons why I exercise.

1. It physically and mentally helps me feel less anxious and nervous

2. It keeps my energy up which motivates me to tackle on the rest of the day

3. It makes me calm and less moody

4. It helps me feel more connected to my body
5. It is challenging and rewarding at the same time
6. It helps reduce inflammation in my joints caused by my autoimmune disease (Ulcerative Colitis)

7. It’s fun and even relaxing at times

8. It has effectively improved my sleep habits

9. It helps me with my flexibility and balance with everyday activities which is a win because I am naturally extremely clumsy *blush* 
10. It has also improved my posture tremendously

11. And lastly it keeps me in shape and leaves room for me to indulge a bit!

And those are just some of the reasons why I exercise!

mid jump squat!

Why do you exercise? 

Next time I'll be sharing my favorite workouts of the moment! 

Friday Love!

Just a few things I’ve been loving these days:

one // First things first, this weather is spectacular! Sure there’s been rainy days this week but it has been much warmer lately and am happy that summer is around the corner.

two // This post on respecting your body’s natural size. I found it to be such a positive, spot on and well written piece! I know I have moments where I’m feeling self-conscious with my body, and this post is all about giving yourself a break and to letting go of numbers on the scale. I loved it.

three // FitnessBlender’s FBooty Round 2. I just completed week 1! Much like the first round, this program combines pilates, HIIT, and lower body strength workouts with extra credit for a burnout round. It’s been challenging but so much fun. My goal is to strengthen my lower body and improve my balance and flexibility as well!

four// Adding a shot of espresso to my morning smoothie this week. I’ve been seeing it around the web for a few months now and finally did it! I will be posting a recipe in the near future:)

five // Buttermilk. I know it’s nothing new under the sun but I recently reintroduced some dairy into my diet, and it’s become essential for my fried chicken brine, cake and waffle batters! I've also been using any leftover buttermilk in smoothies and overnight oatmeal. From now on (unless I’m cooking for someone with dairy allergies), I will probably stop making buttermilk substitutes by curdling milk with lemon or vinegar. It just isn't the same!

six // This black "coconut ash" ice cream. I wouldn't say I love it because I haven't tried it but it intrigues me immensely. It's coconut flavored and has activated charcoal in it. Hmmm thoughts? 

seven // Last but certainly not least, my new cacti family. They were a Mother’s day present from Michael:) Phoebe resides in the kitchen while Georgie hangs out in the living room. Aren't they cute?

That's all I got today, have a beautiful long weekend!

New Year, New Goals

Hey. It’s the start of the new year and also the time I usually start mapping out realistic yet challenging goals to accomplish within the next twelve months. And I am sure you all do the same! It’s a wonderful thing because even if I didn’t get around to all my goals, I’m given another year to start again. Making goals for myself not only makes me feel motivated, it also gives me an excuse to get out of a slump in the dead of winter. And because I’m starting this year as married lady, I’m more inspired to grow not only as a person but as a wife. The goals I have for 2014 are very much cohesive with the events that happened in 2013 and even 2012. For instance last year three life changing events happened to me which impacted the person I am today. 1) Putting an end to my avascular necrosis by getting both of my hips replaced. 2) Getting engaged to Michael. 3) Marrying Michael on a warm November day!

Read more after the jump.

learn to LOVE strength training.

As you all know, I’m a girl and I get a little saddened when I see fellow ladies constantly exercising and dieting without seeing any results. Is it because they’re not taking pills, extreme dieting, or not exercising enough? NO. The solution to looking more toned, maintaining a healthy weight, and feeling stronger is developed through strength training. Yes, strength training is an intense activity that ladies tend to avoid but if it were easy wouldn’t we all look like celebrities? (Not that we should strive for that… but you guys know what I mean!) I’m not going to sugar coat this by saying it’s a piece of cake; strength training is something you gotta learn to love! My fascination with strength training did not happen overnight in fact, I’m pretty sure I hated it and didn’t think I could benefit from it. So, I went through a phase of doing yoga every single day. I did get definition, muscle tone in places that I never thought possible, and felt more connected but, I became bored and wanted to try a new challenge. My first encounter with lifting weights started really small and within a few months I constructed a routine for myself. I’m learning that lifting weights as little as twice a week has increased my strength, posture, and confidence tremendously! Oh, ya.

Amazing Benefits from Strength Training:

• You will increase your metabolic rate. Strength training increases your metabolic rate by increasing the calories you burn through the day.  So, when your body burns calories the more fat you’re going to burn. In other words you shouldn’t deprive yourselves from eating holiday cookies! Hehe ;)
• You will burn calories at a resting heart rate. A pound of muscle burns about a dozen calories a day while a pound of fat only burns 5 calories. Muscle tissue growth helps you burn more calories and will increase your metabolic rate all day long! So this means you’ll still be burning while you’re: sleeping, watching television, or sitting at your desk.
• You will develop stronger bones, improve your posture, and prevent injury. Muscle growth plays a huge role in increasing bone density which reduces the risk of osteoporosis which is common in women. It also helps protect your joints from injuries and holds & lifts your body better allowing you to appear taller and feel more confident.

3 Things you won’t get from Pumpin’ Iron:

• Bulk! Ladies we just don’t have the hormonal makeup for this to be possible! The only way you’ll look like a pile of bulk is if you take steroids… It frustrates me when girls refuse to lift weights for this reason! Though you will gain is strength, lean muscle mass, and stamina; which is awesome!
• Death Injures! Injuries only occur when you’re posture is improper or if you overwork your muscles.  With that said the burning sensation experience you’ll feel in your muscles won’t injure nor kill you! The muscles are simply producing lactic acid which challenges them and makes them stronger. I don’t know about you but that feeling is like hitting the jackpot!
• Depression. Strength training is a great way to release stress and anxiety. Just ask anyone else who consistently trains their muscles and as a sufferer of anxiety, I can honestly say my stress has decreased immensely!

I hope this helped clarify any misconception of strength training; just remember that you should never forgo your other workout routines. Cardio is essential for increasing cardiovascular health, increasing energy, and strengthening your lungs. Try adding strength training as a supplement to your usual workout routines and be prepared for some maximum results! Stay tuned for more fitness inspired posts and obviously a recipe ;)
-Jeffie