You are what you eat.

I know you've all heard this before, but there is some truth to this saying.  Basically, if you have a diet with too much sugar, your body will respond with a roller coast ride of high and low blood sugars throughout the day, every day.  If you have too many fried foods in your diet, your body will respond with weight gain and digestive issues.  

Bottom line, we have to keep ourselves in check on what we put into our bodies.  Again, as you know, I am a BIG fan of food.  I love it. However, I allow myself unhealthy food in moderation or as a "treat" on special occasions. Otherwise, I do what I can everyday to put real and good foods in my body.  (I don't even remember the last time I deep fried anything in my own home and I'm pretty certain that I've eaten a total of 4 donuts over the past 12 months.)  

So do what you can to be a conscious eater.  OK, not a self-conscious eater, but someone who thinks for a bit before they dig into the basket of chili fries during happy hour or pauses before taking the largest slice of birthday cake.    Then, whether or not you've indulged in the fries and/or cake, have the next snack/meal you eat be something healthy, unfried, unprocessed.  It can be an apple on the way to work or a huge glass of water right before you start eating your lunch.  In time and with good overall daily eating habits, you will be what you eat.

Have a great week and hope to see you for a workout soon!

Barb

Group Circuit: - None this week due to schedule conflicts

Core Group Session - None this week due to 3 Week Intensive

1-1 Training: Email me if you are interested in training with me. I have a few spots open and would love to workout with you!

3 Week Intensive: Starts tomorrow, Wednesday at 9am.  We will meet twice a week (wed & Fri at 9am) for 3 weeks starting tomorrow.  Each week will provide a Core Group Session and a Group Circuit.  Cost is $60.  I have space for 1-2 more people.  So email me if you would like to join us.

To see my past blog posts go to http://barbfit.blogspot.com/

Benefits of the Foam Roller

I broke out the foam roller yesterday to roll out the hamstrings and the IT band and reminded myself of the benefits (although somewhat painful) of using the foam roller on stiff muscles.   As a runner, my muscles are usually pretty tight and I have to stay on top of my stretching routine for injury prevention and also to be ready for my next big workout.  If you have never tried stretches with the foam roller, than you should start now.  Target has a great kit that includes the roller, basic instructions on how to use it and an instructional DVD.  Using a foam roller is like performing your own Sports Massage.  It works by stretching the muscles and tendons, but it also breaks down soft tissue adhesions and scar tissue.  You can get more info about the Benefits of a Foam Roller via this link Foam Roller Exercises.

Have a great week! Hope to see you for a workout soon.

Barb

Core Group Session:
Friday 8:45a  All Levels

Group Circuit Training:
Thursday: 10am All Levels

2 person minimum to run group classes; Email me to save a spot.

1-1 Training:
I'm still taking limited appointments for 1-1 training, so if you are interested in training with me.  Contact me soon!  I would love to workout with you.

3 Week Mini-Intensive:
I'd like to start the mini intensive next week.  I have 3 people and I just need 1 more to commit to all 3 weeks.  Email me if you would like to join us.  Sessions would be Wednesday and Friday at 9am.

Don't forget to check out my blog for previous posts at http://barbfit.blogspot.com

The #1 most requested area to improve.

Every time I meet with someone new whether in a group class or in a 1-1 session, the #1 request is for help to trim down the mid-section.  It's one of the hardest areas to get rid of fat.   When trying to target belly fat, the 1st thing you need to do is look at your diet.  Is there a lot of sugar in your diet?  Too many fried foods?  Do a journal for a whole week and you will most likely see the culprit for excess fat.  Next, take a look at your level of activity.  Are you sitting at a desk all day?  Are you only running errands all day and don't have enough time to get to the gym for your favorite class or for that 45 minute run?  While diet plays a very important factor, your level of activity is also going to play a key factor to losing that belly fat.  Note that when you lose weight you will lose all over and your belly will lose along with the rest of you.  Other than surgery, there is no short cut to losing belly fat.  It's a process that will take some time, so be patient and stay determined.  If you want more info, here's a good article from Health Magazine that provides a few more tips for getting there.  Top 10 Belly Fat Tricks from Health Mag.

Hope to see you for a workout soon!  PS: I have 2 persons interested in a 3 week mini-intensive and I just need 2 more to commit and we can start.  Times would be Wed & Fri at 9am.  Email me if you'd like to join.

Barb

Core Group Sessions this Week:
Wednesday: 9am All Levels

Group Circuit Training:
Thursday: 10am All Levels

2 person min to run.  Email me to save a spot.

1-1 Training:
My schedule for 1-1 trainings is about 90% full, so if you are looking to do some 1-1 trainings, please contact me ASAP so that I can get you into the schedule.



Don't forget to check out my archive of posts on http://barbfit.blogspot.com.