Now that the training studio is up and running I have taken a little more time for myself. Very Important! As I was getting ready for the second half of my work day yesterday, I took a moment to look in the mirror and really look/think about how my body, face, & hair has changed. Of course, at first glance I find the things that I dislike the most and begin to scrutinize the changes that have happened over the years of my adult life. They are not necessarily huge changes, pretty minor things really. I started to think about how these changes have happened. Looking beyond just aging. My brown spots that are beginning to show remind me of some great times outside by water with family and friends. Whether I was tubing on a lake, hanging by the pool with friends, or paddle boarding on a quiet lake in the mountains. I will gladly accept these spots because I have so many wonderful memories to go along with them. The risk of sun exposure is not going to keep me from living! My skin reminds me daily if I am taking care of myself. How well I am eating, how much I am exercising, and if I am staying hydrated. It all shows on my skin. Paying attention to these minor variations everyday guides me on a healthier path. I want to put my best face forward and if I am not taking care of myself, my skin is the first to tell me. Thank you body for reminding me daily!
My gray hairs. Their are more and more of them everyday. As a woman, I feel as though I should loath them, but I do not. They are wonderful part of becoming a wiser, stronger woman, not an old, weak lady. I love seeing younger women who have salt & pepper hair. To me they appear super confident and comfortable with their bodies and aging. This is my perception and someone else may see them differently. However, it does not matter what I think or anybody else because after all IT IS JUST HAIR!! My hair color, brown spots, and aging skin does not define my physical and mental ability. I choose to be a strong, confident, wise, healthy, gray-speckled haired lady!! I choose to not give in to the pressure of a society that encourages everyone to look 21 forever. I want to enjoy my life and a sun damage is not going to scare me. You can choose your own path. To scrutinize every line, scar, wrinkle, spot, blemish, gray hair, saggy skin OR embrace your marks and the experiences that have come along with them. What do you choose? To Scrutinize or Embrace?
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Gyms. Health Clubs. Fitness Centers. Really whatever you would like to call them. Do we need to belong to truly achieve optimal health? Are these facilities making a positive shift in our nations health? I have been without a formal gym for almost 2 months now and a little surprised by the fact that I don't miss it all that much. I miss the people, but not the physical building. I have learned to adapt to a lifestyle in which fitness happens at home, in a yoga studio, and my favorite, the great outdoors. Now, I own a good amount of fitness equipment, which helps me maintain my fitness level no matter where I am. I believe a decision to invest a small amount into your own personal equipment is a solid investment in your personal health. Now don't get me wrong I love a good gym! It feels a little like home to me. I know that sounds weird, but I am comfortable in that environment. I enjoy discovering new ways to challenge my body in an atmosphere that encourages health & fitness and a little competition, too. However, I understand why people are intimidated by gyms. The unknown environment is scary! What should I do for my workout, what is this piece of equipment and how the heck do I use it, ripped-muscly people grunting heavily, beautiful people that are not even sweating, and the worst thing, MIRRORS are everywhere! Allowing you to see every angle of your body, even the parts you have never seen before. Their is a lot of stimulus and raw feelings that emerge upon starting at a new gym. If you don't have the support, it is no surprise that we stop using them after a few weeks. Being a fitness professional in this environment is not always easy either. I was constantly worried about how I looked checking my body in the mirror and scrutinizing every little detail part I always thought what are members going to think of me if I don't look like a trainer. What made me feel even worse, is when members would comment to me about my body. My favorite comment of all time, "Do you have some news to share with us? Are you pregnant?" Yep, that came out of someone's mouth. Wow, I could not believe it! And No I am not preggers! Sorry, I do not have a concave stomach. How I look on the outside does not give a good representation of the strength and physical ability that I possess. Enough of these negative words and thoughts people. Since, I have been without the mirrors, watchful eyes, and my own scrutiny, I have more self-confidence and respect for this amazing body than I have had in years. I am focusing on what I can do and how well I am performing, not how good I look. Fueling my body, not starving or following a new, trendy diet. Every now and again I look at this little belly and hate it, but then I think about how strong my core muscles are and all the amazing activities that I can perform because of my mid-section. I like to think of my body as a machine and in order for this machine to work right I must provide it with high quality fuel, let it get repair when needed, and respect its abilities. Thoughts to PonderStarting this new venture in life and business, I want to help you figure out what is going to work for you. How is fitness going to best fit into your world? What physical activities make you feel better about yourself? How are you going to maintain these activities? Do you need guidance?
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This is me, Liz. I am an, instructor, personal trainer, exercise physiologist, dog-mom, loving wife, little sister, coolest-aunt ever, and now blogger living in Libby, Montana.
Welcome to my blog! This blog follows my life and my interests in fitness, adventure, food, and healthy living. The Girls, Katy & Madi, and I. We have spent a lot of time together the past few years. I appreciate them for their quirks and how they love me unconditionally. They help me appreciate the small, simple things in life. Archives
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DiclaimerThis is a personal blog created and maintained by Liz Whalen. My blog posts document my life and sometimes highlight the food I eat and workouts I perform. I do not have professional medical training, nor am I a registered dietician. I am an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist, while the content you see on my blog aims to bring you along on my health & wellness journey. The published information may not be right for you and should not be viewed as guidelines in any way. Seek counsel from a medical doctor when looking to incorporate or change your physical activity and/or dietary habits.
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