Deadlifts and Diamonds

Hey everyone, I’ve been thinking a lot about fitness motivation especially in the critical moments when you’re digging deep to make it through. Here are my thoughts on it. How do you stay motivated and energized through the grind? Let me know your thoughts in the comments section. Its the end of your run and your legs are burning , you’re out of breath, and you’re starting to wonder if you’ll ever make it through .  You’re in deep, and the only way to the finish line, up that hill, or through that last rep is through pure will. This is the moment that counts. When you feel like you just can’t take another step, somehow you manage to move forward, shaky, but still going. This is where the transformation happens. This is where the real change occurs. That bit of grit that comes from your inner driving force, some thought telling you, yes you can, that instant is when your inner athlete is born. We’re all athletes regardless of physique—it’s all in the mindset. If you bring...

Its Monday! Time to get back to the grind, so put down the mimosas and lets get to work. This is 'Move Your Ass Monday' so for those of us that are dragging it or sitting on it, this is your wake up call to get up and get moving this week. It doesn't matter how or when you do it, the important thing is that you, yes you got it, "Move Your Ass".  I'm not going to preach to you too much today, I have no room to talk. Rather than doing my usual 5 days a week 1 hour gym sessions, I've switched to riding my bike, jogging, walking, or taking the stairs. The idea is, just keep moving.  As we know, an object in motion tends to stay in motion. Its the getting into motion thats the tough part, but it doesn't have to be. The 'object' (your ass) gets into motion by repetition until eventually, it becomes habit--a habit that's not dependent on excuses. Its like going to work every day. You can't call in just because you don't feel l...

Happy Monday Ladies! If you need an extra push this Monday, here it is. Move. Your. Ass. See, they get it! They already got a head start on their workout for the day. 30 minutes, three times a week. Doesn't matter how you slice it--just get it done however you like and whenever you like. Sure, Zumba counts too ;) So does taking the stairs, walking your dog, doing yoga at your desk during lunch, and parking on the far end of the parking lot. It all counts! I know these things seem small, but it all adds up. Whether you do yard work or dance in the living room after work, (yes I've done that before), just do what you gotta do to get your ass moving! Your level of fitness in totally within your grasp and in your control. Its all on the other side of your own fears and doubt. Are you worried about that other people are doing? Who cares if everyone else is taking the elevator at work? You make your own choices and you have decided to live fit because you want a longer...

Thank God Its Monday and its the perfect time to shake off the weekend and get back to the grind of meetings and workouts.  I know I was happy during my drive to work today. I visualized everything running smoothly and on schedule (and so far so good) and was already excited about jammin' out and sweating during this evening's workout because my body craves sweat! Over the weekend, I did a brisk Sunday morning run and a quick HIIT Friday nite, but I'm ready to go all in this week and earn some serious soreness. Exercise helps clear my mind and keeps me grounded and if I didn't workout, I'd probably stress out. I love the grind. Last week I walked into the gym and Kevin at the counter said, "Wow, you're motivated. You're in here everyday". I thought, "Heck yeah, I'm here because I love it. What the heck else would I be doin?". And I thought about it again, "How do I make it to the gym day in and day out?" There are...

After looking for exercise and workout ideas online, I came back to bodybuilding.com to browse their extensive workout library. I stumbled across a new workout program by Erin Stern's Elite Body 4 Week Trainer and immediately resonated with her training approach as she incorporates plyos, super-sets, short rest periods, and emphasizes the mind-body connection. She is a track athlete and a two-time Ms. Olympia and her training program will push you to your limits.  Having a written workout is a huge help to me during training and keeps me focused when I want to wander from one machine to the next. Use this plan to inspire and design your training plan, or use it as is. Training sheets for all 4 weeks are on the site.  Why should you add plyos into your leg workout?  The idea is, polymetrics develop power by focusing on speed and force. If you i ncrease your power, you'll improve your performance. Warming up with plyos stimulates the fast twitch muscle f...

Happy  day after Easter everyone. After a fun filled Sunday brunch, an afternoon run in the park, then mimosas and bbq, I finally learned how to play poker and Gin Rummy. I won't start playing at a casino anytime soon, but I definitely held my own in the game--at least I though so :). I at least had my poker face on the whole time despite my terrible cards.                                                 BBQ                                                          Brunch         Now, lets get motivated! After a great weekend, lets use that momentum to charge our workouts this week, revisit our nutrition goals, and reignite our fitness regimen. Today, I'm focusing on dev...

Thank God its Monday and we're back on track for the week ahead.   If, like most people, you leave your weekends open for concerts, brunch, and mimosas on Sunday then this is a great day to get back on track and set some goals for the week.  Here's the game plan for the week.