All posts tagged fitness

2012

When I sit here and think about last year, what an adventure!

It started off amazingly. We took our first ever family vacation to Disney in Florida. Awesome.

Shortly after we returned we discovered my hubby has cancer. Skin cancer. The same as his father who passed away from cancer.  Not so awesome.

My colicky baby finally stopped screaming – THANK THE LORD – ALL LORDS!

I returned to work post mat leave – semi awesome depending on what’s happening. I miss being at home focused on only the kiddos.

I began and completed my courses for coaching.

I opened my practice and began certifying myself as a coach.

I discovered something about myself. I’ve been struggling with what it is I wanted out of my workouts/my physical self. I’ve previously always had specific image related/strength related goals. I can sculp myself into what I choose, but the results weren’t coming. My effort inconsistent  I realized it isn’t really my goal anymore. I don’t care about that, I see through it. I recognize the behavior and mindsets within myself that are damaging. Not just to me, but to my children, society at large. I am participating in something I don’t truly believe in – fitness. Wellness – yes. What is now identified as “fitness”, NO.
I’ve grown tired of seeing women working out in bikini’s with curves that cannot be made by Momma Nature herself with headlines like “fit women can be curvy”.  I am cautious on how I present this material as this is a non-judgmental statement and yet people I adore may be offended by my statements.  That is not my intention.  It’s how women in “fitness” are being presented and what women are sculpting themselves into that worries my soul.
What it is is that I want more for us. I know we are worth just as we are, we don’t need anything else. We don’t need boobs, tinted eyelashes, laser treatments, botox… We just need to be okay with ourselves. We are damaging our souls by following this path.
And so in this 2012 adventure of mine I have created my way of participating in change. If you believe in something and it’s cause and fail to take action on it why bother thinking it? It’s just a random passing thought then….
I have stopped acting mindlessly and started living on purpose.  I am bringing myself into the moment as much as possible. I want to be present in my life, not just running on auto pilot. This is what 2012 stirred up in me, advanced action.
My tiny steps towards my ultimate destination weren’t effective. It’s time to take bigger ones. Drastic ones. Whatever comes of it is still one step further than where I am now and that is exactly what I am aiming for. Movement. Purposeful movement.
I know exactly what I want in my life. For myself, for my children.  This clarity is new for me. Maybe as I was in baby making mode and distracted by screaming colicky babies BUT whatever it is, I’m clear now.
I’m also so grateful for my hubby.  I feel like this really strengthened this past year.  He’s amazing.  I’ve known he was amazing for years but it’s easy to get distracted by what is happening in the house.  I’m making a greater effort to be just as focused on us as the kids.  It’s lead to a great year. What should be the seven year itch has been more like a  honeymooney year. It’s been awesome.
And last but not least, I’ve learned that the greatest gifts I have in my life need to know they are my greatest gifts regularly.  Anything can happen in any given moment that removes your ability to speak this truth for yourself.  We have the gift of today, let’s celebrate it.
2013…this seems so “spacey” ha ha.  Back to the Future was one of my favorite movies and this was beyond the future they traveled to ha ha!!

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Now only if I had a flying car………

Be well.

Mad luv

Happy New Year!!!

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by Metamorphing Momma! on December 31, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by Metamorphing Momma! on December 31, 2012

http://metamorphingmomma.com/2012/12/31/2012-2/

Inspiration from 2 doors down…

Every now and then we are lucky to have someone cross our path or enter into our world that becomes this fresh and meaningful source of motivation.

It was parent teacher night at the school this evening and so I bumped into several people I haven’t seen in months.  

My daughter is in a new class and has new friends. One such friend lives two doors down. The girls have been eye balling each other in a curious way for years but neither took any measures to actually say HI to one another.  Her mother and I stood near each other in the school yard at pick up time ( you know once you have that “spot” that is exactly where you will be every day for the entire year).  

There was the occasional smile and odd hello. We’d never really had any opportunity to chat.

One day out of the blue we found that first opportunity.  She was backing out of her driveway and as I walked towards her on route to pick up my daughter when she rolled down the window and asked if I wanted a ride. I didn’t even hesitate. Which completely opposes everything I tell my children to do…

In that short seven minute ride I discovered my neighbour was on a journey to lose 75lbs and reclaim her life. She was down 40 lbs before it was confirmed she has MS. She had already been working on creating a lifestyle that included strength training and walking. She knew she had already created a solid foundation for herself to work with and so she was positive about everything. That was last spring.

Fast forward to tonight and our daughters are now BFF’s sitting beside each other in grade 2. 

As I walked into the class room she stood before me speaking with the girls teacher. She looked amazing. Her skin, her smile, her energy shone through. She was glowing. I would guess she is nearing her finish line!

I am so moved by her right now.  I am guilty of making excuses for myself at times.  I know what I am capable of and yet I don’t always draw upon my abilities.   Every day there are these amazing people accomplishing amazing things for themselves one push up at a time.

I came home and worked out.  

I found my new source of inspiration….

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by Metamorphing Momma! on September 18, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by Metamorphing Momma! on September 18, 2012

http://metamorphingmomma.com/2012/09/18/inspiration-from-2-doors-down/

Laying the foundation…

The time has come for me to launch this next chapter of my fitness/wellness business and I find myself toggling between perspectives.

In listening to clientele at present, as well as, potential clients, I recognize now more than ever how the way we measure our successes at present really tear us down vs build us up. Stepping on the scale in front of large groups, points systems – these can cause more harm then they can good. The scale does not at all reflect one’s wellness and yet it is used as a tool to determine if someone is “successful” in their attempt to control their physical well being.

I’ve decided this is not the side of wellness or fitness I want to focus on.

My target audience is women. Single women, mothers, daughters….females.  I can relate to women (naturally ha ha) and so I want more for them.  Their lives should be more than numerically focused. It’s time to change it up and bring women to a new level of awareness.

We are more than we are currently seen at present.

We are capable of pushing and lifting heavy weights. We are capable of strength, power, determination.  We are capable of leading our families to another way of living, one that honors their well being and their inner selves vs becoming the next woman working out in a bikini and see-through heels. Image

 

As I sit here attempting to recreate my professional pathway I really wonder what it’s going to take for us to retrain our way of thinking.  How do I empower women to be themselves vs a societal byproduct?

Not sure.

But it’s time to open some wine and ponder this….

I’m not your usual wellness woman. I’ve competed and seen the error in that lifestyles ways. I’ve denied myself things saying it was in my best interest. I know better now…and this knowledge means no more denying myself wine to save an inch on my waist. I workout, I eat real food, I drink wine. I have muscles and am continuing to lose the prego blub.

I’ve, after a decade of searching, finally found balance.

Amen…

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by Metamorphing Momma! on August 16, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by Metamorphing Momma! on August 16, 2012

http://metamorphingmomma.com/2012/08/16/laying-the-foundation/

A source of inspiration…..

86 YEARS OLD – Johanna Quaas is a true inspiration to all of us as she is spending her days tumbling, spinning and twirling on the gym floor and on the parallel bars no less!

Just recently, Cottbus, Germany hosted the 2012 Cottbus World Cup where Quaas performed her exhibition routine on the floor and on the parallel bars. Although the 86 year old has won 11 medals in senior gymnastics competitions, she ultimately just continues to practice “for fun.”

I doubt that this lovely white-haired athlete sat around at home watching TV all day when she was younger. In fact, in 1954, Quaas was a member of the handball team that took the Eastern German Championship! Today, she continues to astonish audiences in events across the globe.

Stories like these that make me feel like I should detach myself from my computer screens and go outside and do some push ups or something! ♥

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by Metamorphing Momma! on July 13, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by Metamorphing Momma! on July 13, 2012

http://metamorphingmomma.com/2012/07/13/a-source-of-inspiration/

Lessons learned along the way.

Once upon a time this had such different purpose.  Maybe I was more passionate about it or maybe it was really just that I had that extra time or drive, but I feel rather lack luster about it in comparison this time around.

I’ve taken all the same steps, followed what proved once to be successful for me in terms of staying focused and tracking successes (and lessons).  This time around, it’s very different.  I care, I sense I do indeed have passion surrounding this subject, but not PASSION.

I’m okay with not always executing things as planned.

This is not like me, not at all like me.

What I am discovering about the evolving me is that I am perfectly okay with going with what feels like I should be doing in that moment.  Not being lazy, there is a difference.  I am not okay with not executing my workout plan to sit on my ars. Arses expand with lack of mobility, that’s not what we are talking about here. I am okay with missing my workout to play with the kids. I am okay with missing my workout to sit down and have an hour lunch break with my kids or my hubby or a good friend.  I find other ways to move around all the while maximizing on the moments I have, while I have them.

This does not lead to the physical results I have longed for in the time frame I longed for.

So here’s what else I have learned, who cares.  It’s falling off, an inch or half-inch at a time. It will continue to do so until there isn’t chunks o’ post baby making chub to rid myself of….but I’m really enjoying my life right now.  I haven’t felt this satisfied with my life before.

This is something much more meaningful.  I discovered this by accident while focusing on my workouts.  My very meaningful workouts have led to another chapter in my life. A satisfied one. One where in I feel like I am living on purpose. I am doing exactly what I should be doing in the moments I sense I should be doing them.  I’m seizing moments to socialize or network when I would normally isolate myself in the gym.  I’m walking outdoors more and taking in the fresh air vs walking on the treadmill.  I feel very connected, very alive.  Very full.  My relationships are deepening as I invest my time into them. I’m focusing on my studies, my personal growth.  I’m now working from home and able to use my time to create a new balance in my life. I feel so fortunate right now.  I am realizing just how truly fortunate I am.

I sit here reflecting on my day feeling full.

Here’s the thing I love most about working out. It always leads to a deeper connection with self.  Investing time in myself leads to this sense of self love that opens  me to a new level of appreciation.  I know what I am capable of, I know I am capable of more.  Every time I set a goal for myself in my workout and achieve it ( a specific weight or rep amount for example), I KNOW I can do MORE.  We limit ourselves with our minds and I am no exception.

I’m opening my mind to more and creating more for myself in my life.  This is my commitment to self. It reaches far beyond the gym floor.

Courtesy of Google

 

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by Metamorphing Momma! on July 3, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by Metamorphing Momma! on July 3, 2012

http://metamorphingmomma.com/2012/07/03/lessons-learned-along-the-way/

Monday motivation…..

Monday motivation.....

a LOT closer………

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by Metamorphing Momma! on July 2, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by Metamorphing Momma! on July 2, 2012

http://metamorphingmomma.com/2012/07/02/monday-motivation/

A 20lb success…meet Jennah!

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Jennah “before”

** Feature blog: Sharing in the successes of our community!

Once upon a time in Whitby Ontario, this was Jennah.  Like many, Jennah had struggled with maintaining the lifestyle she longed for. Noting that motivation was lacking, Jennah opted for change. 

Her final send off to the lifestyle she was leaving behind? A pizza. The entire thing.  Jennah shared she sat in the dark eating her biggest weakness and said her goodbyes. Things were going to be very different this time. 

So what worked this time around? BEING REAL.  Instead of jumping into everything there was a methodic approach to this new lifestyle.  She shared what she was undertaking with her family and friends.  She considered what she really could manage and built her lifestyle around it.  Knowing herself and being herself were her tools to success.  It’s working.

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Jennah today!

Twenty pounds lighter, here’s Jennah.    Combining a realistic nutrition plan (which includes pasta and beer), along with exercise has aligned Jennah with her ultimate goal; Health.  “Everything has changed!! I sleep better, I look healthier, my skin is better, I am more productive at work and I just feel better about myself overall.”

“I made an effort to surround myself with people who have the same goals as well. “  Jennah further supports herself by using social media sites to provide recipes, motivation, workout ideas and share in local events to stay on track.

“I have learned that I really can do it. I made an effort to put my health first but not miss out on the foods, drinks or late nights that I am used to. I just always try and make the best choices when I am out.”

So what’s next? “…making it this far has only made me wonder what else I am capable of!” Now looking to build muscle, Jennah’s journey continues.

To those just about to embark on their wellness journey she shares “..the hardest step is the first one. Once you get yourself moving, it’s like a chain reaction. I always tell myself that I only have one life to live and I want to live it feeling good about myself. Once you get into a routine and start feeling amazing, you will wonder how you ever lived your life on the couch with a pizza and ice cream. You CAN do it, you just have to find it within yourself to start!”

Her tools for success: social media, weight watchers, spin class, Bob Harper workout DVD’s, Hot Yoga, NO RUNNING – despises it, recipes from Heart and Stroke foundation website, Tosca Reno’s Eat Clean book.

Congratulations on your 20 lb success Jennah! 

 

If you would like to share your success story, please contact me! Be well. 

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by Metamorphing Momma! on June 29, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by Metamorphing Momma! on June 29, 2012

http://metamorphingmomma.com/2012/06/29/a-20lb-success-meet-jennah/

A rebirth….

I saw this picture yesterday and the image has stayed with me. Not just because I; am into gardening, obsessed with growing my own organic foods / supporting organic lifestyles or because as a coach it bares such symbolism/metaphoric representation but rather just as it is so simple. It’s gorgeous.

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via Organic Green Roots on Facebook

Sitting at my office desk in the midst of my boxes ( I’m officially home based at the end of this week) I found myself just kind of staring at it. I love when people find creative usefulness to things. It reminds me how different our perspectives are on anything and everything.

Once upon a time the thought of being home all day did not inspire me. I would have found it torturous I think.  Now sitting here in this chair a midst an even larger pile of boxes, I’m so excited.  I’m creating a whole other chapter in my life, one with balance.

As a Mom it feels like sometimes I am carrying this huge load. I know my hubby feels his own weight with all that is in our household and even though they are both huge, sometimes I feel over loaded. I’ve been heavily loaded nearing over loading for a while.  I see it in him as well, he is tired looking. Worn out.

My hampers look like they are barfing out clothing.  I have piles of boxes, books, files and trinkets spewed all over what it to be my office.  I am running off to my daughter’s soccer game tonight with all 3 kiddos (hubby pulling O/T to make up for his reduced hours last week while I traveled).  I’m thinking I’m picking the kids up for lunch at school tomorrow as I am honestly really not into making any lunches tonight. I just want to park my butt on a comfortable chair. Chat with my hubby about the days we’ve both had. Have a glass of vino and pass out. I’m totally OK with this going down before 10pm too…..

In fact, I’d better get on it. It’s nearing 9…..

Be well,

N.

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by Metamorphing Momma! on June 27, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by Metamorphing Momma! on June 27, 2012

http://metamorphingmomma.com/2012/06/27/a-rebirth/

2010 and 2012….

Every now and then you get a before and after glimpse of things.

This past weekend we attended a family wedding and I wore a dress I hadn’t worn in some time. I love the dress, just haven’t really dressed up that much as of late (which tells me I should get my butt out more!).  I was so happy to see a new version of me in an old dress.

This was moi July 24th, 2010. Image

Yes, I’m very impaired ha ha and very large chested!! The dress definitely didn’t hide my girls, but there is no hiding them once they hit a certain size.

Two years later, OK one month shy of two years later, this is moi…coincidentally, my daughter was conceived the night of the above referenced pic. So two years and one baby later, this is moi….

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For whatever reason, this refuses to rotate. It has more attitude than my children!

Seeing the difference re-inspired me. Especially after last week! And to those who like others joked about my wearing this dress again to a wedding and how that one played out – no – there will be no new additions to our family this time around. The baby making machine is retired and not seeking renewed employment.  It’s time for the next phase, raising them! 

Back to my renewed energy…

I had a few treats while away for work last week. For the most part I ate cleanly, I’d rather drink my calories than eat them ha ha. That and I really feel well and energized when I’m eating well.

My personal favorite not-so-clean dinner was one my colleague and I picked up at Ottawa’s ribfest.

We chose this vendor due to his mass collection of ginormous trophies and 1st place winnings around the US, as well as, as they were this years winner of the festival.

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YUM

I chose this, and I inhaled it! Except the bun – not really digging bread these days. The ribs & beans – SO so so so good. It was five billion degrees celcius on this day. Nothing compliments a rib feast more than an ice cold beer (or several). Heinekin not pictured…

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Yes I am that person who loves their food so much she insists on photographing it before inhaling it….

 

Things haven’t been as they normally would be on the home front. Between travel and weekend courses, I’ve been over scheduled. 

As of this weekend I am officially home based for work. I’m looking forward to the balance I hope this offers in my life. 

As I write I’m under attack, I’ve spent more than a few moments on the computer and the gig is up.  My monkeys have busted me. I’ve been over ruled and so it’s time for their turn – Nick Jr games here they come!

Be well,

N. 

 

 

 

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by Metamorphing Momma! on June 25, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by Metamorphing Momma! on June 25, 2012

http://metamorphingmomma.com/2012/06/25/2010-and-2012/

On the road again…..

I’m excited! Once upon a time a 4 hour train ride would have not appealed to me. I would have taken the 1 hour flight or one that flew somehow faster to minimize any time involved.   Things have definitely changed around here.

I’m Ottawa bound for work.  That 4 hour train ride equates to; peace, tranquility, ME time away from the kiddos, the house, my schedule…  It’s just moi and my facilitators guide. I actually have a rare opportunity to re-review the material and prepare myself for my delivery. Polishing. I’ve prepared myself for a good presentation, this gives me that extra time to take it up a notch and improve my game. That has me excited.

Boring, perhaps…but totally reflective of where I am at in life. 

I am at this weird place of happiness. I’m okay with moving slower vs rapid fire. I have an amazing husband, 3 distinctly different and incredible little monkeys, a sense of purpose and living my life on purpose.  

I could look at how insane my schedule is this week, or I could celebrate the different opportunities this week offers. I fly back in time to kiss my hubby & kiddos and then am off to a weekend course.  He’s Daddy on duty solo styles this week and Momma…well…all work aside she’s in a nice hotel suite (that comes with a robe and slippers hee hee) that offers a pool and a gym. See where I’m going with this? Sure, sure, I’m working. I’m also travelling without kids, baby monitors, diaper bags. It’s a grown up mission and Momma’s maximizing.

I can’t wait. 

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I’m riding business class with access to the lounge. Cocktails are in order, just one – I’m working, but a cocktail none the less!!! I’ll be the extra smiley chick just like the one featured ha ha.

I love travelling for work (mostly as I don’t do it that often, I’m a suck away from my family). That said, I really really look forward to; morning workouts, big HOT breakfasts, a quiet cup of coffee. Alternatively at night I can unwind, prepare my material for the next day, WATCH TV (so rare -so awesome) and, dare I say it aloud…..SLEEP.

 

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by Metamorphing Momma! on June 18, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by Metamorphing Momma! on June 18, 2012

http://metamorphingmomma.com/2012/06/18/on-the-road-again/

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