All posts tagged motivation

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/

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
Posted in Family life, Mom, Uncategorized, Wellness
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Posted by Metamorphing Momma! on July 3, 2012

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

Mommamia

I’ve been a busy Mum these past few weeks. Summer season of kiddo sports has started, I’m shifting to working from home full-time and my hubby has been pulling some crazy hours. It’s making me tired just writing about it.

That said, it’s also so energizing to have the warmer weather here again. There’s something about the sun, a cool breeze on a warm day and the smell in the air that makes me want to move my butt even when it’s dragging on the pavement.

I’ve really been struggling. My youngest has taken to waking during the night again. I thought I had it made, but she’s reminded me I’m totally NOT in control here, she is.   My husband looks almost ill due to lack of sleep and I feel like my ass is expanding due to non-activity (it’s only been a week of this hideousness but I was on a roll and so the pause makes me feel like I’m losing my gains).

In fact yesterday I started an account on caloriecount.com and it told me I am sedentary. I thought really you f’er? I’m working my ass off here and apparently it is a sedentary attempt. I DISAGREE.  It didn’t ask about chasing a toddler or battling an attitudey kid in grade one while combatting the meltdowns my son is having. Those burn thousands of calories per millisecond in adrenaline, rage, laughter…. That’s where most of my energy is going these days!

The reason I started this account isn’t actually about calories, I feel “off”.  So I’m just logging my food to see the nutrient intake. I think I am missing something and I lack the mental power to pull it off without something else doing the calculations. Gotta love the internet and phone apps for remedies such as these!

I supplement my B12 intake heavily with Douglas Laboratories Methylcobalamin Liquid B12 as I do not absorb it.  I used to be a-ok in that regard, then I had kids and they sucked it out of me. After getting shots for a few years (which hurt and have cyanide in them), I switched to this product. Is amazing for those that may be considering.

So after one day of logging my food I haven’t found a trend. We’ll give it a few days to see what I’m not ingesting enough of and tweak it.  Oddly enough though without counting calories I am on target!! You don’t have to sweat those details when you eat REAL food.  It’s when you key in a piece of bread that your caloric count shoots through the roof – lord help you if you had a donut.

So for now, as I am sluggish, it’s been walking, short workouts on my bosu ball and using equipment at home mixed with a few workouts at the gym per week. I’m travelling for work again so booking hotels with workout facilities.  I’m not giving in OR giving up, just staying as active as I can.

What do I really want to do? Bust out a hammock, call over some chiseled young tanned eye candy bartender dude to bring me fruity cocktails while having another fine, young, chiseled bronzed man working the BBQ. I’m feeling lazy, and in need of a luxurious getaway. Ahh well, I guess that’s what dreams are for – if you can sleep!

Courtesy of Google

 

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by Metamorphing Momma! on June 15, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by Metamorphing Momma! on June 15, 2012

http://metamorphingmomma.com/2012/06/15/1509/

To workout or not to workout….

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Reminder to self…..

Today is one of those days…I’m exhausted, worn out, overloaded with balancing work and home and just as I sat on the fence about whether to work out or not to work out I opted to push myself.

Not to the gym, it just was more than I could stretch myself into today. But rather into a walk. A brisk, invigorating, refreshing, mind-clearing kind of walk.

Things can be complicated, or simple. 

I love simplicity.

What do you do workout wise when you feel like you have no energy to draw from? 

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by Metamorphing Momma! on June 7, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by Metamorphing Momma! on June 7, 2012

http://metamorphingmomma.com/2012/06/07/to-workout-or-not-to-workout/

Working towards such awkwardness….

Working towards such awkwardness....

I’ve been MIA I know, to quote Arny “I’ll be back” within a few days!

My workouts have been prioritized – I can’t wait to share my results.

Be well,
Nic

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by Metamorphing Momma! on May 7, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by Metamorphing Momma! on May 7, 2012

http://metamorphingmomma.com/2012/05/07/working-towards-such-awkwardness/

And the results are in…….

And I’m not really liking them!

Why?

Nothing changed – measurements are the same, weight has increased 2 lbs and apparently with my recent fitness test I have more body fat than my prehistoric system I use at home revealed. The electro body analysis tools the gym used revealed 29% body fat.

via google

The upside – my lean muscle mass is increasing.

SO:

The goals:

15lbs of fat to lose (now using the electro tools to ensure accuracy)

2 lbs of lean mass to put on.

I can totally do this.

Target date: 90 days with an average expected weight loss of just over a pound per week.

Can do, will do, doing.

The end desired result:

  •      to be able to lift myself unassisted in pull ups
  •      to be able to push 300lbs in leg press
  •      to be 20% body fat
  •      to be the energetic Mom I want to be
  •      feel alive in my own skin (ok so I’m already feeling that but I still like it as my “want”
I’ve also added a photo to my journal :)  Forgive the cell phone bathroom shot. I’m working with the time I have and the tools available as I’ve somehow misplaced my camera in the house….
So how will I achieve this?
30 minute workouts with 10 minute warm ups/stretching 10 min on conclusion of workout. I do NOT do cardio before weights as my intention is to lose fat and add muscle.
I also eliminate rest.
So as an example, in between each set of weights I may do push ups or squats. I may also double up on movements to maximize on expenditure and gain. Example on that would be a squat with a shoulder press combo.
The old saying “Train hard or go home” totally applies here.  This Momma has to use her time as effectively as possible so she can move onto her next task with ease (aka work!).
It would be easy for me to say I don’t have time, but I want this. I’ve made the time. I’ve eliminated my lunch break at work so I can take that hour at the onset of my day and work myself. I’m ok with working through my lunch, eating at my desk while performing my tasks. I see no sacrifice here, just gains. I have allocated 3 days per week to my training MINIMUM and so there still leaves 2 days per week to have a social lunch or such.
SO – I’ve modified my “results” date, added my photo and managed to work out this morning. I know this is ending somewhat abruptly but I have a family commitment I must attend to in a half hour. I’m a sweaty mess from my workout…..
Have you completed your workout today? What’s on your agenda?
Be well, be active and be happy!
Cheers,
Nicole
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by Metamorphing Momma! on April 13, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by Metamorphing Momma! on April 13, 2012

http://metamorphingmomma.com/2012/04/13/and-the-results-are-in/

The juggling act that is life as a Mom….

Seriously, how did I do this before? If my memory serves me correctly (and the chances of that are pretty low with recent increases in wine consumption), I recall balancing motherhood, work, my hubby, the kids with a little more grace than I have as of late. 

I had this “brilliant” game plan that involved my working out before the kids wake up. It seems, however, they detect I am up to something that MAY POSSIBLY be exciting to them and so they are waking up earlier and earlier.  So early in fact that today we were almost half way through the Princess and the Frog movie before our nanny arrived at 8am.  We’d eaten, dressed, packed our lunches, played and honestly I was so exhausted I did the ol’ “hey kiddos let’s watch a movie” and threw a cookie in there to boot.  Anything to keep them from doing anything anywhere other than beside me lying on the couch. I’m clearly going to be a huge contributer to the workplace today…..

So – where am I at goal wise? Moving along :)    The workouts are not as frequent as I’d like but the eating is bang on. I am still losing inches of blub, which is making this Momma happy. I will be listing my overdue measurements and photo’s this weekend.

After our shopping get-a-way my motivation has increased.  I’m down another pant size and am just at the cusp of being able to wear size “small” shirts again. If it weren’t for the boobs they’d fit. Although I recognize that many wear shirts that are waaaay too tight on their chests, I’m not into it.  I like people looking at my face vs talking to my chest. 

I have yet, however, to attempt trying on a bathing suit. I can’t torture myself with it YET.  Some Mom’s will know what I’m talking about here when I say the texture of my skin has changed. I sound hideously shallow at this particular moment but I don’t profess to be a deep person (all the time, I have my moments).   There’s something about feeling like an orange peel that just doesn’t make me want to reveal it.  I have Mom friends that have six packs ( I try only to hang with them in winter months LOL ) and they remind me that this can be achieved.   I will get there, just have to keep working for it.

So – what’s a Momma on a mission to do? Like everything else, work it into this, my new norm.  The upside is the great weather is coming. There is a park not far from here that has a great hill.  I will be running up and down it like a mad woman at lunch.  Then my lucky co-workers will get to hang with sweaty me in the afternoon BUT I am ok with that ( note that I didn’t ask their opinion ha ha) as it will get me one step closer to the beach bod I want to sport this summer. 

I receive my schedule today for the next several months.  Upon receipt of that I will be planning what gym to attend and when.  I have a few options in the area that are exactly what I am looking for – crap holes with awesome equipment and smaller crowds.  The one I want to go to most is the farthest away and so if I am really tight for time due to my facilitation schedule then it’s out. BUT if I am training west coast students….they start later in my day…..win win win for me!!! 11 am the verdict will be in. By 4pm today I will be registered somewhere ready to rock for next week.

So excited!

Stay tuned, the measurements and photo’s will be posted tomorrow.   I’ll have my modified game plan laid out as well.

Yay!!

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by Metamorphing Momma! on April 5, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by Metamorphing Momma! on April 5, 2012

http://metamorphingmomma.com/2012/04/05/the-juggling-act-that-is-life-as-a-mom/

Workin’ it on a Monday morning…

This is it, my final Monday of maternity leave. SOB MOAN WAIL. I can’t believe next week at this time I will be sitting in what will be the first day of a five-day conference marking the return to work.

I want to cry just saying it.

It’s not that I am not looking forward to working. I am full of ideas, motivation, drive…I have much to accomplish in this upcoming year.

I am going to really miss this time with my kids.   Seeing how fast they grow and who they are becoming, I want to be a larger part of it.  I’m going to be cashing in a lot of vacation days, personal days etc. to be with them when possible.  Before I know it, I won’t be cool anymore in their world and the last thing they would like to do on a day off is hang with me.  So for now, I must seize such opportunities and milk it for everything it’s worth.

On the flip side, I AM SO EXCITED to be going away for a week. Sure, sure, I will probably cry the entire car ride up and then panic about my swollen face as I enter into the conference but a week away…oh my. So awesome. I’ve missed some of my colleagues and look forward to a few glasses of wine in the evening and catching up.

Super bonus: The gym looks amazing.  I am beyond excited to be able to wake up, just take care of myself and go straight to the gym.  To top off that already luxurious moment of a morning workout…I can shower in daylight. In fact I can shower right after my morning work out. AWESOME.  These are the things I miss. Those moments. Those care-free-only-take-care-of-me moments.  I would not trade mommy-dom for anything, but if I could add one thing in – ok two – these would be it. A wake and go straight to the gym workout followed by a shower….. for next week anyway it’s on!!!

Between now and then, I have soooo much to do.

So to start my day (after nagging children to get ready for school after a week off, feeding them, nagging them to eat faster, making lunches that I should have made last night but wanted to start wine early AND tending to the baby ), I worked out.  Hard. Free weights, and my ball. That’s it. I can barely move my upper body at the moment.

It’s going to be 20 degrees celsius today IN MARCH and it has inspired me to do something about the muffin top before shorts and tank tops come back into play.

I feel pumped.

I’ve also decided to silence that voice in my head that allows me to be hard on myself or such when things don’t go as planned. I am working as hard as I can when I can. That is enough. That will lead me to success.

I found this on google and have it as my current wallpaper….

I can do this, and I will. One push up, one day at a time :)

Much love and thanks for your continued support,

Nikki :)

Is it as amazing weather wise where you are right now? Are your gardens coming alive?  My veggies are growing already…..

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by Metamorphing Momma! on March 19, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by Metamorphing Momma! on March 19, 2012

http://metamorphingmomma.com/2012/03/19/workin-it-on-a-monday-morning/

Reality sets in….

I had no idea post partum weight loss would be this brutal… I am having one of those days wherein I am feeling very discouraged.

The effort is there.  I know there is, as they say, room for improvement but I’m pretty impressed with myself and my committment thus far. My one calorically devastating evening vice: wine.

 I think I know where I made one key mistake in terms of my plan in SMART - “R” – realistic. The time frame I selected isn’t realistic for my life.  The program I selected (P90x), isn’t realistic for the time availability I have daily.

So I need to give myself a little more time. I’ve decided to continue the 30 day platforms. I like the photographic evidence of my transformation.  I am looking forward to seeing muscles again.  I love being able to do push ups again and look forward to being able to complete unassisted pull-ups again (still not there – pretty much just hang from the bar still BUT it WILL happen).

I have just over a week until my return to work.  I am soaking up every moment with my kids while I can. I am working out when able.  As intensely as I can using weights, my bench, my bosu and my ball.  Simple equipment, intense training.  I am thinking in my workouts again. This is something I enjoy not doing while following a DVD, however, I am enjoying mapping out my workout again.

For all the Mom and Dad’s out there currently enjoying March break, I hope it is as sunny in your yard as it is in ours.

 It makes this time together that much more enjoyable.

Cheers!

N.

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by Metamorphing Momma! on March 14, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by Metamorphing Momma! on March 14, 2012

http://metamorphingmomma.com/2012/03/14/all-in-the-head/

Spring Fever in early March…

Although I appreciate what I am about to say puts me in the “you sound old” bracket, I’m excited. My seeds have arrived!!!!  It’s almost gardening time!

My package from Greta’s Organic Gardens has arrived and it’s time to get down to gardening business! Why Organic? So I know they are not GMO :)

A few years back my husband and I moved into the house we currently own ( I say currently as we intend to move one last time and really change our lives forever – details to follow).  At that time we thought this would be the house we stay in forever and so we renovated, landscaped and worked our butts off to make this our own little space ( I proudly boast I insulated the house etc. as we really did do this together for our family). One huge change for us was that we started to grow our own food. We created what we coin our “WOP” garden (my husband is Italian ha ha) with a rustic style chicken coup fence and started to see what we could produce. The first year was a disaster. We did manage to grow a few zucchini’s and cucumbers, but the rest, yeeesh. Two more  years of moderate success followed.

Last year, a HUGE improvement.  We successfully grew; carrots, swiss chard, green onions, spinach, lettuce,  beets, 2 different types of cucumbers, zucchini, hot peppers, field peppers, six spices, strawberries and three varieties of tomatoes.

Early in the summer of 2011..this is half of our garden.

This year – we’re expanding. There’s something incredible about watching your kids get excited to eat the food they grew and cared for.

So what’s on the menu this year? We’re attempting: leeks, beets, Habanero peppers,  hot Portuguese peppers,  broccoli, carrots, 2 types of cucumbers, 3 types of tomatoes, six spices, watermelon, cantaloupe, lettuce, butternut squash and last but not least, strawberries.  I can’t wait to walk out and pick out what we want for dinner.  Awesome.

We feel very fortunate to live in Mississauga, Ontario and have the space to do this.  We live in an older style pocket of homes that are small yet situated on large lots.  The trees are mature and the neighborhood is very friendly and warm.  So why leave then?

Life is meant to be more than this for us,  we feel it.

My husband and I have decided that this is the year we finish off the last of the few details of our house and we sell what was once our “dream home” and we create our   “forever home”.

We’re moving out of the “big city” and heading lakeside in a smaller but somewhat “big” city.  We have the ability to offer our kids a very different life.  We want to seize that opportunity while they are young and before things like high school and not knowing anyone become an issue. They need to lay their roots and establish their lives.

I’m so fortunate my job allows me this flexibility – I’m virtual. As long as I can log in – I’m not fired.

Part of this dream is to grow most of our food year round. We are looking to buy several acres of land, build a bungalow (with a gym room for Mom!!), a separate  workshop for my hubby ( he is a cabinet-maker/custom wood worker), a bunk-house for guests that doubles as my office for facilitating and create a much more relaxed life for ourselves. No traffic,  no commutes to work….just us in a great community living a life we’ve talked about many times (mostly over vino  -  more so as more bottles are emptied ha ha) making the most of this life we have been given.

I will share with you this…

This past November I said goodbye to not just my uncle, but one of my closest friends. He was 43. He died of cancer. He was extremely fit, ate only clean foods, worked out daily. He had a huge laugh, many friends and dreams he talked about all the time. At 41 he was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. I watched him struggle with the thought of leaving this life so early and without having attempted to live some of the dreams he spoke of.  He had managed to pay off his mortgage and had his savings for those dreams he dreamed of – in other words he worked hard in the hopes of tomorrow.

My uncle / friend: Dave Hurley

In the end his lesson to me was don’t wait.  Don’t talk about tomorrow when you have the gift of today.  Don’t make a list of things you dream about and leave them on a shelf – go for them. There is a way to make everything happen if you are willing to work for it, go for it and seize the moment.

He is a huge part of why I am pushing myself to be the best me. The healthiest me, the most balanced me, the adventurous me…..

If you could change your life and pursue a dream, what would it be? 

 

 

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by Metamorphing Momma! on March 8, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by Metamorphing Momma! on March 8, 2012

http://metamorphingmomma.com/2012/03/08/spring-fever-in-early-march/

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