How I Went From Lazy Bitch to Health Coach

Why does it make me so angry that easy way out is better for you than trying to fix the problem slowly and more naturally. Why are we conditioned to do a quick fix? A pill, a knife, another human being or an institution to fix our problems?

Why are we not willing to do the work that it takes to make a positive healthy change?  Why do we take the easy way out? Have knee surgery instead of losing weight and maybe some core and leg strengthening? If we battle addiction, sugar, food or anything done compulsively, we give in to this so easy.  Is it societal? Is it will power or discipline or lack of mental strength, self control, not able to muscle through the pain? When do believe the drug pushing doctors and when are they full of crap. The drug companies keep changing what is healthy for levels of this and that (blood pressure, Cholesterol, etc.) so they can get everyone hooked on Lipitor (so to speak). And we believe what “medical professionals” are telling us.  That community is being led and controlled by an industry that makes billions (billions!) in profits each year. The Health community does not want you to get better.  They need you to be sick and unhealthy to make billions. And Doctors do what they are told by insurance and drug companies.

I am so passionate about what I do because, I have the tools to empower you to make positive lasting change that will take you off the medical merry go round we exist on today.  I have personally dealt with more pain and addiction issues than medical issues. (They tried to get me on Lipitor once because I had one high reading) my cholesterol is fabulous with none of the stuff. Well I am a little crazy so I do take a happy pill. But if I don’t take that I do get really depressed and don’t work out and struggle to keep a healthy lifestyle.  I am not totally against western medicine but I do feel they are drug pushers.

So off that tantrum, empowering others to have the life and body they want and need.

First off the only thing experts can agree on is that exercise is the best thing you can do for your health, mental health, disease risk, weight control, and the list goes on. So this being said it is the only thing agreed upon in the weight loss and medical community.

Why when it feels so great to exercise and eat a whole food diet, do we not want to do it.  How do we get back on the take care of yourself first plan? It is so important to get your head in the right place, and have patients (not my best virtue). How about slowing down and listening to your body. Being mindful of you and what is really going on.  We all can figure it out if we stop and listen to ourselves.

 I am a lazy little Bi$%h when it comes to exercising. I can find a million other things to do. (Especially, if depression is lurking) I have been pushing myself to get the work outs in and it is making a huge difference in every aspect of my life.  Trust me I really have to push myself to go some days. I think it had been baby steps to get to this point but when I look at the progress in the last 10 months. Maybe it was leaps!  Sometimes you need to give yourself a little credit. I want it for the long haul.  I have continually made the healthy, food choices (no diets, a Lifestyle change) I just make better choices now. And yes it is a lot of work. But worth it.  Am I perfect? No. Progress, not perfection.

I really needed to learn what healthy was because I thought I knew but really I did not. I didn’t know any better. We believed low fat, and blah, blah, blah, on what is healthy and what is not. Experts and medical professional couldn’t agree on anything. What was agreed on is now complete BS. I needed to take a 1 year course on nutrition and every dietary theory and listen to leading health experts (not Dr. OZ) to figure out what is best for me and my issues and my overall well being. I want to share these tools.

I would say I am at 85% of healthy lifestyle.  90 % is attainable. Since I have changed my life my pain level is less than a 1. (Normally about a 5.) I am losing weight and inches, I am never hungry. I feel 90 times better than one year ago, I struggle most with sugar addiction (anything that metabolizes like sugar) is an evil reality. Once I start on the sugar it is so hard to control. Abstinence is my best friend. Consistancy is right behind.

Why Pilates? It's Not All About Being Able To Touch Your Toes.

Pilates training focuses on core strength, it trains the body as an integrated whole. Pilates workouts promote strength and balanced muscle development as well as flexibility and increased range of motion for the joints.

Attention to core support and full-body fitness -- including the breath and the mind -- provide a level of integrative fitness that is hard to find elsewhere.

Adaptable to Many Fitness Levels and Needs

Whether you are a senior just starting to exercise, an elite athlete or somewhere in between, the foundations of Pilates movement apply to you. Building from core strength, focusing on proper alignment, and a body/mind integrative approach make Pilates accessible to all. With thousands of possible exercises and modifications, Pilates workouts can be tailored to individual needs.

Increases Flexibility

In Pilates, we work toward a safe increase in length and stretch of the muscles and range of motion within the joints. You won't find quite as much "pretzel logic" in Pilates as you might in yoga, but a body that can stretch and bend to meet the flow of life is a very realistic goal.

Develops Core Strength

The core muscles of the body are the deep muscles of the back, abdomen, and pelvic floor. These are the muscles we rely on to support a strong, supple back, good posture, and efficient movement patterns. When the core is strong, the frame of the body is supported. This means the neck and shoulders can relax, and the rest of the muscles and joints are freed to do their jobs -- and not more. A nice side benefit is that the core training promotes the flat abs that we all covet.

Creates Strength without BulkLong, lean muscles are the name of the game here. In Pilates, we are not looking to build muscles for show. We are building toned muscles that work perfectly within the context of the body as a whole, and the functional fitness needs of a person as they move through life. 

Improves Posture

Good posture is a reflection good alignment supported by a strong core. It is a position from which one can move freely. Pilates trains the body to express itself with strength and harmony. You can see this in the beautiful posture of those who practice Pilates.

Increases Energy

It might seem like a paradox, but the more you exercise, the more energy you have and the more you feel like doing (to a point, of course). Pilates gets the breath and circulation moving, stimulates the spine and muscles, and floods the body with the good feelings one gets from exercising the whole body.

Promotes Weight Loss and Long, Lean Appearance

If you practice Pilates regularly, it will change your body. Known for creating long, strong muscles and a leaner look; Pilates improves muscle tone, balances musculature, supports beautiful posture, and teaches you to move with ease and grace. All of these things will make you look and feel very fit.

Increases Awareness - Body/Mind Connection

Joseph Pilates was adamant that Pilates, or contrology as he called it, was about "the complete coordination of body, mind, and spirit." This is one of the secrets of Pilates exercise: we practice each movement with total attention. When we exercise in this way, the body and mind unite to bring forth the most benefit possible from each exercise. The Pilates principles -- centering, concentration, control, precision, breath, and flow -- are key concepts that we use to integrate body and mind.

What the Heck is a Kegel?

 

What does “Kegel exercise" mean to you?   Have you ever done exercises for your pelvic floor? Do you know what your pelvic floor is?

Your pelvis and the tilt of your pelvis, the muscles in your pelvis are very important for going to the bathroom (1&2), balance, posture and some types of hip and low back pain, sciatica and leg pain. You see where I am going here.  Most of us never think about our pelvis, pelvic floor we just take it for granted.  Well this kind of thinking does not bring us into old age gracefully! 

First and foremost the muscles at the bottom of your torso are so important for back stabilization, a strong pelvic diaphragm prevents urinary and fecal incontinence. It promotes good vaginal, uterine, prostrate and urethra health and with a strong pelvic floor less likelihood of having back pain.

So how do you even know where to start?  The first step is to start working your urethra but stopping the flow of urine when you go to the bathroom.  Next I would say check into Pilates.  Pilates focus’ on abdominal muscles and your pelvic floor muscles (core) as well as working every muscle in your body.  It works your mind and body, and I think it is good for your soul! 

Gaining body awareness through Pilates can change everything, posture, balance, movement, strength and alignment.  Awareness is the key. 

Having control over muscles you never knew existed is kind of mind blowing! Once you start working these muscles more blood flows to these areas and you have better control over everything. So this also helps erectile dysfunction(ED).  If you can get blood into the area that calls for blood then you may not need a blue pill!   

That goes for the vagina too.  If you have strong muscles down below, you are less likely to have issues with prolapse and uterine decent. We all want to keep it tight and keep everything up there.  Also if you have problems with feeling or pain in the pelvic region, Pilates can really help improve these symptoms.

Like any work out Pilates and strengthening your pelvic floor takes patience and some work.

Take control of your body and be able to age gracefully.