No More Split Personality

Trying to build my fit-business has me a little scrambled, although I know it's worth the sweat {literally} and tears {a few too many recently}. We've been building our new house, so along with that we are trying to mass clean, dust, throw everything in closets or storage prep our current house for showings, and sell it!! But on top of that we have our everyday activities; school, after school activities, coaching volleyball junior high, etc. Whew!! I promise I'm not using this moment as a pity party. I LOVE the hustle and bustle ... I just need to get my time management on point.

I remember starting my blog and using it as a way to write about anything and everything ...as a matter of fact it once had a different name ... but with my newest journey as a fitness coach, I wasn't sure how to balance both worlds. I need to try. So this is me ... trying.

By the way, are we friends? If not, we should be. I love new friends. ;)

I promise to not flood your news feed with unnecessary nonsense. I use it as an opportunity to share something that can be inspirational; whether it's a workout, a life lesson, a recipe ... you name it! I love to help, no matter what it pertains to.

Well, this is a start to blending my two worlds .... stay tuned!!

InstaLovin [Fitness edition]

I have always had a love for fitness, but I would often go through phases; strong cardio one month, heavy strength training another. But when I finally found a good balance, I put everything I had into it. Back in 2011, I was on a roll with the right food, the right routine, etc. I was all in and got my body to a place it'd never been before that time - strong, firm, all in all healthy. It was a great challenge for me, and I was so proud of myself for sticking with it. That was until..... well, life. After one missed trip to the gym, I found myself missing another... and another... and another. Then when I started to feel sluggish, I ate sluggish! I wasn't the biggest person on earth, nor would I have even considered myself "fat", but I wasn't nearly as strong or as fit as I once was. And it was upsetting. I decided to just maintain what I had going on, and that was that. 

Then came baby #2!

With all the changes going on the second time around - and time moving forward, aka getting older - I was determined to get back into the shape I was back then. I started a routine of getting my butt in the gym as often as I could throughout my pregnancy. This photo was taken during one of my last sessions. I was almost 30 weeks. Once I hit the 32 week mark, I was done! My body was talking and I had to slow down. Booooooo. 

I started working out 3 weeks after giving birth [really Megan?] but started having some complications, so my doctor of course told me "stop!". Being told to "stop working out" is as unmotivating as a cold morning on a rainy day. But after weeks and weeks went by, I was slowly getting back into a groove with the OK from my doc. Woo hoo!!! Of course it wasn't overnight, but I began eating cleaner than I ever thought possible. Usually one or two fries from my child's lunch, or the leftover half-eaten chicken nugget was harmless - but not this time! It was time to get serious. If I was going to do this right, then it was all or nothing!! 

Fast forward five months... and here I am now.To hold me accountable, and keep myself motivated I began documenting some of my progress and posting them on Instagram. 

But I'm not doing this alone. Everyone needs inspiration and encouragement! So today I wanted to share some of my favorites I turn to throughout my news feed. It can be a photo of progress, food, or motivational wisdom. Whether it's a local trainer here in my own town, or someone random [I follow a lot of those], they inspire me each and every day. Note: these are just a small handful to avoid a mass overload... there are many people who have inspired me to stay in love with fitness and health. I wish I could acknowledge every single one of you.

Another thing I can take away from the last photo is that a hat is a great way to hide that painful "last rep face" as I call it - I literally just made that up and I think I love it. But you know what I'm talking about. Yea a hat would come in handy.

I'm so excited to see how far I can push my body. A giant thanks to my motivators out there!!!! Here's to PROGRESS and funny faces.

No regrets. Ever.

We all have those days where finding the motivation to work out is no where to be found. For some it comes more often than not. Every now and then I catch myself falling into one of those statistics. I'm about as quickly motivated to get moving as sap on a tree.

"I'm not lazy, just incredibly motivated to do nothing."

That would be me...

Until I do the usual, and think about the END RESULT. I know how good I feel when I'm finished with a workout. That feeling of relief that you did something good for your mind and body. But it's a feeling that cannot be accomplished lying in bed, or on the couch. You have to get up and go! The end result of a workout is never changing --- you will feel GOOD. 

During my first pregnancy, I was young and bouncing back was not too challenging. I was back to my pre-baby weight within the first 6 months. This pregnancy, I'm older. Our bodies change. My metabolism isn't as quick as it used to be, so I have to be more aware of my nutritional intake and exercise. For the average person, that can be a real task; let alone a pregnant woman with the additional 20 lbs, fatigue, and late night cravings of chocolate chip cookies. Not that I'm speaking from exact experience. Or maybe I am.

Nonetheless, finding the motivation is challenging for anyone. But there really is nothing better than that feeling at the end of a good workout. So as Nike likes to imply, just do it! Find the motivation, whatever it may be.

You will only feel better, afterwards. 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Figured I'd go ahead and add this to my post today!! A fun link up with Whitney & Erin. Not to mention the title of their collaboration is cleverly similar to my bloggy title. So I just had to participate! Here goes...

THIS or THAT?

Vacationing in Florida or vacationing in NYC:
This is a tough one. I spend at least one or two vacations in Florida - Disney, to be specific - every year, and it never gets old. However, I'm about to embark on another New York adventure here soon, and I canNOT wait! I'd say this is a draw.

iPhone or Droid:
iPhone. No question about it. I've had a droid, so by experience I'm very pleased with my iPhone. 

NSYNC or Backstreet Boys:
ummm, Nsync has and always will be my most favorite boy band. Not because I was ever or still am a teeny-bopper, but simply because their harmony is unlike any other boy band I've witnessed. 

Being forced to delete Facebook or being forced to delete Twitter:
Probably Twitter. I'm not on it often enough to miss it.

Fireball or Miller Lite:
Neither.

Full House or Family Matters:
FULL HOUSE, hands down. 

Dumbledore or Gandalf:
Considering I had to re-read this one twice, just to figure out what-the-h it spelled... I'm gonna say, neither.

Dying Easter eggs or Carving pumpkins:
Carving pumpkins is shockingly much less of a possible disaster, than dying eggs. Anyone who's dropped an egg, or had one explode while boiling knows what I'm talking about. I'd much rather take the gooey intestines of the pumpkin. 

NFL or NCAAF:
For suuuuuuuuuuuuuure NFL. I never went to a big college, so the loyalty to any one team isn't there. Go Colts.

A hangover forever or sobriety forever:
Is this a real question? I'll assume it is considering the hosts. ;) I love them. Oh yea, I'll choose sobriety. 

January or July:
January. Yea it's winter... more like the middle of a winter coma... but there are special events during that month, AND coincidentally the due date of our son!!! So yea, January wins this one.  

Hannah Montana or Miley Cyrus:
Neither. 

Shark Week or Fashion Week:
Fashion week. That was an easy one................ I hate sharks.

Fresh Prince of Bel-Air or Saved by the Bell:
Saved by the Bell, again for being one of the most classics of all time!!!!!!!!!!!!! But Will Smith will always be a fave. 

Britney or Christina:
Is this based on talent or personality? Because that could most certainly make the difference. Britney wins my heart over Christina any day... but sorry, she cannot out sing her and that's just facts. Nonetheless, I love Brit.

Burrito or Burrito Bowl:
BOWL!!! It's easier, and .... well I guess that's my only reason. All tastes the same. 

Reading blogs on your phone or reading blogs on your computer:
On the computer. I literally base my blog's appearance and display on what it looks like on the big screen. Not to mention, if you run across one that makes you scroll forever...  I'm guilty of posting one.. then a computer is much more convenient.

Angelina or Jennifer:
This WOULD BE a question. Well, I can't say one or the other. I love love love love Angelina, simply for her heart and dedication to her family. But I'm obsessed with Jennifer's persona and her angelic demeanor. This HAS to be a draw.  

Doug Funny or The Rugrats:
Awww man, I know I can't possibly be allowed another draw - after like 4 prior to this one - so I guess I"ll just make a tough decision. Rugrats. Those little guys were just too cute.

An open mouth chewer or a heavy breather:
Heavy breather...... anyone that knows me, I'd rip my hair out before I placed myself beside an open mouth chewer. Not. Happening.  

Motivational Monday

Well, clearly I've left a Friday post to last until Monday, given this weekend was quite the festive one. If I had pictures to share, that would have made a lovely post for today! ...but I failed on that one. So instead, I figured I would just follow up with what was originally supposed to be my regular Motivational Monday. 

Counting our blessings...

How soon we forget the good things around us when bad things are happening. Well, it's normal. When we find ourselves struggling, it's difficult to see anything but the negatives. That isn't how it should be, though. Easier said than done, I know. Depending on the struggles we endure, completely determines the amount of strength we need to stay positive. However, I heard it best stated:

"Every day may not be good, 

but there is something good in every day."

How true!! Take time out on a rough day, and reflect on something good that happened. A friend of mine recently told me that's her way of helping herself, and her children on tough days. Just one positive moment could help change it all around. :)

Happy Monday! (lets try, anyway)

Motivational Monday [fitness edition]

For some, with summer just around the corner, the gym seems to become one's best friend! For others, it's the enemy; and finding an excuse to avoid it at all costs develops into a terrible habit.

"It's just too hard..."

"I don't have the energy..."

"I don't have the time..."

"It's Tuesday..."  

[yes, I've heard that one before]

NONSENSE.

It may sound redundant, but if you have a goal then GO FOR IT, and don't stop! It's possible.

For some, they turn to motivational photos:

Although I agree with the [bottom left] message, and could easily use Jamie Eason's photos as personal motivation - on the contrary, these kind of photos could be intimidating to others. Which in turn won't do anything, but lower their self esteem. If photos aren't the motivator, then look for other sources! There IS a reason you want to look or feel better... What is it??

IMPOSSIBLE = I'M POSSIBLE

You have the ability... it's IN YOU. Sometimes it just takes refocusing the facts on what it is you desire.

About a year ago, I came across an inspirational photo - and it bothers me, I have no source to credit the amazing tale. But what I remember of the story, was that of a 70 year old man who dedicated his life in the gym to become physically, and mentally, stronger to carry, bathe, change clothing, etc. aiding to his son who had recently become a quadriplegic. It was by far the most inspiring story/message I've ever read.

So what's your itch?

Better health?

Playing with your kids without being out of breath?

Living long enough to see your children and grandchildren grow?

Being strong enough to take care of a friend or family member when they're not able to care for themselves?

You just have to find that "thing" that motivates YOU!!!!!

HAPPY MONDAY!!

To view a LIST of motivating tips, check this out!! Here.

photo credit 1 2 3 4 5

Motivational Monday

Today's post is a short one; due to AT&T sucks technical difficulties! Therefore, I was not prepared with a long, inspirational post - I hope your Monday can manage without! Ha.

Not leaving you empty handed, I will at least share my daily Psalms/Proverbs verse-of-the-day.

God bless,

Motivational Monday [fitness edition]

Today I wanted to focus and reinstate the common misconception that: 

"...losing weight means lowering the number on the scale." 

For the majority of people, trying to shed 10lbs (or even up to 60lbs), it is not - I repeat, NOT - the scale that will determine the difference. For others, 100+lbs difference will certainly show on the scale, but it still does not determine the health or muscle your body is maintaining.

This popular photo, which went viral about a year ago, is a great example of how the scale will not distinguish the better YOU.

According to health nutritionist, Julianne, "...5 pounds of fat takes up THREE TIMES as much space as 5 pounds of muscle. (Therefore) if you’re shedding fat and gaining muscle your weight might not change."

Couldn't have said it better myself!!

This is just a small reminder, that when your goal is to look and feel better, you cannot judge that by the numbers you see. It will only display your relationship with gravity; NOT with yourself. 

HAPPY MONDAY!! 

photo credit: 1 2

Motivational Monday

Today's post was inspired by none other than the most positive, side-line cheering team player, Kevin Ware, and our dear Louisville (loo-a-vull) Cardinals basketball team.

His traumatic injury brought tears to not only himself, but to the fans, his coach and his teammates. It was certainly the end to his season...

...but was it the end of his spirit for his team?

No. 

On the sidelines, he remained encouraging and supportive, showing his team that his heart and spirit were much alive - as he now played the role of their 6th man. 

With that, and the heart of the other teammates, they fought through, and found themselves heading to the championship game.  

The moral of the story, folks:

Good luck tonight, Cards!! Let's WIN a championship!!!!!!

Motivational Monday

The focus for this quote, is geared towards the broken, or sadden, hearts which come from struggles in relationships. Whatever the situation may be, we often ask ourselves, "...why did this happen?". Although, there is no solitary answer for such a heavy question, it's a great lesson in life!! 

Hurt is something that triggers your mind's realization of what your heart can or cannot handle. The lesson? 

...to understand such a message, and to gain the ability to know when/how that pain could occur again, how to avoid it, or how to handle it. 

Now, that doesn't mean to shut down, and shut people out. It simply means to allow yourself to be stronger.

Motivational Monday

Happy Monday, everyone!! ...or not so happy? If that's the case, you aren't alone.

Let's face it. The only Monday that 90% of Americans celebrate is Cyber Monday after Thanksgiving. Am I wrong?

The point IS - Monday has a steady reputation for being the most depressing day of the week!! Terrible, but true (for some). I, on the other hand, have learned to change my perception on such a renown depressing day. 

The idea for this particular blog post, was inspired by my high school volleyball coach - Terri Purichia aka "Coach". On Monday, the entire team and coaches, wore a custom t-shirt with an inspirational quote on the back - the idea was for each player to read the quote on the shirt in front of them, to keep us going . Coach deemed that day as "Motivational Monday". Although, at that age, we are usually too young minded to appreciate such a gesture; yet somehow, it remains with you forever. 

With ALL that said, I would like to help, the little I can, with those Monday blues. A preface of this magnitude will not be given for every weekly post. I will (hopefully) help inspire some of you with just a quote and side note. Here's hoping for a better look on Mondays, and a better start to your week!! God bless.