HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS THAT WON'T BREAK THE BANK

Having trouble finding gifts for that hard-to-buy-for loved one on your shopping list? We've got the equipment and accessories you need for the latest fitness trends. Read our top 5 gift ideas that you'll feel great about giving and won't break your budget this holiday season.

Today, a break from my recent “How to use X” series to focus on (drum roll please…) nutrition! Why? After over 15 years in the fitness field, I know one thing for certain: Unless you have impeccable genetics and are in your prime, training alone will not ensure you reach your fitness goals! Here and in the next blog I will outline 10 simple tips for healthy, nutritious eating.

The summer is coming to an end (small tear). Real life is about to begin again and, let’s be honest, times of transition can be challenging, especially when it comes to “staying on the health horse”!

If you find yourself thinking “transitioning back to reality is stressful and busy; I will get back on my horse in September,” tell yourself two things...

Most of us have an enemy living inside our own head! (Reflect on that. Most of us walk around with a “non-friend” in our heads. We spend hours with someone being mean to us — not believing in us. That saddens me to my core. No wonder so many of us overeat, drink too much, and under exercise.) Most of us are extremely cruel to ourselves. We need to learn to be on our own side!

I love that I can legitimately wear yoga gear 24/7, am comfortable strutting around a gym and know what to do with dumbbells, barbbells, bosu & stability balls, TRX and a whole slew of other fun fitness gear. And get this…I actually think working out is fun…yup..FUN! But I know I am part of a minority here. I know that LOTS of people just generally dislike (or maybe go as far to say…despise) the gym. So what to do?

I recently graduated as a Level 2 Life Coach. Life coaching is an inherently awareness-building, reflection-generating experience … thus, the question that inspired this blog: “What does Kathleen the fitness professional wish the younger (and less fit) Kathleen had known?”

Instead of feeling ashamed about past health experiences, be curious and learn from your “past you.” Instead of making grand “wishes” for 2018 — broad unrealistic claims divorced from growth, reflection, and reality — make intelligent, realistic GOALS. For many, the New Year — the demarcation of a “new beginning” — is motivating. If this is true for you, GREAT! Capitalize on the surge of motivation. Since the New Year is now, it is as good a time as any to make a health goal. As my mother taught me, don’t put off ‘til tomorrow what you can do today.

Instead of spending max effort attempting to alter habits that won’t drastically change your health status - how frustrating and demoralizing - pinpoint your linchpin and BNB (biggest negative bang) habits. The more an eating regimen disrupts your current linchpin and BNB habits, the more impact the change will have.

There is a common, often fear-based, misconception that you have to be a particular “type” of person to meditate; if "I got a dime" every time someone said something like, "I can’t get my mind to shut up — I would be the worst at meditation." If you can hear yourself uttering such words, run — don’t walk — towards a meditation practice. Typically, the more impossible meditation feels, the greater the body’s need.

Summer is here in full force — which is fantastic — but it can wreak havoc on a healthy lifestyle; it is easy to consistently overindulge while sitting on the dock, sharing meals with friends and family, playing games, or curling up watching a movie. One or two indulgences can be healthy –— mindfully sharing food with loved ones is a healthy part of a balanced life. The trick is to learn strategies to allow your current self to feel joy and to cultivate positive memories — while still ensuring a happy and proud “future self.”