No matter if you are a parent, grandparent, uncle or aunt, or even a friend of some one who has children; it is very important to set a good example. Everything we do, how we treat one another, our nutrition habits, our activity levels; these things affect our children and the choices they make later in life. We are molding our kids into who they become....These children will eventually run our world.
Childhood obesity is way out of control. That is why I make an effort to set the example for all children as well as adults. I hope all of you will join me in becoming the best you can be.
Spend more time reading labels; pack your child's lunch with well balanced nutritious meals. DO NOT buy soda, instead give your child fruited water, and fresh squeezed juice that you make yourself in your home juicer. You can see the recipe for our fruit sparkler on our recipe page under "ski party breakfast" My kids love it!
Instead of serving sugar coated junk food cereals, make our oatmeal muffins, or morning breakfast shake (again see recipe section). My son LOVES hot oatmeal for breakfast sweetened with banana or applesauce and cinnamon. Try Serving several different cut up raw fruits and veggies on a platter. make sure you wash them well before hand and choose organic always when you can. Snack on these while playing games, like memory, or checkers instead of fat laden chips and cookies. (See our products page for suggestions on games)
Watch what you say and do around your children. Practice kindness and have integrity. Gossips and intrigues are never polite or fashionable. I have some good advice that I have passed on to my children, and now I will pass it on to all of you:
"Always watch what you say and do; think before you speak; take responsibility for your actions. Before you go to say something or make a decision on how to act in a situation, think to yourself; how will this affect me, and those around me? How will it look to the ones I love? How will it make me feel? How will it make my family and friends feel? Live each day as though you were going to run for President ...you do not want to do anything that would look bad to your voters would you? Or would you want to be scorned for your actions all over tabloid TV? No you would not! You would want to be setting a good example for others to follow."
Apply this way of thinking to all that you do; eating, exercise family, career, and love. You can't go wrong with this advice.
So please, Love your children by eating healthy, and make sure they do the same. Exercise with your children; get them away from the couch and up and hiking or playing sports with you! Teach them how important eating right and staying fit is. Tell them how what we do now affects our quality of life later on. Be a good example. Lead the way for future fit generations! I know you can do it! I believe in all of you!
"THERE ARE TWO WAYS OF SPREADING LIGHT: TO BE THE CANDLE OR THE MIRROR THAT REFLECTS IT" - Edith Wharton
"WE COME TO FEEL AS WE BEHAVE" -Paul Pearsall
MUSIC AS MOTIVATION
I know all of you out there have certain pieces of music that remind you of special moments in your life. You know that song from high school that reminds you of that great time on spring break? Or your wedding song perhaps?
How many of you out there have a soundtrack for fitness?? If you don't, you should have!
Music is an excellent motivator, and can push you harder during your workouts. For instance, when my husband and I train in the evenings for cross country skiing, we really need an extra push to go the 30 minutes straight up Mount Burdell. For me that push comes from listening to Metallica, Guns and Roses, The Prodigy, Jet, and The Ramones. When we are bombing the hill on the way down (I love to run really fast!) I like to listen to PCD, The Romantics, Orbital, Jamiroquai and Goldfrapp. That is what is programmed into my IPOD, and for my Husband it is something else entirely that gets him to move it.
Whatever artist motivates you to really push yourself hard is what you should listen to. It helps to get you into "the zone" and makes you feel GREAT!
You can see some of my favorite music on our products page. What do you like to listen to? I am always looking for some great motivating tunes. Any suggestions? Let's hear it!
PS- For all of you out there who like to listen to some hardcore metal, while pushing iron around, check out my brother's band at:
http://www.bustedknucklesband.com/index.cfm
They are great guys, and kicking tush to boot! Their music was just featured on TV! And from what I hear they have a video in the works! ROCK ON GUYS!!!! We are so proud of you all! You have all our love!
THE MOST ANNOYING MUSCLE MYTH
Ok...this one is dedicated to all the ladies out there, and I can't tell you how much it bugs all fitness professionals to hear it.
MYTH –
"Since I am a woman, if I lift weights, I will look like a man, all big and bulky so I just do cardio."
TRUTH- WRONG WRONG WRONG!! Did you read that...let me state it again...WRONG!!! The truth is ladies; The Female body does not produce enough testosterone to look that way. It is JUST NOT POSSIBLE! The women who do get huge like men are in fact on steroids.
So what can lifting weights do for a woman?
It can make you have a very tight bod! No more saggy butt, chicken wings triceps, or mushy gut, once you start training with weights.
MUSCLE MASS BURNS FAT! And the more dense your muscle tissue, the less fat on your booty and tummy! And just like Martha says, “that is a good thing!" Women are often surprised, that once they include weight training into their fitness routine, that they actually become SMALLER, in waist size and thigh circumference! YAY!! What woman wouldn't want that!
Lifting weights actually increases bone density as well, which is wonderful for those women who have a history of osteoporosis in their family (like I do!)
Lifting weights stimulates growth hormone, which makes you look younger, with beautiful glowing tight skin. Have you even seen before and after photos of a woman who has lost a lot of weight? They look 10 years younger! You can bet they did it with anaerobic training (lifting weights) as well as aerobic exercise, and clean healthy nutrition.
SO LADIES...please understand this...lifting weights WILL NOT MAKE YOU HUGE...IT WILL MAKE YOU HOT!! Picture yourself in that bikini, with not a jiggle in sight...get into that weight room, don't delay! The body of your dreams can be yours, JUST DO IT!
If you would like to start a fitness program, that will get you that tight body, just contact me at Amy@risingstarfitness.com
