My Rule 8

My Rule 8 that I am in practice of to get into great health and fitness, to maintain great health and fitness, and to continue to improve my health and fitness!

6 out of the 7 rules I am in practice of to get into great health and fitness, to remain in great health and fitness, and to continue to improve upon my great health and fitness have focussed #selfcare #selflove #selfesteem #selfconfidence through mental and emotional wellness- strengthening the mind.

Why?

Quite simple! If we are not right with ourselves, we will struggle to succeed in actually achieving the health and fitness we desire and thus struggle to succeed in actually achieving the work of art- the body- we intend to create reflecting back in the mirror.

Until we are right with ourselves, we will struggle to maintain the great health, fitness, and body we create.

Until we are right with ourselves, we will continue to doubt ourselves providing space for the excuses and reasons that hold us back.

Until we are right with ourselves, we will continue to hold on to the childhood trauma, the relationship trauma, the unhappiness, etc meaning “the why” we sought comfort from food for to begin with.

Until we are right with ourselves, we cannot truly forgive and truly release any and all resentment we have towards ourselves and perhaps others. That heaviness weighs one down- literally and figuratively.

As adults, we are responsible for ourselves and everyone else is responsible for themselves.

We cannot control how others show up in our world- we can communicate our standards, our boundaries, and treat them how we would like to be treated and it is up to them to meet our standards, honor our boundaries, and reciprocate how they are treated back. If they choose to not meet our standard, honor our boundaries, and reciprocate than they are just communicating our importance in their life. So we have two choices… honor our standards, our boundaries, and how we wish to be treated by not settling for less or settle.

We are powerful beings and what we do and can control is who we continue to give space in our world to.

When we lack #selfcare #selflove #selfesteem and #selfconfidence we tend to settle for less or “happy enough”.

It is why I work with clients on nutrition, weight/ fitness training, and mindset because all 3 are 100% necessary to lose, to never plateau, and to easily maintain what we build for the rest of your life.

We are super close to my rule for exercise that I practice. There is a very important rule that comes first and it is

NON NEGOTIABLE!

Rule # 8 is simple- KNOW YOUR NUMBERS- and your current state of health

This requires a full annual physical with complete blood work.

It is important that you have a physical once a year. I shared Alex’s numbers with you along with his story because my goodness can blood tell a story. I thought that was a very important share and I appreciate him allowing me to share it. His bloodwork and all of our blood work shows in black and white and color:) the impact life and how we react to life- stress, anxiety, etc- has on our overall health. It shows the impact that our nutritional choices which is so many cases is actually lacking true nutritional value has on ones overall health. He was skinny fat- not fat. And he hid his skinny fat well. I would not have guessed his fat percentage was as high as it was when he started working out with me during covid lockdowns.

Why should a full physical be completed prior to starting exercise?

Safety!

I have had too many friends lose husbands to sudden cardiac arrest. Husbands that were on “diets” and losing weight… and doing so not under supervision of a doctor or a trainer because they wanted to lose weight before they went and had a physical because they wanted a better report. They never made it to the physical.

The risk is not worth the wait. Your current state of health is just that- your current state of health and starting point.

I cannot help you heal if I do not know what needs healing!

When I consult with clients, I ask a lot of questions because I need to know what your body has been through in the past and what your body is currently experiencing so I can train you properly. Train you to decrease potential of injury when working out and in everyday life activities. Train you to strengthen your weakness and balance out the body. Train you to bring youth back.

I cannot make food recommendations without knowing where your cholesterol levels stand. For example, If you have low HDL and normal LDL I will recommend eggs, nuts, etc to help you bring your HDL up. If your HDL is normal and your LDL is high than I will not recommend nuts and eggs. If your HDL is low and your LDL is high we will adjust to heal both.

I cannot make supplement recommendations such as creatine without knowing where your creatine levels stand. For example, Creatine helps the body build muscle and our bodies contain creatine naturally; however, like collagen we deplete creatine and make less as we age so collagen and creatine supplementation is typically necessary.

Nutrition plus supplementation is what heals the body and builds a strong immune system. Weight lifting/ fitness is what burns, sculpts, and builds the body. It strengthens the body so we no longer experience aches and pains from weak hips, weak backs, weak abs, etc.

We want to push the body and protect your heart at the same time. Before we can begin weight lifting/ fitness a full physical within the last 12 months is needed.

Rule #8 Know your numbers by getting a physical before you get physical working out! Non- negotiable!

Plus it makes the progress that much more rewarding when you see both your health and your body improving!