Posts Tagged ‘TRANSITION’

Spring Forward!

Friday, March 5th, 2010

Often times we think we want to change and we really try. For a few weeks we’ll go all out! But then we get back to our old familiar routine whether it’s from catching up with old friends or enjoying our favorite pastimes, like a baseball game. Our new healthy lifestyle is one that takes a lot of maintenance, and gradual change. If it were easy we would have done it a long time ago. But it isn’t easy. Our environment very much dictates the way we live, what we eat, and how we feel. It is very important to surround ourselves with good supportive people and positive things, to remind ourselves the course we want our lives to take.  If the company we keep doesn’t support us in our change for a better life, should we really want to keep that company?

Don’t eat the piece of wedding cake just because you had a hard workout. Peer pressure is just in our teens, be sensible, do you want to spend your workout making up for the cake, or do you want to use the workout to push farther and burn the piece of cake that’s still there from last wedding season? Sharing that tid bit with your friends will really help the badgering. This spring, spring forward!

As we approach spring, this wonderful time of renewal and freshness we must also remember all the work we have put into our bodies and to our good health and build upon that and move forward. When the weather is nice, make sure to enjoy. Lace up your sneakers and enjoy a nice jog along the lakefront. Renew your love of Chicago and Lake Michigan and yourself! While you’re at the baseball game make sure you take in the fresh air not just the ballpark food. This spring go back to the simple things in life. Enjoy the great friends and times that we share!  Take in the beautiful parks on a picnic or a walk with a friend. I know I can’t wait for spring!

Don’t forget to stop and smell the flowers. You can also drop by in our GH Fitness Facilities :)

Feeling tired?

Monday, February 15th, 2010

So, you’re having trouble falling asleep, but you’re doing everything right! You exercise everyday, you’re not drinking caffeine after lunch, you’re not eating late or drinking alcohol. So why can’t you wind down and just relax? Many factors may be to blame…

Sleep regularity is very important in maintaining restful nights. For some six hours will work great, and others need eight or nine. The most crucial factor in this equation would have to be regularity and routine. Sleeping too much and not enough in the same week is also a very common habit. When you are going to bed and waking around the same time everyday do you notice that you are waking up before the alarm? This is a good indicator of adequate sleep and a good routine.

Another thing we do that can cause sleeplessness… working in bed. Beds and Bedrooms are for two things only! Sleeping and intimacy. By working from your bed you are changing that space from a sleep and relaxing place to a work place and you will end up taking work stresses to bed with you, leaving you with a less restful space.

Stress. We are always rushing, to the gym, to work, to take the kids to school, to get home, to make dinner, to do chores, to watch your shows. You name it and you’re probably rushing. You are having a hard time transitioning from day to night. To help make your transition easier look for an adjustment activity.

Just like before your workout, give yourself an adjustment activity, something that lets your body and mind now what’s coming next. For some it’s taking a calming shower, chamomile tea or light stretching. The only requirement for your activity is that you need to incorporate it into your routine.

Try to stay away from talking about your day and your worries while lying in bed, and even in your bedroom. This is your tranquil space.  A great activity to increase your rest and every other aspect of your life is to look at everything you are thankful for before you go to bed. This very positive activity will put you at ease by focusing on all the good in your life. Keep your bedroom very positive and all stresses out!