What Do You Give Up To Stay in Shape?

If you're that girl who has it all---then basically you're lying (lol). Okay, okay, maybe there's a hint of jealousy there, but seriously, staying fit is just one more thing to throw into the mix of the constant struggle for balance in life. To quote the omnipotent Oprah (love her!), "you can have it all, just not all at the same time." So really, what does this mean for leading a fit lifestyle? How do you juggle that ball with all of the others? The answer: prioritize.

We've all either heard or said "I don't have time to workout"---okay,um, who does? Well, maybe some of our favorite Real Houswives who have live-in nannies, cleaning service, and their own personal "Big Poppa", but the rest of us, we make time to exercise. For me, this means putting it on my schedule and choosing to hit the gym over choosing to do something else--in other words, I make it my priority. See where I'm going with this?

It's definitely a give and take. So what takes the back burner you're asking? My dirty secret is the sacrifice of a clean house. Most days, it looks like it was hit by a tornado. I hardly ever entertain because it takes me a week to get our place in good enough shape to let anyone in the entryway! But, these are luxuries I can live without. If I have to make a choice about which to keep clean, it's my arteries over my closet!

I wanna know--what do you sacrifice to keep health and fitness a priority? Have you found a perfect balance, and if you have, by all means give that cleaning lady my number!

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Finding Fitness in Unusual Places

I was stuck on the treadmill for years. Literally. I thought the only way to lift my booty and lean out my legs was to power walk on high incline for 45-60 minutes. Can you see the hamster on the wheel in yoga pants and an iPod? I did this same cardio day in and day out for years, convinced it was the only answer to my "problem areas." It did not matter that I wasn't seeing the results I was looking for, you could always find me there during my gym time, trudging up the only hill in this town--the makeshift one I created in the cardio room!

Since training with Cathy Savage fitness, I've had to let go of the control and embrace a different style--muscle confusion. This is based on the principle that muscles respond to regular change in the mode, frequency, intensity, and time of exercise. Let me tell you it rarely includes a treadmill, but it works! This new way of training, combined with less time to spend in the gym as I get older and busier has led me to search for fitness in places I thought I'd never find it!

For example, last weekend I put a yoga mat out on the dock at the lake and did sun salutations and stretching while my husband fished. The next morning, I ran sprints on the nearby bike trail (no cardio machines necessary). Next lake weekend, I plan to take my functional training to the monkey bars for some eccentric pull-ups; and tonight, I'm about to put a Skinceuticals facial mud mask on and park myself in front of Khloe & Kourtney Take Miami re-runs while practicing the splits.

I'm living proof that a slave to the treadmill found fitness freedom (and results) in the most unliklely places. So ladies, next workout, step away from the cardio machine and get in touch with your creative side--you might just discover it's where your results have been hiding.

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Wow! It's been forever since I've posted anything! Admittedly, I've taken on a lot in the past couple of months and am still trying to figure out how to balance it all. I checked a major point off of my "bucket list" by competing in a national show last week at Fitness Universe in Miami. I had made it a goal to get on their stage before I turned 30 and I made it with still 14 months to go until that big birthday!:) I placed 16th out of 30 or so competitors. While the placing doesn't sound overly-impressive, my competition sure was and I was happy to feel like I held my own next to some of the most beautiful and fit women in the world. I've also learned after years of doing this (seven shows under my belt) that placing is very subjective and you cannot guage your progress or self-worth on the number you receive. I only go in with the intention of beating myself and improving my physique and strength every time I step on stage!

So, what's next? If you know me, my motto is always "on to the next thing"......I can't help it, my mind is always going......and the next thing is competing in fitness!!! I am so excited that it keeps me awake at night thinking about it. The great thing about this sport is that the journey is the exciting part and the part I'm in love with......picking out the glittery suits, accessorizing like crazy, strutting around in the heels, and of course, KILLING it in the gym! Stepping on stage is just an excuse to get to do all of those fun things! Added to my "to do" list for next year's show prep as a fitness competitor now includes: picking out music to be mixed, learning a routine, getting the strength moves perfected, finding a fabulous costumes, and conquering the splits! Holy smokes, I LOVE IT ALL!

I've found that as I get older and more comfortable in my own skin that working out just to look good becomes less and less important. What I've loved seeing instead is an increase in my strength, symmetry, flexibility and most importantly, self confidence. I feel that working toward my fitness goal is just the tweak I need to stay motivated and focused on improving. Plus, with all of that training, the tight body will come naturally!

I will do my best to keep you posted on my journey. No doubt, I have my work cut out for me, but another thing I've gained through this sport is that I'm so much less afraid to fail. When I started out, I wouldn't even admit to anyone that I was competing or training for fear that they'd find out how terribly I did at my show. People's reaction was quite the opposite---very few people cared how I placed, they were just totally impressed that I'd ever be that dedicated to something, much less get on stage in a bikini and heels! By announcing my goals and aspirations, it holds me accountable to seeing them through. So, you've heard it here: I WILL be a fitness competitor one day soon!:)

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