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December is in full swing!
Are you rushing around wondering how you are going to fit everything in? This time last year were you promising yourself that you weren’t going to do this crazy madness again? But here you are… frazzled, rushed, anxious, and putting yourself last. We’ve all been there, and some of us ARE there; so, you are not alone. As much as I’d like to be, I’m not immune from the craziness either. I was just telling a client this week that I felt like I was going to have to “fake it until I make it” for the rest of the month. Lol! The more I can tell myself I can handle the craziness, the better chance I can – and that is the truth! I have my days of overwhelm for sure, but because I have put things in place to keep myself “in check,” I find that I do cope better with things like holiday stress. Last December, I started one of my favorite healthy habits -- a monthly massage. I honestly felt kind of guilty at first, but then I saw how it relieved some chronic tightness I was having, as well as tension and stress. It was truly an act of “it’s okay to put my health and wellbeing first,” and I haven’t looked back. In fact I have a massage scheduled this week that I actually considered cancelling because I was questioning if I could “fit it in” with everything else I already have going on. But, I literally gave myself the “I deserve this and it will give me some added energy” pep talk, and needless to say I’ll be hitting that massage table as scheduled. My wish for you is to Finish 2016 STRONG. These next few weeks are going to be filled with lots of love, family, emotions, craziness, anxiety, stress and most of all FOOD. The next 18 days can either set you up for success or sabotage you in your efforts. So, what’s YOUR choice? Now, I am not here to judge or criticize your choices. The great thing about this journey we call LIFE is that it is YOUR journey. You are in control of your choices and your destiny. I am here as a guide to support you with an occasional swift KICK IN THE BOOTY! Here it is…IT’S KICK YOUR BOOTY TIME…. FINISH 2016 STRONG! 1. Say NO…That’s right! Say NO, to the things and people, yes PEOPLE that just drain you and bring you down. Is Aunt Gertrude really going to remember if you sent a family letter in your Christmas card 5 years from now? If you don’t have time to do it, then don’t! Take that extra hour that it would have taken you to write, proof, print, and stuff it in the card to spend on something that will fuel you, not drain you. You know what and who drains you. I just ask myself – “How will I feel if I XYZ?” And if the answer is a resounding – “More behind, more stressed, annoyed, or whatever…”, well, I’ve learned to say just no. It’s not like you’re always going to say no, but my friends, I’m afraid you know what you need to do. Trust me on this one – you will feel lighter because of it. 2. Get your head BACK in the GAME! Yes, let’s remember why we are on this health journey in the first place. Are you wanting to lose weight? Be around longer for your kids? Rock those jeans like you did in high school? Whatever your reason for being here and reading this – REMEMBER! FOCUS is the name of the game. Now, I’m not saying to never eat another dessert again, but let’s look at the ingredients; let’s make a healthier version. Let’s find an alternative that will satisfy that craving without leading you back down that slippery slope of complete sabotage. 3. Give YOURSELF the gift of 20 minutes this season! Yes, that’s it! 20 minutes of consistent movement and you will not only look and feel better, but you will also sleep better and think better. I’m not going to go into the research with all the studies about exercise, because you all know the benefits. Here is a great 20-minute workout that I just did last night while waiting for my dinner to bake in the oven.
Set a timer for 45 seconds for each exercise and rest as needed. Use a set of dumbbells or bodyweight. Repeat for up to 4 rounds or 20 minutes.
Burpees with Push-Up
Right Split Squat (use stairs/ottoman)
Left Split Squat (use stairs/ottoman)
Overhead Press
Up and Down Planks
Romanian Deadlift
So, here are MY GIFTS to you to finish 2016 strong! Gift #1: Send me your favorite recipe. I will make suggestions on how you can make it healthier. Gift #2: Schedule a complimentary session. This is all for YOU, we can talk about your goals for 2017, what’s holding you back, how to change up your nutrition – Let’s get a plan in place. Gift #3: Join my Inner Fire Facebook group if you haven't already. I created it just for you to have extra support on your fitness journey. Gift # 4: Receive an Early Bird Special for my Fit, Fueled and Fired UPP group coaching that starts January 9th. Hurry! This special won't lost much longer. Your biggest cheerleader, Nat P.S. I offer both one-on-one coaching and group coaching. 2017 is just around the corner! End the dieting madness. You can crush your goals, and the time is NOW! If you think coaching might work for you – Let’s chat with a complimentary call. Just fill out this questionnaire to get started.
