What Your Health & Fitness Means To Me

The best investment you can make is an investment in yourself

HEALTH. Health is multifaceted & encompasses physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The body responds to its environment so we must control the information, behavior, and intake. The body is a temple so we must fuel it. Just as putting sand in a car’s gas tank won't get you far, starting your day out on the right foot with the fuel your body needs to get you through the day's ups and downs and stresses. We must supply our body with nutrients, energy, information, and sustainable healthy lifestyle choices. Lifestyle choices and our behaviors impact our past, present, and future. Feel the difference. Embrace your health and life, and understand your relationship with wellness. Find what balance means to you. Explore what being healthy means to you.

CHOICES. We are the choices we make. We experience victories, defeats, positives, and negatives. One decision does not dictate your life, your next day, or your future. We are the growth, change, thoughts, actions, and willpower of our everyday life. Our choices and habits define us—what we eat, do, and think. The most powerful choices we make daily are what we put into our bodies and how we use it. The information, nutrients, and stress we allow in are crucial. We must strive to be our best. Knowing the "why" is important, but practicing the "how" every day is essential. Reason, purpose, and motive influence our daily decisions. Choose your lifestyle. Choose health. Be mindful of the choices you make, but even more so of the choices you don't.

MINDSET. INFORMATION. The role of information in health cannot be overstated; it serves as the foundation upon which we build our understanding and practices to maintain and improve our health. Who we are and what we do, what we act on, what we think, what we avoid. Everything contributes to form the lifestyle that we embody. Living a healthy lifestyle is a dynamic process that involves continuous learning and adaptation. Accurate and accessible knowledge empowers individuals to make informed decisions, shaping their fitness journeys, dietary choices, and overall lifestyle with intention and wisdom. Mindset and information acts as the lens through which we view and interpret our experiences, challenges, and opportunities.

HACK YOUR HEALTH

My health journey is no different than anyone else’s. Navigating health can be straightforward yet challenging; let's avoid conflating simplicity with ease. There are principles that are anchors for success. Check out some of the foundations that root my life, health, and how I navigate this complicated world below. Choices shape us. I'm here to provide guidance and support empowering you to achieve your goals.

“Compare yourself to who you were yesterday, not to who someone else is today. — Jordan Peterson. There’s not much else we can ask of ourselves. Starting a health journey unlocks our choices to maximize well-being potential. Each day offers success through informed choices, empowering us to live our best lives. Take control, choose health.

Recognizing good versus best? Success involves challenges, obstacles, and overcoming adversity. With structure, planning, consistency, and choice, sustaining a vibrant life becomes achievable. Be curious, be open, be willing to be wrong, and keep moving forward. I continue to learn new lessons and ideas every day, and it’s that journey that helps me understand what it means to be healthy and how I improve myself, friends, family, and my clients. 

A health journey does not have an end point.

FOUNDATIONS FOR HEALTH & FITNESS

Explore the foundations of health and fitness that I believe in, live by, and strive to incorporate into my daily routine for a vibrant, diverse life.

  • Fiber: Consuming adequate dietary fiber from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes supports digestive health, regulates blood sugar levels, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases, promoting overall well-being.

  • Toxin Exposure: Minimizing exposure to toxins, pollutants, and harmful substances in the environment, food, and personal care products reduces the risk of health problems and supports overall well-being.

  • Gratitude: Practicing gratitude through daily reflection, appreciation, and acts of kindness promotes positive emotions, reduces stress, and enhances overall well-being and life satisfaction.

  • Sunlight: Exposure to natural sunlight helps regulate circadian rhythms, boosts mood, and promotes vitamin D synthesis, supporting overall mental and physical health and well-being.

  • Challenges: Embracing challenges, setbacks, and failures as opportunities for growth, learning, and self-improvement builds resilience, perseverance, and mental toughness, supporting overall well-being and success.

  • Activity: Incorporating physical activity into daily life, such as walking, gardening, or taking the stairs, helps maintain energy levels, improve circulation, and enhance mood, contributing to overall health and vitality.

  • Bacteria: Bacteria in the gut play a crucial role in digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune function. A diverse and balanced gut microbiome supports overall health, strengthens the immune system, and influences mood and mental health, highlighting the interconnectedness between gut health, physical fitness, and emotional well-being in promoting optimal wellness and quality of life.

  • Fats: Consuming healthy fats from sources such as avocados, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish supports heart health, brain function, and overall well-being when consumed in moderation.

  • Strength: Building strength through resistance training improves muscle mass, bone density, and metabolic health, enhancing physical performance and reducing the risk of injury.

  • Love: Cultivating loving relationships, self-love, and compassion promotes emotional well-being, reduces stress, and enhances overall quality of life, fostering a sense of fulfillment and happiness.

  • Family: Family provides emotional support, love, and a sense of belonging, which are vital for mental and emotional well-being. Strong family bonds promote resilience, reduce stress, and improve overall quality of life, fostering a supportive environment that encourages healthy habits, including exercise, proper nutrition, and self-care, contributing to overall wellness and life satisfaction.

  • Immune System: The immune system is essential for protecting the body against harmful pathogens and maintaining overall health. A strong immune system supports faster recovery from illness, reduces the risk of infections, and contributes to overall vitality, allowing individuals to pursue fitness goals and enjoy an active lifestyle with fewer disruptions from illness.

  • Calories: Balancing calorie intake with energy expenditure supports weight management, metabolism, and overall health and vitality.

  • Adaptability: Adaptability is the key to resilience and thriving in an ever-changing world. Embracing adaptability allows individuals to navigate challenges, overcome obstacles, and flourish in diverse environments. From adjusting workout routines to coping with life's unexpected twists, cultivating adaptability fosters mental agility, emotional well-being, and overall resilience, enabling individuals to thrive in both their fitness journeys and everyday life endeavors.

  • Rest: Prioritizing rest and recovery through adequate sleep, relaxation, and down time allows the body to recharge, repair, and regenerate, supporting overall physical and mental health.

  • Neuroplasticity: Engaging in activities that stimulate neuroplasticity, such as learning new skills, challenging the brain, and practicing mindfulness, improves cognitive function, memory, and overall brain health.

  • Vitamins: Consuming essential vitamins from a balanced diet or supplements supports various bodily functions, including metabolism, immune function, and overall health and vitality.

  • Metabolism: Boosting metabolism through regular exercise, strength training, and a balanced diet supports weight management, energy production, and overall health and vitality.

  • Hygiene: Practicing good hygiene habits, such as regular handwashing, dental care, and personal grooming, prevents illness, reduces the spread of infections, and supports overall health and well-being.

  • Speed: Developing speed through sprinting, agility drills, and speed training improves athletic performance, enhances reaction time, and supports overall physical fitness and well-being.

  • Purpose: Finding meaning, purpose, and fulfillment in life contributes to overall happiness, resilience, and well-being, supporting mental and emotional health.

  • Exercise: Regular exercise improves cardiovascular health, boosts mood, strengthens muscles and bones, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases, supporting overall physical and mental wellness.

  • Coordination: Developing coordination through balance exercises, agility drills, and sport-specific movements improves motor skills, enhances athletic performance, and reduces the risk of falls and injuries.

  • Sodium: Moderating sodium intake and maintaining electrolyte balance supports cardiovascular health, regulates fluid balance, and prevents high blood pressure and related health problems.

  • Cold Exposure: Exposing the body to cold temperatures through cold showers, ice baths, or outdoor activities improves circulation, boosts metabolism, and enhances immune function, supporting overall health and resilience.

  • Accountability: Establishing accountability through setting goals, tracking progress, and seeking support from others increases commitment, adherence, and success in achieving health and fitness goals.

  • Nature: Spending time in nature, outdoor activities, and exposure to natural environments reduce stress, improve mood, and promote physical and mental health and well-being.

  • Resilience: Developing resilience through challenging experiences, setbacks, and failures builds mental toughness, adaptability, and emotional strength, enabling individuals to overcome obstacles and thrive in the face of adversity.

  • Flexibility: Improving flexibility through stretching and mobility exercises increases range of motion, reduces muscle tension, and supports overall joint health and physical well-being.

  • Variations: Incorporating exercise variations and modifications into workouts prevents plateaus, stimulates muscle growth, and improves overall fitness by challenging the body in different ways.

  • Environment: Creating a healthy environment with clean air, natural light, and access to green spaces promotes physical and mental health, reduces stress, and enhances overall well-being and quality of life.

  • Plants: Consuming a plant-rich diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes provides essential nutrients, antioxidants, and fiber, supporting overall health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

  • Breathing: Practicing deep breathing exercises, diaphragmatic breathing, and breathwork techniques reduces stress, calms the nervous system, and promotes relaxation, supporting overall mental and physical health and well-being.

  • Spiritual: Nurturing spirituality through practices such as meditation, prayer, or connection with nature fosters inner peace, purpose, and a sense of connection to something greater than oneself, supporting overall well-being and life satisfaction.

  • Whole Foods: Consuming whole, minimally processed foods provides essential nutrients, antioxidants, and fiber, supporting optimal health, reducing the risk of chronic diseases, and promoting overall well-being.

  • Heat Exposure: Exposing the body to heat through activities such as saunas, hot baths, or heat therapy improves circulation, detoxification, and stress relief, supporting overall health and well-being.

  • Physical: Engaging in regular physical activity, exercise, and movement supports cardiovascular health, muscle strength, bone density, and overall physical fitness and well-being.

  • Planning: Setting goals, creating action plans, and prioritizing tasks improve time management, reduce stress, and increase productivity, supporting overall well-being and success.

  • Mindfulness: Cultivating mindfulness through meditation, mindfulness practices, and mindful movement enhances self-awareness, reduces anxiety, and improves focus and emotional well-being, supporting overall wellness.

  • Proteins: Consuming adequate protein from sources such as lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, and plant-based sources supports muscle repair, growth, and overall health and vitality.

  • Supplements: Taking dietary supplements such as vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements can fill nutrient gaps, support specific health goals, and enhance overall well-being when used appropriately.

  • Mental: Maintaining mental health through stress management, self-care practices, and seeking support when needed supports cognitive function, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life.

  • Energy: Energy is the life force that drives every aspect of our existence, powering our physical, mental, and emotional activities. Adequate energy levels are crucial for maintaining optimal health and vitality, supporting everything from basic bodily functions to complex cognitive processes. Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, adequate sleep, and stress management promote sustainable energy levels.

  • Emotions: Acknowledging, expressing, and managing emotions in healthy ways supports mental health, reduces stress, and enhances overall well-being and life satisfaction.

  • Cholesterol: Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels through diet, exercise, and lifestyle modifications supports cardiovascular health, reduces the risk of heart disease, and promotes overall well-being.

  • Stress: Managing stress through relaxation techniques, stress reduction strategies, and lifestyle modifications reduces the negative effects of chronic stress on physical and mental health, promoting overall well-being and resilience.

    Hydration: Staying hydrated is vital for maintaining optimal bodily functions, including temperature regulation, digestion, and nutrient transport, contributing to overall health and vitality.

    Stretching: Regular stretching improves flexibility, reduces muscle tension, and enhances joint mobility, promoting better movement patterns, preventing injury, and supporting overall physical wellness.

  • Hydration: Staying hydrated is vital for maintaining optimal bodily functions, including temperature regulation, digestion, and nutrient transport, contributing to overall health and vitality.

  • Stretching: Regular stretching improves flexibility, reduces muscle tension, and enhances joint mobility, promoting better movement patterns, preventing injury, and supporting overall physical wellness.

  • Learning: Continuing to learn, grow, and develop new skills throughout life enhances cognitive function, creativity, and overall well-being, promoting mental agility and resilience.

  • Balance: Improving balance through stability exercises strengthens core muscles, enhances proprioception, and reduces the risk of falls, supporting overall physical stability and well-being.

  • Awareness: Cultivating awareness through mindfulness practices enhances focus, reduces stress, and improves overall well-being by fostering a deeper connection to the present moment and promoting emotional resilience.

  • Minerals: Consuming essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium supports various bodily functions, including bone health, muscle function, and nerve transmission, promoting overall health and vitality.

  • Diet: Proper nutrition is essential for providing the body with the necessary nutrients for energy, growth, and immune function, impacting overall health and well-being.

  • Goals: Setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals provides direction, motivation, and focus on pursuing health and fitness aspirations, supporting overall success and well-being.

  • Sleep: Adequate sleep is crucial for overall health, as it allows the body to rest, repair, and recharge, supporting physical recovery and cognitive function.

  • Movement: Incorporating regular movement into daily life, such as walking, stretching, or active hobbies, improves circulation, reduces stiffness, and supports overall physical health and well-being.

  • Motivation: Cultivating motivation through goal-setting, rewards, and positive reinforcement increases drive, commitment, and persistence in pursuing health and fitness goals, supporting overall success and well-being.

  • Balance: Striving for balance in all areas of life, including work, relationships, leisure, and self-care, promotes overall well-being, reduces stress, and enhances quality of life.

  • Carbs: Consuming carbohydrates from whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes provides energy, supports physical performance, and regulates blood sugar levels, promoting overall health and vitality.

  • Variety: Incorporating variety into diet, exercise, and daily routines prevents boredom, stimulates muscle growth, and promotes overall health and well-being by challenging the body and mind in different ways.

  • Nutrition: Proper nutrition provides the body with essential nutrients, energy, and fuel for optimal performance, recovery, and overall health, supporting physical and mental well-being.

  • Aerobics: Aerobic exercise, such as running, cycling, or swimming, improves cardiovascular health, boosts endurance, and enhances mood, contributing to overall physical fitness and well-being.

  • Intervals: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) alternates between periods of intense exercise and rest, improving cardiovascular fitness, burning calories, and boosting metabolism, promoting overall fitness and fat loss.

  • Power: Developing power through explosive movements like jumps, throws, and Olympic lifts enhances athletic performance, improves speed and agility, and increases overall physical capability.

  • Connection: Building and nurturing social connections with others fosters a sense of belonging, support, and emotional well-being, contributing to overall happiness, resilience, and quality of life.

  • Endurance: Building endurance through aerobic exercise and endurance training improves cardiovascular health, enhances stamina, and increases the body's ability to sustain physical activity over time.

  • Stress Management: Practicing stress management techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga reduces stress hormones, promotes relaxation, and improves overall mental and physical health.

  • Socialization: Engaging in social activities, spending time with friends and family, and building meaningful relationships support emotional well-being, reduce loneliness, and improve overall happiness and life satisfaction.

  • Meat: Meat serves as a rich source of energy and essential nutrients, providing the body with protein, vitamins, and minerals necessary for optimal health and vitality. Its high bioavailability and nutrient density support muscle growth, repair, and overall physical performance, making it a cornerstone of a balanced diet for athletes and individuals seeking to maximize their fitness potential.

  • Mobility: Maintaining mobility and flexibility through stretching and mobility exercises supports joint health, reduces stiffness, and improves functional movement patterns, contributing to overall physical well-being.

  • Posture: Maintaining good posture improves alignment, reduces muscle tension, and prevents musculoskeletal pain and injury, supporting overall physical health and well-being.

  • Organs: Supporting organ health through a balanced diet, hydration, regular exercise, and avoiding harmful substances promotes optimal organ function and overall well-being. Eating organ meat is nutrient dense, rich in protein, iron-rich, supports brain health, promotes heart health, supports skin and joint health, & boosts immune function.