Keep Fitness Fun

My Sister's Ghost

2011-06-16T09:36:00.000-07:00

I realize I am posting this a bit late. I admit, between working days at the State's Attorney's Office, teaching yoga in the evenings, three kids in sports, and loving my beauty rest, I have seriously slacked on the blogging. I do have some ghost updates for you. My sister has named her ghost Eli. On Christmas, she invited my little sister over to see her newly built home. She knew Eli was there, but wanted to see if my little sister felt his presence. She did. She couldn't see him, but said the house felt spooky. Well, Eli hopped in the car with my little sister and had some fun playing with her radio until she reached the end of the driveway, then everything went back to normal. Eli has also been seen taking my sister's St. Bernard for a walk up the driveway, she was healing like the well trained dog that she is. Most recently, he played with the stereo during a reiki session on my oldest daughter. He does love attention.

My sister also has a Native American with his face painted black that never enters the house, just peers through the window. There is a rather crazy ghost that lives down in the canyon below their new home. She has felt that presence for years. A medium visited her home and said that the canyon behind them (just above a Chief Joseph battle) is one of the most haunted canyons in Montana.

Shoulder Rehab - Weeks 17 & 20 -Miraculous Recovery

2010-10-03T11:41:00.000-07:00

The achy, chronic pain continued on until the end of my 17th week. Suddenly, I could use my arm and not feel as though I were tearing apart everything the good doctor had sewn together. Yes, I continued to be stiff, but it was different. By the end of week 20, my range of motion suddenly started to come back. I could lift my arm up to shoulder height. At my four month check-up, I was told I am exactly where I am supposed to be and to continue on with the stretching. At six months, if I have my full range of motion back, the doctor will then release me to start strengthening my shoulder - SLOWLY. I was also told that the way it happened with me is the way it happens to most people. They reach a day where all of the sudden, the shoulder capsule feels healed. It sure feels good to be considered "normal" for something!

Osteoarthritis

2010-08-08T11:14:00.000-07:00

Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, rarely develops before the age of 40 years, but affects a large percentage of the population over the age of 60 and almost everyone over the age of 80. Repeated stresses and strains on the joint, fractures, infections, physical inactivity, excess body weight, and genetics all play a roll in increasing the risk of developing osteoarthritis.

Arthritis has been around for as long as mammals have existed. It has been found in the joints of Neanderthals and other prehistoric mammals. Joints affected by osteoarthritis make popping, clicking, and banging noises, while rheumatoid arthritic joints tend to sound like crinkling cellophane.

Osteoarthritis is the deterioration of the cartilage protecting the ends of the bones. Joints are where two or more bones join together. Ligaments tie bone to bone, while tendons attach muscle to bone. The bones have a nice coating over the tips that allows for easy gliding, much like ball bearings. Movement of that joint keeps the ball bearings smooth (the joints gliding smoothly like a an ice skate over the ice of the rink) because it causes synovial fluid, a smoothing liquid, to be released into the joint (oiling the bearings).

Too much heavy activity on the joint can cause the tips to become rough, causing friction, which leads to degeneration and inflammation. Too little activity around the joint, and it becomes dry, just like forgetting to grease the bearings. This again causes friction and the cycle begins. Some infections can also cause this inflammation of the joint. Research shows that there is a genetic component that may lead to early degeneration of the joint.

Lack of physical activity also allows the muscles around the joint to become weak and they can no longer hold the bones of the joint in their proper place, allowing for excess and irregular movement of the joints (suddenly the gears don't quite match up). Have you ever seen what happens to the bottom of a blender if the gears that turn the blades don't match up? That is pretty much exactly what happens to the joint that causes the osteoarthritis.

According to Phyllis A. Balch, author of the Prescription for Nutritional Healing (one of my favorite resource books), arthritis can be reversible, and in some cases, may even be cured with proper diet and lifestyle changes.

Although movement may trigger pain, it is imperative that you exercise your muscles around the joint for stability and lubrication. Use ice or heat packs post-exercise to reduce the pain. I suggest to keep the exercise moderate - three (3) sets of 15-20 reps. Too light, and you won't strengthen the soft tissue, too heavy, and you could cause more damage to the degenerating cartilage. Be sure the exercise is also low impact, such as swimming or biking.

As for the proper diet, it is pretty much the same thing you have heard all along, lots of fruits, veggies, fiber, and whole grains. However, arthritis suffers should avoid nightshade vegetables such as peppers, eggplant, tomatoes, and white potatoes, as they contain a substance called solanine, which may cause pain and discomfort to those sensitive to the compound.

Following is a list of supplements that are essential for arthritis suffers, according to the Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 4th Edition, by Phyllis A. Balch. Please refer to the book, which is found at most box stores and wholesale warehouses, for a list of the, "Very Important," and, "Helpful," supplements. It is suggested that an overabundance of iron in the bloodstream may cause pain, swelling, and joint destruction.

Many of these substances are found in Heal N Soothe , Super Joint Support, and the Super Bendy Formula that I am currently taking for my shoulder.

Essential Nutrients

Chondroitin Sulfate - strengthens soft tissue like ligaments and tendons - DO NOT TAKE WITH PRESCRIPTION BLOOD THINNERS (I was told by a bodybuilding friend of mine that his grandfather started taking a glucosamine & chondroitin supplement for his joints because it was what all his friends were doing. When he started bleeding from the eyes, his doctor told him it was from the chondroitin sulfate in the supplement combined with his prescription blood thinner. He said the glucosamine was fine, though.)
Glucosamine Sulfate - important for the formation of bones, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and synovial (joint) fluid
Methylsulfonyl-methane (MSM) - sulfur compound needed for reducing inflammation and for joint and tissue repair
SAMe - a deficiency results in the inability to maintain cartilage properly and aids in reducing pain and inflammation - DO NOT USE if you have manic-depressive disorder or take prescription antidepressants
Sea Cucumber - rich source of specific lubricating compounds found abundantly in all connective tissue
Silica - supplies silicon, which is important for the formation of a compound that is the primary constituent in bone
Super Oxide Dismutase - antioxidant that protects the fluid in joints from destruction by free radicals
Trimethylglycine (TMG) - reduces homocysteine levels
Vitamin E - powerful antioxidant

I also strongly suggest the book, "Living Well with Pain and Illness, the mindful way to free yourself from suffering," by Vidyamala Burch. It is like having one of my yoga classes in a book.

RESOURCES:
Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 4th Edition by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
http://www.arthritisresearchuk.org/
http://www.webmd.com/
http://www.ehealthmd.com/
http://www.ericcressey.com/

Shoulder Rehab - Week 12

2010-08-05T16:09:00.000-07:00

I woke Sunday morning completely pain free for the first time since the surgery. Monday was pretty much the same. I went to the gym Monday night and did my light stretching and the exercise (Reverse Flys) the Physical Therapist/Athletic Trainer told me to do. When leaving the gym, and on through the rest of the week, my shoulder felt as though it were being stabbed by multiple knives, or maybe just like there were razorblades inside it that stabbed and sliced with every movement.

My trip to the doctor proved to be very educational. Turns out I should not be doing ANY exercises for the next 4-6 weeks because it will be at least that long before my shoulder capsule is healed. As a matter of fact, he had been talking to the intern before they came in about how my condition was as extreme as it gets when it comes to the shoulder. Yikes!

AND stretching should NOT be painful. I should just be doing very light movements to get my range of motion back. He also said if I had any more mobility, he would be very concerned that the surgery didn't work. Oh, so the lecture I received from the Athletic Trainer about being too tight and possibly missing my small window of opportunity to get my range of motion back was bunk? I had also asked if I could just place my arm on the wall for the stretch and I was told, "No, I have another one for you to do." What did the AWESOME doctor tell me to do? The wall stretch that I had wanted to do.

I can honestly say that around 60% of my clients came from physical therapists who either hurt them or did not help them but gladly took thousands of their dollars, so my trust level was not that high going in there. Maybe my negative thoughts are what got me, but either way, I am more skeptical of physical therapists than ever. I may just add athletic trainers that work in medical settings as well. Seriously, these people should be constantly learning new and improved methods for stretching and healing the human body for the people who put their faith in them.

Shoulder Rehab - Week 11

2010-07-30T15:47:00.000-07:00

I have come to realize that the one thing I don't want to do is tense my shoulder. I can stretch it, but if I tense it up and keep it that way for any length of time (like when I was cold) I will be in severe pain for days. I visited the Athletic Trainer/Physical Therapist at the beginning of the week. As he is pushing me through an assisted stretch, which felt like a knife being stabbed repeatedly into my shoulder, he was telling me how he will never do anything that will cause pain. Uh, come again?

He could not find a stretch that would stretch the back part of arm and back without pinching the tendon in the front of my shoulder, which is constantly sore and has been since the surgery. He finally has me hang on to a doorknob and lean way back, putting my weight on my shoulders. If I bent my arms slightly, my biceps would have taken the brunt of the weight, but he insisted I lock out my elbows, which pinched in the front of my shoulder even more.

After leaving the office, and glowing in the painful aftermath of the session, I realized I don't think I should have done that stretch. So, that night, I did the baby pose instead. It stretched the same area, but my hand was relaxed down and my shoulder was relaxed instead of tense. I held it for 5 minutes. I am not going to lie. I had tears in my eyes and had to curl into a whimpering ball when I finished stretching, but that is to be expected. I also stretched the front of my shoulder by doing the 90 degree thing against the wall (another stretch that has helped numerous of my clients that their physical therapists failed to tell them about). The next day I could reach across my body and put my deodorant on with my bad arm for the first time since the surgery.

That night, I decided to give the trainer some credit and try the stretch he showed me. BAD IDEA!! When I stopped, it hurt bad. That pain just gradually got worse throughout the night, no matter how many pain pills I had in me, which was the max allowed dose. I didn't get any sleep and called in sick to work the next morning. I made it in for the afternoon, but felt like I had been run over by a train.

I have since been doing my stretches and my shoulder feels wonderful. Yes, it hurts, but not it is a bearable ache. I have also been doing the reverse flys that the trainer told me to do - hold each rep for 6 seconds. I have been doing 3 sets of 10.

While sitting at my desk yesterday afternoon, I twisted to read a document, causing a wonderful stretch through the back of my arm and down my back - the goal target area! I realized it was a very similar position as one of the twisting yoga poses that always feels oh so good. Last night, I added that in to the end of my workout and suffered minimal pain at the end of my workout.

I have cancelled my next appointment with the trainer and decided to do this on my own. After all, I know the full range of motion, I know all the exercises and safe stretches. I just don't know the timeline, which I plan on asking the doctor next week.

If you recently had shoulder surgery and want to visit about what works and what doesn't - please email me!

Shoulder Rehab: Week 10

2010-07-25T17:36:00.001-07:00

I had to get my narcotic painkillers filled again. I continue to do my assisted exercises daily. I was feeling so good I thought I would try the hack squat machine at the gym to really give my legs a workout. BAD CHOICE! I pinched a nerve in my neck that went through my shoulder. I was in pain for three days.

I attempted to sleep in my bed again, only to wake up at midnight in pain. I tried to fight it until 1:00 a.m., then finally got up and took pain medication. I am sure it was a combination of the forearm curls I did the other night, riding in the car, and sleeping on a hard mattress.

Things that aggravate my shoulder: the mouse on my computer, leaning over to file or do my stir the pot exercise, walking and/or running long distances, movie theatre seats, the seat belt while riding in a car (it runs right across my still sore incision), and sleeping without my fluffy pillow. Oh, and using it for ANYTHING!

I can honestly say I have more good days than bad days, as long as I don't overdo it at the gym or try using it for household chores at home. I realize I could live with the pain and be miserable, however, I would rather take a low dose narcotic than mega high doses of over the counter meds that just give me a rebound headache the next day.

At the end of my 10th week, I will be seeing the Athletic Trainer for the first time since my surgery. I can't wait to see what they say!

Shoulder Rehab: Week 9

2010-07-13T16:50:00.000-07:00

I was so happy at how well my shoulder was doing until I bent down yesterday morning while I was getting ready for work and heard a loud pop. Pain shot through my shoulder, down to my elbow and up to ear. By lunch, the pain was constant from my shoulder to my temple, with my trap in constant spasm. By the end of dinner I was shaking with pain so I put my sling back on, crawled into bed with a heat pack and rested. I started to feel a bit better, but still very sore by bedtime. At least the sharp pains weren't shooting under my shoulder blade anymore.

I woke at 4:00 in the morning whimpering with tears streaming down my face from the pain. I wasn't crying, just teary eyed. Luckily, I had one pain pill left. I still have pain shooting down into my forearm and the occasional sharp shooting pain when I walk or move my arm just the slightest.

I fought the need to call the doctor for a pain pill refill because of the way they made me feel like an addict the last time I called in for a refill. The nurse actually said, "You took all those pills already?" I was like, yah, I take one or sometimes two at 3:00 in the morning when I wake up in severe pain, and one or two if the pain is bad after work or after the gym. I can honestly say, I don't like the "high" feeling or the way I want to sleep when it is wearing off. But I do like the fact that I can function for a short while without pain that makes me feel like throwing up. They are the lowest dose I think they can prescribe, so my two pills is equal to many patients' one.

I need to go to the gym tonight and work my legs, I just pray the pain in my shoulder doesn't get worse again tonight. If I move it the tiniest bit the wrong way while typing, it feels as though it is being ripped from my shoulder. I am sure it will be better soon!

Christianity - The Business Venture

2010-07-07T19:16:00.000-07:00

I ran into a Pastor tonight that I adore. He is a wonderful man, always happy and upbeat. He is one of those people that just makes you feel better after seeing and speaking to him. To me, that is the true meaning of spirituality, to believe in a higher/larger power and to leave people in better condition than when you met them.

ANYWAY, he told me he was moving tomorrow. His wife was diagnosed with pre-cancerous cells a few months ago, then they were moved into a new house, then he had a heart attack 10 weeks ago and lost his goal job. How does a priest lose his goal job, let me tell you...

After 33 years of loyal service, he was offered the job he always wanted to retire from, but would have had to pay for his own house and take a pay cut, something he could not afford with the mounting medical bills. So he was honest with them, hoping for some kind of negotiation. Instead, they offered it to someone else, who also turned the position down for the same reasons. They then offered it to a third person who turned it down as well. They had to take a hard look at their moving package. They decided the church would pay for the house and raise the salary - and re-offered it to the third person. Now my friend has to take that person's position in another small town. I know it happens all over but, THAT is NOT supposed to happen to a priest! Why couldn't they re-offer it to their first choice????

I have seen this kind of thing happen frequently throughout the years. I have seen priests moved because they did not bring in enough parishioners to pay the bills and make a profit. I was even shunned for not "committing" because I would not give up my membership to the church I grew up in to "officially" join the church I was attending regularly and tithing to every week. After all, it all comes down to the number of "official" members. When did worshipping Jesus turn into a business venture????

And people wonder why I don't attend church regularly anymore...
But I still show my appreciation and say my prayers every day!!

I want to say thank you for everything and good luck in your future ventures to the man that made everyone smile!

Shoulder Rehab: 8 Weeks

2010-07-07T18:56:00.000-07:00

I have gone up in weight and my legs are doing awesome. I am now combining legs, forearms, and abs in one night so I can focus on cardio the next night. I am doing the following rehab exercises 4 to 5 times a day:

30 shoulder shrugs

30 rowing movements with my shoulders, really shrugging front and squeezing my shoulder blades in back

15 front raises - elbow bent at 90 degree angle, I take my left hand and place it under my right arm and push it up until my right upper arm is parallel to the floor, or until I really feel the stretch.

15 side lateral raises - again I use my opposite arm to push my bad arm away from my body.

15 rotations - across my body/away from my body - my elbow is bent at a 90 degree angle (like a gun slinger). I then rotate my shoulder so my right wrist is over my left hip and I use my left arm to support/push my elbow away from my body slightly to make it work. I then rotate my shoulder so my elbow is pressed into my side and my right hand is away from my body (I call it the chicken flap when I do it with weights - presurgery)

15 reps - I put my hand behind my back as far as it can go. My goal is to be able to move my hand up and down my back. Right now, I can only get it to my butt cheek (on the same side as the injured shoulder). I have a LOT of work to do on that one.

I have yet to go for a run as my shoulder had me in pain again today. It felt great when I woke up - to the point where I thought, Wow! That stretching last night really helped! All was great until I buttoned my blouse which just happened to have three buttons on the back of my neck. I could feel the stretch while doing it and when I brought my arm back down it felt as though I pinched an entire cluster of nerves. It was so bad before lunch that pain was actually shooting from my shoulder into my ear.

I came home from work and put on my sling, which I plan to wear to bed tonight. Tomorrow is another day!

Chia Seeds for Endurance

2010-07-05T14:40:00.000-07:00

One of the latest supplements I have been taking is chia seeds. It is known as the Aztec super food. They allegedly took these seeds and were able to run for 50-100 miles. I am not sure how they help my endurance as I haven't been running since my shoulder surgery and I imagine my endurance won't be that good once I start back up here in a few weeks.

These tiny seeds are touted as being loaded with Omega 3s, fiber, protein, and nutrients. I add mine to water, let them stand for around 10 minutes, which allows the fiber to come out, and turn the water into a thick slime. I find the slightly nutty taste very refreshing. Sometimes, it gets a little too thick and it is hard to swallow down just because of the gag reflex. On a recent roadtrip, I mixed two tablespoons of chia seeds with a half bottle of my favorite sports drink. It tasted great and I didn't have the desire to snack. These seeds are not advertised for weight loss, but I feel they could be very beneficial.

If you would like more information on these little seeds, click here. If you do decide to make this inexpensive purchase, I would love to hear what you think of them and how they effected your endurance.

Shoulder Rehab Post-Surgery

2010-07-05T11:31:00.000-07:00

On May 11, 2010 I went under the knife for rotator cuff surgery. I didn't have a tear and there was not one thing I did that aggravated it enough for me to have surgery.

About nine years ago, I started having pain in my shoulder and chronic headaches. The pain in my shoulder felt as though it were being pulled out of the socket on a regular basis. If I did my rotator cuff exercises, I could keep the pain to a minimum, as long as I didn't do any heavy lifting for my chest. A doctor diagnosed me with, "Nursing Mother's Syndrome," and said I would just have to keep doing the exercises and maybe one day resort to surgery.

My headaches were diagnosed as migraines. Throughout the years I tried multiple migraine medications. Most were effective but made me sleep until the headache was gone. However, having three small children, sleeping for extended periods of time was not an option. I was put on Tylenol 3. After years on the particular medication, I switched to a hydrocodone/ibuprofen combination. I was not fond of the amount of acetaminophen I was taking over the years and soon realized I was suffering from rebound headaches.

My main chronic headache was caused by occipital neuralgia. My occipital nerves were pinched, making my head feel like it was in a constant charlie horse. Even washing my hair hurt. My scalp felt like one big bruise underneath. It was horribly painful. Add in the rebound headaches from the pain medication and I was pretty much miserable all the time.

As time went on over the last nine years, my headaches got worse and my shoulder pain more frequent. Finally, in April of this year, my chiropractor referred me to an orthopedic doctor. The chiropractor said I had acromial tendinitis and possible bursitis.

The orthopedic doctor confirmed the diagnosis and suggested I get a shot in the bursa to relieve the inflammation. I had been in pain for so long, I was open to anything. The shot into the shoulder was not bad at all. What amazed me was that by the time I was getting into my car ten minutes later, the occipital neuralgia was melting away, along with the pain under my shoulder blade. To this day, I can wash my hair without pain at the base of my skull and above my ears.

The pain in my shoulder, however, did not go away. Hence the surgery. I had a bone spur removed, chronic bursitis to clean up, and stretched out ligaments the doctor put stitches in to tighten up. He told me out of everything he could do to a shoulder, mine would take the longest to recover from.

The first couple of days after surgery are by far the worst. However, it is now almost eight weeks later and I still can't sleep flat. The best purchase I made was a reading pillow with adjustable sides and headrest. That and super fluffy pillows have made my recovery much more comfortable.

I attempted to walk about 8 days post surgery. The two miles felt wonderful, but the pain afterwards did not. I was then told by someone else who had the surgery to definitely not walk before three weeks. The doctor couldn't tell me that? That came from a man that actually went back to work just four days after his surgery. I took two weeks off and wish I had taken four as typing still aggravates it.

I immediately started doing 30 shoulder shrugs and rowing movements with my shoulders three times a day. I also did bicep curls when my sling was off a couple of times a day. I read that if you do not move your shoulder, scar tissue will build up and you will lose all range of motion. The doctor nor the nurse told me why to do the exercises, just to make sure I did.

At four weeks post surgery I started walking to and from work, which is a half mile each way. Add in lunch and I was walking about two miles a day. I could not believe that walking made my legs sore. I guess that is what happens when you lay around for four weeks. Oh, and exhausted. I can't even tell you how exhausted I was going back to work and still am by the end of the week.

At five weeks, I started going to the gym and working my legs (Just three to four sets of 15 reps). I then tried to lay on my back overnight. Not a good thing. The pain was excruciating laying down and the pain getting myself out of the position was even more so.

At six weeks, I got my sling off and started to work my shoulder slightly. Every other night, I hang the jump rope over the pullup bar at the gym and make like a pulley. I wrap one end around my wrist and use the other hand to pull my shoulder through the ranges of motion. OUCH!

At 7.5 weeks, I put my sling back on for the weekend. The pain was so bad, I actually had to take pain pills at work to make it through the day (something I usually reserve for first thing in the morning and after work when the pain is at its worst.) That was just three days ago. The sling must have given it the rest it needed because it feels much better. Typing still aggravates it a little bit, so I am doing it in little spurts. I think using the mouse hurts it the most. Oh, that and situps on the decline bench. I wasn't even going all the way down and thought I had caused major damage after just 10 reps.

My friend that had the surgery said he started running again at seven weeks and thinks he reinjured his shoulder doing so. He said his physical therapist did not think that was the case, but it still caused him excruciating pain. I think I will wait until the ten week mark before I try running.

I am surprised to find that I cannot lay down to sleep and when I try, it hurts my midback, which is used to a sitting position. The best part - I am almost out of pain killers and they say they don't like to prescribe them more than a month past the surgery. Future blogs could be interesting...

My Sister The Ghost Whisperer: June 2010

2010-07-05T08:42:00.000-07:00

We grew up in an area where Chief Joseph and his followers were forced into battle. Calamity Jane also had a hide out in the area. The wild west was our back yard. You can just imagine all the long lost spirits that may be roaming the canyons.

M has been building a house on her property that is adjacent to my folk's property. The land is filled with hills and canyons. There is one canyon in particular that has always bothered my sister. There is just something about it that jmakes her feel uncomfortable.

After her Reiki II session, she decided to take some sage, stand at the edge of the canyon and smudge the area. After the ritual, she felt a release, as though any negative energy the canyon held had dissipated.

A few days later, she was was at her new home taping and texturizing the drywall. The door to her home opened, then closed, as though someone had walked in. At that point, I would have been pretty freaked out and smudged the new house. Not my sister.

A few weeks later, she was cleaning on the main floor. Her spouse was out getting a load of rock, so she was home alone. She heard the nail gun upstairs shooting aimlessly. She set down her supplies and walked up the stairs. The nail gun was lying on the floor, unplugged. She went downstairs and resumed cleaning. Again, the nail gun began making noise. She again went upstairs to see it in the same place, still unplugged. This happened a third time before she just decided to ignore it. A while later she felt the presence come down the stairs and watch over her curiously.

She finally got to a point where she could begin steam cleaning the floor. If you have ever used one of those machines, you know they are rather loud. Anyway, she said she could feel the presence standing over her shoulder, watching her. A bit of time had passed and she went to do something, moved her elbow back and struck something solid. Her initial thought was, "Holy shit, it materialized!" Turns out, her hubby had come home and entered through the back door, unintentionally sneaking up behind her.

I wonder what the spirit will do next? I will keep you posted as the stories come to me.

My Sister The Ghost Whisperer: The Beginning

2010-07-05T07:27:00.000-07:00

I grew up with stories of my older sister's (M) ability to see ghosts. She never really communicated with them, that I know of. In fact, I think the "gift" kinda freaks her out. According to M, as a child, I had dark shadows looking over me in the crib. (They couldn't be light beings or golden beings, they had to be dark shadows. Really?)

When I was seven, my little sister was born. At only a few weeks old she became very sick with what I believe was RSV. She was hospitalized and the doctor told my parents he didn't think she would make it through the night. My parents scrambled to put together a quickie baptism. My brother stood up as her Godfather.

My mother says she could see a dark shadow hovering around my baby sister's crib. Until the Baptism. At the point where the priest blessed the baby, the dark shadow flew to the corner of the room, as if burned. My little sister miraculously got better that night. Unfortunately, the baby in the crib next to her did not. That child passed away.

My folks bought a cafe when I was nine. For fun, my friends and I created haunted houses in the apartment upstairs. We also held numerous seances. My sister did as well. We all freaked ourselves out, but what kid doesn't when playing with the unknown? We also frequently used the Ouija Board and played light as a feather, stiff as board. Not quite the violently morbid video games children play today, but definitely just as entertaining.

After I moved out, both my sisters worked in the cafe. My older sister felt many spirits throughout the years watching her as she worked. At one point, bread levitated from the bread rack to the counter. One day a regular customer yelled that they were out of toilet paper in the men's room. At that point, a roll came flying out from the storage room. One of the waitresses refused to believe in ghosts. Until... She walked into the back storage room. It got freezing cold all around her and the ghost pulled her hair. A witness says you could actually see the girl's hair being pulled away from her head. Freaky!!

My brother's father-in-law was killed in a fiery auto accident. At the funeral, they placed a drop or two of perfume on the casket. A few months or so later, my sister was driving home from the cafe. She had her loyal dog in the back of the truck, as always. All of the sudden, the dog began to bark and huddle in the back corner of the pickup bed, growling, and obviously scared. The scent of sweet smoke filled her car. She described it as a campfire that had been put out with perfume. When she hit the lights of the rest area, the smell disappeared, and her dog once again behaved normally. Eerie?

Before we moved, my husband and I attended church services with my folks and my sister. We waited for my sister to arrive one Wednesday night. She cruised in late to the service, obviously flustered. Afterwards, she described what happened. She was driving past the cemetery when her radio started changing channels. Then she felt a spirit playing with her. She wasn't so sure it was a friendly one and it kind of scared her that she had to pass the cemetery again to get home. Yep, I am REALLY glad I don't have that gift!

New stories are cropping up all the time and I thought it might be fun to blog about them. 1) I want to keep a record and 2) I would like to share with the believing and unbelieving world. Maybe there is someone out there that can help my sister master the ability to speak with the spirits and perhaps help them cross over.

Reiki II Class

2010-02-22T07:22:00.000-08:00

Reiki II Class

I cruised into the Butterfly Rainbow Center feeling more confident and ready for learning a new skill than I had in a long time. As always, the energy hit me the moment I walked through the door. I had one familiar face from my Reiki I class and another was the Angel Writing Instructor.

There is something about the atmosphere and the people that go there that just warm your heart and make you feel as though you are all best friends and have known each other forever. It is a very comforting place to be. I am sure that is exactly what Rita and Randy envisioned when they first opened their doors to the public.

Class began with smudging, which I have to say is one of my favorite parts. There is just something about burning wood or herbs that relaxes me and makes me feel grounded, one with the earth.

Just like last time, we had class in the morning and attunements after a delicious lunch. However, this time, we learned symbols. I was terrified to take the test, as sometimes, I don’t have the best memory when it comes to taking tests. However, our instructor, Thomas broke it down so that our brains absorbed it all and actually made it easy. I am happy to say I passed the test and I am now a certified Reiki II practitioner.

After practicing at class, I went home and two of my children lines up before the massage table to see what I had learned that day. I used a little valor oil on their feet, played a chakra cleansing CD while conducting my reiki, then finished with a short back massage.

My youngest fell asleep on the table during the reiki session (poor thing had a long day playing basketball), while my son floated off the table, and back to watching the Olympics.

My homework assignment is to send reiki energy to a partner every day throughout the week and see if they feel anything. Hmmmm, Brad, are you having a hotflash about now?

Reiki 1 Class

2010-02-02T17:58:00.000-08:00

After meandering around The Butterfly Rainbow Center looking at healing stones, smudging supplies, and belly dancing outfits, it was time for class to start. After our smudging to remove any negative energy we may have carried in, we sat in a circle on folding chairs for a meet and greet.

The morning was spent learning the history and the basics of Reiki. We all know that we need a firm foundation upon which to build... Then we all ambled downstairs to the break room to eat some delicious vegetarian soup and fresh fruit. It was scrumptious!

After lunch we plopped down on comfy chairs (I chose the Luv Sac) in a very large living room area and quietly read our Reiki manuals as each of us took a turn at our attunement upstairs. Rita, Reiki Master and co-owner of the facility, played crystal bowls while Thomas, Reiki Master, completed the attunement ritual. The sound of the bowls resonated through my every cell, making me feel as though I were melting into the earth.

At the end of the ceremony, Thomas asked me to place my hands over my heart, say my affirmation to connect to the Universal God Energy, and see if I felt anything different. Heat almost immediately began to radiate from my palms. What an amazing feeling!

After we were all attuned, we practiced on each other. We were divided up with four in each group, so that at any given time, there were three people performing Reiki on the patient on the massage table. The first patient had a very hot energy and I broke out into a sweat while working on him. I later learned when he worked on me, his hands were burning hot wherever he touched. Talk about a healing energy. WOW!

I was third in line for the 30 minute session. The only one following me was the Reiki Master, anxiously awaiting our final test. Luckily, he had witnessed the performances before my treatment because I momentarily lost the ability to assess the person's body for injuries/energy blocks. Then the energy that came from my hands had turned cold. I am not sure why that happened, but I imagine it was because I felt as though I were having an out of body experience for a short while after the treatment.

After the Reiki sessions on the Masters, we had question and answer time. The class was such a wonderful experience that I immediately signed up for Reiki II next month. Now, I realize you are supposed to have 3 months in between classes, but I have been practicing energy healing in one form or another for years.

Look out world, I am ready to practice Reiki on everyone!

From Couch to 5K by summer

2010-01-12T17:35:00.000-08:00

Try the following routine to go from couch to 5K by summer!

Walk/run every other day, giving your body a day to recover. Use your recover day to do some abwork and stretching for a well rounded routine. To keep from suffering from back pain, perform 20-25 hip dips per side. Stand on a stair sideways, one foot planted on the stair, one foot over the stair. Now, dip the outside foot down and raise it up above the stair using only your hip to drop it down and lift it up. Repeat on the other side.

Warm up for 5 minutes prior to workout and cool down for 5 minutes after the workout. Perform the following routine in minutes, not distance.

Once you have completed all nine weeks, start over, only with higher speeds. Say you start out walking for 3 minutes at 3.0 and running at 5.0 for 2 minutes. By the end of the ten weeks, you are jogging at 5.0 for 20 minutes straight. Start the program over by jogging for 3 minutes at 5.0 and running at 7.0 for 2 minutes. Increasing your speed will also increase your distance. 5K, here you come!

Walk - Jog - Repeat
Week 1 (W) 3 minutes (J) 2 minutes - Repeat 4X
Week 2 (W) 3 minutes (J) 3 minutes - Repeat 4X
Week 3 (W) 2 minutes (J) 3 minutes - Repeat 4X
Week 4 (W) 2 minutes (J) 4 minutes - Repeat 3X
Week 5 (W) 2 minutes (J) 5 minutes - Repeat 3X
Week 6 (W) 2 minutes (J) 8 minutes - Repeat 2X
Week 7 (W) 2 minutes (J) 10 minutes -Repeat 2X
Week 8 (W) 1 minute (J) 10 minutes -Repeat 2X
Week 9 (W) 1 minute (J) 15 minutes
Week 10 (W) 0 minutes (J) 20 minutes

Tired of being sick and tired

2009-12-08T15:04:00.000-08:00

Yes, I am a certified personal trainer. No, I am definitely not the healthiest of people. As a matter of fact 2009 has proven to be one of my sickest years ever. As I sit here with yet another virus, I am vowing to make 2010 my healthiest in years.

I have never been very healthy and the pictures of me as a child in my footyjammies blowing out my candles prove it. Back then it seemed to always be my tonsils. Once I hit my teens, it became migraines and stomach issues. I even took ulcer medication during my teens and early twenties.

I have always loved exercise and spent most of my childhood and teens outside hiking, floating the river, or just sitting on the porch watching the sunset. I must admit I am a bit of a carb addict and always have been, but I doubt that is where my illnesses stem from.

I was healthiest when I worked out of gyms full time. As soon as I went to part time, and started working office jobs again, back came the stomach viruses and migraines. Of course that is the time in my life when I became responsible for three children as well (one of time, thank goodness.)

I can't say I regret that I am a rather unhealthy person as it allows me to try all kinds of tinctures and tonics in hopes that I will find that one supplement that will boost my immune system so that I may help others in my situation. I have yet to find that supplement.

I have taken expensive vitamins, inexpensive vitamins, amino acids, green powders, and other immune boosting supplements. After speaking to a very healthy person today (my boss) and learning he doesn't take any vitamins or supplements, I have decided to set a different course in the whole supplement search. I am going to start drinking a tablespoon of all natural apple cider vinegar in water with a teaspoon of honey every night. I will start doing it now to try to make it habit, so I can begin testing the health effects in 2010.

I love weight lifting and notice a difference in my body right away. I've always dreamed of being a runner (my next blog) but somehow always end up sick as soon as I start to make progress with a serious cardio program, which is why I am sitting on the couch, home sick from work yet again. Yes, that includes the hardcore circuit training as well. I have even written a book about it titled, "The Personal Trainer Who Was Allergic to Exercise," for which I am searching for an agent or publisher. (So if you are one, or know of one...)

If you have any suggestions on how to accomplish my running goals without catching another freakin' virus, please let me know! I currently have a running program I am following and I three days ago completed the 4 minutes of running, 2 minutes of walking. Yesterday, I was to move on to the 5 minutes of running, 2 minutes of walking. But, of course the fact that I caught my daughter's stomach virus kept me from completing my run. I hope to hit it again tomorrow.

Teecino Challenge - The End

2009-08-31T04:23:00.000-07:00

I can once again add sugar and caffeine back into my diet - just in time for my daughter's birthday today. I have to confess, my husband and I went out to breakfast on Friday and I had two cups of coffee - with caffeine. I found myself completely unable to sit still or focus for hours after drinking the caffeine. My legs bounced so much, I think I was moving the table. I was so wired, I could talk a hundred miles an hour and had a hard time catching my breath. I have to admit, I definitely like a life with little to no caffeine. My husband agrees. I had to laugh as my sugaraholic husband was actually still checking labels and watching what we bought yesterday at the grocery store, even though the challenge is over. I am so proud of him. I really hope that this challenge changes our lives.

The fact that we spent around four hours at the gym yesterday helped as well. I know many people do not like going to the gym, but to me, it is like a breath of fresh air. I love the smells, the sounds, the mirrors, and most of all, the equipment. I may be barely able to move today or tomorrow, but it was so worth it. Although I loved P90X, I seriously love the gym more. It just feels like home to me.

Teecino Challenge - Week 3

2009-08-26T04:22:00.000-07:00

Robyn and I have both noticed without caffeine, we don't suffer from the afternoon drop where we want to crawl into bed or just take a little nap at our desks. My co-worker loves Teecino because within days of drinking it, her stomach issues subsided. My husband, Robyn, has also lost 8 pounds by giving up sugary treats. I must admit, it has opened us up to a whole new world of snacking and checking labels. I have not lost weight, rather gained another 1.5 pounds. I suppose it is now time to kick the cardio into gear!

While watching a bodybuilding special, I was surprised to hear that even those that truly watch every little thing they eat need to do 45 minutes of cardio three times per day, plus strength training daily to keep their lean physiques. I figure I may be able to get the cardio in first thing in the morning, maybe another 15 at lunch and strength training at night, possibly more cardio. As I am not an early riser, this a.m. workout will take some getting used to, so I am getting up early this week, just to let my body adjust. I have started the lunchtime workouts such as abs, back extensions, and rotator cuff.

Now that school is in session, I need to find an exercise routine that works so that I can stick to it and still be there for the kids and their homework.

Teechino Challenge Day 10

2009-08-19T16:32:00.000-07:00

I had a bagel with cream cheese this morning. After my bowl of shredded wheat, I can truly say I felt as though I was starving and when my coworker came in carrying everything bagels, I was ready to eat! High in carbs-yes. High in sugar - hopefully not much in a poppyseed bagel. I can honestly say my husband and I have seriously started looking at the sugar content in what we eat and we are eating healthier. Thank you Teecino for offering this challenge!

Teecino Challenge Days 7, 8 & 9

2009-08-18T09:59:00.000-07:00

Sunday went by fine. However, last night I felt as though I could not take it anymore and had a square of sweetened chocolate. I knew hormones would make this week hard, I just hadn't realized how hard. My husband is getting concerned about his weight gain, and I am not real thrilled with mine, so we are going to add bread back into our diet, so that we can eat sandwiches. We are definitely realizing modernization when it comes to sugar and I don't crave the cookies or candy bars like I used to. I went on a no sugar diet when I was in my mid twenties and it had the same effect on me - weight gain. It seems that if I don't satisfy my craving with a little sugar, then I overeat in calories to make up for that craving. I know that sounds bad, but as a trainer, I have always believed and preached things in moderation. I have to say that I love that I don't have an afternoon lawl from caffeine drop. I can easily go without caffeine and not really mind. I am going to continue to do the no caffeine (except in chocolate this week) and limit my sugar. I am even going to try baking oatmeal cookies with Truvia. I'll let you know how they taste!

Teecino Challenge Days 5 & 6

2009-08-15T17:32:00.000-07:00

I was full of energy on day five and didn't really crave a candybar. On my five hour roadtrip to the Black Hills I stopped and ate a banana. For the first time in a long time, I didn't even get tired on the drive. No sugar and no caffeine was working great! However, then my folks took us out to dinner. I was going to order the sirloin, then opted for the bison burger, thinking lowfat, healthy meat. But, I forgot about the bun. When the bun came, it was whole grain, so I didn't feel too awfully guilty eating half of it. I just nibbled on the second half of the burger - no more bun. I was feeling full and pretty good. Then the children ordered dessert and asked me to share it with them. Well, I don't get to eat this particular restaurant but maybe once every year or two. So, I had a few bites of cheesecake and chocolate cake. At least I didn't have an entire piece? I can say I am still caffeine free! Woo-Hoo!

This morning I was careful and ate an omelet. Then we stopped at Wall Drug, where they have fresh baked donuts. Ok, I split one with my daughter. Let me tell you, two hours later, I felt as though I could crawl into bed. It took me another hour or so to get my energy level back. My husband and I have both agreed that cutting out all sugar is causing us to gain weight. But, we definitely plan on watching our sugar intake in the future. I feel better while he is apparently still going through withdrawals as he feels hungry, tired, and sick most of the time without sugar laden carbs.

Don't worry, my husband made me feel plenty guilty about not only falling off the wagon, but being drug behind for a while. Tomorrow is the end of the first week - only 14 days to go!

The Teecino Challenge - Day 4

2009-08-13T18:42:00.000-07:00

I woke up fully energized and felt great all day. I continue to be overly hungry and have gained 1.5 pounds. My husband and I went to the grocery store to shop for more cheese and fruit. I have to say that none of the candybars looked appetizing. However, we both would kill for a slice or two of bread. I am leaving tomorrow for a five hour road trip to the Black Hills. I bought some raisins, hoping that along with carrots, I will make it there without a sugar incident.
Wish me luck!

Teecino Challenge - Day 3

2009-08-12T18:16:00.000-07:00

I would kill for a fudge bar or just about anything that contains sugar. Without sugar in my diet, I never seem to be satisfied, so I feel like eating all the time. I can't say that I have any more energy or am mentally clearer at this point in time, but I can say I feel as though I am starving all the time, I just can't seem to satiate my hunger. My husband says he felt the same way today. I am hoping this is just a short side effect of sugar withdrawal, otherwise I will be gaining some serious weight by the end of the three weeks. I have to say though, cherries and grapes make for a great dessert and apples are very satisfying.

I am hoping that I begin to feel more energy soon, as I could not get out of bed this morning and I am having a hard time finding the energy to exercise. I am sure this is just my body adjusting. I have gone without caffeine before, so this is not the problem. I am trying to eat only the healthiest of foods, so I am sure to feel improvement soon.

I anxiously await to see what tomorrow brings.

The Teecino Challenge - Day 2

2009-08-11T17:36:00.000-07:00

Teecino continues to satisfy as a drink and no caffeine has not been an issue. My coworker told me today that she feels great and does not get the stomach aches from the Teecino that she got from decaf coffee. However, I am practically jumping out of my skin for a candybar. Heck, even a spoonful of honey would go a long way. Time for another apple!

In January, my husband and I started the P90X Program from Beachbody. Let me tell you, I LOVE this program! It is so fun to do at home! I was a total gym rat and loved the gym, but between kids and work, the gym was one of things I had to let go, along with myself.

With P90X, within 2 months I had reached my pushup goal and was feeling better than I had in years. However, after vacation, I have yet again slacked for 2 months. Now I am paying the price! I am so sore, I can barely move my legs. Add that to the sugar craving and I am going to bed early tonight.

Tomorrow is another day....without sugar. It is funny. A couple of weeks ago I was watching a television show and when the gal was offered a cookie, she said, "No thank you. I don't eat sugar." All I could think is that I want to be that person. I want to be the person who goes for runs every morning and lift weights every night. I want to be the person who doesn't eat sugar and bad fats.

I have part of the equation, now I need to work to get the rest - for myself and my family.

Teecino 21 Day Challenge - No Sugar, No Caffeine Day 1

2009-08-10T10:07:00.000-07:00

Today I start my journey down the path of healthy energy by weaning myself off caffeine and going cold turkey on the sugar. My husband and coworkers are joining me on this journey. I have given up coffee and processed sugars in the past for Lent, but allowed myself honey. The Teecino Challenge does not allow for this wondrous sweetener.

Grocery shopping yesterday proved to be a challenge. I was appalled at how much food actually has some form of sweetener in it, even the saltiest of foods have a touch of sugar or corn syrup. We did find that Kashi offers many sugar free products, including frozen dinners.

It is only noon and I am feeling fine. I did feel a slight headache coming on at 11:00 so I drank a couple of sips of caffeinated coffee to ward off the withdrawal symptoms (allowable on the Challenge.)

So far, the hardest part of the no sugar rule is when my daughter toasted a marshmallow in front of me. MMMMMM But, when I craved something sweet after dinner, I followed the instructions and had an apple - completely satisfying!

Please check back to see how well I handle the Challenge! I am always interested in getting comments from my readers, so please feel free to type away!

Check out http://www.teecino.com/ and take the challenge for yourself!

Banish Migraine Headache Pain Forever

2008-08-09T17:49:00.000-07:00

Migraines can be a debilitating chronic condition, causing around 157 million lost workdays each year, according to the National Headache Foundation. They estimate that 28 million Americans—70 percent of whom are women—suffer from migraine headaches caused by disorders such as occipital neuralgia and transferred migraine.
Occipital neuralgia is a term used to describe a cycle of pain-spasm-pain originating from the base of the skull that often radiates to the back, front, and side of the head, as well as behind the eyes.
Occipital Neuralgia may occur spontaneously, or as the result of a pinched nerve root in the neck (from arthritis, for example), or as the result of prior injury or surgery to the scalp or skull. Sometimes “tight” muscles at the back of the head can entrap the nerves. Symptoms include the following:

Headaches that are localized or following a "ram's horn" pattern on the side of the head, often starting in the upper neck or base of the skull. It can be one-sided or on both sides.
Scalp that is tender to the touch, often hypersensitive. Even brushing your hair can be a painful experience.
Pain or pressure behind the eyes. Eyes are very sensitive to light especially when the headache is present.

Although massage therapy and acupuncture can bring immediate relief, it is necessary to maintain a strength and stretching program. Ice at the base of the skull helps as well.
I suffered from these headaches for years. After starting a family, I slacked off on the strict exercise and stopped my monthly massage therapy visits. I finally mentioned the debilitating headaches to my doctor, who handed me a variety of migraine medications. Some made my heart palpitate out of control, while others would make me unconscious for up to twelve hours. Neither of these options appealed to me. So, I was prescribed Tylenol 3, acetaminophen with codeine. I loved the way it deadened the pain and allowed me function instead of being locked up in a dark room.
My headaches continued to increase until my I suffered from two each week. I didn’t like the fact that I was taking narcotics regularly, but could not deal with the pain that radiated through my head. Being knowledgeable of the human body, I found it hard to believe I was suffering from migraines.
After conducting in-depth research, I realized I was suffering from Occipital Neuralgia. Now, as a personal trainer I needed to figure out what I needed to do to fix the problem. After all, I had spent years relieving other people’s pain, why could not relieve my own?
I began to exercise harder, but the headaches would always worsen a day or two after I did strength training exercises for my back. Yoga helped the most, but I felt I was again slacking on the strength training.
I have found relief through my inversion table, yoga, and performing neck strengthening exercises every other day.
To strengthen the neck, lie face down on the bed, with your shoulders at the end of the bed and your head hanging off the end. Move you head like a chicken. Let it dip down, then pull it back up, keeping your chin facing straight down.
Start out slow, as tight muscles, can bring on the headache. Work up to 50 reps, increasing 5 reps per week. After the exercise, massage the back of your neck and up to behind your ears.
Please visit my website at http://www.keepfitnessfun.com/ and feel free to email me at rani@keepfitnessfun.com.

Weighloss During Vacation

2008-07-14T12:45:00.000-07:00

It worked! Vacation worked!

What? Yes, I went on vacation and lost weight! How did I do it? Smaller portions and virtually no sweets. Yes, I hiked a few times, but spent most of my time in a car or sitting and talking to relatives and I still lost weight!

I was amazed at how easy it was to avoid sweets while on vacation. I really watched my portions and left some of the food on my plate. I have started to tell myself, it is just as big of a waste eating the extra calories and adding fat to my body, as it is to throw it out or feed it to the animals. If I was hungry for a large home-grilled burger, I ate it, bun and all. However, I limited myself to a bite of potato salad with water to drink. I was amazingly full for the entire afternoon and did not feel overstuffed. It was wonderful!

I tried to keep breakfast as the largest meal, but that was rather hard to do while traveling and staying with relatives. I usually ended up eating cereal for breakfast with a large lunch or dinner. Somehow none of that mattered, as my stomach came back looking more cut than it has in years.

I did attend my class reunion and a street dance and managed to make it through both without drinking. It was hard, but I succeeded! Ok, I had one shot before the street dance, but my nephew insisted on buying one and all I had for dinner was carrots and celery!

Unfortunately, as soon as I got home, I discovered the ice cream sandwiches in the freezer and the graham crackers in the pantry. It would be so much easier to watch what I eat if I did not have all the junk food around. I was also so tired from my trip home, that I didn’t have the will power to say no for the first two days.

But last night, we went to the buffet and I watched what I ate, even down to the tiny rootbeer float I made myself for dessert. My husband and I then walked a couple of miles after dinner. It was wonderful!

Today, I ate about 3.5 inches of my six inch sub and split the rest between the dogs. I just wasn’t that hungry for it. Besides, I had a soda and cookie to add the extra calories. Although I have fallen off the wagon somewhat, I am finding that I am much better at portion control and have been watching what I eat since I went on vacation.

Yea! Please visit my website at www.keepfitnessfun.com.

Fasting, A Total Body Cleansing Journal

2008-07-14T12:33:00.000-07:00

Monday, June 16, 2008

Today is the first day of my seven day cleansing program.
Breakfast: protein and banana shake
Morning Snack: A couple of Almonds
Lunch: Fruit smoothie which consisted of juice and frozen fruit, raw cheese, and a carrot
Afternoon Snack: Raw chocolate raspberry bar and a banana – I was starving!
Dinner: Raw cheese and another raw chocolate raspberry bar
Evening Snack: Carrot

Overall, I felt pretty good today. The cheese really helped curb any salt cravings and the fruit smoothie was pretty filling, even though I was starving within a couple of hours.
I was overly energetic and gave my house a thorough cleaning after work.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

I am so tired, I am not sure I can get out of bed and my head aches horribly.
Breakfast: protein and banana shake
Morning Snack: A couple of almonds
Lunch: Fruit smoothie, raw cheese, and a carrot
Afternoon Snack: raw lemon bar
Dinner: Spinach leafs with gingerberry kambucha tea as a dressing, and raw cheese
Evening Snack: Carrot

I felt tired and rather cranky all day. I felt much more short tempered with the children in the evening and felt as though I had no energy at all. I tried to work on my book, but could not think of even the simplest words.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Breakfast: 2 eggs, scrambled and a small bowl of oatmeal (yes, it was cooked. I was starving!)
Morning Snack: Nothing, as I was satiated from breakfast
Lunch: Fruit smoothie, raw cheese, and a carrot
Afternoon Snack: raw chocolate raspberry bar
Dinner: raw cheese, carrot, grapes, strawberries
Evening Snack: Raw Chocolate coconut bar

Today my headache became unbearable. It was all I could handle to sit through work. I need acupuncture. Although I am cleansing, I took an NSAID for my headache. It dulled enough that I could enjoy walking the dogs with my husband and son.

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Breakfast: 2 eggs, scrambled and a small bowl of oatmeal (Still starving!)
Morning Snack: Fruit Juice
Lunch: Fruit smoothie
Afternoon Snack: Greens Fruit Juice
Dinner: Vegetable burrito at one of the most magnificent Mexican restaurants I have ever eaten at!
Evening Snack: Way tooooooo full from dinner!

I had a ton of energy today and the NSAID that I took with breakfast has dulled my headache enough to make it bearable. I am scheduled for an acupuncture treatment after work. I can’t wait!

Today I wavered severely from my raw food diet. I was starving in the morning and today was to be the beginning of my juice fast. However, I do feel that eggs and oatmeal are not a damaging break. The dinner was another story. We had planned on eating out with this couple before I realized that I would be fasting this week. I could and probably should have settled for a salad, but I broke the fast. Now tomorrow, it is juice only all day with a 24 hour water fast on Saturday! I look at it as shaking up my metabolism. It doesn’t know what I’m throwing at it!

Friday, June 20, 2008

Breakfast: Chocolate protein and banana smoothie
Morning Snack: Fruit Juice
Lunch: Fruit smoothie with spinach, banana, kiwis and a little frozen fruit – very excellent tasting (oh and black cherry and cranberry juice)
Afternoon Snack: Greens Fruit Juice
Dinner: Kambucha tea
Evening Snack: water

Although I had a hard time getting up this morning, my headache is gone and I feel pretty energetic and mentally clear. I can contribute these to a combination of healthy eating and acupuncture to get rid of the headache.

I don’t feel any hungrier than if I were eating solid foods.

I drank my bottle of Kambucha tea at 4:30 and was starving by 6:00. I drank water, but fell into bed at midnight (I had to wait up for my teenage daughter to get home) with a headache and feeling as though I would starve to death.

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Still on just water.

I woke up feeling fine and energized. I didn’t get real hungry until around lunch time. I was however, a little spacey and probably should not have been driving. By 4:00 I was counting the minutes until I could drink juice again.

At 4:30 I drank a Protein Naked Juice. I couldn’t believe how full and re-energized it made me. I took the kids to the circus at 5:00 and you never would have known I was fasting. I was more energetic and mentally clear than I had been in a long time!

Sunday, June 22, 2008

I ate today, but in significantly smaller portions than before the cleansing. I had a small piece of roast, 5 cooked baby carrots and 1 biscuit for dinner. I believe it was eating meat that made me feel sick for the rest of the evening. I took a walk, but still ended up going to bed feeling ill. I love the way fasting makes you realize what certain foods do to your body and how they make you feel.

I enjoy cleansing and fasting because I feel so energetic and light after the first couple of days of detoxing. I normally only go for 4 days, so this is my first seven day trial.

I feel it would be extremely hard for me to eat raw foods only, as I love my cooked eggs and oatmeal. However, the raw meal bars are extremely satisfying and I definitely look at food differently during and after the fast. After all these years, I continue to go back to my old ways, but I definitely eat healthier now than before my first fast.

I highly suggest tring it! Please visit my website at www.keepfitnessfun.com.

Hula Hooping for Fitness

2008-02-28T09:30:00.000-08:00

As a personal trainer, I am always trying to find effective exercises that are fun. I have used my weighted hula hoop off and on for years, but this is the year I have finally found my groove.

At lunch, I go down into the basement, dim the lights and put on some deep meditation music. I hula hoop for 20 minutes, then do a seated meditation or yoga poses for the other 10. I don't have to change clothes, I get a good core workout, and I feel rested when I come back upstairs to finish my day.

I am slowly learning how to balance work, family, and exercise. As you can see from my previous blog, what happens when a personal trainer gets a real job. I could get down on myself, but I am turning it into a challenge and a learning experience. I hope you join me on my journey back to a hard body. I have 25 pounds to lose and a whole lot of muscle to gain.

My plan as of now: Yoga 2 nights per week, Cardio and strength training 3 nights per week. I will add an additional day of cardio in there when I get the chance.

Visit my website at http://www.keepfitnessfun.com/.

What happens when a Personal Trainer gets a real job.

2008-02-26T11:51:00.000-08:00

I have been a certified personal trainer for eleven years. Growing up, I was naturally lean, muscular, and flexible. Needless to say, I looked good without having to try real hard. Let me tell you, that does not make for a good personal trainer. Through my early twenties, I could strength train, forget about the boring cardio, and have that nice muscular appearance. ( I did have that short time frame where I was addicted to donuts and gained some fat, but I overcame that with strength training.) I could not quite understand why all my female clients weren't like that.

After having three children, I was ten pounds heavier and had lost quite a bit of muscle mass. I figured I would work out more once they were all in school. I still worked at the gym and fit my workouts in when I could. However, I was frequently tired and did not put as much into my workouts, therefore, I did not get as much out of them, either. I still remember a single, male trainer telling his workout buddy, "I could never stand to be more out of shape than my client!"

That pretty much said it all. I was a hypocrite. I was trying to get people into shape, when I was having a hard time getting my own hard body back. Plus, I was spending so much time at the gym with clients, that my children spent all their spare time in the nursery. I really only got to see them on weekends. I would drop them off at school, go to the gym. Pick them up from school, head back to the gym until it was their bedtime. So, I got a day job so I could make money and still spend quality time with my kids and husband.

WOW! I have put on 18 pounds since then and can't seem to find the energy to exercise enough to lose the weight. I eat pretty healthy and always bring my food from home. I stay away from the vending machine, for the most part, although that was not the case for a short period of time.
I have been hula hooping daily for 20 minutes over lunch with a 5 pound hoop. It feels great! I was doing pretty well with strength training, but that has gone down hill this last week. I feel too tired to get up early before work to exercise. At night, I fix dinner, help the kids with their homework, watch a little television, then read to the kids and we all go to bed. By nine at night, I have no desire to exercise. The personal trainer in me wants to run back to a job at the gym so I can be fit again. But, I need to learn how to lose weight while working full time and caring for three kids (and a husband) so I can help others in my situation.

I need to kick in the cardio with a little strength training, until I lose the fat. I will keep you posted on my journey, and see if I can lose this weight. In the meantime, please feel free to visit my website http://www.keepfitnessfun.com/.