It's A Lifestyle

I was chatting with a client yesterday about paleo and how she can make it a realistic part of her life. Last time she did paleo she was extremely strict for 30 days, but then went back to most of her old habits on day 31. I commended her for being so strict the first time she did paleo, but suggested that this time she try to slowly incorporate it into her life. In other words...make it a LIFESTYLE.

According to wikipedia, a lifestyle is "a characteristic bundle of behaviors that makes sense to both others and oneself in a given time and place, including social relations, consumption, entertainment, and dress. The behaviors and practices within lifestyles are a mixture of habits, conventional ways of doing things, and reasoned actions." If you do not make something part of your social norm, how can you ever stick to it?


My whole philosophy and actually, purpose of writing this blog, is rooted in the idea of making health a lifestyle. I truly believe that if people do not make exercise and eating right a part of their daily routine, then they will continually fail at staying healthy. When I say "daily routine," I do not mean that you must exercise every single day and eat perfectly every meal. Blah, how boring! You must find out how to make exercise and healthy food choices a realistic part of your life. No more crazy goals to work out twice a day, everyday and to only eat salads because we all know what happens. It lasts about 1 week and then you're back to 0 times a week at the gym and fast food.

So give yourself an honest reality check and figure out what will truly work for your life. Start out slowly. Set a goal to exercise twice a week and perhaps cook a healthy meal three times a week. See if this works for you and gradually build upon it. Soon you'll be finding time to exercise 4 days a week and making healthy eating choices at home and while you're dining out. I have seen this exact tactic work for numerous clients. Why not give it a shot?

Compliments of one of my favorite clients.

***Here is the make-up workout that the 5:30 a.m. crew did this morning. It was a balmy 47 degrees this morning. Perfect for running!


"Griff"
-Run 800 Meters
-Run 400 Meters Backwards
-Run 800 Meters

-Run 400 Meters Backwards

*Fastest Time: Rosie-15:11 (She ran her first backwards lap faster than her first normal 400. Impressive!)

3 Rounds (Not for Time):

-10 T Push-Ups

-50 Flutter Kicks

-20 Back Extensions

-10 Turbo Twists (think break dancing...)

3 Rounds:

-1 minute of Plank Up-Downs

-Rest 2 minutes.