Week Four: Benefits of Turning UP the Heat

Get Fit Tip: Burning fat and calories has SO many benefits that I often wonder why they are not motivating enough to get us to exercise or workout. Where breathing and balance and even strengthen and lengthen exercises improve our posture or stability or strength, aerobic exercises really turns up our body heat and starts to melt stored fat, increasing the release of endorphins, and improving the effectiveness of our cardiovascular systems. Additionally, aerobic exercise is also known for reducing stress and improving our sleep (who doesn't need/want that?). Some options include: indoor walking or biking equipment, outdoor walking (1700 steps = 1 mile) or jogging, marching in place (with knees lifted high), punching or dancing! (I don't have a lengthy video for the burn section, but I will post a short list of suggestions by/over the weekend.)

Get Organized Tip: This week, I'd like you to transfer the idea of "turning up the heat" to your organizational management by using bursts of energy to time your tasks and prioritize them. In previous groups, I have given assignments to "time" the chores we do SO that we are realistic about how short or long a particular chore might take. This week, I encourage you to make a list of all the gifts/cards you will need in the next few months--graduation, Mother's and Father's Days, weddings and birthdays. Use one burst of energy to list who, what, and when. Then put an errand on your calendar to buy x# of cards, set aside x# of $, and mail specific cards on specific dates. Even if you have only 2 or 3 of these deadlines, this exercise will get you "in tune" with doing a quick burn and release of stress because (1) you will be AHEAD of the trend (no impulsive purchases, no late cards) and (2) because you planned ahead.

Get Inspired Tip: If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. A repeated favorite quote of mine, is the key to SO much of what I do when working or coaching. I realize I am more prone to forget or fret. When I plan ahead--even by brainstorming with others--I'm giving myself a greater chance of having a more effective life as a leader, lover, and healer. (For example, at a recent event with college students, they were so passionate about praying for their campus, but they needed a simple plan. Passion is not enough!) I want to encourage you to "hold onto" Psalm 90:12 this week...

Be encouraged!

Becky

Get Fit Balance

This is your Balance Challenge!

Balance Challenge

I've republished the Balance Challenge video at a slower speed for easier viewing. Let me know if this works better for most! Click here to view.

Week Three: The Balance Challenge

Get Fit Tip: Click here to watch this week's Balance Challenge. As you get older, your propensity to favor one hip or one shoulder when lifting or bending will show up in aches, pains, and tweaks. The sooner you tend to your body by bringing balance into it through breathing & balance exercises, burning, strengthening and lengthening muscles, the sooner you will feel healthier, stronger and more stable. This week, just assess your ability to balance your body and report in to the group! 1 = uh, oh, 3 = okay, 5 = pretty good!

Get Organized Tip: Here a few key phrases that help me plan my WAG (week at a glance): A regular Sunday Planning Session, Weekly Wednesday Weigh-In, Friday Fun Day, Saturday Sort-Through (mail, laundry, purse, desktop--remember to "pitch, file, pile"). The more you look for SIMPLE, non-cumbersome ways to "eliminate and concentrate," the more balance you'll feel in each chunk of your day (morning, afternoon, evening).

Get Inspired Tip: One of my favorite authors, Mary Pipher, in her book The Shelter of Each Other wrote, "We need to make a new commitment to children at all levels--to their education, nutrition, creativity, mental and physical health...to build a world in which children flourish and grow into all they can be."

We are a group of women who have determined in 2011 to become healthy in order to leave a legacy to the next generation. Please, let's take our 3 daily actions (fitness, organization, and inspiration) to improve our own lives so we are ready when someone who might be drowning comes into our lives!

Week Two: Get into the Habit of Starting...

Get Fit Tip: Click here to watch this week's clip on breathing. Breathing is going to be used in every part of your workout--whether you're walking or stretching. The purpose of breathing is to release a deeper stretch or relax your mind and body. Take advantage of the benefits of breathing--it is your starting position! (Remember, this video or workout is not to be shared with others -- it's just for members in our group.)

Get Organized Tip: Seth Godin in Poke The Box writes, "The challenge is getting into the habit of starting!"

Get Inspired Tip: Matthew 6:33 says, "Seek first the kingdom of God, and ALL these things will be added unto you." After speaking this week and speaking to 100's of women, I was reminded that we all need to change one or more areas of our lives--we all struggle with something! But the starting place of change...is bringing your concerns to God!

Be encouraged,

Becky

Video

The video setting on each computer determines at what speed you will view (for example) a YouTube video. I'm not sure how/why the sound would be different on different computers, but each week's video will be filmed on a Mac one of the highest quality/units available. You might want to be sure you have the latest FLASH/Adobe program downloaded (FREE) on your computer OR be sure that your settings for speed and sound are for/at the best quality for audio/video. I will attempt one more week through the media setup/programs I'm using on my MAC computer and save at the highest quality -- so please take this week to ask a techy friend to review your settings for video viewing and see if this becomes easier for all!

Be encouraged,

Becky

Week One: Here We Go!!

As promised, we are going to GET FIT together this quarter. I am developing a new 20 minute workout over this quarter and hopefully you'll enjoy each of the components--learning about the five parts of exercise that will help you become more flexible, stable, strong and heart healthy!

Click here to watch a short video clip of what we'll be doing -- you'll see that I've taken the workout outdoors:)! NOTE: I didn't set up a password to this video BUT I don't want it out on the internet; please don't share this or any of the weekly posts with your friends--okay? You might be tempted to share the clips (because they are funny), but this series is exclusive to those who have registered for the group.

Remember, you need your body and your mind to GET FIT, so your schedule is what will make getting fit, organized, and inspired become a part of your daily lives.

GET ORGANIZED this quarter means to plan your eating, exercise, and quiet time one day in advance, one week at a glance. The habits we create over this quarter will become a lifestyle -- if you stick with me. And I will do my best to help you GET INSPIRED with quotes and encouragement each week to keep you focused on the goal!!!

Be encouraged--join the call!

Becky