Why I don't do Crossfit - from Huffington Post

I am a Huffington Post follower and this article hit home with me.....

What started out as functional movement has gotten out of control.....and it's called crossfit.  Ok, yes I am opening up a can of worms by broaching the crossfit subject but the number of times I see incorrect technique and injuries makes me shudder.

Concepts such as 'finish at all costs' doesn't sit well with me.  I believe that personal best without sacrificing technique is a great achievement and reduces the risk of injury. End of story but sorry I am not going to stop there!

Each to their own, agree but if you don't squat to the floor doesn't mean you aren't achieving amazing results.  Is heavy always best?  Maybe for some but if you are new to exercise, have injuries or need to get on top of mental approach, nutrition and lifestyle changes first then doing a maximum weight clean and press with little to no progression is not a great way to start. Nor should you be looked down on if you are not doing a crossfit style workout.

I love the concept of timed workouts and challenging your personal best that's what training is all about.  But there is functional movement challenging your limits and then there is putting your body under load and stress to the point of failure. Before attempting any exercise ask yourself...is it inline with my goals?  is it appropriate for my injuries and level of fitness?  Is it a muscle or a joint hurt when I am performing the exercise? Is vomiting half way through a workout and being yelled at to keep going a sign of going to far or a badge of honour.???

Can I ask....Does pain = results?  Some of my best sessions have been sitting in my office! 'Get your head right and your body will follow' you will hear me say this all the time.  Your mental attitude is your first and foremost focus, travel down and focus on what is going into your mouth, followed very closely by getting your body moving further and faster.  Yes I want to push you physically to achieve results but you need to stop and look at the big picture.

Again, each to their own.....but you need to know what is right for you and your body. Not do an exercise because all your friends are doing it or it's the latest trend. Fun and effective exercise with realistic nutrition advice and healthy lifestyle options is the key to success x

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/erin-simmons/why-i-dont-do-crossfit_b_5411771.html

Women's Health & Fitness Magazine Top Recipes

http://www.womenshealthandfitness.com.au/healthy-recipes

Thank you Women's Health and Fitness Magazine...A great link to some recipes to spice up your meal plans!  Happy planning!
 

6 healthy winter soups

 

 

Chicken burritos

 

Roast beetroot and pumpkin salad

 

Supercharged breakfast bars with FSA

 

Tuna steaks with orange & watercress salad

 

Grilled swordfish salad with beet-carrot slaw

 

Coconut pancakes with blueberry coulis

For more recipes including meal plans 

 

www.realfitnessforrealwomen.com.au

 

Why...............!!!! Why am I exercising????????

 

Start by asking yourself what exercise means to you?  What are you striving to achieve?  Focus your mind on your exercise goals.  Are you trying to lose weight, increase your self esteem, sculpt your physique or improve your health and fitness? Are you unhappy with your self-image right now?  Would a healthier, leaner you increase your overall sense of wellbeing and give you the self-confidence to feel happier in your own skin?

Write down your answers and explore what it would mean to you to achieve your exercise goals. 

Now reduce what you have written into 3-5 bullet points and pin the list to a few prominent places i.e. your fridge door, on your desk at work, inside the cover of your diary etc.  Let this list act as a reminder of why you want to exercise.

 

www.realfitnessforrealwomen.com.au

Stretching mistakes you are probably making

Stretching feels great and increases flexibility -- when done the right way. But not preparing properly or doing the stretch incorrectly can lead to injuries and inflexibility, the exact opposite of the results you want. Avoid these common mistakes for a safe, pain-free and effective stretching routine.


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/11/stretching-mistakes_n_5118469.html

Imagine...Believe...Achieve

We are so quick to judge ourselves and we are so quick to see the negative that we miss the opportunities to be proud of ourselves and be positive....

Stop and take time and be proud of your achievements, even a baby step, it is a step in the right direction....Cheer your achievements and stop being so hard on yourself.  We are so busy trying to be perfect and keep everyone happy that we miss the big picture.  We cannot achieve our results if we don't take a moment and be proud of our achievements.   Take a moment at the end of the day (can I suggest when you are cleaning your teeth) reflect on something you are proud of and choose a focus for the next day.  BE POSITIVE!

A thought for my mums....We spend so much time nurturing and providing for our children and our families that we leave nothing left for ourselves.  Do you not think that a positive, happy and healthy mum will have a massive impact on the development of our children......

LADIES I GIVE YOU PERMISSION TO BE SELFISH........

You spend time packing your kids lunches or snack box, would it kill you to put out an extra lunch box and pack something for yourself.?  Lead by example and show your children that you are eating well and are eating real food.  Not being on a continuous roller coaster of diets, shakes and despair...What are we teaching our children?

I am a busy working mum and trust me I know its tough but you need to plan and you need to prepare.  Make some time for you so you can be a better person, mummy and wife.

Happy mothers day for tomorrow ladies....Give yourself the gift of  allowing yourself to spend some of your time and energy on YOU xxxxxxxx