By Kristy Hart
Do it for your Health!
I hate working out! And have never successfully played a sport in my life! If I’m running… something is chasing me! However, I was able to regulate my weight and health after having kids. Mostly because my husband is athletic, fit, and loves vegetables. However, this all came to a screeching halt as I turned 40. My energy level decreased, my clothes were shrinking, and it took tons of caffeine to get through the day. I was unable to be there for my husband and kids as I should have. I hated looking in the mirror and getting dressed every day. My husband’s concern led me to call the doctor for an appointment.
I wanted a quick fix, but my doctor wanted to get to the root of the problem, not just help me cover it up. Sounding just like my husband, she said to eat more balanced meals and eliminate caffeine. My blood pressure was running high. In my follow up appointment, my numbers were still high. The solution: add exercise daily! Those were the words I did not want to hear! Besides my dislike for activity, there were also the factors of time, money, and convenience.
Why did it have to come to this? Why couldn’t I have been more proactive before getting to this point? Looking around the house gave me some ideas. Using objects and movements I do every day and making them purposeful gets my heart rate up. Lifting a gallon of water, which weighs eight pounds, a few times makes my arm tired. Why couldn’t I put these movements together and create a total body workout that can be done in my home without having to buy equipment and leave my family? Reaching out to Gina and Mackenzie, certified trainers, they agree that these movements can tone, strengthen, and build stamina. My husband composed original instrumentals of various genres to help me keep the pace up.
Although, I was getting the exercise part taken care of, I could not overlook the way I was fueling my body. I had not thought of food as fuel. Michele Moore, registered dietician, was excited to join our team and provide ways to make eating healthy, easy, and delicious! She provides practical ways anyone can integrate. Small changes do make a big difference!
A few months after starting 28 minutes a day of faithful and focused activity, my doctor noted my blood pressure had declined. Coming home drained from the day and working through the routine, got me recharged and ready for my responsibilities as a wife and mom. Looking back at pictures, gave me the most encouragement. I can see and feel visible changes in myself as well as my confidence returning. I cannot wait for all women in our area to try these movements and see that they really work! The routine is customized with a personal trainer and group workout options. We have even added Spanish and Mandarin voiceovers to reach more people! Learn more at ihometone.com.
