Free Flowing Movement

We all have those blah days, when things are not going according to plan.

When I feel like this I really have to give myself a “pep talk” and just get on my mat and move, or if i have the time take myself for a walk.

Today, I had one of those blah days. I knew I wanted to move but was not quite sure which exercise modality my body was craving. So, I turned on some chill music and allowed myself to just feel the music and move with it. I can tell you this, I felt a million times better than before I started.

This is just a reminder to let you know movement does not have to be structured.

Blast your music and feel the beat and let your body move.

This is the free flowing movement I did ( the video is sped up).

Giving myself some grace today.

Have an amazing Thursday.

Be well.

Stop and Smell the Flowers

If this past year has taught me anything, it is to slow down. Yes, sometimes we need to pause, take a few breaths, take it all in then move forward.

I know for me personally, I have shifted my mindset around many things but for this post, I am keeping it focused on my movement practice. I definitely used to be a “cardio bunny”. Not so much now, don’t get me wrong, I still love and do cardio, but on a gentler basis. #changeyourperspective

I have been doing a lot more walking and mobility work along with low impact strength training and as always Pilates and my signature classes.

My goal for myself and my clients is focused on Movement for Longevity. Movement that will keep you feeling strong and supported so you will be able to continue doing all the things you like to keep doing for years to come.

Slow down, smell the flowers and keep moving.

Be well.

Vegetable Stirfry Recipe

Give me all the veggies. I love a heavy on the vegetables stirfry, and I always make enough to last a few days

I like my meals hot and spicy and this dish definitely was. Below is the recipe, no measurements just ingredients.

You can add or take away as you like.

Ingredients

Veggies I used, cabbage, broccoli, carrots, snow peas, brussel sprouts, purple cabbage, endive and bok choy

Onion

Garlic

Cilantro,

Escallions

Chinese 5 Spice Powder

Soy sauce

Jamaican Scotch Bonnet Pepper

Black pepper

Ginger

Fresh Basil

Saute the onions ,garlic and ginger. Add the vegetables, stir for a bit. Add the soy sauce , cilantro, stir some more.:)

Sprinkle 5 spice powder, hot pepper and black pepper. Add the escallions (green onions) at the end .

Enjoy .

Serve it a long side your favorite protein.

Let me know if you try it.

Be Well.

Five things I do when I am having a bad day

We have all experienced these days at some time or another. I am going to keep this short and sweet.

1. I go for a walk. Sunshine and fresh air and appreciating the wonders of creation.

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2. Turn up the volume and dance. Music will lift your mood.

3. Write it out. Journaling is a great way to work through issues or problems and journaling allows you to be fully present and aware of how you are feeling. Never underestimate the power of the pen.:)

4. Exercise, you knew this would be one of my coping strategies. The saying “movement is medicine” resonates with me and I have proven it to work and lift my mood.

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5. I will typically call my mom. You are never too old to need your mom. 🙂

What do you do when you are having a bad day? Please share in the comments.

I am always here cheering you on.

Be well.

Breakfast Edition

This quick simple breakfast was so refreshing after my walk.

I used siggis yogurt, mixed nuts and strawberries.

Create healthy habits, not restrictions.

Food is meant to be enjoyed. Eating a meal , whether you regard it as comfort food once in a while will not derail your healthy habits.

Let me say it again, ” Create healthy habits, not restrictions”.

I eat to nourish and fuel my body.

What is your favorite quick breakfast? Let me know in the comments.

Be well.

Online Group Pilates Class

Feedback from one of my group pilates classes.

If you would like to join to the next class, send me a DM and I will add you to my email list.

Once added to the list you will be notified first before I open to registration to the public.

The classes are smaller in size so I can pay attention to your form.

See you in class .

Virtual Classes

The Ground Up

The ability to kneel or sit on the floor and get back up is one of the best ways to preserve our mobility and predict our overall fitness and longevity.

This simple act may not seem like much but, when you stop and think about it, our ability to be able to control our bodies and the strength it takes to “pick ourselves up” off the floor is priceless.

This is particularly important as we get older. This simple act works every muscle in our bodies and it works our balance, core strength, upper body strength, leg strength, flexibility, coordination, mobility and stability.

I find this movement will also reveal any strength weaknesses we may have.

Along with tailored exercises to help address these weaknesses, the repeated act of moving from the ground up will help to restore the strength.

As babies we learned to crawl before we could walk and the ground helped with that, the ground as resistance.

If this is a challenge for you, start slow and work your way up. Use a sturdy object as support to help you get stronger.

Be well.

How I Prevent Burn Out

Recently I was asked my tips on preventing burn out, so I thought I would include my response here as well.

Burn out is real and it plagues so many of us.

Here are a few of my tips to help prevent it.

1.Proper nutrition. I make sure I feed and nourish my body well.

2. I make sure I make the time to get my workouts in. It can be as easy as going for a walk.

3. Connecting with family and friends.

4. Taking time off. We all need vacation, no matter how much we love what we do, we have to make time for a reset.

5. Proper rest. I make sure I am getting a good nights sleep. I like to take my magnesium at night, it contributes to a great nights rest. The CALM product is good product to help with sleep.

6. I definitely make sure I have recovery days in my schedule.

7. Setting boundaries is another way to prevent /help with burn out. It is OK to say NO at times.

We have to listen to what our mind and body needs. Take care of YOU. Self care is not selfish, it is a necessity.

How do you prevent burn out? Let me know in the comments.

Be well.

Jodie

Accountability

Everyone needs a coach, a motivator , a cheerleader, someone to be accountable to. Let me be YOURS!

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Each person comes to me with a unique “story” and movement background. No two bodies are alike, and will not be doing the same workout. Each person has different goals and movement patterns, so the workouts are tailored to each person.

I take the time to plan (write out) each and every session for my clients, but, I can also change the routine depending on how your body is feeling that day. Everyday the body asks for different things and it is important to tune in and listen.

My training style is a mind and body experience. You will work in the sessions, but you will also have fun.

Feel free to reach out to me by filling out the consultation on my website. I look forward to working with you.

Jodie

Strong and Supported

I am often told by my clients that my teaching style is unique and in the sessions/classes they feel encouraged, strong and capable in doing the exercises. They never feel like they can’t do a particular move or exercise sequence and they always feel better after class.

My goal as an instructor is to “meet” each and every client where they are physically at that given moment.

Every exercise I teach, starts from the “base”, where we start slow and layer on “moves”.

By doing this I am giving each person options in class. I am a firm believer in listening to your body.

Remember, you are strong, your body is amazing and I applaud you all always.

Always cheering you on.

Keep building one another up.

Be kind.