I’ve been working with a business mentor to refine my plans, goals, and strategies for my coaching business. A big part of that is outlining the why behind what I do—what knowledge and beliefs shape the support I offer my clients and our community? These aren’t new revelations; they’ve guided my work from the beginning even if they weren’t fully written out anywhere. However, I think putting my approach and philosophy into words is a great way to invite you to be more than a consumer of what I offer—it’s an opportunity to walk together on the road to becoming the best versions of ourselves.
This blog series explores each of my philosophies (fitness, nutrition, and emotional/spiritual wellbeing) in depth. Last month, we started by talking about nutrition; this month we’re discussing all things fitness.
I believe in fitness as a lifestyle not a destination (and even training goals fit into this). It’s all about perspective - working out because we GET TO, not because we HAVE TO. A body that is able to move without restrictions and be made stronger is a gift, and it’s important to start from a mindset of gratitude. Anyone who has dealt with injury or health issues that have prevented them from the ability to exercise freely would give this an AMEN! While we all want to look a certain way and fitness is definitely a part of achieving that, more importantly it's also about feeling a certain way—having more energy, feeling comfortable in your own skin and confident about what your body is capable of, being fully mobile and able to do the things you want to do. That’s the ultimate goal!
What works for each person is a little different, and I derive great satisfaction in helping women put together a plan that works for them. Above all, I want fitness to be both enjoyed and functional. The best workout plan in the world on paper is meaningless if you’re miserable through every minute of. I love working with clients to find exercise they actually enjoy (circling back to that “get to” over “have to” mentality). Functional fitness simply means making workouts work for you—your schedule, your current fitness level, and your goals. Ultimately any fitness plan should be about increasing your quality of life, and I also believe it’s a great opportunity to simulteneously model and pass on healthy habits to our children by teaching them to celebrate what our bodies are capable of and how to care for them well.
We often focus on the physical benefits of regular exercise which are worth repeating:
Healthy weight maintenance
Decreased risk of disease (stroke, high blood pressure & cholesterol, type II diabetes, osteoporosis, arthritis & many types of cancer to name a few!)
Improved sleep, joint health, digestion & immune system functioning
Strong muscles, bones & balance
But I think the psychological benefits are just as important—regular exercise has been shown to help:
Increase energy (physical & mental)
Reduce stress, anxiety, and depression
Improve mood by releasing endorphins (your body’s feel-good chemicals)
Boost brain function - memory, focus & clarity of thought
Helping women find an exercise routine they can enjoy and make an integral part of their lives is always my goal. Need help getting started? Let’s chat!