The Strength to Commit

(and the commitment to strength)

I always want to do. I’m always working on something. I have an innate drive to make things better whether that is a project in the house, in the yard, or some other passion I’ve undertaken. (This Substack publication, for instance.)

Whatever my new project is, you can be sure of one thing: I’m on fire about it and Brad is worried he’ll be sent to Home Depot. For example, a few weekends ago I decided over morning coffee that we should (and would) paint our living room and bedroom a pale blue-grey. That same weekend I started up this year’s veggie garden (yes, in the rain) and also decided that the next weekend I would take one of my kids backpacking for a night which had me strategizing and packing.

Do you know anyone who would enjoy the challenge of re-landscaping their whole big backyard without the assistance of a professional landscaper? Well, now you do! That’s what I was doing yesterday after we returned from backpacking; lifting heavy rocks and digging big holes.

Point I’m rolling towards: I could not undertake all that I do without training for it. Whether it’s backpacking or lifting heavy rocks in my backyard- strength training is what keeps me able. I train about 4 times a week. Even at the end of the day when all I can spare is 15 minutes, I show up. I also set out for some short runs here and there during the week. Just out my door and around the neighborhood for quick cardio. (Quick side note: I hate running a lot. And I notice many runners feel the same way. I am not a runner though, don’t ever get me confused with one. I don’t have an athletic run and I never will. But I don’t let that stop me from getting a little cardio!)

Look. I understand that out of all the inspirations in the world, workout inspiration can be hard to come by. But when studies are showing that strength training (especially for women) is literally a life-saver, then finding the time to do your workouts is well worth it! Knowing you have the physical strength to live your passions no matter your age is a great feeling that you will never regret focusing on.

What I find most amazing about strength-training is when it is practiced correctly, your body learns “right” posture. Your nerves begin to inform the muscles what to do and when. This reality sold me on becoming a trainer: we are not so much training muscles as we are training nerves. How cool is that? This is why a well-educated Personal Trainer is essential to learning how to train safely and with the most benefit. Without learning correct form, weight lifting can do more harm than good. Bad form under the weight of a dumbbell or barbell will only ensure that you herniate a disc or tear a rotator cuff muscle that much quicker! It doesn’t take long to learn proper form, but it can take a long time to recover from an injury. I am the queen of good form and my clients can tell you the same.

As you know, I’m a big proponent of having simple workout gear in your house. A few pieces of gear you can stash under the bed when not in use can lessen the amount of excuses to not workout. On that note, I’ve compiled a list of gear that I use in my own studio and also recommend to clients.

As a reminder, I offer online one-on-one sessions through Zoom for remote clients who seek private yoga or strength training sessions. For those who are seasoned in strength training and form and just need some inspiration or direction with their workouts, I offer individualized virtual programming where I send weekly workouts to an app on your phone. If you have questions or interest you can email me.

Lastly, thanks to all my new readers and listeners who have joined up the last few weeks! Don’t forget to check out my new podcast YogaFix.The first episode “Neck and Shoulder Melt” is waiting for you! I plan to share another episode next week so stay tuned!

XO

C