Tuesday, September 27, 2011
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Follow me on Twitter @OptimomSam. My objective is to share the daily life of an Optimom, while sharing tips, strategies, and hopefully a few laughs.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Summer status check
Ok, we've just passed the July 4 holiday, time to check status on your summer fitness routine. So did the first month of summer knock you off your feet? If so, you're in good company! :) I've spoken with many moms that are struggling to find time to exercise in the midst of summer camps, vacation bible school, swim lessons, babysitters...and let's not forget stubborn kids that just are not cooperating with your pleas for exercise!
If you've discovered that your school year routine just isn't working, it's time to make adjustments, before your results start to suffer. For example, some of my favorite classes at the gym are at 8:15 in the morning. Well that's perfect to head straight to the gym after dropping the kids off at school, but it's a whole other thing to wake up the kids and drag them to the gym on a summer morning. So here we go with that great early bird philosophy! I teach spin class at 5:30 in the morning, and I've started to notice more and more moms trickling in as they have thrown in the towel of negotiating workout time with the kids. They're knocking it out early, and then enjoying the summer day. Of course, getting up early is just one solution (albeit a good one). Can you exercise in the evenings? Swap babysitting with a friend? Squeeze in a quick walk or run next time your kids are at a sports practice? You get the picture. Let's just be sure that we're being persistent, consistent and creative when it comes to rocking those summer workouts.
If you've discovered that your school year routine just isn't working, it's time to make adjustments, before your results start to suffer. For example, some of my favorite classes at the gym are at 8:15 in the morning. Well that's perfect to head straight to the gym after dropping the kids off at school, but it's a whole other thing to wake up the kids and drag them to the gym on a summer morning. So here we go with that great early bird philosophy! I teach spin class at 5:30 in the morning, and I've started to notice more and more moms trickling in as they have thrown in the towel of negotiating workout time with the kids. They're knocking it out early, and then enjoying the summer day. Of course, getting up early is just one solution (albeit a good one). Can you exercise in the evenings? Swap babysitting with a friend? Squeeze in a quick walk or run next time your kids are at a sports practice? You get the picture. Let's just be sure that we're being persistent, consistent and creative when it comes to rocking those summer workouts.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Revisit your Youth
I haven't picked up a tennis racket in almost 20 years. Why? Growing up in Minnesota, I played tennis all the time. During those long winter months, my friends and I would hang out at the indoor racquet clubs and then in summer we'd play in leagues. Hey I was no Serena Williams, but I could hold my own. Went to college, got busy with life, and no more tennis.
I've been going to a fitness club for six years that has a tennis center, but I had never stepped foot on the courts...until recently. It actually took a few conversations from one of those high school friends that is currently playing in a ladies league. Wait a second? Why don't I play tennis anymore?
As you know, I'm huge on cross training - adding new activities to the mix that make your body adapt and challenge in new ways. So I signed myself up for a series of beginner lessons to see if there was a spark. I LOVED it! In recent months, I've gotten hooked, and naturally had to get myself some cute tennis outfits. C'mon you can't play proper tennis without the right ensemble. Next fall, I'll be playing in a league. Here's the best part, not only is this awesome exercise, I have met a whole new group of awesome ladies.
Tennis is just one example. I've know several gals that played soccer back in the day, and are now playing in an indoor ladies league. There are adult leagues for all kinds of sports, even if you're a beginner just looking to exercise and have some fun. So if you want to add some energy and diversity to your fitness routine, take a look at the recreational programs in your area. Exercise is all about having fun!
I've been going to a fitness club for six years that has a tennis center, but I had never stepped foot on the courts...until recently. It actually took a few conversations from one of those high school friends that is currently playing in a ladies league. Wait a second? Why don't I play tennis anymore?
As you know, I'm huge on cross training - adding new activities to the mix that make your body adapt and challenge in new ways. So I signed myself up for a series of beginner lessons to see if there was a spark. I LOVED it! In recent months, I've gotten hooked, and naturally had to get myself some cute tennis outfits. C'mon you can't play proper tennis without the right ensemble. Next fall, I'll be playing in a league. Here's the best part, not only is this awesome exercise, I have met a whole new group of awesome ladies.
Tennis is just one example. I've know several gals that played soccer back in the day, and are now playing in an indoor ladies league. There are adult leagues for all kinds of sports, even if you're a beginner just looking to exercise and have some fun. So if you want to add some energy and diversity to your fitness routine, take a look at the recreational programs in your area. Exercise is all about having fun!
Monday, August 25, 2008
I'm doing the Back-to-School happy dance!
Well, we are far from having our morning routine down to an exact science, but just dropped the girls off for the first day of school. We had the standard new outfits, new lunchboxes, and photos on the front step. It’s a day for new beginnings, new habits and new opportunities.
This fresh start isn’t just for the kiddos. Forget about the four seasons, there really are two seasons of motherhood – summer and back-to-school. The back-to-school season is an outstanding opportunities to refocus your wellness objectives. This week, when you’ve got plenty of quiet moments, think about your current wellness state. Where are you at? Has the summer season gotten you way off track? What are your wellness goals for the fall? How can you raise your personal best? I know you’ve probably got a back log of household projects and errands. My house is just a wreck. Hey, the kids are gone, and while we need to smartly manage the day to maximize our time before pick up, there is ample opportunity to carve out a “wellness block” out of each day. What can you capture and maximize the value from this time each day? This is a wonderful time to join a fitness class, go power-walking with a neighborhood buddy, or dust off that home gym equipment and get after it. Today is a great day for planning and dreaming. How can you use this back-to-school year to redefine your personal best?
Wait, what’s that sound, only the hum of the washing machine. Ahhh the peace and quiet! Until 3:00 at least :)
This fresh start isn’t just for the kiddos. Forget about the four seasons, there really are two seasons of motherhood – summer and back-to-school. The back-to-school season is an outstanding opportunities to refocus your wellness objectives. This week, when you’ve got plenty of quiet moments, think about your current wellness state. Where are you at? Has the summer season gotten you way off track? What are your wellness goals for the fall? How can you raise your personal best? I know you’ve probably got a back log of household projects and errands. My house is just a wreck. Hey, the kids are gone, and while we need to smartly manage the day to maximize our time before pick up, there is ample opportunity to carve out a “wellness block” out of each day. What can you capture and maximize the value from this time each day? This is a wonderful time to join a fitness class, go power-walking with a neighborhood buddy, or dust off that home gym equipment and get after it. Today is a great day for planning and dreaming. How can you use this back-to-school year to redefine your personal best?
Wait, what’s that sound, only the hum of the washing machine. Ahhh the peace and quiet! Until 3:00 at least :)
Friday, August 22, 2008
Timberman Rocks!
Just got back from participating in the Timberman 70.3 (Half-Ironman) – How Awesome! Located in Gilford, New Hampshire, the Timberman is ranked one of the best triathlon experiences in the world. This was actually my first trip ever to the northeast, and it was gorgeous. What the small towns of New Hampshire lacked in fine dining and accommodations, they more than compensated in incredible trees, rolling hills and clear, blue lakes. But let’s just say a Dallas girl is not quite accustomed to a two mile long hill climb! I’m now jealous of the super cool running and biking options enjoyed by all you Optimoms who live in New Hampshire, Vermont and the like.
I made the trip with my posse of triathlon friends. I love to treat myself to one long weekend a year to travel to a new race. It’s an outstanding way to motivate myself during training and explore the U.S. (and beyond!). Undoubtedly the destination race is always my favorite event of the year because of that outstanding combo of friends, sport and adventure.
Let me just confirm that we are “recreational” triathletes only. When it comes to the half-Ironman distance, my primary goal is to finish to the best of my ability. I approach every race as a great accomplishment, life experience, and opportunity to redefine my personal best.
I made the trip with my posse of triathlon friends. I love to treat myself to one long weekend a year to travel to a new race. It’s an outstanding way to motivate myself during training and explore the U.S. (and beyond!). Undoubtedly the destination race is always my favorite event of the year because of that outstanding combo of friends, sport and adventure.
Let me just confirm that we are “recreational” triathletes only. When it comes to the half-Ironman distance, my primary goal is to finish to the best of my ability. I approach every race as a great accomplishment, life experience, and opportunity to redefine my personal best.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Holy Cauliflower!
Bottom line – I love lots of veggies, but I’ve always hated cauliflower. I’ll routinely pick it out of stir fries or omit it from recipes. Went out to for a nice dinner recently, and there it was on the menu – cauliflower mash. Now I have heard on many occasions that this tastes just like mashed potatoes. Given my dislike for cauliflower, I figured that I was the ultimate judge of this twist on the calories dense, high carb, white mash potato.
Oh my goodness! I was delicious! It was served as the bed to a lovely almond-crusted trout. It was true – cauliflower can masquerade as mashed potatoes! So here was the next test – preparing this at home. Went the Internet and found a wide range of recipes. Everything from a South Beach version that was super clean (and a little blah, even by my clean eating standards) to a restaurant version from Ruby Tuesday that included heavy cream – seriously, why bother with the cauliflower.
I settled on a recipe from Food Network. You’ll find the link below. I thought it was a happy medium. It included parmesan cheese and garlic for flavor. OK, that’s pretty harmless. So off I went to prepare Sunday dinner – salmon, green beans, cauliflower mash, and some fresh bread. And yes, we were even all going to sit around the table to eat it together.
Holy Cauliflower – it was awesome! This is my new favorite food, and the thing new recipe that all my mom clients have to hear about. A few tips from the recipe. I omitted the butter from the top when serving – duh? I didn’t have any chives around, so that’s optional. If you have one, a food processor is excellent for preparation. After all my enthusiasm, last week one of my moms made this for her family that includes 2 boys ages 9 and 7. Half way through the meal, she was getting feedback that the meal was great. Now, she had failed to mention the mashed potato swap. After a few more questions, her husband finally inquired if she had put something in the mashed potatoes. So great!
http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,,FOOD_9936_26612,00.html
Oh my goodness! I was delicious! It was served as the bed to a lovely almond-crusted trout. It was true – cauliflower can masquerade as mashed potatoes! So here was the next test – preparing this at home. Went the Internet and found a wide range of recipes. Everything from a South Beach version that was super clean (and a little blah, even by my clean eating standards) to a restaurant version from Ruby Tuesday that included heavy cream – seriously, why bother with the cauliflower.
I settled on a recipe from Food Network. You’ll find the link below. I thought it was a happy medium. It included parmesan cheese and garlic for flavor. OK, that’s pretty harmless. So off I went to prepare Sunday dinner – salmon, green beans, cauliflower mash, and some fresh bread. And yes, we were even all going to sit around the table to eat it together.
Holy Cauliflower – it was awesome! This is my new favorite food, and the thing new recipe that all my mom clients have to hear about. A few tips from the recipe. I omitted the butter from the top when serving – duh? I didn’t have any chives around, so that’s optional. If you have one, a food processor is excellent for preparation. After all my enthusiasm, last week one of my moms made this for her family that includes 2 boys ages 9 and 7. Half way through the meal, she was getting feedback that the meal was great. Now, she had failed to mention the mashed potato swap. After a few more questions, her husband finally inquired if she had put something in the mashed potatoes. So great!
http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,,FOOD_9936_26612,00.html
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Go Moms Go
The neighborhood moms did it! On Saturday they competed in the first sprint triathlon. The best part - not only did all of them successfully complete the race - but they had fun! Bonus - on one of the moms really rocked it and placed third in her age bracket. The moms made it a family affair. Dads and kids came out to cheer them on. Then later that day, after some showers and much deserved rest, the families got together for a backyard bbq.
Fitness, families, fun, camaderie among moms. Just doesn't get any better than that! The emails are already flying about their next race or challenge. There are so many fantastic events from triathlons to a wide range of cycling and running events. When you are training for an event, especially in the company of friends, you almost forget about all the great exercise and fitness strides you are making. Being physically fit doesn't mean you need to be a slave to the gym. Find opportunities like this to make fitness an event shared among friends.
Fitness, families, fun, camaderie among moms. Just doesn't get any better than that! The emails are already flying about their next race or challenge. There are so many fantastic events from triathlons to a wide range of cycling and running events. When you are training for an event, especially in the company of friends, you almost forget about all the great exercise and fitness strides you are making. Being physically fit doesn't mean you need to be a slave to the gym. Find opportunities like this to make fitness an event shared among friends.
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