Laughter is the best medicine

After all it's not all about exercise!

This weekend I have made time in my schedule for me and am thoroughly looking forward to it. This is something I used to be really rubbish at but I have been there, done that with the stress that starts to impinge on your physical wellbeing as well as the emotional stuff and my 2012 New year's Resolution was to make more time for having fun.

How glad am I? I have done pretty well. caught up with lots of family and friends, Braved up to the asking people out (not necessarily with any success, but  c'est la vie!), been to concerts, travelled and I could go on.

The thing is Fun is important in our well being. Laughter indeed may be the best medicine. Just listen to this:

The benefits of laughter:

• strengthens your immune system
• boosts energy
• diminishes pain
• protects from stress
• releases endorphins
• protects the heart ( by improving function of blood vessels and increasing blood flow)
• optimistic people live an everage of 7.5years longer than pessimists.

So surround yourself with positive people. Try something new and adventurous. Broaden your horizons and perspective. You might just find a part of yourself you lost or a perhaps a hobby or friend you never knew existed. Have a great weekend folks x

Accountability

It's working already!! Thanks to this blog, I dragged my sorry behind out of bed this morning and down to Crossfit Derry. Of course I was thrilled I went once I actually got there. But I had two very strong reasons running through my head when I was hugging the pillow trying to drown the sound of my alarm:

1. I prebooked my place for this morning, therefore the instructor would be expecting me
2. I knew I would blog at some point today about my daily exercise (or lack thereof!)

Both reasons combine into one very sound reason....ACCOUNTABILITY!!

It is one thing to pay a membership fee for a gym and easy to procrastinate instead of getting there. Even when we do get there sometimes we do not push ourselves to really progress and develop.
However, making yourself accountable, whether to a personal trainer, a group, a friend (or blog followers) is really quite the incentive.

So if you find working out is something you want but at the same time avoid try to make yourself accountable to someone. Here's a few suggestions:

1. Pre book workout sessions - this is something I had for some of my classes I taught. I've got to admit, they were my busiest sessions. Something I'll definitely be looking to bring back!! As for those attending, they will, more often than not, realise that they are expected then to attend and it might just be the wee kick needed.
2. Train with a personal trainer - I used to employ a personal trainer once a year. I do recommend it for motivation and a kick start but be warned they should not become an exercise  crutch that you can't manage without.
3. Find a workout buddy - someone who has similar interests/goals ( I have different workout buddies for different elements of training)
4. Form a group of your own - Even a walking group to just get started. Let different members take responsibility for various logistics e.g route planning, event planning, scheduling, socials!!! and in forming your group look at what is realistic for you.  People tell me they can't train because they have no one to watch the baby. Hello prams and strollers!!! And what an example you'll be setting for your kids in the process!! Should definitely be more stroller groups hitting the pavements!!
5. Let me help!! - still having problems picking or doing any of the above?? Why not make yourself accountable to me?? Why not I'm doing it for you lot! lol :) I would love to hear how you are getting on and about those up and downs we all experience, and like minded people can give suggestions, comments and advice!!

If you have any other ways to make yourself accountable, please share!! Remember, think outside the box people!! And have a great Friday!! I'm off for a manicure.....I've worked for it :)

A Good night's sleep

Have had people ask me in the past for tips on getting a good night's sleep or getting off to sleep. Found this article which covers lots of small easy things we can do to improve our health. Page three covers getting a good night's rest if that's what you're after. I must remember to do my resting heart rate!

Galaxy Health and Fitness

Well I can hardly promote crossfit alone and not the wonderful range of classes offered at Galaxy GTC, Springtown Derry. I started teaching fitness classes there under a year ago, three early morning sessions a week. Initially it was all high intensity circuit training. At the beginning of this year, we had new instructors join our team, and our program expanded. We now offer a wide range of fitness classes from high intenisty aerobics to kickboxercise, kettlebells to equilibrium. There is something for everyone. The atmosphere at Galaxy is friendly and relaxed but we train hard :) I thorougly enjoy both taking classes and participating in them. I enjoy the familiarity of it and we have such a great group of clients, I feel like my circle of friends has just expanded this year! Our staff take time to chat with clients and we are keen to help people with any specific goals they may have. We do all the good that we can for all of our members :)

Crossfit

I first heard about crossfit when I was chatting with some Americans on a cruise a few years ago. They raved about it and have recently reminded me that I called it 'gimmicky' at the time lol :) A crossfit gym opened in my hometown recently and a few of my friends and family had been going and raving about it on facebook. i checked out some footage online and thought it looked interesting. Just back from holidays at the beginning of August I went along to give it a go. LOVED IT!! I went initially for unlimited membership but quickly realised that with my hectic schedule at present I realistically was only going to get twice a week so i ammended my membership accordingly. I feel stronger already only 3 weeks in. Not sure if I've lost any weight or anything like that just yet, but more concerned with getting healthy and lean rather than looking at scales for proof of success. I think to really gain properly from it though I do need to step it up a gear. Might try the unlimited option in September and see how it pans out. And of course there's the diet to address..... :s

All the good I can

To this I owe my blog name :)