Do you guys do this too? You're out to buy a gift for someone and you come home with that gift plus a couple things for you? Please tell me I'm not the only one. Or if you're making cookies and you ice one, eat one? We fall into that trap of "If it's good for you, it must be good for me, too!" from time to time.
So I have a proposal for you. What if you applied that mentality to working out. Seriously. Studies show that working out with a friend is a good idea. I know that doesn't sound real scientific, but truthfully, it's not a real tough concept to grasp. Right?
Think about it. You have a hair appointment tomorrow at 1:30. Your hairdresser is waiting for you. Do you bail? Not show up just because? Do you decide to bag it and figure you'll do it tomorrow? No. I think not. So there's accountability that comes from working out with a friend. You've made a date and you're not going to leave him or her standing there waiting, are you? Surely you were raised better than that!
And then there's the fun factor. Duh.
Laughing burns calories, too, ya know! How much fun is it to spur one another on? To challenge one another to do one more rep or improve your form or take the weights up a notch? Fun stuff. Friendly competition and instant recognition for how hard you're working are great benefits.
Working out with a friend also introduces you to new moves or programs. We're not all addicted to cardio and we're not all comfortable tossing iron around. When you workout with someone who follows a different program, you get a glimpse of something new and you may even (gasp!) try it. Not to mention the idea of doing partner exercises like crunches with a medicine ball pass. Can't really do those alone now can you?
How about the idea that you'll usually push yourself harder because someone else is there doing it with you. Safely and within proper limits, of course, but think about any group class you've ever taken. Are you that girl in the back, praying no one is watching you slink down to the floor in a neon-covered puddle of sweat? Even if you are, the very idea that you don't want anyone to see you do so is proof that we want to do our best to keep up.
And when you're done working out, chances are that pal isn't going to let you head straight for a burger. She's going to walk with you to a cute cafe where you'll order salads and talk about the goofballs at the gym. Right?
Don't get me started on the gym. I once was a regular. Every day after work, my hubby and I would meet at the gym and workout for about an hour (see, that accountability thing is for real). I never had a great system, instead I'd hop from open machine to open machine and kind of hodgepodge my way through a workout, ending with some cardio. It wasn't really efficient. I had a trainer for a while, but...cha-ching!
Once kiddos came on the scene, getting to the gym was more of a chore than anything, and I couldn't justify working all day then leaving my kids again so I could workout.
I tried various On Demand workouts on my TV. They didn't quite do it for me. Once again, I was far too random with them and I was getting lazy about doing them because I was on my own with it.
When I found Beachbody, I knew I was onto something that was going to (gasp!) work!! I had the best of all worlds; I had a trainer right there on the DVDs...I didn't have to leave my house...I had a routine/schedule to follow...I worked out with friends...talk about a winning formula.
So I'll go back to the premise of my proposal; let's "one for you, one for me" our way into the New Year with a plan and a pal. I've seen a ton of pictures lately of friends together for the holidays. And I've gotten cards with greetings like "Wishing you a happy, healthy holiday season." Let's embrace that.
Those friends in the picture? Invite them to come along. Who cares that you're only together, in person, once a year? Through the beautiful magic of Facebook, we can create a group and workout in there together. I love getting sweaty selfies of friends from Indiana, California, Florida and beyond.
Those people who sent the card with healthy wishes? Invite them as well. Bet no one is hoping they'll be heavier come December of 2016. Bet everyone would love to know they're doing an awesome thing for themselves (and their loved ones) by being in great shape.
Those people who'll be sitting beside you at dinners, brunches and parties? Invite them along, too. Inspire them with a healthy choice, a moderation-style selection at the buffet.
That
person who's super hard to buy for? Why not invest in their health
with a workout, Shakeology, Coaching support or all three? And it's not
sending a "Hey, Fatty. Get off your butt in the New Year!" note. It's
more of a "I want you to live your healthiest life, and I want to do
the same. Let's do that together." note. But I guess, be careful,
because that could be misunderstood as a proposal of a whole different
kind.
Bottom line...working out with a friend is better than going solo. And I have a pretty slick way to make it all happen. I'll be launching an online group on January 11. I'd love for you to be in it with me.
It's called "Getting Better Together" and that's exactly what its aim is. Please join us.
Warmest holiday wishes,
Amy
These are a few of my favorite things....
We all know the song...and I bet some of us are singing it right now. No? Okay, just me then. Whatever. Remember, this is a place where there's no judging.
Hearing that song several times lately with the holidays upon us made me think about tossing together my own list. Not that I have anything against "girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes" or "brown paper packages tied up with strings." Not at all.
This is hardly a complete list and thoroughly random (what did you expect?) but it made me happy to create it. I hope it makes you happy to read it. That would also make me happy. Now, the list (in no particular order, and the omission of something on this list does not, in any way, reflect my feelings on said omission--so we're clear!):
1. LaCroix water. Yeah, I know. That's a goofy one. But I do love the stuff. I get my water in, a nice little taste of flavor and no guilt. That's a win all the way around, don't you agree? I especially love when it's on sale. Helllllo, stockpile!
2. Great customer service. How can you not love great customer service? Especially lately when it seems to be in relatively short supply. I recently made a purchase (shopped small!) through a website and was blown away by how helpful, fun and courteous the gal was who helped me. She even tucked a personalized note into the package---that arrived before its intended due date. Man, that makes me happy!
3. Kind words. A compliment, sincere and unprompted, is one of the best gifts to receive---and to give, for that matter. It just plain feels good to hear someone say something kind about you or something you've done or made. But kind words don't have to be compliments. A simple "Bless you" when someone sneezes or a genuine, "I'm sorry" when you're wrong or someone has experienced some form of heartache or frustration. And let's not forget the 3 magic words..."Please" and "Thank you" that go miles. Miles I tell ya!
4. Sally Hansen InstaDri nail polish; I've written about this gem before, but it cannot be overstated. It's exactly what it says it is; instantly dry. And allows my hands to look instantly less beat up and more, well, polished.
5. Watching football (or any sport, really) with my husband. I love how he gets into the game, calls penalties before the refs and coaches from the couch. Doesn't hurt that I am not a total idiot when it comes to sports, so we can enjoy them intelligently together (if that makes sense), too.
6. A loud, full house. There is something about the sound of your favorite people filling your home with their voices, laughter and stories. It gets loud, hot, even crowded from time to time, but it's so worth it to have everyone together. I love having company, and I'm always sad when I close the front door behind the last of the guests as they leave.
7. Being a Beachbody Coach. It fulfills my desire to help others, follow fitness programs and live a healthy life while setting a great example for my family and friends. All of that AND I earn money each week as a reward for doing something I love. Being a Beachbody Coach is not a one size fits all kind of gig; some make it their full time job, others Coach in addition to other jobs and some are Coaches only to enjoy discounts on the amazing line of products and programs. What's fantastic is that all of those routes are totally okay. I'm so happy and thankful that I found this company and people a couple years ago; it's enriched my life far beyond any financial gain. I've got plans for 2016...and I'm pretty excited about them.
8. My girls when they're asleep. And no, this is not a "Mommy needs a break" moment. This is about the innocence and sweetness that is so consuming when they're sprawled out, safe, warm and secure. It's watching the features of their faces for as long as I want to because they're still. It's about whispering all the things I didn't get to say in the chaos and clutter of any given day, praying that they hear me, that the words sink into their heads and hearts. It's sneaking into Abby's bed (Alyssa's too when she's out of a crib) and snuggling her warm little body, feeling her heartbeat and thanking God that I get to be her Mama.
9. Music. Finding a new artist, really hearing the lyrics to a song I've heard a million times, dancing in the car, singing along---music makes me happy. Even sad songs make me happy because they usually bring on one of those ugly-yet-cathartic cries we all need from time to time. You know the ones. I love hearing a song that reminds me of a person, a place, an adventure. I love the flood of memories that comes from that, and I love how songs can communicate those memories and emotions so beautifully.
10. Making lists. Yup. I went there. The order, the structure and the organization a list brings... The satisfying sound of checking things off (and yes, I've added something I've already done just so I can cross it out!) and keeping myself on track. I have been known to write and rewrite a list when it gets too sloppy, too. Lists. Ohhh, how I love 'em.
Bet you know what's coming next. Share some of your favorite things with me. You know a lot about me, especially if you've read some of my other posts. So, let's hear it. What's your story? I'm all ears...
