Relationships are a big deal.

Written by stacey on January 29, 2012. Posted in Traverse City. 4 Comments

Relationships are important. With your kids. Friends. Coworkers. Loved ones. Family. Self. My relationship with others creates a self-perception (work with me on this one). People in my life view me a certain way–some see me as motivational. Some see me as positive. Others see me as random. Their perception of me is widely based on their exposure to me (facebook, real life, work, high school, etc.) and what I choose to allow them to see. So….they have a perception of me. I, in turn, have a perception of how I’m perceived. I try to see me the way you see me.

Left to my own devices, I’m pretty mean to myself. I’m very critical–always have been–and have spent the bulk of my life trying to make sure you like me. It was so important that you approved of me that I would

Don’t sacrifice what you want most for what you want at the moment

Written by stacey on January 25, 2012. Posted in Coaching, Fitness, Nutrition, Traverse City. 1 Comment

Getting healthy can be a challenge. I know, it sounds simple enough in concept, right? Eat less–exercise more. But the reasons WHY we eat are so HUGE. We tend to discount and dismiss them and, in my never to be humble opinion, that’s the worst thing we can do. It’s right up there with bringing a knife to a gun fight. A gallon of lighter fluid to a blazing inferno you’re trying to extinguish. A candle to a table at midnight when you’re trying to avoid moths. I think you’re getting my point…….

Getting your mind right will

Self-Loathing…Self-Loving

Written by stacey on November 15, 2011. Posted in Fitness, Relationships. 1 Comment

We can be (and often are) our own worst critic. We have a way of finding fault in places where fault really doesn’t need to be found–yet we seek it out anyway. I can be incredibly critical of myself–pick myself apart into tiny little inadequate pieces. I do it to myself in lots of ways and am working on fixing that part of me. Beachbody has done wonders for helping me through this.

Working out to programs like P90X, Turbo Fire, Insanity, and soon to be P90X2 help me realize what I’m capable of. What my potential is. That I can do more than I thought I could. Those programs help me keep my nutrition on track and give me great ideas of how to eat better–in turn helping me look and feel better. Shakeology has been a HUGE time saver for me and allows me to eat regularly and gives me confidence in knowing that at least SOMETHING that’s going in my body is going to be good for me today. It’s an easy way for me to fuel myself and also helps me make better food choices at meal times–keeping my waist line smaller.

Keeping my waistline smaller is important to me. It’s my nemesis. It’s where the critic throws a party and stomps all over my psyche–doing the most damage. I have been struggling with my self-image my entire life. I do not see me the way others do. Well, I am working on that and will say that again in past tense…I didn’t see myself the same way others saw me. I saw the layer of fat on my midsection every time I saw my stomach. This meant I had to look past the 4-pack (almost 6-pack) in my abs–but somehow I managed to overlook where I was successful and leap right to where I’m currently working.

It got to where I would be so mean to myself. I couldn’t put on a pair of pants, a shirt, a swim suit, without being harsh and critical. This did great damage to an already wounded spirit. I’m going to share a tip that worked for me in hopes it helps you. Here it is.

My exercise for you…find ONE thing you like about your body. ONE. Could be your eyes, your smile, your pinky toe…just one thing that you don’t criticize or find fault with.

Every time you look in a mirror or see yourself naked, think of your favorite attribute. Smile. Find peace and joy in that one part of your body you like.

As the critical voice creeps in and you start to pick apart your mid section, your thighs, your rear end…stop that voice and go back to the one thing you really like. Smile. Find peace.

When someone pays you a compliment, quiet that voice that instantly speaks of your least favorite part. Say thank you to the person that complimented you and think of the one attribute you enjoy. Smile. Find peace.

Repeat until it becomes more natural for you to smile when you think of yourself. Over time, gradually add a second, third, fourth, 100th, attribute.

Stop seeking a “perfect” body. Your view of perfect might be skewed and unattainable. Love your body where it is today and try to make it the healthiest body you can–but love it while you’re on your journey. What matters most is how you see yourself and that, my friend, is completely in your control. Own it.

Building Muscle to Burn Fat – “Bring it!” – P90X MC2 Upper Body X

Written by C2F on April 17, 2011. Posted in Traverse City. Leave a Comment

Hey it’s Stacey. I am gonna try to do, P90X MC2 Upper Body X.

It’s the One-on-One Workout and about an hour long. There are some props involved in this one. I do not know how successful I am going to be, but I want to give it my best. So we’ll see how it goes!

0:31 Start Workout P90X MC2 Upper Body X.
1:09 Monologue

I chose to lift weights today because I know I am losing muscle mass because all I have done is cardio for-ever. I needed to add my strength back into the workout. I typically wear a “body-bug” which is on my arm. You have seen it if you have watched my videos or you know me in life: