March… One of my favorite times of year here in Clarksville. Here are just a few of the many reasons why…

1) Weather.
You get a little bit of everything. Who doesn’t love sweater weather one day and tank top weather the next? I love a good mix-up! Really keeps me on my toes each morning. For example, we ended last month with a snow apocalypse where everything pretty much shut down for a week and then followed it up with the some of the most beautiful days of the year so far. Like I said, there is always a few 60 degree days mixed in that really allow me to use all of my closet within the same month. And let’s not forget about the threat of tornadoes!! There was a day during March where I picked up my second grader from school 3 hours early due to the risk of severe storms, but it wasn’t as bad as it sounds… Three more hours together we wouldn’t have had before – I can’t complain about quality time! 
I also don’t want to forget about all of the gorgeous plants that are starting to bloom! They make my eyes and nose feel some type of way no other month can. 

2) Spring Break 
The week is argueably one of the best times of the whole month, maybe even the whole year depending on who you ask. (ask Ryann!) My daughter will be out of school for Spring Break – for a whole WEEK! Do you remember how exciting Spring Break was when you were young?? The opportunity to do fun things with your family, the endless craft projects, and mostly the lack of school you are forced to attend. There is nothing like a jumbled schedule to keep us on our toes! Not to mention the people out of town who are posting beach pictures to show us what a great time they are having. My creative seven year old daughter will definitely find ways to add to the excitement of this month, though I am not sure even she can top it. (Only kidding.. Her creativty and imagination is something I envy!)  

3) The best part of the month?!
Daylight Savings. The time of year where we are expected to Spring Forward without thinking twice! (Did anyone actually change any clocks this time? Other than your microwave…) All while simultaneously losing an hour of sleep and having to pretend it didn’t matter on our ability to get things done or affect the schedules our body are used to following each day. But, who doesn’t love a little adversity?? Nothing we can’t handle! The fact that we have to power through the day on less sleep just makes me stronger, to put it simply. I had less time in the day to do things, therefore I had to work harder to accomplish tasks – and again, I am feeling stronger because of it. You read that right, stronger because of it. (say it in your best Britney Spears voice… STRONGER.) Definitely not feeling more tired or worn out or unmotivated, nope, not me. I love growing stronger and I love a good challenge – March fulfills both of those. Lucky me! ….and lucky YOU! Amirite? March is really all about good luck.  Anyone find one of those four leaf clovers this year?? 

Also… did y’all know this month has 31 whole days?? This month feels like a plank after a long day in the gym – never ending. 

Anyways…. March was hard. 

March can kick rocks. 

Everyone did great.  

Bring on April! 

I recently had a rare morning where I was at home and able to participate (yes, not coach – participate) in a 5AM Zoom Class with Amanda, just like the rest of you 🙂

Then my alarm went off…

My bed felt so comfortable, it was still dark outside, and of course I didn’t “have to workout”. But, I knew it would be the only real time I could workout throughout my day. The internal self-talk that went back and forth of staying in my warm bed or getting my lazy butt out of the bed continued for about 20 minutes before I finally threw my hands up in the air and said “Fine! I will workout!” and forced myself up out of bed and down stairs. 

And you know what? I had zero regrets of waking up early. It set the tone for the rest of my day.  It was hard, I second guessed it, but I did it and then spent the rest of my day better off because of it. 

A few years ago, I was very comfortable in my business. Running things out of my car, traveling from place to place training great people. All of a sudden an opportunity arose to build my own gym, a place for all my clients and boot camps to be held in one location. An opportunity that would potentially allow me to grow a small community all in one location, with no more working out of my car.   

I was scared. I was nervous. I second guessed it. Of course, I didn’t really need to do it…. but I jumped in knowing this could be something great.

Grit Fitness & Wellness has been more than great. We have 5 trainers, 13 classes, over a hundred members & clients. Even though I was scared, even though I was comfortable, even though I was successful in my current position – I am so thankful I took the jump and made the change. 

Sometimes things can be hard, or they can be scary, or they can seem unrealistic. 

This month, I want you to step outside your comfort zone in this gym. I am challenging you to make a change, to say yes to something scary. 

To lift a heavier weight.

To attend a different class time.

To work with a personal trainer.

To get out of your comfortable bed at a time you said you’d never do. 

And if you’re scared, do it anyways. Say yes to yourself! Afterall, I truly believe all great things start with being a little nervous. 

I always find it amusing towards the end of December, the commercials for Weight Watchers/Peloton/NutritSystem. It must be time for all those New Year Resolutions again after weeks of poor eating habits. 

As a trainer, any choice to workout more or eat better is my favorite choice. However, I have a hard time with fads or quick fixes. I want something I can carry with me the rest of the year.

Over 7 years ago, I read a book that changed the entire way I view food. Most of my healthy habits & beliefs to this day stem from “It Starts With Food”. 

As this program’s popularity grew, so do the opinions of:

It’s too hard. 

I cannot give up _____ [insert favorite food here]

It doesn’t work

Just 30 days can’t help me

And here I am embarking on my 7th Whole 30 just as excited about this one as the first one. Why? 

Here are my whys:

The choices I make.

Life is all about choices and one of my favorite quotes from this book…

“There is no food neutral; there is no food Switzerland – every single thing you put in your mouth is either making you more healthy or less healthy”

Think about it. EVERY.SINGLE.THING. you eat or drink is doing one of those 2 things… making you better or making you worse. 

The ability to say no. 

Most of the time I simply struggle with a reason to say no to the chips & salsa, the second glass of wine or the homemade cookies. 

During the month of January, I may reach for a mindless snack or drink, even though I may not really want or need it, and remind myself, oh wait, I’m trying to create better habits.

The community. 

The actual Whole 30 Community on their site is amazing! They respond quickly provide plenty of FAQs for those everyday questions, offer amazing recipes and let you know you are not alone. 

On a smaller, more personal scale, we have our GRIT Whole 30 Facebook Group. I actually look forward every January to interacting with these people as they share recipes and remind you that misery really does love company. 

The reset.

Gross. There is no other way to describe how I feel after the Holidays. 

I go in every November & December with the best intentions but temptation are EVERYWHERE along with the easy excuse of, “But, its the Holidays”.

Cookies, family dinners, champagne…the list goes on and on. 

My body begs for the Whole 30 every year around this time. 

The power I take back from food. 

Author, Darren Hardy calls it “Vice Control”. He wrote how every once in awhile, he would do vice control and give up those daily, don’t think I can live without items such a caffeine or wine. He didn’t like that this food or drink choice has so much power over him. 

My vice? Sugar.

If you ask anyone the worst part of Whole 30, its those first few days of sugar detox that are filled with a sluggish, slight headache feeling.  And every year it shocks me that eliminating sugar can have such adverse side effects.

The Accomplishment.

I mean can I get an “Amen” to the feeling you get in February after completing a challenging, yet rewarding 30 days of eating clean foods?! 

I always find it amusing towards the end of December, the commercials for Weight Watchers/Peloton/NutritSystem. It must be time for all those New Year Resolutions again after weeks of poor eating habits. 

As a trainer, any choice to workout more or eat better is my favorite choice. However, I have a hard time with fads or quick fixes. I want something I can carry with me the rest of the year.

Over 7 years ago, I read a book that changed the entire way I view food. Most of my healthy habits & beliefs to this day stem from “It Starts With Food”. 

As this program’s popularity grew, so do the opinions of:

It’s too hard. 

I cannot give up _____ [insert favorite food here]

It doesn’t work

Just 30 days can’t help me

And here I am embarking on my 7th Whole 30 just as excited about this one as the first one. Why? 

Here are my whys:

The choices I make.

Life is all about choices and one of my favorite quotes from this book…

“There is no food neutral; there is no food Switzerland – every single thing you put in your mouth is either making you more healthy or less healthy”

Think about it. EVERY.SINGLE.THING. you eat or drink is doing one of those 2 things… making you better or making you worse. 

The ability to say no. 

Most of the time I simply struggle with a reason to say no to the chips & salsa, the second glass of wine or the homemade cookies. 

During the month of January, I may reach for a mindless snack or drink, even though I may not really want or need it, and remind myself, oh wait, I’m trying to create better habits.

The community. 

The actual Whole 30 Community on their site is amazing! They respond quickly provide plenty of FAQs for those everyday questions, offer amazing recipes and let you know you are not alone. 

On a smaller, more personal scale, we have our GRIT Whole 30 Facebook Group. I actually look forward every January to interacting with these people as they share recipes and remind you that misery really does love company. 

The reset.

Gross. There is no other way to describe how I feel after the Holidays. 

I go in every November & December with the best intentions but temptation are EVERYWHERE along with the easy excuse of, “But, its the Holidays”.

Cookies, family dinners, champagne…the list goes on and on. 

My body begs for the Whole 30 every year around this time. 

The power I take back from food. 

Author, Darren Hardy calls it “Vice Control”. He wrote how every once in awhile, he would do vice control and give up those daily, don’t think I can live without items such a caffeine or wine. He didn’t like that this food or drink choice has so much power over him. 

My vice? Sugar.

If you ask anyone the worst part of Whole 30, its those first few days of sugar detox that are filled with a sluggish, slight headache feeling.  And every year it shocks me that eliminating sugar can have such adverse side effects.

The Accomplishment.

I mean can I get an “Amen” to the feeling you get in February after completing a challenging, yet rewarding 30 days of eating clean foods?! 

Play ball. 

Stretch it out.

Get your lift on. 

We’re so excited for these upcoming GRIT programs where our passionate trainers focus on their area of expertise. 
Cole has been working non-stop with baseball players aged 7-20 years old since he arrived at GRIT over 3 years ago. With college baseball experience, no one relates better to these athletes on the balance of strength, performance and mobility. 

I am extremely biased on this one, but I hired Amanda before my wedding to get in shape. Little did I know how stinking good she was with her clients recovery after their workout. I looked forward to our stretching sessions almost as much as the workouts. I can go on and on about her passion for this area of fitness. 

And last, but certainly not least, Tammy Hall. I find myself staring at her clients in awe of their strength progress. I swear you can always find her clients by their toned arms & legs. If you’re looking for a personal trainer to add strength, she is definitely your girl.

If you made me pick my favorite monthly challenge, without a doubt, it would be our November Trainer Challenge. 

Why?

1) Habits.

Start on them now! The habits we fall into these next few weeks will be instrumental in how we handle the holiday seasons of Thanksgiving + Christmas. Most of us fall into that Halloween trap and don’t recover until after New Years. 

2) Accountability. 
The number one reason we hire trainers? To hold us accountable. To make us show up when we don’t really want to workout. To check in on us. This challenge will assign you a trainer who will be watching you 😉

3) The best.

Without any doubt, our gym houses some of the best trainers in the area. Their knowledge and passion for training cannot be beat. 

4) Competition. 

Most of us seem to thrive with a little friendly competition. Over the years, these trainer teams work together to achieve big goals with their fitness & wellness. 

There is still time to sign up 🙂 

Register for our monthly challenge here
[Open to non-members] 

The Rules:

15 Grit Memers Per Trainer

5 Non-Members Per Trainer 

Assessment Week 10/30-11/6. 

Assessments include- 

Body Fat

Inches

Weight 

Total Average Number Wins! 

No matter how hard I try in the next 30 days. I will probably drop the ball on something.

I will miss a workout. I will eat cheese dip & tortilla chips more times than I should. I will forget to bring a toy for my daughter’s “Show & Share”. And then I will beat myself up over and over again until I become numb and just say, “I suck”.

Sometimes I, and maybe you too, need a friendly reminder of grit. That it’s not about these day to day obstacles, its about my perseverance towards my long term goals of a happy, healthy life.

When I am lost, here is how I, personally, find my grit again.

1) My morning routine.

As soon as I get “that I am a failure” mumbo jumbo in my head, I realize my morning & nightly routine slacked at some point.

Every Morning I..

– Listen to a motivating podcast on my way to work
– Write 7 things I am most grateful for in my journal before I open any email
– Determine the burning issues for the day and schedule time in my calendar

2) Back to Healthy Eating 101

I add:
– 120oz of water [50oz before my first cup of coffee]
– Healthy breakfast of eggs with spinach, berries, and sweet potato
– My go to healthy dinner of tilapia, asparagus and potatoes

I eliminate:
-Just one bad thing for the week, usually sweets or alcohol

3) Move

There’s this myth I use to believe that every workout must be at least 45 minutes and I must sweat for all of it. Some days I’m lucky if I get 10 minutes, but I now know the importance of just moving.

-Rowing 2,000M

-Jump Rope 4 sets of 250 with a sprint between each set

-Mini Band Workout
20 Pop Squats
20 Bridge w/ Hip Opener
20 Fire Hydrant [each leg]
20 Plank Jacks
Repeat 2-3x

4) Intentional Schedule

I get out my calendar and write even the smallest things in 20-50 minute blocks.

When I do all of the above, I find myself taking control of those things I can control and slowly start to feel like my kick ass self again. Here’s to taking control and finding your grit again.

I may have fallen off the wagon. Actually its more like the wagon is speeding around a sharp curve at 85mph and I fall flat onto my face.

This entire year I had a “game plan” for my workouts & nutrition. I planned on preparing for a fitness competition August-October. What happened? As you know, plans change. The prep has been postponed and my eating habits and exercise routine could be described as less than desirable (understatement).

It is now time for me to get it back! How? Where do I start?

And here is the problem; I want to immediately move mountains after losing my momentum these past few weeks. I remember at one point I told myself…”I am going to run 3 miles tomorrow to burn this off”.

I could barely read to my daughter without getting out of breath last week.

What is my plan?

 

1)   Start small

 

I have said it before and will say it over and over again, change occurs in your daily habits. Pick 1 thing to get better at this week. Perfect that 1 thing then add another.

 

Every single morning I will eat a healthy breakfast full of greens, protein, fiber & healthy fats and listen to at least 10 minutes of a podcast.

 

My favorite podcast: https://lewishowes.com/

 

My favorite smoothie: http://bewellbykelly.com/bewellsmoothie/

 

2)   Plan it out

 

After 1 full day of feeling sorry for myself, I took out my calendar and grocery list and planned my workouts & meals.

 

Its simple, but my food choices & workouts are always better by writing it down.

 

3)   Get a good sweat with a workout buddy

 

Sure, I don’t mind working out alone, but nothing, I mean nothing compares to sweating alongside your workout buddy.

 

Do it now. Schedule a workout with a friend our group.

 

4)   Embrace the suck

 

Yeah, I am not going to lie. This will suck at first.

 

It gets better, it always does.