By: Alesa Arnett, NCSF-PT, GGS-1
Your Fit and Kindred Sister
Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit
Hello, beauties…Nice to ‘meet’ you! Looking ahead to 2023, the focus on repeated themes in my realm will include weight loss or diet – even appearance. If you promised yourself a change in any of these areas last year, did you accomplish your goals? Whether losing weight, eating better, or changing your style, do you FEEL better about yourself? Frequently, our focus is on if others will see our changes. Our new and exciting goals tend to give way to our pre-quest habits. I am here to say – YOU’RE BEAUTIFUL ALREADY! BUT, while here on this planet, you owe yourself consistent care and improvement. This requires looking back and choosing better goals moving forward to create longer lasting change, focused on YOU – by doing what is healthiest for your mind and body.
After a 2022 hysterectomy, I looked back…I had already shifted to low-impact fitness, but realized I needed to change my diet. I transitioned to a more whole foods, plant-based diet. I treat my body and mind to strength training and cardio exercise 3 -4 days weekly. I’ve lost 20 pounds. Though I learned to love my 58 y/o self, I now feel much more peaceful, energetic, and resilient.
I revisit four areas; self-conversation starters to stay on track to a longer, healthier life. As you ‘Look Back,’ use this intuitive method to brainstorm an honest evaluation of your selfcare in 2022. Just two simple questions: How did you do last year? What can you do better in 2023?
1) FOCUS – Develop a positive MINDSET; it drives positive change. DID you live primarily with a positive MINDSET? If not, what got in the way? How can you increase your optimism?
2) FUEL – Feed your beautiful body and mind with healthier ingredients. Did you feed your body nutritious foods? If not, do you even want to? If so, how will you?
3) PELVIC FLOOR HEALTH and Menopause – GET EDUCATED**. Learn how exercise and movement affect both. MANY females suffer, live with and/or repair these conditions. Did you move with attentive focus while protecting your pelvic floor? Did you know that not moving attentively may and often does contribute to discomfort, decreased activity, and mobility issues?
4) PROPER FORM – Learn to exercise safely, at an appropriate intensity. Did you focus on what your movements look or feel like? Did you ‘checked’ yourself in a mirror lately? As you age, exercise the right way to make yourself stronger so you can enjoy a longer, healthier, quality of life.
Most women KNOW what they ‘should’ do to become healthier. Others just need help learning how to get there. I’ll delve deeper into each area in future issues. No matter where YOU are, dedicate time to become a better you; for yourself and for those you love.
Send your questions to myperkfitness@gmail.com, I am here to help.
Peacefully,
Alesa
** As a board member for the Association for Pelvic Organ Prolapse Support (APOPS), gain valuable knowledge at www.apops.org; it might blow your mind.
Alesa is a proud retired Air Force Medic. She has been married to her best friend for 30 years, enjoys her three beautiful kids, and two grandsons, and visits with her Mom. She is now a very part-time Women’s Coaching Specialist, finally claiming to be ‘retired’, and living life peacefully. Email: myperkfitness@gmail.com