I ended my 2017 pretty eventful. I have never been an athlete until recently, so I never injured myself until the middle of December. I want to say that I was doing some really cool lift or crazy feat of strength, but nope, not me I was warming up took a small hop and tore my ATF Ligament in my ankle. Oh OUCH, right?
It initially sounded worse than it felt but four weeks into recovery and yep, that bad boy hurts. I have never been seriously injured, and I have also never been active every day, so both have had their mental ups and downs. Reflecting can be nice because you can have a new appreciation for events, things and moments.
Putting and end to doubt
2017 was the best year that I have had in a long time and truly was for so long the year has ended, and I wished I would have done more, tried things, experienced more and limit myself less.
Last year, I ran the Tough Mudder, and I went to the race alone. Yep, I had intended to go with a team, but the only person that I kind of knew on the team couldn’t go last minute, and that left me all by myself. I wasn’t going to go for that very reason. I actually cried a little on how pathetic it was that I had no one to do the race with, but I still drove out there all alone.
By Godcidence I quickly was on a team of misfits. We all had been left to go the race alone. Somehow, some way and stumbled upon each other and did the run as a team; we called ourselves “Team-No Team.” I haven’t spoken to any of those people since that day, but they were part of a pivotal moment in my fitness journey.They helped me change my mindset.
That Mud Run was my beginning goal realized. When I had set out on this fitness journey, it was after I had run the Rugged Maniac at 205 lbs. 5ft 3 inches tall. I vowed to myself to run the race again in better shape, and I set out on that mission. Then the day of the race came, and I did it alone. It was the most empowering moment because I realized that I could do anything that I set my mind to there is nothing limiting but myself. That day awakened a women who now see’s mountains as potential to be conquered.
Stop Limiting My Options
I couldn’t have found the Gixo app at a better time. So, I am starting the year off with one foot, can’t train like I used to, can’t train others and I need a little motivation. One day in a bit of pity party I decided to download the Gixo app and give it a try. Sometimes you just need someone to tell you what to do. I tried the Total Core class because I figured I didn’t really have to modify the instructors will for me (even better) and fell in love.
It’s just what I need right now while I am home and can’t get to a gym. I can pick a class schedule, join others so I won’t feel so alone and real-time see and talk to the group instructor who was able to modify the moves for me. They also made a note so now when I pop into other classes they already have some modifications for me. It was the motivation I needed to get back to a new routine and new workout program until my ankle heals from home.
My injury is the “mountain” that I am beginning my year with and while everyone rushed to the gym January 1st, and I have to watch from the sidelines, and it stinks! But by Godcidence I was asked to participate in the Fit Approach, and Gixo App Campaign which I am absolutely in love with and I started a little early because I need to tell myself these things. I needed to remind myself that the limits that I have set are only in my head, that we can do anything that we give our heart and desire to and something that I always know to be true is that I am the daughter of a limitless King.
I am so excited to be joining forces with Sweat Pink and Gixo App to try new workouts.I am looking forward to sharing with women and remind them that we are limitless. We can do it alone, do it scared, follow our dreams, be all the things if that is what we choose to do. What we cannot do; is put the limit on our potential.
Would you join us in spreading a message of positivity, inspiration and motivation and share what or who makes you limitless this month? You can use hashtags: #IAmLimitless
But I am curious to know; How are you going to live Limitless this year and will you join us in spreading the message of our untapped ability to be limitless?
This post was written in partnership with Gixo Fit and Fit Approach “I am Limitless” Campaign. Although, I am being compensated my thoughts and opinions are my own check out my full disclosure policy
Sitting back scrolling through pictures of another exciting, re-energizing blog fest! Now I am about to spill as much as I can remember so this is a grab something to grab your LaCroix 😉 and read about my experience at IdeaWorld Convention. Now, everything I mention in this post has been sponsored, but this is entirely my perspective and opinion.
This year was an entirely different experience than last year! First of all, I am not a new blogger wide eyed and bushy tailed. When I left blog fest last year the information and knowledge that I learned and applied allowed me some fantastic opportunities with my blog. It also allowed me to connect and collaborate with some great companies and gave me a better idea of the world of fitness blogging. When I came this year I came prepared to soak it all in, continue to make connections and meet some new friends in the blogger world. I wasn’t as apprehensive to say Hi to someone new and ask them their story, and I was pleasantly surprised by the amazing and inspiring women that showed up a blog fest this year.
Strong By Zumba Certified
Before I even began BlogFest, I attended the Strong by Zumba Certification at which I am now a Strong By Zumba certified instructor, Woot woot! The certification was kind of challenging last 9 hours with a 1-hour lunch break and about 6-7 hours of exercise and education on the program. It was a sweaty fun day, and now I can teach others this new dynamic workout. I am going to share why you should be trying Strong by Zumba in your town, but I am thrilled to be able to be an instructor in the South Jersey Area. It was so cool being instructed by the best and one that personally stood out for me which was Ms. Jeanette Jenkins! She has been teaching “in Lycra” for 27 years and gave us so many tips and tricks! AND she is a woman of open faith, YES!! Kelley Buzzard is a BEAST, and she kicked our butts all day long with Abraham Martinez taking it to the POWER level all day long. The three of them left us spent but psyched which says something for their enthusiasm for STRONG by Zumba!
35 Year Celebration
Blogfest is a recent extension of the 35-year celebration of the Idea World Fitness Convention where fitness professionals from all over the world gather to learn and network with each other. The place is electric, and the passion is fervent at Idea World, but the camaraderie of thousands of strangers all to help improve people’s health and fitness is contagious. It was just what I needed to continue to ignite my passion for helping people through fitness.
Sweating Pink
Blogfest is coordinated by a group of women from Fit Approach who’s hard work and dedication has in the past two years created an amazing experience for bloggers. Blogfest is educational workshops and opportunities for fitness bloggers to hone their skill and get up and personal with some leading companies in the fitness and food industry. This year’s line up was power packed with inspiration and leaders in the fitness industry.
Carleeh M from Healthy Socialite a fellow Sweat Pink Ambassador blogger organized a walk/run before the day of events. She had me at the walk because I only run if I have to but I prefer a good stroll. I also wanted to catch up and meet other bloggers, so my roomies Aida from Girlfriends with Goals and Shenie from Sheylu Fitness joined the walk around Vegas. Every year I come to blog fest other bloggers that not only inspire and influence lots of women but inspire and motivate me too. It was nice to be in such great company of fun ladies willing to venture out into the hood of Vegas, haha (but really it’s pretty ghetto in some spots). We did find some picture perfect moments along the way, and in true blogger, the style had lots of selfie moments. We also recruited some of the Casino staff to practice his photog skills. After the warm up both socially and physically we made it just in time to begin.
Lets’ Eat
The best way to put a group of bloggers in a good mood is through food (at least that reign true for me) Siggi’s® and California Almonds® provided not only tasty snacks but also gave us recipes to make ourselves. You haven’t had an almond until you have had a California Almond they really are delicious. I personally am nuts about nuts and can take it overboard and learned of the perfect portion. Which is 1-2-3 or 1 ounce equals 23 almonds basically, telling me to stop De at 23 too much of a good thing is never good and that mainly runs true with nuts?
As we happily snacked (anytime I eat I am happily doing it) and we got to learn from some of the best in the industry. ‘A great blogger Katy Widrick gives us some applicable tip on how to make our old content new again. So, get ready for some refresh in the future. It was great to get some tips that you could easily apply. Then we got an opportunity to hear from our sponsors Great Lakes Gelatin which are a long standing gelatin company in the industry. I already knew of the benefit of Collagen and consumed Collagen daily but was great to know of the quality that Great Lakes puts into their products and another option for my supplement needs.
Then we got to hear some knowledge bombs from Lindsay Valdez anyone who works virtually knows the importance of SEO yet might not necessarily know how to optimize it! Well, you should have been at blog fest because Lindsay did an excellent job of breaking it down and making it simple. With the 5 Most Important SEO elements on a blog post. I have personally did webinars and self-studies and the value that her presentation gave far exceeded my hours self-study lots of great information.
Opening Ceremonies
My favorite part of Idea World Convention is the Opening Ceremonies and Keynote presentation. This is when you get to gather in a room of the best in the industry, and we get to celebrate the achievements of those who have been serving people through fitness. Women like Jessica Matthews who won the Idea Fitness Instructor of the Year and Debbie Bellinger who was the Idea Program Director of the Year and Michael Piercy a Jersey Native who was the Idea Personal Trainer of the Year. The admiration and respect that I have for these individuals and the fact they all showed glory to God inspires me to work to achieve and inspire others as they have done. The highlight is always for me Elaine Lalane who is 91 years young presenting Todd Durkin with the Jack Lalane Award. Todd Durkin inspired me personally last year at Blogfest with words of encouragement on my weight loss journey and yet again his “Contagaism” motivated me to do better. Idea World Convention is 35 years old and us fitness professional was amused and entertained by the founders Peter and Kathie Davis dancing routine! It was so much fun!
IDEA World Fitness & Nutrition Expo
We got to explore the Idea Convention & Nutrition Expo which is also a great experience. This is where you can find what is new in the industry from workouts, equipment, apparel, and food. Anything that you can think it’s like a playground for me and I was ready to try EVERYTHING! I always find a few things that stick out to me every year and this year was the Spyder 360 and the Axle Workout! As soon as I saw these two things I had to strap in and give them a spin.
The Axle Workout is a barbell that is affixed to a wheel which can add a whole new dynamic to your workout. I am hoping to get certified and become a Master Trainer in September. This thing is a simple exercise equipment that challenges your core stabilization because it is on wheels. The Axle can be used in so many different ways, and I am excited to add this to my skill set.
The Spyder 360 is something that appealed to me for my husband’s business especially, and that was the Spyder 360. I am excited to work with this equipment to help build strength and stability in my clients as well as use it for ACL tear strength and stability exercises for my husband’s players. I will be working with the Spyder 360 in the fall and sharing why this new equipment is a must have item in the fitness world and for your workouts.
There was so much more than that I met Elaine Lalanne, Bennie Wylie from NBC Strong! who actually remembered me from last year and instead of encouraging me to continue on my journey as he did the year before this year his inspiring words was to share with others which is exactly what I plan to do using a lot of what I have learned at IDEA World and will continue to strive to learn more.
Tasted lots of different protein bars, nuts, an alternative sweetener that I think I can get down with it’s made of Monk Fruit and your body processes it as a her I am excited to try some new recipes with it and research the benefits of this sweetener that I got from Lakanto.
Day Three, Second Day of BlogFest
The next day I was tired, and ModelFit was the morning wake up I needed. I was grateful I didn’t have to jump around, but the workout was an intense balance. I still got a sweat on without all the jumping and enjoyed the exercise that Propel Propel Water provided for us! Thirst was quenched with my sweat session.
I was very excited to meet Jorge Cruise author of tiny and full™: Eat more, weigh less, and turn off hunger all day. I look forward to trying out a few recipes and reading the book and learning more about harnessing the power of thyroid boost. After the ModelFIT workout, I was happy for breakfast even though I am always glad to eat. I loved the grain free granola and needed to have that in my life.
I think I have figured out a way to be with my VIP Clients and train them! I am excited to explore the possibilities with GymGO and know that my clients would enjoy this service too. GymGO allows clients and their trainers have one on one or group video Sessions.
I have a guest blog for a couple of other outlets, but I can now hone the craft with some tips on “Everything You need to know to make money” lecture from Amanda Vogel was excellent information on how to continue to make use blogging as an income source. I found her presentation to be great and will be applying some things to my blog.
Have you ever written off something over a bad experience just to find out years later you’ve been missing out? That would be me! I had fig Newton’s as a kid and wrote figs off as a thing I won’t eat until I tried the fresh and dried California figs. They were so good and so good for you? I have been missing out all these years. Now I plan on adding these little yummies into my diet pronto! They are loaded with Fiber, Antioxidants, calcium, potassium, and magnesium I rather get my micronutrients from food instead of pills and plan on experimenting with figs in the kitchen.
Experiencing Todd Durkin
I just keep experiencing Todd Durkin, haha LAst year, I attended Todd Durkins Bootcamp at Idea World, and it was a highlight of my trip. I belive it was one of those many moments you have you on your journey that propels you to greatness. This time it was an overwhelming experience as well. Todd shared his story with us of trials and triumph and what pricked my heart especially is how he gave and showed all glory to God. While speaking, I had so many ah ha moments of things that I have been struggling with in the recent months.
Todd’s emphasis on “Be Different” and “Tell your Story” still resignates in the back of my mind. The fact that he openly is a faithful man of God also made me realize I am not the only one. I share my feelings on how faith and fitness work together daily and weekly I get feedback from all sorts that can sometimes be discouraging especially fellow Christians but that’s what is different is about. Todd also gave us his new book The WOW Book! Which I will be reviewing soon. I feel it is no coincidence that our paths crossed again this year and I thank God for using Todd to reenergize and give me clarity and focus on what I have feel I have been called to do.
Trigger Point Ambassador
The remainder of the blog fest was networking in different aspects. First, we listen to the panel discussion with the sponsors of blog fest to find out how we as bloggers can build long term relationships. Then we were given the opportunity to pitch directly to our core sponsors of blog fest. As well as an opportunity to got to the expo and network and pitch. I can’t wait to share some of the great products that I will be representing this year. I am grateful to be a Trigger Point Ambassador this year. I will be showing you the value of Self Myo Fascial (SMR) with Trigger Point products I find SMR and stretching to be a significant part of fitness and can’t wait to share more about their dynamic products.
Winging It
There were so many highlights to my trip and so much to share. I also got to meet two-time Olympic medalist Gracie Gold on Friday night at the Red Bull Networking party and not only did I get to meet her but I got some more knowledge bombs dropped at the party. I miss research everything never really put much research into Red Bull products and ingredients. I couldn’t read them, so I wrote them off entirely but some of the long unpronounceable ingredients that you can find on the back of can is actually things that I would consume other wise such as Vitamin B12 I also found out what the ingredient of Taurine actually was among all the other things that Red Bull is doing.
They are not only helping give you wings, but they are also making people fly with their Not For Profit Research Foundation “Wings for Life.” This research foundation is for spinal cord research, and it is a “simultaneous global race that is dedicated to supporting spinal cord injury research. It is very cool that this race begins at the same time across the globe so whether it’s 2 am or 5 pm everyone is starting at the same time to raise money to help find a cure for spinal cord injury. You can learn more or donate at www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com It was a great night and Red Bull really hooked us up with great food, some Red Bull to sip on and some JayBird which is just what this lifter needs they are fabulous, and a big thank you to Red Bull!
I couldn’t stay too long at the Red Bull Networking because I had to also network with my fellow bloggers and our great sponsors who had given us so much yummy food, tips, and opportunity. I also wanted to say good bye to bloggers I may not see for the rest of the weekend which was different CEC (Continuing Education) classes for me, and I will be sharing “All da things” I learned over the weekend.
Happy Hour
My third networking party of the night I was losing steam but the energy at BlogFest Happy Hour was great! Was able to play around on the TRX while sipping a LaCroix cocktail nibbling on Figs and Cheese from California Figs. It was a great night, and I was toast by the end. I had to get back to our room shower and pass out in that order. The next two days were filled with workshops and workouts from a different specialist from all over the country and some world. I took a lot of course on TRX Programming, Functional Fitness, and Generation X and my brain are still throbbing.
I think the best part of the entire trip was the fellow bloggers that I have met. Talk about some inspirational stories there are some amazing women and men who have amazing stories that should be shared. I am hoping to be able to collaborate with a few and share why they inspire me and I know they will inspire you too. Blog fest is an amazing experience and every year I learn and grow so much from it. I am definitely going to be there in 2018 God willing and if you are a fitess and healthy blogger, enthusiast or professional you should join me there too!
Disclosure: I was given free product and small compensation in exchange for a blog review. Although, I have received free product that does not effect my opinion. If I hated it I would tell you. My Full Disclosure Policy
I am in love! As you already know I am a big fan of functional exercise training. It just makes sense to me for people to build up their body for their future self. Functional exercise training does just that it helps you function better. I aspire to be a Senior Fitness Trainer and Instructor. I am studying for my Certification in Functional Training and plan on using it daily to train my Senior clients.
Usually, it requires stability as well, I have discovered a welcome addition to your training. I have never had to focus on my moves and was never more aware of my core. What I also love is that I am working my abs without the crunches and all who know me know I don’t do crunches. Utilizing the Inertia in the SurgeDynamic Fluid Resistance leaves you no choice but to use more muscles in simple movements than you would with your typical barbell or dumbbell. Have you ever heard of Inertia training?
Fitness Geek Dreams
Inertia by definition means,” a property of matter by which it continues in its existing state of rest or uniform motion in a straight line unless an external force changes that state.” I always think of it as a seesaw or in this case think of those little Batons with the glitter in them. As you tilt it one way, all of the water (and the glitter) goes to the same side as you lean. To keep the tube filled, you must balance it on both sides.
Now let’s use that concept; add a handle and throw in some standard functional exercise moves and you have what Hedstrom Fitness refers to as Dynamic Fluid Resistance. The Surge is a fantastic full body tool to help you work out any area. The Surge is a new, innovative resistance tool to help take your regular workouts to another level.
Dynamic-Fluid Resistance
When I got the Surge the Fitness Geek in me came out because the science is fascinating when it comes to training with inertia resistance. It is a hollow cylinder with either two sets of handles one to place your hand either “hammer curl” style the vertical handles or simple horizontal handles so you can hold it with your palms facing down in the large Surge. There is also a more compact version that has only one set of handles. You fill the apparatus with water up to the designated weight class. I suggest when trying it got 5-10 lbs lighter than you are used to the beginning. As you move the Surge the water inside moves around make the motion no longer static but dynamic. This inertia resistances offers a different challenge to your joints and makes you activate your core to control the uncontrollable water. That is why I have to focus each move requires my full attention. It’s kind of like mom life right, everything is constantly changing, but when we focus and stay in control we can get things done.
The Surge is great to grow with your strength too. Filling the hollow cylinder with water; as your strength improves you can add more water to increase your resistance. Making the Surge very adaptable, portable and for every fitness level. I am sure you are familiar with other concepts of inertia resistance currently, things like “battle ropes,” chains, sandbags, and slosh pipes are devices used to cause inertia and a different kind of resistance other than your established barbell and dumbbell. Unlike, the Surge these forms of resistance don’t work with movement pattern the same and joint stress is higher.
5 Benefits to Training with Dynamic Fluid Resistance
Fat Blaster. Dynamic Fluid resistance is a great option for people seeking to burn fat and boost metabolism efficiently because it is a full body exercise that improves strength and endurance. A 30-minute session with your Surge will have you pouring sweat, increase heart rate and building muscle while blasting fat.
Focus on movement patterns. Using Dynamic Fluid Resistance your focusing on the specific movement patterns rather than an emphasis on an individual muscle. The continuous flow of the water allows you to use several muscles at one time.
Posture. We sit a lot as a society, sitting for hours a day cause muscle imbalances as well as posture issues. Through strengthening weakened muscles, you can improve your posture and correct muscle imbalances.
Core Stability. According to Hedstrom Fitness, “By enhancing the stability of the core and the specific joints required to stabilize a movement, more efficient movement can be produced at the joints needed to be mobile to execute a task as the agonist, antagonists, and stabilizer muscles function in a more organized and synergistic fashion.” Huh?
My building up your core muscles and other joints that help you move better through using the Surge you increase those muscle as well as others that help it better so that it can be more productive. I hate doing traditional ab workouts which are why functional training appeals to me because I work those muscles at the same times as I am working others saving me from getting down on the mat and complaining with every squeeze.
Muscle Definition. Everyone one loves the idea of looking more defined. Dynamic Fluid Resistance is an excellent exercise modality to help you achieve the definition you are looking for but it is less stressful on your joints than traditional weight lifting exercises, and the Surge can be taken anywhere and conveniently used at home.
Stability. I don’t think people realize how important it is to work on your stability. Having stability keeps your face looking pretty and your body out of the cast. As you, age a tumble from a misstep can easily be avoided if you continually work on your Stability endurance. With the Surge, every workout includes flexibility, mobility, core stability, balance and strength training principles challenging your body in all areas and keeping it active, strong, healthy and energetic body.
Dynamic Workouts
I love my Surge and will be including it in my Figure Competition prep workouts. I would love to do all my training in the gym, but unfortunately, my mom life won’t allow that time to me. I like being able to quickly pull out my Surge fill it to the resistance I need and get a Total Body Fat Burning workout in 30 minutes. That is enhancing my stability, mobility, core and strength all in one session.
If you think you want to try to control the wave and add Dynamic Fluid Resistance to your workout Surge/Kamagon products has a special discount for 25% – it is www.HedstromFitness.com/sweatpinkUSE COUPON CODE SPHF25 and is valid from Friday, 1/20 until 2/28. It can be used by anyone in US / Canada.
Now is the time to grab yours in your favorite color and get your sweat on. Surge has some great videos on their site to get you started and I have found a few moves that I have been doing at home.
Do you include stability training when you do your workouts?
“A year from now you will wish you had started today.”-Anonymous
It has officially been 365 days! Today, one year ago I woke up, and I had enough! Enough excuses, enough regret, enough neglect, enough believing the lies of the enemy. I woke up, and I said I must change now! The week before I had dabbled in a fitness routine. It felt great but today last year I wanted to do more than just dabble. I wanted to commit. I wanted to commit to a healthy lifestyle. Now, if you have been following me along the last year, you know that this is not my first weight loss journey. So, what was so different this time around? I did it before so what’s the big deal. All the times before I was seeking weight loss for vanity reasons. I wanted to be a Size X, I wanted to look like so and so, I want people to see me as blah, blah, blah and honestly WHO CARES!
Who I was
I look back on the empty person I was, and I am so grateful for God’s redemption. This journey has been so much more; this has been the results of an ongoing relationship with God. That is the celebration today. I didn’t do this by myself I did this with God. There were so many days I prayed to him for His help through this journey, His self-control, His provision and His unconditional love. This was a daily intentional relationship with God to Honor My Temple. It has grown my faith in Him so much. It has defeated my anxiety, bouts of depression, obsessive-compulsive behaviors. I have never felt so fulfilled in my life.
Finding Purpose
The other thing that has changed this past year is my purpose. For the last thirteen years, I have been searching, lost in this world, grasping at anything but the only thing that could fulfill me. I have tried to overcome with bad habits, smoking, drinking, partying, over training, under eating, overeating, negative self-talk, negative to other people, selfish ambition. Not one of those fruits has been of the Spirit. It wasn’t until Jesus found me in a broken place, a rock bottom, despair and anguish were my friend that He picked me up, brushed me off and kissed me and then began this year of healing. This journey has been my inside matching my outside as I yearn to know, grow and glorify Him.
The Last Year’s Reflection
In this last year, I have learned how to do fitness better. This journey has done so much for me and my life more than weight loss. It has improved my dependence on God, strengthened my marriage, help me find my calling and ignited a passion for teaching others how to honor their temple. It has been an incredible journey. I have had an amazing network of women and men who have cheered me on, cheered me up, prayed for me, and inspired me. I have met other peoples who like me want to teach others how to Honor their temple and glorify God!
I have been called to go to school AGAIN and get my degree in Fitness Exercise Science and an NASM certification so that I can be in the trenches walking with others and teaching them how to honor their temple with God. I created this blog “FaithFueled™” before I even knew what it means the name came to me in a dream. Here I am a year later with a precise definition.
This is the beginning of a new journey now. Can you imagine where I will be in a year, and my husband has joined me in my next Fitness Goal it’s going to be a BIG ONE? I plan on showing others the FaithFueled™ Lifestyle, which is God First! Witness through fitness; glorifying God through living a healthy lifestyle fueled by faith.
So, I say “Start now, a year ago you would be glad you did!” What got you started on your journey? Whether it be career, projects, weight loss whatever what got you started?
Last week, I went to a magical place, far far away called Los Angeles, and I entered into the world known as IDEA. It was such an amazing experience, and I was blessed to been able to attend it. I went to the IdeaWorld BlogFest Convention welcomed with open arms. I got to hang, learn and be around my people. Over 14,000 Fitness Professionals from 54 Countries attended and the entire week was buzzing with health, nutrition, fitness and wellness. It was everything that I expected!
Exactly what I didn’t expect
I expected to be educated about blogging. Suspected that I would meet a few women that I connected with and were nice. Intended on eating every day I was there. Knew I was going to workout before I attended that’s a given at a fitness convention. I was positive there would be vendors with fitness equipment, exercises, etc. I’ve been to a few expo’s I know how that part goes. I knew all these things were going to happen but to the caliber that they were executed; I didn’t know that.
The Workshops
Each workshop had such great information, you didn’t want to get up to use the restroom because you might miss something. I did have to leave once so I audio recorded the session because I didn’t want to miss a thing. With all the water we received, lets just say we were well hydrated the entire time. The first day was full of workshops do’s and don’ts; tips and tricks, quick valuable, actionable information overload tweet breaks. The tweet breaks were great, it was direct information from the Brands that we love. They told us specifically what they are looking for, who do they hire and teaching us great information in a 20 minute session. That was awesome to hear news from The Bells Institute, Generals Mills, Siggi’s, GymGo,Vital Proteins and Melissa Hartwig co-author of the Whole 30.
Blogging Tips
The blogging information was just what this newbie needed. I’ve been blogging since May 2015, and its been advice, some good, some bad, trial and error but I think I am finally getting the hang of things. I have attended events in Philadelphia and New York but the amount of immediately actionable information that I received was right on time. If someone who is already doing what I am doing and successful at it tells me to do A+B; I’ll take their word and do what they advise. There is no need to reinvent the wheel. So, I went to Los Angeles ready to be a sponge and soak up everything I could.
Learning from our Peers and Pitches
We also had blog reviews from our peers, which was great to have a completely non-bias eye on the blog. I met other beginner(s), seasoned veterans and some women who have taken their blog, personal training and business to a level I aspire to be. The feedback which I received from others in our industry was invaluable. Everyone was so kind, so honest and helpful, it was a great experience. On the second day, we had the opportunity to pitch to major corporations. I believe I presented myself well but a barrier that I often face is my “in your face” Christianity, which I am not going to change and if Corporations can’t work with me because of my beliefs I’m okay with that. Either way, whatever the outcome it was a great opportunity to practice. The opportunity to network was welcomed & necessary to everyone participating.
John 15:19 does say, If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.
Staying Well Fed
The fact that I didn’t have to worry about feeding myself and there were options for my dietary needs that I didn’t have to think about, my food was a nice change of pace. It was like having my meal planned and prepped for me; It was wonderful! Breakfast was with General Mills on the first day and Silk on the second. Lunch was from Pure Protein and Morning Star. Each meal session gave valuable information about our sponsors and what they’ll be up to in the next few months. It was nice to get the inside scoop and information.
Our meals were of a great variety and using the sponsors products, some, I will be adding to my meal plan at home. Silk was represented by The Blender Girl she made an amazing Strawberry Red Bell Pepper Smoothie at their booth that I am going to make for my family without telling them the ingredients (hubby may know, he reads my blogs). It was delicious and I never knew that would be a tasty flavor combination. I have so many new recipes to try and you know me, I love a good kitchen experiment. So stay tuned for more of those hitting my “Mealtime Monday’s.”
Bands Matter with Gunnar Peterson
I was at Idea World Blogfest and World Convention for three days & worked out three times. I could have done more but being a newbie I didn’t plan my schedule accordingly. Although, I don’t think my body could have handled much more; next year I should be in even better shape and will try to challenge myself. I was pretty spent on Saturday. The fitness aspect of IdeaWorld Blogfest didn’t happen until the second day. I do wish that they would have had a yoga session Thursday morning or something to have us moving. By the time it was Friday, I was ready to workout with Gunnar Peterson. The workout was great with resistance bands/high-intensity exercises. If you check out the video, you can see the struggle and a glimpse at our workout.
Experiencing the Todd Durkin Experience
Saturday, I arrived at Idea World Convention early to attend the Todd Durkin Bootcamp. That experience had me in tears, I didn’t realize what this last year has done to and for me. Brought me out of depression, motivated me to get up, be active, healthy and inspire others. Todd’s words of encouragement to all of us had me teary eyed with pride. I was praying to God not to let me embarrass myself by vomiting everywhere half way through a circuit. I did it though, got through it, didn’t vomit and had the sweat to prove that my fat was bawling and the workout was great. It was a great way to end the most intense workouts that I have done in awhile; the Bootcamp brought me back to my first days working out where it took prayer, willpower and determination to get it done. Here I am, 50lbs lighter and more determined than ever to reach my goal and destination! It was a Mind, Body and Spiritual experience, something that I aspire to give to my clients one day. After the intense training with Todd, I attended a Workshop by Scott Rawcliff, Metabolic Mayhem, which fascinates me. Saturday was a fantastic way to end my trip learning from the best in the business.
Two Amazing Women
There were two speakers at the Idea World Convention that motivated and inspired and made me want to go after my dreams. Each of their stories were very different ones, they choose to move on to something new and exciting. One of the speakers was forced to move on to something new and stimulating; the other chose to move on to something new. I am talking about Jenna Wolfe, who formerly was a Health and Lifestyle Reporter for the Today Show and Amy Van Dyken-Rouen the six-time Olympic Gold Swimmer. Although, each of their stories were different, their messages were the same! You can achieve anything and everything but tomorrow is not promised. So we must take advantage of today and make it count to the best of our abilities. I video’d each speech and have been listening to them on Audio for motivation. Everyday human beings can do extraordinary things and these two speakers, expressed that wholeheartedly.
My Biggest Takeaway
The takeaway that I had was that fitness is not age, color, race, ethnicity, size or gender. Fitness is a mindset! Want to uplift your body and be the best? Adapt that mindset. My experience at Idea World Convention was memorable. It was my first time but next year I will be attending as a Personal Trainer and the world of opportunity will be greater and brighter. I want to thank Fit Approach Sweat Pink for making me feel welcomed and organizing a great event for bloggers. I came home motivated to take this blog to another level. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to attend. Next year, I hope/aspire to be even closer to my goals and fine tuning my blog. For now, I am going to take what I have learned, apply it and improve upon it every day. I have no idea how but I am praying God will lead my steps.
** I was inspired to try my first Facebook Live: If you want to check out all the Goodies I got
