Food Diaries....gotta use 'em to lose 'em!!                                                    

Writing down everything you eat.  What a total pain!  What a total benefit! 

The first couple days of using a food diary are always the toughest.  This is when you will find out if the method of keeping your diary is going to work for you.  Some folks like to list their food choices in their hand held devise, but I've notices that this doesn't always work well.  I'm not really sure why..it seems like a great plan. It could be that it is hard to type out the foods on small devises or that time gets away from people.  Or it could be that when you are about to have a meal, it isn't that much fun to be playing with your cell phone or tablet at the same time.

Whatever the issue, you can try using an app and see how it goes.

Some clients use a website calorie counter.  Again, you need to be able to easily access the website for this to work.  This is definately worth a try if even for all the info you will get from it.  Some websites list calories, keep frequently eaten foods in a list you can select from, and calculate a slew of other informative numbers.  (Total fiber, carbs, protein, etc.)

What seems to work the best, though, is a small notebook.  Small enough to be able to slide into a purse or by the side of the carseat.  Big enough to be able to write in a legible print size!  Every single client of mine who has gone this route has lost weight.  All of my clients have gotten stronger, but to lose weight...this is probably the bomb.

For more info on getting fit, visit:
www.Balance-Strength.com

 

 

 

 

 

Our trail jogging program was great this fall!    The leaves you see above were almost golden when we visited.  The sun shimmered through the leaves remaining in the trees and it was a heady experience as we increased our mileage, decreased our time and built up our stamina. 

 

We visited trails at the following parks and each was stunning!

 

River Styx Park

Plum Creek Park 

Reagan Park

Huffman Park

Buckeye Woods

Roscoe Ewing (see above picture)

 

Thank you to all participants!  Everyone arrived on time and ready to try anything! 



Trail Running

I see so many people jogging along the sidewalk, through neighborhoods and in town.  As a trainer I love to see this movement and exercise, but for me, the pavement is too harsh, the openness too brittle.  I love the woods.

The dirt under my feet is soft and naturally shock absorbing; the smell is energizing.  You may see deer or a chipmunk around any turn in my path.  The sun as it shines through the leaves fills me with hope and peace.  And the dog walkers and children I meet along the way are happy, eager to say "Hi!" as I pass.

If you have the opportunity, try a jog along a woodsy trail - it may be a turning point for you as well.

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.   Robert Frost (1874–1963)     Lisa Campbell - Personal Trainer and Fitness Instructor Balance Strength Personal Training and Fitness   "Tail to the Trail" Trail Program   October 2012

Medina County Gazette article from September 2012

 

No Time To Workout? 

Summer is over and fall is here.  Our normal routine is back and scheduling time to work out seems daunting!  With all the demands on our time, it seems impossible to squeeze in ten minutes, let alone the typical hour of a class.  But you CAN do it.

First, jot down your daily routine and note what you are doing with each hour.  Most people usually see that there are “deadzone” times.  Television, computer and texting/phone time that could be used to workout.  

Everyone needs downtime so devote an hour or so to relaxing.  Beyond that hour, schedule a 15 minute workout.  Do a portion of a fun workout video. Go for a neighborhood walk or jog around your yard.  List a few strength moves and do three sets of 15 of each exercise during the commercials of a favorite show.  Don’t expect to do a marathon, just start small.  At first, aim for 2 or 3 times per week.  Or, try a local class once per week.

Working out is fun!  Start slow and focus on your successes.  Once you catch the fitness bug, your workout will take precedence and you’ll be amazed that it was ever an issue.

Lisa Campbell
Owner of Balance Strength Personal Training and Fitness
www.Balance-Strength.com

From my article in the Medina County Gazette - September 2012

Hiring a Personal Trainer

Lisa Campbell, CPT, RYT

You’ve been working out for a while and you think you are eating right, but you aren’t reaching your goals.  It might be time to get some help.  Sometimes you need some assistance and motivation on your path to fitness.  A knowledgeable personal trainer can guide you safely and efficiently.  Meeting one-on-one with a professional who understands your needs can gear your workout to your level and get you moving in the right direction.

 Look for a trainer who is understanding yet firm, who is experienced and whose personality meshes with yours.  It may take a couple meetings to find that person but it is worth the effort.  Training is an investment in yourself, so be selective.

 Once you hire a trainer, plan on working out with them at least twice per week.  Early in your training your goals and a fitness plan should be discussed, written down and referred to often as you progress.  You should be challenged yet kept at a safe pace and level.

 Hiring a personal trainer could be the best gift you ever give yourself. 

Lisa Campbell is the owner of Balance Strength Personal Training and Fitness located at 100 Highland Dr, Suite 21 in Medina.  You can visit the website at www.balance-strength.com or call 330-635-2208 to find out more about classes and personal training.

"To be or not to be" fit and healthy this fall!

It's the end of August 2012 and once again we are at our fitness crossroad.  Will this be the season we get in shape?  Or will it be put off...for January, next Spring?  Some other time?


Getting healthy and strong is mental. 



Your head simply has to be there. 

Every moment of every day you will consider what you eat, what you do and how you will do it or eat it.  You will plan meals, plan workouts, plan how you will handle special events, such as...(gasp)... weddings, baby showers, parties, holidays, and even football games.  Some people believe these situations are too difficult to handle.


Parties


are


not


too


difficult.



(Read that again)

You and your health are more important than any food at a party.