A few of my favorite things

I thought I would take a minute to let you guys know about some items that I can't get enough of at the moment!

1. Neutrogena Naturals night cream:  I've been using a night moisturizer for years, but after having a facial not too long ago the esthetician challenged to me to really look at my beauty products and see what I was really putting into my skin.  The results that I found were astounding!  Not only could I hardly pronounce most of the ingredients, but many of them were tested on animals.  This product was recommended by my esthetician and has great reviews online.  No animal testing, no dyes, no sulfates, no parabens, phthalates, no petrolatum.  It makes my skin feel so smooth and gives me a glowing look first thing in the morning! Also, being neutrogena, it comes at a great price and who doesn't love that?!?!?

They love laying on my yoga mats whenever they are out, goofballs.

2.  Manduka eKO yoga mat:  After my beloved Target yoga mat bit the dust I was on the hunt for a good quality yoga mat.  And boy was it a hunt!  After asking yogi friends and reading hundreds of reviews online I decided on this one.  Manduka is a renowned brand and offers a lifetime warranty.  Their eKO line is made from biodegradable natural tree-free rubber.  It's easy to clean, offers tons of cushion & there's no slippage during practice!  I still use a yoga towel to protect the mat because I sweat like a beast, but this mat allows you to practice without.  It's relatively inexpensive ($88) when compared to a lot of the name brand yoga mats out there.  I would love to spend the $118 on their pro series, but this mat is great & I feel good about the green impact of this mat.  Overall,  a great investment that makes me excited!

3.  Asics Gel-cumulus 15 aka my amazing running shoes:  Brooks have been my personal running shoe of choice for the past couple years, however when they made a change to my model it didn't work for my foot & it was time for a new running partner.  Along with the change in my brand I have slightly changed my running stride to more of a mid foot strike (this I can explain in later blog), but it made a stability shoe too supportive for me.  It was time for a neutral shoe and these Asics are off the planet.  I get great support but also unexplainable comfort, whether I'm out for 3 miles or 6.  They are light-weight & did I mention how much I love the colors?!  Asics' gel series is ultra-durable providing lasting support until the end of the shoe or you, whichever happens first  ;)

4.  Dark Chocolate Covered Fruit:  These sweet little gems are a Costco find!!! Yes, Costco, can you believe it?  Costco is amazing for American produced products and you can always find some healthy foods & treats in it's massive aisles.  The health benefits of dark chocolate & the super fruits involved (cherries, blueberries & cranberries) are highly researched including the benefits of antioxidants & phytochemicals (cancer fighting amazingness).  These give you a little touch a sweet with the dark chocolate and the fruit, but are not filled with calories or sugar!  Makes for my favorite evening treat.  Side note, they also go great with a glass of red vino mmmmmm

Hope you guys enjoy my reviews of these incredible products.  What products do you have/love????

Catching up

Hey there, readers!!! I know it's been wayyy too long.  This pending move has got me running around like a crazy person and it's not like work has stopped just because I'm moving.  I'm the busiest I've been in a while between patients (obviously), projects, puppies, and .... another "p" word would be clever here but I've got nothing, my brain is overloaded!!  So we all get it, I'm busy, but I haven't forgotten about my blog and in fact I should be blogging more because it's therapeutic.  So I thought I would take today's blog as a catch up session.  What I've been into lately, the move, etc....

Since we last met Colin & I took a family vacation to Costa Rica with my in-laws.  Everyone hears that and says "so did you need to drink a lot to get through it?"  To that I say yes, but not because of my in laws, more because its vacation and who doesn't love a cold drink while they are on the beach?!?!  We got a chance to do some ocean kayaking, hiking & I took a morning and found a yoga studio to practice at.  It was amazing!  Ocean view and a private yoga session....hell yea! Sign me up again!  It's always good to get out of your comfort zone, because that's when you find these little treasures.  I highly recommend Costa Rica for my active readers.  Colin and I have been there several times now and you get an active vacation while also enjoying the beautiful scenery, animals, good food & drinks!

Aside from vacation I have attended several continuing education courses related to stroke rehabilitation.  Super interesting, and some tidbits were very practical for all populations.  Some of the common themes for all of us were importance of keeping up with cardiovascular fitness, good posture & maintaining a strong core.  Things we should all strive for!

But she's cute!!!

Now with our personal businassss....We have been cleaning, organizing, packing & dog whispering 'til we have been blue in the face!! So obviously the first 3 are a given when you have a pending move in the next 3 months, but shit, no body told me how much work it is!  My goals are to try to eat healthy during this process and work out consistently & efficiently.  I may not get my regular 5-6 days/week of working out in, but let's be practical there are things that are more important right now.  Maintenance is my bff.
Which brings me to the latter point, dog whispering....ohhhhh Olive.  Our sweet little Olive pup is 9 months old and super active, but she is a MUCH tougher puppy than Harry was.  At 9 months old she is a little over 50 lbs, lovable & goofy, but man can she get into some trouble.  So while in the midst of getting the house on the market, work, exercise, & oh yea paying attention to my hubby & Harry we must train the cow-dog (Olive's affectionate nickname as she looks like a cow with her spots & stocky build).

But this is all part of it right?  Life.  Not easy, sometimes hard, sometimes busy, and sometimes just so crazy that if you don't laugh you'll cry.  Meditation and regular exercise are my constants during any point, but especially during a very busy time.  Now, don't misconstrue my sarcasm and reporting as complaining.  These changes and "dysfuctions" are good and exciting, and we are having fun with it!  Connecticut and new adventures are just a few short months away.  I am pumped about the areas we are looking to live in and all the new activities we will be able to due to living so close to the water.  Hello to any exercise incorporating the ocean!!! Ie. paddle boarding, kayaking, swimming!  Also, I can't forget to mention how bittersweet it will be to leave Charlotte, but it's too early for tears!

If any of you are crazy like me right now let me give you a few hints as to what keeps my fitness rollin'.  The first point is unique to my job but may not leave all of you out.  Lunch time work outs!!! I have been busting ass to get onto the treadmill during lunch, banging out a couple miles, then returning to the grind.  It's kind of competitive (you know like a race to beat the clock) and I like it!  Another tip is although I'm busy I don't change my eating.  Healthy snacks and food prep time on Sundays help me stay healthy & sane.  And lastly, if I've got a day off where I'm not too crazy getting in a run AND a yoga class makes me feel awesome, especially if I've had to miss a day or 2 during the week!

Until next time practically fitters.  Here's to consistency, never-ending packing, & to Olive (as we hope she quits drinking out of the toilet & going through the trash soon)!

Gorgeous hike!

The whole Feehan clan.

Oh yea and did I mention the losing of the car keys upon our return to the states?! Oh yes and Carrie (in the purple) had food poisoning during this debacle, poor girl.  The was our Griswold scene at US customs.  Welcome back to the USA!

Ohmmmmm

Finally time to write a blog!!!  Sorry readers but shit has been cray over here lately.  The regular business of life mixed with prepping for the move & an intermittently traveling hubby has made for a very busy busy schedule!  Which brings me to today's topic….meditation.

Ohm

Now I am one of those people that thrives in planning.  I LOVE to have every second planned out, however when shit hits the fan, the plan goes crazy, I do NOT thrive.  Being spread too thin is another time when I do not thrive.  I have a tendency to take on too many projects at one time.  All while I expect my house to be immaculate & give 100% to my relationships, my marriage & at work.  Impossible standards, Ashley, HELLO!!!  These are all situations when anxiety and stress get the best of me.  I truly have to tell myself to calm & refocus.  This is when it is necessary for me to meditate.

Meditation is something I have really just discovered in the last year or so.  It is a wonderful tool in order to keep a healthy mind & mind/body connection.  So, I thought it would make for a great topic of discussion while I am in the middle of a tornado & need to stay calm.  Meditation means different things to different people.  For some it is the stereotypical cross-legged posture while humming "Ohhmmmmm" repeatedly.  For others it could be a guided meditation at a studio or through an app.  And sometimes meditation is just taking 5-10 minutes out of the crazy tornado to have some quiet.

5-20 minutes of quiet is harder to find than one would think.  I obviously have to schedule it (duh).  Also, the mere idea of not thinking about anything & just relaxing for a few minutes each day makes some people cringe.  Hey, some days are better than others.  I was at my yoga studio today & stayed for a 15 minute meditation & found my mind all over the map for the first 10!  If your mind takes 10 minutes or more to quiet down it is a sign that you NEEDED the meditation.

Simply Being app

Meditation does not have to be religious or spiritual (although it is for some) it is simply a way to give your brain a break!  If you are a first timer I recommend an app or a guided meditation at a studio.  For example, "Simply Being" is an awesome app that I have used in order to have a little guidance.  Don't want an app or anyone talking??  Than find a comfortable position on a yoga mat or the floor, close your eyes, & focus on the breath in/out your nose.  You could also choose to have soothing music in the background or calming scents around (i.e. lavender….my fav calming smell!)




Stress and anxiety can cause crazy things in the body & mind.  Ever heard the expression, "You're going to give yourself a stroke"?  Not just an expression, I've seen it happen.  So take the time to have some quiet & focus on your breath it's worth the extra couple minutes.

Go ahead and OHHHMMMMMMM, my readers!!! Until next time…

Our sad attempt at a family demo of meditation….ohhhh dogs lol

Indoor Work Out

I thought I would take some time before we potentially lose power to right a very appropriate blog during Winter Storm Pax……my favorite indoor work outs!
Since this is probably going to be the worst winter storm North Carolina has seen since the 1980s I imagine I will be working out in the home 1-2 work outs this week.

Yoga:  When I am needing some zen and a powerful practice but know I can't make it to the studio I take the time to download a free iTunes yoga podcast.  Some of my favs include:  Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga with Kinndli, 20 min yoga sessions from yogadownload.com, & power vinyasa yoga with Lauren Hanna Foster


Intervals:  Too snowy for a run outside but still looking for that cardio burn??  That's when I turn to my Nike Training Club app.  This app is amazing!!! It will give you 15-45 minute work outs, and your variety is endless.  You can choose a body part to work, toning, cardio, strength, etc.  It's a great way to change it up!  Intervals change every 30 sec - 2 minutes so it's impossible to get bored with it!




Homemade:  If neither of these suit your fancy then make your own!  I pick an awesome playlist, choose 5-10 of my favorite exercises & repeat 1 minute each for 30-60 minutes.
An example of one of my routines:
1.  Squats
2.  Jumping Jacks
3.  Full Plank
4.  Crunches
5.  Shoulder press ups with 10 lb weights
6.  Bicep & Tricep Curls - 10 lb weights
7.  Lunges
8.  Heisman jumps

Hope everyone in the Southeast stays warm & safe during this ice/snow storm.  For once I don't think the south is overreacting!!  But know that you can still get a good work out in, even while snowed in!

We have never seen this much snow in NC & more to come!

Cold weather friends

Just a quick blog today to address some of the horribly cold weather up north this year.  First off, as a bit of an announcement Colin & I will be moving back up to your terrible climate this August!  No, in all seriousness we are very excited to be relocating to Connecticut this August.  This is all due to my hubby landing a new job (good job, babe!) and we couldn't be happier.  Anyway, back to the horrendous winter the northern states have been having…..  (How many more adjectives do you think I can use to make the winter sound bad?).  I just wanted to take a sec a write a quick note to all of my outdoor runners to make sure everyone is running safely in the tumultuous climate up there.

1)  Any experienced runner should know this but GLOVES are your first line of defense.  Those hands get awfully cold out there.

2)  Slow your stride.  Running in the ice/snow/cold is not about speed it's about exertion and not falling & tearing an ACL.  Watch your steps, run on newer snow to avoid ice, and don't worry the cold weather is already making your cardiopulmonary systems work overtime.

3)  Head gear….and no not for braces!  Your head is where you lose the majority of your heat, so keep it warm.  However, don't keep it too warm that you later need to remove your hat.  Removing your hat will lead you to lose even more heat and quite possibly get colder.  Find a happy medium like a headband, or thinner hat.

4)  Layer up.  You can always get cooler, but you can't always get warmer.

When all else fails (i.e. our new home of CT is currently in a snow emergency aka no running outside)  HIT THE TREADMILL, FOOLS!  ;)

My Charlotte cold weather gear, going to need to go shopping for the big move!

How to not look like a New Year's Resolutioner

Here we are, almost 2 weeks into the new year.  Hello 2014!!!  Going to the gym over this past week and a half has inspired me to write this post.  Thank you to all the new year's resolutioners for the inspiration!  But honestly, January is my least favorite time to be a fitness fanatic, because the gym is crawling with a*holes who have no idea what they are doing.  Now I am all for setting a New Year's resolution for  a healthier you, but PUHLEASE do some research before making a fool out of yourself in front of avid gym goers who actually already hate you for taking up valuable space at the gym.  Lucky for my New Year's resolution readers this is a "how to" guide for you that will save you all the newbie embarrassment…….

1)  Wear GYM clothes to the gym!!  This one seems like a gimme, but after what I saw this week it apparently is not.  I would especially like to thank the man in jorts & the man in khaki shorts for this inspiration!  Inappropriate gym clothing includes but is NOT limited to the following:  jorts (jean shorts for my non-hip readers), dress shoes, dress slacks (yes slacks!), blouses or button down business shirts, belts, etc. If you have no gym attire at least wear sweatpants, surely everyone has sweats. Do check that they are not see through, hint to the lady on the elliptical next to me yesterday.

2)  Do you research on the work out you are trying to begin.  This one is inspired by the man wearing flippers to doggy paddle and the woman doing cross lunges (at least I think that's what they were, to me it looked like repetitive curtseying meets Sally O'Mally's famous "I'm 50" kicks).  If you want to attend a certain class look it up, maybe youtube the moves and practice a little at home.  Also, know what intensity you are getting into so you can be prepared for rest breaks and bring enough water.

3)  Know your gym's policies.  This especially applies to cleaning up after yourself.  My gym has signs EVERYWHERE to wipe down machines with a spray bottle and towel after you are finished, however I have encountered several new gym goers sweating all over the machine and then just leaving it!  GROSS.  Also be familiar with other gym policies like hours, payment options, lockers, and parking.

4)  ASK.  If you are new to the gym don't be afraid to ask a gym attendant or an instructor any questions about equipment or policies.  Trust me if you don't ask and you end up wandering around or using something wrong you will pay for it later, or just look like an idiot.  Ask once and then you never need to ask again and then you too can share in the laughter when you spot newbies at the gym!

Cleansing your….

Cleanses.  The newest fad in the ever-changing fad industry.  The definition of a cleanse is a liquid fast, aka no food.  Somehow these are sweeping the nation as the best new thing your body definitely needs (I hope you hear the sarcasm).  However, a cleanse is like any other fad, it is a DIET.

Cleanses are widely publicized by the rich & famous.  Take one of my favorites Yolanda from the RHOBH (If you don't know the abbreviation, this part will make no sense so kindly skip down to the next paragraph).  The B just got done with serious treatment via port-a-cath for Lyme disease which was in her brain.  What was her first thought?  Now I need to starve myself & drink all these gross juices which give me no nutrients & have diarrhea for at least a week straight.  Smart, really smart.

Cleanses are just like any other crazy diet, depriving your body of things causing you to lose weight.  Off the cleanse, back on goes the weight.  Now don't confuse my hatred of cleanses with a hatred of juicing.  I think juicing is an excellent tool to help continue your balanced diet, however I do not believe these should take the place of meals.

 

So let's disprove some of the common beliefs about cleanses…

Myth 1:  Your GI system needs a break from food to rejuvenate & function at it's highest capacity

Fact:  Your GI system was created to process & break down actual food & nutrients.  Juicing & drinking concoctions actually deprives yourself of daily nutrients sending your body into starvation mode.  This will lead to a temporary weight loss aka water-weight & in some severe cases can cause you to gain numbers on the scale as your body tries to preserve anything & everything, preventing actual starvation

Myth 2:  Colon cleansing is necessary since undigested foods cause mucus build up therefore producing toxins

Fact:  There is no scientific proof that toxins are produced due to undigested food, however a colon cleanse may help with chronic constipation due to the repeated reflexive contractions in the bowel due to repeated bowel movements…..aka constant pooping which I do not have time for.

Myth 3:  Cleanses help to improve your mental outlook

Fact:  If you mean help your mental outlook by helping you understand what starvation feels like, then sure.  But otherwise blood sugars are down, nutrients a low & dehydration is becoming an issue, not a very clear way to think.

Myth 4:  Cleanses help to rid your body of sugar, which is a toxin.

Fact: I love this one.  Sugar is sold as this evil ingredient.  Not if it's natural, people!! Fruit has plenty of sugar.   I'm pretty sure the trees the fruit comes from don't have some hidden agenda to poison us with more sugar.  All in moderation natural sugars are good, its what gives us energy.

Myth 5:  I must take supplements during certain types of cleanses to help replace the nutrients I'm not gaining from food.

Fact:   I mean this one is hilarious.  So I'm not going to eat any food to try & get clean, but since I am not eating any food I still need to make sure I'm getting the correct vitamins that usually come from FOOD.  Also, if you are taking supplements you are still placing artificially created substances into your body.  Isn't the entire point of a cleanse to get clean??  Supplements are totally counterintuitive to that idea.

Myth 6:  You NEED to cleanse in order to help keep your body functioning & clean.

Fact:  You know what our bodies need?  They need a balanced diet with plenty of vitamins and nutrients.  They don't need chronic diarrhea, starvation, dehydration & deprivation (almost a perfect alliteration lol).  You are not cleansing anything…..in fact you are dieting!

Hope this myth buster addition of PracticallyFit has helped clear up any of you who are thinking of jumping on the cleanse train.  In my opinion if you are feeling the need to do a cleanse you probably need a good, sweaty work out & a spinach salad.  That should do the trick!