Do what you love, with no apologies.

Every year I have the opportunity to travel and play slow pitch softball with some of my best friends. We always look forward to heading to Orlando to play in USSSA Worlds and work hard all year to get to that culminating end to our season. That is when we hope everything comes together, hitting, defense, team chemistry, etc. This year we played in Division C for the first time and did well, although we wanted to do better. That is the joy of playing with driven adult athletes, we always want to get better and have been lucky enough to do so the past three years. From 13th out of 100+ teams in Division D in 2011, to 3rd out of 90 in D in 2012, to 5th out of 39 in C in 2013, we are seeing the efforts of our hard work and dedication pay off. 

 I always get the question... why do you play so much? Doesn't that take up a lot of time? How much does all that cost? And my answer, every single time, is because I love it. I love doing something that fills my competitive nature, takes me places I wouldn't otherwise go, and brings me around people that make my life better. And because of that, I wouldn't trade any experience or time I have given to play slow pitch for anything else. It continues to teach me lessons and humbles me every time I step foot onto a field, and for that, I am grateful.  

Until next year, Orlando. I'll be eagerly waiting.

What to wear?

So, I have a problem really. I'd rather buy workout gear than regular clothes most of the time, actually all of the time. And I am pretty sure that in the near future this part of my wardrobe will be taking over my closet.   
                                 
My latest early Christmas present arrived on my front porch yesterday. You know that feeling of let me open this as fast as I can even know I know whats in there feeling? Yea, that was totally me.  The first three are new items I purchased from NIKE. The Old Navy capris (really good price point!) and Under Armor tanks are just a few of my favorites. It's all about the comfort people (and a little style:)) ! And sometimes, what you wear when you workout can make a difference/change your mood, from just ok to motivated to do some serious work! 







 1. Nike Gym Vintage Full-Zip Women's Hoodie 2. Nike Icon 6.5'' Women's Training Shorts 3. Nike Futura Leg-A-See Women's Leggings 4. Women's Active by Old Navy Printed-Compression Capris (20") 4. Under Armor Women's UA Tech Sleeveless Tank

Saw it, so I tried it.

In my post yesterday I added a picture of a woman doing a TRX handstand. The instant I saw it, I wanted to try it. So I DID. It wasn't exactly perfect but nothing really is the first time you try something, right?! Best part about it, I got everyone else in my class to try it too (although almost everyone was hesitant at first). Peer pressure in this case is AWESOME! And, they want to try it again next week so they can improve! Motivation has now been planted! Mission accomplished, for this week anyway! 

Do something DIFFERENT!

Most people stick to what they know, either because they don't really want to try anything different, or because they just don't know what to do. I find that most people I talk to are "semi" motivated to work out, but don't because they don't know where to start. 

Joining a gym or just working out in general can be intimidating to most for a couple of reasons. 

One, you don't want to look ridiculous to all of the people that are in shape and "look" like they know what they are doing. Two, you lack personal motivation required to get and stay in a routine. Three, you put it off thinking that you will go tomorrow, which turns into "Monday, I'll start." "Next month I will really hit it hard" and "My new years resolution is definitely going to be focused on getting into better shape." Four, it's change, and most people don't like that. 

There are a couple of options that you have. 

1. Stay with what you are doing and how you are doing it. 
2. Decide that you want to try something different and walk away from your comfort zone, even if just for a little bit. 

If you decide that #2 is an option for you there are a couple of different ways you can help yourself get over the initial shock of starting something new. 

1. Find a friend to do it with - usually with fitness or diet, having someone as an accountability partner works wonders. 
2. Find a class at a gym that others look like they are having fun doing and TRY IT. YES, it will be nerve racking walking into a class where you don't know hardly anyone. YES, you will feel awkward doing things you haven't done before. AND YES, after going a few times you will eventually get comfortable! But, you have to take the first step. Everyone in that class has taken that step at some point, and knows exactly how you feel! (I remember how absolutely dumb I felt the first time I took a TurboKick class, but I am happy that I did (awkward punches and all.) Otherwise, I wouldn't be teaching classes like I am today! (Pssst... you will make a lot of great friends, who are  committed to the same things you are! -  i.e. MORE MOTIVATION.) 
3. Hire a trainer, they will for sure motivate you! (But it might cost you a pretty penny)

Whatever seems like the best option, pick it, commit to it, and give it a chance! 

GO BEFORE YOU'RE READY! 

Speaking of different, I posted about TRX last week and found this great article about how different is GOOD. Check it! 

TRX adds a little suspense to a humdrum exercise routine