|
Kerry Moynihan
wife, mom, 2x cancer survivor Certified Personal Trainer |
Striving to age gracefully with
exercise, healthy food choices & a + attitude |
Functional Fitness: A Training Philosophy
Functional fitness promotes healthy movement in daily activity by focusing on balance/coordination, strength, power, mobility, and range of motion. Everyday movements like pushing, pulling, lunging, lifting, twisting, walking/running and squatting inside the gym, keep us moving with energy and enthusiasm outside of the gym. Whether hoisting luggage on a plane, dashing to catch a train, maneuvering on snowy sidewalks or keeping up with energetic children and grandchildren, functional training keeps us in the game for a lifetime.
Functional fitness promotes healthy movement in daily activity by focusing on balance/coordination, strength, power, mobility, and range of motion. Everyday movements like pushing, pulling, lunging, lifting, twisting, walking/running and squatting inside the gym, keep us moving with energy and enthusiasm outside of the gym. Whether hoisting luggage on a plane, dashing to catch a train, maneuvering on snowy sidewalks or keeping up with energetic children and grandchildren, functional training keeps us in the game for a lifetime.
Thursday, September 13, 2018
IT'S HERE, IT'S TODAY......
On Friday, September 13th 2013 - yes, Friday the 13th, 5 years ago - I got a call from my oncologist while I was driving through Boston on my way to watch my youngest son, Aidan, play in his first ever high school freshman football game. It was one of those gorgeous, "feels like summer" fall days. The sun was shining, my windows were open, 80's hair band music blared on the radio, and I was confidently "singing" along at the top of my lungs, as I like to do. And then my phone rang. As I write this I can place myself in that very moment. I can even tell you what I was wearing (my raggedy maroon Boston College sweatshirt). The clock stopped. It was one of those directional changes in life when you know, "things just won't be the same."
Now, I adore Dr. Chen. She had been my oncologist for 10 years since I was first diagnosed with breast cancer at age 39. She and "the team" at Dana Farber Cancer Institute had saved my life already. In the subsequent 10 years I even enjoyed going back for my check-ups. That does sound weird, I know, but Dr. Chen and I always shared a hug, got to catch up on "stuff", discussed what vacation plans were brewing for each of us and then hugged it out again until our next meeting a few months later. So that brilliant, September afternoon when Dr. Chen said, "Where are you....if you're driving, pull over", I knew....not good! She factually, directly & compassionately told me that I had invasive ductile carcinoma of the breast - estrogen receptor positive, HER2 neu negative. Short story...for the second time in my life I was diagnosed with breast cancer.
This particular Friday the 13th equalled the first time I got a call from Dr. Chen - April 1, 2003 - yes, April Fools Day! Are we noticing the pattern?? That day I was home in Hingham, MA and Aidan, a pre-schooler at the time, had a play date over. The phone rang. I hid in the bathroom while Aidan and Pete played and Dr. Chen factually, directly & compassionately told me that I had HER2 neu positive, estrogen receptor negative breast cancer. Pretty much the exact opposite composition of my most recent diagnosis, and at the time I had NO IDEA what she was talking about. I only knew that I had cancer and I had to stay alive for my husband and my two little boys.
When I look back on these two days, first of all I make a mental note to remember to hide in a closet on April Fools Day and Friday the 13th, and then I shake my head at what a long and winding road a few seemingly simple words can direct you on. "You have cancer.....you have cancer.". Three words. One sentence. A lifetime of change.
I have been schooled in the curriculum of cancer over the last 15 years. It's not an education that I particularly wanted and certainly not one that I wanted my children to have. But we play the cards we are dealt. It still pains me to think of the two worst days of my life. Not diagnosis day. They were 4/3/03 and 9/15/13 when I had to tell my children that I was sick. I won't even dwell on that. Quite honestly, it hurts too much. It never was what I wanted for them. You see, I had been on their side of the table, too, so I could understand their grief and worry. Grief and worry that I subsequently tried to spare them of in the face of nausea, baldness, medication, side effects and fear.
My Dad had the same heart wrenching job to do when I was in college. In 1984, he had to tell my brothers and me that he had metastasized colon cancer. His prognosis was bleak. It had spread and spread FAR. He used humor, irony and a brave face to mask what must have been a devastating reality. Fear? I'm sure. Sadness? Without a doubt. Self pity? Not that I ever saw. He lived and died with great dignity. And we did what he asked of us....moved on, lived life, found joy.
So, here I still stand. My five year anniversary. A milestone. A marker in cancer survivorship statistics. I take comfort from what Dr. Chen told me about her philosophy on "the statistics" when I posed my fear filled question in 2003, "So Doctor, please let me know. What are my odds? Will I survive?" Her reply, "I can't answer that, but I know that there are human beings on both sides of the statistics."
Statistics are numbers. Patients are people. More and more survivors are moving on and living our lives beyond a cancer diagnosis. Dramatic discoveries are made each day creating new and better treatments and cures. My Dad's 1984 world of cancer and mine are light years apart thanks to dedicated fundraising and research. And I see nothing but hope ahead as investment continues to be made in eradicating cancer.
So, it's Thursday September 13, 2018. If you see me today I'll be wearing my raggedy maroon Boston College sweatshirt for old times sake....moving on, and living life with great joy!
July 13, 2018
🇺🇸 Since July 4th, I've been driving the exercise/healthy-diet struggle bus. The weather is warm, cookout season is here, the days are longer and it's been great to just enjoy some well deserved sunshine here in New England. Rather than beat myself up over this little respite, I've accepted it and attempted to work through it. Here's how:
1. Wear exercise clothing. I'm more apt to be active when I'm already dressed and ready to go.
2. Keep a water and yoga mat in the car. I've gone to "walk in" yoga class if it's fit into my day. Having my mat and a water there has me prepared for impromptu exercise.
3. Participate in an exercise challenge. On July 1, I started a 31 day squat challenge. Today is day 13 so it's a 75 squat day. This is something that keeps me accountable and an exercise I can do right in my living room.
4. Use stairs rather than the escalator or elevator.
5. Pre-schedule your exercise classes for the week. If it's in the book, it happens.
6. Set a goal. I have two weddings coming up so I know it's time to get back on track. Maybe you have a vacation coming up, a race you want to participate in, or a new pair of jeans you want to comfortably wear.
******
Healthy diet wise, this week I've been focusing on drinking more water, eating a full & healthy breakfast and drinking green tea (boosts metabolic rate) each night. With my two weddings coming up, the snack drawer choices have to change to better options. Cheetos have been my nightly favorite. They're now in semi-retirement. And starting today it's back to food and exercise tracker time - Livestrong App.
We all lose steam periodically. We're human, after all. The beauty of it is that tomorrow is another day. ☀️
🇺🇸 Since July 4th, I've been driving the exercise/healthy-diet struggle bus. The weather is warm, cookout season is here, the days are longer and it's been great to just enjoy some well deserved sunshine here in New England. Rather than beat myself up over this little respite, I've accepted it and attempted to work through it. Here's how:
1. Wear exercise clothing. I'm more apt to be active when I'm already dressed and ready to go.
2. Keep a water and yoga mat in the car. I've gone to "walk in" yoga class if it's fit into my day. Having my mat and a water there has me prepared for impromptu exercise.
3. Participate in an exercise challenge. On July 1, I started a 31 day squat challenge. Today is day 13 so it's a 75 squat day. This is something that keeps me accountable and an exercise I can do right in my living room.
4. Use stairs rather than the escalator or elevator.
5. Pre-schedule your exercise classes for the week. If it's in the book, it happens.
6. Set a goal. I have two weddings coming up so I know it's time to get back on track. Maybe you have a vacation coming up, a race you want to participate in, or a new pair of jeans you want to comfortably wear.
******
Healthy diet wise, this week I've been focusing on drinking more water, eating a full & healthy breakfast and drinking green tea (boosts metabolic rate) each night. With my two weddings coming up, the snack drawer choices have to change to better options. Cheetos have been my nightly favorite. They're now in semi-retirement. And starting today it's back to food and exercise tracker time - Livestrong App.
We all lose steam periodically. We're human, after all. The beauty of it is that tomorrow is another day. ☀️
June 29, 2018
WHY, AT THE SPRY AGE OF 54, HAVE I DECIDED TO STUDY FOR MY PERSONAL TRAINER CERTIFICATION? 🤷🏻♀️ 💪🏻📚
I've said it before and I'll say it again, life is a winding road. You NEVER know what's around the next bend so you just embrace the uncertainty with zeal, marching on. It's somewhat of a blessing. The bob and weave of a shifting terrain keeps you reassessing, reacting and rolling on.
Today, I find myself an empty-nester. Mother of two men, not boys, who need "Mom" in the truest, care-taking form, less and less. Don't get me wrong, I still get face-time consultation from Cleveland and Dallas about day to day "stuff", but my role has changed. It's natural, it's normal, it's good, but for me, it's different.
Also today, I find myself with my 54 year old body - it's slowing metabolism, changing muscle mass and bone density - craving a new and exciting challenge. Flexing my brain matter, learning more about exercise, movement - it's impact on health, metabolism, and HAPPINESS - has me PUMPED. So, I'm skipping along my current path really excited for the future.
You see, regardless of age or stage in life, we all crave personal fulfillment. We all need challenge, engagement in life, a passion. I want to be more knowledgeable about issues pertaining to the body, it's health needs, and particularly aging.
Personally, I've been passionate about my own self-care for quite awhile. After surviving serious health scares and working with a team of compassionate, dedicated medical caregivers, I feel a responsibility to do what I can do to remain healthy. I've learned a lot about exercise, diet, lifestyle, and mental health by consulting with the pros, reading and research, and experimentation. We all have a responsibility for our own wellbeing. And as we move through life, those needs shift and change. Our bodies shift and change. So again, we reassess, react and roll on in search of sustained good health.
YES, EXERCISE can be fun! KITCHEN EXPERIMENTATION can be entertaining! Healthy diet and exercise does have a direct impact on your POSITIVE MENTAL OUTLOOK! And challenging yourself, at any age, by FLEXING THAT GRAY MATTER is important!
Fit4lifeafter50.com was started for the sole purpose of encouraging people to find joy and humor in the aging process, take personal responsibility for their health and wellbeing, and know that we are vital human beings at any age.
Practicing what I preach when I say in my @fit4lifeafter50 bio, "The best time for new beginnings is NOW", I'm now getting my PT certificate. It's the best time.
So, American Council On Exercise (ACE), here I come......
Gingerly skipping right at ya...🙋🏻
WHY, AT THE SPRY AGE OF 54, HAVE I DECIDED TO STUDY FOR MY PERSONAL TRAINER CERTIFICATION? 🤷🏻♀️ 💪🏻📚
I've said it before and I'll say it again, life is a winding road. You NEVER know what's around the next bend so you just embrace the uncertainty with zeal, marching on. It's somewhat of a blessing. The bob and weave of a shifting terrain keeps you reassessing, reacting and rolling on.
Today, I find myself an empty-nester. Mother of two men, not boys, who need "Mom" in the truest, care-taking form, less and less. Don't get me wrong, I still get face-time consultation from Cleveland and Dallas about day to day "stuff", but my role has changed. It's natural, it's normal, it's good, but for me, it's different.
Also today, I find myself with my 54 year old body - it's slowing metabolism, changing muscle mass and bone density - craving a new and exciting challenge. Flexing my brain matter, learning more about exercise, movement - it's impact on health, metabolism, and HAPPINESS - has me PUMPED. So, I'm skipping along my current path really excited for the future.
You see, regardless of age or stage in life, we all crave personal fulfillment. We all need challenge, engagement in life, a passion. I want to be more knowledgeable about issues pertaining to the body, it's health needs, and particularly aging.
Personally, I've been passionate about my own self-care for quite awhile. After surviving serious health scares and working with a team of compassionate, dedicated medical caregivers, I feel a responsibility to do what I can do to remain healthy. I've learned a lot about exercise, diet, lifestyle, and mental health by consulting with the pros, reading and research, and experimentation. We all have a responsibility for our own wellbeing. And as we move through life, those needs shift and change. Our bodies shift and change. So again, we reassess, react and roll on in search of sustained good health.
YES, EXERCISE can be fun! KITCHEN EXPERIMENTATION can be entertaining! Healthy diet and exercise does have a direct impact on your POSITIVE MENTAL OUTLOOK! And challenging yourself, at any age, by FLEXING THAT GRAY MATTER is important!
Fit4lifeafter50.com was started for the sole purpose of encouraging people to find joy and humor in the aging process, take personal responsibility for their health and wellbeing, and know that we are vital human beings at any age.
Practicing what I preach when I say in my @fit4lifeafter50 bio, "The best time for new beginnings is NOW", I'm now getting my PT certificate. It's the best time.
So, American Council On Exercise (ACE), here I come......
Gingerly skipping right at ya...🙋🏻
June 17, 2018 HAPPY FATHER'S DAY
Cheers To You Wonderful Dads!!! ❤
.....Keeping you happy, healthy and celebrated with a signature cocktail.
SALTY DOG
- course kosher salt
- ice cubes
- 2 parts vodka (I used Tito's Gluten Free Vodka)
- 3 parts freshly squeezed grapefruit juice (or bottle juice w/out sugar added)
- citrus slice for garnish
Pour kosher salt onto a small, flat plate. Wet the rim of a highball glass then dip the rim into the salt - spinning glass slightly.
Carefully fill the the glass with ice cubes, keeping the salt intact.
Pour vodka, then grapefruit juice over ice. Stir gently, garnish and serve. Enjoy!! CHEERS, DADS!! 🍹
GRAPEFRUIT FACTS:
- A grapefruit is a hybrid between an orange and a pomelo. A pomelo is an enormous citrus fruit from Southeast Asia.
- Grapefruit is FILLED with nutrients, high in water content and fiber.
- It's a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A.
- Drinking grapefruit juice helps prevent kidney stones.
- It's a good source of potassium, copper, biotin, and vitamin B1.
June 15, 2018
Feed Your Brain Friday
Brainteasers keep our brains in tip-top shape. Like our bodies, our cognition benefits from cerebral "muscle exercise." 💪🏻 Skill enhancement includes: perception, attention, memory, motor function, language & auditory, & visual & spacial awareness. I don't know about you, but I've walked into a room a time or two and thought, "What did I come in here for? 🙄" Yep, the realities of an aging brain. Time to work on those skills!! Board games, crosswords, cards, riddles, logic problems....the list goes on. Tap into your favorite brain game and get a little mental muscle love going. ❤
Feed Your Brain Friday
Brainteasers keep our brains in tip-top shape. Like our bodies, our cognition benefits from cerebral "muscle exercise." 💪🏻 Skill enhancement includes: perception, attention, memory, motor function, language & auditory, & visual & spacial awareness. I don't know about you, but I've walked into a room a time or two and thought, "What did I come in here for? 🙄" Yep, the realities of an aging brain. Time to work on those skills!! Board games, crosswords, cards, riddles, logic problems....the list goes on. Tap into your favorite brain game and get a little mental muscle love going. ❤
June 8, 2018 - Feed Your Brain Friday
Psychology Today
Building a Better Self: You need to dine on a steady supply of the brain's favorite fuel to live up to your own ideals.
By Hara Estroff Marano, published May 1, 2007 - last reviewed on June 9, 2016
Say good-bye to lean cuisine. If your goal is successful dieting, you'll do better with what might be called keen cuisine.
Sophisticated psychological processes like willpower and negotiation—even lending a helping hand to others—may embody your character but they are also fed literally by glucose that circulates from gut to brain. Exercising the self-control needed for dieting, overriding urges, paying attention, or engaging in any effortful executive brain function imposes unusual nutritional demands on the brain. That makes a strong and steady supply of the mind's preferred energy source a nutritional requirement.
"Eating foods that provide stable and healthy glucose levels should help people muster their self-control," says Matthew Gailliot, professor of psychology at the University of Amsterdam. "It is sadly ironic that people might fail at dieting so often because dieting reduces the very energy source—glucose—needed to diet."
Which meals provide optimal energy for such uniquely human mental activities? "Focus on foods rich in lean protein and complex carbohydrates," says nutritionist Jeannie Gazzaniga Moloo of Sacramento, California. Such foods are metabolized at a steady rate and lead to stable blood-sugar levels. Think low-fat yogurt and fresh strawberries. Veggies with a hummus dip. Fish or grilled chicken.
In addition to the right foods, timing is everything in keen cuisine. "Eat every three to four hours and make sure the food choices are rich in complex carbs and lean protein to sustain glucose levels," says Moloo. And if you know you're facing a stressful situation, having a healthy snack beforehand—peanut butter on whole-grain crackers, say—could help your blood sugar rise to the occasion.
Otherwise, decision-making and effortful control of thoughts are impaired. The brain's supply of glucose gets quickly depleted by acts of self-control. Overriding automatic response tendencies consumes significant amounts of real energy.
"Willpower is more than a metaphor," says psychologist Roy Baumeister of Florida State University, who explained the starring role of glucose in psychological high-wire acts in an issue of the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology: "The human body is undeniably an energy system. Evolution gave us this new and more complicated way of acting, but it's expensive in terms of fuel burned. Being our better selves is biologically costly." We pay a price for the uniquely human ideals of virtue and wisdom: Meeting them consumes more energy than ordinary cognitive processes do.
June 2, 2018
How to Plank Correctly:
- Lie face down on the floor, assuming the push-up position. Make sure that your back is completely straight.
- Lift your body up, using your toes and forearms as a support. Make sure that your toes, elbows and fists are flat on the floor.
- Keep your body straight. Pay attention that your neck and spine are in a neutral position.
- Draw in your abdominal and gluteal muscles and hold the position. (Engage your core - think squeeze)
- Make sure your body makes a straight line from your heels up to the back of your neck and hold this position.
- Breathe.
Generally, I keep my phone timer on the floor in front of me, set it, close my eyes, breathe slowly and plank with a goal time in mind. Different days, different goals. 🤷🏻♀️
Some benefits of planking:
OK, we know about the core blaster benefits of a good plank. We're squeezing and engaging that crucial area, but there are other benefits, too.
- stronger core, healthier back
- increased flexibility of shoulders, hamstrings, arches & toes
- it's a weight bearing exercise that promotes bone health
- a stable core helps with posture
- there are a variety of plank types so "shaking it up" keeps it from getting boring
Join me!! 30 second plank today? Let's go......
& August 4 - Guinness Book of World Records Plank Day Record Maker!!! 👊🏻👊🏻
****Below pics: Top Row DON'TS (dip, arch, turn your head)
Bottom pic: DO Straight spine, core engaged, elbows under shoulders, straight neck.
SMILE
😁 It's good for you...... ✅ the link!
May 29, 2018
May 18, 2018
For one evening each May, Boston paints the town HOT PINK for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation Hot Pink Party. On Thursday May 10th, over 500 people filled the InterContinental Hotel ballroom to share stories, support ongoing breast cancer research, and celebrate life.
Two dear friends who are active BCRF supporters invited my husband, Brian, and me to attend. It was a FABULOUS evening. Fortunately, hot pink is my favorite color because the ballroom was a site to behold; from dresses to lighting, shimmering tabletops to floral displays, the dazzling "pink carpet" to photo backdrops, hot pink ruled!
One of the speakers, Robin Browne, diagnosed at age 28 with stage IV breast cancer, spoke of her cancer fight, the unconditional support of her best friend, and the reality that research directly related to the BCRF was instrumental in her care. In fact, Robin is now CANCER FREE. What an inspirational young woman.
The BCRF is the gold standard for direct impact fundraising, and $1.7 million dollars was raised on this one night in Boston alone.
When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003, my cancer was HER2-positive. This is a cancer that tests positive for a protein called human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), which promotes the growth of cancer cells.
In about 1 of every 5 breast cancers, the cancer cells have a gene mutation that makes an excess of the HER2 protein. HER2-positive breast cancers tend to be more aggressive than other types of breast cancer. They're less likely to be sensitive to hormone therapy.
Treatments that specifically target HER2 are very effective. Herceptin is a drug that was not available to me as a treatment in 2003. Thanks in great part to the fundraising efforts of the BCRF and the dedicated hard work of researchers, Herceptin is a successful go-to treatment for people diagnosed today with all stages of HER2-positive breast cancer. It's also being successfully applied to other cancer treatment plans, as well, like stomach and esophageal. Remarkable achievements in the medical research field are happening as a direct result of fundraising right here in Boston.
Thursday evening culminated in celebration. The dance floor was packed with hot pink wearers dancing to the talented entertainment of Grammy winning artist & two time cancer survivor Nile Rodgers & the Ladies of Chic. Who doesn't love "Everybody Dance", by Chic?! 💃🏻 You can't help but move to the groove! (video proof wouldn't upload - it's a keeper tho!) Rodgers, who has worked with stars from Daft Punk to David Bowie, flew in from London for the event and received an honorary doctorate of music degree from Berklee College while in Boston. Everybody did dance....the perfect ending to an uplifting evening!
What a night! 💗
Mother's Day 2018
Dear Mom,
I think of you everyday, especially today, Mother's Day. I think of your love of lilacs, "Bridge Over Troubled Water" by Simon & Garfunkel, and family. I think of you yelling loudly and proudly at youth baseball games (and yes, I cringed a bit at this in my younger years), and your fierce support of your children and our passions. I think of how you ordered your brunch time bloody mary "spicy, not hot" (still trying to decipher that one), and your ready laugh when something struck you as funny. I think of how you and Dad loved spending time together, even grocery shopping as a team, and I think of how you LOVED flowers, wishing you'd pursued a career as a florist. I think of how you were not a willing cook and you vocally agreed with that, and how you loved being outdoors instead. I think of how you could name obscure wildflowers (Queen Anne's Lace, Indian Paintbrushes), and what a natural athlete you were. I think of you at our house on North St. wearing your beloved jean jacket and crazy sun hat, sitting on the rider mower, mowing the lawn and loving every minute of it. I think of your favorite pizza, extra cheese with mushroom, and how I haven't eaten that since you've gone. I think of the fact that you married the man who truly was the love of your life, and how you were more than my Mother, you were my friend. I think of your strong spirit in the face of adversity, your use of humor to disguise physical pain, and your faith that we will all be reunited again when our time has come. I think of you and Dad reunited now and what a blessing that is. I think of you today, Mother's Day, and I smile. 💗
Nancy Carroll Moynihan 1930-2007
Happy Mother's Day to all of the Moms out there today. Enjoy your special day!! 💐
May 5, 2018
There are days that stand out as special and inspirational. Today was one of those days. This morning I participated in the 17th annual Boston US Marine Corps 5k Honor Run in South Boston, MA. Over 1300 men, women and children ran along sunny Carson Beach to raise funds for the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation. This 55 year old organization supports the children of our Nation's military by providing need-based scholarship assistance, particularly to the offspring of parents killed or wounded in combat. This year alone 2,300 scholarships were awarded.
Military branches and first responders were well represented among the runners. Red, white and blue were the colors of choice and many people ran with American flags held high. Every person had a reason to be there and a personal story.
Today's race was dedicated to Lance Corporal Alexander Arredondo, a Massachusetts Marine who died in Iraq in 2004 at the young age of 20. He is remembered as being an optimistic young guy who saw situations as "glass half full." Lance Corporal Arredondo is the son of the famed "man in the cowboy hat", Carlos Arredondo, who heroically administered aid at the Boylston Street finish line during the 2013 Boston Marathon terrorist bombing. Mr. Arredondo once again was at the finish line in South Boston today humbly congratulating runners as they ended their race, presenting finishers with a medal bearing his son's name.
There was an enormous family contingent wearing "1st Lt. Robert Kelly" shirts, bearing the likeness of Lt. Kelly in full combat gear. This group was organized by the Lt.'s sister in his memory. He was killed in November of 2010 in Afghanistan at age 29. 1st Lt. Kelly has roots in Boston. His father, from Brighton MA, is Marine General (Ret.) John Kelly, Chief of Staff to President Trump. My goal during the race was to keep up with three of the women who were in the Lt. Kelly group. They were running together, very determined runners, and made me really challenge myself. Basically, I stared at the picture of Robert Kelly on their backs thinking, "You have NO right to complain. MOVE!" So, I'd like to thank them even though they have no idea how inspired I was by them.
It was sobering to see and meet the families directly impacted by our Nation's ongoing war on terror. It's a reminder that their sacrifice continually happens every day. It was an honor to meet them, hear their stories and remember those that they loved so well.
What a day!! One that I look forward to next year.
PICK YOUR POISON 🎾🚣🏻🚵🏻🏋🏻♀️🏃🏻♀️🤸🏻♀️🥊
Consistent exercise can be a challenge. That's why picking your poison and finding your passion can get you off the comfy couch and into that sweaty class. Here are a few of my faves that keep me motivated to move more and stay exercise faithful.
Orangetheory Fitness: 🍊
BASE PUSH ALL-OUT
Shocking, I know! I've talked about Orangetheory before and I'm a regular attendee. OTF's one hour workout hits all of the buttons - cardio (including rowing 😀), weights & bumping music. HIIT at its finest. Plus, I adore the owners at my home studio in Hingham, MA ❤. Fun fact: The originator of OTF is a 50+ woman who has been in the fitness field for decades. Props to her! Orangetheory Hingham is where I first discovered that I actually was born with biceps. They just were just playing peekaboo for 50 years!!
Krigsman Yoga: 🤸🏻♀️
OOOOMMMMMM
I live for the final PEACEFUL five minutes of class. It's where you can break free from your cluttered overactive mind and just BE! This is a rigorous vinyasa flow class using repetitive moves to activate body and mind. Feels GREAT! I walk into class knowing that many of my yoga poses will resemble a wounded duck. But hey, at this stage in life, who cares? My mat, my business. Gotta go with the yoga flow!
Pilates with Eileen: 💪🏻
100'S
My friends Kyle, Jennifer and I have been taking Pilates with our friend, Eileen for YEARS. We strengthen our cores, perfect our Pilates poses, and share some belly laughs - good for body and soul! Pilates, in general, is a great method of exercise that incorporates low-impact flexibility, muscle strength, and endurance movements. All very important as we move through the aging process.
GloveUp Boxing and Fitness: 🥊
HI, MY NAME IS KERRY AND I LIKE TO HIT THINGS........
So, this was a revelation to me this week when I did my first boxing class: I reeaaallly like to hit things, especially when "Shipping Up to Boston" by the Dropkick Murphys is blaring on the sound system. UPPER CUT, UPPER CUT, UPPER CUT.... This class incorporates resistance training (Russian twists, squats, sit-ups, etc.) for an all over workout, and then you get to punch the lights out of the heavy bag. Fun, who knew?!.... aren't we humans multi-faceted?!
Road Races:
IF THERE'S BEER INVOLVED, I'M IN! 🏃🏻♀️
Running and I are not friends. I'm more of a plodder. But if there is beer at the finish line, "RUNNER TAKE YOUR MARK". I'm like the greyhound on the racetrack chasing the beer scented rabbit. My friend Christine and I will periodically sign up for a 5 or 10k, usually for a good cause (Boston Firefighters, Hingham Turkey Trot, Tufts 10k for Women, Boston Marine Corp Honor Run). What I like most about road races is the sense of community; that sense that "we're in this together" and we're doing good for a beloved charity. Not to sound overly philanthropic though, the beer toast at the finish line is awesome, too! Even tomorrow you'll find us in South Boston, MA at the Marine Corp Honor Run 5k. Cheers to that!! (Check out my post road race mugshot below 😉)
So, these were a few of my favorites. Sometimes you have to break through that comfort zone, walk into the unknown, and explore what's out there in the exercise world. Best of luck as you pick your poison and discover the many facets of your exercise personality.
Next on the agenda: Cross Fit is now in my cross hairs. I'll keep you posted. 🤞🏻
Cocktail Napkin Confessionals
All I really need to know about life I learn from Anne Taintor cocktail napkins. If you're not familiar, do yourself a solid and google. Bright, shiny, proper ladies will smile back at you with pithy ironic quips about life, relationships, children & circumstance. I take comfort from their comedic sarcasm. They've taught me that the road to marital and parental perfection is marred with Jupiter sized potholes, and I'm taking on the terrain while legally blind. My biodegradable friends get me, warts and all. I get them, generally on sale and in bulk. They are tangible reminders that laughter goes a long way in getting you through the day.
Different quotes have spoken to me at different points in my adult life. Like when my husband thought camping might be a "really great family vacation". My gal pal said it all. It's true, I DO love not camping.
Or when all of those "super fun" elementary school bake sale opportunities arose. Nailed it! Checkbook, please.
Fast forward to today. These fabulous ladies still resonate. Who among us of "a certain age" doesn't question where our hormones went? Or yep, that's right, found the car keys in the fridge a time or two?
These picture perfect Madonnas are 1940's and 50's dream girls....
Women stuck in a time before lattes and yoga pants. Fathom that! Their faces covered the pages of magazines and department store flyers selling dish detergent, dresses, appliances and an idealized lifestyle as defined by that time. Their smiles must have masked the frustrations and struggles that every generation has, maybe more so, after all they wore day dresses and heels to breakfast. But, like us, they put their big girl pants on (and for them think white cotton fortress!), donned a smile and moved on.
Every generation and every individual maneuvers that pothole riddled road called life. You just have to decide how you will survive the bumpy part of the terrain. Personally, I like to look for the humor, often times with a little help from my cocktail napkin besties. Those gals know how to party!
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