The apple never falls too far from the tree

I'm going to make a pretty big generalization here.  And it's not all entirely true 100% of the time, but generally I see some trends.  I feel like the apple never falls too far from the tree.  My parents (both of them) have always been active with exercise.  Going to the gym has always been a part of their normal lives.  I don't remember a long period of time ever when either of my parents weren't working out.  Interest in exercise for myself and my brother started at a young age with sports and staying fit in the off seasons. 

So fast forward to adulthood now for me.  Being fit, getting more fit (b/c we all can always be more fit), and hopefully helping others be fit is my life and will play some sort of role in my career.  My brother is still active himself and enjoys running, biking, hiking, and participating in triathlons.  Our parents are 62 years old and they still exercise.  I'm not talking your leisure stroll to the mailbox exercise or even a walk around the block.  I'm talking going to the gym, lifting up and putting down appropriate weights for their strength, using the cardio equipment, going on bike rides, etc. 

My mom recently has been experiencing some discomfort in her knee.  She really enjoys sprints on the treadmill (a HIIT workout), but this bothers her knee.  So after about a year of annoyance, the discomfort got bad enough to warrant a trip to see her friendly PT.  Leading up to her appointment and as her pain worsened she would back off from activities at the gym and even took a few more rest days than normal.  However, she couldn't just quit going to the gym.  Matter of fact I think her exact words were "I just can't NOT go to the gym."  Now I know where I get it from... :)

So she will do the prescribed exercises the PT gives her and refrain from those that bother her and she will heal. 

My dad had double hip replacement a couple months ago.  He was discharged early from PT b/c he was so compliant and so in shape prior to his surgery that the PT just couldn't do more for him.  He was that ready to ease back in to his normal gym routine.  Such a proud daughter!!!

I plan to be the same example for my kids. 

What kind of tree are/were your parents?  What kind of tree are you or do you plan to be?  What kind of apples do you plan to have? 

Time to get back on track

Well, I thought I was going to blog more while on Christmas break from school.  We traveled to the mountains of NC for the week of Christmas and we did not have internet connectivity.  It was actually amazing.  We would like to live in the mountains some day.  Not necessarily in NC b/c it doesn't snow enough, but somewhere in the mountains.  Anyway, so this post is a 'get back on track' post.  For you, me, and everyone. 

I ate a lot A LOT of Christmas cookies.  We ate tons of unauthorized, sugary, non-clean foods.  That is okay.  It was all so good.  I worked out 3 times while in NC and no lifting (sad face).  I had (and still have) a lot of work to do, but I'm getting back on track. 

I don't really set New Year resolutions.  Rather I would like to just better myself from my month long slip up of with minimal physical activity and bad eating starting before finals and lasting through Christmas.  So we are back to clean eating and now that I'm home I'm able to work out.  I'm still off of school so I'm able to work out as freely as I please and even get in a couple two a days.

About a year ago, I declared myself a non-runner.  I have been, what I consider, a runner since high school.  I opted for the change to weights b/c I was never able to achieve the physique I wanted with running.  All of our goals our different.  I've really enjoyed this change.  For 2013, I don't intend to become a runner again, but I do want to have some goals.  Like I want to run a half marathon.  I haven't ran more than 10 miles since probably 2008.  I'd not only like to run a half marathon but run every mile in sub-8's.  That's my goal.  I would like you to set goals too.  Maybe it's to run a 5K (the entire way through, doesn't matter how slow or fast).  Maybe it's simply to join a gym and get started with any form of physical activity.  But please PLEASE do something. 

If you don't know where to start, ask me.  Or start here:

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/jamie-eason-livefit-trainer.html.  This is the program I used when I changed from being a runner to lifting weights.  I like this program b/c 1) anyone can do it 2) it's dumby proof...it has every day spelled out for you.  Lifting weights helps you burn fat like nobodies' business.  So if you are in a rut with cardio cardio cardio and not getting the results you want, try this.  :)  It will not disappoint. 

I love leg day.

Yes it's supposed to hurt. (tank: Firedaughter Clothing on etsy; bra: BodyRock Sport)

Super Christmas gifts I'm so excited about.  Smartwool...best socks ever.  Clarisonic Mia-not fitness related, but I love it and can't wait for clearer skin! Garmin running watch (as if the Chase family didn't have enough of these, we have 5!)