Wednesday, December 31, 2008

The "Shape" of "Oprah"

Happy New Year to all of you. I hope each and everyone of you have a wonderful start to 2009. Have you set those goals for 2009? I am waiting to hear what they might be.
I wanted to share with you a couple of interesting magazines that I purchased over the last couple of days. The first one is the January issue of O Magazine from Oprah Winfrey. If any of you have followed Oprah on her struggle to maintain her weight then this is the one copy you need to purchase. Oprah has unfortunately fallen off the weight loss and good health wagon and now has 40 pounds to lose. I found the article interesting because she states that the biggest problem is that she has taken herself off the list of things to do. She stated that she has put everything and everyone ahead of herself and is now staring at 40 extra pounds on her frame. If you have $5 to spare I would suggest you buy a copy of this magazine and just read pages 148 to 153. I found her statements on page 149 to be especially enlightening. Pick up a copy and read it.
Oprah's friend and trainer Bob Greene also has some wonderful information that he adds to the end of the article.
My point in mentioning this article is this...Oprah is like a bazillionaire and has enough resources to hire a cook, trainer and have the best equipment available in which to train. The only thing is Oprah has to do the work. She can't hire anyone to work-out for her. She has to keep herself on the list and eat right and exercise. She has to show up and make it count.
The second magazine that I purchased is from the publishers of Shape magazine. It is one of those special collectors edition magazines that stays on the shelf for a couple of months. I just found that it has a ton of useful information that you might find interesting and useful in your journey to get better health.
Show up and make it count!

Friday, December 26, 2008

Set Your Goals Lofty

I wanted to share my New Year's Goals with you in hopes that it might plant the seed for other's to follow. Those other's would be you my peeps. Here is a list of mine so far. I may add more and if needed I reserve the right to redefine success as the year progresses.

  1. I want to be a better listener.
  2. Be more kind to my beloved Joe.
  3. Love my girls to pieces.
  4. Bench press 135 pounds.
  5. Run 3 miles in 30 minutes twice a week.
  6. Ride my bike for at least 30 miles a week.
  7. Continue my teammates training with Doug, Denny, Beau and Norma.

When thinking of setting goals or New's Year's Resolutions or dreams or whatever you may call them I think of the USA olympic swimmer Dara Torres age 41. I believe she was quoted as saying "Your dreams have no age limit"! I hope that you will think of her or anyone that inspires you in any way and set your goals. Set your goals lofty because you just might reach them!

I would love to know what goals you have set for 2009. Drop me an e-mail or give me a call or even send me a text (I am no longer in 1985...I can text now) and let me know what you have in mind. I will do whatever I can to help you achieve your health and fitness goals for 2009.

Show up and make it count!

Monday, December 15, 2008

Reward No Food

Another interesting conversation made this blog post come to mind. I was working out with Erin B. at our Keller facility. We were talking about weight loss, exercise, dieting, etc. She mentioned that she might be going to work full-time from 8 to 5. She is a wonderful nurse and currently works several night shifts a week and it has totally taken a toll on her weight loss and fitness efforts. She mentioned that she can't seem to get into a healthy routine with her eating due mainly to her schedule. She says that she is so tired from working the night shift that she finds herself rewarding herself with food. She thinks in her mind "Hey I work the night shift and it is hard to do that and I am tired therefore I am going to reward myself with this piece of cheesecake"! This made me think long and hard about the whole act of rewarding ourselves with food. Why do we do that?
Another example of this food for reward was with my training buddy Doug who by the way is looking RIPPED. He is trying desperately to clean up his eating. I bought him the book The Eat Clean Diet by Tosca Reno and he is really making an effort to follow her guidelines. Unfortunately, to eat clean means that you have to really come clean. No soda, junk food or fast food. I received a text message from Doug stating that his "Veggies were screaming for ranch dressing". I texted him back and said "NO RANCH". He texted me back and said "I want the ranch because I deserve the ranch". You can see where this was going.
My challenge to you is this...no longer reward yourself with food. Just don't do it any longer. If you have had an awesome week and have got your required work-outs in and have eaten as healthy as possible then why not reward yourself with something else. My dear friend and training partner Runner Susan would most definitely enjoy new shoes. I would most definitely reward myself with additional training with Denny or something for my bike.
Give it a try by rewarding yourself with something other than food. From this point forward think of food as fuel and let that be the end of it. Let me know what you reward yourself with instead.
Show up and make it count!

Thursday, December 4, 2008

She's Making A List and Checking It Twice

I had another conversation with my adult fitness client Kathy that led to the creation of this blog post. We were talking about all of the wonderful things that we had to eat on Thanksgiving day. I mentioned to Kathy that between meals that day I managed to skip out and ride my bike for 10 miles or so. Her question to me was how did I just leave and go ride my bike? I thought about it and thought that it seemed like a no brainer to get a work-out in that day especially since I had over indulged in the stuffing category. But then it occurred to me that some people would never dream of leaving a house full of family and friends to go and take a walk or jog. Some of my clients would never give themselves permission to take an hour and go do something good for their health. I will admit that I sometimes feel extremely guilty about the amount of time I put it to working out each day. I feel like I should be doing other things instead, but I always come back to the feeling of I have to keep myself on the LIST! I have to take that 60 minutes (sometimes more) or so and stay on the journey. I have to put the guilt aside and just do it!

I am asking you this season to...make your list and check it twice...and make for sure you are on it!

Show up and make it count!

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Alternative Bread

I am a girl that loves the bread and I stumbled on to a great product. The name is The Alternative Pita Bread and The Alternative English Muffin. I found them at Sprouts and they are wonderful. The pita bread is awesome with 110 calories per piece and 8 grams of fiber and 7 grams of protein and very low fat to boot. The english muffin is 100 calories per muffin with 8 grams of protein and 7 grams of fiber and guess what very low fat as well. I am in pita bread heaven!!!

You may find out more about these products by visiting their website at Western Bagel.

Show up and make it count!

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Remember When

I saw my sweet Lorrie at Target today and we had the best conversation. Although she hasn't been to work-out in over 8 weeks...I am willing to forgive her and continue to be hopeful that she will return really soon. She has started a new job and I know that soon she will be back in the groove of working out with us! I am counting on it.

Anyway, our conversation was brief but it made me really think about diet and exercise in general. As I walked away I asked myself just what is it that works for me when it comes to diet and exercise? What keeps me on this journey of good health? What keeps others on their journeys of good health. I decided that I would share some of the things that people in my life have done to find success in diet and fitness.

The first section will be food and eating. My success comes from Weight Watchers and the continued accountability I have with my monthly weigh-ins! Knowing that I have to step on that scale every month keeps me in check. I also eat 6 or 7 times a day. I try to eat what I call "God" food. This to me is food that has little man handling done to it! Think fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats and some whole grains and non-fat dairy. I have also realized that there are some foods I just can't have such as donuts! I jokingly call the donut shop the "crack house"! Although I have never had the drug crack I have learned that it is highly addictive. I feel the same way about chocolate covered donuts. I haven't had one in over 3 years and don't plan on having one ever again! I am too weak when it comes to the donuts!

My beloved Joe has had success by simply not eating at night. He does sometimes slip up as we all do, but as soon as he is back on track and not eating after say 7 pm he feels much better. My training partner RUNNER SUSAN has had tremendous success by eating clean and following the guidelines of the EAT CLEAN DIET by Tosca Reno. My long lost buddy Deana has the most success when she is doing Nutri System or Jenny Craig. She loves the fact that her food is portioned out for her and it keeps her organized and in control. Another client of mine Jill gave up soda and continues to watch portions and just keeps out the junk in her diet. My trainer and business partner Denny is great at eating a hearty breakfast of oatmeal and is a very loyal drinker of Post Recovery Work-out Shakes from ADVOCARE. I swear the boy is bionic because he just keeps going and going. I know one day I am going to stumble on to some of his spare bionic parts at the EDGE facility in Keller.

Each of these individuals have found what works for them in the food category and they stick with it! They remember what works and stick with it.

When it comes to fitness and exercise I continue to thrive in the group dynamic. I love to ride my bike with RUNNER SUSAN on Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday and I train with Denny and Doug on Monday/Wednesday and Friday. They all make me accountable. Susan is great on the bike and can leave me in the dust. Denny and Doug whip me in the gym as well. I always say train with people that are better than you. You will always be working hard when you are trying to keep up!!! I in turn feel like I keep them motivated as well. I know that Doug and Denny don't want to be beat by a GIRL!!!

RUNNER SUSAN has mentioned that her fitness is both a physical outlet as well as a social outlet. She looks fabulous as well so I know that the results she is seeing are keeping her motivated. The girls gets up at 4:15 on Tuesday and Thursday to come to be tortured by me. Now that is motivation! Jill has mentioned that she is motivated by the results she is seeing in the mirror! She looks great and her success has come from continuing to just show up to work-out and be consistent.

My point to all of this rambling is this...remember back when you felt your best. What were you doing? How was your diet? What type of exercise program were you following? I have found that it doesn't have to be anything drastic. If you are exhausted from your work-out you might need to tone it down and find something more doable. I would love for you to be training with me, but if you are not just do something! If you are starving or can't even get out of bed then maybe what you are doing is to drastic. I do believe that if you take baby steps and have balance that you can figure out what will work for you. I do believe that you can figure out some thing that will be sustainable for life.

Take some time today and remember when.....

Show up and make it count!
For information on Runner Susan, Tosca Reno or EDGE click on their names above.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Just Curious

I was curious to know what is keeping you from being physically fit? What types of things keep you from working out at least 3 to 4 times a week? I am interested in your answers and would love if you could take the time and e-mail me an answer if you so desire. I don't want to feed you any answers or excuses, but I can't help but wonder what the reasons are for each person.

Is it lack of time or money? Is it lack of motivation? Are you easily distracted by other obligations? Do you just hate to exercise? Is it lack of support from family or friends? Is it something I am doing or not doing to help you in your journey?

One of the many things about this job that I enjoy is that I get to hear all of the excuses. Some are real and can't be avoided. Reasons like a sickness or just plain too sore to work-out today. Other excuses I just have to laugh about them. My beloved husband told me once that the reason his buddy from work got up and worked out everyday was because his buddy was in really good shape already! I thought to myself...duh...how do you think he GOT in such good shape. I am glad to say that my sweet hubby has made the connection and can no longer use the "I am out of shape so I can't work-out" excuse. He is in great shape because he is working out on a regular basis! Go figure!

I have started a list of the best excuses for not coming to class that I have heard over the past 2 years. Some of you will remember telling me that very excuse and others will just shake your head and laugh! I am not going to post them today, but maybe one day I will. Remember I am laughing with you not at you.

Anyway, if you get a minute...really think about what is keeping you from achieving better health through being physically active. I am just curious to know. You may e-mail me your answers to Cindy@EDGE-SP.com.

Show up and make it count!

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Success of Failure

"The most difficult journey is back to the place where you failed" -Max Lucado

I came across this quote today and it really caught my attention. I think so many of us fail and then are fearful to begin again. If you find that you are back to that place where you failed in the past just remember you can always start over. Whatever it might be...weight loss, starting an exercise program, starting a new business after other's have failed, healing a relationship or even recovering from yet another injury. Just remember you can always have a do over, a new beginning or a fresh start!

Show up and make it count!

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Bread and "Butt"er

In a never ending battle to maintain my weight loss I am trying an experiment. I have decided that I have to give up some of my beloved bread. I love bread almost as much as my first born child and at least as much as chips and queso. I have realized in the last 48 hours that bread just might be doing me in. I have been having 2 slices of whole wheat bread with my breakfast each morning. My experiment has been this...I am not eating any more bread during the day...only at breakfast. I know it is early, but in the last 48 hours since doing this I have noticed that I am less bloated and my stomach seems flatter. My "inches" around my waist seem smaller and less noticeable. My jeans feel less tight on my legs and booty. I feel like I am not retaining so much fluid that you could pop me like a water balloon. Remember that it has only been 48 hours. I am hopeful that I am on to something here. I will keep you posted.

I have read many books and some state that you have to watch bread intake when you get into your 40's! I am starting to believe that they just might be on to something. I love bread! Please be clear on this! I think most people are very tolerant of it. I just think that for me the answer is the bread just goes straight to my "BUTT"er!

Show up and make it count!

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Just Give Me the Fat Facts

I continue to have conversations regarding body fat and how to determine it and how to determine what a healthy body weight is for each individual person. I received an article from ACE that is very informative and you may read it by clicking here. My adult fitness client Jill sent me this link and I found it very interesting as well. You may read it by clicking here. I think that sometimes you do have to just do the work. Eat well with a watchful eye on portions and types of food you are eating. Exercise so that you are burning up any additional calories that you might have consumed. A great way to log your exercise and food intake is by signing up with Calorie King. They have a wonderful database for all foods and their nutritional and calorie counts are listed as well and you can add in your exercise for the day to find out an estimate of how many calories you are burning. You may check out their website by going to CalorieKing.com. Other websites that you might find interesting are the My Pyramid which is sponsored by the USDA. This website has a ton of information and is free to use. You may find their information by clicking here.

One of the phrases that they said repeatedly during the nutritional seminar I attended at the Cooper Institute was "Calories in calories out!" The Cooper Institute also has a great website called Stand Up and Eat. You may find their information by going to standupandeat.org.

Finally, I wanted to add something that my sweet husband said the other day. My adult fitness client Jill was feeling disappointed that the scale had not moved but she continued to lose inches. My husband overheard the conversation that Jill and I were having. He told me later that all Jill really needed to do was "Throw out the scale and just look in the mirror!" Jill has lost well over 20 pounds and looks great. I think my husband was right on target with this observation. I think we get caught up in the numbers game with the body fat measurements and the read out on the scale. Sometimes all we really need to do is LOOK IN THE MIRROR! I have found that the mirror can be really honest.

Show up and make it count!

Monday, October 6, 2008

Runner Susan


This post is dedicated to my client, training partner and friend Runner Susan. She is off to Chicago tomorrow to run the Chicago marathon on Sunday. She has trained hard. She has trained harder than any other time I can remember. We have done leg torture and track torture for weeks now. She has run on her own and with our friend Massoman. I can't think of anything else we could have done to prepare her for this marathon. I would love to see Runner Susan shave 15 minutes off of her marathon time, but part of me doesn't care about that because she is a different athlete now. She knows that she can train and train well. She is stronger, leaner, more buff and faster. Her mind is stronger. I have enjoyed the journey and I know that Runner Susan is prepared.

My thoughts will be with you on Sunday. When you get to mile 16, 21, 25...remember that you are strong and that you can run like the wind! Remember that you are STEALTHY! So with that "Good Luck Runner Susan!"

Show up and make it count!

For additional information on Runner Susan and to visit her blog and wish her good luck click on her name above.

Friday, October 3, 2008

Fiber One Chewy Bars


I am all about the food and I have found a real gem. Fiber One Chewy Bars are awesome and provide 35% of your daily needs for fiber. They are also lower in sugar than most bars at only 9 grams per serving. They come in 4 different flavors: Chocolate, Caramel, Peanut Butter and Strawberry. I have tried them all and they are GREAT! It is the perfect treat if you need something sweet. One thing I have noticed is that with fiber comes the dreaded flatulence aka GAS!! I would suggest taking a food enzyme diet supplement before such as the product Beano! Like the commercial says...take Beano before and there will be no gas afterward. Spare your loved ones and trust me on this one!
Show up and make it count!

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

I Surrender

I love to run, but my knees have turned their back on running. I have grown tired of the constant pain after running only 3 miles. I gave it a year for them to be OK with running after the dreaded knee surgery and they continue to tell me NO RUNNING!! I surrendered to my knees and bought a new bike. I love to ride my bike. I have almost no pain after riding up to 10 miles. This is an awesome feeling indeed. I have one thing to say about the bike riding. It will work your legs like nothing else. As my friend Runner Susan would say...you can't stop and walk when you are tired on your bike or you will fall over!! Lesson learned! It is truly a great leg work-out and your glutes will be screaming as well. When you got a little junk in your trunk like me then that is a good thing.

My first bike rally will be this Saturday the 4th for the http://www.tourdeargyle.com/ bike rally. Runner Susan and I signed up for the 7 mile family ride. Please join us if you feel the desire. I am sure it will be a great feeling to ride with a group at a pace in which I can keep up.

Show up and make it count!
For additional information on Runner Susan click on her name above.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Body for Life Pledge

I have been reading the book Body for Life for Women by PAMELA PEEKE and I came across the Body for Life Pledge.
  1. I will give to myself as I give to others.
  2. I will value my health as I value the health of my loved one.
  3. I won't ask, "SHOULD I or SHOULDN'T I?" about matters of self-care.
  4. I will just do it.
  5. I humbly accept that I must work to be the best me I can be.
  6. I will choose to work for myself, rather than abandon myself.
  7. I will embrace adversity as an opportunity to test my mental and physical strength.

I wanted to forward this pledge on to you in an effort to give you a little nudge, push or maybe even a shove to become refocused on your fitness health.

I know that staying focused is not an easy thing to do. I have had a rude awakening over the past few weeks with a weight gain of 5 pounds in 3 weeks. Yes, you heard right...5 lovely pounds in three weeks. It looks as though perimenopause is settling in and the expected weight gain has landed right on my butt!!! I am frustrated and more than a little ticked, but this frustration has led to better eating and more cardio.

Please know that you are not alone in staying motivated. Just do it! Put yourself on the list and get to class. As always...Show up and make it count!!

For additional information on Pamela Peeke click on her name above.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Ladders of Success

I had the pleasure of testing a couple of my adult fitness clients on the ladder drill. I was thrilled for both of these individuals because their overall conditioning is so improved. The first in the video is Kathy. Kathy has been a client of mine for about 15 months and when she started training with me she could barely perform a walking lunge. Her strength and conditioning have improved tremendously. Kathy is a 40 something mother of 3 and I think she is awesome.
Adam just started training with me and as you can see...he is a big lineman. He just graduated from UTA and wants to get in better condition for his family's annual Turkey Bowl. His goal is to get 5 sacks at this years game. His conditioning has improved tremendously in the few short weeks he has been with me.
They both have such a story of success to share. Please enjoy their "Ladders of Success" drill below. Show up and make it count!

Monday, September 8, 2008

Hydration Equation

The topic of hydration came up during the Principles of Nutrition section of our seminar at the COOPER INSTITUTE. The main questions were: Why is water so important anyway? How much water do I need to drink on a daily basis? When do I need to drink it? How do I know if I am properly hydrated? I will try and answer some of those questions based on the information I received.

Water is the most important and the most consumed nutrient that a person needs whether you are an athlete or not. You can live without food for quite a while. No water and you are doomed. Our body weight is made up of about 60% water. It helps carry other nutrients through the body. It carries waste out of the body. It also assists with the formation of many molecules in the body. It also lubricates and cushions our joints, helps regulate our body temperature and maintains blood volume.


The adequate daily intake for water will vary from 64 ounces a day to 2.7 liters to 3.7 liters based on whatever website or book you read. I would say a minimum to aim for is at least 64 ounces a day. Athletes or people who lose water through sweating should increase their intake of water. Guidelines state to drink about 2 - 1/2 cups for every pound lost through physical activity. This should be consumed throughout the day. There are many water sources in the diet such as tea, coffee, juice, and food. Although tea and coffee contain caffeine the hydration you receive from the water they contain is larger than the diuretic effect of the caffeine.

A great indicator of adequate hydration is the color of your urine should be almost clear. You will feel more energized as well.

So with that...have a drink on me! Water of course!

Show up and make it count!

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Drop and give me 60

There are 1,440 minutes in a day...I want just 60! 60 minutes of your time could make you a better wife, mother, friend, employee or husband, son, father. 60 minutes to improve your mood and your outlook on the day. 60 minutes to burn up to 300 or more calories. 60 minutes to make you stronger, leaner and more fit. 60 minutes of the 1,440 that you have in your day. 60 minutes...think about it!
Show up and make it count.

Friday, August 22, 2008

Nike SPARQ Video

In March of 2008 we hosted a NIKE SPARQ mini camp at the EDGE facility in Keller, Texas. The above video is the type of training offered at the EDGE. We offer this type of training year round with clients as young as 8. You may find additional information by visiting the EDGE website.

Friday, August 15, 2008

Cindy And Jill Went Up the Hill

Jill Before

and Jill After Below

I have been lucky in my fitness business that I get to work with many wonderful clients. I wanted to spotlight one of my clients today. Her name is Jill and she is awesome! Jill called me the day of the 2008 Superbowl and her words to me were "I AM READY!" Well, I would have to say that YES she was ready and has lost 20+ pounds and many inches. Jill is a powerhouse! In my opinion what has made her successful in her weight loss journey is that she puts in the time at my gym, but she also watches what she is eating. She gave up soda! Her beloved soda and never looked back. I know that there has been days when it does feel like the journey is all up hill, but Jill keeps putting in the work! Way to go Jill I am so proud of you and you continue to inspire me!
Show up and make it count!

Just One Thing

I had the pleasure of attending a nutritional seminar at the COOPER INSTITUTE in Dallas this past week. Kim, one of the ladies at our Keller EDGE asked me what was the one thing that I took away from the seminar that stood out the most. I would have to say it was this...cardiovascular fitness will improve your overall health more quickly than weight loss. I thought this was great because so many of us wait until we are thinner before we start working out. I can't tell you the number of people who tell me that they are embarrassed to go to the gym because they feel like they are too heavy. The Cooper Institute has done studies and have proved that cardiovascular fitness improves your health and reduces health risks more quickly than just losing weight alone. So just remember that changes and health benefits occur on the inside far more quickly than they might show up on the outside. I say get to the gym, take a walk or run, just do something to improve your cardiovascular system. So ladies don't wait until you are in a size 6 jeans or men don't wait until you have a 36 inch waist before you start working out.
Show up and make it count!

For additional information on the Cooper Institute or the EDGE click on their names above.

Friday, August 1, 2008

Chicka-lay may be OK

When my girls were very small I took them to a Chick-fil-a Restaurant almost daily for lunch. It was a cheap way for their mother to have a mental health break from being in baby jail all day with two small children. My youngest daughter fondly called it "Chicka-lay" and still does to this day. Anyway I was pleasantly surprised by this article on fast food that stated that "Chicka-lay" is one of the better fast food restaurant choices. I still love this restaurant to this day. If they ever trade publicly on the stock market I would love to buy some of their stock and make money off of myself. If you are smart in your choices you can find a somewhat healthy meal on their menu. Show up and make it count!
You may find additional information by clicking on the word Chick-fil-a and "Chicka-lay" above.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

A Jazz Apple A Day Keeps The Doctor Away

Over the past 3 years I have been eating better and have come across some really great food. One of those great foods would be the Jazz Apple from New Zealand. This is one of the best on the market and is a little hard to find. I have consistently found them at Central Market in the Colleyville/Southlake area. They are a little expensive at around $2.49 a pound, but worth every penny. My experience with them is that they are always crisp and fresh with a wonderful flavor. My kids love them as well. I know that in the fall the apple buying season is beginning...so why not give them a try. There are many more apples to chose from than just Red Delicious. Why not try Pink Lady, Cameo or Jona Gold. Show up and make it count!

For additional information on Jazz Apples and Central Market click on their names above.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

A Stitch In My Side Saves 9

I have had several people ask me about the "Side Stitch" or pain in the side of the adbomen area that they might get while running or exercising. It is usually along the right side of the abdomen and hurts like crazy when it is happening to you. I did a little research and found a great article on the Runnersworld website. This article might give you some insight as to why it might happen. I get a stitch every so often, but not near as often as when I first starting running and exercising. I do believe that it doesn't happen as much since I am in better overall condition now as opposed to then. I asked my sweet husband what his view would be on how to stop a side stitch and he stated "Stop Running"! I laughed at first, but after researching a little more I found another article on the Sportsmedicine website that stated just that...stop running! Show up and make it count!

Additional information can be found by clicking on the name Runnersworld and Sportsmedicine in the article above.

Saturday, July 12, 2008

My Shins Are Doing Me In

The topic of pain in the shin area (front of the lower leg) is the most asked about ailment. I have suffered from shin pain and it will shut you down faster than anything. I have found that with me the first thing I need to do when I start having any shin pain is check my shoes. Shin pain for me is a big indicator that it is time for new running shoes and new insoles. I usually buy both at the same time. The shoes that have worked for me are Asics running shoes. They have all types of running shoes and you can expect to pay a minimum of about $50.00. There are many great styles of running shoes out there so if you are not sure what to buy go to a store that has a trained staff like Run On or Lukes Locker. They will watch you run and ask you questions and let you try on all types of shoes before you make a decision. These guys know what they are talking about because most of their employees are runners or at the very least exercise to stay fit. I also am a big believer in good insoles in the new shoes. I usually buy a new pair of Spenco Polysorb Insoles when I purchase my new shoes. I take out the insoles that came with the shoes and trim the Spenco insoles to fit the new shoes. It is like running on pillows. Lastly, check out the stretching video at Runnersworld under the category of The Runner's Body and then click on the shin/calf video. It is an excellent video that is easy to follow and may help relieve some of the pain. I hope this post is helpful. The best advice I can forward on to you is what has worked for me. Show up and make it count!

For additional information on Asics, Run On, Lukes Locker, Spenco or Runnersworld just click on their name above to be redirected to their websites.

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Introductions

My name is Cindy Helm and I started on a fitness journey that has forever changed my life. If you would like additional information about me please visit my main website at stronglikehelm. This blog is for the sole purpose of providing information pertaining to diet, fitness and better health to all of my peeps aka fitness clients. Each day I have at least one person ask me about a particular topic in one of these areas. I love to help them figure out what they should do to improve on something, feel better about an issue or just provide some general guidance in a particular area. I am hopeful that this blog will provide that to my peeps and anyone else who might be interested.

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Up And Running

Welcome to the stronglikehelm blog. More information coming soon!