I know I spend the majority of my time talking and teaching people about the importance of good food, eating healthy, and treating your body well when it comes to fuel and energy. So, by now, most of you know that I absolutely believe that what you eat is 90 % of the game in having a body, health and life you love. But, let’s talk about working out. In my eyes, it’s the peanut butter to the jelly. The thing that makes healthy eating stick (no pun intended) (maybe just a little).
Aside from those anomalies among us — you know the ones, they can eat whatever and not workout consistently and still function highly and look great. Everyone has a friend or family member like that (it’s not fair). But, for most of us normal people, we need both great food and even better workouts to complete the whole “healthy” cycle in a more productive manner.
The two really do encourage the other one. If you spend an hour really sucking wind, what are the chances that you want to suck a milkshake right after? Chances not high. If you’re putting some good quality effort into either category, why would you want to undo all of your hard work?
But, here’s the truth. You can’t do one without the other and have amazing, healthy, and happy results. You’ll end up either being a total control freak about your food (no thank you), or a total workout-a-holic with calories on your brain the entire time you’re “repenting” for your sins. And neither one of those approaches actually work. It catches up to you in someway– whether your body breaks down or no one wants to hang out with you at a dinner table. Plus, it takes all the fun and great energy that eating good food and having a great workout can bring. Don’t suck the joy out people. It’s no way to live.
Food is 90 % of it because it starts the ball rolling. The shotgun start. The better you eat, the better you sleep, the more energy you have, the more mindful you are, and the less heaviness you have to lug around on your joints. Therefore, you can move better. And all of those are great things. Good jelly.
Now, let’s talk about that 10 %. It may seem small, but boy is it mighty if you can do it the right way.
My advice? Do things that actually make a difference to help your heart, your lungs, your body, blood sugar, circulation, muscles and strength get better and better– not dinking around on the elliptical for 30 minutes and then proceeding to eat more to reward yourself for a job well done.
I’m talking heart pounding stuff. Gasping for air. The point that you feeling like you’re dying (when really it’s more what it feels like to be actually alive). Don’t get me wrong, walking, yoga, barre classes and pilates are WONDERFUL forms of movement, and I love doing them as well. But, if you’re short on time, making your exercise and workouts count are a big part of the deal to complete the cycle and have the body and energy that you want.
And if you’re anything like I am, it’s hard to get to that point on your own. Finding classes, a trainer or someone that is going to push you, give you some accountability and make the process fun often leads to way better results. The same is true with nutrition and healthy eating {shameless self promotion, but it’s true}. In my mind, having 2-3 HARD workouts a week is better than 7 mediocre, half-hearted gym visits.
So, for someone like me, who’s whole world is food, the importance of having amazing, challenging, sweat pouring workouts are a huge priority. It keeps me motivated, uplifted and more deeply connected to my body’s needs and the importance of fueling it the right way. It’s like a daily affirmation and little boost to keep the cycle flowing strong.
And so, I thought I would share some perspective and wise words from one of my dear friends, and owner at Fly Fitness studio over in Carillon Point, Kirkland. I’ve been around town and back, and have never had workouts more inspiring, uplifting, challenging and more importantly, at the core of it all– encouraging of living a healthy, joyful and fun life, not becoming a workout robot. When I find something so amazing, you know I can’t hold it back, and these ladies do it right. When the 10% is exciting, the 90% becomes so much easier. Profound words of wisdom today.
And so, for your reading pleasure and inspiration, some snippets of my interview with Traci Bartee, the fabulous and fun owner of Fly Fitness in Carillon Point, Kirkland, talking advice for beginners to the workout scene, the best way to get out of a rut, and her favorite healthy snacks:
1. What is your favorite class/workout and why?
My favorite Fly class is FLYCYCLE CLASSIC. I love the energy I feel from other participants. It’s so motivating! Plus, did you know you can burn 350-800 calories in a 55-minute class (depends how hard you push, obviously). But, that’s pretty amazing.
2. So, you’re the owner of a fitness studio. Do you every get stuck in a workout rut? If so, what do you do to break out of it?
Well, I do a few things… 1. Make a new playlist. Music is the key to a great work out. 2. Buy a new workout outfit. If I feel good in what I’m wearing, I push a little harder. Baggy t-shirts and shorts not allowed! 3. I also mix things up. I recently started power walking. I’ve been running forever and my body needs a break. So, I’ve been walking either to Fly or home once or twice a week. It’s almost 6 and 1/2 miles! Walking is also great to do with a friend. I call it a walk and talk. : )
3. What is your favorite healthy snack & meal?
I love to snack on sugar snap peas! So yummy! My favorite meal is: black beans, fresh corn, fresh tomatoes and any other veggie I want to throw in. I mix it all together and either eat it in a bowl or wrap it up in an Ezekiel tortilla, topped with avocado and salsa. All organic, of course!
4. Do you have any favorite fitness products or apparel right now?
Well, you know I love my lulu {Lululemon}, BUT right now, I really, really love my new Stella McCartney bright orange tank top! Neiman Marcus has her line. It’s super cute and it’s fun to have a different brand than you know who 🙂
5. Any advice for beginners starting on their fitness journey?
Yes. Make small fitness goals. This week I will… Or today I will… . It doesn’t have to be hardcore. Again, walking is great.
6. What is the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
When it comes to business & Fly Fitness, it would have to be “Don’t do it alone”. I’m really good at teaching and creating, book-keeping and business stuff… not so much. That’s why I have a great book-keeper and a wonderful business savvy husband!
7. What is one word that describes your clients:
Fit!
10. Ice cream or chocolate?
Chocolate! Not dark, but milk chocolate!
11. Current favorite workout song or playlist?
My new favorite is My Body by Young the Giant. Music is the best, and I always have a new favorite to keep me motivated.
12. What is your favorite local restaurant?
I recently discovered 520 Bar and Grill in Bellevue. It’s just a bar, but they have great salads (and steak fries). And you {Sarah} told me that fries aren’t the worst thing, so now I feel just fine ordering them on occasion 🙂
13. What’s in your workout bag right now?
La Fresh Body Wipes, a million Sweaty Bands and hair ties (available at Fly), several pairs of Lululemon black shorts plus a ton of tank tops. I change once or twice a day. I need a lot of clothes.
14. If someone wanted to come and try Fly out, what do they need to do?
Oh, just call us or sign up online. Your first class is free, and there are a lot to pick from. We can help people decide the best fit, depending where they are at. It’s like a little community very supportive and inspiring to be around. We think most people will love it 🙂
And there you have it, the insider scoop. Make your 10% count!