What is your soul’s purpose?

First things first! Sunday, September 15th is my birthday. I love telling people it is my birthday. Everyone is so nice to you on your birthday, and this is a special one! Actually, all of them are special, aren’t they? I am going to be 65! There is just something about that number and everything that goes along with it. I am now signed up with Medicare, a prescription plan and AARP. My goal is to stay away from doctors the best I can. I focus on being strong, healthy and fit. It is the best way to go.

I joined Origin, Kate Northrup’s membership community. The September focus is to find your mission. In other words, what is your soul’s purpose? I have been working very hard on this. I figure it is time to be clear about my soul’s purpose. The word power keeps popping into my head. Power is something I shied away from. It sounded too scary. I would need to be brave to step into my own power.

Recently, I have been thinking about it differently. What does it mean to live an empowered life? Being strong, healthy and fit is so important to me. I want to feel the best I possibly can in my body. It is where your energy comes from. In order for me to have have a happy positive day, I need to feel good! I find purpose and joy in helping others feel strong healthy and fit as well.

I found that my own power is inspiring others to be able to live an active life. My OutdoorFit ladies live active, empowered lives.  They travel, play tennis, ski, and golf. Elaine, my favorite, is 81. She walks her dog Teddy four miles a day! You need to keep strong, healthy and fit to do those things.

In the process of working with my OutdoorFit ladies,  I have easily dropped the weight that I gained going through menopause. I am now 137lbs! I know it is not all about the weight, but you and I know when you hit your number you feel great!

Let’s have a virtual party on Sunday! Have a piece of cake and send me a birthday blessing!

Love,

Mary

Energize March

 

I started the month off doing daily Burpees with a push-up. . . 10 of them. I really wanted it to work. A few days in, I started to feel my SI joint. It has been an issue in the past and I want to keep it there! I hate to give up but I thought I would put my ego aside and just change the challenge.

Today, I did mountain climbers with a close grip push-up. I am working on keeping the push-ups close grip.  They are harder but easier on the shoulders. I felt cranky about doing them. It was 20 degrees and windy outside this morning, but I did them anyway. It was amazing. I felt so great when I finished!

Joyful, Happy, Energetic, Enthusiastic, Vibrant and Confident.

It is amazing what 4 minutes of intense movement outside can do for you.

Would you like to start your day feeling energized, enthusiastic, and confident? Do mountain climbers with me. I have them all timed out for you. Does it seem too hard? Start with 4 rounds or do them off a bench.

Have you started making Fat Balls? I have one almost everyday. I had one this morning after the mountain climbers. They are packed with healthy fats!  I added a scoop of cacao powder to the basic recipe.  So Delicious!

Energize the month of March!

Love,

Mary

Do you have 4 minutes a day?

 

There is so much you can accomplish in 4 minutes!

Last month, it was an 8 Point plank challenge which was so effective I think I will do it again soon.

This month, it is a 100 squats a day challenge. This morning I went on You Tube to see what has been done around the 100 squats a day. Of course, it is young women measuring their butt sizes and they want bigger butts. So, they are squatting. I am doing squats because I want to be strong, healthy and fit. There is something to the discipline of adding an exercise to your day everyday.

Here is a short video of how I made squats more exciting for my OutdoorFit ladies!

 

It is cold where I live. ” Adding a little cold to your life is a foolproof way to enhance your brain function, increase your recovery, burn more fat, make your mitochondria more resilient, and build your willpower.” From the Bulletproof blog.

Would you like to feel energized, Fit and Fabulous? Go outside and do 100 squats.

It is not too late to start!

Love,

Mary

How are you doing with your 2019 Health Goals? Have you given up already? Does it feel hopeless?  Would you like to join My Fit and Fabulous Community? It is more fun with Friends. Check out the Program Guide. We can set up a time to talk to see if it is right for you.

“At My Age.”

Have you been complaining for years about your weight? Do you need to go out and buy new clothes because nothing is fitting? Do you say to yourself or others, “AT MY AGE” I can’t be expected to change or I will never be able to wear that again?

Do you go on a diet on Monday and 3 days in you are eating cookies or drinking a glass of wine? Did you talk yourself out of the whole thing? TOO HARD! Too uncomfortable!

I have been there and I am here to help you!

I have created a  90 Day Fit and Fabulous Program is not about willpower. It is getting you off the sugar roller coaster. Changing you from a sugar burner to a Fat burner.  This is where Magic happens!  There is such Freedom that comes with this program.

High Fat, Moderate Protein and Low Carbohydrate

I was a little hesitant to increase the fat, because it is high calories. We were taught that fat is bad, gov’t tells us to eat 5-11 servings of whole grains daily and eat fat sparingly.

I decided to jump in. I love butter, I started eating Kerry Gold, grass fed butter. So Delicious and the key is.. So satisfying!

Magical, Magical, Magical

  • Lost 10 pounds (even at my age)
  • Reduced aches and pains
  • No more sugar cravings

IT IS NOT ABOUT WILLPOWER! YOU FEEL GREAT!

Of course, you can do this on your own. It has been my experience that it is so much better in a group. You receive positive reinforcement and encouragement. So important to have Support and Accountability.

The first 7 days of the program, we eliminate the foods that cause inflammation and the alcohol.  No wine is not easy for me. SO much easier with a friend and I stick to it.  We send each other pictures of seltzer and lime in pretty glasses every evening and cheer each other on.

If you are not happy with how you are feeling and are ready to make some changes, please reach out and we can have a conversation to see what has been preventing you from being your Best Self and Feeling Fabulous. We will see if working together is the answer for you.

Friday, Early Bird Pricing Ends. 90 Day Fit and Fabulous Program

Do you need to look dressed when shooting a video? Put on your Mom’s Pearls!

Rainy day, shorts fit, more energy!

 

Do you love to exercise for the sake of exercise? I do! I know I feel much better after a workout. It has been raining here for days now. This morning, I was so happy to go workout under the eaves with 2 of my brave adventurous OutdoorFit ladies. I know working out under the eaves is not so exciting but we were there and got our workout in. I love a touch of craziness. We could have been home sitting on the couch drinking coffee. We all felt better for it.

Here is my latest video with Gail Harrigan. She started OutdoorFit because she wanted to get stronger and have more endurance on the tennis courts. She also loves to ski. At 67, she wants to continue on as long as she can. She knows the importance of strength and endurance training.

For added benefit , Go outside and move.

Do you need more motivation?

Here are some of the healing benefits from exercise according to Dr. Christiane Northrup.

“The benefits of regular, moderate exercise are almost innumerable and include physical, mental, and emotional benefits. Studies show that women who are physically active enjoy better health than women who are sedentary.”

  • Better immune system functioning and increased levels of immunoglobulins
  • Lower overall cancer rate
  • Decreased risk of heart disease
  • Decreased risk of breast cancer
  • Longer life expectancy
  • Less depression and anxiety, better mental efficiency and speed
  • More relaxation, more assertiveness, more spontaneity and enthusiasm
  • Stronger bones
  • More restful sleep
  • Higher self-esteem
  • Decreased insulin sensitivity
  • More energy
  • Decreased PMS symptoms
  • Weight control

Maybe you are just wanting your clothes to fit and to feel comfortable this summer on the beach. There is nothing wrong with that.

Come to OutdoorFit!

The  workouts are very effective! Warm up, HIIT, Strength and Foundation Training. I end with a few yoga poses. We cover it all.  . It is a 45 minute workout and you will leave feeling fabulous and ready to take on your day!
You will meet fun people like Gail. Go up and read the benefits of exercise again. You will feel great about yourself. I hope you will join in.
Click here for schedule.
Go enjoy a walk.

Love,

Mary

It is all about Functional Fitness.

It is so important to stay in shape so you can do what you love.

I have the gardening bug back. I discovered Garden Answers on YouTube, and I am so inspired to get my yard into shape. I went through the master gardener program around 10 years ago. I became obsessed with gardening and had so many plants in my yard. Now I am more interested in beautiful low maintenance simple gardens.

As many of you know, I have decluttered and simplified my home. I feel as though I need to do the same to my gardens.

I had lilies and other assorted flowers in front of my picket fence. This year, they were covered in weeds, so I decided to rip everything out and start over. I also  have deer in my yard on occasion. so, I choose deer resistant plants and I am hopeful it will work.  I live in the suburbs. The deer do not belong here. It is very sad. They need to go live happily in the woods.

Here is a short video of the beginning stages of the garden. I planted Winter Gem Boxwoods along with Lamium  as ground cover. I am waiting for the Blue Kazoo Spirea from Proven Winners to be delivered. I will plant them in front of the Boxwoods. On the corner of the fence, I transplanted a beautiful butterfly bush. I am excited, it is going to be pretty and simple.

I have done so much gardening this spring. I am so grateful that I am OutdoorFit and  for all of the Foundation Training that I have done.   My back is strong and healthy! It is all about Functional Fitness and being able to do what you love.

Happy Gardening!

Love,

Mary

Thanksgiving Gratitude with Dee!

 

Dee Selheim has been coming to OutdoorFit for almost a year. She joined in December which is a very brave time to join. The Winter Warrior season was just about to hit! Dee was motivated by the birth of her Granddaughter in October of last year. She wanted to be the run around, get on the floor and play, fun Grandma. I am sure Dee will be bringing out the hoops for her Granddaughter!

Dee and the Hula Hoop!

Dee has gained so much strength, flexibility and endurance. Bonus round: She is feeling fabulous and her clothes are fitting better!

I am very grateful for all of my OutdoorFitters. I am so happy that Dee Selheim is part of it. She brings lots of laughter and joy to the workouts!

 

The perfect ending to the workout!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Love,

Mary

 

Did I change someone today?

“Our job is to make change. Our job is to connect to people, to interact with them in a way that leaves them better than we found them, more able to get to where they would like to go. Every time we waste that opportunity, every page or sentence that doesn’t do enough to advance the cause is a waste.” Seth Godin

What a great quote from Seth Godin!

I have a wonderful group of OutdoorFit ladies. I work on bringing variety to every workout. The workouts focus on strength, endurance, flexibility and balance. The women currently range in age from 49 to 79. Wendy, the youngster in the class, will be 50 next week.

OutdoorFit Wendy!

I don’t want OutdoorFit to be considered a “seniorcise” workout. There is something very empowering to all of us saying we are OutdoorFit!

Here is Elaine, 79, who had the courage  to come to  my class because her daughter felt I could help her.  Her balance was off in the beginning, and I was concerned that she was going to fall down. After two weeks of coming to the workout, Elaine was so much better.  She was keeping up like a champ!

The positive effects of OutdoorFit  spill over into all areas of your life.  Your days are so much better when your energy is high and you are feeling great.

I feel like I influence a small group of women. The truth is you really don’t know how many people  are changed by your message. I put posts on social media that potentially a lot of people could read.  They might just be inspired to clean out the refrigerator, make a cup of Bulletproof coffee  or do a burpee. You never know!

Recently, a woman found me through the internet. She signed up for my 7 Day…Feel Fabulous Program that Elaine talks about in the video.  To get the full results from the program she also bought the pharmaceutical grade supplements and probiotics that I recommend.

“Thank you Mary. I feel great! No sugar cravings, I don’t feel bloated either. I have quit grain before but let it creep back in. Organic and spelt but still not good for me. I have been wanting to go true Paleo for a while now. I am in the right place for that now. Thank you so much for your help. I have used some of your recipes and I like the book, “Against all Grains”. I will keep up with you, your exercises and recipe suggestions. ” 

 

Go out and be a happy change in someone’s life!

Love,

Mary

 

Training for an Ultra Marathon at 57!

This was such a fun interview with my friend Dorian Meyer.  We sat on  Dorian’s beautiful porch overlooking Sandy Hook and the NYC skyline.   I have been wanting to interview her because she has such amazing energy and spirit!  I’ve known Dorian for a long time through running. She was an exceptional runner in her “day”!

During the interview, we talk about fashion, running. and her latest challenge, ultra marathoning.  At the age of 57, Dorian is training for a 50 mile Ultra Marathon!

Dorian’s last race was the NYC marathon in 2004. She stopped racing because she needed to take care of her Mom and sister who both sadly had cancer. She describes how running saved her during that time. I had the same kind of experience when Thomas, my miracle kid was in the hospital for 13 months. I would get up, run and then drive to the hospital. It saved me too. You just put one foot in front of the other.

Enjoy the interview.
Go see Dorian for new sneakers at her beautiful blue store in Shrewsbury, NJ. Shore Footed.

The view from the porch!

 

Take Action!

Can you get up off the floor easily? I was with a friend this weekend that set up a birthday party for a 63 year old woman. They planned fun games from their past like Twister. The problem was most of the women could not get up off the floor. Please don’t assume this is part of aging. You need to work on staying strong and flexible!

Get down on the floor and see how easy or difficult it is to get up. Let me know!

I have been working on my flexibility. I want to improve my squat and I am running again! Going slow in my new NB Minimus but I am going.  I am running on soft surfaces, the grass or on the dirt path in the woods. Something I had given up on because of my back. I have been diligently working on strengthening my back with Foundation Training. Since I have discovered Katy Bowman I am also working on my feet. I have been able to get rid of my orthotics and I am wearing a cute minimalism sneaker!! So Far, So Good.

Here is a short video of a movement that I am including in OutdoorFit and in my daily life.  It is another great inspiration from Katy Bowman. #HappyHealthyJoints

What are you doing to feel better this summer? Having Fun? Paddle boarding? Reading?

Here is my summer reading list.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Summer!

Take Action! Come try OutdoorFit. You will leave feeling so much better!

Fit and Fabulous…Aging Optional! 

Your Choice.

Love,

Mary