Bring Your Fitness Attitude to a Whole New Level with Coco Chanel

Do you ever wonder why you have a great attitude about your career, family, and often-crazy social calendar, but there is a little attitude adjustment needed when it comes to scheduling your daily workouts in? Here’s a secret. You’ve got what it takes – you just need a little fashion-fitness attitude to get you going.

“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street; fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.”
– Coco Chanel

If we can’t take advice from Coco then from whom can we take advice from? Not particularly known for a timid voice, I’m sure if Chanel were alive today, she’d have a few choice words to say about attitude alterations when it comes to adhering to fitness regimens.

I had a little fun with this so you could see how designer Coco Chanel’s successful attitude can inspire all of us to build a fitter, leaner, and more beautiful body today. Take a look and see how you can develop what the French call l’attitude.

Fitness Challenge One: Out of town guests arrive for the weekend and you were just getting ready to take a long run.

L’AttitudeShe Communicated Success: For Chanel, beauty was not just about looking good. It was about presenting oneself in a way that garnered respect from the outside world and allowed one to move forward with one’s own goals. By taking care of your appearance, Chanel believed, you would be able to present yourself as a powerful and successful person, even if you were not there quite yet.

Tell yourself this:My guests will be fine. They can help themselves to cappuccino and croissants – draw a bath – and relax in my beautiful abode. I’ll arrive later invigorated and ready to have a beautiful weekend.

Fitness Challenge Two:
You set out to train for an upcoming tri-athlon, but you are having second thoughts. You’ve always wanted to do one, but are thinking it may be a little too challenging this year.

L’AttitudeShe Was Resilient: “Elegance is refusal,” Chanel said,“ refusal to give up.” Chanel never lost faith in herself. Despite having to overcome her age and her ruined reputation, she was able to make a comeback in the industry at the age of 71. She reinvented her designs and gave them a fresh spin, which helped make her company a leader once again.

Tell yourself this:
Be elegant. Mind, body, and spirit are strengthened by challenges.

Fitness Challenge Three: You are at the end of a long day and you are tempted to scrap the workout session with your trainer.

L’AttitudeShe Was Inspired: Chanel once attended a masquerade ball dressed as a figure from a Watteau painting. The compliments she received for her outfit prompted her to turn it into a woman’s suit. Everything from paintings, to men’s clothing, to architectural shapes, to simple flowers served as inspiration for Chanel and wound up in some form or another in her creations. By looking to the ordinary in order to get ideas, Chanel was able to create the extraordinary.

Tell yourself this: I’m in need of a mind-shift. I have the mental flexibility to get inspired by my surroundings even when they seem ordinary. I can do this, and make my life extraordinary.

Fitness Challenge Four: You’ve been traveling all weekends and finding time for fitness has been rough. You know if you wear comfortable shoes while traveling you could sneak in some walking time, a few squats, and maybe a few wall pushups while at the airport, but you think to yourself, “Style is so important- high heels are an absolute must.”

L’Attitude She Was Different: From her style, to her personality, to her marketing, everything about Chanel was unique. She brought a new vision of women’s fashion to the industry and, with its boyish qualities, simplicity and clean lines, she revolutionized the field. She brought fashion down to a practical level, all the while maintaining a sense of class and elegance that appealed to the elitist of women.

Tell yourself this:
Confidence is key to pulling off anything. Besides, I’ve got class. I’ve got elegance. I can pull this off. No problem!

Fitness Challenge Five: You have been scrambling all day long at work. You’ve just noticed that you failed to pack the correct attire for your lunch break workout. In your workout bag you have your husband’s gym shorts, an old tattered – shirt of his, and your gardening tennis shoes.

L’ Attitude
She Was Daring: She fashioned elegant women’s dresses out of the same material that was used to create men’s underwear, and at a time when women weren’t even supposed to be thinking about men’s underwear. She cut her hair and wore loose clothing when society told her she should have long, flowing hair and tight corsets around her body. Chanel was willing to take the risks she needed in order to reach the top.

Tell yourself this: If it’s good enough for Coco Chanel, it’s good enough for me!

You can get an attitude! And Chanel can help!

Road to Weight Loss (Part 6 of 6)

Today is the end of our 6 week healthy living and weight loss series designed to put you in charge of your own weight loss journey. Non gimmicky and geared to today’s savvy consumer, you now have valuable tools and insight, that when applied, will propel you not only to significant weight loss but a more healthy, energetic and carefree lifestyle.

Not seen in traditional weight loss programs, these 5 principles, when applied, are more effective and long lasting than traditional dieting practices we read and hear about in mainstream media today.

A review: Five mind connections for weight loss.
1. Use movement for inspiration
2. Think progress not perfection
3. Focus on what matters
4. Stay aware. Weigh daily.
5. Live life joyfully

We end our series by exploring this last connection-live life joyfully.

How our realities are shaped. The NYC Metropolitan Museum of Art has an exhibit on how movies affect our reality. I have not seen it yet, but can only imagine that it has to do with how our realities are shaped by what we see, and in turn how we interpret these realities into our own lives.

Today, an increasing number of consumers are choosing to limit their viewing of today’s news and instead are opting for more favorable activities that emote positive emotions. And many people, including myself, believe the creation of positive living environments is essential to initiating changes in our own lives.

In the past, I disregarded this type of thinking and instead opted for a more staunch position that no one can alter my emotions except myself. Some people today have a similar stance. Unfortunately, such an uncompromising demeanor places one at a severe disadvantage when aiming to live a more lean and energetic lifestyle.

Emotions are affected by environment. Scientists know emotions are affected by surroundings. It’s now clear scientifically that we can alter a healthier state of mind through positive thinking, and brain rewiring. I am not referring to Pollyanna behaviors where one may get run over by a truck and instantly see the positive points of being flattened by tons of metal! I’m referring to scientific data indicating how we may rewire our brain circuits to alter a multitude of habits. As of lately with books like The BrainThat Changes Itself by Norman Doidge, M.D. and Perception, Memory and Emotion: Frontiers in Neuroscience edited by T. Ono, health professionals, including myself, are taking the brain circuit and positive emotion behavior change theory more seriously.

I’ve implemented positive emotions and joyful living successfully not only on myself, but on people I coach in creating more healthful meaningful lives. It now forms the basis of my coaching. I no longer avoid the idea of positive psychology and joyful living as a gimmicky self help approach, but instead have learned this is the best approach for bringing about change.

Positive psychology gets a bad rap. Some people still believe adherents to positive psychology simply add positive words to their vocabulary, and eliminate negativity in their environments to invoke behavior change. Perhaps this is why positive psychology advocates often receive a bad reputation. Positive psychology like many concepts is part of a much broader manner of being. It may start out as simply changing thoughts from the negative to the positive, such as replacing the words, “I cannot pass up a donut at the office because everyone is eating them” to “I can pass up this donut at the office because I have the capacity to do so.” In actuality, the use of positive psychology is constantly evolving as the person is able to handle more difficult challenges.

Weight loss is about engaging the right brain. Here, an example of how positive living can play an instrumental part in weight loss success. One client of mine that has made rapid strides in weight reduction was at a standstill. He was intuitive and knew what was getting in his way of continuing to lose weight, but he wasn’t taking the leap to the next level. A positive approach to this as a health coach is to be patient and stay with him as he figures it out. The best approach at his particular stage was not to offer analytical left brain-advice (he has heard all the dieting techniques and has followed the advice) but to offer inspirational right-brain thinking.
Living joyfully regardless of starting point.

Allowing this client to figure it out in an environment that doesn’t dampen his spirit is best. This is where living joyfully regardless of where we are starting from is most important. As a coach, positive approaches might include filling the gaps of information but more often they include approaches that initiate right- brained creative thinking, and less analytical left- brain thinking. It is true, weight loss requires analytical thinking, but to move beyond sticking points in our weight loss journey, we must engage the more emotive right brain side. Helping this client to connect with successful people similar in age and circumstances was all he needed to move to the next weight loss level.

You can do this! In the next few years, rewiring neuropath ways for weight loss through joyful living and positive behavior changes is going to stand apart from all the quick fix dieting regimens that consumers are inundated with in today’s information overload society. My challenge to you is this: Can you make this the year of living smart by jettisoning dieting hype and reverting back to the basics of weight loss and healthy living by practicing the five mind connections developed in this weight loss journey series? If you get a chance, let me know how you are doing. I’d love to hear! Best to you.
Kim

Road to Weight Loss (Part 5 of 6 Weeks)

This is day 36 of our 6 week journey to weight loss. Last week we focused on not allowing ourselves to get inundated with the abundance of health information available. Recommendations focused on research that indicates will power gains from healthy living practices increase confidence I. Q. And in turn more naturally increase inclinations for more specific training and healthy living data without feeling overwhelmed.

By now, you may be ready to receive more detailed information such as best cardiovascular exercises for maximum weight loss, top foods for stabilizing blood sugar for enhanced weight reduction, and most effective strength training principles for continued weight loss and weight maintenance.

If you are ready, we begin today with strength training principles for the novice. If you need more time, continue focusing on the 5 mind connections and you can refer back to this article later when you feel compelled to initiate more specific details. There is no hurry. Work at your own pace, but focus on what really matters by reviewing parts 1-4 of The Road to Weight Loss. Continue to eat less. Know that simple is good and do not get distracted by thinking elaborate weight loss plans are more effective.

It’s never too late
It’s never too late to gain strength. Our bones and muscles have an innate capacity to respond to stimuli by growing in size, density and strength. Studies show that stronger muscles not only burn more calories while engaging in actual strength exercise, but they have the increased capacity to burn more energy even as we rest. Here’s how to smartly begin.

Learn proper technique and keep weight low
In the beginning stages of a weight training routine, take 3-4 weeks to learn proper technique while keeping the weights light. Think of this process as setting the stage for smart progressive gains in strength, muscle tone, and muscle density. Skipping these two factors, proper technique and light weight, in the initial stage increases injury occurrence which is the number one reason people stop training. Don’t let this be you. Keep the weight light enough that you can practice good form without any struggle. The temptation to increase the weight amount will be looming, but realize it is the tendons and ligaments of the body that really need sensible conditioning in these opening weeks even if your muscles are saying “give me more.” Be patient. Be Smart.

To hire a trainer or not?
If there was ever a time to hire a trainer it’s in the opening weeks of a weight training routine. A personal trainer will show you what machines/fee weights to use, how to set them up, and what weight to start with. A top notch trainer trained in motivational interviewing can help you in the opening weeks to make sense of a routine suitable for you. It will involve questions about your lifestyle, how much time you can commit to exercise, what type of job you have, past injuries, health status, motivation levels, reasons for initiating a strength program, and other pertinent information that is helpful in planning an individualized strategy. A good trainer is well worth the money as making sense of the implementation of a strength routine is paramount when considering that most people do not continue a strengthening program for longer than a few weeks.

Going It Alone?
If you need to begin a strength program on your own, most gyms have attendants that can show you how to use the machines. There should be no cost for them to show you how to set up each machine. If you never strength trained before, and you will be training on your own, have the gym’s attendant show you how to set each piece of equipment or see the tips below for various starter exercises.

Tips on form
Leg press
Press through the heels and keep head back. Back should feel firm against the seat as you press the weight. Do not lock out the knees.

Latissimus dorsi pull down
Keep chest upright throughout and lean back slightly as you pull bar in front of upper chest. Do not pull behind the neck.

Seated chest press machine
Keep head back. Firmly plant feet with knees over the ankles. Engage chest muscles to press.

Seated shoulder press with dumbbells
Keep back supported on upright bench. With palms facing in, press bar -bells up and slightly forward of the head. You may advance to standing position, but keep stomach stabilized. Be extra cautious with overhead shoulder presses as this is one exercise that injury occurs more often since the shoulder joint is highly mobile.

Standing bicep curl against wall
Keep knees slightly bent and stand against a wall for support. With barbells in each hand curl arm upwards through a full range of motion. Progress to unsupported.

Repetitions and sets
Practice 15 repetitions of each exercise in the order as described above. Repeat cycle one more time completing 2 sets. Practice slowly and deliberately and use a light enough weight that 15 repetitions are not a strain.

How often

Practice this routine 2-4 times a week for the first three weeks preferably having a day or two off in between. Increase the weights by no more than 15% each week. Remember, your goal in the opening weeks is to practice good form and allow your tendons and ligaments to get adjusted to the increased workload to come.

When you leave the gym you should feel like you could easily have continued exercising more. Don’t be tempted to increase your weights, repetitions or sets. This is a mistake that will ultimately increase the likelihood that you will dread going to the gym your next session. We are not just training our bodies, but we are also training our minds. It’s a process of adjustment. By honoring the process, you’ll increase the likelihood of making strength training a lifelong habit that not only accelerates your metabolism, but gives you the freedom to continue to do what you want to do!

Our Wealth is in Our Health,
Kim

Road to Weight Loss ( Part 2 of 6 Weeks )


How did the first seven days on the road to weight loss go? Did you use movement for inspiration? Did you go for a long walk or hike, or take an exhilarating bike ride? If not, it is not too late to find inspiration through movement. Remember you are seeking progress, not perfection and that it is most important that you live joyfully while losing weight and getting fit.

A little perspective
We are inundated with snippets of health information. This overload of information, designed to enhance weight loss and healthy living practices often has the reverse effect. Don’t let this happen to you!

Get focused Last week I suggested you post five mind connections that are powerful instigators for not only losing weight but for living a healthful and vigorous lifestyle. Here are those five mind connections that are so beneficial for losing weight and implementing a smartly designed lifestyle change. If you have not posted them yet, go ahead and do so.

Review
Use movement as inspiration.
Think progress not perfection.
Focus on what really matters in weight loss.
Weigh Yourself Daily
Live Joyfully While Getting Fit

Movement as Inspiration On the opening day of my healthy living seminars, I encourage clients to begin their daily routines with exercise. The act of moving our bodies makes us feel better about ourselves It has the capacity to inspire a vision of how we want to live. It makes us feel better about our lives in general. Movement sparks in us a desire to do better at whatever we do!
One client of mine illustrates this ability of exercise to enhance her life when she tells the group, “I went for a walk yesterday and without even trying I ate less at dinner.” This is the power of what exercise can do.
“It makes me feel more alive”, says another member, “It makes me realize there are other things to do besides eating.” Don’t get me wrong”, she continues, “I still enjoy eating, and I know it’s ok to like to eat, but I am beginning to feel more satisfied and in control of how much I really need to eat. Eating is more enjoyable when you know you did a little work for it.”

This Week’s Plan Focus this week on finding an exercise plan that works for you. Remember, a little experimenting is in order. Do what you think might work, and tweak it as you go along. There’s nothing wrong with changing exercises or times of day you might implement them. Think of this time period as experimental. It’s impossible to know what works until you start.

What to Include in your plan Cardiovascular exercise
Aim for 30 – 60 minutes 3-4 days a week.
Includes exercises that work the heart muscle at an accelerated rate. Examples – biking, walking, rowing, skating, elliptical training, stairmaster. Aim for a minimum of 70 % of your THR by taking 220 – age and multiplying by .seventy five.

Muscular Strength and endurance exercise Aim for 2- 3 times a week hitting all the major muscle groups.
Includes exercises that enhance strength and endurance within various muscle groups. Examples include push ups, chair squats, back rows, over head shoulder presses, bicep curls, tricep extensions, and abdominal plank holds.

Stretching Exercises
Aim for daily stretching routine that hits all the major muscle groups. Examples include hamstring stretch, quadricep stretch, chest stretch, calf stretch, and torso side bends. For a more complete listing go to the bodysmart blog.

For this entire week, start designing a plan implementing the 3 types of activity mentioned: cardiovascular, muscular strength/endurance, and stretching. Remember that this is just a beginning. There’s no hurry to figure things perfectly. You’ll figure it out as you go along. Just get started. Realize you won’t be perfect. Have fun. Eat less. And I’ll see you back here in one week.

Road to Weight Loss ( Part 1 of 6 Weeks)

Stop the nonsense! Today’s top health coaches believe the smart person’s way to fitness and weight loss is all about making meaningful connections. It appears the days are short lived for the “Do this – don’t do that kind of mentality.”

Healthy living, fitness, and weight loss are about bringing meaning to our lives. We are, I am happy to report, stopping the vicious cycle of nonsensical diets and exercise regimens that are so pervasive in our TV dominated culture.

Keyed to today’s consumer’s new attitude, this weekly six week series will get you feeling good, looking good, and losing weight. Created to put you in charge, this non-gimmicky approach is for those savvy readers who are weary of the tidbit dieting approach and are ready for a more authentic method called lifestyle change!. Here’s how we start.

Read the rest of today’s article to get an overview of the new attitude practices you’ll be using. Then for the entire week put no pressure on yourself other than reading the recommendations daily and allowing them to seep into your consciousness. Osmosis dieting? No! However, we have to set the stage for you to get your head on straight and thinking clearly. If you really feel compelled, make a few lifestyle changes but set no strict guidelines today.

Use movement as inspiration. The act of moving our bodies makes us feel better about ourselves. Movement has the capacity to inspire a vision of how we want to live. Movement makes us feel better in general. It sparks a desire to do better at whatever we do. This is the power of movement. Why not use it rather than some weight loss shake offered by promoters who know if they divert our attention long enough, they’ll make some sizable cash.

Think progress not perfection. Coach Kate Larsen said it best when she titled her book Progress Not Perfection: Your Journey Matters. Often seeking perfection in attaining weight loss sets us up for failure. Perfectionism should never be used as an excuse to stop trying. Do what is attainable and reachable realizing the goal is not to be perfect but to be persevering. After all, isn’t perfectionism just another word for quitter?.

Focus on what really matters in weight loss. Don’t be sidetracked about whether you should eat celery or carrots, more protein or vegetables. Don’t get hung up on dieting details. Here’s the only detail you need to know: You will lose weight if you eat three quarters to half of what you normally eat during most meals of the day. That’s it. Don’t clutter your minds with information that will not significantly cause weight reduction.

Weigh yourself again and again.
It’s OK. A daily “weigh in” compels us to be aware. You will hear different opinions on this, but those who weigh themselves daily, lose weight. And the reason they do is that it forces them to be aware and make the necessary lifestyle changes. Weigh daily. Don’t be an afraidy cat.

Live joyfully while losing weight and getting fit.
Sounds a little hokey but it’s true. Do not discount the impact positive living and attitude has on one’s ability to change. Make your life beautiful. Have a good time with family and friends! Cultivate a positive attitude. Your happiness will be your reward. Your positive attitude will ensure success

Next week I’ll expand on movement as inspiration. For this entire week make, lifestyle changes only if you feel compelled. Don’t worry about specifics. Just get going! And don’t get all-anxious. Fake it until you make it. We’ll take it one week at a time. I am confident you will be feeling good, looking good and performing great in much less time than it may have taken you in the past to lose weight – gain it back – then lose it again. You’ll look better too!
Until next week…

Our Wealth is in Our Health,
Kim
www.bodysmartinc.com