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 <title>Repetition is the Key to Success</title>
 <link>http://kimsfitnessandnutrition.com/index.php?itemid=324</link>
<description><![CDATA[For the most part, we came forth with completely clean slates. As infants, our minds were like sponges. From the moment we arrived, we began absorbing information. The people who were closest to us became our role models and we took on many, if not most, of their habits, mannerisms and alas, their beliefs. The process by which we learn is simply repetition. Over and over again we watch, listen and mimic our way into development and growth. This never really stops. However, we believe that at some point we are finished. In others words, we accept that our beliefs, our bodies, and our minds are what they are and that is that. Nothing could be further from the truth.<br />
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Habits are nothing more than actions, thoughts and behaviors that we have practiced for a very long time. Those habits often become so ingrained that they fool us into believing them as if they where THE truth of our being. We have attached ourselves to them emotionally, maybe even physically, and now we believe them to be true for us. The funny thing about beliefs is that they are completely subjective by nature and therefore are inherently changeable. They are actually just opinions. This is really good news indeed. It is no mystery, given how we develop, the approach one must take in order to transform an unwanted habit. Repetition is the answer: practice, practice, practice. <br />
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There is one more critical piece necessary in the pursuit of successfully making permanent change. This applies whether one is attempting to change negative thought patterns, physical habits such as implementing a consistent fitness program and/or food plan or even a desire to revamp one's belief system. The important element is the act of taking responsibility for your life and deciding that you are, lovingly, in charge. This is monumental, truly. You are the only one who has the power and authority to recreate your body, mind and spirit... you and you alone AND you are absolutely worth the effort. If you find that you are sick and tired of being sick and tired, I offer you this option. Will it take persistence, determination and dedication? You bet, but the results will be so much greater than you can possible even imagine.<br />
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Begin by writing down the things that you are not presently satisfied with about yourself. Do this from a stance of love and appreciation, recognizing that you are a divine creation that has temporarily gotten sidetracked. This list may change over and over again and that is perfectly fine. I have found that most people who are unable to stick to a healthy diet and fitness program need to look carefully at their deeply held beliefs around food and exercise. Just because your parents didn’t workout and eat well does not mean that you can’t break that chain and start anew. It is never too late to begin taking good care of yourself and it’s no surprise that most health problems, even severe ones, are hugely impacted positively by improved health habits. Age is not a legitimate excuse, actually there are NO legitimate excuses...NONE!!! Your health, happiness and peace of mind are all at stake here and I implore you to make the decision to be your own best loving guardian. <br />
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No more ifs, ands, or buts. The time has arrived to take charge of your well-being and Springtime is especially apropos...it is a time of renewal. A thorough evaluation of your thoughts, beliefs, actions (or lack thereof) is in order. Be honest and gentle with yourself. Remember that the positive decisions you make will not only improve YOUR body, mind and spirit--but will let you serve as a positive role model for all those who interact with you. Don’t blindly continue to be a link in a chain of pain, disease and diminished quality of life. Choose life--vital, vibrant and brilliant life. That is a legacy worth passing on to generations to come. Happy mind, body, and spirit fitness to all.]]></description>
 <category>General</category>
<comments>http://kimsfitnessandnutrition.com/index.php?itemid=324</comments>
 <pubDate>Tue, 15 Jun 2010 09:15:00 -0400</pubDate>
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 <title>Remember Your Imagination?</title>
 <link>http://kimsfitnessandnutrition.com/index.php?itemid=322</link>
<description><![CDATA[As children, most of us had vivid imaginations. I know I did. I played for hours with imaginary friends pretending to cook, clean, build; and we took infinite adventures to faraway places that were mysterious and exciting. As I grew into a pre-teen, I still fantasized a lot about what I would grow up to become and what it might be like to live in faraway countries. Of course, as a teenager all I could think about was boys, boys, boys, and as I started college it was a time of parties, frolic and fun. By the time I took my first serious job, I had basically forgotten all about my imagination. After all, it was time be an adult and get serious about life. What a mistake that was!<br />
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After nearly 40 years in the workforce, three marriages, and one 12-year-old child, I recently came to a new awareness. Now, I truly value my imagination for what it provides. Spending time ‘day dreaming’, fantasizing, and imagining is a far cry from wasting time. For many years I disregarded my imagination as frivolous. I could not have been further from the truth.<br />
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Today I highly recommend spending 5-20 minutes daily playing in your imagination. Allowing your mind to create new and exciting possibilities is not only healthy, but imperative for future change to occur. Most people spend inordinate amounts of time dwelling on their current situation be it their health, living space, relationships, bodyweight or any number of things because ‘it is what is’ and it is happening this red hot minute. I say, “Who cares?” and “When did focusing on unwanted things ever bring you what you want anyway?” As counter intuitive as it may feel, imagining life different from ‘what is’ is the only way I have found to successfully create something different. As challenging as this is, it is the ONLY way to release the old and open doors for the new to come in.<br />
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It doesn’t matter how sick you are, how broke you are, how overweight you are, or how unhappy you are in your current job or relationship, IF YOU WANT IT TO CHANGE, YOU HAVE TO START IMAGINING IT CHANGED! Set aside 5 minutes before you even get out of bed each morning and 5 minutes every night before you drift off to sleep and imagine whatever you wish to be different as different. Turn up the colors, volume, fragrances, and most of all, allow yourself to feel how good you feel as though you have achieved whatever it is you desire. Stay in that wonderful feeling for as long as you can, milk it, savor it and return to that feeling as often as you can remember to do so. I can promise you that if you commit to this practice for the next 30 days, there will be positive change in your life.<br />
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There are many scientific studies in the process of proving the power we wield with our thoughts. But even more amazing are the connections being made between our heartfelt emotions and outcomes. In other words, we cannot go around 24/7 talking about our disease, worrying about it, researching it and basically identifying as that disease, and move toward health. The same is true of excess body weight. If you spend the majority of your day dwelling on how unhappy you are about your weight, how you have had this issue forever and a day, how everyone in your family has it and on and on you go, guess what, you aren’t going to be able to lose weight.<br />
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Decide that you are going to be a focused thinker and you are going to spend time contemplating on all the things you imagine in your mind’s eye that excite you, lift your spirits, bring a smile to your face and are generally wonderful to imagine. Give up harping on what you don’t want and become proactive in your mind. Start there and it won’t be long before circumstances and events will begin to change. When that happens, it will support the direction of your new focus. Happy fitness<br />
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]]></description>
 <category>General</category>
<comments>http://kimsfitnessandnutrition.com/index.php?itemid=322</comments>
 <pubDate>Tue, 8 Jun 2010 09:15:00 -0400</pubDate>
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 <title>You Are Already ENOUGH</title>
 <link>http://kimsfitnessandnutrition.com/index.php?itemid=320</link>
<description><![CDATA[I don’t know about you but I have recently stumbled upon a realization which is: I am in the habit of continuously seeking. I am forever reaching for more information, more understanding, more proof, more evidence, more, more, more. Here I have been thinking that if I can just gain a better knowledge base, well, THEN I will have what I need to be enough and ultimately...be happy. Suddenly it occurred to me that I am not walking the talk I preach, I am postponing my joy and robbing myself of the happiness that truly is present in each and every ‘now’ moment. Rats, I have gotten sucked back into my old programming once again, those patterns of thought that tell me that I am not smart enough yet, not educated enough yet, and only when I  have accumulated ‘enough’ knowledge will I find my way to success, wealth and happiness. BULLPUCKIES!!!            <br />
           Beliefs such as these are what have limited me and many of my family and friends for their entire lives! I have recently discovered that a belief is often a downright lie. Yes, a group of people from my past decided to think these thoughts over and over again until proof of those thoughts began to show up and then they grabbed ahold of them with both hands and loudly declared, “ See, I told you this was true.” Limiting beliefs become habits of thought from a young age. Therefore, I can easily go ‘unconscious’ regarding them. Then something gives me a wake up call and I am suddenly aware of what I have been doing. After all, many of my limiting beliefs are beliefs I have carried around for 45-50 years now and those buggers are stubbornly  ingrained and difficult to change. It is imperative that I choose to be vigilant and watchful or they will slip back into my everyday thoughts. When they do, it takes no time at all for them to gain strength and power because they have such a long and well trodden history. My mind naturally navigates its way back to them IF I am not staying awake and aware. <br />
           So, today I declare that I am ENOUGH, right here and right now. There are people with 1/10th of the knowledge I have accumulated who are thriving, joyous and free. I already have everything I need to be the happy, fun loving, enthusiastic person that I am. I no longer need to keep the infamous carrot dangling out in front of me, just ahead of my reach. No, I have re-awoken to the lies that I had once bought into hook, line and sinker and I now choose to know a different truth. MY TRUTH! I am smart enough, knowledgeable enough, and most importantly, conscious enough to think thoughts that serve me versus those that limit me. No one can create my life for me. It is and always has been up to me to choose happiness NOW because honestly, the future is a complete illusion, a carrot waving out there enticing me and yet stealing my ‘in this moment’ joy. Today I release those old limited beliefs and consciously choose to know that within me are all the answers to all the questions and I am absolutely more then ENOUGH, right here and right now. <br />
            I invite you to look at your own patterns of belief and ask yourself, one by one, “Does this belief serve and uplift me?” If you find yourself feeling repressed, or worse, depressed by the belief, I promise you two things. #1.) It is absolutely NOT YOUR truth and #2.) It is a primary block to your living the life of joy and happiness we all so desire. The reality is this, no one has control over your thoughts but you. So once you have identified some of your limiting beliefs...let them go, simply release them. Start today to remind yourself that you are already enough and that as you live joyously, in love and appreciation for what you have now, more will follow. That is truth you can take to the bank. Happy mind, body, and spirit fitness to all.]]></description>
 <category>General</category>
<comments>http://kimsfitnessandnutrition.com/index.php?itemid=320</comments>
 <pubDate>Tue, 1 Jun 2010 09:15:00 -0400</pubDate>
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 <title>Ever Try Eating 5-7 Servings of Vegetables and Fruit in a Day?</title>
 <link>http://kimsfitnessandnutrition.com/index.php?itemid=319</link>
<description><![CDATA[We have all heard it hundreds of times, “ Eat your fruits and vegetables.” But how many of us actually accomplish ingesting 5-7 servings a day? Not the majority of us, I can promise you that. Yet one of the ongoing complaints that I hear weekly, if not daily is, “I can’t seem to get my weight to budge” or “I cannot lose any weight even though I am exercising regularly...what’s up with that?” There is much more to getting the scale to show positive results than just exercise or just eating right or just one of anything. We are complex beings who have minds, bodies, as well as souls, and when we begin to take care of all of our aspects, change is inevitable...every time.<br />
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For today, I want to bring your awareness back to the nutrition component because it is one of those areas that so many find slippery. Getting enough calories is as important as getting too many. But even more critical is where those calories come from. The body needs plenty of fiber and nutrients to be truly satisfied. When you eat an excessive amount of high carbohydrate foods that are mostly empty calories nutritionally speaking, you are setting yourself up for cravings and disaster.<br />
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The recommended 5-7 servings of fruits and vegetables is a very important component to maintaining and/or losing weight because, for one thing, the fiber in those foods helps to slow down digestion. As we eat our foods each day, if they are passing through us very quickly due to lack of fiber, the bowel does not get the time it requires to absorb the nutrients out of those foods. Secondly, fruits and vegetables are absolutely loaded with nutrients that our bodies need, which is another reason why it is necessary to do our best to work them into our diets. If weight loss is high on your list, I highly recommend that you consider this challenge. For one full month, make a real commitment to get at least 4 servings of vegetables and 1 serving of fruit every day. Yes, it takes planning, however, if you stick to this plan two things are going to happen. First, after a week or so you will stop having those weird cravings that seem to come out of the blue. Next, you are going to feel genuinely full and satisfied after each meal and consequently, your hunger will be kept at bay. These are both cornerstones to successful weight loss and to the added benefit of feeling energetic and vital. You see, when your body is getting the proper nutrition and that nutrition is being assimilated into your body in a steady and continuous manner, your energy levels must go up. By deciding to eat in this way you will feel better physically and the scale will begin to go down. You will be satiated and stop nibbling all the time and you will have more energy throughout the day, all because you chose to get adequate fruits and veggies into your diet. <br />
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Truly, we have been given remarkable bodies that serve us 24/7 in so many amazing and wonderful ways. It really is the least we can do to provide adequate fuel to this hard working machine. It wants you to be healthy, vibrant and energetic but it cannot be that without your commitment and cooperation. It always boils down to taking responsibility for your health and well-being because the truth is, no one else can or even wants to, do it for you. I’m afraid there is still no magic pill and chances are, there never will be. Keep a positive attitude, exercise regularly, eat your 5-7 servings of fruits and vegetables. And don’t forget to give thanks to the powers that be for this body, for this opportunity to live life and for all the blessings we are so fortunate to have living in the good old USA. Life is uncertain so decide to cherish every minute, even the not so pleasant ones, for the alternative is ...well not really inviting, if you know what I mean. Happy mind, body and spirit fitness to all.  <br />
]]></description>
 <category>General</category>
<comments>http://kimsfitnessandnutrition.com/index.php?itemid=319</comments>
 <pubDate>Tue, 25 May 2010 09:15:00 -0400</pubDate>
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 <title>This Winter has been an Accident Nightmare.</title>
 <link>http://kimsfitnessandnutrition.com/index.php?itemid=318</link>
<description><![CDATA[I have lived in this area for nearly 15 yrs. and this is the first winter that has been so continuously cold. It has created lasting ice and the perils that result. Orthopedic doctors have been inundated with patients suffering from fractures, sprains and some of the worse breaks they have ever seen. Ice shows no mercy. It is a master of disguise, it awaits the unsuspecting, and 9 times out of 10 it covers concrete surfaces that provide absolutely no give whatsoever. Even the most cautious among us have had run-ins this year; some close calls and some that resulted in casts and therapy boots. The point is that we all need to be careful and, should an accident occur, remember that we reside within an amazing healing machine, one that is often falsely underestimated.<br />
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The human body we have is nothing less than miraculous. In addition, we have our minds and our spirits to assist the body; an ingenious combination. I encourage anyone who has found themselves in the position of nursing a broken bone or two to engage in regularly visualizing their bones mending, healing and regaining the full mobility of the affected area. Frankly, in my experience, I witness most people spending inordinate amounts of time worrying about all the negative possible outcomes versus trusting in the amazing healing powers of their bodies and of Spirit. It has been said, “The people who expect the best often get it.” Yet we have been trained to worry and doubt. And guess what? The same energies at work assisting us when we are  ‘expecting the best’ are there working when are ‘expecting the worst’ too. And then we may create our worst nightmare instead.<br />
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Begin today to push those thoughts of worry and doubt aside. Start to replace them with dialog that is supportive and trusting such as, “I know that my body knows exactly what to do to heal these bones, to soothe my strains and to mend my sprains. It has been functioning on my behalf my entire life, fighting off all manner of challenges to my health and it does so with untold precision and wisdom. It can easily heal this injury and I am going to not only trust it to do so, but I’m going to envision that healing through the power of my imagination.” Secondly, do your part to cooperate with the healing process. If you need to be non-weight bearing, then by all means, stay off it. Do your part to participate fully in any rehabilitation and when that concludes DO NOT STOP THERE.<br />
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If you are unsure how to proceed further once your physical therapy has concluded, hire a certified Personal Fitness Trainer to assist on the next phase of your recovery. Too often people simply stop there and then within a few short weeks they are experiencing reduced range of motion, lack of stamina and their muscular endurance just isn’t there as they remembered it prior to their accident. Your body is not failing you, you are failing your body. We must be willing to build back the strength and stamina that was lost during our recovery so that a truly full recovery into optimal health is the end result. Often, what I do is visit clients at their homes and design a simple fitness program for them to do before they venture back to the gym. That is usually the bridge that is missing following physical therapy. After just a few weeks of in-home training once a week with me, plus a couple of sessions on their own each week, they are prepared to jump back into the lifestyle they once knew. <br />
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Be wise about your recovery. Use the power of positive thinking, as well as a professional who can bridge the gap between where P.T. ends and where so many drop the ball. Please do not settle for a lifetime of limited mobility and a diminished quality of health and life. Your body is always willing; now make the decision to get your mind and spirit on board with your recovery. Happy mind, body and spirit fitness to all. <br />
]]></description>
 <category>General</category>
<comments>http://kimsfitnessandnutrition.com/index.php?itemid=318</comments>
 <pubDate>Sun, 16 May 2010 09:13:00 -0400</pubDate>
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 <title>The More I Know, the More I Realize I am Unaware.</title>
 <link>http://kimsfitnessandnutrition.com/index.php?itemid=317</link>
<description><![CDATA[Many of my teachers over the years have told me, “ There is no ‘done’”. Intellectually, I get that. But sometimes I have an experience that vividly drives the point home. Last Friday was one of those times. I met a good friend to discuss the true causes that were underlying my sudden flu symptoms. It is my belief that “the body speaks the mind” therefore, as I was coming down with this bug I knew that there had to be something eating at me that I had been oblivious to noticing. You see, I am highly sensitive and my learning style is strongly audio, so saying these things out loud usually produces good results. What I hadn’t anticipated was the depth to which our conversation would take me. I can see now that I have spent a lifetime ‘hiding’ behind what I considered to be kind interactions and benign sharing of my life with friends. Now I am actually ‘seeing’ clearly how I have primarily functioned as a victim and manipulated people to feel sorry for me. I did this in order to suck off their energies, to gain a sense of power and control. In essence my lack of self-esteem and nonexistent self worth taught me, through this type of behavior, how to gain some sense of worth.  Believe me, I am not proud of this discovery. I am, however, very grateful to have an awareness of it. Now I can change, be present and clear with my words and actions and, most importantly, become the honorable/authentic person I want to be. In fact the person I thought I was being until last Friday.<br />
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It never ceases to amaze me how creative, cunning and clever our minds are-- all without our conscious awareness. This programming goes way back to early childhood of course, thereby becoming embedded deep within the subconscious and deep within our habits of behavior. I have literally cruised along now for 51 years completely and utterly unconscious of my victim tendencies and behaviors. It’s a bit scary and extremely unsettling to think that this is not only possible, but is the norm for most of us bumping around on the planet today. It is quite soothing to know, however, that “when the student is ready, the teacher WILL appear.” Willingness plays a tremendous role on our personal journeys and we all find our way to willingness...well, when we do...or not.<br />
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As I began to share with my friend that my husband had to leave last week to work in Florida and that my 82 yr. old mother, who I just helped to move near me, was turning out to be more of a handful than I had anticipated, she looked at me and said, “What do you get out of telling me this?” I was a little stunned by her question, thinking “Well, I’m just filling you in on what is happening in my life.” Then all at once I could see the victim stance I was in and could ‘see’ the truth of what I was doing. Ouch! You see, I preach all the time, “There are no victims, only people in the habit of blaming others.” Double ouch! There I was trying my best to manipulate her into feeling pity for me and my ’oh so sad’ situation. You know what? All at once I could see that what I was doing was just the biggest load of crap. The fact is I know full well that I have the power to change my perspective, to choose to see any problems as the opportunities that they always are. I tout myself as the eternal optimist and there I was I catching myself red-handed saying, “Oh poor pitiful me” in a manipulative, almost sneaky way...yuck! She agreed that what I saw myself doing was victim behavior and said she had watched me behaving that way for a very long time. There it was, an unconscious victim mentality I had learned from my mother. If I wanted to change, it would be entirely up to me to “do the work”. I asked her what “the work” was and she said, “You must become an observer of your thoughts, deeds and actions, ever watchful for exactly this type of stance. When you see yourself going there or catch yourself in the act, stop and ask yourself, ‘Is this what I really want to do or who I want to be?’” I admit feeling a little sick inside knowing that my ‘work’ was seriously cut out for me. But the good news is, I can clean this up. As I do, the benefits will so outweigh the hard work. Of this I am very certain. <br />
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I have spent my whole life striving to be ‘real’ and somehow missing the mark--and knowing it on a very deep level. I talk a good game but some of my life does not reflect the truth of my talk. I genuinely want to have my life mirror who I want to be; a loving, peaceful, compassionate person who has no ulterior motives...none. I now know what I need to do and I am willing to do the work to achieve my goal. Thank goodness I am aligned enough to attract wonderful teachers that can assist me on my journey. Life is a gift and I truly do not wish to squander it. I want to be the peaceful, loving support to others that I believe I came forth to be. But I want to do so with absolutely no strings attached...and I will. We are truly never finished becoming and I know that’s a good thing. I’m far from complete, knowing there is really no such thing. Yet I’ll continue striving toward that goal every day. As long as there is life in me I will progress, continue to expand and grow. I will do this with as much joy in my heart as I can. Happy mind, body and spiritual fitness to all-- including me.<br />
]]></description>
 <category>General</category>
<comments>http://kimsfitnessandnutrition.com/index.php?itemid=317</comments>
 <pubDate>Sun, 9 May 2010 09:12:00 -0400</pubDate>
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 <title>How Do You Ward Off Colds and Flu?</title>
 <link>http://kimsfitnessandnutrition.com/index.php?itemid=316</link>
<description><![CDATA[Every year, beginning right around September and October, we are inundated with commercials that run continuously throughout the winter months. Most of them are planting the seeds warning us that the cold and flu season is starting and that we need to stock up on this product or that; that we need to be prepared and ready to combat the army of germs, viruses and bacteria that are inevitably descending upon us. For many years, I too bought into the media’s desire to sell me on this so-called ‘inevitability’ of catching colds and flu each and every year. However, a while back I began to take a proactive approach that seems to be working very well for my family and me.<br />
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First of all, something like 85-90% of viruses and bacteria are ‘anaerobic’ by nature which means that they thrive in an ‘oxygen deprived’ environment. A sedentary body steeped in worry and stress is the ideal environment for these bugs to not only get a foothold, but to take up residency. When we worry and when we live under constant stress, we naturally breathe in a ‘fight or flight’ manner. This means we are taking extremely shallow breaths. As we breathe this way, we are only utilizing the upper 1/4 or 1/3 of our lungs. This allows old, stagnant air to be harbored in the bottom of our lungs, which creates a prime breeding ground for germs. Then as we remain sedentary, our bodies are functioning with minimal oxygen, again creating a happy environment in which bacteria and viruses can thrive. One very effective solution is to inhale and exhale especially thoroughly and deeply on a very regular basis (3-4 times every few hours). Be sure to fully empty the lungs of all old air with each breath and then refill them to maximum capacity. Also, any type of regular aerobic exercise (2-5 times per week for a total of 180 mins/wk.) forces the body to cleanse the lungs thoroughly AND floods the body with large quantities of oxygen for the duration of the activity. This is an excellent way to safeguard your body and to force bugs to leave...oxygen in, bugs go out--they are not happy living in all that lovely oxygen.<br />
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Another very important, but often overlooked, component is the duration and quality of sleep that you provide for yourself each night. This has a tremendous bearing on your immune system and its ability to fight off incoming threats. Be smart and turn off the TV and computer and get yourself 7-9 good solid hours of rest every night. Not only will you be healthier overall, but you will find that quality sleep permeates every aspect of your being from your outlook on life in general, to your productivity, to your relationships...it’s huge. Next, Vitamin D and C have been proven to bolster the immune system. Considering that we rarely get enough sun exposure during the winter months, most of us are especially deficient in Vitamin D. These are reasonably priced supplements and are readily available at almost every store from grocery to drug. Also, go outside and get some FRESH air. Seriously, when we are continuously cooped up in a closed environment breathing stale, recycled, dry and heated air it simply isn’t conducive to vibrant health. So, even though it’s cold, step outside for a few minutes each day and take several deep, cleansing breathes. Bundle up and take a short walk when you can find a safe area free of ice and snow. Finally, it only makes sense that we need to be eating a balanced, healthy diet high in vegetables, fiber, fruit, and lean proteins, and to be conscious of drinking plenty of pure water. Taking care of yourself means being mindful, loving and responsible. But, oh my goodness, the payoffs are SO worthwhile! We all know people who seem to go from one cold to the next all winter long. If you don’t want to be one who suffers, do yourself a favor and be proactive about your well-being. Happy mind, body, and spiritual fitness to all.<br />
]]></description>
 <category>General</category>
<comments>http://kimsfitnessandnutrition.com/index.php?itemid=316</comments>
 <pubDate>Sun, 2 May 2010 09:11:00 -0400</pubDate>
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 <title>How Does being Spiritually Fit Feel?</title>
 <link>http://kimsfitnessandnutrition.com/index.php?itemid=315</link>
<description><![CDATA[We hear a lot about what being physically fit feels and looks like and even some about what being mentally fit is like, but it is rare that we hear what spiritual fitness looks and feels like. Spirituality is one of those very personal topics right up there with politics and religion. People tend to shy away from discussions that require exposing their stance in these areas. Yet, I believe that this component of ourselves is every bit as important to our overall health and well-being as our choice of food to eat or fitness programs we select. Though personal, spirituality is not only one component of our overall fitness. In my experience, it is the most crucial piece. If we choose to ignore our spiritual essence and our connection to “All That Is,” then we are but a shell of a human being moving through life on automatic pilot. Spirituality is what puts the zest and purpose into our lives. So though this is an uncomfortable subject for some, it is an essential one to consider.<br />
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For many years, I equated spirituality with one’s choice of religion. But a couple of decades ago, I discovered that the two can be very different from one another. Not to sound disrespectful, but religion is generally a choice to worship under a specific church denomination whereby one decides to follow the rules and doctrines of said chosen church. But spirituality is an innate part of who we are, and a significant reason why we come forth into these bodies. Our soul, spirit, essence is who we are more than the flesh and bone part of us that gets so much attention. Those things we can use our physical senses to quantify seem to take precedence over those that are unperceivable physically. I certainly understand why that is. However, my life experience has taught me the importance of listening to my heart/gut versus relying solely on my mind and physicality. Most of us have had to learn through difficult lessons that there is much more to being a joyous human being than meets the eye.<br />
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We were all given a wonderful guidance system, one that is foolproof and accurate. That guidance system is our feelings or emotions. They provide exact guidance all day, every day, IF we choose to pay attention and to trust them. Rather big ‘IF’S’ due to the conditioning and programming most of us have undergone. Regardless of your past, it does not take a PhD to know in your gut whether something or someone feels like a positive or negative idea or a friend or foe. The trick is in paying attention. By paying attention, you are listening to your spirit’s communication with you. It really is that simple. Being spiritually fit means listening to your emotions and allowing them to steer your course. When you do, you are undoubtedly moving in alignment or in harmony with your Higher Self as well. That is why your guidance is reliable and accurate. It is divinely inspired through your feeling center or your gut. Not difficult and really helpful to know.<br />
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So, all that is required in order to be spiritually fit is that you make it a habit to pay attention to how you feel. When you detect negativity, stop and evaluate the thoughts and actions that you are presently using as your excuse to distract yourself from your alignment with All That Is. If you are generally loving, joyous, positive, eager, kind and appreciative, then you are living a spiritually fit life. If, on the other hand, you allow yourself to indulge in worry, fear and doubt regularly and if you generally feel anxious, angry or critical, you have been pulled off your center, my friend, It would serve you greatly to stop and look at those people, events and circumstances that you are using as excuses to be spiritually unfit. It is always a matter of choice and it is always ours and ours alone to make. You are a powerful being who came forth with great intention. Be the best YOU possible by tending to your spiritual fitness. It is such a worthwhile piece of overall health. Happy mind, body and spirit fitness to all.]]></description>
 <category>General</category>
<comments>http://kimsfitnessandnutrition.com/index.php?itemid=315</comments>
 <pubDate>Sat, 24 Apr 2010 09:10:00 -0400</pubDate>
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 <title>How Important is Balance Anyway?</title>
 <link>http://kimsfitnessandnutrition.com/index.php?itemid=314</link>
<description><![CDATA[Our ability to balance is rarely something that we give any real thought to. As children, we hopped and skipped our way through our days without conscious effort, enlivening our capacity to balance. Somewhere between our teens and early adulthood, unless we were engaged in a particular sport or profession that required balance, we tended to let this fitness component fade back into our distant memory. Unfortunately, as we used balance less and less, our bodies’ ability to balance with ease and grace diminished. The good news is that we can regain our balance gradually over time with just few minutes of attention each day.<br />
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Muscles do in fact have memory. However, it has been my experience that without a concerted effort on our part to keep that memory alive, it is lost. Do you recall being able to stand easily on one foot for a minute or more? How about rising up onto your tiptoes and staying there for as long as you wanted? Did you ever walk on the edge of a curb, placing one foot in front of the other, enjoying the ease and proficiency by which you were able to do that? If so, you can have that piece of yourself back. Like muscular strength and flexibility, balance is a re-trainable commodity until we make our transition. <br />
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There are a few different and simple exercises that I will be happy to share with you that take little time and yet will reap great rewards. First, one of my personal favorites is to spend 30-60 seconds every morning and night, while brushing your teeth, standing on one foot and then the other. It is especially easy with my electric toothbrush because it signals me in 30-second intervals, prompting me to change quadrants. Next, I practice Yoga regularly (2-3 times/week) and it is an excellent form of exercise which addresses balance, as well as flexibility and strength. I also recommend every time you find yourself waiting in a grocery or any checkout line, try wrapping your right foot around your left ankle and balance there until it is time to move forward, then switch legs and do it again. Each time you find yourself standing at the kitchen sink or counter preparing something and cleaning up, lift your one foot back into a 90 degree angle at the knee behind you and balance for a minute and then change legs. Another good one is to rise up onto your tiptoes and try staying there in front of a counter without leaning against it. The goal is to balance for at least 1 minute; longer is even better. After you find yourself conquering these moves, add this step. Hold your arm out front, to the side and ultimately move it from one position to another. Finally, you will know that you have really arrived at excellent balance when you can hold your balance on one foot or tiptoes while closing your eyes. PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS WITHOUT BEING RIGHT IN FRONT OF A COUNTER, so you can grab a hold as you lose your balance. This is VERY challenging, but doable. Trust me.<br />
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So then, the question that begs to be asked is, “Why on earth is balance all that important?” Just ask anyone who has fallen and broken a hip or worse. Losing one’s capacity to balance, especially as we age, is just plain frightening. The two greatest factors in regaining balance are improved range of motion and strength. As you attempt to hold yourself in a balanced position you are engaging, isometrically, your musculature and demanding it grow stronger. Also as you strive to rise up as high onto your toes as you can, you are asking your ankles to become more mobile. This is all good and all very beneficial. Try to combine your balancing exercises with everyday activities so they will be easy to incorporate and easy to remember to do. Literally 2-5 minutes each day will make for a significant improvement in your ability to balance, thereby safeguarding you from future falls. Happy mind, body and spirit fitness to all.  <br />
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 <category>General</category>
<comments>http://kimsfitnessandnutrition.com/index.php?itemid=314</comments>
 <pubDate>Sat, 17 Apr 2010 09:09:00 -0400</pubDate>
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 <title>What Motivates You?</title>
 <link>http://kimsfitnessandnutrition.com/index.php?itemid=313</link>
<description><![CDATA[Finding ways to stay dedicated to our fitness programs is probably one of the most challenging aspects of staying healthy. As a certified Personal Fitness Trainer, pushing 3 decades in the field, what I can tell you is that a negative approach is not a viable strategy. For instance, I find ‘the threat approach’ is common. “If I don’t loose 40 lbs. before my son’s wedding in June, I’ll kill myself” or “My husband is going to leave me if I don’t shape up” or “I’m never going to find that special someone if I continue this couch potato lifestyle.” These are but a few of the utterances I have heard coming from my clients over the years--not just once, but on a regular basis. This not only doesn’t work, but it actually perpetuates the current situation and makes things worse.<br />
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What does work is a positive approach that is based on self-approval, kindness and understanding. When we were learning to walk and talk, if our families had ridiculed and threatened us, chances are we would have never learned. We really don’t change all that much as we age. Humans thrive when encouraged, complimented and bolstered, but contract and stagnate when devalued and humiliated. Positive words always cause us to fill with pride, smile and become willing to continue efforts all the more. The same is absolutely the case while creating a successful self-motivation strategy. Now, what we must do is test out different versions of self-talk to see what inspires us and what does not. Trust me, you will feel the difference in your belly, heart or bowels the second it comes out of your mouth and that is the proof.<br />
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I suggest that you simply listen for a day or two and write down the conversations you are presently having with yourself. This exercise astounds most people because, truthfully, we become so desensitized we don’t realize the damage we are inflicting on a regular basis. Many studies have shown that until we become willing to change our inner dialogue, no positive change can occur. Allow me to be very clear. If you are in a constant battle with yourself, and are continuously berating yourself, you are blocking your ability to become fit and healthy. Fitness begins with our thought patterns and flows out into our physical bodies. I’m not kidding. You now have a list of negative self-talk statements that you have found yourself repeating. The next step is to look at those statements and soften them, putting a positive spin on them. The next time you catch yourself speaking unkindly to yourself, stop and replace the old patterns with the new ones. It sounds daunting, but after just a couple days of focused effort, it gets increasingly easier.<br />
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Please understand that as a species, humans tend to require external motivation, so cut yourself some slack. Great class instructors can be extremely motivating, partners are helpful, caring Personal Trainers are inspirational, as well as, yes...YOU. In fact, you must be one of the cooperative advocates for your success or you will continue to fight a losing battle. There is nothing wrong with having goals but framing them in loving and supportive ways is crucial. No long-term success is possible through abusive self-talk. Decide that loving yourself into ever-improving health IS the strategy that you are going to implement in 2010. Decide that, starting right now, you are going to learn to speak to yourself with kind and uplifting words. Whatever you do, keep those promises you make to yourself. If today after work you are telling yourself that you will come home and take a walk...DO IT. If you say that you are going eat a salad for lunch...DO IT. If today is the day you have scheduled to be at the gym by 6p...DO IT. Nothing sabotages a fitness program faster than broken promises. Even worse, it tells your subconscious, “I’m not trustworthy, I’m not worth it.”  Take it slow, be patient, and in time you will find you’re in a new and healthy self-care program that you are enthusiastic about. Happy mind, body and spirit fitness to all.<br />
]]></description>
 <category>General</category>
<comments>http://kimsfitnessandnutrition.com/index.php?itemid=313</comments>
 <pubDate>Sat, 10 Apr 2010 09:07:00 -0400</pubDate>
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