It’s been quite the whirlwind Friday so far!
It started nice and early:
(the other alarm is from one Christmas morning when I woke up at 7 and Liv was still sleeping)
For the past 8 months, I’ve had a tiny human alarm clock. She sings beautiful songs and does funny things to wake up- like watch her foot point and flex at least 20 times, with this look on her face like “I’M doing that?! Whoa!!” Much better than the iPhone alarm. This morning it went off, I hit snooze once (a victory) and drove to the airport. The Pilot, madre and nana offered to take me, but I didn’t want them to have to wake up when I did. Good news about driving when it’s still dark out: hardly any traffic and the radio is still playing the club mixes of all the Top 40 songs. Untz untz untz untz <—– that’s me beat-boxing
Made it to Dallas,
and had an interesting airport breakfast:
2 eggs (plain- puff style), a Thai salad and coffee from Au Bon Pain
It was kind of a random combo, but it hit.the.spot.
Since tomorrow is the official first day of fall, I thought it would be fun to talk about turning over a new leaf for the upcoming season. I think that fall is such a great opportunity to reassess goals, think about changes you want to make and start fresh. For me, it seems like from now until New Years seems to FLY by with so many events, so it’s an ideal time to create an action plan for the things I’d like to accomplish along the way.
(“leaves” are spiky here in AZ)
As far as fitness goes, there are so many things you can do to turn over a new leaf:
-Add in some interval training (HIIT or Tabata)
-Try a new workout (like Zumba or CrossFit)
-Sign up for a race or similar fitness event
-Start working out with a friend
-Find ways to change up your current routine, by adding in balance training (BOSU is a great option, or standing on one leg), cardio blasts, changing your muscle split, kettlebell, barbell and TRX versions of your favorite moves
-Devote more time to stretching, foam rolling and/or yoga
Here are some of the changes I’d like to make this fall:
Personal: Everything changes so frequently, but I’m a lot more comfortable with prioritizing and accomplishing goals, while still focusing on the people I love the most: my family and friends.
I can’t remember where I read this, but it said something like “you juggle 3 balls: work, family and friends. The work ball is rubber, the other two are glass. You drop the work ball, it bounces back, but if you drop the family or friends ball, they’ll be scratched or marred forever, and could even break.” Since then, it’s something I’ve kept in my mind, even when life is a little more hectic, and is definitely something I’ll remember during the holiday season. Sometimes, I have to really tell myself to be present, breathe and enjoy, instead of focusing on “what’s next.”
Fitness: Devote more time to strength training. I have it on my fitness schedule for twice a week, but lately, I’ve been lucky to get in one strength session (which is better than nothing, but after consistently strength training for so long, I prefer to train 2-3 times a week). I also recently realized how much I miss yoga, so even if I just do a quick podcast or my own flow at night, it won’t be months again until my next practice.
Career: I have some fun things planned for the blog this upcoming holiday season and am studying to take my NASM exam. I didn’t sign up for the test because I didn’t know when I’d be ready -or have time to study- but as I read the book, I feel like I could take it sooner rather than later. I’d rather make sure I know my stuff than go in and take it and embarrass myself 
I’d love to start planning a workout DVD, so let me know if that’s something you’d be interested in (most likely dance cardio)
What are your current personal, fitness and career goals? Any proverbial leaves you’ll be turning over? I always love to hear what you’re up to <3
Have a great Friday and I’ll see ya in Cape Cod!
xoxo
Gina
New on the Family page: My first trip away from the beeb
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Hi, I'm Gina. Welcome to The Fitnessista! I love blogging about my adventures as a new mom, military wife and fitness instructor, as well as sharing new workouts and recipes. Check out the About page for more info - thanks for stopping by!
You read that in a James Patterson book, I believe. I think it was “Suzanne’s Diary for Nicholas”. I love that quote, too!
Have a great trip!
In sight email of the day….
Here is your Friday story,
Juggle Balls
Imagine life as a game in which you are juggling some five balls in the air. You name them – work, family, health, friends and spirit and you’re keeping all of these in the air. You will soon understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. But the other four balls – family, health, friends and spirit are made of glass. If you drop one of these, they will be irrevocably scuffed, marked, nicked, damaged or even shattered. They will never be the same. You must understand that and strive for balance in your life.
How weird…. ha.
I am starting a new dvd set as well am very excited about the BeachBody coming to Canada announcement today, I cannot wait to cash in on the discount I have been waiting so long for.
Enjoy Cape Cod!!
thank you!!
thank you for posting that, too!
My fitness goals right now are to do something 6 times a week. I have been so busy and my schedule is nuts, so I’m going with this for now!!
I would oh so totally dig a dance cardio workout DVD. I can never seem to follow along with anything, but always have great luck with your videos here… maybe it’s because I ‘know’ you. You’ve helped me get the baby weight off the healthy way and I can impress my husband with a Gina-inspired HIIT workout or two.
Ooooh, a workout DVD would be so fun!! I’d LOVE to see you do a dance cardio DVD! Since I live across the country and can’t take a Zumba class from you in person, that would be the next best thing!
School is already in full swing for me, so my goals for the fall revolve around keeping up with all of my studying/ assignments, but also maintaining a balance of spending time with family and friends, and committing to working out even when I fee like I don’t have the time. I’ve taken a few group exercise classes this week while a nearby gym is having a free “guest” week, and It made me remember how much I LOVE group ex classes – I think I’m going to join and work the classes into my normal routine. Or as normal as it can get, anyways.
Have a great trip and enjoy Cape Cod! Good luck with the race, Gina, you’ll do great!!
I would buy your DVD! Good luck on the race.
I’ve started to follow my passion for health and wellness by working towards certification to be a health coach. I’m now half-way through the program and loving every second! I can’t wait to see what changes are in store in my future.
I will definitely be working to turn over a career leaf this fall. I’ve had several mini “aha” moments the past month or two, and I feel like I’m on the brink of uncovering a specific focus. The challenge is remembering to chill about not having it all figured out. Ooo! That should be a secondary goal. To chill.
If my foot allows, I’m going to run my first half marathon in 3 weeks, and then I’m excited to really get back to more HIIT and weights. I’ve been way to heavy on the steady state cardio, but my schedule hasn’t allowed for a ton of workouts outside of training. I can’t believe how excited I get when I fit in some weights- I never even though I liked them!
Also, I would definitely buy your workout DVD. You could make a deal with a producer that if enough people pre-order the DVD they’ll work with you – and I will be one of the pre-orders! I would love a dance cardio workout that is actually a workout.
As for career, I’m completing my Dietetics internship this year (just started!) and this is the last step before becoming a Registered Dietitian, well besides sitting for the board exam. I need to focus on taking it all in and enjoying it even though I know I’ll be crazy busy.
With fitness, I’ve never run a race! I know I can do a 5k, the Color Run in Miami is next month so I’ll start there, and I want to push myself with a 10k in November or December
And as for personal, I want to work on strengthening my friendships since a lot of my friends are all over the country.
PS please please please make a dance workout dvd! That would be amazing!!
Uh, hells yeah I would LOVE a cardio dance DVD!
I haven’t yet thought of any leaves to turn over, but I just wanted to say I am SO EXCITED to see that you may do a DVD!!! Yay!
Career wise I love my job as it is buttt I’ve always been very interested in nutrition so about 2 weeks ago I started school, part time, to become a registered/certified holistic nutritionist
so far I love it and I hope to one day open a funky little eatery thats all local and organic and then in the evenings/weekends do healthy living classes.. thats the dream, we will see if it ever happens but at least i’m on my way
my fitness goal is to incorporate more yoga, I went to a class the other day and the instructor looked so shocked by my inflexibility, made me embarrassed/ realize that I need to do it more regularly
and personal goal, I want to be nicer to myself, cut myself a little more slack
I’ve decided to go back to school and get my BA this fall!! My youngest will still be home with me for the next two years, so instead of trying to find a poorly paying job, I’m hitting the books. It will be interesting to see how I can handle school, kids, husband, friends, family, and life’s random curve balls. Also, my husband and I are putting all of our focus on spending less and paying off our debt! Not as easy as it sounds. It will be very hard to resist cute fall clothes, over buying gifts this xmas, and adding those must-haves into my Target cart. But, it will be worth it. Good luck on all your goals…everyone!
I love the idea about thinking about turning over a new leaf now – with the changing of seasons! Fitness: I am looking into getting certified to teach body pump – that has been on my to-do list for a while.
Career: Continue to grow my patient base and learn daily. I have a couple of continuing education classes that I am looking forward to in the next couple of months. Family: Enjoy the time with my 5 month old and be in the moment with him because he will only be so little and young once!
I love that saying about the balls! It’s so true. I definitely need to turn over a new leaf. For one, I really want to learn some new strength exercises because the ones I do are getting boring and old. I also have been saying since about April that I would incorporate interval training into my routines… I should probably get on that soon!
Have a great weekend!!
hope you will have a great trip!
the dvd sounds brilliant!!
Found your blog on HLB and thought you were close to me but you moved? I love AZ! Enjoy your trip too!
I would love if you did a circuit strength dvd…body weight/minimal equipment maximum impact in a short space of time kind of thing. But if you did a dance one I’d probably buy that too
Oh.MY.Gosh—–DO it! Make the fitness(ista) video……..dance cardio by you would be SPECTACULAR!!!!!! Ima try it for sure!
I love your “Turning Over a New Leaf” theme, it really gives me a good opportunity to reflect!
I ADORE that juggling quote. It is absolutely true. Work is important and it can (and should!) be a passion, but nothing will ever take the place of family, friends, and all the people we hold most dear.
There is an app out there with NASM practice questions…. it was one that Tina (CNC) recommended on her blog and it was awesome there were exact questions from the test on there!
no wayyyyyy
checking into that now
I think you’d be great on a fitness DVD! I love your values about making family and friends first
Why does your alarm say 7:52PM if it was from Christmas morning?
i was joking that it was like christmas the morning liv slept past 7. that day i actually had to set an alarm because i had to go to work
Ahh! I get it
Have the best time on the east coast. It really feels like fall!
I would love to see you make a workout DVD! Girl, you would rock it!
We are signing up for a gym. I forgot how great the parks & rec department is here. Only $400 for the year for the hubs & I to have membership. I have been walking 5 to 8 miles 3 to 4 days a week. Now it’s time to strengthen the anklefoot with weights. As for career goals I am studying for my ACSM Clinical Exercise Specialist exam, take it in 3 months. I am hoping to be able to start doing a few volunteer training sessions a week again starting next month. I have missed the volunteer personal training the most. I just need to find a few local people who are ready to start their journey to wellness.
I’m going to be spending the next couple of months focusing on strength training – gotta build up those muscles!
Career wise (I guess school wise) I’m focusing on getting through my first year of grad school and kicking ass doing it.
Love that quote!
workout dvd!!!!!! yeeeaaahhhhhsssss
My fitness goal is to work on strengthening my legs. They’re super weak right now, which is causing major problems from running. I really want to fix that!
I would definitely buy your workout dvd!!
Yes! I would for sure buy your dance cardio workout DVD….please do it!
Love that juggling quote – work has been kicking my butt lately and I know The Husband can tell. Quite frankly I’ve been caring a lot more about work than work has been caring about me so some things do need to change!
Love the quote too! And I would totally rock out to your workout video!!!