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For those who follow me, this is redundant.  For those  who may have been searching for the latest  fitness tips that predicate the NEW YEAR NEW YOU SYNDROME, let me introduce myself.

A FEW DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS…

I am a registered nurse, as well as an American College of Sports Medicine personal trainer.  There are many  who do the same, BUT I WRITE–a lot.  I’m not a face book fit mom, a mommy blog, nor am I an Instagram/selfie stereotype.  If that’s what you’re into, then this is probably not for you.

But if you are looking for content, and meaty content, read on.   Why do I do what I do?  Simple, well maybe not.

My field of expertise lies in the renal care field, or dialysis, prior to doing what I do today.  What is renal care? Dialysis?  Dialysis in short, is for those who have little to no substantive kidney function.  Your kidneys control your blood pressure, as well as filter toxins.  If they are unable to perform their duties, dialysis is needed.  Dialysis in not a cure; nor does it take the place of your kidneys.  It simply buys time.  Time for what?  Hopefully a kidney transplant.  However that can mean months to years for many.

So…back to why I do what I do.  I tired of working at the “opposite end of the spectrum.”  I no longer wanted to “patch up.”  I wanted to put a road block up to the number 1 and number 2 precursors of kidney failure–HYPERTENSION & DIABETES.   If you are of African American descent regardless of your other ethnicities, these precursors stand in correct order.  If you are Hispanic, Native American or Caucasian, then reverse them.  Either way, they are highly preventable.

That’s it in a semi-coated nutshell.  It is why I left my field to start this business venture.  There are those who believe I must be raking in business as a nurse & personal trainer hand over fist.  I also started taking on clients who are on a plethora of medications, as well as facing a host of health challenges–such as post cardiac rehab.  But this for me is not about money.  If it were, I would’ve stopped long ago.  I do wish business was better.  I do wish I had more clients.  It would be great to have over 20K followers.  But what I may lack in numbers or followers is what I more than make up for in content.

No you won’t see me posing in my sports bra & tight workout gear.  Or shaming those who are not into being a size 4.  What will you see in this coming year?

  1.  Added content–not just “eat this not that” crap.  Content which reflects real life challenges such as cancer and recovery
  2. Added podcasts–I delved into doing podcasts this past year.  Will being upping my game on that
  3. Cleaner layout
  4. More online presence

That’s just a few of the tidbits I have on tap for 2020.  After all, this is supposed to be the year of seeing clearly.  Well, guess it time for me to be seen.

 

All for now.  Keep up and keep at it.

Comments?  Contact me at serrenity.c@gmail.com

 

 

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fitness model male  Chiseled cheeks, bulging pecks, core to die for.  Who doesn’t want that?  For women, a slender and small waist is what most want. Definition is on everyone’s wish list.  Many of us differ, and I would most definitely decline the newest rage; big bass.  Never desired the apple bottom–but to each her own.  Getting my sweat on at my favorite gym, I notice a few things.  Most of the trainers, male for female, really show little differential.  Not just in the way they train, but in the way they look.  Now that for me, is a problem.  It should be for you too.

EMPHASIS–contraction

How many of you, if working with a trainer, found that most of their routines focus on machines, ropes, burpees, free weights, and a litany of other torture tactics they favor?  This is fine, if you’re looking to be a reasonable facsimile of THEM.  Which in many cases, not all, means CONTRACTED.  Your forte doesn’t have to be fitness to understand. Have they ever talked about lengthening, or ECCENTRICS?  CONCENTRIC exercises shorten and strengthen; which is needed to build muscle and burn fat.  BUT ECCENTRIC exercises–those which lengthen and strengthen, is equally important.  And this goes for men as well as women, but it’s the latter who usually desire longer, leaner muscle.  Men focus on power and strength.  But how many of you really want that hunched, shoulder elevated look, when standing? If there’s no balance in your routine between eccentric & concentric exercises, that may be your future–if not your now.  It doesn’t have to be that way.

VARIETY–not just the spice of life, but essential to your routine

We all have routines we enjoy.  For some this means running, others the gym, others still yoga, Pilates, ballet, or a combo platter of the all of the above.  I’ve always loved running, but there came a time when it didn’t always love me back.  Enter in my delve into the world of Pilates, ballet inspired exercises, and ESSENTRICS.  If you’re unfamiliar with the latter, take a look-see.  Originally billed as CLASSICAL STRETCH w/Miranda Esmonde-White, these exercises do more than just lengthen out contracted muscle.  They can help you do & do more of what you enjoy.  Another tip?  BIKRAM yoga.  Bikram yoga for many, is considered the original hot yoga.  How does it differ from other types of yoga?  The room is heated to about 105 F.  The same sequence of 26 postures is repeated in every class.  While this may seem counter-intuitive to variety being the spice of life, it really is a “reset.”  A reset which like Essentrics, can enable you to continue with your favorite form of exercise.

While it is true a body in motion tends to stay in motion, it is equally worth noting this.  Repetition without re-calibration can breed contempt.  And not just your contempt for the exercise, but your body’s contempt for it as well.  This can manifest in a number of ways.  From overuse syndrome, to some muscles becoming more tense while others are underused, it all adds up the same–too much of one thing, and not enough of the other.

So if your personal trainer, favorite form of exercise, or New Year’s resolution has become battle fatigued, set it or him/her aside.  Do your homework, and rethink your training techniques.  If you’re not seeing the results you want, it may be your exercise guru doesn’t know how to get you there.  Or perhaps your routine will not yield what you long to see.  Either way, “being like,” isn’t being you.  You can be your own worst enemy or best friend.  If the latter, investigate these suggestions.  You will find your routine less routine, with energy and refinement you believed were from a bygone era.

As always, check with your nurse practitioner or MD before you make that commitment.  New Year New You is overrated.  The Old You may need some adjustments and fine tuning, but that’s what people like me enjoy doing.

All for now.  Keep up and keep at it.

Need help?  Contact me at serrenity.c@gmail.com