Put your ego aside...

I realized something yesterday morning when I was working out.  As I get older, I am definitely becoming wiser.  As I learn more about myself, my body and my profession, I become wiser.  Not to mention, our own children can be the best teachers.



Back when my oldest daughter was younger, I would often ask her to let me do my workout before she comes to chat, or hang out with me (how bad is that!?).  I was so "into my workouts" that I wanted privacy and no distractions. To a point, I'm still like that.  However, now with my little one (a little over two and a half years old) I can't help but feel guilty about my past attitude.



I got back into my training steady after the holidays, and my little one wanted to come down to my "gym" with me at home.  I let her, and it couldn't have been a better move.  Long story short, I'm no longer the "stupid attitude" parent who wants to work out on his own;  I'm now the "role-model" Dad who wants to teach his kids that fitness and activity is good for them, and fun too.



There is no better motivation than hearing your little one be so excited when you ask, "are you ready to go exercise?" and she replies, "YES!" She'll play for a while during the workouts, and will also ask to have a turn.  For example, I just finished a set of pushups and of course she was watching.  She said, "my turn daddy" and got onto the mat and did the cutest version of a pushup I had ever seen.  If that's not motivation I don't know what is.



Also now, my oldest daughter will come down to the workout room at home, and will ask questions about a particular exercise I'm doing etc... I got lucky. Even though I never really allowed her to watch or see what working out was like (and to ask questions), she's becoming more and more curious about what I do.



The moral of my story is:  don't be stubborn - let kids watch, ask questions and learn from the best role models in their life (their family).

See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/ao0wk

Yoga - Have you tried it?

I've personally practiced yoga for a couple years and love it. I admit, I'm not a daily yogi (as much as I'd like to be); however, I do add it into my regular training routine.



To me, there are two HUGE benefits; Increasing overall flexibility and body awareness. I find that if I feel tighter than usual, doing a couple yoga sessions really resets my muscles to where they should be.



In regards to body awareness, the focus on your breath and how your body feels really adds to your regular fitness routine. Knowing and understanding your body inside and out is key to reaching your goals.

Amplify’d from participaction-en.blogspot.com

You've probably heard that yoga is good for you, but have you given it a try? When it comes to physical activity, it’s important to engage in a variety of activities that promote endurance, strength and flexibility. There are many different types of yoga but to the “newbie,” it can seem a little intimidating. My advice: don’t be shy, give a try. Read more at participaction-en.blogspot.com

See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/anou1

Moving forward into 2011

My Living Energy is slowing getting out there. Nationally and Internationally. My 2010 year was a great one as far as progressing professionally, and I aim to make 2011 another year just the same.

Fall of 2010 brought two great experiences to add to my resume and bio. I joined the Demand Studios team (online contributing writers) and now am I contributing writer to Livestrong.com. I am not only excited to write about something I'm passionate about, but also to be contributing to such an incredible foundation geared towards a cure for the world's most awful disease... It's an honor.

Around the same time, I joined the 6-person editorial committee for the Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology's (CSEP) new e-journal, geared towards front line Fitness & Health professionals. This is a very exciting opportunity and I'm looking forward to adding my input and thoughts towards this project.

My mind has been racing with ideas and opportunities to create great options for local kids and athletes, and I can't wait to get some of them into action this year!

Thanks for reading. Keep your eyes and ears open for more. :o)

Living Energy Blog is Back!

Hello all,

I hope to keep this blog building during 2011. I've been in the process of getting the My Living Energy message out there as much as I can. You can find me on facebook, Twitter, Amplify and once again, on Blogger.

Please visit my website: www.mylivingenergy.com