After doing my kettlebell “breaks” in my office for a few months I decided I wanted to try a few more advanced routines. That is when I went and talked to Jack about having him work on a program with me. HUGE mistake, LOL. He was so excited about starting once I showed him a few videos. He actually started watching Russian kettlebell championships on his phone. I mean, who does that? Jack does—he’s crazy. He then decided he wanted to start an intense program that was WAY over my level at that point. So I did what any loving wife who has a crazy hubby on a mission would do: I slept in on the mornings he did his training and kept to my beginner program.
This was actually God working in a mysterious way because now Jack and I have the unique experience of being at two very different levels trying to create a program that will work for everyone. I’m sure you all remember that I am really big on research, so while Jack was working on his high level kettlebell program, I was experimenting with all sorts of different popular exercise programs that combine free weights targeting specific areas with cardio.
Let me explain why I think this is important. First, I believe in getting your heart rate up. I like to run/walk in interval “bursts” as I’ve learned that’s best for burning off that difficult fat. I like to do the same thing with my cardio. Had long-term cardio worked for me, my body would have looked quite a bit different when I was dancing four and five days a week as a teen. The truth is that 80% of your health comes from what you put in your body—your nutrition—and the other 20% is physical movement. That is why focusing on nutrition first is so very important—we have to get that going before we can start to change your shape and tone and strengthen your body.
I also want to point out here that I did take some heat in reviews forBIG GIRLS DO IT RUNNINGbecause I ignored the “genetic” component to body shape and health. Here’s my hard and honest truth about that: I don’t think it plays as big a part as we’ve been told. In fact, I should go visit the endocrinologist who told me my issues were primarily genetic, because my body is now proof that genetics is not the whole story.
I think our physical shape, how we carry our weight, and how we digest food has more to do with the level of allergy we have to the sugar, chemicals, and other toxins currently in the majority of the food on our grocery store shelves. It might show itself in different ways in our bodies because we’re all built differently but, trust me when I say youcanbe “skinny,” or have a normal BMI, yet your body will still be riddled with the effects of these things. So if you want to call that genetics, fine, but it doesn’t change the fact that the answer to these issues is the same. Once we get clean from these toxins and get moving, we can really start to target places to shape, tone, and build.
The program laid out later in this book is something that almost anyone can do with simple modifications. How will you know when you are ready? Well, you have to be brave enough to try. I think there is something to be said for timing. I do think you need to be in the right frame of mind for any program to be successful, but let me also say this: the time isnow! Today is the day!
Here’s the test I want to try right now. First, stand up. Yes, I’m assuming you are in the privacy of your own home. If you are listening on audio, or reading this while walking around your local grocery store, it might be best to try this when you get home—it will only take a few minutes and you can give me a one-star review if you die while attempting it. Okay, ready? Stand up and do 25 jumping jacks, 25 sit-ups, and 25 pushups. You can modify them however you want. I’ll wait ...
Now, how do you feel? Do you feel horrible? Did you die? Sit and think about it for a few minutes if you have to. Feel your body. Does it feel good? Stronger? Do you think you could do a few more? Did you only do half? Listen, I’ve been at every stage of this. Remember when you wogged that first full minute and then the next day you did two? That is how we are going to get stronger too! One day at a time, one set at a time. If I can do this, you can, too. I’m the slowest of the slow and a mom of six with health issues a mile long. Just try this with me. Give me a bit more of your time. Listen to Jack. We are going to stay on this #WilderWay armed with new weapons. We’ve got armor and metal to go with our medal.
This is going to be fun, I promise!
PRO TIP: Don’t hurt yourself. Start light and easy and build up. You have time to get into the heavier stuff. Small and gradual steps are the longest lasting.
STRONG AND HEALTHY MANTRA:
(To be said out loud, with strength and determination)
My body was created to be strong.
I was built to walk, run, move, jump, and dance.
My body is beautiful.
There is beauty in every single step of my journey.
I want to live a life of strength.
I’ll allow myself to make mistakes.
I’ll allow myself to be slow, to be weak, to be a starter.
I’ll grow to become faster and stronger,
I’ll grow to become a finisher.
Fear won’t hold me back.
Family won’t hold me back.
The voices in my head won’t hold me back.
Thisis my time.
Thisis the day.
I will be strong.
I will walk, run, move, and dance.
My body will continue to be beautiful even when it changes.
I’ll live a life of strength and beauty.
Each day is an opportunity to make better choices for my health and strength.
Nothing will hold me back.
This is exactly the right time.
Today is the day I choose to find my strong.
One day at a time.
Slow, steady, and strong.
