Any goal, fitness or otherwise, should seem impossible at the begining. What would you have to work for if everything came easily?! Keep setting your goals and committing to working towards completion this week :).
Happy Monday!
Monday, July 7, 2014
Saturday, July 5, 2014
Wednesday Trail Run
I love learning about new trails in Boulder! Today my trail running group started at the Eben G. Fine Park and headed up Flagstaff. That is a serious elevation gain (at least for my standards!), but I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly we made the ascent. Of course, my running app failed to track my pace today (I just don't have that much luck with technology), however, the group as a whole completed this 8.5 mile route, with 1300 ft. elevation gain, in approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
It was stunning, and it was challenging, but it was the most fun to do with great company!
Happy 4th of July weekend!
Happy 4th of July weekend!
Monday, June 23, 2014
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Exercising to Maintain a Healthy Gut
After another gorgeous 6 am Wednesday trail run with my favorite group of ladies, I found an article in my inbox titled "Exercise and the 'Good' Bugs in our Gut", by New York Times author Gretchen Reynolds. What a perfect time to be reading about the benefits of exercise on our gut microbiome! Not to mention, these are two of my FAVORITE subjects.
Although the research discussed is preliminary, there does appear to be a positive correlation between exercise and the diversity of the bacteria found in the gut. Diversity in this gut bacteria is a VERY good thing. Much in the same way when we are exposed to germs or bacteria when we come in contact with people who have colds or 'bugs', when we have a diverse microbiome in the gut, we are better able to adapt to potential contaminants in the things we eat. They may also help us process and digest foods better, but that's another topic altogether.
The study reported on men of ranging BMIs and activity levels from your average Joe to rugby players (read: super athletes). It takes a lot of heart and a lot of strength to exercise at the capacity required for rugby players. However, in looking at the trend of increasing energy expenditure via exercise, it is clear that the more active participants in this study harbored a much more diverse bacteria colony than did the lesser active participants.
Perhaps this could be influenced by the fact that active people require more calories, resulting in them eating more food than your average person. These people may be exposing themselves to more diverse bacteria simply by eating more food, however, exercise is the root of the increased need for calories. Since I am an advocate for exercise, I will leave it at that.
The bottom line for me is exercise is, once again, encouraged for improved maintenance of overall health. Whether you like to walk, run, lift weights, or play a sport, I encourage you to get out and enjoy any and all the activity you can!! Keep your body healthy inside and out.
(Photo above is not me, although I'd take it as a compliment if you thought it was :). )
Although the research discussed is preliminary, there does appear to be a positive correlation between exercise and the diversity of the bacteria found in the gut. Diversity in this gut bacteria is a VERY good thing. Much in the same way when we are exposed to germs or bacteria when we come in contact with people who have colds or 'bugs', when we have a diverse microbiome in the gut, we are better able to adapt to potential contaminants in the things we eat. They may also help us process and digest foods better, but that's another topic altogether.
The study reported on men of ranging BMIs and activity levels from your average Joe to rugby players (read: super athletes). It takes a lot of heart and a lot of strength to exercise at the capacity required for rugby players. However, in looking at the trend of increasing energy expenditure via exercise, it is clear that the more active participants in this study harbored a much more diverse bacteria colony than did the lesser active participants.
Perhaps this could be influenced by the fact that active people require more calories, resulting in them eating more food than your average person. These people may be exposing themselves to more diverse bacteria simply by eating more food, however, exercise is the root of the increased need for calories. Since I am an advocate for exercise, I will leave it at that.
The bottom line for me is exercise is, once again, encouraged for improved maintenance of overall health. Whether you like to walk, run, lift weights, or play a sport, I encourage you to get out and enjoy any and all the activity you can!! Keep your body healthy inside and out.
Monday, June 16, 2014
Monday, June 9, 2014
Monday Motivation!
Trainers know it's always appreciated when you let clients know how far into their exercises, reps, or workouts they are...
... except when you tell them they're halfway to halfway.
Hopefully you've finished your workout for today so you can say you're 100% complete :)
Happy Monday!
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
National Running Day
Happy National Running Day to you! I thought today was just like any other Wednesday for our trail running group, but about halfway through my fellow trail runner, Marcia, mentioned it just so happens to be NRD.
Today we started at Dowdy Draw Trailhead and took a 7.5 mile loop over the course of just under an hour and a half! I am so excited I am actually able to do stuff like this- I truly never would have though I could. Here are some photos of todays trail run.
Have a beautiful rest of the day!
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