A change of pace

Guten Tag!!!

This blog has been behind the scenes for quite a while. Why?
a. Family moved to Fort Worth, TX
b. Career change for my husband and I

Although life was busy for our family from Winter to Spring, that did not stop us from being physically active. In fact, it was our way to relieve some stress.

So now, we're settled in a new city, which has so much opportunities to offer. My husband just signed on to his new job and I... made a new career move.

I graduated with a Human Resource Management degree and always thought I would end up in corporate America. Although, my drive to be a director or manager someday is always present--- it just had to be put on hold when I had my two beautiful children.

Instead, my passion for fitness took a different turn and I've decided to be a certified personal trainer through ACE. The rewards of being a trainer is more than I can imagine, changing lives for the better, inspiring and motivating people, and building relationships. It's definitely a challenge to prepare for this test, especially when I've got a 3 1/2 year old and a 20 month old, curious little toddler. When I think of my kids, I am determined to work harder to reach my goals. All this is for them. The option to make healthier choices and exercise will be good for them. They need to know that discipline and diligence are keys to success.

-- What are your priorities in life?
-- No more excuses: If you want it, you'll get it, you'll do it!
-- Make the time! Make healthy living a priority! The time to change is NOW! It's never too late!

Hendrick Health Club

This month's Fitness Feature is Hendrick Health Club. Powered by an exercise and fitness philosophy that states, "Everyone deserves to be successful". This upscale, premiere health club provides clients the utmost, professionalism combined with a down-to-earth atmosphere. I've been to many fitness centers  sometimes feeling like the silliest thing. Over here, you feel welcomed and encouraged by the staff and instructors.

It is a clean facility that offers a variety of ways to get your workout down. If you're bored with the old  treadmill or elliptical or don't know what to do with weights, the gym has Les Mills classes.  The classes range from barbell strength training to high intensity cardio. They also offer Personal Training individually, small group or large group. Their most popular large group training, is called Power in Motion. It is a full-body 60 minute training session, that works on your core, endurance and muscular strength. Hendrick also offers a Pilates studio with state of the art reformers. Lastly, they have nutrition classes to educate their clients on how to eat healthy and not resort to fad diets.

Shake It Up Sunday

Freezing Sunday afternoon. Three year old did not want to nap, who woke up the one year old from her beauty sleep. Dinner came early--- thank goodness for leftovers, Fried Rice made with Brown Rice, Chicken, and Vegetables (recipe to follow). By the time dinner was done, I was about to pull my hair out. My husband, the mighty superhero belted out, "It's Shake Time!" Huh? All three of us, drama queens looked at Daddy-o! What is Shake Time? Well, he brought out the Ninja Blender, blended avocados, light soymilk (I would love to use Almond milk, but my three year old is allergic to tree nuts), and vanilla. He got the recipe from the Ninja Blender recipe book that came along with the blender.   And viola, this yummy concoction stopped all the crankiness and whining at the house. The girls looked at it with dagger eyes and devoured their after dinner treat. It was pretty good. It had the consistency of a smoothie and ice cream. And for at least 30 minutes--- it was silent. The girls devoured their "dessert". It satisfied our craving for ice cream and sweet tooth!

Avocado Shake
(Thank you Ninja Blender for this recipe)

Serving size: 2 adults and 2 kids

1 avocado
1 cup non-dairy milk (your preference)
1 tbsp agave or honey
1 tsp vanilla
8 ice cubes

Blend together and serve immediately!






Be adventurous and experiment, avocados can also be replaced with frozen bananas. Add some dark/semi-sweet chocolate chips and milk. Blend away.

This recipe reminds me of my childhood in the Philippines, where avocados were used as a snack. We would crush the avocados with a fork in a bowl. Add some whole milk, sugar and ice. Mix together and serve. It was the best after school snack on a humid day! But wait--- this blog is about being healthy! So take out that whole milk, refined sugar--- and replace it with the healthier options!!!
What are your favorite snacks as a kid? Do you think you can give it a healthier twist?

Mayor's 5k and 10k

I've always been fascinated with people who can run marathons, do triathlons, and even Iron Man. Hello, who can possibly do all that exhausting physical activity in a day? Is your body really capable of doing that? I guess the answer is yes!!! Well, I'm not a runner or should I say I only run when it's convenient. This means-- in the treadmill or if the weather is perfect outside. And when I'm out of breath--- I walk. Well, in the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle, I wanted to challenge myself. My husband is an avid runner and he encourages me to run outdoors once in a while. So whenever I do run outdoors--- I always curse myself! I can't breathe and end up cramping! I always tell him, "I'm a dancer, not a runner. I do yoga,Pilates, and ballet". Well, that all changed when I joined this boot camp, called Keep Movin'. I was forced to run. Well not really forced, they give you options to walk. But you're just motivated by these awesome trainers to run! So, I did! And I survived!!! First, I ran a mile. Next, I ran two miles. Then, surprisingly I ran a 5k during the camp! So, I took up running and I ended up enjoying it! It is my stress reliever. Winter came and our town was icy! So, running kind of went on a standstill. Cardio days for me were aerobic/ group exercise classes! Some days I would do an occasional run on the "dread mill". But I would only last 20-30mins. I would get so bored!!! Suddenly,there was a break in this nasty, icy, winter weather. So, while the hubby took care of the kids in the park, I ran the trail! I ran for about 25 mins and my legs felt like jello after. So, I knew I just needed to keep up with running and I'll be able to pick up where I left of. I changed my workout regimen to run at least 3x a week, for at least 20 mins. It got me thinking now that I'm enjoying running again--- why not sign up for a half-marathon?!?! Ok, too brave, Melanie! Well, our town is holding a Mayor's 5K and 10K in April! I've always ran 5K's, so I wanted to challenge myself. I entered myself in a 10K. For a lot of you avid runners, you all maybe thinking, "10k, 6.2 miles--- that's nothing!" Well it's something for me! Let me remind you, I'm a leisure runner, not ultra, speed, superhero, lightning, flash runner. So, 6.2 miles, does scare me! When I do complete this run, I'm hoping to run a half-marathon next! My goal by 2015 is to do a full marathon! I figured signing up for a 10k should be a good start in my fitness journey! So there you have it! I started training last week. I did my regular cardio/easy runs on Tuesday and Thursday. Now, I added Friday and Saturdays as run days, too. By Saturday I ran 4.2 miles in 41mins! Hey--- I told myself I can do this. Discipline and determination is needed to get through this run! Now, with kids--- I'll just have to work my training around my angels! What's your take on running? What other cardio exercises do you do?