Commentary on exercise for kids

There is a recent study that discusses how many children these days are either very unhappy or will start developping mental health illnesses far more than before. The study mentions how video games, and the fear of kids interacting with strangers (so parents keep kids inside more) that many children don't interact with others, don't develop their feelings of compassion or social skills.

Then I came across this from Fisher Price. A biking video game for kids. Yes it gets them moving, but what about biking OUTSIDE? Are parents too busy to teach their kids how to ride, or to monitor them? Are we so afraid for our children? Yes there are "bad guys" out there, but our communities are more pro-active in being, well, active with our kids to reduce this threat.

I remember my first bike, my first road bike (from Sears!) and the freedom I felt when my friends and I would ride together around the neighbourhood.

It seems a shame that we might be bringing up a new generation of kids whose only experience on bikes will be stationary.

100 calorie snacks

Marketing is great isn't it? Based on observation as I shop through my grocery stories, I see many people buying those 100 calorie cookies, chips and snacks.

Some people think - well it allows for a treat without over doing it.

The problem is - people are eating several of these snacks each day.

and these snacks - aren't healthy! They aren't a health food. The little green check box is another simple of good marketing technique - it fools the consumer into thinking that these little foods are a health food because it gets SOME kind of nice rating. But who rates these things? Likely the company who produces it.

Redefine snack - it should be a "mini meal" rather than a treat. A mini meal means a little carbohydrate, a little protein and some good fat - all from nutritionally dense sources.

Also remember to eat every 4 hours (or sooner) to avoid being over hungry (and then over eating).

The habits of effective people

I spent the weekend with friends at the Kingdom trails in Vermont. It was great fun, great company and great riding.

With a big group of people, we are bound to have our moments, not get along ALL the time. and you know what? that's ok. I have had arguments with my best friend, and she still is my very best friend. Friends can argue and still be friends.

Even i admit, i was moody too. and i have to admit, i let myself get that way. I let some behavior of other people get to me, and make me feel sad. I wanted to let it go, but at the same time i didn't.

I remind myself of Stephen Covey's 7 Habits - one of which is that WE OURSELVES DECIDE how we will REACT to a situation. If we are angry or sad or disappointed - we let ourselves get that way. Its ok, to have those feelings BUT let it go. That is what i forgot to do this past weekend.

My husband did and said exactly what i needed him to, he was supportive and kind and encouraging. He didn't try and fix or belittle my feelings.

So next time someone close to you has a moment, try not to REACT, but take a breath, know that likely, it has nothing to do with you, and be there for them and help them.

Networking

In the fitness coaching business, there are many options to "spread the word". I can advertize, produce brochures, or the way I prefer is Networking and Referrals.

I am a member of BNI - Chelsea - a business referral group. We meet once a week to discuss the types of clients we are looking for. I have learned how to talk about my business in a non-technical way, and to learn and share with other entrepreneurs.

A referral from an associate or a client is a wonderful compliment. It says that the person was happy with my service, and has a lot of trust in me to train someone that they know.

The fact is, there is a lot of advertizing around. A lot of information, almost TOO MUCH information. Now it seems people don't know how to shop any more. But word of mouth - telling someone else how a product or service worked for them is quite powerful.

My goal is to continue to grow my business through word of mouth and referral.

Overcoming fear

I have a pile of magazines sitting that I enjoy reading with my morning coffee. (milk, no sugar!)

In a recent issue of Pedal magazine, there is a huge section dedicated to women in cycling and a great little piece on over coming fear.

It just so happened that on my short trail ride today at Camp Fortune, my husband Stef helped me apply those "anti-fear" skills on a descent that I have been having trouble with. It is a steepish descent with a wooden bridge on it. The bridge is what freaks me out.

Many people have said FEAR is False Evidence Appearing Real. In this case, my false evidence is falling and hurting myself. With proper form and control, I SHOULD be able to handle this obstacle...but its my mind I must convince.

After a few attempts, and just plain stopping before even attempting, my husband decided to lower my saddle. This helps get the weight back a bit better. Well, the strategy worked, because I was able to do the bridge!

Then after a few practices with the low saddle, I put the saddle back up to my normal pedalling position, and tried the bridge again. I know where to focus my eyes, how fast to go and how much to brake. Success.

The article in Pedal mentioned practicing the skills needed to do the exact thing that scares us. This might mean breaking the skill down into its bits, and practicing each pieace separately.

When we break the obstacle into its "bits" it doesn't seem nearly as big and scary as it did before. And I have to admit, the feeling of success having over come my fear, was very very sweet.

How old is too old?

I was reading through my Pedal magazine and one little story caught my eye. Celebrating the 70th birthday of Ann Budge. She has been mountain biking for 20 years. She started at 50. Very very cool. And now she is 70 and she still participates in the Hardwood Hills races.

Every time I joke about a scratch or a little injury with one of my clients, he reminds me that I won't be able to mountain bike forever. Part of me wonders "why not?" at the moment, and then when riding the technical trails at Camp Fortune, I do wonder how long my body can hang on.

But reading about Ms. Budge, I realize, it isn't physical age, but how you feel inside and how you treat your body, what foods you fuel it and what thoughts you feed it.

So I'm not going to think about how long the ride will last, but live in the moment and enjoy the ride right now.