First, of all, I have to apologize for not updating my blog more often. I am new to blogging and need to get in the routine of updating on a regular basis. Speaking of routine, I think all of us are feeling a little stretched and out of whack as we adjust to our new fall schedules. There is nothing like school starting to get you whipped back into reality! Even though we are busy and working hard to figure out where everything fits into our schedules, this is the absolutely perfect time to recommit yourself to an exercise/activity routine. Create a new habit, start putting your exercise time on your calendar, and set some new goals for the fall. Summer is a time full of travel which tends to make our exercise routines less regular, so in the hustle and bustle of getting everyone else on track, don’t forget about you!
With that said, our family is adjusting to new schedules, too. Kate started preschool last week and is doing really well. She is getting used to listening to her teachers and sharing with her classmates, and seems to be having a lot of fun. She is extremely strong-willed and independent, so I have a feeling we have many years of learning to listen to her teachers ahead! She also started Karate last week. If you have read my articles before, you know that I am a huge fan of small business and we try to support other small business owners every chance we get. When Kate expressed interest in Karate, we knew just where to turn. Joshua Chilton is the son of long time BAR clients (and friends) Mike and Cindy Chilton. Josh owns the Black Belt Academy located on Chandler Blvd and Kyrene. I have to say that I am so impressed with the business he runs. He is incredible with the little kiddos and with getting them to engage and listen. It is a serious operation with all the students being called by their last name (yes, Kate goes by Miss Rogers) and they reply to their instructors with “Yes, Sir!” They are also constantly rewarded for good listening and performance. As a mom, I so appreciate the attention and care he puts into his children’s programs and as a business owner, I appreciate the hard work and dedication he puts into growing his business. Who knows, he might even get Brad in there for some classes!
I had a great summer professionally and personally. I had an opportunity to meet, teach, and help fitness professionals from around the country who are striving to help people be active and healthy. I have been teaching a lot and am speaking at a large conference in November to continue to educate working fitness professionals on inspiring change in their clients. I truly believe in the work that I do and am hopeful that we will be able to transform the fitness industry into something that helps people be healthy, active and fit. One step at a time, I guess. I also had several opportunities to talk to regular people about incorporating a lasting activity program into their lives. We hear so much trickery and quick fixes that sometimes we forget that it all starts with us. As much as I work with fitness professionals, it has been really refreshing to work with the general population, as well. I hope that we can continue to make the BAR a place where people can succeed (and have fun, too).
One last quick story…Brad and I are always looking for ways to be active with our girls in our free time. It is tough to do when it is so hot. However, last Sunday we decided to take them to the zoo, which is one of our favorite cool weather destinations. We took our bikes to ride around the zoo and Brad pulled the girls in the buggy behind his bike (yes, you can take your own bikes into the zoo). We had a great time. The Phoenix Zoo has done a great job at becoming a place to spend the day with your family all year round. There is a big water area for the kids to run around and get wet with slides, waterfalls, caves, and a splash pad. The zoo has also done a good job at promoting physical activity. There are pull up bars, a speedometer to measure how fast you can run and lots of other things for kids to do that include education about the strength or speed of a certain animal. Now, it was really hot and we were all exhausted when we left, but it was a great day and good reminder that even in August, you can find things to do outside in Arizona!
I promise to update more often, and until then, keep moving!
