Trip to Mexico

Hello Everyone,
I've decided to take the blogging plunge!  Pinch my nose, hold my breath and here we go!  Yahoo!

Andrea is riding a wave

I just got back from a trip to Mexico- Sayulita, Mexico to be specific.  It is a small town on the west side of Mexico north of Puerto Vallarta which apparently was or is known for where the Love Boat used to go.  Anyways, Sayultia is known as a small fishing/surfing town which in recent years has seen some of it's charm fade away in favor to upscale boutiques and shops.  But not all has been lost.  The town has a unique blend of surfer meets reggae, meets hippy, meets old town Mexicana.  Great food and friendly people.  One of the highlight of the trip was my attempt at surfing- Notice the word attempt!  I was able to ride my first wave...on my knees that is.  Maybe next time I'll get to my feet but what great fun trying and it was a sneaky way to get some exercise in.  Ah there's the word exercise.  You didn't think I could write a blog and not mention exercise did you???  Well there it is and while were on the subject..... 

I'm kneeling a wave???

Sign in Sayulita

One of the best ways to guarantee results from a weight loss, health, and/or wellness program is consistency and LIFESTYLE CHANGES. As Brain Tracy author of Goals writes "you cannot expect to enjoy superb levels of health and fitness without your active involvement and participation every day of your life." So yes I did enjoy my nightly margarita or two and had my fair share of the local foods, however, i did not just abandon part of my life- daily exercise.  Gym, weights, treadmills who needs that when you got sand and stairs!

Workout#1 (SAND): While the grounds crew was still combing the beach i had my towel and bottle of water ready to go.  It started with 5 sprints across the beach.  Then a set of 25 sit-ups, 15 squat jumps, 40 push-ups, 15 knee-ups, and 15 plank knee to elbow for good measure.  Repeat 4X for a total of 5 sets :) Good burn!!!
Workout#2 (STAIRS): The hut I stayed in had several stairs to the the top.  One day my beautiful and smart fiancee had the brilliant idea to count how many steps to the top.  Her result....82.  So the next morning Andrea joined me for a stair work out...At the top of the stairs 25 sit-ups, down 82 stairs, 25 push-ups, and back up 82 stairs.  Set one done.  Six sets later we completed 984 steps, 150 sit-ups, and 150 push-ups. Not bad :)

What's my point, there is no vacation from living.  Exercise should be looked at as part of your normal everyday life.  Now I would not suggest a workout described above unless you are at a high level of fitness but one suitable to your individual abilities.  I can't tell how much better those pina colada's and home style tacos tasted after working hard earlier in the day. Try to apply this concept to everyday life.  The things we've all heard- take the stairs not the elevator, a 30 min. blast lunch workout, walk to the grocery store.....just find a way to be active every day.  You all have experienced a day where you had a great workout and ate healthy throughout the day and then experienced the feelings of pride, happiness, accomplishment that accompany that effort. I came across a saying in my readings that said, "don't just do it, live it!"  Your mind, body, and spirit feel alive when we are active and moving.  It was made to do so.  No more excuses!  Enjoy life to the fullest, keep moving even while sipping margaritas :)
Best,
Guy Schiavone
http://www.guyschiavone.com/

Who is that masked man!