Have you heard the phrase too much of anything is bad for you? If you have, it’s completely true, so take it seriously. Even that which is good for you can be bad for you if you have too much of it; for example, too much of any one vitamin can be hazardous to your health. Also, taking more than the recommended dosage of medicines like Tylenol or cold remedies can be a detriment to your health.
The point I’m making is that you have to strive for balance every day in your life. Don’t let too much of a good thing or bad thing wreak havoc in your life. Create those endorphins through activity and then if you are not already doing so, pamper yourself at least on a monthly basis. Do whatever it is that floats your boat. I mean do that thing that gives you relief and balance from the regular humdrum of life.
One of the things that take me there is massage therapy. That is my relief, pamper and therapy all rolled into one that keeps me straight and balanced after my amazing workouts. I like to get in touch with nature as well. Whether it is sitting on the beach and staring into the water and sunset or being in the mountains and taking in the fresh air with the sounds and movements of four-legged creatures running about; it is what grounds me and makes me not only appreciate, but also be grateful for the gifts I have.
It’s a fact that the body by nature always strives for a state of homeostasis, which is inner balance and how we were created. It is totally up to us, however, to be resourceful and mindful in assisting the body with what it needs to keep that peaceful balance internally and externally.
When you find your balance life will become more interesting and exciting and you will be surprised at how much more you’ll get done in a day or even an hour. Also, whether it be with your job, your workout or your love life, you will not only feel more complete, satisfied and confident with yourself, but you’ll find that you are more creative, energetic and motivated to reach your desired goals.
I don’t know if any one person can ever totally be in balance at any one time, because life is what it is and always has surprises for us from time to time, and let’s face it nobody is perfect. The important thing is to strive for it anyway, be forward thinking about it, and understand that balancing your health is your most important jewel – Mind, body and spirit!
Wendy’s Fabulous Fit Fax Tips!
Let me be very clear. An active body is a healthy body and a healthy mind can feed the soul. Try some of these strategies to help put your life in balance, but start one thing at a time so you can achieve a more solid and permanent life adjustment.
First on my list, of course is to MAKE YOUR HEALTH A PRIORITY! GET ACTIVE and ENROLL IN A HEALTHY EATING PROGRAM! No way around it. Just take a walk to get yourself started if you haven’t already. This will help to clear your mind to make some good eating choices!
Take time to be still with yourself everyday and listen to your soul. That means shutting out the noise like TV, radio, cell phones, people talking and all the other bells and whistles in your life. This will help you find answers!
Pamper yourself. Give yourself the rewards and tender care it wants and needs. Make sure it is not edible though. Understand that it doesn’t have to be expensive either. Massage, an outfit, or tea with the girls and some good conversation are some choices. This will help you to recover!
Expand your horizons by learning something new like a foreign language. It will stimulate your mind! Or find a hobby you are passionate about. It will help you find your purpose!
Now you know what to do. My fit fax tips can guide you to a good start. And remember this IS just a start. There is so much more!
Do you have balance in your life? What is it that you have to work on to find your balance?
Unless you live in places like California, gone are the carefree days of summer when waking up with the sun meant extra time for running, walking, hiking, cycling and countless other activities that help you keep fit for the skin-bearing summer. Like it or not, we are in the middle of winter and the dreaded doldrums of winter – like snow, high winds and rain have crept in and literally taken over.
Not only that, the shorter days pose a threat to exercise and fitness routines in addition to the seasonal holidays that are filled with decadent dishes daring to tip the scales in the wrong direction. I’m sure you can relate.
Well all of that can dampen your spirits when it comes time for working out. Right? Well…maybe and maybe not. In climates where winter brings shorter days, longer nights and frigid temperatures, it’s easy to let exercise routines slip by the wayside.
But I say not to worry, because there are ways to keep motivation high and conquer those obstacles during the winter months. Here’s the deal…you don’t have to completely dodge indulgence, but sticking to a healthy plan of living can help you stay fit year-round.
Wendy’s Fabulous Fit Fax Tips!
To emerge from the winter just as fit as you entered it, I want you to try the following tips to help you stay on track and keep motivation high. These are four of my favorites that I have used repeatedly to stay in shape.
Join a fun exercise class. It may be difficult to get out of bed just to go to the gym and do the same old same old, but joining a new spin or yoga class can be just the change you need to keep you motivated.
Invest in a stationary bike or treadmill. With winter come new episodes of your favorite prime time TV shows. Take advantage of the extra time spent watching television time by adding some exercise component. You can look forward to seeing how the plots and characters develop and stay fit.
Hold on to the muscle you developed over the summer by doing some weight training exercises at home. You can do body weight exercises or with a couple of dumbbells get in a fast and complete workout. Make it fun by challenging yourself during TV commercials to see how many exercises you can complete.
Control your portion sizes. Winter is packed with wonderful holiday traditions that naturally come with mouth-watering and calorie-rich foods. Don’t overdo it. After you fill your plate, divide your portions in half. Eat half and save the rest for another day. While you won’t be depriving yourself, you won’t be overdoing it either.
Now you know what to do. My fit fax tips, can guide you. You can stay fit this winter with no excuses necessary. So if you haven’t already, hunker down for the season and don’t forget about fun seasonal activities like snowshoeing, sledding and cross-country skiing.
Now think deep down…What is the biggest thing that has prevented you from working out on any given day aside from the winter months?
Can I be your Valentine? Is that what I hear you saying right now…I mean this time of year? Sure! Why not? It is said in so many different ways and different languages that it can be infectious. It’s in the media, it’s in all the special Valentine’s Day sales, and it’s in all the chatter with people buying up special gifts and participating in special ceremonies.
This is a day to honor the loves in our lives (so they say) and more than any other day people are sharing love and making babies. The fact is… We all need love and want love on this day; on any day and every day we crave it.
We all want a soul mate right? Well think about this. How about being your own soul mate first? How about starting out with some self-love? Although I am now known as America’s #1 expert on looking Fit, Fierce & Fabulous after 40, the truth is, I used to be one of those people too who didn’t love themselves and I know there are still too many people who don’t love themselves or their bodies. As a coach I hear about it all the time.
Think of it this way. This is a day to honor your body, your spirit, and your livelihood first before you can turn to the loves of your lives. Who is more deserving of your love than you yourself?
Self-love is sexy! You know why? When you love yourself others can see it, and they are drawn like a magnet to you. Work on you so you feel good about you. Work on your body so you love your body and as a result you will love your life and prosper.
Start with my warm-up video and move with me to begin that process.
Click below to view it!
If you need more support consider joining my group coaching programs…See it here.
~ My Valentines wish for you is, that you will make it a priority to put health first, and loving others second. That way, the two become one and as a result you will experience ecstasy and love on a far deeper level.
Wendy’s Fabulous Fit Fax Tips!
Also check out these Fit fax tips to take your body and health to another level:
Calm your mind and your spirit by beginning your day with meditation. It will help you focus on your goals of the day and help you complete the daily task to get you there. Additionally, it will help you resolve any unfinished history.
To celebrate your special day, find something other than what you can put in your mouth like all the chocolate candy and sweets out there to satisfy you. But if you must and you just need to wet your whistle, try instead just two strawberries dipped in REAL Chocolate. Then savor it between you and your partner.
Do something fun and active to honor your body and burn those calories.
Now I know what comes to mind first when you think of activity on Valentine’s Day…Making love right?! I know…I’m a psyche. ☺ Well, that is usually a part of the perceived action anyway and well I’m there with you. So let me get you started on that or whatever else you have in mind with my warm up video.
Just follow along with me right now by clicking the video above.
Oh yeah, keep up the good work!
Send me a note and tell me how you did with this one. Also tell me what you want to see more of.
Welcome back to my Fit, Fierce, and Fabulous after 40 Fridays!
This week we are answering the question: “What is the best time for me to do my workout – Morning, afternoon, or evening?
I know why I’ve been asked this question so often, because if you’ve got to do the time, you want to make it count. You want to totally maximize on your time in the gym, right? Am I right? Right! You’re a smart cookie.
Here’s what you have to consider. First, you have to think about what time is the best time to space out time for myself where I won’t get a lot of interference. The other thing you have to think about is, “Am I a morning person or an evening person?” You put those things together, and it will bring you to your personal best time of day to workout. That time is when you are going to be most consistent with doing your exercise because it will be the most convenient. That’s where the magic is and that’s what counts. That’s what you have to think about.
If you are a morning person, and you don’t mind giving up some of that precious sleeping time, then morning is going to be the best time for you to workout.
If you are an evening person, and your job cuts off at 4 or 5 o’clock, if you can get out of the office at that time, evening is going to be your best workout time.
Some people have flexibility. If you are a business owner, then you can schedule out your own time. In that case choose whether morning or evening is best for your lifestyle. Maybe even afternoons could be the best time for you. If it is, workout during lunch time then eat lunch.
If none of what I said matters and any time of day will work for you, then I recommend that morning workouts are best for you. In the morning is when you will have the least amount of interference. Studies show people who workout in the morning is most successful. That is certainly my best time.
I love working out in the mornings. Number one, you don’t have to worry like you do at the end of the day or in the middle of the day about getting caught up with meetings or extra projects or getting caught up on the phone. Think about that. I’ve had all of that happen.
In the mornings, what also happens is OMG! You get this burst of energy! You get psyched for the day! You are able to handle those projects, those phone calls, those unruly people in your life very easily and calmly. What’s more is — you feel good. You just feel good! That’s those endorphins that work for you throughout the day. When I don’t get that, it’s like a cup of coffee in the morning for me; then my day is not the same. The next time you think about your day and planning out your workout and what time is best for you, think about that.
The most important thing is that you are consistent and you make it a habit; a lifetime habit. That’s the goal.
My Fabulous Fit Fax!
Choose your workout time around the time of day that works best for you and your lifestyle – You are more likely to be consistent and therefore successful.
If you choose to workout in the evenings don’t let co-workers or the boss compromise your time to get to the gym. Block off your calendar with the note: “Life or death meeting – Must attend” aka “Gotta get my workout on!” Think of it as a life insurance policy. Later everyone including you will appreciate the benefits.
If you choose to workout in the mornings make sure you get in the habit of getting a good night’s rest so you can get up in the mornings. Yes, it’s a tradeoff – sleep for workout, but somebody’s gotta do it! ☺ Smile…It may be difficult at first, but once you establish a routine you won’t want it any other way.
If this was helpful to you, please share it with your friends and subscribe to my YouTube channel.
Also get my free eBook on my home page and I will share more tips with you on becoming… Fit, Fierce, and Fabulous after 40.
Until next week…Keep it moving, Baby!
Now I want to hear from you…
What time of day do you workout?
Why? How’s it working for you?
Have you lost your motivation to exercise or be active again? Has age got you cornered and life got you down, because you are just not feeling it? Well if so, let me provide some insight, because I’ve been there and done that. I know what it feels like, and I definitely know what it takes to come out of that funk also known as “stinking thinking”.
My stinking thinking was so bad that at times I almost gave up. I used to give so many excuses for not doing what I was physically or mentally capable of doing. At the time, I thought they were good reasons, because I was afraid and didn’t know how to get out of my own way.
I would say things like, “I’m too tired to workout” or “I have a headache”. Due to my lack of planning I’d say a string of things like, “I was so busy today and I got caught up in a meeting now I don’t have time to cook. I’ll just pick me up some Kentucky Fried Chicken,” which turned out to be nightly, by the way. Many times I would even say, “Whew… I had a tough week so let me celebrate tonight with a movie”. That only gave me the permission to buy pizzas, soda, ice cream, and popcorn. That was my thing. Then I would fall asleep in the middle of it all with a full belly feeling satisfied – well, at least until I woke up. Then I felt fat, guilty, and depressed. This was a continuing cycle for me.
Have you experienced any of these feelings? If you are one of those people like I was always making excuses, I want to give you what I needed at the time – Information and Motivation.
This is your year and its time to get a fresh start! So I am sending a little love and motivation your way to get you back on track. Just to get you jump-started and put a smile on your face dance with me! Just get lost in the movement and the music! It will make your body smile! Watch the video here→
Oh, one other excuse I have heard women say is, I’m too old. You are NOT too old! Forget about what your Momma used to say. It’s a new day and a new way! And you have to set a new precedence for that pathway. You CAN do this!
If you want to go to the next level, don’t forget you can also sign up for my group coaching starting this Saturday for some up close and personal advice on how to get your life back on track.
Motivation is literally the desire to do things. It is a crucial element in being able to attain your goals. Research shows that you can influence your own levels of motivation and self-control. Having said that, it can be a tricky thing, because motivation or lack of it weighs heavily on how you feel as opposed to what logic says. And there are ways to make it work in your favor as opposed to keeping you down, out of sync, fearful, sedentary, and sick all the time.
So to help you figure it out and power through to the point of being where you want to be and who you want to be in order to “Take Back Your Life”, begin with these tips:
Fabulous Fit Fax!
Change your routine often – Develop a workout routine where you are doing something different everyday.
Set small specific goals – Its okay to set a goal of where you want to be this time next year, but don’t make the mistake of stopping there. Break it down into smaller pieces like monthly, weekly, and even daily milestones.
Post a photo – Find a person or body type of where you aspire to be and post it up in a place where you cannot miss seeing it everyday. It will serve as a reminder and keep you on track.
What are your thoughts? Have you ended your stinking thinking and excuses? Were you able to follow along with me on the video? Did you keep going after the video ended? Remember it’s only to get you up off your butt and get you started. Feel free to post your comments below:
You know what? I just have to say something because I keep hearing over and over again these words, “I don’t have time to eat breakfast.” Really? I say, Make time if your health is important to you!
The other thing I hear is, “I had such a busy day. I’m too tired to workout.” And again I say, “Don’t let a busy life get in the way of a good workout.”
I know…I know what you’re going to say – Easier said then done Right? Well as you know I never like to tell you what not to do without giving you a plan on how to fix it.
So listen in on the segment I did yesterday (Jan 23, 2015) on TV with San Diego Living 6 – The CW shot live from 9am to 10am. I give tips on how to get your breakfast and your workout on!
In the meantime, be sure to leave your comments and thoughts with me.
Shout out to The CW for making me feel right at home! Tiffany you rock! And Mark you are going to make amazing progress this year! I just know it! I’ll be watching. 🙂
Many have asked the question – Where do I start? Breakfast is where you start. You must break your fast – Fast!
“People skip breakfast because they think they’re cutting calories, but in truth you are setting yourself up for failure because you are starving your body and causing it to increase or sustain weight gain. Your metabolism actually slows down and you tend to eat more later in the day. Plus your energy becomes erratic which is why many complain of lack of energy to not only do your workout but merely function during the day.
According to The National Weight Control Registry People who habitually eat breakfast have maintained a 30-pound (or more) weight loss.
Other research conducted found that regular breakfast eaters were more likely to exercise regularly. And women who ate breakfast regularly tended to eat fewer calories overall during the day.
Fabulous Fit fax!
Start your day with two glasses of water with lemon
Eat a light breakfast that includes protein and a good carb. Some examples are: Carbs – low sugar cereals, oatmeal, and fruit. Proteins – eggs, yogurt)
Always carry healthy snacks with you (like nuts and fruit) so you keep your energy up and you don’t mindlessly nibble on the wrong stuff.
Remember to take one step at a time by developing one new habit at a time. I always say start small and go BIG, but be patient and you will win every time – You’ll reach your goals effortlessly! No Really! ☺
Have you decided to Take Back Your Life yet? I urge you to forget about those resolutions you made. They don’t work! Instead set new intentions for yourself. Begin with asking yourself: What’s is the one thing I want to happen for me this year?
My new intention is to bring more life, power and wealth into my brand, my body and my health so I can enable, enrich and effect more lives.
My newest January 2015 cover shoot has set precedence for that already.
Thank you BOOMERS LIFESTYLE Magazine for making me your COVER GIRL!
Now for my Fabulous Fit fax!
After you have clearly defined what your new intention is use the following steps to keep them in check.
Start with setting your weekly (not yearly) goals.
Each week plan to accomplish two to three things you will do to make progress towards that.
Check your progress by reviewing what you did that week and repeat.
Lets hear from you now! What have you done so far with your goals and intentions this month? Feel free to post your comments below:
As the year 2014 comes to an end I hope that you’ve accomplished some of the things you set out to do.The end of the year is a great time to review the past so you can plan for the future.Are you ready to take your health to another level?
Have you been daydreaming about getting your body in great physical shape? Seriously, can you even think
of a better way to go out with the old and begin with the new in 2015?
I promise you everything else in your life will get better if you begin with your health first! Personally, my plan is always to step up my game each year because I don’t want any regrets. How about you?
I live by this serenity prayer, which gives me strength and I wanted to share it with you:
GOD GRANT ME THE SERENITY to accept the things I can’t change,
COURAGE to change the things I can and WISDOM to know the difference.
Find your strength in 2015 and move forward.
YOU DESERVE IT!
********************
COMING SOON! My Secrets on how to: Burn Fat Faster and Transform Your Life Forever!
Wendy Says:
“Sometimes your power and strength comes through others by way of support and guidance, but you
are the ultimate decision maker.” Make the decision today and you can be on your way to changing your life forever!
How did you do with your Holiday meal last week? Did you try some of the tips I gave you to help keep those calories down? Remember every little bit helps. For those of you who did try it and dropped me a note on how you did…GOOD JOB! It’s a great start!
If the tips didn’t work for you this time because you just LOST YOUR MIND 🙂 that’s ok too. You know why? It’s the Holiday! Keep reading and I will tell you how to make up for that in a moment.
First let me ask if you’ve set some healthy new goals for yourself yet? If so, send me an email or Facebook me so I can help you get started. I have definitely set my own new goals for the coming year. Two of my goals are taking my body to a new and exciting level and the other is to meet new people and create significant relationships and partnerships.
I actually started that process recently when I had the opportunity to share the stage with Stedman Graham (Oprah’s man) this month. He and I graced the opening of the WIN (Women’s Information Network) event the first day, while John Gray (Author of Men are from Mars & Women are from Venus), and others spoke the following two days. What a great event!
I urge you too, to get a head start on setting goals and making some healthy life changes. Also, look out for my 8-week group coaching program and fitness challenges coming soon!
Now let me tell you how to make up for over eating last week.
Fit fax! By Wendy Ida
Everyone is bringing in Holiday joy that will sneak up on you so watch out for office nibbling. The calories will add up fast. Instead bring in your own snacks so you won’t be tempted.
Do a juice cleanse for 3 to 5 days.
Go back to a normal eating regimen with only one goody per week.
Now I want to hear from you! What are your personal fitness goals for 2015? Feel free to post your comments below:
I wanted to share some of the tips I use to keep fit this time of year. But, first let me say this…
I am so excited for the holiday season that I get all gitty like when I was a little girl. I guess that’s because I still am a little girl at heart. 🙂
But let me tell you what else floats my boat and drives me over the top with all the holiday cheer. It is the fact that I absolutely LOVE getting together with family and friends. I love sitting around the thanksgiving table feeling the common bond and seeing the smiling faces. I love eating the home cooked meals and sharing great stories of the good old times.
I cherish these times like gold – knowing also that I am in the moment creating new memories to look back upon and laugh about in the future.
It brings me special joy that literally drives me to help others create similar joys in their own lives by way of rebuilding their health & body. For this I am grateful!
Also…
I want to give “THANKS” to BFW (Beauty, Fitness and Wellness) Magazine for making me the COVER GIRL in your latest October issue!
As promised here are some of my favorite tips to help avoid the Holiday pounds
First off we have to get in a good workout, the day of, in fact the week of Thanksgiving! Then…
Be strategic in your food choices.
Eat more veggies than meat and potatoes
Eat less gravies and sauces
Limit alcohol to one glass, then replace the alcohol with green tea.
Use smaller plates (or an over-sized saucer) and don’t pile the food on. Sample only your favorite foods and pace yourself — eating slower will help you eat less.
Do not store the goodies! Give it to the homeless! Anything like pies, cakes, cookies or ice cream left over after the party, you must get rid of while you are still full from dinner and in your right mind. 🙂
That’s the fax! Try ’em and overall, you will eat less, feel better and consume fewer calories.
Now get out there and kick butt…YOU CAN DO IT!
What are YOU thankful for this year?
Let me know how my tips worked for you by emailing me or posting a comment below.
Welcome to Strive to Thrive! Strive To Thrive was born out of our collective need to find answers. We are committed to inspiring people of color to make positive life changes through the creation of healthy lifestyle event experiences and content. The Strive To Thrive platform and events will provide resources and tools to support growth in the following areas: health, fitness, financial literacy, spirituality, community building, and relationships. To kick it off we created an original web series called First Step on Black Voicesand a multi-city Strive To Thrive Tour that will inspire and motivate people to Strive to Thrive in every aspect of their lives: mind, body, emotion, spirit, community and financial literacy.
Wendy Ida (ee’da) is a Strive to Thrive expert. At 61 years old, Wendy has overcome great adversity to be where she is today. After an abusive marriage, she began working out at age 43, lost 80 lbs. and changed her life. She is now two-time Guinness World Record Holder, 8-time award winning National Champion in the NPC Bodybuilding and Figure Championships and is a Nationally Certified Master Fitness Trainer, Coach, Speaker and Best Selling Author of “Take Back Your Life! My No Nonsense approach to Health Fitness and Looking Good Naked! She’s been seen on NBC’s Jeff Probst Show, CNN, Fox Sports Net, ABC News, KCAL 9, KTLA 5, Essence Magazine and others.
Now she is living her purpose and on a mission to change lives around the world. Wendy says, “It’s never too late to Take Back Your Life!”
In Episode 1 of First Step, watch the inspirational story of how she struggled through a physically, mentally, and sexually abusive marriage to a police officer, and strived to break free from the pattern of violence.
Stay tuned for Episode 2 of First Step , and witness how Wendy thrived in changing her body, shattered the chains of her past, and ultimately became a true heroine for women all over the world who think it’s too late to start fresh.
Share this story with friends, family, and loved ones!
Do you have balance in your life? What is it that you have to work on to find your balance?
I will lead you in performing some of the circuit training exercises. 
