oh so nifty: Fitness

Stretching is one of my favorite things! In fact, if you skipped the workout and just did warm up and cool down stretching, I'd be alright with that! ;)

Source: jesuisbonne.tumblr.com via Ameryn Marie on Pinterest

I like to stretch while I'm doing other things, like reading, or crocheting or sitting here writing this right now!
Just like these girls...

Source: google.ca via Ameryn Marie on Pinterest

Okay, maybe not EXACTLY like those girls! I can probably get one leg out that far though!

Stretching increases flexibility {we can all use that!}, it helps get your blood flowing, and elongates your muscles! I also try and stretch out different muscles to help with my not so good posture. It's a work in progress, but it's coming along.

Here are some stretching tips I found that can help you stretch correctly, and to remember to actually do it!

Source: healthful.tumblr.com via Ameryn Marie on Pinterest

What's your favorite stretch?

In the past four years I have been on a journey to become healthy. It all started back in 2008 when my husband got really sick and we started looking into what was causing his illness. One thing led to another and we ended up finding that diet was the number one cause to ALL illness. So we started to change how we ate. With every new book we read, or film we watched or natural doctor he saw we would learn more and change something. We started by removing all processed foods from our diet. Then switched to all organic foods. We soon gave up most meats, then dairy and after a while most things with gluten.

Now, this was over quite a big span of time, we didn't just change overnight. It took time and adjusting before it became a way of life. When we started all of this it was to save my husband, which I'm very happy to say that it did... completely! But, the other great thing that happened with all the changes we made is how much better I felt! I didn't realize I was so unhealthy before we started this. Yes, I knew I could lose a few pounds, and stop eating so much garbage food. I did have for years what my doctor at the time called 'a sensitive stomach' and they assured me it was completely normal. Basically every time I ate I had a stomachache. Sometimes it would be minor, sometimes I would have to go lay down. I had become used to this, it was just a part of life. Well, about two months into our diet change I realized I couldn't remember the last time I had a stomachache from eating. I was stoked!

So, we have been eating healthy ever since, still modifying our diet when we learn about anything new. Since 2008 I have lost over 20 pounds just from eating healthy. Most of that came off in the beginning, but a little more here and there since then. Now I have come to a new challenge, I have lost the extra weight and eat healthy, but I am NOT in shape. I do not work out at all. I have the muscles of a 10 year old girl! I have been wanting to shape up for a while, but have been completely unmotivated. Now that is changing! We are taking a trip to the Grand Canyon in September and I just might die if I went in the shape I am now. Not to mention the fact that I deserve to be in shape, what good is a healthy body if I do nothing with it!?!

I am sharing this today in hopes that one: I will hold myself accountable{if I tell everyone I am going to do it I have to, right?} two: I hope to gain support from others possibly doing the same thing. and three: to inspire someone else to shape up and be healthy! You deserve it!

I am taking measurements to track my changes. I figure I'll probably gain weight, or at least not lose any while working out because I should be gaining muscle! =) I also happened to find my starting measurements from 2008. It's crazy how much of a difference 20 pounds makes! So, here they are, and I'll post them again after a while.