Do you ever think about how much your core muscles actually do for you?
When most of us think about core strength, we think about how our core looks…
But the fact is, our core is responsible for almost every move we make — like walking, picking stuff up, and even breathing!
And something you might not know is that because your core muscles can directly impact your posture….
There’s also a link to your stress levels, digestion, and overall health, too.
(Although let's be real, having a strong, toned midsection also feels pretty darn good, right?)
However, if your core isn’t as powerful as it used to be, I’ve created a FREE guide to help you tighten, tone, and strengthen those major muscles.
GRAB YOUR COPY HERE: Core Strong Guide
Inside, you'll find 5 easy-to-follow workouts and exercises that target not just your abs, but all of the muscles in your midsection, from top to bottom, back to front!
Need some ideas for working these exercises into your daily routine?
- Pick an exercise to do during a commercial break while you’re watching TV
- Work your core while you’re waiting for your coffee to brew in the morning
- Or do them at the end of your next workout
A little goes a long way when you stay consistent!
Whether you're new to exercise, coming back after a long break from working out, or a seasoned athlete, this guide has something for everyone. (If you know anyone who would love a copy of this, feel free to share this email/link with them.)
Interested in ways to support your wellness with chemical-free options? Click HERE!
I want to talk about a “feel-good” topic that’s finally becoming a mainstream trend.
It’s BODY POSITIVITY … which basically means loving your body right this very minute – without any ifs, ands, or buts.
Because, frankly, your body is a miracle!
It deserves your care and respect because it works so hard to support you each and every day.
And one of the BEST things you can do to show your body that love and support is to MOVE it – regularly and intentionally. That’s why this month we’re taking a deep dive into all the wonders of MOVEMENT and how it impacts pretty much EVERY aspect of your life!
When you exercise regularly, your body just plain FEELS and FUNCTIONS better from the inside out.
BONUS: You do NOT have to spend hours a week working out to get these payoffs.
Here’s a list of just some of the many benefits:
- A longer life because you are less likely to die early from chronic disease.
- Less risk of heart disease, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers (including colon, breast, lung, and uterine).
- Better mood, less stress and anxiety, and improved mental health.
- Improved brain health (both the structure AND how it functions).
- Stronger bones and muscles.
- Better sleep (both quality and quantity).
- More satisfying sex life.
- Lower risk of falling down.
- Improved weight control.
- Easier time quitting smoking.
Doesn’t your amazing body deserve all that!? (ANSWER: Yes it does!)
I’ve got a LOT of great info coming your way over the next couple of weeks, including the answers to some of my most-asked questions! (If you don't follow me on Social Media, that's where I post a lot of extra tips and ideas.....Instagram: @wellnesswithcolleen FB: https://www.facebook.com/ColleenRiddle/)
But I have a question for YOU first: What is your biggest fitness / movement / health-related goal right now? Email me back and let me know!
Make it an amazing day!
P.S. If you haven't downloaded my free Time Crunch eBook, here's where you grab it. I put together a full book on tips and workouts ranging from 5 minutes-20minutes. https://colleenriddle.com/landing/time-crunch-workouts
Interested in ways to support your wellness with chemical-free options? Click HERE!
Are you ready for the secret to body transformation success? (This secret actually contributes to almost EVERY kind of success.)
It’s that the BASICS will get you (at least) 90% of the results you are looking for!
The quality & quantity of foods you eat … how much & what kind of movement you do every day … how much sleep you get … how much stress you’re under.
They all add up to SUCCESS.
“The big secret in life is there is no secret. Whatever your goal, you can get there if you’re willing to work.” – Oprah Winfrey.
The best thing about all of this is this: every single one of the basics impacts the OTHER basics.
They work synergistically to not only help you FEEL BETTER, but also reach your goals.
This is what I’m talking about (just one example!):
- When your nutrition is dialed in …
- You have more energy to exercise, which helps
- Boost your mood and relieve stress, which makes it easier to
- Get a good night of sleep, which helps
- Balance important hormones that help you stay feeling full & satisfied, which
- Makes it easier to keep your nutrition on-track.
- And around it goes!
Getting your basics in line helps you feel vibrant, focused, refreshed, and motivated.
In fact, if you’re NOT feeling those things, it’s a sign that at least one of your “basics” is out of whack.
What steps can you take TODAY to cover your basics?
It really does make all the difference – especially when you’re at a sticking point in your program.
If you are ready to make your results a reality, I’m here to help with a proven program. And of course, I help you to really nail those basics! My 28-Day Total Body Transformation Challenge starts Monday, May 3rd. It’s guaranteed to get you feeling great (literally I have 100% money back guarantee!)! You’ll get accountability, daily emails to keep you on track, proven workouts for success, full meal plans, delicious recipes, and more. You deserve it….click HERE to register and use coupon code “Iamready” to get your 10% off discount! This one decision can help you feel energized and strong headed into Summer!
Interested in ways to support your wellness with chemical-free options? Click HERE!
Ready for a quick tip for boosting your workout results that works for ALL levels?!It can improve your fitness, rev up your calorie burn, AND can also help you break out of a plateau if your results are stalling.
It’s INTERVAL TRAINING – and even though it sounds intense, you don’t have to be a seasoned exerciser to add it into your routine.
PLUS – it has all the potential health benefits of regular workouts:● Improve cardiovascular fitness
● Lower your heart rate and blood pressure
● Reduce blood sugar levels
One of the easiest ways to experiment with interval training is to simply add in a few bursts of higher intensity work during your regular cardio workouts. If you’re walking, pick up the pace for 30-60 seconds, and then slow back down to your normal “moderate” pace to recover, and repeat.
A good ratio to shoot for is 2:1 of intense to easier work. That would translate to picking up the pace for 30 seconds and then slowing down for 15 seconds.I design my strength training workouts with bursts of cardio in between weights (like Kettlebell swings, High Knees, Skater Hops, etc).
And there’s even MORE good news – if you’re adding intensity to your workouts, you don’t have to work out as long!
If you want effective, fun, and quick workouts plus an entire 28-Day meal plan, 67 recipes, accountability coaching, dining out guide, daily inspirational emails and more, join my 28-Day Total Body Transformational Challenge starting May 3rd! Check it out HERE!Do you already do interval training?
Interested in ways to support your wellness with chemical-free options? Click HERE!
I have some really interesting and practical info today that might just help put you in a better mood the next time you’re having one of “those” days.
It has to do with some pretty cool studies that looked at the link between your posture and your mood! It has definitely made me double-down on checking my own posture during the day.
OK … let’s talk about how your posture can affect your mood.
This month we’re focusing a lot on core strength and how it plays a role in so many areas of your health and wellness. A stronger, balanced core helps you have a better, more upright posture.
Which affects everything from your digestion to your breathing and even how stressed you might feel!
Have you ever noticed how your posture affects how you feel? And vice versa? Like you are tired, so you start slouching down in your chair, and you feel even MORE tired.
Or, you are sitting upright and having an absolute KILLER day at work, and feeling at the top of your game?
So, the first study I want to talk about looked into how your posture while you’re sitting down can affect your mood.
Scientists at the University of Auckland took 74 volunteers and had them sit in either an upright or slouched posture. They also made up a story about why they had to remain in that position so they didn’t know what the study was about.
Then they had everyone do a bunch of activities, tests, and assessments – and here’s what they found...
---> The people who sat upright had higher measures of self-esteem, general awareness, they were in a better mood, and less fear than the slouching test subjects.
---> Meanwhile, the people who sat with bad posture used more negative words, more words related to sadness, and they also spoke less in general.
Pretty amazing, right? This effect isn’t just limited to your posture while sitting!
Another study done in Auckland looked at how people’s walking posture played a role in their mood and stress levels.
First, researchers got a baseline level for everyone in the study for their mood, fatigue level, feelings of being in control, as well as their blood pressure, skin temperature and skin reactivity, and more.
Then, they had them walk in either a slouched or upright right posture and surprised them with an unexpected stressful situation.
Here’s what they found: The people who walked upright felt more awake and powerful, had fewer negative emotions, and felt less fatigued than the slouching group.
PLUS … the people who walked with good posture had lower blood pressure, had less skin response, and lower skin temp than those walking with a slouch.
I think this is so interesting because we associate standing tall with being more confident, and these studies watch these associations play out in real life!
This is just one reason why it’s so important to check your posture on a regular basis to make sure you’re not slouching – it’s good for your body, but it’s also good for your mind, mood, and performance!
How often do you check whether you’re sitting or standing with good posture? It’s a great habit to get into because it pays off in so many ways.
Are you going to join me in those posture checks?
Leave a comment and let me know!
Also, I have a quick reminder for you about that you can still have free access to my 5-Day Stronger to the Core Challenge. After reading this info, you might just want to take advantage of this awesome program! https://colleenriddle.com/landing/stronger-core-challenge
Here's what some participants say about the Core Challenge:
“Finished day 5 and am loving the way I can feel the extra strength and support that I feel in my core! 
I am going keep these wonderful new habits in my life!”-Sandy H.
I am going keep these wonderful new habits in my life!”-Sandy H.“Posture checks and stretch breaks helped while meal prepping yesterday which always gets my back but better with your reminders so thank you for this challenge and making me more core aware”- Jennifer J.
“Completed!! Thanks for the jump start on my road to better health!!” Sunny S.
Thanks for stopping by!
REFERENCE:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30261357/
Yours in health,
Colleen Riddle, ACE Certified Personal Trainer
Young Living Gold Independent Distributor
Join my Facebook Group for more wellness info! Wellness With Colleen
850-598-7263
Interested in ways to support your wellness with chemical-free options? Click HERE!
