“Balance” isn’t what you think it is…

“Balance” isn’t what you think it is…
Good morning, Colleen,

What does “balance” even mean these days?

Balance your meals. Balance your schedule. Balance your life.

Honestly, though? Some days, “balance” feels like trying to spin a dozen plates without letting one crash to the floor…

Especially when you’re working hard to build strength and have more energy as we age.

Here’s the thing: true balance isn’t about juggling everything perfectly... 

It’s about getting in your OWN groove — one that works for your life and is aligned with what matters the most.

This month, we’re going to look at balance a little differently… 

Not as another box to check off, but as a way to live more intentionally—with less pressure and more alignment with your goals.

Start by asking yourself:

What’s one area of my life that feels a little off right now?
Maybe…
  • Your meals feel rushed.
  • Your workouts feel like a chore.
  • Your schedule is stretched so thin you’re running on fumes.
Instead of trying to overhaul your entire life, pick ONE area to focus on and make a small shift.
Here’s how you can start:
➡️ If meal planning stresses you out: Choose 3-5 simple, go-to meals you love and rotate them during the week. Easy and done!
➡️ If workouts feel like a drag: Shake things up with something fun—dancing in your living room, hiking with a friend, or trying something new (like my 28-Day Program)
➡️ If your mind feels cluttered: Take five minutes a day to breathe, journal, or just sit quietly.

Here’s what I’m working on this month: Putting my strength training workouts in my calendar and sticking to it! With my increase in coaching pickleball (and playing myself), I’m finding it difficult to fit my 2 strength days in. I know it’s a MUST for me!

Small, intentional tweaks like this might not feel like much at first, but they build momentum—and that’s where all the good stuff happens.

So, what could balance look like for you this month?

Let it feel easy, personal, and totally doable.

P.S. If you're ready to create a personalized (& more balanced!) plan that actually sticks—even when life gets busy—I'm here to help.
With my Concierge Online Coaching/Training program, we’ll focus on aligning your goals with your values so every step feels purposeful.
 
Interested in ways to support your wellness with chemical-free options? Click HERE!

7 Reasons to Build More Muscle

7 Reasons to Build More Muscle

I probably don’t have to ask you if you’ve ever thought about “losing weight” or “burning fat” — but how often do you think about building muscle?

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t give your muscles much thought until you go to pick up something heavy or throw on a bathing suit. 

But here’s a surprising fact:

Although the idea of building muscle is typically linked with how we look, your muscles are closely linked with your overall health – and also with the aging process.

In fact, Dr. Gabrielle Lyon states that muscle is the, "Organ of longevity," and says if you have healthy skeletal muscle, "Your chance of surviving nearly anything and everything that happens to you is exponentially greater." She also says that, "We are not over-fat, we are under-muscled."

Here are 7 reasons to build more muscle, starting right now:

1. You start losing muscle around the age of 30. 🤯

Yes, you read that right. On average, people lose around 3%-8% each decade… and then it speeds up after you turn 60.

The sooner you get started on building your muscle “bank,” the better! 

Muscle loss is one of the top causes of disability for older people – they become too weak to live alone and are more prone to falls and injuries.

2. You’ll build stronger bones.

Did you know that many people start losing about 1% of their bone mass PER YEAR after the age of 40? 

Stressing your bones (when you’re doing it in a healthy way through strength training!) will help boost your bone density and cut the risk of osteoporosis and fractures when you get older.

3. It can help you manage chronic conditions.

Lifting weights can help you cut back on symptoms of arthritis, chronic pain, heart disease, depression, diabetes, and obesity.

4. It can help with fat loss.

If you’re trying to lose weight, strength-training workouts are an important tool – and they can help you keep (and maybe even build a little) muscle as you get leaner.

5. It can help sharpen your thinking.

Studies link regular strength training and aerobic exercise with better brain function. 🧠

6. It’ll improve your quality of life.

Your everyday activities get easier – starting ASAP! Plus, it can improve your balance and protect your joints from injury.

7. It helps you keep your balance.

Again, this can help you avoid slip & fall accidents now and as you get older.

Plus… having toned muscles is great for your confidence and energy level! 

If you’re ready to get serious about your health and fitness, my 28-Day Total Body Transformation program gives you a proven approach.

With my 28-Day Program, you can expect to: 
  • Increase energy levels
  • Build muscle
  • Improve brain focus & mental clarity
  • Naturally balance blood sugar & eliminate cravings
The sooner you get started, the sooner you’ll start feeling (and seeing) results. You can check out what others have to say and more details here: 28-Day

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!