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Healthy Food Options.jpg Give these foods a try and boost health this season.

Food provides your body with nutrients.  Nutrients instruct your body how to function and give you the energy you need to get through the day.  When you eat the right foods, you can boost your overall health.  It is our responsibility to learn how food affects our body.  What should you eat to boost your health this holiday season?  This short list of foods are packed with immune boosting vitamins and nutrients to help you take charge of your health.

GARLIC

Why is garlic so good for you?  When garlic is crushed or chopped, it releases allicin, a natural medicinal ingredient that strengthens your immune system, increases blood flow and boots overall wellness.  Want to serve up garlic for lunch or dinner?  Try this Caprese salad!  Crush 3 garlic cloves, mix with 1 T. olive oil and drizzle over sliced tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. Add basil, salt and pepper to taste.

 

SWEET POTATOES

Did you know sweet potatoes have anti-aging benefits, anti-carcinogenic properties and reduce stress?  Sweet potatoes are also an excellent source of vitamins A, C and E to help support a healthy immune system.  Roast, mash or bake your sweet potatoes and enjoy this whole-body vegetable.

 

KALE (OR SPINACH)

One serving of kale gives you 907% of your daily recommendation of vitamin K, a nutrient needed for bone protection and clotting.  Kale also has protein, calcium, four times the amount of vitamin C and more vitamin A (vs. spinach).  Spinach, on the other hand has more folic acid and is an excellent choice for pregnant women or those trying to conceive. Add these greens to your breakfast burrito, lunch salad or sauté with garlic and serve for dinner.

 

 

YOGURT (OR KEFIR)

Yogurt and kefir are packed with probiotics and are considered superfoods.  Probiotics support healthy digestion, weight loss and boosts the immune system. Probiotics help keep the digestive track free of disease-causing bacteria (in adults) and when added to formula, infants had fewer days with fever, antibiotic prescriptions and doctor visits.  Top off your favorite yogurt or kefir with berries and nuts and supercharge your food!  

 

BEANS

Beans are a plant-based source of iron and rich in fiber.  Iron is needed to oxygenate your cells and tissues and is necessary for proper development of the human body. Fiber helps you feel full and move food through your digestive track for healthy elimination.  When you eat plant-based iron, consider pairing it with vitamin C rich foods (like sweet potatoes) or add a splash of citric juice for better absorption.

 

When you incorporate garlic, sweet potatoes, kale (or spinach), yogurt (or kefir) and beans to your diet, your body's immune system becomes stronger.  Start fueling your body with these superfoods and see how you can boost your overall health this holiday season.

Niccole Maurici, University Park mom of four and former certified personal trainer, is the co-founder and creator of the StrongestMom.com? website and fitness videos, which promote values important to moms: encouragement, support, positive thinking, and dedication.  To learn more visit our website strongestmom.com. 

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Make a "Happy Place" list!

New beginnings can be challenging, intimidating and hard to embrace.  Our oldest child will graduate from the Elementary School where she has spent more than half of her life learning and start at a new school in the fall.  Anytime you start something new, a myriad of emotions surface: maybe you are paralyzed by fear, overrun with anxiety, feel intimidated or are so excited that you can't wait for the adventure to begin!  Regardless of your emotions, use these strategies to help you embrace new beginnings.

1.  Have a positive attitude.
Mount Everest climber and motivational speaker, John Amatt said, “Adventure isn’t hanging on a rope off the side of a mountain.  Adventure is an attitude that we must apply to the day to day obstacles of life.”  Do you struggle with having a positive attitude?  Then hang out with someone that is positive and adopt an attitude of gratitude.  If you can have a positive attitude, then you are more likely to embrace your new beginning.  

2.  Make a "Happy Place" list.
Before you set off on your new beginning, make a list of the things, people or places that make you happy and use it as a reminder to lift your spirits when you get discouraged.  Your list can positively influence you, alter your perspective, and make for a smooth transition when you start your new beginning. 

3.  Smile when you feel stressed.
New beginnings can cause stress and smiling decreases stress by releasing dopamine, endorphins and serotonin.  These neurotransmitters benefit your overall health and happiness.  We have an expression in our house, “When you smile, you have more fun!”  So when you start your new beginning, remember to smile and get excited to embrace the adventure. 

4.  Ask for help.
It takes courage and maturity to ask for help.  When you start a new beginning, asking for help can save you time, minimize aggravation and help you come up with a solution.  Reach out to people that will support you and are willing to help you embrace your new beginning.

Our daughter will start her new beginning in a couple of months.  My hope is that she will be excited for the journey, but also embrace this new beginning.  How can she embrace her new beginning?  Have a positive attitude, find her “Happy Place”, smile (instead of stressing out!) and ask for help along the way.

Niccole Maurici, University Park mom of four and former certified personal trainer, is the co-founder and creator of the StrongestMom.com? website and fitness videos, which promote values important to moms: encouragement, support, positive thinking, and dedication.  To learn more visit our website strongestmom.com. 

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Happy Mother's Day.JPG Become the strongest mom!

Being a mom is awesome!  From my heart to yours, Happy Mother’s Day!  Every day overflows with opportunities to love, teach and guide our children, whether they are newborn or have children of their own.  Occasionally, I pat myself on the back and say, “Wow, you handled that situation well!”  And the other 364 days of the year, I shake my head and say, “Oh, boy…I wish I would have handled that differently.”  But the great news is that every day, we have an opportunity to become the strongest mom.  So what are you doing to become the strongest mom? 

As I thought about that question myself, I reminisced about this past year and created this short video of my Top 10 Memorable Moments:

 

 

And after the laughter and some tears, I thought about 10 Ways To Become The Strongest Mom: 

1. SHOW COMPASSION INSTEAD OF PASSING JUDGMENT.

2. PRACTICE HUMILITY INSTEAD OF BEING PRIDEFUL.

3. LOVE UNCONDITIONALLY INSTEAD OF REJECTING.

4. LISTEN ATTENTIVELY INSTEAD OF INTERRUPTING.

5. BE ACCOUNTABLE INSTEAD OF BLAMELESS

6. FORGIVE FREQUENTLY INSTEAD OF CONDEMNING.

7. COMMUNICATE OPENLY INSTEAD OF SUPPRESSING.

8. APOLOGIZE HABITUALLY INSTEAD OF MAKING EXCUSES.

9. VALIDATE EFFORT INSTEAD OF CRITICIZING THE OUTCOME.

10. EMBRACE THE CHAOS INSTEAD OF SEEKING PERFECTION.

Becoming the strongest mom begins with a desire in my heart and willingness to try.  If I quit and throw in the towel, how can I expect my children to go through life any differently?  Maybe this list doesn't resonate with you.  If it doesn’t, challenge yourself and think about the ways you can become the strongest mom.

What is my litmus test to know if I’m heading in the right direction?  When one of my kids smiles at me and says, “Mama, you didn’t yell todayJ”

Sometimes it is hard to stay positive in a sea of negativity, or when you are dealing with grief, loss or disappointment.  Instead of being paralyzed by the pain, surround yourself with loving memories of the first time you held your child in your arms and find a way to make your heart happy this Mother’s Day.

Sophocles once said, “Children are the anchors that hold a mother to life.”  My children are my anchors, and mean the world to me.  On this Mother’s Day, I celebrate them, for giving me the opportunity to be their Mom.

Niccole Maurici, University Park mom of four and former certified personal trainer, is the co-founder and creator of the StrongestMom.com? website and fitness videos, which promote values important to moms: encouragement, support, positive thinking, and dedication.  To learn more visit our website strongestmom.com. 

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Everyday, people are emotionally wounded by rejection.  You can let rejection halt your forward progress or you can use rejection to fuel your passion to succeed. Whether it is a failed business deal, relationship, or “thanks, but no thanks” conversation, learning how to overcome rejection can set you up for future success.

Why does rejection hurt so much?

MRI studies show that the same regions of the brain are activated whether a person suffers from the emotional pain (rejection) or physical pain (injury).  The difference is that the physical pain eventually goes away, whereas you can relive the emotional pain and remain in a constant state of hurt.

How can you turn rejection into success?

1. Don’t Panic

When people are rejected, a common reaction is to panic.  How do you respond if you are passed over for the promotion or didn’t get invited to a social event?  Before you panic, let this experience remind you of all the positive things you have to offer and focus on what you have, verses what you think you are missing. 

2. Look Upward and Move Onward

Do you have a serene place, favorite memory, or laughable moment?  Put yourself in that place instead of dwelling on the “would have, could have or should have”.  When you choose to look upward and move onward, you can embrace the moment and remember how you add value to your family or loved ones.  Sylvester Stallone once said, “I take rejection as someone blowing a bugle in my ear to wake me up and get going, rather than retreat.”

3. Minimize the Impact

Rejection can halt your ability to move forward, but more importantly, might snowball into a bigger issue.  Instead of letting the rejection fuel your anger, aggression, or devalue your self-worth, remember that the rejection is not personal, there is a better “fit” waiting for you and do not let rejection define you.

4. Stop Reliving the Rejection

Rejection can overrun your life; it can compromise your self-identity or cause emotional heartache.  Turning rejection into an opportunity to grow stronger takes courage.  Stop reliving the rejection and begin the healing process: feel the hurt, give yourself time, and learn something from the rejection.  

What do Tom Brady (199th NFL draft pick), Sylvester Stallone ($400 million net worth) and the late Walt Disney ($5 billion net worth) have in common? They all faced rejection and had the courage to not panic, looked upward, moved onward, minimized the impact and stopped reliving the rejection.

Niccole Maurici, University Park mom of four and former certified personal trainer, is the co-founder and creator of the StrongestMom.com? website and fitness videos, which promote values important to moms: encouragement, support, positive thinking, and dedication.  To learn more visit our website strongestmom.com. 

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Swimsuit Season Countdown.jpg Look your best this summer!

In the last 50-years, the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition has earned more than $1 billion in revenue. A lot can be said about the models, swimwear designers and photographers that make this revenue-busting edition so successful. But the reality of knowing that swimsuit season is upon us, makes the majority of people uncomfortable and intimidated.

How can you look your best this swimsuit season? Be disciplined and obedient.

It’s About Progress, Not Perfection
None of us are SI swimsuit edition models. So why do you compare yourself to the images around you? Do a personal inventory, set a realistic goal and put a plan into action to achieve it. Losing 1-pound is awesome! Knowing that you can achieve something will motivate you to stay disciplined to your plan.

10-Minute Workout
If you want results, you need to be obedient. Simply stated, exercise even when you don’t feel like it. Your obedience to exercise will help you look your best this swimsuit season. If you need a boost in your current exercise routine, add this 10-minute workout to what you are currently doing. Try to perform these exercises three times with little rest in between sets. Remember, proper form will help you achieve the best results and minimize your risk of injury.

15-Pushups
20-Squats
15-Burpees
20-Deadlifts
20-Crossbody Mountain Climbers  

Still need more guidance to look your best this swimsuit season? Incorporate these 6-steps into your daily routine and get excited for summer. 

6 Steps To Look Your Best This Swimsuit Season

1. Stress Less
When you are stressed, your body releases cortisol, a chemical in your brain that tells your body to crave foods high in fat and sugar. Cortisol also triggers your body to hold onto fatty tissue and enlarge the size of your fat cells. Stress can also lead to heart problems, insomnia, hair and memory loss as well as infertility. 

2. Sweat More
For the next 6-weeks, try and challenge yourself to sweat more during your workout. Start by increasing the intensity of your workout. During your cardio workout, increase your cadence, which will increase your heart rate and help you burn more calories. When you do your strength-training workout, get it done in 30-minutes or less. If you really want to look great this swimsuit season, add an extra workout whenever possible.

3. 20-Minute Rule
It takes 20-minutes for the brain to feel full or satisfied after you eat. So the next time you eat, set a timer, wait 20-minutes and see if you are still hungry. By using this method, you will most likely eat less, consume fewer calories and lose weight. If you want to speed up the brain recognition process, drink water 10-minutes before you eat and give yourself a head start on feeling satiated! 

4. Stay Hydrated
When you stay hydrated, you are less likely to overeat because what you think is a “hunger” signal, is actually a signal for thirst. Before you dig into the pantry, drink a glass of water, wait 20-minutes and see if you are still hungry. A good rule of thumb to see if you are properly hydrated is to check the color of your urine. If it is a light yellow, you’re drinking enough. If it’s not, grab a glass of H2O and guzzle it down. 

5. Skip The Salt
Adding salt to your food will make you bloated and can last for days. Before you put on your swimsuit, reduce the amount of salt you consume and avoid processed foods (they contain high levels of sodium). If you find yourself craving salt, it usually comes from an emotional place, versus a biological one. The average person should consume between 1600-2400 mg of sodium (that’s about one teaspoon).

6. Stop Snacking
In the past 30-years, Americans have increased their snacking habits by 29%. Do you snack throughout the day, at the checkout counter, or get the late night munchies? If you snack frequently, change your behavior. Many people are mindless when it comes to snacking, so pay attention to when you snack. Before your errands, eat a handful of nuts, vegetables or fruit and go to bed feeling hungry.

You can achieve your swimsuit shape by being disciplined and obedient. Use this image and put it on your refrigerator, dashboard, mirror, pantry, smartphone or computer as a reminder of why you are on this journey.

 

Niccole Maurici, University Park mom of four and former certified personal trainer, is the co-founder and creator of the StrongestMom.com? website and fitness videos, which promote values important to moms: encouragement, support, positive thinking, and dedication.  To learn more visit our website strongestmom.com. 

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Tri. Tri. Tri Harder.jpg Validating your child builds self-esteem.

Last weekend, our 7, 8 and 10-year olds competed in the Baylor Tom Landry Sunny Kids Tri. This year, Arianna bumped up to the Youth Senior group and completed a 200Y swim, 6-mile bike and 2K run. When I speak of Arianna, I hardly ever speak of her as being an “athlete”. Boy, am I wrong! She IS an athlete and as her mom, I need to try harder and give her the credit she deserves.

Why do parents need to try harder?

Being a parent is a title, but also an active job and responsibility. Many days, it’s hard to get out of bed, or have the energy to make it through the day, but if you quit, and rely on someone else to do your job, your child will suffer. When parents try harder, children witness that parents struggle too, just like they do!

How can parents try harder?

Be your child’s role model.
In our home, one of our mantras is, “Don’t ask someone to do something you wouldn’t do yourself.” If I want my kids to speak kindly, respect others and work hard, then I need to model this behavior. I don’t do these things well, but I try harder everyday to lessen my harsh tone, listen when my children speak and push through the exhaustion. Charles Barkley said it best in this Nike commercial.

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Be your child’s advocate.
To be an advocate for your child, start by understanding the situation, what you hope to achieve and your approach to finding a solution. Whether your child needs you in the classroom, in a social setting or relationship, children need to know that their parents will advocate (not make excuses) for them. When parents try harder, children become empowered and learn how to take on their own challenges and solve their own problems.

Validate your child.
Validating your child means that you listen to what they say, without passing judgment, criticism, or interrupting them when they share their thoughts and emotions. Validation isn’t about superficial praises or a reward system; it’s about speaking the truth about your child’s effort or accomplishment. Most importantly, it means that you don't always have to agree with them. When you try harder, your child will become confident in sharing thoughts and build self-esteem.

Learn from my mistakes. Parenting is exhausting, but you can try harder. Your children learn from the example you set, as well as how you advocate for them and validate their feelings. 

Niccole Maurici, University Park mom of four and former certified personal trainer, is the co-founder and creator of the StrongestMom.com? website and fitness videos, which promote values important to moms: encouragement, support, positive thinking, and dedication.  To learn more visit our website strongestmom.com. 

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What's for dinner?.jpg Salmon, asparagus and brown rice will fuel your body.

Years ago, scientists discovered that one pound of fat contains 3,500 calories of energy. Does that mean you need to consume 3,500 less calories or burn 3,500 more calories to lose one pound of fat? Not necessarily. A person’s body composition plays a large role in weight loss. If you want to lose 20-pounds, you probably have more fat and will lose weight more rapidly than someone trying to lose 5-pounds.

If you are committed to losing weight, implement these five components and see if you can achieve your weight loss goal. 

Consume fewer calories.

Calories are made up of protein, carbohydrates and fat. Each of these three components has a different caloric value per gram. One gram of protein and one gram of carbohydrates has 4 calories; whereas one gram of fat has 9 calories and alcohol has 7 calories. 

Here is an example of how calories add up:

6-oz. grilled chicken breast=208 calories
1-cup steamed broccoli=24 calories
1-cup roasted sweet potatoes=108 calories
One glass of wine=120 calories

To kick-start your weight loss journey, calculate your caloric intake and try to consume 300-500 less calories per day. 

Avoid processed and packaged foods.

Due to additives and preservatives, processed and packaged foods have less nutritional value and fewer nutrients. These foods taste good, but they are not as healthy or effective at fueling your body. As a general rule of thumb, try and avoid (or minimize consumption of) anything that comes out of a box or is processed. Foods that contain: refined (enriched) grains, trans fat (partially or fully hydrogenated), salt or high fructose corn syrup should be avoided altogether. 

Eat protein and complex carbohydrates.

Keep your refrigerator stocked with lean protein and complex carbohydrates. The majority of the food you consume should be made fresh from the refrigerator. Give this dinner and sweet treat a try. It’s full of protein, fiber and nutrients that will leave you feeling satisfied!

6 oz. salmon
1-cup asparagus
½-cup brown rice
1-cup raspberries
1.5 oz. of dark chocolate 

Focus on foods with high levels of minerals and vitamins.

Fueling your mind and body requires good nutrition. Minerals and vitamins help digestion, regulate blood sugar levels, makes energy, cell growth and much more. Start by incorporating salmon, garlic, broccoli, legumes, dark leafy greens, blueberries, coconut, egg yolks and dark chocolate into your diet. 

Drink water.

Water has zero calories, hydrates your body, brain, and helps with weight loss. Try and drink eight 8-oz. glasses of water every day. If you are more active, you might need to consume more. If you feel thirsty, that is an early sign of dehydration. Water gives you a sensation of feeling full, with no additional calories, so before your next meal, drink 8-oz. of water!

Weight loss is a lifelong journey. In a culture that instant gratification is becoming the new “norm”, this is a hard pill to swallow. But, have hope! If you eat less, avoid packaged/processed foods, choose good proteins and carbohydrates, you can achieve your weight loss goal.

Niccole Maurici, University Park mom of four and former certified personal trainer, is the co-founder and creator of the StrongestMom.com? website and fitness videos, which promote values important to moms: encouragement, support, positive thinking, and dedication.  To learn more visit our website strongestmom.com. 

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St. Josephs Church.jpg Traditions are handed down from generation to generation.

As a believer, Holy Week is a very special time of the year and culminates with Jesus’ resurrection on Easter Sunday. If you celebrate Easter, join me as we chant,

Christ is Risen!
Indeed, He is Risen!
Christ is Risen!
Indeed, He is Risen!

Growing up, my family attended St. Joseph’s Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Chicago. On Easter, the Priest would spread incense over the empty tomb, and lead the congregation with this Ukrainian chant. This tradition has been passed down from generation to generation.

What are traditions?

Traditions are repeated behaviors or actions. Some examples of traditions might be birthday and holiday celebrations, reunions, family trips or outings. 

Why are traditions important?

Traditions preserve our cultural or religious heritage.

In our family, we celebrate both Italian and Ukrainian/Polish traditions for Christmas by eating fish and making vereniki, borscht and kapusta. We have also introduced new traditions like singing, “Happy Birthday” to Jesus on Christmas and reenacting The Last Supper. These traditions, old and new, help our children understand cultural heritages of the past and preserve them for future generations.

Traditions teach values.

Ask your child, “What traditions do you think are important to our family?” Their answer might alarm, frighten, or pleasantly surprise you. As early as 18-months old, children can learn important values from the traditions you implement. Life is busy and an important tradition for me is to greet my children and husband with, “Good Morning and I love you!” If I fail at everything else that day, at least my family has heard and know, that they are loved!

Traditions strengthen family relationships.

Since 2008, our family has participated in the Dallas Turkey Trot and have been trotting the 5K and 8-mile course ever since. It is fun way for us to get some exercise, encourage one another and raise our arms high as a family when we cross the finish line.

Traditions give you something to look forward to.

Every summer, our family heads out to hike the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Whenever our children hear the song, Locked Out Of Heaven, or look at photos of the mountains, they get so excited. Each hike starts with one of our children leading us up the mountain. This summer tradition has empowered our children to conquer rugged terrain, overcome long and treacherous climbs and taught them how to push through quitting points.

Hopefully you have traditions that are important to your family, or are inspired to start some. Traditions preserve cultural heritage, teach values, strengthen family relationships and give everyone something to look forward to!

Niccole Maurici, University Park mom of four and former certified personal trainer, is the co-founder and creator of the StrongestMom.com? website and fitness videos, which promote values important to moms: encouragement, support, positive thinking, and dedication.  To learn more visit our website strongestmom.com. 

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Rock 'n Roll.jpg Challenge your child and build their confidence.

Tuesday morning, I dropped our kids off at school and before my 8-year old crossed the street, I opened the window and asked him, “Hey Pasquale, do you want to run a half marathon with me on Sunday?” He thought for a moment, smiled and said, “Yeah, let’s do it!” So Pasquale and I made up our mind to run the Dallas Rock ‘n Roll Half Marathon together on March 20th.

You might be thinking I am crazy to throw out an idea like that, or you might be thinking, you go mama! Yes, it was a bit of a crazy idea, but he is certainly capable of finishing a half marathon. Part of parenting is about challenging our children, and building their confidence when they aren’t sure they can do it.

Challenging Your Child
As challenging as running is physically, I would argue that long distance running is even more mentally taxing. Take whatever challenge your child is facing and make and effort to overcome it. Encouraging and coaching your child through their challenges will build inner strength and self-value. Inner strength will help your child push through trials and tribulations. In Romans 5:3-4 we are reminded that, “We also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope.” Isn’t it time we start challenging our children?

Building Your Child’s Confidence
From the moment your child takes his or her first steps or walks across the stage and receives a diploma, our job is to build their confidence, not make them believe they are better than someone else. There is a distinct difference between a child’s confidence and arrogance. A philosophy in our home is, “Don’t ask someone to do something that you wouldn’t do yourself.” As parents, we lead by example and grow in our abilities so that our children become capable of growing in their abilities. As an individual’s abilities grow, so does their confidence. 

Pasquale hasn’t “trained” specifically to run 13.1 miles. But over the course of the last 10-weeks, he has racked up: 35-hours on a wrestling mat, 25-miles of biking, 20-hours of swimming, 15-hours of Tae Kwon Do training, 12-miles of running, 10-hours of football and sleeps 10-hours/night. No doubt he will be challenged to finish a half marathon, but when he crosses the finish line, he will be confident in his abilities.

Niccole Maurici, University Park mom of four and former certified personal trainer, is the co-founder and creator of the StrongestMom.com? website and fitness videos, which promote values important to moms: encouragement, support, positive thinking, and dedication.  To learn more visit our website strongestmom.com. 

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Plank with high side knee.jpg Break through fitness plateaus and boredom.

Cross training is an important component of exercise. Cross training uses several different exercise disciplines like plyometric exercises, interval training and strength training during your workout. Experts, athletes and fitness enthusiasts will tell you that cross training routines have benefits that go beyond physical conditioning. Like most things, if you do not challenge yourself (in this case with your exercise routine), it will be difficult to change the way you look and feel.

Cross training boosts your metabolism
Getting your body out of it’s normal routine will instruct your muscles that they need to work differently and work harder. As a result, you stimulate muscle growth. A muscle cell burns more calories than fat cells and increases your metabolic rate, even when you are sleeping and can help you achieve a chiseled physique.

Cross training trains your brain
When you walk or run, do you think about it? When you get into a downward dog pose, do you perform without instruction? When you do a pushup, lunge, squat and burpee, do you think about how to perform those exercises? Probably. Cross training engages brain function that improves brain activity and thinking skills.

Cross training minimizes overuse injury
Do you know a runner with knee problems? Or a yogini with shoulder injuries? How about a tennis player with an injured Achilles? When you are specific to one form of exercise, you are more likely to suffer an injury. Cross training encompasses flexibility, cardio vascular and strength training, agility and over all body conditioning, which can reduce the risk of injury.

By combining cross training and good nutrition, you can achieve your goals, physically and mentally. Here is an example of a cross training workout to get your adrenaline pumping and help you break through fitness plateaus. Try to perform these exercises three times with little rest in between sets. 

30 Jumping Jacks
15 Push-ups
60-Seconds of Wall Squat
10 Pull-ups
45-Seconds of Step-ups
20 Plank with High Side Knee
30-Seconds of Fast Running 

Niccole Maurici, University Park mom of four and former certified personal trainer, is the co-founder and creator of the StrongestMom.com? website and fitness videos, which promote values important to moms: encouragement, support, positive thinking, and dedication.  To learn more visit our website strongestmom.com.