Do What Works.

"The Best Plan is the one that works for you."

This is still one of the most beneficial and profound statements made from my friend, trainer, and boss-lady.  She said it probably 3 years ago, but it still holds true in so many circumstances.  I often have clients who follow plans that aren't exactly what I or LifeTime would recommend, but truly if it's what works for you, then its what needs to be done.

We often lose sight of this approach, but in recent conversation we talked about the importance and validity of simply doing what works for you.  Since I've struggled quite a bit over the last half a year in my health & fitness goals (I'll leave out the excuses), I thought it would be a good time for me to really think back to what works for me.

I feel best when I am strong, and am lifting heavy, but at a higher intensity (Cardivascularly speaking).  On a regular schedule.  With a program design vs. spur of moment whatever I feel like that day.

I feel best when I am feeling strong, sturdy, dense, and lean.  When my clothes fit.  And by clothes I do not mean sweats, yoga pants, and items with no waist line.

I feel best when I incorporate running into my regime.  Mid distances 2-3 times a week, outside.  Soaking up Rays and SWEATING, rocking out to tunes.

I feel best when I have adequate time for my workouts/lifts and don't feel rushed.  However, I am more focused on my runs when I have a small window of time to fit them in (plus then I run faster/harder.)

I feel best when I use a pre-workout supplement, as well as BCAA's, and glutamine.  I was on my no caffeine kick for a while, but I caved about 3 weeks short of my 90 Day goal.  I don't feel like I need caffeine to get through my day, but right now I need caffeine to get jacked and a better pump from my workout.  I'm not proud of that, but it just is what it is.  Do what works, right.

I feel best when I go to bed by 9:00pm.  Now, I usually won't fall asleep at 9, but I at least start the wind down process by then.  During the week I usually beat my alarm clock by a few minutes and start waking up around 4:58am, am feet on the floor by 5:12am, and to work by 5:55am.  Which then goes into the next bullet point.

I feel best when I am prepared.  This means have my lunch organized for the next day, my clothes laid out or set aside, my workout clothes in my gym bag, and a general game plan for the day set (for work, workout, and nutrition).  If I leave things up to chance they either won't get done, I'll make poor decisions in the mix of things, and I'll usually be disappointed with myself at the end of the day.  No likey.

I feel best when my house is clean.  Not JUST picked up, but CLEAN.  I hate coming home to house out of order and out of sorts, and especially dirty dishes in the sink.

I feel best when I have a little time to myself each week.  Like today.  I get to do what I want, on my own timeline, I get time to enjoy my workouts, and catch up on the little things (like blogging and studying).

I feel best when I go to church every Sunday.  I enjoy the opportunity to grow in my faith, the time to express gratitude for the many blessings in my life, and the opportunity to be contemplative.

I feel best when I keep processed and inflammatory foods out of my diet.  Including Dairy.  But I'm not giving up my eggs.

I feel best when I get one 'cheat meal' each week.  Usually a breakfast of Paleo Waffles (made with Almond and Coconut Flour) - YUM.   In addition, I feel best when I include controlled complex carbohydrates in my nutrition plan.  Lately it's been sweet potatoes or rice cakes (processed, but minimally).  I'm thinking about incorporating Oatmeal (GF) back in.  It was an ENJOYED staple when I was most successful in my health/fitness goals.

I'm sure I'll come up with some more things that I feel best doing...but for now, that's pretty much my list.

Scratch that.  One more.  And its kind of simple and stupid.  But, I feel best when I shower daily at the gym, and maintain shaved legs and arms.  Its kind of one of those "look sharp - play sharp things".  If I feel clean and smooth, I'll act and live clean.  This one is hard to maintain when living on the go, as well as in the winter.

I'm looking forward to asking others or hearing from others, what their "I feel best" items are.  Time to hit the pavement and rock out some miles.  Be good.