Physical Funness for the Motion Starved

Fit more fun into your fitness while exploring the outdoors.

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Simon Says…We Won!

Team Motion Starved

Yipee! Today we played Simon Says as we traveled along on our Fitness Walk. Team Motion Starved traded commands (via our iPhones) with our friends at The Exercise Space in Seattle. “Simon Says do 20 Jumping Jacks” or, Simon Says… Lunge up hill for one minute.” The commands were doled out about every 5 minutes allowing for lots of time to walk and enjoy the scenery as well as get a little sweat on. Maybe it’s just me but I think these games are super fun. It really doesn’t seem like exercise. Today I wished we had more than an hour to play. I hope the rest of my team felt the same way.

Anyway, Team Motion Starved prevailed today, we had a small but strong group and while our competition was just as worthy they kindly gave us the win as our team had a little easier time completing the tasks.  Next week we’ll be doing another Scavenger Hunt. Scavenger Hunt #2 will involve walking, light toning exercises and hunting for items that are more interpretive than literal. Things like, find something cold, mysterious, twisted, stuff like that.  I’m gonna need to enlist some creative thinkers to help me with this round. Interested?

If you can’t join me on one of my Fitness Walks consider doing your own. Trade commands with a friend who’s walking with you, or on the phone. The scavenger hunt is fun to do either in a group or send the list to a friend far away and have them send you photos of what they find. It’s fun to see what others find.

Lastly, Thank you to my friends from both Team Motion Starved and Team The Exercise Space! Good job tonight! I look forward to next week!

Carry on…


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Happy Memorial Day

I salute you...

I trust you’ve spent your three-day weekend wisely. Meaning, I hope you’ve taken this time to get some fresh air, exercise, spend time with loved ones and enjoyed some of your favorite indulgences. No matter what they are. That, in my mind is why the Universe (or God if you wish) made three-day weekends, to completely enjoy yourself and re-charge for the next round of full work weeks.

With that, I am taking today off. Be sure I have followed my own advise indulging in bouts of insane stents of outdoor exercise, mowed down on foods that would normally be avoided, spent time with the animals I adore and with friends new and old.

In an effort to be true to this specific holiday I remind us all to take a moment to consider those we have lost and to be thankful for those special folks we have chosen to share our lives with.

Enjoy the day and thanks for checking in.  Know that I truly appreciate your taking the time to read my words…

Kelley


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Every day should be Memorial Day

Here’s the thing – I guy a used to work with for years passed away this week. He was 41. He liked to mountain bike and run and hang out with his friends. Just like the rest of us. He was sweet and friendly and completely “normal” except for the fact that every place he went he had a big yellow lab at his side. His name was Jasen and the lab’s name is Slider.

One day I noticed that Sliders paws were all bandaged up. “What happened to Slider?” I asked Jasen, “Ohhh we went mountain biking and I crashed, tumbled into a ravine (as he exposed his hamburger elbows). Slider had to run over some brush to get to me and he cut up his paws.” OMG I thought, visualizing Slider rushing to Jasen’s aid. In the end both Jasen and Slider healed from those wounds and went back the next weekend for more. They were an inseparable pair that brought smiles to the faces of everyone.

Last Saturday Jasen sat down to watch TV. Nobody knows exactly what happened; hopefully he just went to sleep. I assume Slider was sitting right there next to him.

The point I am trying to make is this… We’ve heard it before and we will continue to hear it but, I will say it again, so bare with me… Life is short. Do what you can to enjoy your time here. We are literally here one minute and gone the next. Be good to everyone in your world, every single day. Show them you care even if it’s in subtle ways. Enjoy every second as thought it may be your last no matter who you are.

It’s Memorial Day Weekend. The perfect time to take this message to heart. With that, I wish you all a 3-Day Weekend full of fun and fitness and lots of laughs. My friend Dawn has sent along this yummy Mango Margarita Recipe to share with you all. Give it a try…it’s healthy, and a fantastic way to celebrate life.

Blend frozen mango chunks, tequila, orange liqueur, and fresh line juice in blender – no simple syrup or sour mix needed.  It is so smooth & creamy, delish!

Thank you for being here. Please go kiss someone you care about.

See you Tuesday…

Note to Jasen: Jasen, you were an absolute sweet heart, and you were adored by so many! I hope you knew that, but I fear you did not. I hope I’ll be seeing you again someday but I assume you’ve gone north and I’m certain to be headed south when my ride is up. Tailwinds to you forever my friend…

Note to Slider: I love you Slidie! Be strong, sweet, sweet dog…


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Competition does a body good

A few weeks ago I got a little excited and challenged a personal trainer in Seattle to a little competition. At the time I had no idea who this woman was other that I liked what she had to say on Twitter. Yep, that’s right, I met her on twitter. Me, Kelley, the woman who only just recently opened a Facebook account and who refuses to open another one for Motion Starved. All this social media is a bit creepy, time-consuming and confusing if you ask me.

Anyway, as I was saying – I’ve committed to a weekly Fitness Walk Challenge with The Exercise Space in Seattle. From what I can tell The Exercise Space is a fitness center that offers classes and personal training. Just like me only these people have an actual address and have been in business for 4 years. Impressive, and it seems they have quite a few clients to boot. Something I’m still working to get even close to.

To be clear, The Exercise Space and I have not yet decided on the exact terms of the weekly challenge and that’s due to the fact that I’ve been lagging behind in the Fitness Walk participant department. However, once I get rolling, Dawn at The Exercise Space and I will surly come up with some fun ways to keep us all engaged and teeming.

For this week, we’ve challenged each other to a Scavenger Hunt. Each group will go for their walk on the same day, at the same time, and hunt for things on a list of 30 items. The team that finds the most things in an hour wins. We’ve agreed that the final winning team will receive a bottle of wine made locally (you can see why I like her!).

In spite of the fact that I’m currently behind in this challenge it’s been fun. Fun meeting people of like mind (even if I never actually get to drink wine with then in person). Fun coming up with new ideas and sharing those ideas with others. And like it or not, being challenged, pushed to rise to the occasion. That’s the beauty of competition, it forces you to push yourself harder or strive for more than you would otherwise.

Remember, there are lots of challenges in life, you win some and you lose some, but the act of participation is reward in itself.

Team Motion Starved SF vs Team The Exercise Space Seattle
Those of you in Seattle, check out The Exercise Space
In San Francisco, Giddy up! Team MS needs you!
For more information on joining Team Motion Starved in the Fitness Walk Challenge
check out the “Schedule” page.
Disappoint me & you’ll pay!


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I don’t wanna freak you out but…

Lets see some skin!

Do you realize that if The World doesn’t come to an end on Saturday as some believe it will, then there will be only 33 days left until the first day of summer? I’m just sayin’, if you want to shape up before you’re forced to wear a swimsuit and show some skin you might want to get started. You wouldn’t wait until race day to start training would you? You wouldn’t get very far if you did.

I think I’ve made it pretty clear that I’m here to help you make positive chances to your lives, be it through your food choices, exercise routine or mental state (more positively referred to as “emotional well-being”). I don’t know how many of you are choosing to take my advice, but I would guess that not enough of you are. This assumption is based on the fact that I continue to hear things like “Ugh, I really need to get back into exercising.” And, “I feel like shit, I need to do something…”

Let me tell you that I understand, it’s hard. In fact it is very hard to take that first step but once you start rolling it does become easier. I promise.

With that I leave you for the weekend with a gentile suggestion that you seriously think about what you’re willing to commit to, to make changes in your life. Think about it and come up with a firm plan. If you need inspiration or suggestions let me know and I’ll send you some. After all that’s why I’m here…

Enjoy your weekend; we’ll talk on Monday.

P.s. Remember GP-2011? I apologize for not giving you an update on her progress earlier but GP has been very busy with all her mom, daughter, wife and work duties so I’ve not seen her. However, I’m happy to report that GP-2011 has reached her goal of loosing some weight, toning up and feeling comfortable in a two-piece swimsuit for her trip to Hawaii next week. GP says…“I feel good, my abs are really strong, they just have a little tuft of fat covering them. I actually look pretty good in my new two-piece.” Unfortunately GP has not sent me a photo of her in her new suit so I can’t share it with you. Obviously she knows I’ll post it so you can’t blame her, no matter how good she looks.


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Small bites

Maybe it’s this fine weather or the onset of dementia but I can’t seem to focus on anything substantial to write about so I am gonna give you a few small tidbits to chew on.

Artichokes — They’re spiky green orbs of goodness. Artichokes are high in both fiber and protein. It’s currently artichoke season. Most people cook the whole artichoke, and slip each leaf petal, one by one, through their teeth until they reach the delectable heart.

You can steam, grill, bake or stuff an artichoke but the basic system is to place a trimmed artichoke on a rack above an inch or two of boiling water. Cover and steam 25 to 45 minutes, depending on size, or until a petal near the center pulls out easily.

One large artichoke contains, 60 calories, 6 grams of fiber, 4 grams protein.

Mothers Day is Sunday — Get your card in the mail, flowers ordered or whatever you need to do. Don’t forget.

Do you have your Bike to Work Day outfit ready? — Bike to Work Day is next Thursday.  Get your bike dusted off, tuned up and ready to roll. Remember just cuz you’re on a bike doesn’t mean you can dress like a sloth. Represent in style and get a sexy outfit in order. Use this day an excuse to buy something new and bike friendly to wear. If you’re gonna do it, do it with style! Here are Mo’s suggestions for outfit inspiration. Bespoke Taylor, Swerve, Cycle & Style. Check ‘em out. Also remember that Mo will be controlling the snacks and swag down at the Ferry Building Energizer Station from 7:30 – 9:30 am. Swing by and give her a holla!

It’s nice out — Get out, drink your water and eat your fiber. Look at people when they walk past you and smile for the sake of Pete! Do it, even if for no other reason than to freak ‘em out.

Thanks for reading, have a great weekend…

P.s. Watch where you drop your drawers, it’s poison oak season!


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She let the boys eat her dust


I’m not really a horse person. I feel badly that horses are forced to haul around heifers like me for the purpose of our recreation. They always seem so sad.

Anyway, in spite of my horse apathy I‘ve found myself attempting to “ride” a horse once or twice in my life. A few years ago I agreed to go on a 4-hour ride over the coastal mountains of Marin, and along the beach. Sounds like fun if you’re a “horse person” but for me it was absolute hell. I literally prayed (and I ain’t a church goer) for the entire 4 hours. After the ride my legs seized up so badly that I couldn’t get up from the dinner table. No shit. My mother had to come over, help me up and lean me against the wall so I wouldn’t fall over. Another time I hopped on the back of some poor weather-beaten horse while on vacation in Mexico. Some how I managed to spook the creature, who then knocked the 10-year-old Mexican attendant up against the fence like he was a rag doll.  I don’t plan to get on another horse. Been there done that, moving on now.

Sunday night on 60 Minutes there was a segment on a horse named Zenyatta. If you don’t follow horseracing you’ve probably never heard of her. Zenyatta is the greatest filly in horse racing history and is the most accomplished female athlete of our time. She is a queen in the sport of kings.

Zenyatta’s racing style was to start the race in the back of the pack and then as she came down the final stretch she’d fire off her rockets and pass all the other horses. They say, “She let the boys eat her dust.” Her style was graceful, kind and driven. It’s been said that she would only go fast enough to beat the boys not humiliate them. Zenyatta’s drink of choice, Guinness. No kidding, she’d have a drink with her trainer most evenings.

Zenyatta is the sort of creature I aspire to be. Watch the video even if you aren’t into horses. It’s kind of heart warming.


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I predict a long hot season…

Hey there... what's U're sign?

It’s May. Did you know that May is named after the Greek goddess Maia? Maia was identified with the Roman goddess of fertility. Makes sense, spring, growth, rebirth, everyone is sniffing around looking for love this time of year. It must be the savage beast in us.

I wasn’t going to bring this up, but it keeps coming up so I feel compelled. My friend Jacks and I joke about it, when spring is in the air the phone starts ringing.  Old lovers seem to creep out from under the woodwork. It happens every year like clockwork. Suitors that you parted ways with years and years prior seem to suddenly feel the need to check in, to see if you’ve come to your senses I guess. It’s nuts, sometimes it’s amusing and some times annoying. Every single spring we ask ourselves “WTF?”

While this spring is no different, I still don’t have a clear answer for this phenomena other than, by definition spring means healing, hope and growth, and as time continues to move on, there will always be another spring and another chance. I guess it’s just the nature of the beast.

Anyway, lots going on in May, many opportunities for fun, fitness and romance. Start taking your vitamins and stay hydrated. I predict a long hot season…

P.s. May is both Skin Cancer Awareness and Bike to Work Month. Bottom line, wear your sunscreen and ride your bike.


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FridayLicious

I’m glad the week is over. This week has been a bit lifeless for some reason; I can’t put my finger on it.

You should be coming on my hike tomorrow. We’ll be dodging hungry coyotes and mating rattlesnakes. Maybe we’ll even see some bobcats. I love the bobcats. They’re the cutest kitties you’ll ever see. Post workout we’ll picnic on the beach, sure you don’t want to join us? The details are on the “Schedule” page.

Enjoy the weekend, I’ll be back on Monday.

P.s. Three times recently I’ve been asked to talk about “body image.” Here’s all I have to say about body image.

Stop worrying about whether you’re fat. You’re not fat. Maybe you’re a little fat, but who gives a shit? There’s nothing more boring and fruitless than a woman lamenting the fact that her stomach is round or ass is big. Feed yourself, body and soul, every day. The people worthy of your love will love you more for this.


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May is on the way

Physical Funness at it’s best!

Friday was Earth Day, this week is National Dance Week and next month is both Ride your Bike to Work Month and Presidential Fitness Month. Yikes! So much pressure to go green and get fit.

The beauty is, with all that’s going on, getting fit is just a matter of joining in on the fun. It’s a no brainer.

This Sunday marks the beginning of May.  With that, I propose a little challenge. I challenge you to try one new fitness related activity each week for the entire month. That’s 4 weeks so you have to try 4 things that are completely new to you. Anyone who completes 4 new challenges during these 4 weeks will receive a Motion Starved T-shirt.

Challenges may consist of organized events or your own personal adventures. Just remember that this challenge is set up to motivate you to try new things that will advance your fitness and or well-being.   If you’re interested in joining the May Fitness Challenge “comment” on this post or email me directly.  If you take this challenge you will be encouraged to share your stories with the rest of us (or at least with me).

Here are a few ideas to get you started. I’ll have other suggestions as the month goes on.

Big Wheel Race — Sorry, you missed this as it happened last Sunday but I attached the video as inspiration and an example of how exercise can be fun.

National Dance Week — There are over 400 free dance related events and classes offered in The Bay Area alone.

Bike to Work Month — In SF check out the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition for all sorts of bike related events to make you a stronger and smarter rider.

Loads of free classes of every kind imaginable — Sports Basement.

Green Volunteering Guide — Get a workout while cleaning up Ocean Beach or helping to plant trees with Friends of The Urban Forrest.  All excellent workouts as well as earth friendly missions.

Last but not least — Don’t forget this Saturday I’ll be offering a group hike in The Headlands followed by a little core work and some stretching. Or, you can join one of my Tuesday & Thursday evening’s classes. Click on “Schedule” for details.

Take advantage of this little push and get moving. Let me know what you come up with.