Girl Talk

This week, I am featuring Ruth Maleski, private piano instructor at Whitney Music and personal trainer at Peak Physique, St. Cloud.  Ruth gives great insight on how to work with our bodies rather than constantly fight against it – even if one does not work out.  I  exercise, but Ruth works out, and she knows what she’s talking about!  Here’s what she has to say:

Ladies, can we chat? When it comes to your health/fitness, does it seem like the MOMENT you “have it all together”, are in a good routine and are starting to make progress – BOOM – suddenly you’re bloated and moody and fist deep into the bag of chocolate chips? 😝 PLEASE, please, please, do not interpret emotions, lack of energy/motivation as failure. Please do not look at your bloated PMS’ing tummy with disgust. Please don’t be disappointed when it’s that time of month, and your performance in the gym plummets. This is no coincidence.

Did you know that as a woman you REQUIRE 100-300 more calories a day the second half of your cycle?! (The luteal phase, leading up to & during your period.) Did you know that you are more insulin resistant (don’t process carbs as well) and that your risk of injury actually increases during this phase as well?

You’re Not Failing ~~

So what does all of that mean!?? To me, it’s a sigh of relief! I’m not failing! YOU’RE NOT FAILING. We ALL get cravings. Like, crazy bad cravings at times. 🙈 And while part of this is due to serotonin levels being lower during PMS, this also has to do with the fact that we require more food during this phase!! The fact that we are more insulin resistant and don’t process carbs as well at this time also means that adding in a little extra dark chocolate and taking out some bread/rice might not be a bad idea (Lily’s brand is my favorite – stevia sweetened and sooo yum). 😉😉 The fact that risk of injury goes up when “the visitor” shows up is another reason (besides the cramps and low energy) to allow yourself to take it easy in the gym. It’s just a cycle. It won’t last. And the good news?? Your leanest, most energetic self is only about 2 weeks away and is just ITCHING to crush some PR’s. 😘

Give Yourself Grace ~~

So. Girls. Give yourself some grace. Try to work WITH your body instead of constantly fighting it.  And remember, we’re responsible for the survival of the human race, and if that isn’t the most hardcore thing you could possibly be, I’d like to hear what is. 😎    –>>Click here for Ruth’s Instagram link   

–>> Click here to Ruth’s facebook page