Inspiration is EVERYWHERE!!!

Hi, all--

Today is the deadline for Spry magazine's Inspiration Awards (details here). We're choosing three people for a weekend in Florida and an opportunity to share their stories in the December issue of Spry. I want the judges' decision to be as tough as possible!!! Already, we have a ton of great stories, but don't let that keep you from nominating someone in your life.

I am a big believer that there are opportunities to be inspired every day, as long as our antennae are tuned into them. For instance--on my route home from work, I drive by a house where just about every day, there's a woman walking with headphones on, up and down the slope of her driveway. Now, you may think that sounds crazy, sort of OCD, borderline psycho. If this woman was a stick figure, I would totally worry. I look at her and think ... well maybe she's got kids in the house and can't leave them for a walk around the neighborhood, or perhaps dinner's in the oven, or maybe she's just intimidated by the whole idea of walking in a neighborhood without sidewalks (understandably especially here in Nashville, one of the deadliest cities for pedestrians in the country). And really, what's the difference between doing that and walking on a treadmill? I would argue that she's at least outside, breathing fresh air, getting some sunlight on her soul. Anyway, sights like that inspire me, because she is obviously committed enough not to care what passersby like me think. Her commitment makes me more committed, every day, to move more, eat well, share a smile, strive to be kind and gentle to myself as well as others.

Are there moments like this in your life? I bet there are ... you just have to look.

Lisa D

How to Beat a Summer Workout Slump

As the Wicked Witch of the West famously said, "I'm mmmelllltiiiinnnggg!" According to my car (a very credible source), it was 107 outside at noon today--not exactly conducive to a lunchtime walk around the office park, eh?

I always seem to slip into a fitness slump in July and August, when the heat and humidity are at their peak. And I'm not the only one: My very unscientific poll of friends, acquaintances and readers confirms that this is the most challenging season to stay fit. How do you resist the temptation to curl up on the couch with a pint of Ben & Jerry's and the AC on full blast? Here are some of my favorite tactics.

--Become a mall-walker. Hey, who says mall-walking is just for the senior set? Get thee to the Galleria, lace up thy trainers and take some laps. If you're lucky and the crowds are elsewhere, you can even try doing some intervals: Pick a landmark (Banana Republic?) and pick up your pace till you reach it; slow down to recover, then repeat. Just resist the urge to pull out the plastic and take advantage of the inevitable closeout sales. Note to runners: Better stick to walking--you could raise the suspicions of the ever-vigilant Mall Cop if you break into a trot.

--Walk your office building. I once worked in the perfect building for this: Each floor was a square with an open area-atrium in the middle. I would take the stairs up one floor, walk a lap, climb another flight to the next and walk another lap, and so on. A 150-pound person burns about 270 calories walking up stairs ... not too shabby.

--Become a morning person. Around these parts, it can still be 80 degrees at 6 a.m., but at least it's not in the 100s. Talk a friend into meeting you for an early morning walk, run or outdoor fitness session. Even though there's some short-term pain, you'll feel better about yourself afterward. More tips on becoming a morning exerciser.

--Move your workout to the water. And I don't just mean swimming laps and water aerobics (although give it a try if you haven't already). Working out in the water is amazingly hard, because you're working against constant resistance. But because you're in the drink, you stay cooler, so it doesn't feel as difficult. You can do just about anything in the water that you can do on land: jumping jacks, kick boxing, biceps curls (with or without floating dumbbells). I did water running to stay fit when I was pregnant--I simply "ran" laps in the pool rather than swimming them. You can even take one of those foam "noodles," mount it, and pedal like a bike to work your lower body.

--Explore the gym. I love being outdoors too, but maybe this is the time to check out a new class at the health club. Zumba? Gyrotonics? Belly dancing? Hula-hooping? Sure sounds like more fun than slogging around a steamy track.

--Drink, drink, drink! Keep a glass of water with you at all times! I start the day by downing two 8-oz glasses back-to-back while standing by the water cooler at work. It's not easy, but at least I get a jump on my water consumption.

See you at the mall ... I'll be the one looking longingly at the Cinnabons ...

Lisa D

OMG, It Worked!

And as promised, I am BACK!!!! (As if you all have been checking the site obsessively for posts!)

Heavy on my mind right now are the Spry Inspiration Awards ... Spry is the magazine I edit, a little health and wellness publication with a huge readership (we go to more than 9 million households via community newspapers). We're taking nominations for our awards ... I'm hoping to feature women (and/or men) who are inspiring others to live healthfully and happily. I believe there is inspiration all around us--mostly because I marvel every time I check the guest book here on the site and see evidence that my story is touching people around the country (er, world?). It's testament to the power of ONE person to affect change. I am hoping that through the Inspiration Awards we can honor other change agents ... whether they are active in a charity, have overcome a health issue or other type of setback with amazing aplomb, are inspiring others through their work, etc.

Nominate away! The deadline is August 31, quickly approaching. More details here.

I love you all, FFGs!
Lisa D

Testing 1, 2, 3

In addition to being a total blog slacker, I have been having technical difficulties over the last several months with this blog ... I'm posting this non-post to see if it actually works! If it does, I will be back to blogging soon ...

Lisa D