As we age, our bodies undergo numerous changes, some of which lead to an increase in inflammation. Understanding the mechanisms behind this increased inflammation is crucial, not just for comprehending the aging process, but also for identifying potential interventions that can improve our health as we grow older. And we all grow older. Every day. The sooner you act and take responsibility of what you eat and how you live, the better your chances are of leading a long, healthy and functional life. So this is information worth paying attention to regardless if you are 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 or 70…or older or anywhere inbetween!
Today, I want to remind each and every one of you about the importance of embracing the hurdles and challenges that come our way.
It's no secret that the path to achieving our equestrian dreams is often filled with unexpected twists, turns, and moments of inconvenience. From early morning training sessions to late-night stable duties, we encounter discomfort in various forms. But guess what? It's all part of the ride, and it's a sign that we're on the right track!
I want to take a moment to talk to you about something that's been on my mind lately: our relationship with food. As an equestrian fitness coach and nutritionist, I see firsthand how important nutrition is for our bodies and our performance. But I've also exoerienced how easily we can fall into the trap of labelling foods as "good" or "bad," and how damaging that can be.
As athletes, we all have a strong desire to succeed in our respective sports. This desire is fueled by our passion, dedication, and hard work, and it propels us to achieve our goals. However, sometimes, our desire can turn into a craving - an intense, almost insatiable urge to win or to be the best. And just like in food, it's important to recognize the difference between desire and craving in sports.
Do you take time now and then to focus on, and pay attention to, your breathing? We all know we should, right, but do we? Do You? 🤓
Honestly, I tend to forget. 🙋🏻♀️🙈😇 I go in and out of different kinds of breathing techniques and routines. It’s a learning curve and at times I feel a greater need to focus on it, other times it is just not a priority. Are you like me in this? What do you find challenging when it comes to breathing and making time for it? Maybe you are on top of things in this department? Tell me! I want to know! 🙋🏻♀️👀❤️
The healthiest relationships are the honest ones, the ones grounded in presence, not fantasy or false hope, and a deep commitment to a living truth. Where two souls can share their authentic, real-time, embodied selves with each other, reveal their deepest truths – raw, messy, unresolved, unfinished and rough at the edges - and continually let go of their preconceived, conditioned ideas about how they ‘should’ be.
In my mind, core strength is more than just a strong core. My opinion is that inner strength is also part of the concept. Core Strength, for me, means mental strength to continue despite adversities, to keep fighting when it feels like you can no longer cope, to be able to focus despite distractions, to influence others to stay calm and positive in unforeseen situations, and of course to have core strength, flexibility and control.
Health is so much more than just food. Health is about finding a good rhythm that works for you. A rhythm where we avoid too much stress, where we feel joy, harmony and fulfilment, where we sleep well, where we have the space to take care of our family and friends, our animals and our environment.
I have a few thoughts of rewards that I’d like to raise today. I see a trend of a rewarding system in our welfare society that, in my opinion, isn’t either healthy nor to our benefit long term.
Is it good or to stretch? If you ask me, which you probably do if you read this, then the answer is that you should absolutely stretch if you want to maintain or improve your mobility.
