Let’s address the elephant in the room… It’s going to be a BUSY month. With Mother’s Day coming up, graduation right around the corner, and Memorial Day weekend coming up soon. If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years on my fitness journey, it’s that real results don’t come from taking care of your body when it’s convenient. True, lasting change comes from taking imperfect, intentional action toward your goals every single day, even on the days when it’s hard and you have a boatload of excellent excuses. Sounds like a challenge? Lucky for you, I’ve compiled a list of tips, tricks, and products to be your best self on a time crunch. Let’s get into it!
Movement of the Month: Balance
Looking good is fun… but feeling balanced, strong, and agile is even more fun! Who wants to look forward to the fantastic milestone of becoming a grandparent only to find that they can no longer run, jump, play, or throw their new grandbaby up in the air?
To maximize our time this month, I wanted to share a few helpful exercises to help you stay strong and balanced so you can enjoy the best things in life.
- Tiptoe reach
- Skater taps
- One foot hop
- Ball twist
- Single leg deadlift
- Semi-circle sweeps
- Pillow stance
Do these sound confusing? If you need a visual or a description for each movement, please check out this helpful article from Prevention.com!
Healthy Barbecue Additions to Charm The Whole Family
This month’s holidays call for a big BBQ lunch, and I’ve compiled some great healthy recipes to include on the menu! The best way to maintain a healthy and fit lifestyle is to work exercise and healthy meals into your existing schedule, and choosing healthy holiday dishes is a part of that!
Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon, divided
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- 4 boneless skinless antibiotic free chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
- 3 slicing tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp. freshly chopped basil
- 4 slices mozzarella
- Freshly grated Parmesan, for serving
Directions
- In a small bowl, combine oil, half the lemon juice, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and Italian seasoning (or oregano) and whisk to combine. Transfer to a large re-sealable bag along with chicken; seal and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Heat grill over medium-high then add chicken, discarding excess marinade. Grill until charred and cooked to an internal temperature of 155°-160°, about 5 to 7 minutes per side.
- Meanwhile, combine tomatoes, garlic, basil, and remaining lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper. While chicken is still on grill, top each breast with 1 slice mozzarella and cover until cheese is melted, 2 to 3 minutes. Top chicken with tomato mixture.
- Garnish with Parmesan and serve.
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup buttermilk
- 1 (5.3-oz.) container plain whole-milk Greek yogurt (about 1/2 c.)
- 1 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh tarragon
- 1 Tbsp. finely sliced chives, plus more for serving
- 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 tsp. Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp. granulated sugar
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 4 medium peaches (about 14 oz. total), quartered, pitted
- Vegetable oil, for brushing
- 3 heads baby iceberg or little gem lettuce (about 1 1/2 lb.), trimmed, cut into wedges
- 1 cup mixed grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup toasted hazelnuts, coarsely chopped
- 2 oz. blue cheese, crumbled
Directions
- In a medium bowl, mix buttermilk, yogurt, tarragon, chives, lemon juice, mustard, and sugar; season with salt and pepper.
- Prepare a grill for medium–high heat; preheat 5 minutes. Lightly oil grates. Pat peaches dry, then brush with oil; season with salt and pepper.
- Grill peaches, turning halfway through, until lightly charred, 4 to 6 minutes per side. Transfer to a cutting board. Let cool slightly, then cut into 1″ chunks.
- On a platter, arrange lettuce wedges. Top with peaches and tomatoes; season with salt and pepper. Drizzle some buttermilk-herb dressing over. Sprinkle with hazelnuts, blue cheese, and more chives. Serve with the remaining dressing alongside.
If peaches and chicken aren’t your jam, no worries! Here’s a long list of healthy and flavorful recipes to put your grill to work.
Honor Mom with Fresh & Floral Diffuser Blends
From Workout to Celebration in Style
If you’re anything like me, you’re a busy bee; always on the go, constantly running from client appointments to tennis matches to a brunch date. I need athleisure that easily transitions from the gym to the tennis court to the cafe to the family barbecue—bonus points if it protects me from harmful UV rays!
That’s why I’m so excited to share this gorgeous skirt from BloqUV. The Freestyle Skort is light, chic, moisture-wicking, and, of course, protective against the sun! Be sure to grab yours the next time you’re in the studio.
My Mother’s Day Gift Recommendation
Do you have a mom in your life who struggles to relax and take time for herself? If so, I’ve got the perfect gift for her! Meet the Lavender Fields Lotion Candle, complete with both the alluring aroma of lavender fields and the capacity to melt into a buttery body lotion. Grab one from Element Tree Essentials for a hardworking mom in your life today!
A Treat For The Golfers…
Are you or someone you love a golf aficionado? If so, I know all too well the aches and pains that can come with the sport. Luckily, our friends over at Lightforce Medical have the solution! Be sure to come in today to book your next session… or snag one for your mom in time for mothers day!
Local Happenings This Month
Sup & Run 5k: Head to Nathan Benderson Park on May 3rd at 8AM for the 10th annual Sup & Run 5k! Enjoy excellent prizes and fun for the whole family to kick off the summer with this unique race. Choose between running, paddleboarding, or running and paddleboarding. Learn more here!
Sarasota International Dragon Boat Festival: Choose between competitive and community divisions at this exciting festival celebrating the history of Dragon Boats! Join us on May 10th at Nathan Benderson Park.
Country Hits: Songs From Nashville: Enjoy live country music from the Sarasota Orchestra on May 2nd and 3rd at 8 PM at Ed Smith Stadium.
I hope this newsletter inspired you to invest in your wellness and integrate healthy habits into the busy month ahead! I hope to see you soon at BeFitSRQ and I wish you a wonderful May.