(9/2023) Life doesn't wait for anyone, even if we would like to keep things the same. As we get older our body and mind change in ways we never imagined when we were younger. Keeping active and healthy is a goal most of us don't think about in our 20's or 30's because we are busy figuring out what career we want and what direction our life is going. We are working, taking care of our family and having fun with friends. There is precious, little time for anything else. Although time for ourselves is hard to find, we should consider carving out a little time to work on our mental and physical health. Today's world consists of computers, cell phones, screen time and being sedentary more than years ago. Movement is not as big a part of our everyday lives as it used to be.

Our kids today do not get the physical activity as kids did years ago. I hardly ever see kids riding their bikes or pitching a ball around in the back yard. Of course, many children today participate in school sports and that is a great thing. It is important for kids to learn at an early age that moving and being active is the way to stay happy, healthy and well adjusted in today's complex world. When children start at an early age to eat well, be active and communicate with friends and family they will incorporate this activity as they grow through life.

Change is inevitable and we all have to learn how to accept and work through all the changes that come our way. Some will be good, happy changes and we welcome those new adventures. Some changes will be harder to accept. As our children grow and become more independent sometimes parents and family members feel the loss of routine and traditions. Holidays can be especially difficult when family and friends grow up and become involved in their own busy lives. It's always good to stay in touch with family and continue what we can to keep sharing family times going but things do change as we grow older.

This may be the time in our lives to think about what we enjoy and what we would like to do for ourselves. Family life may be changing if the kids are now driving themselves to sports practice or they might have a job now that keeps them busy. After school activities may have been a big part of your life for years and now you may find you have some time for yourself. It may be hard to get use to but once you do, it's great. Now you can think of activities that will keep your mind and body active. Think of what you enjoy and how you can exercise to keep yourself moving and in the best health. Taking time for ourselves may be a new concept for some parents who have been so busy with the kids. You may find yourself lost for a bit. Now is your time!

Time passes by so fast in life. I am celebrating 25 years as a personal trainer. I don't know where the years have gone but I do know I have met some wonderful people along the way. Meeting new people and helping them with their exercise and health goals has been rewarding and humbling. I hope I have helped my clients achieve some of their exercise, weight loss and health goals. Each person has been a challenge and a blessing for me. Everyone had what they wanted to accomplish from their exercise program and I hope I have been helpful in getting them to where they feel good about themselves and their accomplishments. Learning doesn't stop as we grow and I have learned so much from my clients over the years. Sharing stories, problems and a variety of issues has enriched my life and I hope theirs as well, I'm sure they will tell you we get on all kinds of subjects and conversations go from happy, sad, life altering, bizarre and everything in between. Clients become friends and people meet others they would never have met. Exercise has brought people together and improved mind, body and soul.

If things are changing in your life think about exploring something new. Exercise, clubs, volunteering or whatever you enjoy could be the answer for you. Whatever life brings or changes for you, think about what you like to do and go for it. Change can be good and always take care of your health and yourself. Remember to Keep Moving!! It will take you through life at your best.

I'm looking forward to more years of working with people to achieve their health goals.

Thank you to all my clients past and present!!