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The Glory of New & True Friendships

October 6, 2016 By Lindsay Gee

Want to know what I love? New friends. I love them.

I love learning about their lives, their kids, their work, their strengths, and their fears. I always find it fun figuring out what makes them laugh, what makes them feel empowered, strong. Mostly, I love connecting with other women and realizing that no matter how old you get, there’s always room in your life for more friends.

Quick caveat: as long as they’re quality ones adding to your life not taking away from it.

I live in one of the best neighborhoods. We’re not the richest folks out there; we don’t drive fancy cars or wear name brand clothing. In fact, most of us struggle every day to makes ends meets and often show up to school drop off in sweats and ponytails. There’s a camaraderie there.

So, what makes it the best neighborhood? Lots of things. There are a ton of kids all around the same age, so that’s pretty dang awesome. We live right by the school they all go to so they play at the park all the time. And, most importantly, everyone watches out for each other’s kiddos.

I can have 7 kids in my house at a time or not know exactly what house my kids are at. But, I know they’re safe. I know they’re taken care of. That’s what best neighborhoods do. They watch out for one another.

But, that’s not what makes my neighborhood so magical. What makes it magical is the women in it. My kids’ friends’ Mamas. Women who I now consider to be my new friends. Women I didn’t know a year ago.

They’re the magic. Why? Because these women have decided (or maybe it just happens naturally at this phase of our lives) to rally around me and support me as I strive for World Domination. And why is that magical? Because…they did it before they even knew what I was really doing with my company.

Shockingly to most of you, I’m ridiculously shy so it’s often hard for me to make new friends. But the women in my neighborhood…they don’t seem to care about how shy you are, they just kind of force themselves on you. In a completely loving and positive way, of course. It starts with small talk, leads to backyard bbq’s and wine and now somehow, we’re at a place where their support means more than they know.

With these women, I’m just me. Raw, shy, scared me. And they don’t care. They accept my vulnerabilities and they support and love me in ways I didn’t know I was lacking but apparently, desperately needed.

They ask questions and oddly enough, they’re genuinely interested in what I do. Even better? They value me as a person and they honor my feelings. They celebrate my successes, they lift me when I doubt myself, they care if I’m frustrated and they make me feel smart and…inspired.

It is so completely and utterly unexpected. By allowing me to be me they’ve fostered a place where I’ve been able to quietly discuss my business, my dreams, my ideas and somehow, also quietly, guided me towards answers I knew were there, somewhere. They don’t know the gift they’ve given me, but I can tell you, they are the greatest gifts I’ve received in a long while.

The amazing part of this is that I didn’t expect the all-out support I receive from them. It’s pretty incredible to be asked about your day by women who actually listen to the answer. It surprises me every time they ask what I’m up to and then actually take the time to listen as if my answers matter. They ask questions about why and how and when.

Sure, business people ask questions (all day) and I get questions via social media, but when you get asked a question for no other reason than for interest sake? Or knowing they’re interested because they care and not because they want something? Well, that’s a whole new ball of wax. Unfortunately, when you reach a level of success it seems people only talk to you because they want something. But nope, not my neighborhood friends. They just want…me.

Their recent support has given me the confidence to keep adding to the demands I have already placed on myself. Not only do they care about what I’m doing, they care about how I’m coping. They ask great questions and they help me focus my thoughts. And these conversations happen in the less than five-minute walk from school drop off to the bottom of my driveway.

Wait! It gets better! I’m invited out! For tea and coloring or for backyard bbq’s and fires…I get invited! And for a shy person, invites mean the world. If I show up, they seem genuinely happy to see me. And if I don’t because my work schedule is absolute crazy beans…they’re the friends that really don’t mind and don’t talk shit behind your back. They accept that I’m building an empire and that takes time…and sometimes work calls…or something I’m just tired. No eye-rolling. Just…acceptance. It’s incredible. I am so grateful.

Jeez…all this to say…maybe it’s time to start reaching out, Mamas. Maybe it’s time to stop and listen to one another. Genuinely listen to the women around you. The women, no, I get to call them my friends now, in my neighborhood have opened my eyes to the fact that you can make new friends at any age. And these new friends, they’re essential to your growth as a woman, a Mama and a person you never knew you could be.

So go on, reach out. And listen.

To the Mamas in my neighbourhood (you now who you are), my gratitude is astronomical. Thank you for allowing me to be me, for inviting me out and for honoring my dreams and hard work. I am forever thankful for you and all of your support. xo

7 Simple Reasons Why Women Should Lift Weights

October 5, 2016 By Lindsay Gee

By now most of you know that you need to workout. However, what most of you don’t know is that how you workout is as important as the duration and intensity of your workouts! Moreso, many of you of you don’t know that there are incredible physical, emotional and psychological reasons why women should lift weights as part of their workout regimen.

I am a big fan of HIIT (high-intensity interval training) workouts. I love that they’re quick, intense and create a metabolic fire that burns for hours post-workout. Big fan. But, what I talk less about are the benefits of strength training (aka weight training, resistance training, etc.).

So, I dedicate this post to all the women out there who lift weights and strength train.

Here are my top 7 simple reasons why you should trade in some of your cardio workouts for barbells and weights:

Functional Fitness:

You may have heard the term functional fitness thrown around quite a bit lately. It’s one of the fitness industry’s “latest” buzzwords. And, while I don’t tend to jump on many fitness bandwagons, functional fitness is something I truly believe in. I’m a busy Mom and business owner and being fit has enabled me to far exceed my own expectations with respect how much I can get done in a day. I attribute a lot of my strength and stamina to being fit. So, I’m functionally fit.

What does it mean? It means that you’re doing a workout that helps you manage “better” throughout your day. Functional fitness programs usually include carrying, lifting, squatting, rotating, everyday movements you go through throughout your day. Think about everything you do in a day. Carrying groceries, lifting toddlers or car seats, heaving laundry upstairs, bending down to pick up Cheerios 797 times a day.

Now, imagine if you were stronger. How much easier would it be to manage your groceries, your toddler, the Halloween decorations you’re trying to get down…and then put up? Strength training helps with functional fitness because, well, you get stronger. The stronger you get, the less demanding life’s tasks will seem to you. YAY functional fitness.

Increased Caloric Expenditure (Burn)

The more muscle you have, the more calories your body burns at rest. Did you read that? Go on, read it again. The more muscle you have, the more calories your body burns AT REST. In fact, for most individuals, for each pound of muscle you gain, you burn 35-50 more calories per day. Woop! Now, that may not seem like a lot but it adds up. Oh yes, it does.

Let’s say you start strength training and you lose 5 pounds of fat and gain 2 pounds of muscles. In your eyes, you’re down 3 pounds. Well, not only are you down 3 pounds but now, at rest, you’re burning 70-100 more calories per day. Gain 5 pounds of muscles? Now you’re burning 175- 250 calories/day! See? It adds up.

In addition, the great thing about muscle? It helps your body metabolize fat as an energy source. So, not only are you burning more calories with muscle when you workout you’re able to use fat as an energy source quicker and more efficiently. Go muscles! You beautiful things, you!

Bone Health

I do hate to be the bearer of bad news, but ladies, as we get older we have a tendency to see a decrease in bone density. This decrease can lead to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis leads to broken bones, weakness, injury and a decreased ability to get out and get active.

Have no fear, that doesn’t have to be your fate. Strength training and lifting weights can help combat osteoporosis by increasing bone density. There are numerous research studies out there that can back up this claim: one study showed an increased spinal bone density of 13% after six months of strength training. Another research study showed an increase of 19% of hip bone density after just 16 weeks of lifting weights. 19%! So go on, start lifting!

Fitness tip: In order to get the most bang for your buck when it comes to strength training to improve bone density, be sure you’re doing weight-bearing exercises. This means get off the machines! Stand up and lift weight while you’re supporting your own weight. If you do need to sit down, sit on a stability ball or unstable surface.

Fights Depression

I’ve said that exercise is medicine over and over and I will continue to say it until you all believe and accept that to be truth. While most people think that the endorphins released through high-intensity exercise are the most effective way to help someone who suffers from depression, in fact, some of the best results are derived from programs where participants lift weights.

One Harvard study found that participants with clinical depression showed fewer symptoms of depression after 10 weeks of strength training compared to standard counseling. In other words, strength training was more successful at reducing some of the symptoms of depression than counseling. Yay muscles!

Strength training also has a tendency to make individuals “feel stronger” and more capable, both factors in helping to combat depression. This brings me to…

“Feeling” Stronger

There’s something about weight training and women who lift weights. The gains we make during strength training are visible and we love to celebrate each muscle change. It’s awesome. I love seeing women post pictures of their newly found biceps muscle or of a triceps muscle they forgot they have. The pride in seeing muscles pop out may seem silly…until you lift weights. It’s ridiculously fun!

And, for those women out there concerned about “bulking up”, please know this: women generally have 10-30 times less of the hormones that cause muscle hypertrophy (growth). So, don’t sweat it. You’ll find that strength training aids in leaning you out and defining your muscles and that makes you “feel” stronger. You’ll be stronger too, but the mental benefit on this one is something that I felt should be highlighted.

When you feel strong, you’re more confident. When you’re more confident, you try more things. And trying new things can bring a lot of joy and happiness. So go on. Go feel strong!

Bring on the War Against Aging

While I don’t want to get slain for saying this, a lot of women want to fight off looking older.

*Gasp!*

Here are the facts: research has shown over and over again that between the age of 30-50 you’ll likely lose 10% of your body’s total muscle. Even worse? That muscle loss gets replaced by fat. Even worse? Fat takes up about 18% more space than muscle. So, while your weight may remain the same, your jeans and clothing will start to fit differently.

So, lift weights! Keep your muscle mass consistent. By doing that you’ll have all the added benefits of higher metabolism and fat oxidation (see #2) and your clothes will still fit! Use it or lose it has never been more accurate when it comes to aging and muscle mass!

Stress Less

I love how our body works. I love that we react to stress and that fitness, yes fitness, can help you manage it and return you back to resting rates sooner rather than later. It’s been shown that people who lift weights and participate in strength training programs are able to decrease their blood pressure and “flush out” negative hormones more quickly than unfit individuals.

Oh yeah, baby. Lifting weights and getting stronger helps you get back to your “normal” after a stressful situation. And, isn’t that worth it? Lift weights! Stress less! YAY!

There you have it! My top seven reasons why you should incorporate lifting weights into your fitness regimen. There are many more reasons as to why you should start strength training, including better heart health, better sleep, reduced risk of diabetes, a decreased chance of injury and a decreased risk of arthritis…and so on and so on!

Fitness tip: If you’re unsure how to lift weights or you don’t have a strength training program, ask a professional to design a program and show you how to properly complete the exercises! Don’t go in there willy-nilly. You could hurt yourself. If you’re not comfortable lifting weights in a gym, as a trainer to design you an at-home workout and get yourself some free weights! Bam!

And yes, I said willy-nilly.

So go on. Go lift weights. Start strength training. Be strong. You can do it.

Off you go!

Overwhelm Has Overwhelmed Me Today

October 3, 2016 By Lindsay Gee

You know those days when you realize you have so much on your plate you’re not even sure where or how to begin? Yeah, I’m there today. I’m so there. We have a lot going on with Hot Mama and that’s amazing, but it can also be extremely overwhelming.

Life and business and Motherhood…frig, there’s a lot of pressure. And no, I’m not writing this as a “whoa is me” at all, I’m writing this to let you know that you’re not alone. When you feel like you have 8000 things on your plate and you’re the only one who can do it? Yeah…I’m there. Or, there’s a list of 8 bajillion (it’s a number, ask my 6-year old) things that need to get done, but you need to rely on your team (or family or friends) to get them done but you’re not sure you can rely on your team to get them done so you start freaking out because who’s going to check on those 8 bajillions things that need to get done because now your small team is also a woman down (cuz she’s just had a baby) and you’ve just sold a bunch of franchises (YAY! Super mega-YAY!) and all the people involved in your life and business including both experienced franchise owners and new franchise owners and Mamas involved in your programs and your kids and friends and your family all deserve and need time with you but there’s so few hours in the day and I know this is a run-on sentence, but it could go on and on and on. Yeah…I’m there.

And then you get an email that asks “can you quickly…” or a text that says “sorry to bother you but…” or a phone message that says “I imagine you’re super busy so I won’t take much time…” and all you want to do it get up from your desk, walk away and fly to Mexico with your family. You know those days? I’m there. But, I would never do it because I’m needed. I’m needed right here. And, that’s gift and I don’t take this gift and this life of mine for granted. But, some days…it’s just so massively overwhelming.

And no, this isn’t a plead to stop messaging, texting, phoning, writing to me. This is my reality and I love it. I truly do. I wouldn’t change a thing. And if all of a sudden my phone was silent I would worry, so that’s not at all what I’m saying. All I’m saying is that some days are just incredibly overwhelming…and that it’s okay to feel like this. I give my self permission to feel like this. Because today is busy. Today is overwhelming.

Today I started to make a list of all that needed to be done, it looked a little something like this: Livestream, YouTube videos, write blog posts, create new fitness programs, encourage others, inspire others, be a Mom, be a business owner, be a Founder, start podcasting, write a campaign proposal, write a workout, write a recipe, write a fucking book. And my list goes on and on and on. And no matter what I do, it’s not enough. I’m not enough Mom. I’m not enough business owner. I’m not enough sister. I’m not enough friend. I’m simply not enough.

But how freakin’ amazing is all of that. I created this. I’m on this journey and you’re with me, right beside me. That’s mindblowing to me. Mind. Blowing. You’re here. And the busy-ness of my days is because I want to do more for you, for me, for my family. I want to be more. And YES…I KNOW that I’m enough. But today, it simply seems like I’m not.

So, how do we get through days like this? Days filled with lists and overwhelm? I dunno. Today I’m not. I’m writing this post. And I don’t know if I’ll post it or if this is just a rant I’m allowing myself to write but this has been the easiest thing I’ve done all day. Writing about overwhelm. I can write about this all day. All. Day. Because that’s how long my list of to-dos is.

Super odd sidebar: I wish people understood that even though you think I’m successful, I feel I’m not. I’m not even close to where I want to be. If you look at my life and you think “yeah, she’s got it going on”…think again. I struggle. Every day I struggle. I know there are people out there that don’t wish me well and I try not to think about them, but I do. I give them too much of my thoughts and my energy. But how do you stop when you care so much? How do you cap this complete feeling of overwhelm? And battling against the naysayers and the people who say they get it but don’t?

What can I do? I can write. I can exercise my gift of writing (although this post seems to just be more of me vomiting my emotions). There’s no ground-breaking information in this post. I’m not sharing a workout or a recipe or an inspirational quote. I’m sharing with you the fact that although my life’s goals are to build an empire, raise my kids, and be a good person, today I’m just desperately trying to survive.

Being an entrepreneur you live with a fairly high level of overwhelm every day, but today just seems exceptionally…um…overwhelming. Some days are honestly, hell. My mind doesn’t stop. Think about this: when you wake at 3am, most of your turn right back over and fall back into slumber. Me? On a day like today? My mind starts going. Who can I help today? What tools can I provide to someone that would help get them off their butts and moving? Who haven’t I spent time with lately? Who needs me? What else can I do? When will I get that done? Or this done? Or that thing over there done? Or that thing my team has been hounding me about…when will that get done? How will that get done? What systems can I put in place to get that done? How can I help more? Be more?

This feeling of overhwhelm doesn’t hit me often, and it usually happens before something unlocks and something big happens…but in this moment, I would give anything to be through it. Tomorrow I’m sure I’ll wake with a clearer head and a “doable” to-do list. But today? Today I struggle and I know there are others out there struggling with overhwhelm right along with me. I simply wanted you to know that you’re not alone.

So, we’ll fight through this today. And tomorrow we’ll come up with a plan. But today…today we survive. We do our best. We accept that it’s not all going to get done. We accept that we’re going to disappoint people. And we accept that we’re going to also inspire people. We also accept everything in between.

My goal every day is to survive and inspire. Today the focus is purely survive. And survive I will. There’s no other option. BAM!

I’ll kick you in the teeth tomorrow, Mr. Overwhelm. You’re winning this round. But I’m going to take the entire match.

Let’s go, Mamas. Let the overwhelm wash over you, accept it. But don’t you drown in it. We got this.

With respect,
Linds

ps…I’ve already worked out…twice…so that’s not it either. LOL. I KNOW someone will comment about getting out and getting active! And how awesome is that?! Woop!

I’ve Decided to be “That” Mom & You Can’t Stop Me

September 30, 2016 By Lindsay Gee

Lately, I’ve started to wonder if we’re celebrating our children too much.

No, that’s not right.

Lately, I’ve started to wonder if we’re celebrating online too much and not enough in person.

Yeah, that’s better. Not totally there, but getting there…let me see if I can work this out as I write this post.

We all see posts from friends about their kids’ grades, sports, events, how busy they are, how popular they are, etc.? Amazing stuff. All posted on social media for the world to see. And I know, I knooooow you’ve rolled your eyes over a post now and then thinking “there she goes again…”. But, in this social media age, it’s just the norm. I do agree that you should be proud of your kids, and social media allows you to broadcast every one of those accomplishments. That’s the way we live right now. [Read more…] about I’ve Decided to be “That” Mom & You Can’t Stop Me

Bodyweight Workout: BYOB(ody) Workout Bonanza

September 27, 2016 By Lindsay Gee

I often get asked what you can do to workout at home when you have no equipment. My response: your body is the best piece of equipment in the history of fitness equipment! Many, in fact, most of the workouts I design are created using only your bodyweight. YAY for fitting in a bodyweight workout! Equipment is nice and can add a special “spice” to your workouts, but my goal is to show you that you can get a kickass workout at home, with just you, your body and a water bottle.

So, let’s get to work, shall we?

The BYO(b) Bodyweight Workout:

This workout should take you about 18 minutes to complete, not including your warm-up and cool-down. Be sure to do both! Take about 5 minutes each for both, they’re important parts of your workout.

Now, let’s get to work!

What fun! Be sure to keep your feet moving during your 1-minute rest periods, grab your water, towel off your sweat and get back to it! This is a great cardio and strength at-home bodyweight workout! I hope you like it!

Let me know if you try it by commenting below! I’d love to hear from you!

Good luck out there! Off you go!