Stay Healthy, Stay Happy

THIS ONE'S FOR THE FUTURE SISTERS

As I've been talking to other future sisters, one of the biggest concerns that it seems we all share is weight gain. While it's true that worrying about our weight shouldn't be a huge priority, it is still a valid concern that should be addressed. For me personally, I know that I don't do my best work when I feel like I'm not taking proper care of my body.

EXERCISE

We are going to be under a lot of stress on our missions. One of the best ways to manage stress and curb its adverse effects is exercise! We are given 30 minutes every morning to exercise. Make a goal to get in the habit of morning exercise before you go into the MTC. There will already be so many lifestyle changes, you'll want to make sure that exercise is a habit that you can rely on!

There are several ways to go about this. One way is to alternate cardio days with isolated muscle group days. (E.g. Cardio MWF, Muscle Groups TThS). Another way is to intersperse cardio with your isolated muscle groups to maximize calorie burn. The important thing is that you pick a pattern and stick to it! 
These are some of my favorite exercises for each muscle group. Feel free to modify/mix and match as much as you want! Find whatever works for you and feels good in your body.

FLEXIBILITY

Start out each day with a light stretch routine. This will wake up your body, warm up your muscles, and prevent injury!

I like to start from my head and work my way down. 

1. Head rolls clockwise and counter clockwise

2. Shoulder rolls

3. Cross Arm in front of body and stretch out shoulder muscle

4. Bend arm behind your head-stretch triceps

5. Arm swings forward and backwards

6. Oblique stretches-bend sideways keeping both shoulders facing forward, wide stance, extend top arm over your head

7. Quad stretch

8. Hamstrings

9. Downward Dog

10. Calf Stretch

11. Deep Lunge, elbows on the floor if you can

FULL BODY/CARDIO

40 Jumping Jacks

5 Jump Squats

30 Speed Skaters

1 Minute Jog in place with High Knees

10 Side Lunges

10 Alternating Lunge Jumps

30 Mountain Climbers

5 Jack Knife Sit-Ups

20 Lunge Kicks

30 Jumping Jacks

20 Russian Twists

1 Minute Plank

(Repeat 3X)

Other good cardio: JUMP ROPE, and good old fashioned JOGGING!

ARMS and SHOULDERS

Resistance Band or Light Weights

15 Lateral Arm Raises

12 Overhead Tricep Extensions

15 Chest Press

15 Bicep Curls

45 second Arm Circles

12 Tricep Press

45 Second Side Plank

45 Second Side Plank (opposite side)

10 Tricep Dips

15 Push Ups (kneeling or straight leg)

(Repeat 3X)

ABDOMINALS AND BACK

ABS:

Sit in V Position-count to 100 while pulsing arms

30 Russian Twists

Lay flat on back and trace a full circle with each leg, clockwise and counter-clockwise 10X

20 Scissor Kicks

10 Crunches

15 Crunches R Leg extended up

15 Crunches L Leg extended up

20 Reverse Crunches

Lay flat on back and raise both legs to 90 degrees and back down to the floor 10X

20 Side Crunches (both sides)

20 Bicycle Russian Twists

25 in and outs

20 Oblique V-Ups

1 minute plank

BACK:

Lay on your stomach and have someone sit on your legs

Extend arms out to the side and lift your torso off the ground. Hold 10 seconds

     -Don't crunch your shoulder blades. Keep your back wide

     -Repeat 2 times

Extend arms above your head and lift torso off the ground Hold 10 seconds

     -Keep shoulder blades wide

     -Repeat 2 times

Reach R arm back and grab hands with your friend. Have them pull your torso off the ground as high as it will go. Release hands and try to hold your back in that same position

     -Repeat on Left side

LEGS

30 Calf Raises (one leg at a time or both together)

20 Squats

10 Side Lunges with kick up (both sides)

30 Curtsy Squats

25 Lying Inner Leg Lifts (both sides)

50 Second Wall Sit

30 Lunges (both sides)

45 Second Plie Pulse

30 All Fours Glute Kick Backs (both sides)

(Repeat 3X)

DIET

Another way to stay healthy is to be conscious of what you eat and drink. This can be difficult because we don't want to be rude to the people who are feeding us, but there are some things we can control!

1. Drink so much water. Always carry a water bottle with you. Staying hydrated will keep your body functioning at full capacity. In addition to keeping your weight under control, check out all of the other reasons why staying hydrated is so important for your overall health!

2. Eat a big, healthy breakfast. This is essential to getting your metabolism going for the day. Try to have all of the food groups represented: particularly protein, fruits and veggies, dairy, and complex carbohydrates. Don't skip this meal!

3. Control your portion sizes and eat slowly. 

REMEMBER: We should absolutely be respectful and grateful to people for inviting us into their homes and feeding us. For many families, this is a huge sacrifice. 

However, this doesn't mean that we are required to gorge ourselves. Rather, load up a plate of food and take your time with it. Chew slowly, take time between bites to talk with your hosts, and be aware of when you are full. In America, we are used to large portion sizes. Often times we eat so quickly that our bodies are full before our brain registers the fact that we've had enough. 

If seconds are offered, accept them, but again. Eat slowly. That way, you will leave the house having eaten two plates of food instead of four. 

Always say thank you, always genuinely compliment the food, and have a good time getting to know the people you're sharing a meal with! That way there will be no hurt feelings, and you won't eat yourself sick. 

4. You can never eat too many fruits and vegetables. Load up on fruits and veggies whenever you can!

5. Enjoy the new culture. Many of us are going to places with food that we've never tried before. I'm going to Denmark, and their pastries are some of the best in the world. While I am going to be conscious of what I eat, I am not going to deny myself treats! 

Everything in moderation, guys. 

I hope this is helpful and motivating! 

Make a plan, stick to it, and don't forget the real reasons you're serving!