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October 5, 2023

A New Way to Thrive

Honesty is a virtue that often gets praised when it’s directed outwardly – when we tell the truth to others, keep our promises, and act with integrity in our interactions. However, one aspect of honesty that is equally, if not more, important is being honest with oneself. Self-honesty is the cornerstone of personal growth, self-awareness, and a fulfilling life.

Self-Reflection
Being honest with yourself begins with self-reflection. It means taking the time to examine your thoughts, feelings, and actions without judgment or denial. Self-reflection allows you to understand your motivations, desires, and fears more deeply. It can be uncomfortable to confront your weaknesses or mistakes, but this self-awareness is essential for personal growth.

Authenticity
When you’re honest with yourself, you embrace your true self. You acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses, your dreams and aspirations, and your values and beliefs. This authenticity allows you to live in alignment with who you are rather than trying to fit into societal or external expectations. When you’re true to yourself, you can lead a more fulfilling and genuine life.

Problem Solving
Self-honesty is a valuable tool for problem-solving. When you’re willing to admit your mistakes and acknowledge things that need to change or areas where you can improve, you open the door to finding solutions and making positive changes in your life. Instead of deflecting blame or making excuses, you take responsibility for your actions and work towards making things better.

Building Trust
Trust is not only important in your relationships with others but also in your relationship with yourself. When you consistently tell yourself the truth and follow through on your commitments, you build self-trust. This self-trust is the foundation for confidence and self-esteem. It allows you to rely on yourself and your decisions, knowing that you are acting in your own best interest.

Emotional Well-being
Being honest with yourself can lead to improved emotional well-being. When you suppress your emotions or deny your true feelings, it can lead to stress, anxiety, and even physical health issues. However, when you allow yourself to feel and acknowledge your emotions, you can process them in a healthy way and work through challenges more effectively.

In a world where external pressures and societal expectations often cloud our judgment, being honest with yourself is a radical act of self-love and self-empowerment. It’s not always easy to confront your own truths, but the benefits are profound. Self-honesty leads to self-awareness, authenticity, better problem-solving, trust in yourself, and improved emotional well-being which ripples throughout your life and to those around you. It’s a journey that requires effort and self-compassion, but it’s a journey worth taking.

July 1, 2023

Shedding the weight of self-doubt

The first week of my 6 week Summer Shred Challenge is in the books!

Let me back up, I work for Hybrid and we’re running a six week consistency challenge. As we designed the challenge, we thought it would be best if the Hybrid employees participated in the challenge too. You know, practice what we preach!

My personality wants to be quiet about weight loss and doesn’t want to share. However, I bump into people often that love reading what I write and find it encouraging. I am taking a courageous step out on a limb here.  I am going to tell you how the first day of my challenge started. I’ll give you a hint – it wasn’t pretty!

I had a big meltdown! It was Monday morning with all the regular Monday morning stresses, responsibilities, to-do’s PLUS I didn’t know what I needed to do for the challenge, didn’t know what I should have for breakfast, didn’t know what to write down, didn’t know if I could do this.

I’ve begrudgingly logged my food before, pissed off finding varying ingredient numbers for the same product listed within the same fitness app. What’s the point of tracking if you don’t really know?

My negative thoughts kicked in. I thought I don’t want to disappoint my team, my co-workers. I don’t want to be the token fat kid on the team. I’ve got 4th of July and restaurants and ice cream out and vacation coming up.  I cannot possibly weigh every single thing I eat for the next six weeks.

I was freaking out. I wanted to do it perfectly. I was over thinking it. I was falling for all the diet hype that this is harder being a woman, being near menopause, are hormones playing a role?

I don’t have fitness or nutrition degrees but I have learned a ton working with Coach Hunter and the coaches as they work with our members. I feel like I have literally heard every reason in the book and I can probably even tell you the coaches response to it. That wasn’t helping! I felt like I couldn’t complain to anybody on my team because I know they’ve heard it all before! I couldn’t complain to my husband because he wonders why I’m doing this challenge anyway. I couldn’t complain to my best friends because they have each lost 100+ lbs. Oh man, this is frustrating!

Let me back up again. I truly believe that we can change. The older I get, the more of a growth mindset I live by. I enjoy reading self-help books every morning. I’m the geek that, even though I’m excited to read it all & get through it, I slow down and do every recommended exercise before reading on. I read the book that feels appropriate at the moment. If I start it and it’s a struggle, I drop it and start another one that flows better with where I currently am with my life.

Monday morning, I started pulling in some tools that I’ve learned from my fantastic coaches and the books I’ve read.

In regards to doing it perfectly, from Coach Beth, Imperfect Action – that’s how I start. Who cares if I screw something up! What does that even mean anyway?

From my current reading ‘Claim Your Purpose’, I am humble in many ways in my life. But, when I honestly thought about humility in regards to weight loss, I thought I was special. I thought I’ve tried this all before, it didn’t work, why am I doing this again? What if I get to the end and it hasn’t worked? I can tell you what the coaches will tell you to do but it won’t work for me. ummmm, that’s not humble – there’s something I can work on.

This challenge offers everyone tools and coaching, so I’ll use it! As I progress along, I’ll ask questions, I’ll participate! I can do this!

Then I chatted with Coach Dusty for our regular Monday meeting and had my meltdown. Weight loss is so much more than the physical number on the scale. He didn’t ask me but I had been working through why did I put on the weight in the first place? There were things in my past where food or eating or weighing more helped with my survival because I didn’t have other tools or resources to help me at the time.

Coach Dusty did point out that eating and food is part of my identity. Cooking or going out for delicious meals together is part of my relationship with my husband and friends. All of our friends & people that don’t even know us personally, know about our delicious homemade ice cream. We share restaurant recommendations with so many friends. I am possibly taking a step away from that identity which is a scary thing to do. Will my tribe still support me if I say no to ice cream when my foodie friends are having it?

Mondays are meetings day and my next meeting was with Coach Hunter. I’m his assistant so we talk about whatever we need to at the time to keep things running smoothly, so naturally I told him about my meltdown. I’ve known Hunter for 7 years and he knows me pretty well. His recommendation was that this is something that is scary and uncomfortable to me and THAT is my challenge. It’s not how many pounds I lose and % body fat, my challenge is focusing on the inputs, the to-do’s and letting the outcome be as it may. BINGO, that aligns with my growth mindset! That aligns with my purpose of helping and encouraging others on their health journey because if I do this, I can now assist and empathize even more with others. That is something I CAN control.

I took it all in – what I’ve been doing on my own, what I’ve learned from the coaches, and I started writing down what I ate. I started my previous habit of walking BEFORE work again. Coach Dusty reminded me to front load the hardest stuff as early as possible. I work from home but I now have a one mile walk to work! I go 1/2 mile out (or about 15 mins) and then circle back to home first thing in the morning.

I have a calorie, protein, and fiber goal set out for me at the beginning of the challenge. I’m really leaning in, trusting the process, and doing what I’m told to do. After all, I have literally seen hundreds of people follow the coaches’ recommendations and see amazing progress, while I stay doing the same things and stay exactly where I am.

Since this is a summary of the first week, you are probably wondering how it went. The week went great. For me, I found actually writing in a book is making much more sense than tracking on an app. Before I didn’t actually see the numbers/calculations. Now I’m doing them myself so I am understanding them better.

For the challenge, I am tracking how many days I hit my calorie, fiber, and protein goals. Monday through Friday, I hit my calorie goal 3 out of 5 days, fiber 0 out of 5, and protein 1 out of 5.

The perfectionist in me thinks this sounds horrible but you know what? I’ve learned a lot already really leaning in and doing this. I finally figured out how to track that makes sense for me for now. I can guarantee I wouldn’t have met my calorie or protain goal if I wasn’t tracking it.

Even though I’m not hitting my goals yet, I’m learning why when I’m not. My protein has increased everyday, which was a struggle for me in the past. My fiber has come close to my goal so I’ll get there.

I love being back to walking every day again. We live in such a beautiful location! I’m slowly shedding that perfectionist in me.

These things take time but I did do an inbody just to see what slight changes may have occurred in 7 days since my starting inbody measurements. I am down 2.1 lbs and .9% body fat after week 1!

I don’t know if that will continue and don’t expect it to at that exact rate. This isn’t a linear process. But I do know that I am not hungry or hangry like I’ve been before when I’ve tried this.

I had bread, butter, and peanut butter yesterday for a snack!

I had delicious homemade mac & cheese for breakfast two mornings because that’s what I wanted to spend my calories on!

And, I went with friends for ice cream and, for the first time ever, declined. It took a lot of social courage (is that a thing?) but I did it and didn’t feel deprived at all because I had just eaten a delicious 10oz steak dinner with mashed potatoes and vegetables and I was not at all hungry. I still socialized and enjoyed time with my friends and I’ve survived to tell about it!  lol

Hopefully something here rings a bell and helps you in some small way.  I don’t know how this challenge will turn out, but I am leaning in and trusting the process and putting all of my focus on what I can do right now.

I’m learning that the only way I can fail at this is if I give up, which isn’t happening!

June 10, 2023

Debunking the Myth: More is Not Always Better for Health

When it comes to health, the belief that “more is always better” is a common misconception. While certain aspects of health, such as exercise and nutrition, are undoubtedly important, it’s crucial to understand the significance of balance and moderation in achieving overall well-being.

Let’s start by examining exercise. Regular physical activity is beneficial for cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and mental well-being. However, excessive exercise without adequate rest and recovery can lead to burnout, overuse injuries, hormonal imbalances, and weakened immune function. Striving for a balanced approach to exercise involves finding a routine that includes a variety of activities, incorporating rest days, and listening to your body’s signals.

Similarly, nutrition is a vital component of a healthy lifestyle. Consuming a diverse range of nutrient-rich foods is key to providing the body with essential vitamins, minerals, and energy. However, an obsession with strict diets, calorie counting, or rigid food rules can lead to disordered eating patterns, nutrient deficiencies, and a negative relationship with food. Adopting a balanced approach to nutrition involves embracing mindful eating, intuitive choices, and moderation rather than strict deprivation or overindulgence.

Beyond physical health, achieving balance encompasses various aspects of life. Mental and emotional well-being are equally important. Chronic stress, excessive draining work hours, and neglecting self-care can have detrimental effects on mental health and overall life satisfaction. It is crucial to prioritize activities that charge our batteries versus drain our batteries.  Charging activities promote relaxation, stress reduction, and emotional self-care.  These can be mindfulness practices, hobbies, spending time with loved ones, or seeking support when needed.  What charges one person’s battery could be a drain to someone else’s, so try different things to see what feels good for you.  If I feels like an upstream, fighting batter, then it is draining your battery.  If it feels right, comes easy to me, and makes me happy, then it is charging my battery.

Furthermore, relationships play a significant role in our well-being. Fostering meaningful connections, investing time in nurturing relationships, and maintaining healthy boundaries are essential for maintaining balance and happiness. Isolating oneself or spreading too thin across numerous superficial connections can lead to feelings of loneliness and dissatisfaction.

Finding balance in life requires self-reflection, setting priorities, and making choices that align with your values and goals. It means recognizing that more is not always better if it comes at the expense of other important areas of your life. It involves setting realistic expectations, being mindful of your limits, and embracing self-compassion.

In summary, the belief that “more is always better” does not hold true in the realm of health and well-being. Striving for balance and moderation is key. Listen to your body, nourish it with a varied and wholesome diet, engage in regular physical activity while allowing for rest and recovery, and pay attention to your mental and emotional needs. Ultimately, a balanced approach to health and life will lead to greater overall well-being and satisfaction.

June 1, 2023

Positivity on Low Battery: Boosting Energy and Optimism When Tired

Being positive when you’re tired can be challenging, but it is possible with a few strategies:

Practice Self-Compassion: Acknowledge that it’s okay to feel tired and give yourself permission to rest and recharge. Treat yourself with kindness and understanding, rather than adding self-judgment or negativity to your exhaustion.  You wouldn’t judge your phone for needing to be recharged after a full day’s use, so give yourself some grace too!

Shift Your Focus: Redirect your attention to positive aspects of your life or the tasks at hand. Remind yourself of the progress you’ve made and the goals you’re working towards. Find small moments of joy and gratitude, even in the midst of fatigue.  Anything that makes you smile!

Practice Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness techniques to bring yourself to the present moment. Pay attention to your breath, sensations, and surroundings. Let go of worries about the past or future, and embrace the present with a positive mindset.  Everything is more difficult when you’re tired and that’s ok.

Seek Inspiration: Surround yourself with uplifting content or engage in activities that inspire you. Listen to motivational podcasts, read inspiring books, or watch videos that energize and uplift your spirits. Expose yourself to positive influences that help counteract fatigue.  Listen to your favorite music.

Take Breaks and Recharge: Incorporate short breaks into your routine to rest and rejuvenate. Use these breaks to engage in activities that replenish your energy and bring you joy, such as going for a walk, practicing a hobby, or simply taking a few moments to relax and unwind.  This is a perfect time to hydrate too!

Practice Self-Care: Prioritize self-care activities that support your well-being, even when tired. This can include getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, staying hydrated, and engaging in gentle exercise. Taking care of your physical health can positively impact your mental and emotional state.  So often we put our health aside and, honestly, good health is one of our greatest wealths.

Lean on Support: Reach out to supportive friends, family members, or colleagues when you’re feeling tired. Share your feelings and experiences, and allow them to provide encouragement and understanding. Sometimes, a listening ear or a few kind words can boost your positivity.  Surround yourself with friends that remind you to give yourself grace.

Set Realistic Expectations: Adjust your expectations and be kind to yourself when you’re tired. Recognize that you may not be able to accomplish everything at your usual pace and that it’s okay to prioritize self-care and rest when needed. Set realistic goals and focus on progress rather than perfection.  Break goals into smaller, more manageable bits.

Remember, being positive while tired requires self-awareness and intentional effort. By incorporating these strategies into your routine, you can maintain a positive mindset even when fatigue sets in, ultimately supporting your overall well-being and resilience.

May 16, 2023

New Yorkers on the Move! 

Coach Cathy recently spent a long weekend in New York City and observed New Yorkers in action. 

Walking around the city (Manhattan and Brooklyn), I noticed how many people were huffing it. Whether walking to or from work or the gym, running errands, or walking/running as a form of physical exercise, they were all trucking at an impressive clip—no slow pokes.  

I picked up my pace and wondered if city folks exercised more daily than folks in Midcoast Maine. The answer is yes, probably because it’s their way of life. They must walk at least part of the way to their job, school, gym, grocery store, or a night out. We have many places to walk and hike on the coast, but it’s more for recreation and not a necessity.  

Over the years, there has been much speculation about how many steps the average American takes daily and how many steps per mile. According to Mayo Clinic research, the average American walks 3,000 to 4,000 steps daily, roughly 1.5 to 2 miles. Other sources, such as verywellfit.com, say the average is 5,000-7,000 steps daily. Either way, it’s still less than the golden rule of 10,000 steps.  

Did you know the 10,000 steps recommendation is not grounded in scientific research? Although impressive, 10,000 is a nice round number used in advertising for tracking devices. There are many things to consider when choosing your daily step goal, such as age, height, length of stride, occupation, and fitness goals. The number of daily steps is not one size fits all. Gradually increasing your step goal is more sustainable than jumping from 2,000 to 10,000 overnight.  

While I enjoy visiting NYC, I craved greenery versus pavement as I traversed the boroughs. NYC prides itself on the number of parks open to the public. The parks provide safe spaces for small children and pets to burn energy and quiet spots for relaxing away from the hustle and bustle of the city. They are also quite beautiful, with flowers, trees, and boardwalks along the water.  

I meandered through one of the parks, searching for a place to sit to eat my chocolate glazed donut from Peter Pan Bakery. Yes, the Brooklyn bakery in Spider-Man where MJ works! Maybe I stood in the exact spot where Zendaya and Tom Holland stood while making the movie. From my comfy bench, I noticed that aside from flying feet, New Yorkers were moving in many ways. I saw yoga classes on the grass, calisthenics on the sidelines, runners everywhere, and an awe-inspiring bike tour.  

It was the 45th Anniversary of the TD Five Boro Bike Tour by Bike New York. It’s a 40-mile bike ride through Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, The Bronx, and Staten Island. The streets are closed to cars; participants can use their bikes if they own or rent city bikes. It is quite the event uniting 32,000 people to fund building miles and miles of bike-friendly lanes and fundraising for many individual charities.  

The takeaway is that New Yorkers certainly know how to get moving and keep moving every day. For the record, I had no guilt about eating my chocolate glazed donut while watching the fury of exercise surrounding me because I had 11,000 steps, including 32 flights of stairs, and it was only 10:00 am—still lots of time for yoga in the park. Even though I am back in Maine, moving like a New Yorker will help me close the rings on my fitness tracker. Time to increase my step goal! 

May 5, 2023

20 states, 5800 miles, time with family – priceless!

Life is all about balance.  From time to time, one of our Hybrid team members takes time away to recharge their batteries.  We’ve enjoyed hearing about Brandon in Egypt and Cathy in Nepal!  Last month, I took a three week drive across half the country to celebrate my Mom’s 80th birthday!  Here are a few highlights of our adventure state by state.

  1. Maine – Fielder’s Choice ice cream before it started snowing & before we left the state for awhile!  Mainers love their ice cream!
  2. New Hampshire – isolated wicked snow storm then Polly’s Pancake Parlor for a delicious breakfast! 
  3. Vermont – temps went from 58 degrees to 70 in less than 5 minutes!  Lots of covered bridges & snacking on yummy aged cheddar cheese!
  4. New York – HOT!  80 degrees, thunder, lightning, heavy rain & winds but the hail missed us!
  5. Pennsylvania – some highway, some back roads & popped out in …
  6. Maryland – found the perfect crab shack with crab soup, crab dip on delicious french fries, huge crab cakes, and soft shell crab sandwiches!
  7. Virginia – Saw my cousin that we haven’t seen since he was just a kid.  It was nice to chat & just pick up where we left off!
  8. North Carolina – Had delicious NC BBQ with my Aunt, then a quick hello to a cousin, her son & their famous dog Leo.  Spent a warm summery day walking the NC Zoo.  Had coffee with a friend from grammar school that we haven’t seen since 1987!  Drove along the Blue Ridge Parkway to our next state…
  9. Tennessee – Spent the day in Chattanooga, went up Lookout Mountain on the funicular and toured The Hunter Museum of American Art!
  10. Popped into Georgia for a few minutes, back to Tennessee, then on to…
  11. Alabama – Stayed in Rocket City, Huntsville.  Saw Eggbeater Jesus & a rocket!
  12. Mississippi – found the birthplace of Elvis and drove the Natchez Trace Parkway for a couple of days.  Unfortunately we saw a bit of tornado damage here from 6 days earlier. Toured the civil war cemetery at Vicksburg and was reminded of another time our country was divided.
  13. Louisiana – Drove through & saw the capitol, Baton Rouge.  On to the gulf.  Had a DELICIOUS meal at a food truck.  It was a restaurant until a hurricane took it out in 2015, they rebuilt, then another hurricane took them out again in 2020.  They are temporarily working out of a food truck, making delicious seafood and making the best of their situation.  Took a ferry over to…
  14. Texas!  Drove down to Galveston, then on down to Corpus Christi & Padre Island for a couple of days.  Up to San Marcos to see a niece and her pups, over to Lockhart (the BBQ capitol) for delicious brisket, Bastrop & Round Rock to see two of Neal’s brothers & our sister-in-law.  Had delicious pecan goodies from Bastrop and lots more wonderful BBQ and brisket.
  15. Popped over to drive through the forests of Oklahoma on our way to
  16. Arkansas – Beautiful wildflowers, green rolling hills – baby calves everywhere!  Back to Tennessee for our third time to hit Memphis & Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken.  Unfortunately, more tornado damage from a few days prior was witnessed going through Covington, TN on our way to …
  17. Kentucky – Saw Mom’s sister & another cousin!  Had delicious homemade lasagna & carrot cake with family.  Got Mom a hot brown on our way across the rolling horse and cow farms of Kentucky.
  18. Winded through West Virginia – stopped to finish up our delicious leftovers!  Made our way back to Maryland, then Pennsylvania.
  19. Our 19th state was a stop in Connecticut to see more family and drop in on Neal’s grammar school friend doing a blues gig.  He got the whole bar singing happy birthday to my Mom and she became the night’s celebrity!
  20. Massachusetts was our 20th state to hit.  Neal whipped us off the road at the Johnny Appleseed rest area to see New England’s largest apple!  Back through New Hampshire, then on to Maine.  We finished the trip at my Dad’s favorite restaurant, Billy’s Chowder House in Wells, Maine.  They opened in 1979 and we’ve been going there since the early 80’s.

20 states, about 5,800, lots of laughs, reconnecting with family & friends, delicious local foods, time with Mom – priceless!

April 12, 2023

let your body and mind relax

Pampering helps to beat a plateau! (Psst, highlighting a few of our members below. Keep reading)

Yup, I’m not necessarily referring to eating an entire box of chocolates in one sitting. However, that does sound inviting, mainly when I see a flat line representing my progress toward my fitness goal. Coach Hunter would say that maintaining is still progress, but it bites me a little when progress takes a hiatus. 

The pampering I am referring to here is physically letting your body and mind relax by putting yourself in a well-deserved time out from the daily bustle. 

What does pampering mean to you? 

Lying on a warm beach? Soaking in a bath? Lounging on the couch with a good book? 

What about time at the spa? 

The spa is less expensive than traveling to a warm beach in the winter. The trip is worth its weight in gold, but what if you can’t make that tranquil trip happen? We can take a bath at home to feel a sense of relaxation most of the time. We can even try to read that good book in the tub, but when I’m in the bath at home, my to-do list doesn’t stop running through my head. I can also hear other people in the house. I know that at some point, they will need me for something. I have found that I am worth the price of any spa treatment for the jump start it gives me and then some. 

In the past, I viewed a spa treatment as a reward for reaching a goal. I now know that relaxing and rejuvenating my whole being helps me reach that goal. It gives me an extra boost to put some wiggle in the flat line of a plateau. 

Time at a spa is heavenly because it makes your body and mind feel better. Think of it as an extension of your medical and fitness plans to keep your body in its best possible condition.

Any spa treatment (massage, manicure/pedicure, facials, body scrubs, float therapy, etc.) benefits your well-being. 

  • It helps relieve pain, whether chronic, injury, or delayed muscle onset soreness (DOMS) from pushing yourself in the gym. 
  • It increases blood circulation bringing nutrients and oxygen to all the cells of the body
  • It brings a moment of complete disconnect from busy lives
  • Depending on the treatment, exfoliating the skin can be a benefit for shedding the old and promoting regeneration of new skin cells to make your skin glow
  • Stimulates the lymphatic system to eliminate toxins, increase energy and release serotonin to help with sleeping, healing, and digestion
  • Enables physical and mental relaxation to boost mood and relieve tension

Sounds lovely, right? 

Ready to schedule a pampering appointment? 

We happen to have a few Hybrid members that I am aware of that offer massage and nail care. Please let me know if there are other members.

Samantha Parker is a massage therapist and nail technician at Mia Bella Salon, 99 Park Street in Rockland, (207) 230-0228.

Trish Young is a massage therapist at Green with Envy Salon at 453 Main Street in Rockland, (207) 593-8510. 

Amy Mitchell owns Rockland Massage Therapy at 16 School Street in Rockland, (207) 691-7490.

If you feel in a slump or hope to shake up a plateau to reach your fitness goals, please consider calling them. After all, YOU are worth having it be a part of your wellness plan for life because YOU are a rockstar!

March 14, 2023

I once wondered….

I have the unique position of being a long-time member of Hybrid Fitness as well as a team member of Hybrid Fitness.  I am thinking back to things that I once wondered about.  

Is this right for me?  Choosing to focus on being healthier is always a good choice because what we focus on is what we get more of.  Focusing on good health helps us with more good health!  

Do I have time for this?  Time is one thing we cannot get more of but we can take a look at how we are currently spending our time & make our decisions accordingly.  Is how you are spending your time now in alignment with where you want to be in the future? 

What if I can’t do the exercise?  This was me to a tee.  I got winded quickly, had bad knees, and a slipped disk in my back.  I couldn’t do squats & had to be careful with my back.  Hybrid was perfect for me because of the professionally trained coaches that knew how to tell me to do each exercise correctly or which exercises to do instead.  It snuck up on me, but as I got stronger, I could do squats and other exercises I couldn’t do at the beginning!

Can I afford this?  Hindsight is 20/20 and I realize now that battling cancer is way more expensive (mentally & physically) than Hybrid rates plus it’s a lot more fun, you get coached by caring professionals, the workouts are designed for you, and everyone wants you to succeed.  I walk in & do what I’m told – lol!  

I don’t know anybody.  Will I fit in?  Your gym time is what you focus on, what you want it to be.  It can be solitary, quiet time or it can become a group of friends-fun-time or anywhere in between!  We’ve had more than one instance of members meeting, dating, & getting married!  We’ve had many instances of best-friend relationships formed.  It’s a judgement-free zone & you make it what you want to make it – with a smile, you’ll fit in just fine!

No question, I’m biased!  Hybrid is now deeply entwined in my life.  It’s my family, passion, and career & I couldn’t have imagined any of this when I had all of these questions back in 2018!

January 24, 2022

Cuddling Up In a Blanket with Ramen Noodles

The blowing cold wind off of the harbor is biting the uncovered skin on my face.

Snow, shooting downward from the sky, is accumulating into “dip n dots” on my mittens.

The year is 1999, I just turned 5, and I’m outside with my parents sledding down the small hill in our front yard.

Up and down the hill I go; my parents laughing and cheering to me.

“Wow! Good job Hunter!”

“Way to go! Want to go again”?

I repeat the cycle, tired by restricted movement of my snow suit… But determined to slide down the hill and go as far as I possibly can.

I will go farther than last time.

But, the longer we are outside, the cold starts to take it’s toll.

What started as so much fun, starts to slowly fade.

The chill of the cold is beginning to leak through my boots, and my fingers are going numb through my mittens.

It’s time to go inside and get warm.

My dad drags me on my sled by the thin rope attached to the long plastic blue sled he got me for my birthday.

I take off my boots outside of our door so I don’t track snow through the house, and run inside as quickly as I can to keep my toes from getting cold.

Squeezing out of my snow suit, I sprint to the the living room couch and throw my Winnie The Pooh Bed Cover All Around Me.

AHHH, finally warm again. I quickly transform into a human burrito, and poke my eyes out to see what journey Ash, Brock, and Misty are foregoing today on the television.

Before I know it, mom brings me a warm cup of Ramen, with one icecube in it to keep me from getting burnt.

Life is good again.

2 hours later, I BEG my parents to bring me back out.

Sometimes, all we need is a break and a warm cup of Ramen to be ready to give it our all again.

Time away from the “grind” and rat race is not being lazy, it is being productive.

Step away from your regular routine, and you will find clarity…

…and realize the cold wind and snow (the stresses of life) are more easily solvable than you thought when you were in the midst of the storm.

Have a great day,

Love,

Coach Hunter
#SmallStepsBigResults

If you can’t take a day or two away from your normal routine, even an hour can help you find clarity and slow things down. Yoga helps me do that.  We just added 12 new yoga classes at Hybrid Fitness -> Check them out here! https://joinhybridfitness.com/yoga-and-pilates

January 18, 2022

Why I love Planet Fitness (but wouldn’t send my Mom there)

It’s been 6 weeks now since my workout partner, Dusty, and I have been hitting our workouts at Planet Fitness…

It’s been comical because I keep seeing people I know who look at me confused and ask:

“Wait, you own Hybrid Fitness, but you’re here? Why? Is Everything alright?”

And the answer is “YES!”

Everything is alright!

In fact, I have actually loved going to Planet Fitness, and here is why!

I love Planet Fitness because It’s everything that Hybrid Fitness isn’t.

– At Planet Fitness you do everything on your own – at Hybrid everything is guided by an experienced coach

– I got my Planet membership 4 months ago. When I didn’t go for an entire month, no one ever reached out to me to see why or how I was doing. If you miss consistent sessions at Hybrid Fitness, we text or call you to check in!

– At Planet, there’s a good percentage of young adults wearing very revealing clothing. At Hybrid, we rarely ever see that.

For me personally, I like those features because I enjoy doing my own workouts (And feel confident I can do them safely and effectively). I’m also motivated by seeing others’ physiques because it inspires me to work harder – I don’t get discouraged by it!

So why did Hybrid Fitness end up the way it is? 

It’s that way because I didn’t create Hybrid Fitness for me (a 26 yr old, mildly ego driven ex-athlete)

I created it for my sister, my mother, and my father.

I created it for those who haven’t felt welcomed at a gym before (or even felt left out!).

I created it for those who need and want a little extra accountability to help them succeed!

And I created it for those who do better with instruction and coaching, and don’t have time to get injured!

If that’s what you value, too, I highly recommend you check out Hybrid Fitness! (We’ve got a brand new 6 week challenge going on now -> click here to learn more!)

But if you don’t as much and are like me… then Planet Fitness is the right fit for you!

Neither is right or wrong, it’s just preference!

And by the way – we have a handful of members to go to both, and I think that is awesome!

So anyways, this is why I love Planet Fitness, but would never send my mom there.

Have a great day,

Love,

Coach Hunter
#SmallStepsBigResults

Brand New 6-Week Challenge >> https://joinhybridfitness.com/application-form