Becoming Elli

Fit Strong Women Over 50.

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Mind Body and Soul with Elaine Glass

#157 Mind Body and Soul with Elaine Glass

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In episode 157, Jill and Chris talk with Elaine Glass, author, speaker and personal coach.

For over a decade, Elaine has helped countless people unlock their truest selves. She works with them to find purpose, peace, and self-empowerment.

Elaine’s newest book, Get Quiet: 7 Simple Paths to the Truth of Who You Are, is a guide to healing and transforming yourself inspired by the classical form of the labyrinth.

During Mind Body and Soul with Elaine Glass, we discuss:

  • Embracing change and overcoming negative thinking
  • Reframing the ways we talk to ourselves
  • Exploring the seven circuits of reflection and discovery and how each engages an energy point on the body
  • How to tap into our wisdom and power
  • Moving from chaos to clarity
  • What is the labyrinth and how walking it helps to provide calm

Links:
Her book: Get Quiet: 7 Simple Paths to the Truth of Who You Are
Her website: Get Quiet

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The Power of Pushing Limits at Any Age with Gwendolyn Bounds

#156 The Power of Pushing Limits at Any Age with Gwendolyn Bounds

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Gwendolyn Bounds is an award-winning journalist and author of NOT TOO LATE: The Power of Pushing Limits at Any Age.

A few months shy of her 47th birthday, author and journalist Gwendolyn Bounds asked herself, “How is it possible to become good at something when you are already far behind and time isn’t on your side?”

Her intimate story takes us from playgrounds and gyms, where Wendy trains among children and athletes half her age, to far-flung Spartan Race courses – including the vast desert of the Middle East.

As she moves from the back of the pack to eventually become a podium finisher in her age group, Wendy captures the humility, challenge and elation of pursuing something bold and new amid the realities of midlife: caring for elderly parents, a demanding job, and a body no longer in its prime.

 

Pushing Limits at Any Age

Gwendolyn Bounds c. Jennifer Barrett of New Light Creative Services

We discuss:

  • The secret weapon of harnessing “crystallized intelligence”
  • Dynamic warm ups, stretching cool downs, hydration, good sleep and avoiding aches/pains
  • Studying videos of the best racers to learn their edge
  • The difference between “atelic and telic” activities – wake up to enjoy those activities that never completely end
  • How conquering obstacle racing has affected other areas of her life
  • Wisdom of being older with patience and perspective and using it to get an edge over the competition
  • Using a cooling chilly  pad (www.eightsleep.com) for getting better sleep
  • The power of pairing yourself with people in your life that will make you better
  • Eating a Mediterranean diet, hydration, ice, massage, coaches, physical therapy and recovery exercise
  • Wearing a continuous glucose level patch

Links:

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Defeat Your Cravings with Dr. Glenn Livingston

155- Defeat Your Cravings with Dr. Glenn Livingston

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In episode 155, Jill and Chris speak with Glenn Scott Livingston, Ph.D. about dealing with food cravings. He was the long time CEO of a multi-million dollar consulting firm which has serviced several Fortune 500 clients in the food industry.

Disillusioned by what traditional psychology had to offer overweight and/or food obsessed individuals, Dr. Livingston spent several decades researching the nature of bingeing and overeating via work with his own clients AND a self-funded research program with more than 40,000 participants. He earned his Ph.D. in psychology in 1991.

His work has appeared in many major newspapers and other media outlets.  He has a website, defeatyourcravings.com, a podcast called “Defeat Your Cravings” and offers live individual coaching and support groups online.

More important than his professional bio, however, is his personal journey out of food addiction and obesity into a more normal and peaceful relationship with food.

We discuss:

  • How to find a better relationship with food
  • Overeating vs binge eating
  • Why we tend to crave certain foods
  • What to do when you feel like stress eating
  • Free resources on his website: DefeatYourCravings.com
  • Strategies for navigating a birthday party, wedding or other celebration

Links:

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Strength Workout developed by Artificial Intelligence

Wondering what a strength workout developed by artificial intelligence might look like?

I’ve been dabbling to figure out ways to use artificial intelligence in my everyday life, so I asked Google Gemini to make up a workout.

Here was the prompt: create a 20 lb kettlebell and 15 lb dumbbell workout plan designed for a middle-aged woman to build strength in the core, upper body, and lower body. Include a detailed warm up routine and specific stretches for the cool down.

Several caveats before you read further.

  • This does NOT replace the advice of a real personal trainer. AI merely searches different websites and compiles information. It doesn’t consider the real person you are and/or take into account your goals, strengths, injuries or hang ups. It’s just a computer application (which is can be a big problem!)
  • Maybe you are more advanced in your strength and weight training than I am and would find a 20 pound kettle bell and a 15 pound dumbbell way too light for what you need. But that’s what I use when I’m at home doing a workout.
  • Perhaps you’re just starting out and consider those weights way too much for you. Not a problem. This is not a competition!! Jump in where you are.
  • I still prefer going to the gym and doing a workout will a real instructor or personal trainer. But that’s not always possible.
  • It says “Middle Aged” because I tried my actual age in the prompt and it was ridiculously to easy for me. I guess Google Gemini thinks I’m a frail little old lady. Yes, at 67 I do qualify for the term “elderly” but my “healthspan” goal is much stronger than that. Maybe middle aged is not really realistic… as living to 114 seems a bit too much at the moment, but I’m thinking of it as a guess-timate… something like in dog years.

Here’s what the artificial intelligence (Google Gemini) returned:

Warm-Up (15-20 minutes):

Cardio:
Start with 5 minutes of brisk walking or jogging on the treadmill.
Transition to 5 minutes of jumping jacks, high knees, or butt kicks.
Finish with 5 minutes of dynamic stretches like arm circles, leg swings, torso twists, and hip circles.

Mobility Exercises:
Perform 10 reps of each of the following:

  • Cat-Cow Pose
  • Bird Dog
  • World’s Greatest Stretch

Workout (45-60 minutes):

  • Kettlebell Swings: 3 sets of 15 reps
  • Dumbbell Lunges (each leg): 3 sets of 12 reps
  • Kettlebell Goblet Squat: 3 sets of 12 reps
  • Single-Arm Dumbbell Row (each arm): 3 sets of 10 reps
  • Dumbbell Push-ups: 3 sets to failure (modify on knees if needed)
  • Kettlebell Turkish Get-Up (each side): 2 sets of 5 reps
  • Dumbbell Plank Row (each arm): 3 sets of 10 reps
  • Kettlebell Halo: 3 sets of 10 reps in each direction

Cool-Down (10-15 minutes):

  • Light Cardio: 5 minutes of slow walking or marching in place.
  • Static Stretches: Hold each stretch for 30 seconds, focusing on major muscle groups worked:
    • Hamstring stretch
    • Quad stretch
    • Hip flexor stretch
    • Chest opener
    • Shoulder stretch
    • Triceps stretch
    • Back extension

Additional Notes:

Rest: Take 1-2 minutes rest between sets and 2-3 minutes between exercises. *My Instructor’s only leave 10 to 15 seconds between sets and 1 minute or so between exercises. Often the instructor uses double body movements that work both legs and arms at once instead of just one area.
Form: Watch instructional videos and practice proper form before adding weight. Consider seeking guidance from a personal trainer if needed. *I agree!! Form is everything to avoid getting hurt with strained muscles, tendons, ligaments or something else.
Progression: As you get stronger, gradually increase the weight or reps. *Agreed. Jill always mentions this on our Fit Strong Women Over 50 Podcast!
Modifications: Feel free to modify exercises to suit your fitness level. For instance, you can perform assisted push-ups or choose a lighter weight for kettlebell exercises.
Listen to Your Body: Stop and rest if you experience any pain.

Important Considerations:

Hydration: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your workout.
Nutrition: Consume a balanced meal with protein and carbohydrates within an hour of your workout to support muscle recovery and growth.
Sleep: Get sufficient sleep to allow your body to recover and repair.

By following this comprehensive workout plan, you can effectively build strength, improve your overall fitness, and enjoy the numerous benefits that come with a consistent exercise routine.

What do you think of the strength workout created by artificial intelligence? Have you used AI in your health and fitness plan or do you hate everything associated with Artificial Intelligence? Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment below. Thanks!

Ageless Aging with Maddy Dychtwald

154 – Ageless Aging with Maddy Dychtwald

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Informative and compelling, in episode 154 Jill and Chris talk with Maddy Dychtwald, internationally acclaimed author, public speaker, and thought leader on longevity, aging, the new retirement, and the ascent of women.

She co-founded Age Wave, the world’s leader in understanding and addressing the far-reaching impacts of our aging population. She is the author of “Ageless Aging: A Woman’s Guide to Increasing Healthspan, Brainspan, and Lifespan” published by the Mayo Clinic Press.

Maddy has been featured in Bloomberg Businessweek, Forbes, Newsweek, Time, Wall Street Journal, Huffington Post, Fox Business News, CNBC, and NPR, and others.

Maddy is the author of two previous books: Influence: How Women’s Soaring Economic Power Will Transform Our World for the Better and Cycles: How We Will Live, Work, and Buy. She lives in San Francisco with her family.

Ageless Aging

In this episode we discuss:

  • How aging experienced differently by women than men
  • What key points make a difference for improving our longevity
  • Myths about healthy aging
  • What is meant by ageless aging
  • The components of improving brainspan
  • What is meant by improving health span

Links:

Website: Age Wave
Book: Ageless Aging: A Woman’s Guide to Increasing Healthspan, Brainspan, and Lifespan
Twitter X: @AgeWave

 

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Please leave a comment to let us know what you learned, liked or thought of this episode!

Encore Presentation: Inspiring Stories of Fit Strong Women Over 50

153 – Inspiring Stories – featuring Wendy Rivard

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In episode 153, we feature an encore presentation of one of the inspiring stories of Fit Strong Women Over 50.

This episode was first released five years ago as episode 31 “Running and Staying Healthy with Wendy Rivard”. We wanted to revisit this episode for our listeners who may not have had the opportunity to hear the inspiring stories from her.

Wendy is a primary care pediatric nurse practitioner and has been a nurse for 40 years. She loves to run, travel, and also does CrossFit and water skis.

We talk about a variety of challenges and ways she has overcome them. Today she told me her new motto is “Don’t count me out!”

We discuss:

  • Cross training
  • Running
  • Massage
  • Recovery
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis

Links:
Her website: Taking the Long Way Home
If you are a reader, you’ll love her book recommendations on her book reviews page!

Her Instagram: Wendy is taking the Long Way Home
Video on instagram of her doing some recent squats with heavy weight.

Enjoy!

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Please leave a comment and let us know what you think of this encore presentation!

Walking in Sunshine

I’m finding the motivation to walk again after the winter. It’s definitely related to all the sunshine and new flowers that are in bloom. The last few weeks I’ve had Peanut out on the trails and paved paths in the area quite frequently.

Walking in sunshine with Peanut

Although she’s around 12 years old, she’s lively and really enjoys the outdoors as much as I do. I find it’s a great way to get some additional exercise each day and being in nature really makes me in a good mood.

 

walking in sunshine
Spring has arrived in Ohio!

walking in sunshine
These are the first Dogwood flowers I’ve noticed. Higher temperatures have made them open earlier than usual!

Adapting for Health with Maria Molvin

#152 – Adapting for Health with Maria Molvin

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In episode 152 of the Fit Strong women Over 50 Podcast, Jill and Chris speak with Becoming Elli member, Maria Molvin about how she finds strategies to stay healthy and fit as she ages.

Balancing work, family obligations, focusing on healthy eating, prioritizing sleep, and finding time to be active can be challenging. Maria lives in Northeast Ohio with her husband. She takes advantage of all the great local metro parks and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park to walk and hike.

We discussed:

  • How Maria relies on habits over willpower and discipline
  • How she uses her home gym. She has an elliptical. treadmill, stationery bike, and a weight bench.
  • Why she gets on her stationary bike for 10 minutes each morning
  • Her full workout routines and how they help her reduce stress after from working from home all day
  • Strength training with bicep curls and skull crushers
  • Overcoming a sleep disorder by prioritizing sleep. Maria makes sure she sleeps in a dark room, puts away her phone before bed, listens to yoga Nidra recordings, takes CBD and goes to sleep at about the same time each night.
  • What she does to offset her joint hyper mobility.  Although she became a Yoga Instructor, she does not work on flexibility. Maria focuses on functional movements, like standing on one foot to increase her balance.
  • How she considers herself an “all-weather walker” and dresses for the conditions.
  • Why taking belly dancing lessons was such a fun way to exercise
  • Looking into the FODMAPS diet – the elimination diet where she found out about sensitivities to onions, garlic, beans and legumes
  • Big salads at lunch, chicken breasts in the air fryer and grilled chicken/shrimp with steamed or roasted vegges for dinner
  • Her advice for women who want start adapting for health: pick one thing you want to change and get good at adding that habit (or eliminating that bad habit.)

Links mentioned during the podcast:

Book: Why We Sleep
Chris demonstrating a Monster walk using a resistance band
FODMAPS diet
The Complete Low FODMAP Diet by Sue Shephard and Peter Gibbon
Episode 151: Get More Fit with Kathy Murray
Episode 47: Tap Dancing to Fitness

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Spring Mix, Celery, Onion, Brown Rice and Chicken for Lunch

What’s your go-to on a crazy day? I love a spring mix salad with things I’ve already got prepped. A one bowl wonder that I am calling a salad.

Maybe you do your salads differently. Please let me know!

I really enjoy having a salad for lunch and today is no exception. Luckily I had food prepped for the week. I made a batch of chicken in the slow cooker. Cooked a couple of cups of brown rice to add to things. Sauteed some sweet onions.

Since everything was already prepped, I just had to assemble my salad!

Easy healthy lunch. It’s not hard when everything is prepped ahead of time. It’s one of those crazy busy days for me.

Get More Fit with Kathy Murray

#151 – Get More Fit with Kathy Murray

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Kathy Murray is a certified personal trainer with over thirty years’ experience in the fitness industry.

She is a graduate of The Ohio State University where she was a member of the 1983 National Cheerleading Championship Team. After college she competed in and won the United States Aerobic Championship in 1986 and spent the year traveling the world as a Fitness Ambassador.

Kathy worked as a free-lance educator to teach fitness to European Instructors. While in Munich, she coached the Munich Cowboys (American Football) Cheerleaders to six national titles in cheerleading and was head trainer/translator for the German Gladiators during a pilot TV show for the International Gladiators. She recently co-authored an audio book for Audible called The Munich Cowboy Cheerleaders about her coaching experiences in Germany. She was in Germany where she started Fit Bodies.

Always an avid cyclist, Kathy dipped her toe into the world of multi-sport in 2000, first competing in duathlons then eventually moving to triathlons. Kathy has owned her personal training business Fit Bodies for 25 years and in 2022 co-authored the Audible book, The Munich Cowboy Cheerleaders based on her time coaching the squad. She lives in Atlanta with her husband Lutalo, dog Mingus and cat Sassy.

We discussed:

  •  Coaching teens in Germany for the Munich Cowboys Cheerleaders
  • Preparing for a hip replacement and setting goals
  • Her active online fitness coaching at Fit Bodies
  • How she helps her clients get more fit at any age
  • How she combines cardio and strength workouts in her training
  • How she prepared for getting her left hip replaced.
  • Competing in triathlons and hiking the Grand Canyon after a hip replacement
  • How staying fit has changed as she has gotten older
  • Her advice for women over 50 who want to be fit and strong
  • What she says about the importance of meal prep
  • Thoughts on gluten, dairy, alcohol, food sensativities and processed foods
  • Why she says: “Get your mind right” and “Fitness starts in your head!
  • Why she does strength training 2-3 times each week

Links:

Website; Fit Bodies
Instagram:  Tribaby1
Her Audio book on Audible: The Munich Cowboy Cheerleaders on Audible
Audio book on Amazon” The Munich Cowboy Cheerleaders: a Novella

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