Bio Link
Fit at 55
Email: Jody@Truth2BeingFit.com
About Me:
Fitness enthusiast, Advocate
and Advisor for over 25+ years
Interests:
Weight Lifting
Reading fitness related
magazines and books
Learning as much as possible
about fitness, nutrition and
health
Love the Hawaiian Islands
(Especially The BIG Island)
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What's Coming Up in the Next Couple Weeks: Beyond I AM ENOUGH
All these women are so real!!! Click on the previous link to reread OR read for the first time about these ladies! I LOVE YMX their love of #lifeartsport - yes, that is their hashtag for this year & pretty much days it all!!!! Showing REAL WOMEN BEING ENOUGH in their own way!
I also wrote about them way back when Carla first introduced me to them via her blog! I was lucky enough to win a tank for her! Right after that, they contacted me to do a giveaway & it was love from that point forward!First, about this company from their webpage:
"YMX offers multifunctional garments that bridge the gap between athletic and fashion garments. Featuring high-comfort, lightweight MadKool fabrics and detailed, original prints, YMX garments can be worn for athletic use, or for casual wear. As a matter of fact, because of the moisture-wicking properties of the fabric, many people wear YMX in both active and leisure activities without having to change!"
FROM ME THEN: The fabric is amazing!!!!!!! MadKool fabric - I have worn nothing like this! I can't wait to try it out in hotter weather! It is as light as a feather & so soft yet wears so well. It drys so fast after my cardio sweating in the gym. It claims to be wrinkle resistant & hold its shape. So far, YES to that! It is machine washable & dryer safe PER THE INSTRUCTIONS but I chose to hang dry mine & I have never had something dry so fast on a hanger! That amazing fabric!
CURRENT UPDATE: I have put in the dyer now & still washes & wears perfectly!!!! I wear all my YMX tops A LOT & THEY LAST!!!! The designs & colors are so fun & different & vibrant!
I feel "special" when I wear them!
Just so you know, the MadKool ® fabric is: "100g 88% Polyester12% Spandex and the Properties: UV protection SPF 30+, permanent moisture wicking by yarn, lightweight, soft hand, abrasion resistant, wrinkle resistant, full stretch, holds shape.
ALL THE ABOVE ABOUT THE FABRIC - THE TRUTH!!! I do want to mention that the tops do run small so you may want to size up - check their sizing chart on the site. The bottoms are closer to fit. I got a S in the running shorts but I was actually in between the XS & S on the chart. I might have been able to wear an XS but I don't know for sure.
I have also read many reviews & the price always comes up. I can say that for me, I do think this brand is worth the price. I have never worn anything for my workouts that felt as wonderful & almost like nothing was there!
I just want to say that HONESTLY - I LOVE this brand! I LOVE their clothes. It is hard because now I don't want to wear some of my other really cute tops too because this MadKool fabric is so AMAZING!!!!!
OK - just had to share my love of this company & the brand AND the amazing brand ambassadors!
******************************************************************
ON TO WHAT IS COMING UP IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS - I will be reviewing a few products. I know some don't like these types of posts BUT I only pick ones that I am truly interested in. I don't say yes just to get free stuff! Even with FitFluential, I only sign up for campaigns with products that I want to know more about! So here is what is coming...
1. Koss FitClips & FitBuds: I am reviewing these for FitFluential. I was not happy with my current earbuds so I really wanted to see what they were all about since it was a partnership with Dara Torres - the Olympic medalist swimmer!
2. Sony Walkman Sports MP3 Player - Waterproof: I received a Klout perk of a model down from this. I has some probs with it & contacted a Sony Instagram friend & he hooked me up with this latest version! Very excited! Liking it so far!
3. OHYeah! Victory Protein Bars: These bars are supposed to compete with the Quest bars I reviewed not too long ago. They are new on the market & only have 4 flavors right now. A very different texture than the Quest bars. More when I post the review.
4. NudeFoods Nutrient Dense Food Bars, Ultra-Dense Breakfast Boosts & Licious Organics Cookies. Super excited to try all these goodies. All are gluten free, soy free & raw. Almost all are Dairy free. The cookies are NOT vegan but everything else except 1 boost & 1 bar are vegan! I already tried the Coconut Pecan Probiotic blend in my oatmeal & on a sweet potato - OMG -delish!!! This is the one that is NOT vegan or dairy free - sorry for those out there that can't have this one. I will let you know how the other two taste. I met these people at ExpoWest!!!
I hope I am not forgetting anything but that should keep me busy for a bit!
Happy Friday!
Have you tried the YMX brand yet? Do you love it like me???
Anybody tried any of the other goodies I will be reviewing in the next few weeks?
I AM ENOUGH - What's Beautiful
Together
we're redefining the female athlete by setting epic goals and pushing past
where we've ever been and where we thought we could go. Join us. Set your own
personal goal. Then document your journey by posting videos and photos that
tell your story from start to victory.
We'll continuously post challenges for you. But that's just the beginning. Show us your journey. Show us what makes your story the one that stands out from the rest. If you meet your goal, set a new one. Make it even bigger. Prove to everyone, and yourself, that you have more than what it takes.
THE
COMPETITION.
Every
week we'll give away Under Armour Swag Bags full of gear to women who are
seriously getting it. We'll also feature profiles on our home page and in the
"Top Performers" section of women who are really setting an example
for all of us.
After
8 weeks, we'll announce the 10 finalists who've documented the most impressive,
motivated, monumental stories.
Winners will be announced mid-July.
THE
PRIZE.
Three winners will be flown to Costa Rica to attend a four-day yoga and surf retreat. In addition to the lessons led by world-class instructors, winners will be treated to transformative massages, spa treatments and healthy, locally-sourced meals prepared by personal chefs. All while staying in plush accommodations looking out at the ocean. A retreat worthy of the women who earn it.
SO - a little about my team & my goal: Aging with strength, being proud, being strong, respecting myself! I am enough!!!!! I WILL..
So although you all know I LOVE being healthy & fit, that I LOVE LIFTING WEIGHTS & being strong, that I LOVE BEING FIT AT 55 - I also have struggled with being BEING ENOUGH for my whole life.
At 55, I have challenged myself in many ways thru the years. I am not who I was when I was young. My goals & challenges are different than many of the other teams & individuals out there.
1. I was very insecure as a kid yet I pushed myself to try out for sports & cheerleading & drill team in those very tough years. I did well in them BUT I always felt I was not enough even though I was good - I can look back & say that now.
2. I worked at Corporations when I was younger. I challenged myself to do the best I could in an environment that was not women friendly, especially in my younger years.
3. I lost weight in high school - about 35-40 pounds & never looked back. Yes a had a few stumbles but always learning & always a work in progress. Even with weight loss, I was still not enough
4. I started working out in a gym in my early 20's. I was lifting weights when other women were not doing this or VERY FEW. I did the typical aerobics classes but weights were always part of my program from that point on. I wanted some muscle!
5. I ran 5k's in my late 20's to early 30's. IT WAS A CHALLENGE! I did not love running like many but I wanted to challenge myself. I placed & even won a few in my age category.
6. I started lifting heavier in my mid 30's & then competed in small natural bodybuilding contests for 2 years in my late 30's. I was scared "you know what" but I did it & won both years.
I still was not enough....
At this stage in my life, it is being more about BEING ENOUGH!
I applaud all people challenging themselves right now with this campaign!!! I love anything that shows women that they are strong, independent & AMAZING people!
YES, people my age & older are challenging themselves with running & hiking & marathons & more. I LOVE THAT!!!!
For me, this is a time to challenge myself to JUST BE ENOUGH NO MATTER WHAT I DO ... And my challenge for all those that want to join me is the same - YOU ARE ENOUGH NO MATTER WHAT you CHALLENGE YOURSELF WITH to running to walking to swimming to racing to yoga to just being kind to yourself..
I am just asking my team members to get up each day & do the best in whatever they want to do & no matter how it ends at the end of the day - they can say - I AM ENOUGH.
ALONG WITH THAT - EACH DAY TO SAY SOMETHING NICE ABOUT & TO YOURSELF - THAT IS MY CHALLENGE FOR MY TEAM. I would love to see each of you & EVERYONE try to post on FB or Twitter or anywhere something good about yourself each day.
WHAT WILL I BE DOING?
1. I am going to continue to challenge myself in the gym. At 55, things are always changing so every day is a challenge! I love the weights so I will continue to challenge myself there. I am not a cardio fan but I DO IT so I will continue my challenge there.
2. I am going to try each day to either post on FB, Twitter or here at home something kind about myself to show that I AM ENOUGH! It may be my own words or it may be a quote from elsewhere that I share with you.
3. I teased in a comment to a fellow blogger that I was going to try to take a gym picture without my head cut off to prove to myself that I am enough. My readers know I always cut my face off my gym pics! HONESTLY, I am not sure I will get there by 8 weeks but I will try. For me, at 55, I have many face issues due to hormonal stuff. Not everyone gets this but I did so this is super hard for me.. I will try but no promises on the pic! I think at least trying is a step...
4. Being Enough also means trying to bring awareness to companies & the media & other social outlets like this that let's just not have lip service. It does not always have to be pretty people! Don't say or write one thing & then do another. TOO MANY MIXED MESSAGES!
***I also want to challenge Under Armour to go beyond physical beauty & age too! ***
As much as they are doing a great thing, when I look at the pictures of the winners & their advertisements & promotional pictures, these are fairly if not very attractive women that are younger. In addition, I got an early comment on my FB page about boomers & the fact that they are a good % of the money being spent on active & workout wear. Yet, winners of many of these competitions are younger & more attractive people.
I GET IT! People want to see pretty people & that sells more but I will continue to try to change this attitude which makes people & especially women & young women never feel that they are good enough.
Many women can do a wonderful challenge like this but at the end of the day if the winners still represent younger & more attractive women, well - this still leads other women to never feel as if they are enough.
YES, it has to come from within BUT when we are saturated from an early age, it is hard to get past it especially when you see it day in & day out on TV, in the movies, in the magazines, in the ads.
This is NOT just Under Armour. This is prevalent across 99.9% of the media. Don't get me wrong! I am thankful for being chosen to be part of this campaign but being part of it also entails this avenue for me - this part of the challenge - #4 above.
**PLEASE SEE postscript at the end of the post for something I was watching AFTER this post was ready to go live.
SO - I know - a very long post! I ENCOURAGE YOU TO JOIN ANY TEAM OUT THERE, MY TEAM OR DO THIS ON YOUR OWN (first link)!! PROVE TO YOURSELF THAT YOU ARE ENOUGH & WORTH IT no matter what the outcome.
I also have to say the the technology part of this campaign is making me feel not enough!!! I am not a techy as many of you know so I sure wish this were easier for those of us that are not tech savvy!
OK - let's show them all that YOU ARE ENOUGH!!!!! I know this is a work in progress each day for many out there. I don't expect to get perfect at this BUT I DO HOPE TO BE NICE & KINDER TO MYSELF!!
POSTSCRIPT:
After I had finished this, I was watching a recorded episode of KATIE from yesterday. Mika Brzezinski was on talking about her new book - Obsessed: America's Food Addiction--And My Own! I watched a professional discuss that there is a disease called Disordered Eating - it is not bulimia or anorexia. It is different. You can go to a doctor & answer questions & walk out being told you are fine because you are not one or the other when in fact you have Disordered Eating.
Do you wake up thinking what am I NOT going to eat today OR what food should I stay away from OR how much exercise do I need to do to get rid of what I ate.
WHAT % OF THE DAY ARE FOOD, WEIGHT, BODY IMAGE PART OF YOUR THOUGHTS. Over 50% woke up thinking the above!
I am going now to watch the 2nd half about the dos & dont's of talking to your kids about food & weight. HINT - do not bring physical appearance into it...
You can read more & click on all the links HERE!
SO, WE REALLY NEED TO GET TO A POINT WHERE MEDIA DOES NOT SEND MIXED MESSAGES - AND KATIE MENTIONED THESE MIXED MESSAGES LIKE I WROTE ABOUT ABOVE - saying one thing & doing another, lip service...
***I am going to try my hardest to BE ENOUGH & I hope you join me with this challenge! I think it is way harder than a physical one!
Let's do this together!!!
Gratitude Monday, Mom's Day & Sarah
Here are a couple pics if you missed my Instagram & FB ones:
Cable Work Craziness - Shock the Bod! Happy Anniversary
It is an older pic but why not - keeps us looking young! 
I started with a harder band & did a drop set to the next band. FUN!!!!! 
Lifting weights is NOT boring!
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough QUEST - Quest Bars
I liked them baked & heated over right out of the package but I think that is a no brainer. Some are really great right out of the package!
I may have baked my pieces a bit too long but enjoyed anyway! The recommended bake is 350 degrees for 5 minutes which I did with mine below. Once I saw that, I dropped to 325 degrees after this & 2-3 minutes - WATCH IT! I did mine in my toaster oven. In the microwave, I suggest you test with your own since microwaves are so different.
Again, I know others that did not like the ones I liked & vice versa so.. taste away!
The Strawberry Cheesecake has the lowest sodium of all the bars. I also read some reviews about freezing them & enjoying that way. GREAT TOO!!! I did try doing that & LOVED them. No need to defrost - just pop it out of the package & eat! The saturated fat is a bit high too but once again, up to you to figure out your saturated fats for the day & work in what YOU WANT TO DO for yourself!
Gratitude Monday, The Fan, OC Marathon & More!
The fans also come in handy for hot flashes & sweats! It did go from HOT to the 60's & possible rain per the forecast. I am writing this before the expected possible rain Sunday night into Monday & Tuesday. This is the most amazing macaroon cookie from PDM Bakery where I get the oatmeal raisin cookies I love so much! There may have been an oatmeal cookie as part of the weekend too! 
Banish the Belly Fat!
Don't get me wrong, healthy food, but let's just say what this is all about & not beat around the bush. I like it but it certainly is not going to make me forget my chips or granola crunch!
Why I DON'T Eat Paleo
credit I wanted to get that out up front! I used that title because I knew it would get attention. This is about why I don't eat Paleo or Whole 30 (is that the same?) or gluten free (for those that do it but don't need to do it) or sugar free or low carb or Atkins like or any of the other programs out there. I plan for my treat cookies over the weekend & honestly any other thing I may want to eat - I PLAN FOR IT! On top of that, at 5'1", I would weigh way too much for this body eating only the previous list of foods! Again, not a license to eat anything....
Gratitude Monday & Healthy Bite Me! ;)
Just kidding! Healthy Bites from Lindsay over a Cotter Crunch. I received my Healthy Bites from her!!! If you have not tried them yet, you must contact her & order! She has standard flavors & she will also special order for you too! 
Thx Lindsay! Here is a pic of 3 in my hand so you can see how portable they are for you!
Picture below!
Baked Protein Banana Bread Oatmeal for One: Happy Bday Time
It was my version of a great recipe off the Eat-Clean Diet site. I did not have ripe bananas in the house so I had to modify. 
- 1/3 cup old
fashioned rolled oats
- 1/4 tsp.
ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp.
baking powder
- 1 Tbsp. ground
flax
- 1/2 scoop
Vanilla protein powder
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/3 cup mashed
ripe banana ( about 1 medium)
- 1 egg white
- 1/4 tsp. pure
vanilla extract
- chopped
toasted walnuts for serving (optional)
Instructions
1.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a small oven proof bowl. I used a
dab of coconut butter.
2. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together oats, cinnamon, baking powder, ground
flax and vanilla protein powder.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together water, mashed ripe banana, egg white and
vanilla extract.
4. Pour dry ingredients into wet and stir until combined. Pour mixture into
prepared bowl.
5. Bake for 20 minutes or until oatmeal is puffed and set.
6. Serve warm with chopped walnuts. Or in my case warmed up with a dollop of
almond butter spread on top. Yummm….
7. Enjoy!!!
MY VERSION:
So, I did not have a banana that was ripe & I have really been wanting to make this so I modified - what else is new, right! I was trying to replicate I use when I just make plain ole oatmeal. This is what I did below:
1. Substituted applesauce for the banana. I am guessing you could do pumpkin too!
2. I used a lot more cinnamon - I love cinnamon!
3. I used chia & flax.
4. I use 2 scoops of protein powder in my oatmeal so I did here too! Course I have to plug my affiliate program here for Designer Whey! Using my DISCOUNT code, ZDWHEY4, you get 20% off your total online order and FREE shipping in the continental US for orders of $50+! SHOP HERE!
5. I added more liquid egg whites to make up for the additional protein powder.
6. As you can see, I added in some frozen berries.
7. I added more than the suggested amount of vanilla extract.
8. I did not have a souffle dish so I used a mini loaf pan.
9. I did not use any nuts but feel free to use your fave nut!
10. KEEP IN MIND that all protein powders work differently in terms of how thick or thin a batter they make SO you are going to have to play this by ear in that regard. Use more or less of the moisture ingredients based on your own personal experience with the your protein powder. Baking time may vary too depending on your ingredients & protein powder. I like my stuff well done so... that is how I roll!
I LOVED THIS RECIPE & SO FILLING!!! I really am excited to try it with banana though cause I think that would be delish - and maybe blueberries too! I also like how easy it is to change it up!!!!
I like baked oatmeal so much that I may eat it this way from now on unless I am short on time!!!
My cooks out there - how would you change this up - PLS SHARE!!!!
Preacher Hammer Curls; Glute Work w/Smith Machine Step-Ups/Reverse Lunges/Hip Thrusts
Don't forget to use PROPER form & CONTROL the move!!!!
My Smith machine is different than the video link so it stops too high up at the bottom (where you see those orange posts in my step-up pic below) for it to work for short me! 
I have no one to video me or take pics of me in the gym - sorry! I also use no step to do static lunges, reverse lunges & more!
Gratitude Monday Pics
She has such fun posts & vlogs AND GREAT GIVEAWAYS! Visit her!
Good karma to wear it! The necklace came from this site: http://meganbeisel.origamiowl.com/index.cfm. I think I may order the ENOUGH empowerment & add it to my I AM. Carla - sound familiar. 
My bunions are already pushing thru the material but that is why I buy shoes with cloth where they are so I don't have the pain of hard material pushing against them.
Do What You Love & Love What You Do! Tin Foil as Fabric Softener Update!
Instagram & Facebook Help
I did not take the time I needed to write more & think more.. bad me!!! I love reading you all & commenting & tweeting BUT I then run out of time for me.. DOH! I also need more CLARITY!!!!! Maybe you answered on her FB page & I did not see it cause I was on Instagram!
Gratitude Monday & My Sabbatical
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I record every day & watch when I can. In college - no go - but other than that... My Mom hooked me on it as a kid along with Dark Shadows which is long gone. 
Tin Foil as Fabric Softener
credit I am thinking I may have to extend the partial into next week too since it felt so good! I will have some pics on my Gratitude Monday post!
Fit at 55 On Repetition Counting When Weight Training
Gratitude Monday, Cookies, Bday & Sabbatical
A very happy one to her! So wish all the kids & grandkids were close to us so we could celebrate together! Happy bday & enjoy!!!! Of course I had one this weekend! Yes, that is a dozen MINUS 1 below!!! The box of them before I wrapped up 11 to go in the freezer!
I am Taking a Short Sabbatical
I have been taking a lot of time to read other blogs & comment & just try to keep up with all of you & my FitFluential peeps. This led to me getting further & further behind with my own work & personal stuff.
Chest Work from Different Angles
Here is a closer look! SPF 30 in that amazing MadKool fabric!!!
MAINTAIN proper form to protect back. You will use lighter weights to help you maintain that form. I wish I had a side view BUT it is proper form although it does not look like it from this angle.
Handles will be at the bottom of the machine to execute the chest flyes & presses.
Gratitude Monday & Skinfinity Spa
Happy Easter & Sharing a Couple Recipes!
Hopefully you will too!!!
Combine all ingredients in a tall dish and microwave 3 minutes. (Or cook on the stovetop until it’s firm enough to scoop out in ball shapes.) Scoop into balls on a cookie tray (I used a melon baller, but a spoon or ice-cream scoop will work.) Cook at 360 F for 14-16 minutes. (Or maybe even cook the balls in the microwave?? But I haven’t tried this.) Let cool before removing from tray. Makes around 12-14 cookies.
Protein Peanut Butter Truffles
These amazing treats are from Sarah at Ingredients of a Fit Chick. SO SO SO easy to make. I did not have all the ingredients in the house otherwise I would have made them already!! Click on the link to get her recipe OR I pinned it HERE. Sarah has a lot of fun & easy recipes so check her out!
These dyed eggs come from We begin to Feed. Elle dyed the INSIDE of the eggs, NOT the shell. You have to check out HER POST & her creative ideas for this!!! Click on over there!!!! She has some great food posts too!
That is it for today. I am sure many of you are headed out for a long weekend OR may be getting ready for the holiday so..... ENJOY!!!!!
PS: Thank you for all the amazing comments to my Wednesday post! I have not had time to respond to them all but will be working on that in the next couple days.
Have a great weekend!
Thigh Gap Obsession - Not Again!
Feel free to write as much or as little as you want in the comments. I know many hate the captcha on my blog that I can't get rid of due to GoDaddy.
Feel free to make comments on my Facebook page.
THX!
Running Shoe Love & Saving My Exercise Life!
She had a giveaway post for a Zensah jacket yesterday!!! Thx Carla!
Gratitude Monday & What's in My FitnessCloset!
I have lots of pics with my head cut off so will share those along with a couple others. Not gonna show the closet like some will - mine is a bit too messy! I hide things in there. Very grateful for PavementRunner for coming up with this fun idea! If any of you non Fitfluential folks want to share, go for it in one of your upcoming posts! 
This is another company I love - Nayad Aqua Sportswear. These suits & other items can be used for way more than swimming! They also custom make your items to fit your size & shape! Read my post HERE.
Men, feel free to share if you want to!
