Archive for November, 2011

November 30, 2011

Halfway Point!

Me at the halfway point of the American River 50 Mile race, cheering on my fiance and cousin.

Today, you are exactly halfway through the Attitude of Gratitude FIT session! You are all doing great work! Staying committed, driven and motivated through the holiday season can be tough- but you’re doing it! Every day that you walk through those doors, give the workout 100% and come back again the next day, you are making this more than a routine; you are making this a lifestyle.

We all need motivation to stay healthy and fit. We all need goals, friends and accountability to keep going. But, after some time, it turns into a HABIT. A healthy habit, of course. We become used to the routine of working out and eating right. And, frankly, we couldn’t imagine life without it.

If you are new to Kaia or working out in general, STICK WITH IT. The beginning is the hardest part. Staying committed day after day and coming to class so sore from yesterday’s workout you can barely move, are the choices that form your new habit. The conviction it takes to tell yourself you are making this a part of your life (not just for 5 weeks, but forever) is what makes you a strong and healthy woman.

You are all doing an amazing job this session and I am impressed everyday that I get to coach or workout with you. Thank you for your commitment!

-Megan
 Check out this week’s new recipe!

November 28, 2011

I’ve never been this happy it’s MONDAY…

Okay. I will admit it. I ate too much sugar. I drank too much liquid that wasn’t water. I stayed up too late. I didn’t make it to Yoga Mala on Saturday. And I’m paying for it today!!

I will also admit, I didn’t go back for seconds. I didn’t make a mashed potato pile big enough to create a gravy volcano with. I did play football out on the grass with my family. I did soak in my wonderful life and felt truly grateful for all of it.

So I guess, in some ways, I took Thanksgiving in with some moderation. However, I woke up yesterday (Sunday) and thought, “I wish it was Monday so I could go to Kaia.” Can you believe it? Wishing Monday to come faster… I must be crazy!

Nonetheless, this morning’s workout was exactly what I needed. Fun, fast, sweaty and with my Kaia family. I am ready to kick some serious booty through December - who’s with me??

HAPPY MONDAY! Get after it ladies.

-Megan
“Change happens one choice at a time.” -Kaiser Permanente 

November 23, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING KAIA GIRLS!! I hope to see a lot of you tomorrow morning before the Run to Feed the Hungry! We are meeting at 7:30 a.m. at the Starbucks on 56th and H Street in East Sac.

Please feel free to come out even if you did not register for the run. It’s a great way to start your Thanksgiving! Come cheer on your Kaia family and the thousands of other runners/walkers.

Tomorrow tends to be a day centered around FOOD and DRINK, but let’s remember what it’s really about! Gratitude and spending time with loved ones. Take it in. Take the time to look around at the best parts of your life… and celebrate by eating and drinking moderately. (I know you are all rolling your eyes at me right now, but it’s my job to at least try!)

Have a great day. Hope to see you all on Saturday for our Yoga Mala- an hour of gratitude in the tunnel on K St. between Downtown Plaza mall and Old Sac.

-Megan 

November 22, 2011

New Kaia Girl- Penelope Neitling!

IT’S A GIRL!!! Abe & Casie welcomed their new baby girl to the world yesterday morning. The stats I currently have are that Penelope was born at 19.5 inches, 7.7 lbs on Monday, November 21, 2011 around 11 a.m.

We are so excited to have a new member of our Kaia family. Wishing Casie lots of rest after her long labor. Casie & Abe are going to be great parents and I know we all can’t wait to meet Miss Penny.

Lots of love to the Neitling family today and another item to add to your “I’m grateful for…” list this Thanksgiving!

November 21, 2011

It’s a… BABY!!

As I write this post, baby is still hanging out in Casie’s belly… but should be coming into the world ANY MINUTE. (I will update this post as soon as I know more!)

Casie went into labor yesterday (Sunday) morning around 3 a.m. So, yes, she has been in labor for over 28 hours!! Good thing she’s a Kaia girl with incredible strength and endurance!

Think positive thoughts for Casie, Abe and little baby (we still don’t know if it’s a boy or girl!). Continue checking updates on Facebook from April. She is giving us the details as it progresses.

Happy Monday, we certainly have a lot to be grateful for today!!

-Megan
 ”Aside from new babies, new mothers must be the most beautiful creatures on earth.”  ~Terri Guillemets

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November 18, 2011

Admitting OBSESSION… and sticking with it!

Are you Kaia obsessed? Do you dread “rest” days? Do you wish it was BRIK all the time? If so, you’re not alone. Kaia becomes an infectious way of life and there’s nothing wrong with that! I know many of us have joked around about how much our husbands, boyfriends, friends, and mothers have to hear about Kaia, our workouts, how we’re eating and our amazing progress… As if that’s a bad thing! With these many conversations in mind and my ongoing thought of “I wish today were a Kaia day” every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday, I found the following passage and couldn’t help but want to share it with you!

I AM UNBREAKABLE
By: Lucas G. Irwin

“Most people don’t understand, but you’re ok with that. For you, training is not a hobby or a social activity; it is a way of life. Those around you say that you are obsessed, taking it too far and possibly insane. They can’t understand why you won’t eat birthday cake, why you bring Tupperware full of chicken to a party or why you go to sleep early on a Friday to rest up for a Saturday training session. But you don’t care. Their accusatory tones, sarcastic remarks and insults are merely cotton bullets firing at a titanium wall of perseverance known as YOU.

You know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that any negativity that surrounds you is fueled purely by jealousy. Jealous that you are capable of unconditionally committing to something that most cannot stick to for more than a few weeks as part of their yearly resolution. Jealous that you gladly embrace a level of pain, discomfort and fatigue that others cringe at the idea of suffering a fraction of. Jealous that you take time to count carbs, protein, fats and calories while they count their chicken nuggets to make damn sure their 10 piece isn’t a 9 piece. In short, they’re Jealous of YOU.

Ironically, all the comments, nagging and questioning that is meant to break you down a little, does just the opposite. Every negative word reminds you of how special and uncommon your mechanical allegiance to training really is, in turn, pushing you harder. So bring it on! Let them call you obsessed, crazy or insane and watch you get stronger with every word. The only one who can slow you down is yourself. As far as the rest of the world is concerned, you are both an immovable object and an unstoppable force……

YOU ARE UNBREAKABLE.”

So ladies, I’m here to tell you that you are unbreakable. You might be a full-on Kaia addict and that’s AWESOME! Stick with that feeling, especially over the next couple months of holiday temptations… Here are some awesome tips about staying healthy through the holidays from Kaia FIT Corporate:

Six Top Kaia Tips to Keep Off the Holiday Weight Gain.
The average weight gain during Thanksgiving and Christmas is 7 to 12 lbs. NO THANKS! 
The average Kaia Girl doesn’t lose weight but maintains her healthy weight while anticipating the next Winter Brik (Boot Camp). Here are a few tricks we use to ward off those unwanted extra calories.
1. Exercise Kaia Style!
2. Drink Lots of water! 
3. Cut back where you can on other meals.
4. Eat what you like but only a few bites. 
5. Drink lots of herbal tea.
6. Don’t eat after 7:00!
Go to www.kaiafit.com to read more!

Hope you’ve had a great Week 1 of Attitude For Gratitude, see you at Power Hour tomorrow at 7 a.m.

-Megan


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November 16, 2011

Get to know the L-I-N-G-O

So sad... So true!

Today, I bring you the KAIA DICTIONARY!
You hear a lot of exercise terms at the gym and I know it can be hard to keep it all straight. I’ve compiled some of the most frequently used terms at Kaia and have written or found definitions for each…
(if you think of any others, please comment below and I’ll add them to this post!)

Body Weight Exercises
Exercises using the weight of your body only; for example, push-ups, sit-ups, box jumps. Any body weight exercise can be made harder by adding additional weight (like a handbag or kettlebell!).

Circuit Training
Circuit Training is a form of conditioning combining resistance training and high-intensity aerobics. Circuits usually consist of several stations and rotation is quick, often without rest.

Hollow-body Position
A term associated with gymnastics, the hollow-body forms when the arch is taken out of the back, ribs tuck under, chest still staying high. This requires great core strength and helps with stability in almost any exercise.

Interval Training
Interval Training alternates high intensity exercise with recovery periods. For example, “Sprint to the street, jog back. Repeat 4 times.”

Metabolic Training
Metabolic training is high intensity anaerobic exercise that makes you breathless, often using large muscle groups. An example of this is Circuit Training.

Plyometrics
Plyometric exercises involve repeated rapid stretching and contracting of muscles (as by jumping and rebounding) to increase muscle power. Think box jumps, squat hops, and otherexplosive movements.

Tabata
A Tabata is 4 minutes of hard work, 20 seconds ON, 10 seconds REST, repeated 8 times. You can use the Tabata for almost anything- sprints, squats, weight lifting, push-ups, etc.

I hope this was informative and helpful! Also, be sure to check out this week’s recipe!

-Megan
“YESTERDAY YOU SAID TOMORROW.” – Nike

November 14, 2011

Thank YOU!

Before I get started about how very grateful I am for Kaia, I’d like to take a moment to announce our top 3 PLANKS of last week!

1st place – Tiffany F. 8:00
2nd place –  Feli O. 7:05
3rd place – Kim B. 5:38

Great work ladies! And to everyone who made amazing progress on their plank holds!

Well… Happy new session Kaia girls! I am SO excited to begin another 5 week journey with you- Attitude for Gratitude. As I filled out my Goal Sheet this morning, I found that it was hard to pick only five things I’m grateful for… because I’m grateful for so much when it comes to health & fitness. Here’s what I came up with:

  1. I am grateful for my mobility.
  2. I am grateful for my health and current lack of injury (knock on wood!).
  3. I am grateful for my ability to run and find joy in it.
  4. I am grateful for my ambition and determination to always do better.
  5. I AM GRATEFUL FOR KAIA WOMEN.

The best thing about Kaia FIT are the people. The gym may be made up of four walls, hot pink doors, pull up bars, yoga mats, and planned workouts… but what makes the gym are the women who fill it each day. YOU are what makes Kaia, Kaia. And I thank each one of you for sharing yourself with us and empowering every woman beside you to push a little harder, breath a little deeper and LIVE life!

I look forward to staying healthy, fit and grateful over the next few weeks with you and can’t wait to read your goals!

-Megan
“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” -William Arthur Ward

November 9, 2011

All About Kettlebells!

You have probably noticed a fun addition to our gym this week- 10 Kettlebells, all weighing 20 lbs. I know they can be scary at first, especially if you’ve never used one. So here’s some basic information and, hopefully, motivation for you to pick one up next time you’re in the gym!

Kettlebells require an athlete to focus on whole-body conditioning because lifting and controlling a kettlebell forces the entire body, and specifically the core, to contract as a group, building both strength and stability at the same time. Kettlebell workouts engage multiple muscle groups at once. In this way, they are a great option for getting a whole body workout in a short time.” (For the rest of this article, go here.)

Kettlebells are Russian in origin but have gained a lot of American popularity in the past decade thanks to Crossfit style workouts. They vary in size and can be used in countless ways.
The 20 lb. KBs now available at our gym are a great weight for women and are a nice step-up from the usual weight of our handbags. Get creative! Grab a kettlebell to enhance any workout!

Below are a few basic exercises; I highly recommend trying some for your 3 sets of 12 the next time you’re in the gym!

Snatch Pull & Push-Press SNATCH PULL & PRESS
SwingSWING
DeadliftDEADLIFT
WindmillWINDMILL

For the rest of this workout and article from Women’s Health, go here.

If you have any questions about Kettlebells or simply just want a ‘spotter’ for your first try, please ask any of us for help! They are a great addition to our gym and can take your workout to the next level!

-Megan
“Progress always involves risks. You can’t steal second base and keep your foot on first.” -unknown

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November 8, 2011

Kaia Girl Profile: Lisa Ferrante

Today’s post is a special one… A personal story from one of our very own.

Lisa has been a Kaia girl since Kaia FIT Sacramento opened in January and her story is phenomenal. I thought it better to hear it in her own words, so please enjoy reading about her journey below.

“On December 29th last year I turned 50. Recently divorced, weighing 187 pounds and my daughter leaving for college, I was feeling a little down. While on Facebook I saw an ad for KAIA Fit Sacramento. What grabbed my attention was it was program for women only. The promotional video was informative and not full of Barbie Dolls. 

On January 3, 2011, I walked into KAIA Fit Sacramento. There I was greeted by Casie Neitling, the owner of KAIA! Instantly I felt a sincere connection with Casie. Casie explained her passion for fitness and her desire to help woman of all ages reach their fitness goals. We were given an overview of the different levels of exercise; KAIA, strength and balance. This overview put me at ease as I could be old and slow and still benefit from the workouts. From day one I was hooked. After the first 6 weeks known as a “BRIK” I had lost 18 pounds and my energy level had increased.

Every workout is different! I never know what I’m walking into. We could be running, doing yoga, squat thrusts or the infamous plank hold. Because of this, our workouts never get old. I look forward to seeing what they come up with next. I’ve pulled fire hoses, pushed trucks and flipped tractor tires! Never in my life would I have imagined doing any of this.

In January, I was not a runner! I actually hated running and as a result walked a 17 minute mile. Now I can run a mile in under 12 minutes. This past September I participated in the Iron Girl Triathlon in South Lake Tahoe. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined doing triathlon. I owe these successes to KAIA Fit and the positive encouragement I receive from the coaches and beautiful ladies in my workout; Karla, Carol & Diane to name a few!!

As mentioned, in January I weighed 187 pounds and wore a size 14. Now I weigh 139 pounds and wear a size 6. I’ve gone through my closet and gotten rid of my big clothes. Most of these were black in color and long sleeved as I didn’t like to show my arms. Now I wear color and don’t mind showing my arms. I actually feel feminine for the first time in my life!

KAIA Fit has made such an impact in my life! I can’t believe where I’m at today! Now being 50 is awesome! I’m KAIA Fit & 50! A great combination!

THANK YOU KAIA FIT SACRAMENTO!!!
THANK YOU CASIE & COACHES!
THANK YOU TO MY BEAUTIFUL-WORKOUT BUDDIES!”

Lisa Before & After:

I hope you enjoyed hearing Lisa’s story as much as I did. If any of you have something you’d like to share about Kaia, please feel free to e-mail me.

Here’s to being FIT & 50! Thanks Lisa!

-Megan
“Dare to soar – how successful you are is determined by your attitude.” – unknown  

November 4, 2011

TO-DO List!


Happy November beautiful Kaia women!!

We have a lot going on in the next few weeks, so I thought I’d put together a list for you to print or save so you don’t forget anything!

Kaia TO-DO List:

1. Power Hour, Saturday 11/5, 7 a.m.
>Hosted by yours truly this weekend, I promise I have something fun planned to start your weekend right!

2. Daylight Savings
>This Saturday, 11/5 at 2 a.m. roll those clocks back! Good news for our early morning gals- you might actually see the sun during your workout!

3. Sign up for next FIT session- Attitude of Gratitude
>Sign up soon because classes are filling up QUICK! This is a perfect theme for our FIT session through the holidays. Stay grateful and in shape over the upcoming weeks of food and fun! Session starts 11/14. Aaaaand, you get $50 for referring a friend this session! Also, sign up for auto-pay and get a free Kaia shirt (and save lots of money!). Go here for more info.

4. Run to Feed the Hungry
>Think about joining your fellow Kaia girls on Thanksgiving morning at the Run to Feed the Hungry (5k or 10k). Read my blog post here for more details. And be sure to sign the sheet at the gym if you’re running it to get a Kaia shirt!

5. FREE Saturday Kaia FLOW, 11/26
>On the Saturday after Thanksgiving, we will show our gratitude with an outdoor, free Kaia Flow class under the K street bridge (walking tunnel) that connects Old Sac to the Downtown Plaza. More details to come.

6. OFF Weeks
>After Attitude of Gratitude FIT Session (11/14 – 12/17), we will have two off weeks in December. However, Casie is offering some fun, FREE stuff!

  • TWO free Flow classes on Monday, December 19th and Wednesday, December 21st, both at 6 p.m.
  • TWO free Power Hour/Running classes on Saturday, December 17th and Saturday, December 24th.

7. KAIA 5k
>Join tons of other Kaia girls (from various locations) for our very own 5k. Invite family and friends to come watch and cheer you on. The run will be on Saturday, December 31st. More details to come (look for a sign-up e-mail soon!).

8. BRIK, January 2012!
>That’s right, I’m already getting excited about our next BRIK. It will start January 2, 2012. A perfect way to kick off the new year – start telling friends and family now!

-
Ok… I think that’s it. I told you there was a lot! Stay positive, grateful and determined over the next couple of months! Can’t wait to see you at all of the upcoming Kaia events. Have a great weekend!

-Megan
“When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.” - Willie Nelson

November 2, 2011

Season For… Vegetarianism?

This week’s Nutrition Tip is about giving vegetarianism a try. Whether it’s for a day, a week, a year or a lifetime, knowing about your options is important.

We are privileged to have a ton of resources at Kaia on this subject- they are named Casie, Becca, Jen and April! They are all incredibly knowledgeable about being a vegetarian or vegan and know how to do it the healthy way.

As many of you know, I am personally not a vegetarian. However, I am very conscious of where my meat comes from, how it was raised and what it was fed. I make choices I’m comfortable with when I buy meat, eggs, milk, etc. Find your comfort zone with your food choices. Maybe it doesn’t involve any dairy. Or maybe you go meatless 5 days a week. Or maybe you decide to give up all animal products from here on out. Whatever it is, make it right for YOU. Awareness is the first step!!

Kaia promotes vegetarian and vegan lifestyles and wants everyone to know the options available to them. If you’ve been thinking about giving it a try, do some research, talk to one of your Kaia coaches and go for it! The time is NOW!

Casie gave me some great websites to check out if you’re interested in giving the vegetarian life a try!

  • For some great basic info, go here.
  • For health benefits of being a vegetarian, go here.
  • For 49 reasons to be a vegetarian, go here.
  • Also, check out the new Butternut Frittata recipe on our Nutrition page!
Happy Wednesday!
-Megan
“Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.” - Michael Pollan (American author and activist)
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