In her first contribution to MuscleDog.com, mom, weightlifter and personal trainer Rachel Crass begins a three-part series on how you can get and keep the body you want while still having time to tackle that to-do list.
As this is my first article for MuscleDog, I would like to start by giving you some idea of what to expect from me and a few reasons to believe a word that rolls off fingertips. In each of my articles, I’ll either give you examples of what has worked for me personally or for my clients, or if an idea or exercise is new to me, I’ll let you know where I found the information. And I will always welcome questions, comments, critique and even dissent, if such is warranted.
I grew up in a weightlifting family and, not surprisingly, fell in love with the sport myself when most girls are falling in love with horses. Fast forward 20 years, and I still love weightlifting and all things fitness, but I now understand that life doesn’t always care about my interests and desires. With my better half living 1,200 miles away, I struggle with many issues of single parenthood and for years, going to the gym, eating right, getting enough sleep, etc. often fell by the wayside. As a mom, a large part of me wouldn’t have had it any other way. As a fitness enthusiast though, I cringed every time I caught a glimpse of my backside. I had to do something.
A couple years into my re-dedication to sport, I still don’t have it all figured out, but I can proudly pat myself on the back for getting this far. Even if you don’t have children, you’re a woman, so I’m pretty darn sure you’re often torn between going to the gym and getting to that next monster on your to-do list. Over the next couple of weeks, I’ll be sharing my favorite exercises and diet tips, so you can get that rockin’ bikini body and still have time to take Johnnie to football practice or get that report done for your overbearing and not-too-understanding boss.
The biggest key to remember while trying to be everything to everyone and still look great doing it: It’s okay to think about yourself. You are your children’s mother, your parents’ daughter, the object of your significant other’s affection. They want you to be happy, and if you’re happy in the gym, go there, and don’t feel guilty about it. After all, if the woman ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy! You’ll get those endorphins flowing and will come home re-energized and ready to take on the rest of your responsibilities with gusto. So, here’s to you, ladies. Lift on.
Rachel Crass – Born into a weightlifting family, Rachel learned the value of fitness and nutrition early on. She has a B.S. in Biology from the University of Colorado and is a 4-time member of USA’s Jr. World Weightlifting Team. She continues to balance motherhood, work and weightlifting in her drive to make the 2012 US Olympic Weightlifting Team. Rachel can be reached at r_crass@yahoo.com.