Form Form

During the past couple of weeks at the gym I have noticed flaws in form more and more frequently. This is going to be a short post and I am simply going to say that lifting heavy is not worth sacrificing proper form.

Why? More weight makes you stronger, right?

Yes, but if you are sacrificing your form, you are compensating and are no longer actually targeting the muscle that you are trying to exercise. This is BAD. This is how you get hurt. Rather than contorting your body to lift a heavier weight, focus on keeping your form. You may have to lift lighter to begin with, but as you get stronger (you will), you can add more weight and eventually lift an impressive amount of weight.

If anyone has questions about what 'keeping your form' means, feel free to find me on Facebook:) Cecily Zimbelman.

Five Minute Apple Pie Oatmeal

So this isn't much of a recipe, because it is so easy, and really one of the most basic breakfasts that is eaten by some of the healthiest people I know. It is filling, delicious, and has everything you need to start off your day:)

Apple Pie Oatmeal

1/2 cup Old Fashioned Oats

3/4 cup water

1 medium apple, sliced or cubed

1 tsp honey

2 tsp cinnamon

1 Tbsp golden flax seed

Microwave water for two minutes. Add oats, apple, honey, and cinnamon. Microwave for one minute (this will soften the apple and let some of the apple juice seep into your oatmeal). Sprinkle the flax seed over the top and enjoy!

Oh....and seeing as there isn't a major source of protein in my oatmeal, I like to pair it with a few egg whites. I had four boiled egg whites, which I had refrigerated, while I was waiting for the microwave (and while my oatmeal cooled for a minute afterward). Boiled eggs are great to prepare in bulk and save for a healthy, high-protein snack during the day!

Breaking in the Blog

Starting this blog has been something that I have wanted to do all summer. Even though it is nearly over, I feel like I at least got my foot in the door, and I consider that a success. Because I don't know what kind of traffic this blog might get, I feel like I should maybe include a short introduction...

My name is Cecily and I am a fitness junkie. I am certified through ACSM as a Certified Health and Fitness Specialist. I have a degree in Exercise Science. Beside the paper credentials that I have earned, I am a firm believer in practicing what I preach. I'm not perfect by any means, but I try my best to treat my body well. 

The plan is to include workouts (hopefully videos), recipes, and probably a plethora of fitness/health related posts; however, if anyone feels inclined to ask specific questions, I will be happy to make my best effort to answer them...so that is a start.