Welcome to the Slay The Day Blog!
Think of this space as your go-to for all things fitness, nutrition and lifestyle, with a dash of fun and exploration! Everything I share here has been researched, tested or pulled from my own studies (10 years in healthcare and fitness, if you’re counting! pssst… I am.). I’m all about spreading the love for knowledge so you can explore, question and dive deeper into these topics yourself. Let’s make living well exciting and approachable. Whether you are here to pick up tips, learn something new or just to see what’s possible, I am here to bring you tools, ideas and motivation to help boost every aspect of life.
Lift Heavy, Live Happy: Why Weightlifting is the Real Game Changer 🏋🏻
Cardio and light weights has been the darling of the fitness world—endless miles on the treadmill, spin classes and 3 lb weights with the lights off and the music up. But let’s have a real talk: If you’re not lifting weights, you’re leaving gains—in all dimensions of wellness—on the table. Here’s why weightlifting is the ultimate game changer:
1. It Builds More Than Muscle
Yes, you’ll get stronger and look toned, but weightlifting does so much more. Your bones? They love the challenge. Resistance training increases bone density, helping to fend off conditions like osteoporosis. By the ripe young age of 50 is when we start to see the process of resorption (bone breakdown) happen and I am sure you could see this one coming…it is roughly 80% (holy smokes) more common among women. Hmmmm….I wonder why? Hint: using 3 pound weights or less. Plus, your joints get some extra love by building the muscles around them to keep them stable and pain-free. Who doesn’t want a body built to last?
2. Burn Calories During Your TV Binge
Weightlifting is like the gift that keeps on giving. After an intense session, your body keeps burning calories long after you’ve left the gym—a phenomenon called EPOC (excess post-exercise oxygen consumption). Translation: You can torch calories while watching Love Island. Leah and Miguel 4 Life!
3. Confidence in Every Rep
Something magical happens when you deadlift more than you thought you could or crush a set of squats. Weightlifting gives you measurable wins, rep by rep. That confidence doesn’t stay in the gym—it spills into your work, relationships, and everything else. It’s not just about lifting heavy weights; it’s about lifting your entire mindset.
4. Stress? Meet Your Match
A rough day at work? Hit the weights. The combination of focused breathing, repetitive movement, and the empowering act of smashing a set does wonders for your mental health. Science agrees: weightlifting can lower anxiety and improve mood in less than 10 minutes. It’s therapy—but cheaper. P.S.- don’t skip the therapy.
5. The Secret to Longevity
We all want to age gracefully, right? Strength training is one of the most effective ways to maintain your independence as you age. From keeping your posture upright to ensuring you can carry your own groceries at 70, weightlifting is the ultimate life insurance.
6. A Community That Cheers for You
Walk into any gym, and you’ll find a culture of support and camaraderie. Whether it’s someone spotting your bench press or the collective energy of a powerlifting crew, lifting weights builds relationships as much as it does biceps.
How to Start
If this all sounds great, but you’re intimidated by the barbell, don’t worry. Start simple: bodyweight exercises, dumbbells, or even resistance bands are excellent entry points. And if you’re unsure about technique, invest in a coach or trainer. The only wrong move is not starting at all. Lifting heavier = new heights in your life. Let’s lift!
Free consultation to help get you moving in the right direction!
Link to my favorite fruity protein supplement when you are just not in the mood for vanilla or chocolate.
Isopure Protein is only 90 calories and 20 grams of protein! Perfect refresher post workout.
Rediscovering Your Spark: How One Tiny Thing Can Bring Back Your Twinkle ✨
We all have that one little thing we used to love. You know, that hobby that made time fly, that passion that made you feel alive. Maybe it was painting, playing guitar, baking elaborate desserts, or building models – the stuff you did just for fun before adulting became your full-time gig. But somewhere along the way, life got busier, schedules got tighter, and that “one thing” got set aside.
But here’s the thing: finding that tiny spark a can be a total game-changer. It’s not just about nostalgia; it’s about reconnecting with a piece of yourself that makes you feel lighter, happier and well… like you again. For parents, that often means remembering who you were before becoming a supermom or superdad. It’s easy to pour everything into family, work and responsibilities, but in doing so, sometimes we forget what makes us feel a little sparkly inside.
So, what was it for you? Maybe it was playing basketball, crafting, diving into a good mystery novel. Whatever it is, try making a little room in your week to welcome it back. Dust off the old guitar, buy that paint set, or sign up for a cooking class just for fun. It doesn’t have to be perfect or even productive; it just has to be something that feels like you.
It might seem small, but that tiny thing has the power to make everything else feel a little brighter. It’s amazing what can happen when you give yourself permission to play again. So go ahead – give it a try, and let that twinkle come back. After all, you’ve earned it.
Treat yourself for once (yes, this is to all the moms out there that sacrifice and put everyone before one’s self) this holiday season to just a little something that will go much further than that shopping spree to Target.
Link to my intentional living course for a fun, dynamic journey where each week brings new activities, fresh perspectives, and simple ways to reconnect with yourself!
Magnesium: The Mighty Mineral Your Body Craves 🍫
Move over, kale—there’s a new MVP in town. Magnesium may not have the Instagram clout of avocado toast, but this essential mineral is quietly running the show when it comes to your health. It’s like the backstage crew of a Broadway production: you don’t always notice it, but without it, the whole performance falls apart.
Why Should You Care About Magnesium?
Magnesium is involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body. Translation: it’s kind of a big deal. Here’s what it can do for you:
• Boosts Energy: Magnesium helps convert food into energy. (Goodbye, afternoon slump!)
• Supports Muscle Function: Whether you’re hitting the gym or simply lifting your coffee cup, magnesium ensures your muscles work smoothly.
• Improves Sleep: Struggling to snooze? Magnesium helps regulate melatonin, your body’s natural sleep hormone.
• Heart Health: This mineral keeps your heart rhythm steady and your blood pressure in check.
• Stress Relief: Magnesium may help tame anxiety by regulating the nervous system.
Special Perks for Women
Ladies, magnesium deserves a permanent spot on your shelf. Here’s why:
1. PMS Relief: Magnesium can ease bloating, mood swings, and cramps by relaxing muscles and calming the nervous system.
2. Bone Health: Pair it with calcium for a dynamic duo that keeps your bones strong, especially as you age.
3. Hormonal Balance: Magnesium supports the adrenal glands, which play a key role in managing stress hormones.
4. Menstrual Migraines: Studies suggest magnesium may help reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines linked to your cycle.
How to Get Your Magnesium Fix
Luckily, magnesium is easy to find if you know where to look:
• Foods: Spinach, almonds, avocados, bananas, and dark chocolate (make sure it’s not loaded with sugar) are packed with magnesium.
• Supplements: If your diet falls short, magnesium supplements can fill the gap. Magnesium glycinate would be the best choice for that calming and relaxing sensation we all crave.
• Topicals: Magnesium oils and lotions can be applied directly to the skin to ease sore muscles.
Pro Tip: Timing Is Everything
Take magnesium in the evening to maximize its calming effects on your body and mind. It’s like a little bedtime gift to yourself.
So, whether you’re crushing your fitness goals, balancing work and life, or just trying to catch some zzz’s, magnesium has your back. Think of it as your wellness wingman—a simple yet powerful way to level up your health.
Linked below are the two different types of magnesium that I interchangeably use!