Before & After - Training, lifestyle & mindset from a masters athlete POV

WHAT IS BODY IMAGE?

Ever heard of body preoccupation, body checking or even muscle dysmorphia?  In this episode we consider an alarmingly long list of body image issues and discover that we relate to almost all of them.  We try to bring a rational approach to how to deal with the feelings we have towards these issues and highlight the difference between a "normal" response and when it is time to seek a qualified therapist.  Side note - Barbie has a lot to answer for!!
Happy listening!

DOES TRAINING FOR HOURS EACH DAY ACTUALLY MAKE YOU BETTER?

Oh how we love to train but when is it too much?  In this episode we challenge you to consider if your training is actually moving you towards your goals or unintentionally breaking your body down.  We identify the difference between exercising and training and the importance of being fueled correctly to support your energy output while maintaining optimal health.  If you are a frequent gym goer, ask yourself how it would make you feel if you arrived at the gym one day and it was closed?
Happy listening!

HOW TO BEAT FEELING DISGUSTING!

After thinking long and hard about our last episode we felt it was important to follow up with some ideas about how to break through those times when you don't feel great about being you.  We also discuss the injuries we are currently dealing with and how that feeds into our feelings surrounding body image and self worth.
Happy listening!

WHY DO I FEEL DISGUSTING?

Oh hey!  It's been a minute. Travel and adventures got in the way of recording but we feel like that's a pretty good excuse to take a break.  In this episode we catch up on what we have been up to.  Rachel admits to falling in a crevasse and liking her Llamas on the chonky side and Hannah confesses to experiencing a phase of feeling a little insecure around body image.  But did she wear the damn shorts anyway?
Happy listening.

CAN YOU TAKE A COMPLIMENT?

How does it makes you feel when someone pays you a compliment?  How do you feel about complimenting others?  Is there a right way or a wrong way to do it?  Should we even compliment others on their body at all?  So many questions to unpack.  In this episode we talk about how to receive a compliment even when you feel awkward about it, how to tackle comments about your body that are unsolicited and what is and is not appropriate when it comes to paying a compliment. 
Happy listening!

APPEARANCE IS EVERYTHING...OR IS IT??

How much pride do you take in your appearance?  How do you want others to see you?  How much do you care about what others think about your look?  What factors determine how you present yourself to the world?  Is there a certain outfit that makes you feel powerful?
So many questions (and not quite enough time to answer them all).  In this episode we contemplate our image and personal styles and how certain looks make us feel powerful or vulnerable, strong or silly.  It turns out that personal style is a complex and intricate topic one which we only just scratch the surface of so there may be another episode on this topic in the future!
Happy listening!

YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT!

Are your expectations of what your body can do and what you want it to look like in line with what you are putting into it?  Are you expecting your body to perform like a Ferrari while fueling it like a moped?
In this episode we talk about management of expectations when in a caloric deficit, the importance and significance of putting quality foods into your system and we attempt to pronounce some of the outrageous chemicals that are legal additives to foods in the USA that are banned elsewhere in the world.  Ever wonder why that bread you are eating seems so soft and pillowy?...Maybe because it shares the same chemicals that can be found in yoga mats!!!
Happy listening!

GIGANTIC LIPS, AVALANCHES & A TRULY EPIC ADVENTURE!

In our last episode we talked about the adventure we were about to embark on - climbing Mount Whitney in extreme winter conditions.  Well we are please to report that we survived and despite battling altitude sickness, sunburn, trekking across avalanche flows, falling in a tree (you will have to listen to find out about that one) and experiencing altitude induced angioedema of the lips, we had an incredible adventure and a true once in a lifetime experience.  In this episode we share our experience and attempt to give you a top 10 list of moments/lessons/takeaways.  We hope you enjoy reliving the adventure with us!
Happy listening!

OLDER AND BETTER!!

Yes it may come as a shock to some of our younger listeners but it is entirely possible to keep on getting better even when you reach middle age!!  In the first of a 2 part mini series we talk about how we both surprised ourselves by making it to the quarter finals after the Crossfit Open, continuing to PR our lifts and how on the release date of this episode we will be on our way to climb Mount Whitney in sub zero, wintery conditions.  We discuss how all of the awesome physical accomplishments we have already achieved or are about to attempt have everything to do with what our bodies can do and little to nothing to do with what they look like.
Happy listening!

EATING DISORDERS AWARENESS WEEK

It is estimated that 28 million Americans will experience an eating disorder during the course of their lifetime!  But what is the difference between an eating disorder and disordered eating?  Does one lead to the other?  What do eating disorders and the people who suffer from them look like?  With numbers so high, it is likely that you know people who are going through this but are you aware of what they are experiencing or is your "normal" looking friend actually dealing some with hidden issues?  We talk about our personal experiences and relationships with food and eating and share some resources if you wish to learn more.
Thanks for listening!