Never too late to get healthy

My in laws periodically send me pictures of their dinners. They're working hard at a healthier lifestyle and I'm so proud of them. It's nice we can share this since we're so far apart (Indiana/Hawaii).

A few years back my father in law had some heart troubles and has gluten intolerance. My mother in law also has had some health concerns. So they're serious with the food and being more active. 

She exercises almost every day on her treadmill and does bodyweight exercises. He walks outside a lot. They both enjoy cooking so finding healthy updates to their favorite recipes has been a great bonding experience for them - and built in support. 

I think this is a beautiful example of how it's never too late to take healthy changes. 

Everyone can become healthier, even after a diagnosis. If you're in a situation like this remember that you can still lead a healthier lifestyle. Get support, get educated about your disease and start taking the necessary today steps to become healthier. You can do it! 

Living with chronic illness

My yoga mat & foam roller are life savers for me. As you may know, I have suffered from scoliosis, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, adrenal fatigue, a mysterious "floating virus" & a number of other chronic health issues. It took SIX long, miserable years just to get a diagnosis, and even now some Dr's don't recognize them as 'real.' 

Some days I have so much pain I have to cancel everything. It takes an emotional toll & it affects day to day living.

But the good news is that even though it does affect me, by making some adjustments I still lead a rich full life.

I still sometimes mourn over what has been taken & it's important to allow those feelings. But I also rejoice because I look over the many blessings God has poured on me through this. He has given me a natural love for fitness & healthy eating that I started at age 9 and have kept all this time. What a wonderful gift because if I had given up on my health I would be so much worse.

My docs tell me that with the level my issues are I should be disabled, very very ill and obese (these usually cause weight gain). Wow. Yet I can healthily run marathons, triathlons & everything in between. They tell me to KEEP DOING IT because whatever I've been doing has been my saving grace from really bad times.

I have to be extremely careful with my training because I have limited energy (they say 60% of my energy goes towards fighting these illnesses) & my body doesn't adapt as a normal body does. But I've learned to maximize every little bit I have & enjoy what I do all the more. It's made me a better trainer because I can do the same for others & have a perspective I otherwise wouldn't.
Yoga & foam rolling is many times the only thing that helps with pain. I also get chiropractic adjustments & massage which is wonderful.

I'm thankful I became a trainer so I can encourage others toward bettering their health. It's important to me and I hope that by sharing my story it inspires you to strive for better health, wherever you are. You CAN be at a better place even if you have had injury or illness. Never give up on yourself. You are worth the effort! - Emily Collins, owner of OnTrack Fitness www.ontrackfitness.net