Lynette C. Connell

01/04/2021

I haven’t posted about my passion for exercise and wellness in a long time.

Let’s face it. 2020 was a horrible year. And to post a sweaty selfie in the midst of everything going on just seemed... tone deaf.

But 2020 is finally behind us and as part of my new year ritual, I like to take stock of what I have learned.
Of the *many* lessons, (still processing many of them, honestly), the one thing I can say for sure is having good mental and physical health is *essential.*

And exercise is what helped me stay sane through 2020.
It helped me stay mindful.
It helped me manage my stress.
It brought my energy up when it was down.
It increased my confidence when I doubted myself.
It cleared my mind when life seemed cloudy.
It gave me those much needed endorphins when I felt burnt out and needed them most.
And yes, it helped keep my heart, muscles, and bones strong so I can physically endure all the hits 2020 brought with a vengeance.

Plus with Covid gym restrictions and the colder weather outside, at home workouts have been very necessary and a no brainer for me.

I still hesitate posting about this, but I figured others out there may need this too. And with the new year here, you may realize that it is time for a fresh start. And that you are READY to finally focus on your self-care.

If that is you, please comment below or send me a message. I am running a goal setting challenge this week in my fitness support group on Facebook. (We started today!)

And if Facebook isn’t for you, we are doing a trial off of Facebook on a free app starting next Monday. (I don’t know about you, but I have a love/hate relationship with FB and look forward to trying something new.)

** No purchase required. **
You just need to sign up for a free Team Beachbody account (because yes, I still am a Beachbody coach and take this seriously).
But if you do need exercise and/or nutrition program options, I have a few to recommend that have worked for me. There is even a free 14-day trial of Beachbody on Demand you can sample.

If this isn’t for you, then no harm done, right? At least you gave it a try.

No matter what you do, remember this: You and your health are worth it. Now more than ever.

08/21/2020

I have been a big believer in physical therapy ever since my ACL injury several years ago. Recently, I needed work on my shoulders. Nothing serious, but the pain annoyed me enough to seek help. And today I am happy to say that I feel stronger, no pain, and I am ready to be discharged!
For those of you who feel limited in your exercise due to an old injury or new pain, I strongly recommend getting a PT evaluation.
And for my local friends, Colin at the Athletico on Davis is the best! I was actually a little sad to say goodbye.
Know yourself. Know your limits. And seek help when you need it. It will go a long way. 😊👍🏽 @ Athletico

04/15/2020

Hey, friend. Remember me? I know it has been a while since I posted. I needed a social media break.

2019 was a year of loss for me. And I had to learn how to live through a new normal. A new normal without my father and a life without my role as a daughter caregiver.

I had to learn what it was like to *just* be a wife, mom of 3, and a physician.

It was a lot harder than I thought it would be.

But I am fighting back. Now armed with joy, quiet, and much needed space in my life.

Many thanks to my co-workers who gave me space to breathe.

Many thanks to my friends who checked in on me.

Many thanks to my Fit Fam who motivated me to keep pushing play.

Many thanks to my husband who is ALWAYS there for me through thick and thin.

Life threw me some punches. But I am ready now to throw a few right back.
🥊😃

Anyone else having a tough time? Let me know. We can do this together. 😘

03/27/2020

I know many of us are staying at home right now. Perhaps you need a new recipe idea?

If you are a fan of tuna salad, I just made this for the first time. OMGosh... it's soooo good!! Thank you, Kim's Cravings!!

Avocado Tuna Salad is a delicious, heart-healthy twist on the classic tuna salad. No mayo necessary thanks to the creamy, rich avocado. It's flavorful, easy to make and the perfect 5-minute lunch.

01/14/2020

Hello, cauliflower!!

01/01/2020

Today is the first blank page of a 366-page book. Let’s write a good one, shall we? Happy New Year! 🥂

11/29/2019

Today on Thanksgiving, I am grateful for my health, my family, and the ability to move my body. I also am grateful for food, shelter, and warmth from the cold outdoors.

It can be the most basic things that are easy to take for granted.

As for all the riches we may be lucky enough to have on our table, no need to feel guilty about “cheating” on your diet. Instead, take care of yourself on a regular basis so you can *treat* and enjoy yourself on special occasions.

As for me? I like to exercise, even on holidays. It’s a feel good for me 🤩, not a punishment. After my family came and left, I felt sluggish after all the “treats.” So instead of binging on Netflix, I chose to get my heart pumping ❤️ and blood flowing 😃💪🏽.
My Netflix binge can always happen later. 😉

What can you do in 20 minutes?
You can scroll though Facebook.
You can fold laundry.
You can read a magazine.

Or you can do LIT Cardio! 🔥😜🔥

11/26/2019

Yes. To all of this.

11/24/2019

Do you know that moment when you are feeling stronger?
That moment when you are feeling stronger...both physically AND emotionally?
Today during my workout, I realized that I can lift heavier weights than I could a few weeks and months ago. And it felt great.
I’m becoming stronger in my “gym.” And somehow, I also am feeling stronger in LIFE.
I’ve had a crappy year. But slowly, surely, the fog is lifting. And that, my friends, feels wonderful.

I love how fitness is a metaphor for life. You lift weights to get stronger. And somehow, by lifting heavier, life feels lighter.
Whatever heavy lifting you are doing in your world, I hope you are also taking care of yourself. Self-care is a must for strength, peace, and clarity.
(And while you are taking care of yourself, remember it’s ok to lighten the load once in a while. It really is ok. It’s ok to rest, to allow for healing and recovery. And I mean that metaphorically. 😉)
So don’t forget to get strong in the gym. (...Basement, living room, wherever your weights are!) You will feel and become stronger in life. The two go hand in hand.
Wishing you a relaxing Sunday. Here is to a strong week! 😘

11/19/2019

Stealing this from a friend, because it’s just that good. People don’t remember what you say but how you make them feel. Make them feel like a somebody and you will become somebody. In their eyes...and hopefully in yours as well.
(Thanks, ! 😘)

11/11/2019

Today, I did this thing.
I finished a program with 100 workouts.
You are probably like, “What’s the big deal?”
Yeah, I finished fitness programs before. Exercise is my jam.
Though it wasn’t before for me, exercise is now a habit. And I love it. I mean, I really, really love it.
But today was different. I did workout 100 out of 100 this morning, around 9:30am CST, with these amazing women, Michaela K. Sternstein and Brenda Vasiljevich ().
Women who have had my back during a really difficult year.
I tried to pull out. They gave me space, but they didn’t forget me.
They and our online group (so many to mention!) kept me accountable. They kept me honest. They kept me inspired.
And I love them for that.
We did this. TOGETHER. And I’m so proud of us!!
I love my fitness tribe. Do you have yours?

10/30/2019

It’s not fitness. It’s life. 💕