Am I Perfect?

 

Ok, so this post deals with subject matter that is, I’m sure, a part of most women’s lives (Guy’s, I’m sure you deal with some of this stuff too, so keep reading!).  It’s that part of our lives when we look at ourselves in the mirror and think;

1. I wish my bum was smaller!
2. I wish my boobs were perkier!
3. I wish I was prettier!
4. Why did my sister get the good genes?
5. I wish I had enough money to get a nose job!
6. I wish I had my 16 year old body again!
7. Why did I let myself go?
8. Why can’t I love myself the way I am?
9. I can’t look at myself!  I’m disgusting!
10. Don’t look at me!  I’m disgusting!

The list is endless to the amount of insecurities we harbour within ourselves!  I’d like to share some of my insecurities with you and my thoughts on the topic of self-esteem and attempting to love oneself.

Over the last 6-7 weeks, I’ve participated in quite a gruelling training schedule!  It requires me to train 6 times a week, which is a lot more than I have been able to manage this year, due to an injury.  The training isn’t just going for a brisk run, or a sweaty functional training hour spent in the gym.  It’s a mixture of hardcore Power Lifting, vomit inducing HIIT sessions, aggressive boxing and more vomit inducing cross-training!  To say the very least, I’m putting my body through hell and all so that I can play the part of a Personal Trainer and look as fabulous as I’ve always wanted to look!  Why I’m telling you this is because I’m seeing changes in the bodies of my team-mates and only really feeling the changes in my own body.  I’ve had people approach me and say “You’re looking more athletic these days” or “Oh!  You’ve lost weight!” and I’m thinking to myself, “But have I?”.  The gist is, I don’t think I’ve ever been happy with my body and will I ever be?

To be completely honest, I suffered from low self-esteem as a teenager and growing up in a dance studio, in front of a mirror and being labelled as one of the “heavier girls” from age 13 did VERY little to boost it!  I’ve throughout my life wished that;

• My bum was smaller
• My arms thinner and more toned
• My  boobs bigger and a different shape
• My thighs less muscular and not touching in the middle (I still walk strangely so that my thighs don’t touch!)
• My calves were smaller so that I could find boots to fit them
• My legs longer
• My lips bigger
• My brain smarter
• My opinions more interesting
• My idea’s more creative
• My dancing more precise
• My life more interesting

Basically, I’ve always wanted to be this PERFECT PERSON!

The thing is though, am I perfect the way I am?  And if I am perfect the way I am, why on earth can’t I see it?

So dear readers, this has lead me to start pondering how I can begin to change these thought patterns that are in actual fact just BAD HABITS and habits that have stemmed from silly teenage belief systems and behaviours.  All the nasty, untrue things that were said to me or I chose to believe wormed their way into my brain and I think it’s time I start changing things up a bit!

The fact of the matter is;

1. I’m NOT 13 anymore
2. I do not have a teenage body anymore
3. I do not have long legs
4. My boobs are the way they are because that’s just the way they are!
5. I have a voluptuous bottom!
6. I eat well and exercise regularly
7. I’m actually not as stupid as I think I am
8. I have some strong and interesting opinions
9. I’m very creative
10. I am good at what I do
11. My life is beautiful
12. I LOVE MYSELF!

Oh my hat!  If I could go back to that poor little girl, Leilah, who was so shy and so insecure and tell her all these things (except number 1 and 2 obviously!), I reckon life would’ve been a little bit easier and I would’ve been a little bit happier!  (Understatement?)

For those of you who know what I’m talking about, and struggle daily to look in the mirror and accept yourself, try and make a list of all the positive things about yourself and your life.  Try and undo the thought patterns and the belief systems!  I’m realising daily that we only have one chance at this whole life palava (yes, I use the word “palava”.  I think it’s in fact “palaVER” but I prefer my version).  There is absolutely no point in hating ourselves so much because how will we ever allow anyone else to love us if we don’t love ourselves?  We are who we are and there are some things we can change if we make the decision to commit to the change, and there are some things we can’t change.  Those things that we can’t change, we need to start seeing them as the things that make us perfect!

So, that’s my two cents.  I think I’m going to print the list above and read it every day!  If it works for you, let me know!

Love to you all and thanks for reading!  #LiveLifeWell

Detox Shmeetox?

The world works in funny ways.  To cut a long story short, in May I was asked to shoot for the cover of Wellness Warehouse’s Wellnews Magazine cover.  This meant that I would be taking on the role as one of their Wellness Ambassadors, which I accepted willingly.  It turns out that the Wellness Ambassadors are headed up by Yoga teacher, Sharni Quinn.  I’ll leave out the fact that Sharni is a sister of a boyfriend of an old friend of mine …ANYway…  I attended a workshop of Sharni’s a month or two ago where we discussed finding our “Inner Sunshine” and since then I’ve been nagging at her for info of any kind and follow her on Twitter and Facebook religiously.

Sharni is an ex corporate mogul who will tell you quite openly that she found herself in an unfulfilling career and difficult marriage.  The short story is that she quit her job, got divorced and sent herself off to live in an Ashram in India for a month and consequently ended up in Australia for 9months.  “My own Eat, Pray, Love” she calls it.

On the 1^st September, 2012, Sharni hosted a Yoga Detox Workshop at her Follow the Sun studio at Wellness Warehouse in Kloof Street, Cape Town and I had the pleasure of attending.

The 3 hour workshop started with a 1 hour Yoga class, instructed by the beautiful Miss Quinn to the sounds of calming music and smells of heavenly scents.  The class was fluid and focussed and concentrated on massaging all the organs of the body.  We also used breathing techniques to energise and detox the system.  I can’t deny the fact that I felt rejuvenated and aligned afterwards.  I love that Sharni reminded us to thank ourselves and each other for our morning’s practise…  I felt most grateful for having the opportunity to be there.

We then munched on some YUMMY (sugar-free) muffins and fruit skewers from the Wellness Café and sat down to introduce ourselves and briefly explain why we were participating and what we’d like to get out of the workshop.  I mentioned that I was on a mission to suck up any knowledge the universe was throwing at me and that I’d previously attempted a 30 day detox and failed horribly.  I was hoping to better prepare myself for the next one.  Little did I know that my perception of a “Detox” was about to be flipped upside down!

Sharni then described her experience in the Ashram and the detox she was taken through with Ayurvedic Doctor, Doctor Vishnu.  The details include discovering Sharni’s Ayurvedic Dosha, days of glorious massages, Yoga practise, following a Sattvic diet and then of course the inevitable enemas.   To my ears it sounded AMAZING… enemas included!  Sharni described how the detox made her feel renewed and cleansed of all the stress she’d been holding in her body and mind.  A new page had been turned and she could focus on herself and finding her inner sunshine!

Sharni provided the group with an “Ayurvedic Constitutional Assessment” and we all discovered what Ayurvedic Dosha’s we were.  I am mostly Pitta with a bit of Kapha.  Here’s a brief explanation of a Pitta type person;

A Pitta person has a moderate build, strength and stamina – moving at a moderate pace and learning at a moderate speed.  Pitta’s are hot natured, have warm red complexions and perhaps red hair.  They are passionate about their loved ones, recreations and work.  They have a large appetite and a sharp mind.  The sense of sight predominates and so Pitta people have good vision and can see a situation clearly.  They like to understand things and form strong opinions.  Order is good for Pitta and they are good organizers.  Perfectionism is one of their characteristics and they are competitive and want to win.  They are natural leaders.

I would say that describes me pretty accurately

To learn more about Ayurveda and finding your Dosha, see The Book of Ayurveda (This book offers suggestions on how to tailor your diet and daily routine to balance your energies and achieve physical equilibrium and harmony.)

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2016320.The_Book_of_Ayurveda

Sharni explained to us what a Sattvic Detox is.  It is essentially the proper ‘Yogic’ diet and is traditionally lacto-vegetarian.

• It consists of grains, pulses, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and organic dairy products.
• Sattvic means “pure” – there foods of pure primary source of energy.
• Pure foods increase vitality, energy, vigour and health.  Are wholesome, delicious and substantial.  Create a calm mind and peaceful attitude as well as aid in physical health.
• Recommended to aid the cleansing process and to enlighten us as to what ‘impure’ food does to our body, mind and soul.

DON’T’S:

• No chicken, meat or fish
• No alcohol, cigarettes or drugs
• No caffeine
• No sugar (use honey or molasses as a substitute), salt or pepper
• No preservatives, colorants or artificial flavourants (no canned or tinned foods)
• No stimulants – including chilli, garlic and onions (My friend Bronwyn would die!)
• Avoid hot spices
• No fried or processed food
• No snacking or food on the run – sit down to meals only!
• No arguing whilst eating

DO’S:

• Always respect and give thanks for your food
• Maintain a peaceful attitude towards your food
• Eat only when you are hungry – listen to your body
• Eat slowly and savour your food
• Eat moderately

The Yoga Cookbook:

http://www.sivananda.eu/en/diet/our-favourite-recipes/yoga-cookbook.html

Now for the meat

What I found MOST interesting about the whole workshop was that I realised that a detox is SO much more than just changing your eating habits!

Sharni went on to explain that a detox also includes one’s mental and emotional states!  I’d never thought of a detox that way.  I always thought it would just ‘come’ with better eating and I would feel ‘enlightened’ and ‘lighter’ and all “woo-hoo-woosh-woosh-I’m-cleansed!”.  Hmmm, little did I realise, after embarking on my attempted 30 day Sleekgeek REBOOT DETOX (meat, vegetables and fruit only!) that I’d got it so horribly wrong!  My whole perception of a doing a detox was out of whack!

Here are a few personal notes I wrote down during the morning;

• Awareness of what you’re putting into your body
• If you’re going to feel guilty about eating it, DON’T EAT IT!
• Know how YOUR body works
• It’s not just about the food you’re eating!
• Mind, body, soul
• Try Kinesiology
• Keep a journal – emotional and physical states
• Be kind to/nurture yourself – massage
• Accept ALL of ourselves – the good and the bad
• Live from your heart – Live from below your shoulders
• Choose your reality – We can live the life we choose
• Forgiveness – Ourselves and others

Ok, so here is the really interesting part…

Sharni then asked us to CREATE OUR OWN DETOX PROGRAM ! ! !

Not once in my life have I thought to do this!  Why?  I don’t know, maybe because I get so caught up in the world, worrying about my clients, spending time with my boyfriend and friends, worrying that my family in the Eastern Cape are safe and happy, stressing that I don’t know enough to be the teacher I want to be, stressing about what I’m eating and constantly judging how I’m eating…  Flip!  This list goes on!  Why is it so hard for us to stop, turn around, look at ourselves and ask;

“What do I need?”

“What would I like to change about my current actions/lifestyle?”

Here are a few suggestions from Sharni;

“If you are currently doing Yoga once a week, then perhaps commit to doing it 3 times a week or 5 times a week for a full calendar month (you can do it in your living room!).  If you were getting into Yoga and haven’t been in a while, maybe commit to doing 4 classes during the month?  You could dedicate 3 days a week to being a vegetarian, or decide to meditate for 10 minutes every day for 30 days, or do 10 Sun Salutes every morning?  Choose what resonates with you most. PLUS what challenges you the most and make up your own personal Yoga Detox.

Once you have committed to YOUR DETOX PROGRAM for a certain period of time (be realistic), WRITE IT DOWN and share it with all the important people in your life so that they can support you along your healing journey.”

So, here is my personal Yoga Detox:

LEILAH’S SPRING DETOX:

1. 5 minutes of mediation daily
2. 30 minutes of reading daily
3. 1 walk every weekend with a friend
4. Cut out milk – lactose free only
5. Eat 2 fruit daily
6. Drink 4 cups of water every day and try to increase the amount
7. Book a 1 hour FULL BODY massage
8. Volunteer and DARG

And so lovely readers, I may not have achieved everything on my list just yet but the point is, I now have a list of things that I would like to do for myself and I can always refer back to it and ask myself “have I don’t this for myself today?”  Sharni has taught me to be less judgmental and how to be kinder to myself.  No one is perfect.  I have in my own mind, committed myself to these things for the month of September.  If I don’t do it every day, that’s ok… I just need to make sure I’m constantly reminding myself to ask myself how  I’m doing and what I need at the time.

A huge thanks to Sharni Quinn for sharing her stories and allowing us to experience her “Yoga for Detoxing” workshop.  It has been invaluable to me.

Contact Sharni Quinn:

071 954 2816

sharni@followthesun.co.za

www.followthesun.co.za

FOLLOW THE SUN SPRING SPECIAL’S WITH SHARNI QUINN

My Training Philosophy

Having experienced 16 years of intense dance training, and knowing what it feels like to push your body to its limits on a daily basis, I now find my training philosophy leans towards a more holistic approach to fitness and exercise. I believe that one needs to find balance between exercise, nutrition and living a happy life.  Call me a hippy, but having neglected my nutrition and happiness for so many years, focussing only on the capabilities of my physical body alone, I found myself at the bottom of a very dark hole where exhaustion had set up camp and my body simply said “no more abuse”.

I believe strongly in the quote;

“Be good to yourself.  If you don’t take care of your body, where will you live?”

-          Kobi Yamada

I’m passionate about teaching people how to properly and effectively use their bodies to carry them through their lives and believe that one should always listen to ones body.  If you have a lot of energy one day, pick up the kettlebells and push yourself, see what you’re capable of!  If you’re feeling down and your energy is low, be kind to your body and do a more relaxing type of exercise such as Hatha Yoga.  Never train too much, but never slack off.  Listen to what your body needs and be honest with your practise.

I believe the same when it comes to nutrition and living life.  Eat that chocolate if you really want it, just don’t eat it every day!  Drink lots of water and stay away from the foods that you know upset your system.  Easier said than done, I know.  Always trust your gut when it comes to decision making and by that I mean, trust what your body is telling you, don’t try to think and over analyse.

Someone said to me recently;

“Everything you do, do it with love”

I couldn’t agree more!  When it comes to your exercise regime, do it with love and your body will thank you.

As a Personal Trainer, it is my goal to teach you and show you what your body is capable of.  I can help you correct imbalances through proper exercise and tailored exercise programmes, achieve strength and improve your posture and I can help you improve your flexibility.  I can help you achieve your desired physique, but I can’t control what you feed your body with.  Always keep this in mind, especially if you are trying to lose weight.

As an ex Contemporary dancer, my strengths as a trainer lie in postural alignment and flexibility.  My techniques are taken straight from the dance studio and incorporated with functional training and my Pilates and Yoga knowledge.

I believe that constant learning is imperative in the health, wellness and fitness industries as new research and new methods are always being discovered and developed.  As Fitness Professionals, it is our duty to treat our own bodies and our client’s bodies with the utmost care and respect and make sure we can sufficiently support our philosophies and methods.

In conclusion, my belief goes back to Kobi Yamada’s quote:

“Be good to yourself.  If you don’t take care of your body, where will you live?”

 

If you would like to meet me for a complimentary consultation and personal training session, contact me at;

E-MAIL:

Leilah_Kirsten@hotmail.com

TWITTER:

@Leilah360

FACEBOOK:

Leilah Kirsten

OFFICE:

(021) 461 0360

360 Specialized Training

Block F

The Boulevard Office Park

Searle Street

Woodstock

Cape Town

Interview: Still Frame My Life

Photography by Ross Hillier

Check out this blog by Michael Eloff;

http://www.stillframemylife.com/2012/07/get-your-sexy-on-with-leilah-kirsten.html

 

He’s been interviewing some of the 360 Trainers over the last few weeks.  Such fun!

Yours in Training

L

Inspired…

I was hit with a wave of inspiration last night as I sat in front of my computer, watching a Yoga DVD, in an attempt to conjure up some idea’s for my early morning URBAN STRETCH class at 360 Specialized Training.

At this point, I need to thank Eugene G. Lombaard, a regular “Urban Stretcher” for very kindly putting the above mentioned DVD in my hands!  I’m so inspired by it that I’m writing a blog post about it!

The DVD features Yogi / Actress, Rainbeau Mars (yes, it’s her real name).  To say the very least, I was absolutely awe struck!  Coming from a dance background, I related immediately to the movements, but was taken aback by Rainbeau’s calm yet powerful body!  My thoughts were;

“THIS is what I want!”

This is what I want for my body and this is the type of quiet, sustained power I feel is somewhere deep inside me.  Despite the fact that her body is near perfect, this is not what first struck me.  I am completely and utterly inspired by the fluid strength and calm presence of her body and haven’t stopped thinking about it since watching the DVD!

I feel like I’ve got a whole new set of goals to achieve and after finally recovering from my lower-back injury (2 months of no training) and a 3^rd bout of flu (annoying to the max!)…  and now this is going to sound very “shuaa shuaa” (made up word meaning “hippy-like”)… but I feel like I might just have found my calling.

If I can work to achieve this incredible way of moving through life (I’ve not mentioned the psychological and belief system side of Yoga practise… but it obviously plays a MAJOR role and interests me deeply) how can I NOT become a mindful, strong (physically and mentally) and inspirational teacher?

At the end of the day I want to ensure that I pass on knowledge to my clients and teach them how to be well and respect their bodies.  So for those of you who are reading this who are already clients of mine… be prepared.  For those of you who are interested in becoming a client of mine, I will always endeavour to teach you all that I know and better my own practise.  And for those of you, who may never be a client of mine, open your heart, open your mind and find what I.N.S.P.I.R.E.S you!

Balancing Act

“You have to make a little time for the things that ignite your joy.”

Life these days is busy, busy, busy!  We rarely get time to sit down to eat and actually enjoy our food, take a few moments to sit and relax and for some, finding the time to exercise is the LAST thing on their mind!  Having recently suffered an injury, I’ve managed to “catch-a-break” and re-evaluate my priorities.  I’ve discovered the importance of BALANCE and have made a conscious decision to try and find it!  Below are some guidelines for finding balance…

1. Build downtime into your schedule.

When you plan your week, make it a point to schedule time with your family and friends and activities that help you recharge.

2. Drop activities that sap your time or energy.

Many people waste their time on activities or people that add no value.  Take stock of activities that aren’t really enhancing your career or personal life and minimise the time you spend on them.

3. Rethink your errands.

Consider whether you can outsource any of your time-consuming household chores or errands.

Could you order your groceries online and have them delivered? Hire a kid down the street to mow your lawn? Have your dry cleaning picked up and dropped off at your home or office? Even if you’re on a tight budget, you may discover that the time you’ll save will make it worth it.

4. Get moving.

It’s hard to make time for exercise when you have a jam-packed schedule, but experts say that it may ultimately help you get more done by boosting your energy level and ability to concentrate.

5. Remember that a little relaxation goes a long way.

Don’t get overwhelmed by assuming that you need to make big changes to bring more balance to your life. Set realistic goals, like trying to leave the office earlier one night per week.

Slowly build more activities into your schedule that are important to you.  Maybe you can start by spending an hour a week on your hobby or planning a weekend getaway with your spouse.

Even during a hectic day, you can take 10 or 15 minutes to do something that will recharge your batteries. Take a bath, read a trashy novel, go for a walk, or listen to music.

“You have to make a little time for the things that ignite your joy.”

-          Guidelines amended from www.webmd.com

360 Specialized Training

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- ONE HEARTBEAT

 

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jo70vSV3phY

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