Almost There, Just Not Quiet Yet

As you probably know, I have been doing many things in order to raise the funds to continue with my fitness and nutritional education.

One of my first goals was to raise enough for yoga teaching tuition, which usually ranges from $1500-$2000. Mind you, I did not have (and still don't) have ANY plans to ask my parents or other family or help in funding this. I wanted to completely raise the money on my own, not only because my family simply can not afford it, but also because this is MY goal... my dream, and ultimately, my life. I need to take responsibility for that, and not rely on anyone else to do legwork to get me where I want to be.

Some of the fund raisers have included selling home made bread, and of course, offering meal planning services through my Facebook page, Natalie Wester: Holistic Meal Planning. I also am still training some people a few days a week! Really, ANYTHING that my age and ability allows me to do to safely make an extra buck, I am up for.

Just the other day, I was out with some friends and a store we went into was having a HUGE sale. I mean, blow out sale people... it was overwhelming, and while my peers were in line with their many items, I looked down at my single shirt ($4 bucks people!), shook my head, and put it back. Even though the money I was carrying was from past birthdays, I realized that that $4 should be going to my future, not some silly piece of clothing.

Anyways, the reason I have written this post is because, after doing some math, I concluded that I am roughly HALF WAY towards my fund raising goal!! I have about $800-$900. I am SO excited, because this really feels like an accomplishment... it keeps me motivated, so that little urges to spend a dime here or there are easily overpowered with this insane drive to reach my goal.


Sunstone was one of the first studios I went to.

I know it will happen, it just takes time. It gets frustrating at times. I see local studios advertise that it is time to sign up for the next round of their 200 Hour training, yet I find that I still can not yet fill out that application.

I guess it is the universe's way of telling me I am not ready yet? It has taken me this long to raise what I have, and I AM finding that now days the donations are coming in at a bit quicker rate than previously. So I am almost there... just not QUIET yet.  

I know a few yoga instructors and have asked around for advice as to where I should obtain my certifications, and just to ask basic questions in general. I am blessed to know these people and hope they can help me grow as a teacher when the time comes.

If any readers out there are yoga teachers, or even fitness instructors, what are some of the biggest challenges you've faced? The best experiences? Is there any magical secret to this industry, or must you just do what YOUR passionate about, no matter what anyone says? I really hope the latter is true, because that really is what I believe in... to be yourself, and do what makes you happy, no matter what anyone has to say about it.





Until the time comes to where I have enough to finally enroll in the classes I need, I am doing what I can to prepare, and simply continue to learn as much as I can about yoga, fitness, nutrition, and over all well being.

Honestly, every day brings with it new ideas, new knowledge, new horizons. I never know what I will wake up to and learn or benefit from. Some days are rather uneventful, yes, but others... they shock me. For example, I try to contact others in the fitness industry in order to make connections, and to my surprise, sometimes they get back with me. Remember when I posted about the Wester Workout featured on P Fit and Designer Whey?  I am still giddy about that. Sure, maybe I wasn't featured on Opera, but it is these little things that keep my spark alive.

I feel as if I am rambling a bit on this post, but I just was really excited to realize I am that much closer to my goal!

What goals do you have/ had to had, and how do you go about achieving them?
Are you or anyone you know a yoga teacher or fitness instructor? If so, tell me about your experience!

Natalie

My Out-Of-Town Upper Body EXPLOSION

Hey there guys! What were you American readers up to this Independence day? If you are not from the U.S., did you still have a great week? :)

I went out of town for the holiday. I spent three days with my household family, my cousin, uncle and grandmother, and it was so fun and relaxing as always! We grilled out for the 4th... corn and chicken for me, and they also threw on some Bratts for them (I am Pollotarian... only eat bird meat and seafood). We also make a corn, black bean,and tomato "relish"... a bit like Texas Caviar, if you have ever had that.

Anyways, when travel here, I always am in a bit of a predicament when it comes to workouts. I finally decided to bring my own pair of 10 lb dumb bells, and use the 5 lb and the single 20 lb one they randomly have laying around. I also do body weight exercises. The house is older and filled with antiques, so I do not like working out inside (especially cardio) because I don't want to shake the house... literally!  They've got a nice backdoor brick patio, so in the cooler mornings I utilize this space, along with any chairs or steps around.

Here is what my workouts looked like while out of town:

Thursday morning: a Power Yoga video from Youtube
I always have trouble when using the internet, because I am out in the countryside. However, I had much luck this day and I did not run into a whole lot of trouble. 
Friday morning: This AMAZING Plyo workout from Bess Be Fit, finished it off with a bit more leg from a Blogilates video.
Saterday morning: A full upper body workout I created the night prior... check it out below!

YAY FOR BETTER QUALITY IMAGES!!

I finished this workout with a little bit of ab work, and it took me around an hour to complete. All I used were dumb bells... 5 lbs for the 7's raises and Scarecrows, 20 lbs for the Standing Overhead Tricep Dips and Heavy Single Arm Row, and 10 lbs for the rest. For the DB Pullovers on the ground, I grasped a 10 lb and a 5 lb with both my hands for 15 lbs.
My cardio consisted of a nice mix of jumping jacks, high knees, butt kicks, and jump rope.

This workout should be done like this: Start with the first column of deepening colors, and complete each super-set from lightest color to darkest. Then do the same with the other column. (The workout is grouped off by colors/muscle groups).

Most of the exercises can be looked up on Youtube, but for those that seem a bit odd, here are some descriptions and videos...

Chest Press Neutral Grip: Regular chest press, except your palms face eachother.

7's Raises- First do 7 front raises, then 7 lateral raises, then 7 bent over flies.

Scarecrows- Make your arms look like a "scarecrow" out beside you... basically like a football goal. Your elbows will be bent, forearms with weights in hand standing up straight. Your palms will face away from you. Slowly, rotate your arm so that your forearm is downwards (your palms facing towards you, weights in hand now closer to the ground). Then, return to the starting position. That is one rep. I know that sounds really confusing, but here is a video for visual reference... link here

Outwards Bicep Curls-  Regular bicep curl, but your arms face more outwards from your body at an angle.

This workout is AWESOME!!! I was shaking at the end. I love that great feeling of burn... makes stretching and yoga feel even better! ;) This is SO easily to be done while traveling. You can do it in the gym, too.

If you are confused about any movements, just send me a comment and I will get back!

What did you do to work out if you traveled this week?

Try this out, and tell me what you think!

Natalie

Happy 4th of July! + Guess What Im Brewing Up!

Happy Independence Day everyone! I hope your day is full of family, food and fun.

I have been cooking up something special of my own today with my grandmother and cousin. I'll post a recipe soon. Until then, I leave you with a picture as a clue... Can you figure out what I am up to? :)

What are you up to this holiday ?

Natalie