The Journey Is Not Yet Complete

I'm still here, although I am a little tardy in my post this month.  My journey is still not over and I continue to work out at the gym.  Still 5 days a week and still kind of having a little bit of fun.  Things change.  In my last post I wrote that I had lost a wee bit of weight, well I had...and now I have hit a 'plateau' and I'm getting a little frustrated with this.  We all go through it.  We do well, and then when we hit the pause button we either stop doing what we're doing or we go head-first through the wall.  Well, I'm going head-first.  I haven't broken through, YET!!!

Much has been said and written about this exercise and weight loss programs and the challenges that they present.  It takes commitment.  I guess you have to be a little mentally prepared and have a plan to be successful.  Reading what I just wrote, I realize that applies to everything in my life.  I have been known to those around me that I am persistent at completing tasks.  It shows when I'm at the gym.

When I first started my goals were different than they are now, but my priority was to lose weight.  Well, I've accomplished some of that but I have quite a ways to go.  I also have been told that I am very hard on myself.  If not me, then who will be?  I'm not hard on myself I am just a wee bit stubborn and have this desire to do better.  I give myself a month to achieve a certain goal, and if it is not met...well, a little devil on my shoulder starts to laugh and frustration comes out.  BUT I DO NOT QUIT.

Sometimes I establish a new goal - lift a little more weight, last a little longer on the elliptical, increase speed and resistance on the elliptical, play some basketball (against myself) -- all of these are changes that I make on my own.

I still do a regimented routine at the gym that I do not like.  I do it because it has provided the results that I want.  BUT, at the same time, I try to do exercises that I really enjoy and it helps keep the daily habit of going to the gym.  Also, having a Personal Trainer who keeps coming up with surprises is helpful.  There are also many friends and supporters that I have that get me through those days where I truly would rather just throw my hands in the air and ask myself - "why am I doing this if it's not working".  These are the people that get me off the chair and into the gym to begin my day.  Yes, I may appear to be strong (and I have also been told that I appear to be a little bull headed) but I do need encouragement and motivation.  I do not need pity or over-embellishment on my progress.

More and more I have increased my natural movement - moving my body without the constraints of machines.  Machines 'could' limit our performance potential.  I find that I get more out of a workout using free weights - bending, twisting, reaching, pulling and pressing - and trying to keep my balance in check by staying upright.  I have fallen.  But, with my Trainer spotting me, he at the very least catches the weights so I don't get hurt.

Do you remember your gym teacher telling you: "No Pain; No Gain" or "Go Hard or Go Home".  I have learned that this type of mentality increases physical strain and potential injury.  My Personal Trainer keeps a record of what I do at every single workout.  He makes sure that I do better today than I did the last week on that same routine.  He has taught me proper technique to prevent injury.  By the end of every workout with him, he is judging to see that I am moving better than at the beginning.

Am I more energized?  Yes.  Do I have a ways to go?  A resounding YES!!!!  My energy levels have definitely increased.  My stubborn streak has not decreased (ask Alwin Mascoll my Personal Trainer).  The additional and new exercises that he has surprised me with has frustrated me to some extent, but then I get over it. 

If you see me at Life Time Athletics in Mississauga, feel free to say 'hello'.  If I'm working out, then you will get a nod and perhaps a smile.  You will have to wait to chat after I'm done.

I continue to wish all of you luck with your voyage.  It's certainly not as easy as everyone thinks it is.  But if I can persevere, so can you.   Don't give up!  I haven't!

This is just for something different - I am not 'just' a Realtor.  I am a much happier Realtor.

Until next month at which time it will be a year with my Personal Trainer.  Let's see what those results will be after a year.

Betty Bart
416 427 1875

And The Journey Continues

One third of 2014 is now in the books.  The workouts continue.  I have increased what I do and yet, there are those days when I feel that I haven't accomplished very much.  BUT, I have.  It will be a year, very soon, when I signed up with a Personal Trainer to get proper instruction and some advice as to why my trips to the Gym were not working.  Well, I finally admitted to myself that I have lost a little bit of weight and my stamina for my daily jaunts have certainly increased. 

As for many of you, getting up and off the couch/chair becomes difficult as we have busy lives to deal with and when that R&R hour arrives, all we want to do is rest.  Let me tell you, once you get to the gym and complete some sort of workout, you feel MUCH better.

If you have the opportunity to talk to a few people at the gym and ask them who provides their information to them on their fitness routine, you'll probably get different looks because they probably won't understand what you're talking about or the responses will be varied.  Most will be doing what they see others working on, and especially if this person is with a Personal Trainer.  Surely, the Trainer will give them the advice that is required.  Some are working on the exercises prescribed in a magazine: 'LOSE THOSE INCHES IN A MONTH AND GET READY FOR SUMMER'.  I love that one.  Then there are those like me, get a Personal Trainer.  These guys honestly know what they are doing.  BUT, if you find that the one you choose is not to your liking, CHANGE TRAINERS.  In the end, you will find that efficiency and commitment is the advice that works the best.  If you only go when you 'feel' like it, it's not going to work.  No one wants to spin his/her wheels at the gym - WE WANT TO SEE RESULTS!  Having said all that, not all routines will get you the results you are craving. 

I have looked back at when I started at the gym to where I am now, and have noticed that different fitness machines and routines affect me.  I cannot, and DO NOT, compare myself to anyone around me - not even hubby, son, or daughter - because what will work for me won't work for them.  I don't care how MUCH weight they can lift, I don't care how long they can run on the treadmill, or how long they last punching a punching bag or their trainer.  I have been taught to concentrate on the proper technique and to use equipment that keeps me coming back to the gym.  There are machines in the gym that I never thought I would be using.  My Personal Trainer has shown me otherwise. 

I'm not training for a marathon but my objective is to able to run up and down the stairs as I show homes to my Buyers and not be out of breath at the end of the work day.  Have I accomplished that?  Yes, to some extent.  I am very committed to going to the gym 5 days a week.  It does not interfere with my schedule.  I go early enough in the morning when most of you are just waking up.  I am a morning person and have found that it works best for me.  Being in Real Estate, I never know what I'll be doing that afternoon/evening.

It's not just working out at the gym, but now that most of us have come out of hibernation we are starting get outside and take a walk and talk to our neighbours or we just go for a walk along the waterfront.  If you are fortunate to own a home with some sort of backyard/patio/balcony - you might start to get into gardening.  Remember - exercise is just a stimulus on the body.  It triggers a change, in co-ordination, aerobic capacity, strength or speed.  This occurs between your workouts. 

Within myself, I have learned that you don't have to hurt to have a great workout.  Also, you don't have to sweat.  There are so many workouts that have produced great results with little sweat but do get my heart rate up and then the recovery time is much shorter than it used to be.  To push yourself to the extent where you strain yourself is just looking for injury. 

I judge a great workout by how I feel after I am finished and how much better I do from one workout to the next.  A month ago, I couldn't do what I am doing this week!  I feel much more energized at the end of each workout.  Yes, there are those days....but I have learned to get over them.  I also have the privilege of having a wonderful Personal Trainer and friends that support and encourage me on those days.  And yes, my Trainer will get me moving even if I don't have a session with him that day.  He says he's always watching...sometimes I wonder but I'm sure that he is.

Next time you see me at Life Time Gym, you should come and say hello.  Remember, I'm there to work out so if I tend to ignore you, I apologize.  I still have the tiny stubborn streak in me that will never go away.  I will always chat for a few minutes while I'm on the floor, and you would like to sit in the Café after, I would be more than happy to buy you a beverage.

I am wishing you luck and success in this voyage.  It's not easy.  But then again, anything that is worth it is not easy.  If I can persevere, so can you!  Just don't give up if you don't get immediate results.

This is just for something different - I am not 'just' a Realtor.  Now, I am a much happier Realtor.

Until next month.

Betty Bart
416 427 1875

I Haven't Quit, YET!!!!

With 2 months into the New Year of 2014, I haven't quit my journey towards good health!  How many times have you heard, "Strong is the new skinny"?  Do you really care?  Do you care more about being 'skinny' than about being 'strong'?  If you're getting strong, you are getting leaner and more fit - healthier.  The mind is a beautiful thing...if you're getting leaner it says, "Hey, Betty, you're getting thinner and you look a little younger".  And I do laugh at this because I haven't noticed much of a change, yet!

I have never liked the compliments that I get, when mentioning that I am looking thinner.  (These coming from those at the gym)  I don't care.  In my mind, I know how I look and depending on who says it, I take it with a grain of salt.  I am one who is very hard on myself.  The people that I care about and those who have taken a piece of my heart are the ones that do not notice changes (or are smart enough not to say anything because they have seen my reaction).  And I believe that's because they didn't notice, or didn't comment on, when my body image started to change a good 8 years ago.  So if they don't notice....(and I'm not going to finish the sentence)

I have been on diets all my life and then I joined a gym.  If you have read my last 2 Blogs, then you will know that I worked at 'getting fit' on my own for a while.  I was not one who enjoyed Strength and ResistanceTraining.  I am now doing more of this and have noticed that, yes, my muscles ache after ALMOST each session.  My daughter is the one that mentioned to me:  Mom, if you're not sweating just a little bit or if you do not feel that you are working out, then you MUST increase the weights.  My Trainer is a believer somewhat in what she says.  He is adamant that your form and technique are #1 in achieving the most notable changes in health benefits.  He chooses my weights that work for me.  He makes me lift heavy enough to put forth that same effort on successive days.  Yup, there are days where I am a little sore and then I cannot match that same weight on another day. 

Studies have shown that once you achieve decent nutritional habits, then the next item on your list should not be to jump on the treadmill for long sessions, but to pick up the barbell.  Remember one thing...if you are going to work strength training then make sure you get a good Personal Trainer, one who knows what he/she is doing, before you injure yourself and all that work that you put in is for naught. 

Dieting will reduce that number on the scales, but if you are looking to have a leaner, muscular look...then Strength training is a must. 

I have been very fortunate to have a Personal Trainer that actually is passionate about what he does.  And, he actually knows what's going on.  I know I frustrate him at times and I will 'negotiate', or at least try to, to lessen the workout.  My famous sentence, 'FIND ME SOMETHING ELSE TO DO"!  But, after these months of working together he has learned not to let me get away with too much.  The fluttering of the eye lashes and the complaint that I am 'too old to do this' is not working any more.

Maybe next time you see me, you may think that my image has changed.  Please, don't say anything to me about how I look.  I just walk away because I have a lot farther to go before I will allow myself to accept the compliment.  If you see me at Life Time Gym at Hwy 403 and Winston Churchill, and you recognize me, come on over and say hello.  I can introduce you to my Personal Trainer, Alwin Mascoll.  Perhaps you will even consider taking a few Training Sessions with him.  Your decision!

My energy levels have increased to get my work done.  I still have a little bit of a stubborn streak in me (ask my Trainer) but I don't think that will ever go away.

 I wish all of you luck in this voyage.  It's not easy.  But if I can persevere, so can you.  Just don't give up if you don't get immediate results.

This is just for something different - I am not just a Realtor.  But now, I'm a much happier Realtor.

Until next month

Betty Bart

The Continuing Saga

It's been a month of a brand New Year, 2014.  We have endured an extremely cold month of January and, for a lot of us, our resolutions for the New Year are now a distant memory.  We tend to forget what we strive for when we open a new door in our lives.

My journey through physical training continues.  I was reading another story this morning about an elderly, perhaps the correct word would be 'mature', gentleman in his own journey.  He hasn't quit!  Why have you? 

I know there are days when I drag myself to the gym and watch all these young things having a social morning and I arrive in my baggy t-shirt ready to try to get my muscles to wake the rest of my body up.  After my warm-up the heart is pumping and blood starts to flow.  On those days when I do free weights, my mind fights my body in achieving what I feel it should be able to do.  Body Wins!!!

Most days I leave the gym feeling better than when I walk in, but there are those other days.  When I leave the gym on a good day, I'm ready to tackle anything my clients/customers throw at me.  Remember, I am not a body builder nor do I have time (or the patience) to spend hours at the gym.  I go in...get my work out under my belt...and get out there to continue my day.

After about half a year with a Personal Trainer (you have heard me talk of him often - Alwin Mascoll at Life Time Gym), I have noticed that I walk taller, I have more energy than I have had in a very long time.  I'm not looking for compliments on how I look.  I KNOW the changes that are taking place.  I am able to concentrate without any effort and those stairs that I climb to show homes to clients, have become less of a task.  I am human (some may disagree).  Given the chance, I will take the easy road to complete a workout.

I cannot stress on getting the professional help in getting this done.  As it says in the article: "If you have the self-motivation, you can do it on your own.  But it's always advisable to have help at first so you're doing what's appropriate and doing it correctly." 

There must be a few of you who are reading this that belong to Life Time in Mississauga at Hwy #403 and Winston Churchill!  I'm there 5 mornings a week.  If you see me, come on over and say hello.  We have something in common - we are working out for our health and happiness. 

Let's see what the next month brings!

Betty Bartusevicius, Sales Representative  ASA
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage
416 427 1857

Getting Into Shape in 2014

Some of you may have been following my escapades at Life Time Gym for the past few months.  I have been trying, and at times I feel succeeding, my journey to get into shape for the spring/summer of 2014.  AND, it hasn't been easy.

When I first joined the gym, I thought I knew what I was doing so for a few months I tackled an exercise routine on my own.  I was fortunate that the Gym provided support for new members with a Personal Trainer.  Well, it so happens that this old broad was a little more stubborn that these young Trainers could handle.  The first young lady -- very nice and polite as all begone -- just told me what she would have her mother do.  Well, she was just too kind and I took advantage of this.  After a couple of sessions with her I realized that I wasn't getting anywhere.  So, found Personal Trainer number 2.  This one was recommended to me by my hubby.  I will insert something here - my hubby and I are polar opposites.  He did fine, and once again, I had a Trainer that was uncomfortable in pushing me do something that he KNEW was good for me.  And my subborn streak would show up and it was once again "NO".  Before I got to really know this young man, he left the gym.  (And, no, I don't think it was my fault) 

Now, I continued my journey.  Because I have been in the 'people' field for most of my life I decided that I was going to watch the Trainers that were already working with Clients.  I felt that maybe I could find someone that would be a good fit for my personality.  Now, that's not an easy task.  One young man always stood out in the crowd.  Not only is about 6 feet 5 inches tall, but built like a Mac Truck.  I watched him closely, almost like I was stalking him, for about 2 months and then I decided that I had had enough of not producing results and approached Alwin (maybe I should call him Mr. Mascoll - ah, heck no) and requested an appointment.  Well, the rest is history.  I still have not achieved what I thought I would to this day, but I'm hoping that he has it in him to keep pushing me.  As an addendum, I must say I have the utmost respect for this young man.  He has put up with a lot of "stuff" from me.  I congratulate him for lasting this long.

What brought this blog on?  Well, I was reading in the paper this morning about becoming stronger physically and mentally, perhaps losing a few of those nasty pounds that have been creeping up in the past few years of my life.  The Personal Trainers that have contributed to the article all started with a cardio workout.  Yes, I do cardio.  I will NOT use the treadmill and therefore, Alwin has introduced me to an elyptical machine that I have learned to like.  We started out, and remain, having sessions together twice a week but he has introduced me to core training.  He is adamant that I use proper form.  He is an athlete (semi-pro football) and therefore knows about this stuff.  We have gone to weight training and are now introducing different exercises to wake some more of my muscles up.  The article in the paper gives you a list of how to introduce yourself to exercise.  After a few months of 'going it alone' they all recommend a Personal Trainer to make sure you're using proper form.  Get one before you do damage to your body.  This I have repeated to many...even my own family...hubby and son are both getting Training from Alwin.  I cannot stress how important it is to have a professional trainer guide you towards your goals.

I go to the gym for sure 4 times a week (it's only an hour out of my day) and truly strive for that 5th day.

Those who know me, when next time you see me you may not recognize me.  I have found I do have a lot more energy to get my work as a Realtor accomplished.  I am not as stressed as I used to be, but I still have a little bit of a stubborn streak in me (ask my Trainer). 

If you're ever around at Life Time Gym in the mornings, look for me and come up and say hello.  I wish all of you luck in this voyage.  It's not easy.  But if I can persevere, so can you. 

This is just for something different - I am not just a Realtor.  But now, I'm a much happier Realtor.

Betty Bartusevicius, Sales Representative
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage
416 427 1875

Am I Getting Old?

As I do my travels through neighbourhoods in Mississauga, I have noticed that there are so many families just getting back from their summer vacations and now are starting to scramble to prepare their children to go back to school.  It doesn't matter whether it's elementary school or post secondary, the excitement is starting to build.

I was at the gym and the parents are starting to bring in their youngins to give them something to do while they do their own workouts.  Some don't even want to be up.

I'm being a little bit nostalgic these days because it has brought back so many memories when my children were at home with me.  My son and I were 'sharing a moment' yesterday when he says to me: "Mom, do you know that it's been 10 years ago that I finished High School?"  I looked at him and all of a sudden I saw this young man in front of me.  When did he grow up?  Those years have just flown by.  You might know, I have also have a daughter.  She is a couple years younger so it's only been 8 years for her.

I remember the days that both my children came into our lives.  That was an ouch!  (HAHAHA!!!!  I don't want to scare anyone that is having their first).   Both are now adults!  When did this happen?  Their doors have been opened for so many great things!  They have gone through these doors, at times hesitantly, but when passed, the smiles spread from ear to ear.  Pressures of school, peer pressures, occupational choices...they had to make their own.  Of course, dad and mom were there to lend an ear or even a shoulder when necessary, but the decision was theirs to be made.  A long time ago, we instilled in them that all decisions had consequences so make sure you make sound decisions.  Of course they made mistakes...that's the only way to learn...but they were learned not to repeat the ones where they didn't like the consequence.

Now, they have moved on and are spreading their wings and flying.  I sit back and wonder if I could have made it easier for them?  No, I think if I had, they wouldn't be the fantastic young adults that they are.  Was there any advice that I could have given them that they would appreciate?  Probably not yet, but maybe one day they will remember the few little pieces of advice that I gave them.  There is so much for them to get from Twitter, Facebook, and Google.  My advice was from the heart.

For all of you that  have children that are growing up, or are now going on to create their own niches in the world, give your kids a hug!  Remind them that the tears that are shed when you say 'see you soon' are happy tears!  This is their turn!  You, as my husband and I, have helped provide the stepping stones.

Thank you for letting me do a little bit of nostalgic writing.

Betty Bartusevicius
416 427 1875

 

August Already????

We can all feel it, can’t we?  As soon as we turn the page on our calendars to August, we know that there isn’t much left of summer so we try to squeeze in as much time outdoors as we can.  We don’t want to think about anything but how much more summer we can get before we start to change our wardrobes and our schedules.  In my neighbourhood, I see excitement starting for the little ones as they think that school is just about to start and they get to wear new clothes and use those clean books and sharp pencils for the first as their school year starts.  Teenagers, on the other hand, have just started to come out of hibernation, not happily, I might add.  The post secondary students are starting prepare their sojourn away from home for the first time if they are first year, and those going into second year…well, the garages are starting to fill up with their ‘stuff’ that they will be taking with them.  Excitement everywhere!

Now for some of us, the Fall Real Estate Market is just around the corner, are you ready?  This is the second busiest time of the year to sell or purchase a home!  You may still be trying to get into a specific school district neighbourhood and you haven’t had much success.  Well, maybe now is the time to explore what is out there.  Perhaps you are thinking of downsizing before the snow flies!

If you have any questions about the Real Estate Market, feel free to read the most recent Market Watch on my web site at www.bettybart.com.  It get’s updated at the beginning of every month as soon as the report comes out.  Save a tree and read it on line.  After you've finished, and you have questions, feel free to call/text me directly at 416 427 1875.

Maybe this is the time to make sure your finances are in order.  You should have your questions answered about Mortgages.  How much can you afford?  Find out BEFORE you head out the door with your Realtor so you don't look at homes that you cannot afford and the process becomes too stressful for you.

What are the Mortgage Rates?  Depends who you talk to.  Let me connect you with a wonderful Mortgage Specialist that will provide you with the information that you need.

Now, get out and enjoy the few of weeks of summer.  My phone is charged up and my pencils are sharpened.  If you see my sign for an open house on any given weekend, come on in and say ‘hello’!

Betty Bartusevicius, Sales Representative  ASA
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage
OFFICE: 905 828 3434
DIRECT: 416 427 1875
EMAIL: betty@bettybart.com
WEB SITE: www.bettybart.com

not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under brokerage contract