Hello, my name is Theresa, but everyone calls me TL.
I am currently a USA Triathlon coach and personal trainer. I have four great kids, and understand how difficult it can be to actually take time out for ones-self.
Sixteen years ago, I was 85 pounds overweight. Eventually I realized I needed to adopt a new lifestyle and get healthy, so I started running and changed my eating habits. Since that time, I’ve finished numerous triathlons of all distances, including five Ironman competitions.
Aside from 10+ years of triathlons, I’ve had extensive personal training in regards to gym work and weights, completed two open water swimming races, four half marathons, three marathons (including the Inaugural San Diego Rock and Roll Marathon with Team In Training), RAMROD (endurance bike ride in one day that is 154 miles and 10,000 ft. elevation gain), and am currently learning how to track race on the bike.
In my endeavors to get in shape and to do it with four small children I needed to somehow find time for myself. I didn't realize it at the time, but I was creating Pockets of Time to take care of my physical and emotional health. Through
that process I found I was a better mom and person because I was taking care of myself.
In my next few posts, I will share a few stories about the Pockets of Time I created when my small children were napping, playing, or playing with me.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Kevin Stone talks about the science of joint replacement
I'm so excited about this! If you've got knees like me (and ankles, and wrists, and...) you'll be excited to hear about the advancements Kevin Stone is making with joint replacement that are biological and not mechanical. This video comes from his recent TED talk; if you haven't seen a TED talk before...a word of warning, they are very addictive!
Here's some more information and links about Kevin Stone, can't wait to get that new set of kangaroo knees!
The Stone Clinic
And of course a Wikipedia entry on Kevin Stone
Here's some more information and links about Kevin Stone, can't wait to get that new set of kangaroo knees!
The Stone Clinic
And of course a Wikipedia entry on Kevin Stone
Monday, August 2, 2010
Gaining Core Strength Anywhere
Exercise is an important part of leading a healthy and well-balanced life. It takes conscience effort to incorporate exercise into an already busy schedule, but it is a valuable tool for the management of your health. With that being said, I want to start by talking about core strength.
I know there are many of you who have difficulty finding time to get to a gym, to work out for various reasons. But did you know, you can actually do a core workout at your desk, in your car, or even while you are cooking dinner.
Why core? Core strength is important for non-athletes, as well as athletes of all levels, since your core is your stabilizer for balance and strength. Many back injuries and lower back pain, can be eliminated or reduced by practicing core related exercises. If you are an athlete, you will gain more power and speed, plus your efficiency will be increased. The risk of injury is greatly decreased when you have a strong core.
So, here are a few ideas to start developing a stronger core when at your desk, in your car, cooking dinner, or anytime you think of it.
1.In the car: Tighten your abdominal muscles by trying to push your belly button back towards your spine at every light, and relax when you go. Do this every day and every time you are in the car.
2.At your desk: Tighten your abdominal muscles using the same technique as above for the length of time it may take to type a short paragraph. Relax for the time it takes to type a sentence and repeat 10 times. Try doing this at least 3 times a day for 3 sets.
3.Standing: Tighten your abdominal muscles while having a conversation with someone on the phone or in person, by tightening when they are speaking, and relaxing when you speak.
4.Cooking dinner: While you are waiting for something to boil, lie down on the floor and perform 10 or more sit-ups, while resting a large can or two of beans, soup, or other item on your chest for a little extra weight. This also helps so you won’t be tempted to put your hands behind your neck and pull, thus injuring your neck. You may also want to do the plank exercise for 3 sets of 30 sec. or more to strengthen the anterior and posterior muscles, and the lateral plank exercise for 3 sets of 30 sec. or more to strengthen your obliques.
If you are able, purchase a medicine ball (6lbs) or two (different weights), and a stability ball for home. With these two items you can perform a myriad of different
core exercises, without ever having to step foot in a gym.
Stayed tuned for more ideas.
Coach TL
I know there are many of you who have difficulty finding time to get to a gym, to work out for various reasons. But did you know, you can actually do a core workout at your desk, in your car, or even while you are cooking dinner.
Why core? Core strength is important for non-athletes, as well as athletes of all levels, since your core is your stabilizer for balance and strength. Many back injuries and lower back pain, can be eliminated or reduced by practicing core related exercises. If you are an athlete, you will gain more power and speed, plus your efficiency will be increased. The risk of injury is greatly decreased when you have a strong core.
So, here are a few ideas to start developing a stronger core when at your desk, in your car, cooking dinner, or anytime you think of it.
1.In the car: Tighten your abdominal muscles by trying to push your belly button back towards your spine at every light, and relax when you go. Do this every day and every time you are in the car.
2.At your desk: Tighten your abdominal muscles using the same technique as above for the length of time it may take to type a short paragraph. Relax for the time it takes to type a sentence and repeat 10 times. Try doing this at least 3 times a day for 3 sets.
3.Standing: Tighten your abdominal muscles while having a conversation with someone on the phone or in person, by tightening when they are speaking, and relaxing when you speak.
4.Cooking dinner: While you are waiting for something to boil, lie down on the floor and perform 10 or more sit-ups, while resting a large can or two of beans, soup, or other item on your chest for a little extra weight. This also helps so you won’t be tempted to put your hands behind your neck and pull, thus injuring your neck. You may also want to do the plank exercise for 3 sets of 30 sec. or more to strengthen the anterior and posterior muscles, and the lateral plank exercise for 3 sets of 30 sec. or more to strengthen your obliques.
If you are able, purchase a medicine ball (6lbs) or two (different weights), and a stability ball for home. With these two items you can perform a myriad of different
core exercises, without ever having to step foot in a gym.
Stayed tuned for more ideas.
Coach TL
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