CONFESSION #6: Self Worth Talk

CONFESSION: Self worth is the basis of how you feel about yourself. It’s YOUR opinion of whether you think you’re worthy, a good or bad person. There was a time in my life I based my self worth on all of the wrong things. My mood was based on trivial things such as the weight on the scale; Was my skin clear enough? Was I strong enough? Pretty enough? Skinny enough? Smart enough? Nice enough? Successful enough? 

These measures were in control of my self worth. It controlled my happiness and mood. It was a suffocating way to live. It was a very hard standard to live by. In fact it was downright draining. And for what? Why? None of that should ever be a barometer of the worth of a human being. I didn’t feel that way when I looked at friends or family. Why did I do this to myself?

Luckily as I age I get wiser! Being a gym owner (both online and in person), working with lots of people, and in charge of 4 kids, you learn a few things along the way. 😉

Self worth is absolutely none of those things I mentioned. Self worth and what makes me feel ALIVE and worth it is...GIVING! Being kind and giving some more. Every day when I give to a human being, whether it’s time, love, advice, affection, a gift or a meal, it makes me FEEL good! It's what brings fulfillment and SELF WORTH. 

Every morning I wake up excited to give to others. Giving fuels me.
Helping others is what sparks the fire. It’s what lifts the mood. It shapes what self worth is really all about. 

Morrie Schwartz said it perfectly “Giving is living.”

A post shared by ℒᎯUℛℰℕ ℬℛᎾᎾᏦЅ (@laurenbrooksfitness) on Aug 14, 2018 at 7:25pm PDT

CONFESSION #5 - Being a business owner isn't very glamorous

CONFESSION: Being a “strength coach/personal trainer/fitness teacher” whatever you’d call someone like me... and business owner, isn’t as glamorous as it sounds.

Here is my indoor office. In addition to teaching outside, I’m now an avid user of Final Cut Pro, which gives me the control 😜haha... to edit, fine tune and record voice overs for my projects. I’ve been staring at the computer on an off for too many hours to count this week. With a small surfing break in between! Yay for the beach...and kiddos being out of school!

I admit, at times I want to punch a hole in the wall from my own OCD and perfectionism that I bring on myself. I also get very antsy and have a super difficult time being confined to one space. Yes, I choose this. It’s the price you pay for wanting to release impeccable content and material. It’s the price you pay to put yourself out there and hope people benefit and love it. Working hard, doesn’t mean you don’t love it, but you don’t have to love all of it.

Don’t mistake this for a gripe. I LOVE the freedom to be able to make my own schedule. That’s the number one thing for me when having a career. I may work 60 hours one week and then 25 hours the next. Having that flexibility is uber important. My own issue is not knowing when to shut it off at times. Still working on that one 😉

I can just feel all the heads nodding now. All my Entrepreuner and business owner friends get it. Especially the #mompreneurand the dads who are also juggling it all.

Just know it’s not as glamorous as it may seem. But it can be worth it.

Being a business owner for 15 years I have to say, you NEED to schedule FUN to survive.
Sending a shout out to all of my hard working friends! Just know you’re not alone. Hope you love what you do. Cheers!

A post shared by ℒᎯUℛℰℕ ℬℛᎾᎾᏦЅ (@laurenbrooksfitness) on Aug 2, 2018 at 2:02pm PDT

Nutritional Therapy - Digestive Health

How is your digestive health? Do you struggle with food? Digestion? You'd be surprised which foods can be causing you horrible symptoms such as brain fog, bloating, joint pain, flu like symptoms, acne,  lethargy. Paige Reagan is sharing some of the most cutting edge information about digestion. In fact she's been through it all! Read about Paige below!

I am proud to introduce you to one of the newest information packed sections of Lauren's Playground. Members Log in to this section here. Not a member? Offering Monthly, Yearly or Lifetime option.

Nutritional Therapy with Paige Reagan 

A holistically focused community outreach initiative that will empower you to optimize your own health through a properly prepared, nutrient dense, whole-foods diet.

In this section you will find new cutting edge articles as well as recipes that will be derived from whole foods.


MEET PAIGE REAGAN

Hello!

I’m Paige Reagan, and like you, I am a member of Lauren’s kettlebell community. Late one night in 2012 while desperately surfing the internet trying to find a better way to exercise, I discovered kettlebells and Lauren’s DVD, “The Ultimate Body Sculpt and Conditioning With Kettlebells”, Volume 1. Three days later I attempted my first workout with the DVD and my new kettlebell. My endurance and form were seriously lacking and I could only complete about 90 seconds of the 12-minute Fat Blast but I was hooked! Within 6 weeks I started to see positive changes in my body composition, which fueled my desire to learn more. I scheduled private consultations with Lauren to improve my digestion and she designed nutrition and training programs to specifically help me reach my goals. I continued to get significantly stronger until an unfortunate skateboarding accident in 2013 that resulted in a serious elbow break and tricep tear. Although I did not need surgery, my doctors told me that I would never straighten my arm or be able to swing a kettlebell again. From 3,000 miles away, Lauren was able to help me rehabilitate my arm and regain full strength and mobility. I defied the medical odds and was extremely grateful for Lauren’s knowledge.

The Long Road

I wish I could say that I regained my strength and never looked back but unfortunately my elbow was only the beginning of a long string of injuries and other health issues that have made it difficult for me to train consistently. Although my digestive issues had been relatively stable for some time, they started to become increasingly worse making it nearly impossible to eat. I was suffering from debilitating migraines once or twice a week and had cystic acne that was so bad that I would cancel plans with friends and family. Despite exercising, I had increasing joint pain and was experiencing flu-like symptoms in the evenings. The tests that the medical doctors ran were expensive, unpleasant, and came back with results indicating that I was healthy and fine. In fact, the last doctor that I saw for my digestives issues told me that I had a stressful job and he gave me a prescription for Xanax because he thought that I was depressed and anxious! I knew then that I was only going to get better if I took responsibility for my own health. So, I started by joining the first Winner’s Circle that Lauren offered in 2016 as a way to commit to moving every day, even when injured and feeling unwell. I was also fortunate enough to find a local wellness center that had a naturopathic nutritionist on site. After weeks of tests and assessments, I learned that I had almost 20 food allergies/hypersensitivities, including allergies to wheat and gluten, severe leaky gut syndrome, a pathogenic intestinal bacteria, and 2 genetic disorders that were causing issues with my blood sugar and cholesterol. I was overwhelmed with the diagnoses but felt validated and empowered to make positive changes.

The nutritionist overhauled my diet and recommended supplements to heal my gut. Within a week, my digestive symptoms improved and the weekly migraines and the daily joint pain and flu-like symptoms disappeared. Within 2 months, the acne completely resolved and even the scarring cleared. I regained enough strength to train regularly again and even attended the workshops that Lauren held in Charlotte and Philadelphia. Not only did I have the opportunity to meet and connect with so many of the people who have been in this incredible community with me since I first started, but I also obtained my certification in April, which is something that I thought would never be possible given my health situation. The road to recovery has not been easy, and at times it seems that there have been more setbacks than

progress. But overall, it has taught me a lot about myself and has made me a stronger person as a result.

So Why Are You Here in Lauren’s Playground?

Over the course of my journey to better health I have met so many people who struggle daily with medical issues of their own. Not only are they frustrated by the care they are receiving but they are also concerned with all of the prescribed medications and their side effects. I have worked in the pharmaceutical industry in clinical drug development since graduating college so I have been involved for almost 20 years in evaluating drug safety and analyzing adverse side effects. Although I believe that there will always be a time and place for pharmaceutical medicines, I know from my own experience that there are other promising ways to regain your health that don’t involve prescriptions and your local pharmacy. I want to share what I have learned but more importantly I want to be a credible resource. So in April, I took another leap of faith and enrolled in a certification program through the Nutritional Therapy Association (NTA) to become a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (NTP).

A NTP is a nutritional therapist certified by the NTA to evaluate nutritional needs and make recommendations for dietary changes, helping clients to balance body chemistry and achieve optimal wellness. The certification is an intense, 9-month program that consists of online science-based coursework, extensive reading, quizzes, essays, book reviews, and other miscellaneous assignments such as recipe development. There are 3 mandatory, extended weekend workshops where students learn the functional evaluation and lingual-neural testing, which are the clinical evaluation tools that a NTP uses to identify and assess nutritional deficiencies. In addition, students are required to have several practice clients for the duration of the course and must also complete a community outreach project.

And this is why I am here! Lauren is graciously allowing me to use her space in the Playground to create a course that is dedicated to providing information related to nutritional therapy. This will not only help me to complete a key requirement of my certification but more importantly, it will give me a place to provide nutritional information to a community of people with whom I share a common interest. I plan to provide articles related to the nutritional therapy foundations, with topics on digestion and ways to improve it without the use of medications and supplements; fats, including misconceptions about fats and good versus bad fats; blood sugar imbalances; food cravings; and more. I am also hoping to post some simple, nutrient-dense recipes that you can try at home.
I am beyond excited to share everything that I have learned so far and hope that it will inspire you to make positive changes that will improve your health so that you can be the best version of yourself. Thank you Lauren for your support and making this possible!!

Members Log in to this section here. Not a member? Offering Monthly, Yearly or Lifetime option.

NEW RECIPE added to Nutritional Therapy plus Digestion articles!

CHICKEN AVOCADO BURGERS - gluten free, dairy free, nut free, paleo and keto friendly

PLUS 

SPICY AVOCADO MAYO - vegan, gluten free, dairy free, nut free, paleo and keto friendly

just added in the Nutritional Therapy Section of Lauren's Playground

 Members Log in to this section here. Not a member? Offering Monthly, Yearly or Lifetime option. 

The Ultimate Get Up Guide - Your Guide To a Super Strong Body

Welcome to the most comprehensive Get Up Guide you’ll ever get your hands on. This is your bible to mastering the Get Up. I’ve broken this exercise down into mini, bite-sized pieces so that you can digest them, enabling you to create a beautiful, flowing Get Up. If you’re reading this right now, I’m guessing you already know the wonderful benefits of mastering this exercise. In case you don’t know, here are a few testimonials below people have shared about adding Get Ups to their regimen:

The Ultimate Get Up Guide

Designed for the complete beginner and strong enough for the most advanced student

View from any device

40 Workout Video Tutorials

6 Weeks of Get Up Practice sessions with detailed video tutorials.

6 Weeks of Cross Training Exercises - Video Tutorials.

Downloadable written program for each week.

Get this FREE included with a Lauren's Playground membership

**Now offering a LIFETIME membership special for a VERY limited time. Join now using the code: lifetime and $1000 at check out PLUS receive a FREE half hour coaching call with me along with other goodies. Learn more about the LIFETIME option here. Remember use code: lifetime to save $1000 at checkout.**

or purchase this a la carte here.

“I find the Turkish Get Up to be meditative as well as physically challenging. It forces me to slow down my breath, raise the consciousness of my body, and believe in myself. It also helps me notice what parts of my body need more attention for strength-building. I actually like the descent of the TGU best, as I really turn inward while slowwwwly laying back down flat. That last motion, from elbow to shoulder, is something I'm currently working on improving.”​ H. Lapidus 

“I have found the TGU to be an amazing exercise for getting my mind and body working together. There are so many working parts going on that the synergism of each muscle and the brain is paramount. Love it!”​ P. Wood

“Years ago when a lifter, sought out to be taught by the “old time “ masters of strength, the master would first have the student train with TGU’s. Even back then they knew the benefits acquired by performing a technically sound TGU. It applies stress to the body in all the planes (sagittal, frontal, transverse)
It works not only qualities of strength, but also stability, mobility, joint integrity, and kinetic awareness. There is also an offset load component by holding the load in one hand, which really fires up the nervous system. Real important in Real Life. And think about it, if we can get off the floor with a good size kettlebell in one hand, how much easier it will be to get off the floor when we get older. Especially when you’ve coached some seventy- and eighty-year-olds to get off the floor themselves. That’s freedom. ☮​ ” @coachbc 

“​Get Ups help my grip, my upper back, glutes and obliques. I make sure to do them at least four times a week. I remember, Lauren, that you spoke several years ago about how when you first started with kettlebells you could not do a TGU even though you were physically fit. At age 51, I want to be able to get up from the floor easily, and I can, in large part, because of TGUs. They help me to keep my torso stable when sitting and walking and because my grip is strong, I can carry things pretty easily.” @hamorah67 

GET YOUR COPY HERE and Get Started Now!

If you're a Lauren's Playground member you will receive this free with your membership! If not, what are you waiting for. Get in on the fun here.



"Just did Week 1, workout 1 of the new Getup program and wow, I needed that!!! I never fully got my lat to engage while the kb is overhead until today going through the #3 and #4 Getup exercises. Something about the cues and seeing Lauren engage her lat finally broke through and wow, what a difference that makes! I've never gone heavy with getups but I think I will be able to if I make it through this program. Will be continuing with this program for sure!" M. Collins

Can Kids Learn How To Use Kettlebells? Check this out!

Many people come to me asking: "When's a good age to get my kids learning how to use kettlebells?" The answer is: it really all depends. It depends on the willingness of your child. It depends on what the goals are.

I've been training kids for some time now. The youngest being 7 years old. Usually the younger they are, the more challenging it is. Some kids are not ready until they're older.

Many times I won't even introduce the kettlebell until the 5th or 6th session. It truly depends on how they catch on to movement patters such as the hinge, squat and high plank. Many are excessively tight or overly loose. These are all important factors to keep in mind. You have to be VERY careful with kids, like you do with anyone.

If you want to get your kids training properly, with a bit of fun, make sure you hire a professional with a good track record. This is your chance to give your kids a great opportunity that will set them up for a life long experience of healthy training, which leads to increase in confidence, strength, increase in sports performance, conditioning and a more balanced body.

Below are videos of my own kids. It was just a few days ago they all came to me to ask me to start training. They have been watching so many kids come to us - many weak and uncoordinated, then quickly become strong and much more coordinated. This inspired them to ask me to teach them.

My step daughter, who is 8, has had one session. My 9 and 11 year old girls have had 2 sessions. Mind you, they sessions are only about 25-30 minutes long. That's all they need at this age with the right progressions.

If you're looking at getting your kids involved in training, contact us here. Of course we work with mostly adults, but the kids are killing it right now! Coach Graham, Mr Todd, is doing amazing with all the boys coming through! Girls are welcomed too!

Here are 2 video clips from our sessions.

When both of your kids decide it’s time to begin training you make time! My 11 year old on the left and my 9 year old on the right. It makes me so happy to do it! # Lately we’ve had a surge of kids and teens train with us. Watching other kids, many who started out weak or uncoordinated, who are now strong and fierce, must’ve inspired them. # I vowed to never be a pushy parent. My own kids are not the most blessed with athleticism. They need this kind of training more than ever. So to have them ask me to train them is a prayer being answered. #poudmom #kettlebellkids #laurensplayground #kettlebellworkout

A post shared by ℒᎯUℛℰℕ ℬℛᎾᎾᏦЅ 💪 (@laurenbrooksfitness) on Jul 13, 2018 at 12:26pm PDT

Taylor, my 8 year old step daughter, kindly asked me to train her as soon as she walked in the door, from her vacation. # Like most 8 year olds, she tends to bounce around a lot, has incredibly high energy and can sometimes have a hard time focusing. However, she took our session VERY seriously and did extremely well. I was pleasantly surprised by how focused she was. Looking forward to training her again. # # One of my favorite parts of training kids is teaching them how to focus. Even the most ADD or ADHD kids seem to do very well with certain techniques of keeping the lesson plan short and never boring. # Start them young if you can. Make it fun! Be encouraging. Let them come to you. They’re watching what YOU do! So if you want to get your kids training, then hopefully you’re training. 😬 Be the example! # You can hear my “kid training Voice”. Didn’t realize I sounded like that until I heard the video. 😳😬 #mondaymotivation #kettlebell #kettlebellkids #kettlebellworkout #leadbyexample #ilovewhatido #blessed #laurenbrooksfitness #laurensplayground #happymommy #happymonday

A post shared by ℒᎯUℛℰℕ ℬℛᎾᎾᏦЅ 💪 (@laurenbrooksfitness) on Jul 16, 2018 at 9:31am PDT

Featuring Denice - 60 year old female - 53lb Turkish Get Up - Stronger than ever

Meet Denice Johnson

Denice is a 60 year old powerhouse of a woman who's been using kettlebells for about 7 years. Despite her ongoing battle with hypothyroidism, she feels energetic, thanks to the time she spends on her training and health. 

Denice considers herself a very average person who does not dwell on a specific diet, she doesn't count her macros, much less stress over how much water she drinks daily. She likes to live life and not over think things. 

Denice is a busy lady. She works at an office 3 days per week, takes care of her husband, pets, home, landscape and doesn't have the luxury to spend all day exercising. 

One of her secrets to training is not letting fear get the best of her. Her motto is "excuses will get me nowhere fast". She feels that there are no room for excuses in her world of fitness and improvement. But she also takes a very balanced approach by giving herself breaks when she knows it’s truly necessary.

A few of Denice's accomplishments: 

"After struggling with presses for several years, stuck on the 12kg, I can now floor press the 16kg (35lb) x 5 reps, both sides.  I can also overhead press the 16kg x4 reps.  (admittedly, the left side the last rep is super tough)  I’m able to press the 12kg (26lb) for 10 reps, which I find pretty good!!

I'm snatching the 18kg (40lbs), both half snatch and full snatch for 6 and 4 reps but feel I 

can do more reps.  

I can easily do 3 sets of 8 perfect push ups.  I’m doing weighted chin ups WITH 12lb. weight for 3 reps and my non weighted chin ups feel better every time. 

My leg strength is pretty good.  I’m using my heaviest bell, the 32kg, for MSLDL for 10/10 and 8/8 reps.  Stiff leg deadlifts, 32kg for 15 reps x 2 sets.  Goblet Squats I use the 28kg for 5 reps.  Can probably use the 32kg but honestly, swinging that bell up to catch is intimidating!!!

For the get ups, I’ve moved up from the heaviest bell being the 18kg, to the 20kg and

Now to the 24kg (53lb).  I’ve done the getup x 1/1 now for 3 weeks using the 24kg.  ☺  

Here's a video of tiny Denice, 60 years old, doing a 53 pound Turkish Get Up. Most 20 years old can't do this!

left side video of 53lb Get Up - (Modifies accordingly on her wrist)

Right side video of 53lb Turkish Get Up

Overall, honestly I feel strong.  I know when it’s time to go up in bell size and I also know when it’s time to stay and work a little longer before moving up as in double clean and front squats.  I’m using the 14kg’s, I know I could use the 16kg’s, but I feel the 14’s are work so it’s just not time to move up just yet.  

Getting my strength training in is like breathing air, I do not think about it, it’s just a part of my day.  I look forward to it most days.  Having a good program keeps me confident that I’m not wasting my time.  My motivation is my goal to stay strong and able to meet the demands of living an active life for many more years.   I’m 60 years old and I’m able to do just about anything I need or want to do.  I can carry a heavy cooler, I can move heavy rocks or dig holes for plants.  I can climb a ladder with a backpack blower on my back to blow off the roof of the house.  I can help carry a keg of beer (which is about every 7 weeks!!).  I can paddleboard for hours without my legs or arms totally wearing out.  

Being consistent with strength training is working  for me.  I’ve been active with running or strength training now for 40 years, when I think about that, it’s amazing.  

I feel I’m a pretty energetic person (even though I battle hypothyroidism).  I just mostly feel good, and I know it’s because of the time I take to work on my health." 

Quick note to me from Denice:

"Thanks for making my accomplishments part of your story as you are a BIG part of my story. You know I followed a well known Kettlebell Strength coach for about 4 years, working harder than hell and not making the definition or strength gains that I’ve gotten from following you these last 3 years.  So truly, a warm Thank You.  

Denice"

Denice at the Kettlebell and Body Weight Workshop in Charlotte, NC

Summer Kickoff Workouts - Quick workouts under 10 minutes you can do anywhere!

Grab a single bell and your body and head over to your favorite park, beach or favorite place in your home. From your iPad, iphone, android or any mobile device stream these workouts instantly. Or blast it to your big screen for the whole family! In addition to joining in on the summer workouts we have over 2 programs to choose from, this is our latest one. 

Summer Kickoff workouts!

Join today and get started!

If you're BRAND NEW to fitness or kettlebell training we have a beginners program. If you're intermediate or advanced we have something for you too!

Something for every level, shape, size, goals!

Well what are you waiting for? Quick trailer of the new workouts added.

Become a member of Lauren's Playground here. 

Become a member of Lauren's Playground here. Less than a cup of coffee per day! The only mobile gym you'll ever need. The best investment you can ask for!

Videos, Downloadable written workouts, programs, recipes and nutrition advice. Private Facebook support group to meet other people, find a buddy and get questions answered.

Already a member? Just sign in here and get started with immediately!

Not ready to try out Lauren's Playground? Take advantage of our 50% off July 4th sale we are having. Take 50% off all fitness and dvd kettlebell programs. 

*excludes Mighty Muscle

Interested in a fun way to get super strong and lean? Learn how to use Kettlebells or take your training to the next level! Bust through your plateau with any of our Kettlebell fitness programs. 

Not sure where to begin... I made a list for you. Get 50% off today. Code: july4th

We are having a HUGE SALE! 50% off all of our DVDs and Downloadable streaming programs. This excludes Mighty Muscle. Code: july4th

BEGINNER Video Programs 

The Kettlebell Body

Ultimate Body Sculpt and Conditioning with Kettlebells 

Sexy Strength

Shut Up and Train 

Be SLAM (ebook with video demonstrations)

INTERMEDIATE/ ADVANCED

All above plus 

Kettlebell Incinerator 

Kettlebell Lightning

Luscious & Lean 

Kettlebell Revelation

Low Volume (streaming only)

Be SLAM 2 (ebook/video)

Pull Up Guide 

Ultimate Body Sculpt Vol. 2&3

Link for streaming and downloads here --> 

http://video.ontheedgefitness.com

*excludes Mighty Muscle* “Free for Lauren’s Playground members”

Link for DVD hard copies here

Want a Stronger Feeling Kettlebell Snatch?

I want to share with you one protocol that has worked almost every single time with both my local and distant students. This is one way to take your snatch strength to the next level. 

Recorded on Live Streaming in the Raw. 

Watch Video here.

To learn more and get programs that will constantly set you up for the best performance and strength possible, join Lauren's Playground here 

The Secret From Ordinary To Extraordinary

Before I begin my training session, which will entail practicing Get Ups, Single Leg Deadlifts, Pull-ups and Kickstand Lunges, I wanted to send you a quick note.

Your mind is so much more powerful than you could ever imagine. Did you know that if you're stressed out or constantly worrying about something it can directly effect how you digest food? Then if you're not digesting food well, you could end up getting headaches, migraines, bloating and even lose sleep.

Our minds are so powerful that if we are constantly telling ourselves that something is too hard or "I'll never be strong since I've always had super weak arms" then you will continue with weak arms. You're probably thinking yeah Lauren, what's your point?

Not everyone who's showing off their circus tricks online are born athletes or had the privilege of having dedicated parents cart them over to gymnastics starting from birth. My parents were divorced when I was 2 and they both worked full time. I was taken in a school bus after school to a day care every single day. So outside extra-curricular luxurious extras, was not something I was ever accustomed to.

Some of the strength or flexibility you may be in awe of from someone may be someone who just really wanted it! Who made the choice to PRACTICE and PRIORITIZE. Typical programs just focused on weight loss doesn't get you better at a skill. Skill training can actually provide muscle strength and weight loss as a byproduct!

When I was a kid I couldn't do a pull up to save my life. In fact I was weak and scrawny. It really did a number on my confidence. I couldn't stand that I was weak. In fact I got ANGRY about it. So I decided one day, that's it! I'm going to get effing strong! So I did everything in my power to learn the best way to strength! It took years of strength practice to achieve the strength I have now. I'm no different than you! In fact you were probably way more athletic than I was when I was super young. ;)

Want to know the secret from being ordinary to extraordinary?

MAKE IT A PRIORITY! Hyper-focus on just ONE goal at a time! Understand that there will be monotony. Understand you'll be practicing the same SKILL over and over again. You'll have to understand that it won't happen over night and killing yourself in a "practice" session won't make it come any sooner. You'll need to understand that there won't be much entertainment and cheerleaders. Get clear and focus on the fact that you'll become extraordinary if you commit!

When I was first introduced to Turkish Get Ups I was quickly humbled. I could barely even do a Get up with an 8 pound dumbbell. My ego wanted to just curse at the exercise and say it was stupid. However, I decided to practice the patterns. Understand what creates a STRONG pathway. Get familiar with the most efficient way to get up and get down.

I was told that if you're small there is no way to use heavy weight. Fast forward some years later, weighing 116lbs,I had a personal record using a 62lb kettlebell over my head.

This wasn't because I was a super human. I didn't take any special pills or drugs to be able to perform a really heavy Get Up for my size.. The secret was I made a commitment and was consistent! I never felt sore or burned out. I listened to my body.

I practiced the movement pattern well, worked on mobility and complimentary exercises that would enhance the chances of going from a weak Get up to a very strong Get Up.

I tell you this for one reason only! That if I can do it, so can you! Check out my free tutorials I created for Get Ups. SO you can also become strong in the exercise that literally will make you stronger in all areas of life! Part 1 Tutorial can be accessed here

I'm currently in the process of designing the Ultimate Get Up Guide to achieve the Strongest and Raddest Get Up ever!

If you're a playground member you will have access to this gem for no extra charge! Yes - being a playground member will literally take you FAR! Give you smart tools and skills. Give you programs that are realistic! You will be surrounded with positive powerful minds who have the same struggles as you! You will feel supported and have a buddy system for accountability. You really can't lose!

WANT TO TRY A WORKOUT FOR FREE?

GET FREE ACCESS TO ONE OF OUR MOST POPULAR KETTLEBELL WORKOUT VIDEOS HERE

CONFESSION #4 - I'm not a perfect mom

CONFESSION #4 - I'm Not A Perfect Mom

CONFESSION #4 I’m not a perfect mom. I must admit, there’s been times where I throw my hands up with frustration and feel as if I’m just not cut out for the mother thing. Often wondering how other moms out there do it. Then there are times where I feel being a mom is the greatest gift on this universe. I’ve looked around at other moms, you know the ones that always look cool, calm and perfectly put together, running around solo with 6 kids. Anyone know those moms?

We moms often put entirely too much pressure on ourselves. Have you ever noticed moms can be the most judgmental of other moms? We like to compare our lives and keep score.

I often over hear conversations like this in “mom groups”. Wow it took her a long time to get the baby weight off? I haven’t seen her volunteer at school much. She’s on another work trip? Doesn’t she care about her kids? She’s at the gym again? Doesn’t she ever go to her kids performances? How many activities are her kids in? That mom cooks only organic, from scratch and is always put together. How does she do it? I saw that mom taking her kids to McDonald’s the other day, she clearly doesn’t care about health. She’s always out with her friends, she must have a bad marriage. She never goes out, she must be antisocial. The judgement never ends! 

The constant pressure to be THE PERFECT mom is overwhelming. Moms come in all forms. They can be career women, stay at home or do both. She can cook from scratch, order out, wear lots of make up or wear no make up at all. She can be skinny, muscular, big, laugh a lot or be serious. She can choose to be a badass and throw some heavy weights around or choose to be mellow and binge watch tv. There’s no right or wrong. There’s no perfect way and nobody has it down to a perfect science. We’re all doing the very best we know how. 

Moms, let’s unite and support each other. Let other moms release the guilt from the pressure. Being a mom is effing hard! I don’t have it down pat. I love the ever living crap out of my kids. I also love my passions and savor my moments alone being guilt free. Cheers to all of the imperfect moms out there doing it their way! #momlife#perfectlyimperfect

A post shared by ℒᎯUℛℰℕ ℬℛᎾᎾᏦЅ 💪 (@laurenbrooksfitness) on May 5, 2018 at 6:05pm PDT