Tanja Djelevic | pg.2

Our body heals through movement. It is a bold statement to print without backing it with references to studies, which would rather be my style and desire, but then there is something to say about the innate intuition of something that feels right (and of course there are tons of studies done).

I know you have been waiting, while I have been traveling to make new friends and to find new motivations. I apologize for the long gap between posts.

But, finally, here is the tenth and last week of the Better Body and More Energy Challenge. I would like to approach your senses from all perspectives and tie all these weeks together with this final assignment.

With only two more weeks left of the challenge, I hope a lot of exciting things have started happening for you! Maybe you’re experiencing abundant energy (or at least more energy), a new outlook on health, or a brand new consciousness about the body. Maybe your day starts with a glass of water instead of coffee, and if that is the change you take away from all of this, that will stick, then I am happy you have made that progress!
Now I’d like to introduce the three T’s!

When week 8 of the Better Body transformation comes around many of my clients feel a sense of achievement already. At this point my hope is to have guided you to mindfulness — whether it is just moving your body, breathing, replenishing water and nutrition, or giving yourself permission to give all of this to your Own Body! What an act of love and respect to actually set aside time and put effort into healing, nurturing and creating the best you. I applaud you and whistle loudly!

When I demand that my clients incorporate REST into their intense workout schedule, I’m always met by googly eyes and a surprised “You want me to do NOTHING??!!” But it’s a matter of fact that no workout plan, or anything else for that matter, works to it’s fullest potential if you don’t rest properly. And to be quite honest, after implementing all the new work out movements in your routine, having rest and relaxation on the schedule is like getting an unspected gift!

Summer is coming and this week I would like to invite you to put your focus on water. Whether that water is on the inside or outside of your body — it’s going to do you tons of good. Drinking enough water when starting a new exercise program actually helps you burn more fat, and if that wasn’t enough — it also makes us less bloated. When the water balance is right in the body, it doesn’t have to hold on to water so bloating and water retention diminishes. A good rule of thumb is to drink half of your body weight in ounces. I squeeze some lemon juice in my water to make it more attractive to my senses.

Its time to hit the weights and get into some serious resistance training and stretching! These two go together like peanut butter and jelly (organic natural peanut butter and sugar free jelly, of course). 

Love is one of the most powerful forces. I find that women who are most critical of their bodies are missing a degree of self love. Do you find yourself looking in the mirror and having negative thoughts about certain parts of your body? Do you find yourself saying things like “If my thighs were only slimmer” or “I wish my butt wasn’t so flat!” Moving your body and training certain areas can actually help you create a better body image from the inside and out as well as the outside and in!

I had a client who was struggling with his weight but, unfortunately, felt about as excited about exercising as he did about doing laundry. We looked into his athletic past, and found that he had been discouraged with his physical abilities, which turned into almost like a fear of moving his body. We both knew that he would have to exercise to achieve his weight goals. Together we implemented a short walking program. He started with walks around his block, listening to his favorite music. I encouraged him to think about what that one thing was, which he felt strongly about when he was a child, before the fears started building. After all, all children like to play.

Diet. I shiver just hearing the word. Don’t you? How many have you tried? Most importantly, how many have failed you?