Hi Friends! September can be an interesting month. When I work in gyms, after January and February, September is often our biggest month for new members and personal training. Something about back to school and new routines after the summer I think. Anyhow, here’s some food for thought if you are looking to re-evaluate, too.

As usual, there is nothing sponsored about any of this. Just some things I’ve come across in the last few months that I want to share with you.

My kiddo plays soccer, so you can guess what was on our TV for much of the summer. He’s got a new favorite player in Erling Haaland of Norway/Manchester City and I’m not mad at it. I posted about Norway’s unique approach to youth sports in my last Links and Loves and Haaland seems to embody it. He is just having fun. Which is what sport is supposed to bring. At any level. And I’m so here for it.

Strength training has so many benefits. You don’t need or want me to enumerate them again. I’ve worked with many older, frail, or injured clients over the years and squats and lunges are always part of the program. And once again, science has shown that thick thighs do indeed save lives. Congrats to everyone who kept leg day, you are immortal!

This next one is controversial and I’m actually considering making this my series for next year because social media just won’t shut up about it. This is in no way meant to denigrate or shame either Ariana Grande or Lizzo. Bodies have inherent value because they allow us to experience our lives. The problem with all of these discussions is a complete lack of nuance. And perspective. And kindness.

I’ve mentioned how much I love my neighborhood over the years. But that is always more evident during the summer months. We’ve had water park days, fence movies, bike races, and deck pizza parties. It was such a fun summer.

We went to Denver, Colorado for our family vacation this year. It’s the first vacation we have had just the three of us where my husband wasn’t also doing the conference thing. It was so nice to spend good quality time. Plus, Colorado is beautiful. We weren’t able to get to Rocky Mountain National Park due to forest fires in the area, but we saw Red Rocks and did some hiking along the Flatirons. And we collected a new baseball cap, too.

My husband and I also celebrated a milestone anniversary this year. There is something uniquely reassuring to look back and realize your partnership is stronger. It really does make the hard work and tears worth it.

Until next time, be well friends!

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