Hello! My name is Melissa and I’d like to welcome you to my little corner of the internet: Mental Muscle Wellness. I am sure you are wondering about who I am and why I decided to be a blogger.
I have a Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology and I hold current ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist and ACE Certified Group Exercise Instructor certifications. I have worked as a personal trainer, group exercise instructor, yoga instructor, wellness coach, manager, and teacher during almost two decades of practice. I have seen exercise and nutrition trends come and go. And I have seen how rapidly changing research can cause confusion for clients.
Over many years of working with clients and students of all backgrounds and abilities, I have noticed several things: Regardless of experience, I often find the need to go through refreshers on form and technique. Many clients focus on immediate goals and forget that their body must serve them for years to come. Students often don’t understand the why of what they are doing. And lastly, many people assume they are healthy as long as their physical body is okay.
All of these observations have helped shaped what I share here on Mental Muscle Wellness. Trends will always be around and research will always change. But, a strong foundation of basics will help create a lifetime of good exercise and nutrition habits. Remembering that optimal fitness is always achievable, but good long term health should be the base from which you work. Knowing why something is done is probably the most important thing. And viewing health as subcategories of interacting parts is key for whole person wellness.
My career has been diverse and while there are many out there who specialize and are amazing coaches on a small handful of topics, I am an unapologetic jack-of-all-trades. I personally engage in many different types of exercise and will try anything once (although if choreography is involved, hilarity will ensue). I don’t believe in labeling food or bodies as anything but food or bodies. My own mental health is a journey that I continue to walk every day.
Here on Mental Muscle Wellness I share my knowledge, thoughts, musings, and sometimes ramblings on all things wellness. In addition to planning and programming, exercise and fitness tips, and nutrition information, I also write about mental health and wellness topics.
Please keep in mind that while I share science based information, it is not intended to serve as a personal plan for any one individual, only as a guideline. The information on Mental Muscle Wellness is also intended for apparently healthy individuals. Be safe and speak to a doctor or qualified exercise person in your area if you have any conditions, concerns, or limitations. And as always, you know your body best, listen to it.
So, welcome fellow wellness warrior, stay and browse awhile, and if you have comments or questions feel free to email me!
Melissa
mentalmusclewellness@gmail.com