Ask yourself honestly: when you think about working out, what is the first thought that enters your mind? For so many people, it sounds like this: If this is your daily soundtrack, exercise will always feel like an uphill battle. When movement is driven by guilt, obligation, or punishing yourself for what you ate, it […]
As a personal trainer, designing a tailored, effective workout plan is the baseline. It is the absolute minimum I will do for you. But here is a reality check that a lot of fitness pros skip over: a workout usually lasts about one hour. So what happens during the other 23 hours of your day?
Don’t Waste Your Workout: Why the Other 23 Hours Decide Your Progress Read More »
As a personal trainer, designing a tailored, effective workout plan is the baseline. It’s the absolute minimum I will do for you. But here is a reality check that many fitness professionals overlook: a workout usually lasts about one hour. What happens during the other 23 hours of your day? Think about it this way.
Why Your “Other 23 Hours” Matter Most: The Power of a Wellness Audit Read More »
I’ll be honest: I haven’t written a blog post for a month. I felt guilty about that. As a personal trainer, a mom, and the founder of NakaNaka Fitness, I felt like I had to be a constant source of “perfect” motivation. But the truth is, the last few months haven’t been perfect. They’ve been
The Reality of the “Jar”: When the Trainer Gets Off Track Read More »
For as long as I’ve known him, my husband’s relationship with food has been a game of Russian roulette. A seemingly random, unexplained headache would strike without warning, turning a delicious meal into a moment of misery. He’d suffered from these mysterious headaches since he was a kid in Japan, and it was just a
Solving the MSG Mystery: How We Cured a Lifelong Headache Read More »
My uncle has always been a legend in my family, but not for some wild, adventurous reason. He’s a legend because his rice is, without a doubt, the best I’ve ever tasted. He’s been farming in Shimane, Japan, for years, pouring his heart and soul into every single grain. I’ve always been proud of him,
A Noodle Story: My Uncle’s Gluten-Free Masterpiece Read More »
“Where do I even start with my wellness and fitness journey?” This is a question I get asked all the time, especially from those just dipping their toes into the world of health. And it’s a great question, because getting started can feel incredibly overwhelming. There’s so much information out there, so many different workout
Your Wellness and Fitness Journey: Where to Even Begin? Read More »
I’ve talked about “cheat days” before, celebrating a “conquered” one in my last post. But after reflecting, I want to dive a little deeper, share some updates, and honestly, even challenge the term itself. What is a cheat day? Is it beneficial? Do you need one? How often can you have one? The fitness world
From “Cheat” to “Reward”: Rethinking Indulgence on My Fitness Journey Read More »
Every year, my fitness journey feels a bit like a personal science experiment. I love trying new things, discovering what works for my body and what doesn’t. It can be incredibly motivating when a new approach clicks, like uncovering a secret method just for you. But, let’s be honest, it’s also incredibly demotivating when an
My Body Experiment: How I Shed 5% Body Fat This Year Read More »
Phew! After nearly four months of steadfast calorie deficit, layered with the delightful chaos of coaching elementary school Track & Field, leading PTA initiatives, running my NakaNaka Mom Fitness business, and tackling all the relentless daily mom chores (with a few strategic maintenance calorie days sprinkled in, of course!), I finally declared it. It was
Cheat Day, Conquered: How I Made It a Win for My Fitness Read More »