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 »
Happy New Year! We’ve officially stepped into 2026, and if you’re feeling a little heavier from the holiday season or a bit overwhelmed by the pressure of “resolutions,” you aren’t alone. Many of us start January aiming for a fresh start, but the key to actually reaching that finish line isn’t just willpower—it’s how you
How to Set a Successful Fitness Goal for 2026 Read More »
Travel is often the first thing that throws a wrench into a healthy routine. Between long flights, late dinners, and the stress of organizing everything, it’s easy to slip into “vacation mode” entirely—and come home feeling exhausted instead of refreshed. Based on my own philosophy, I know that true health isn’t about rigid rules; it’s
Travel Wellness: How to Stay Active and Healthy Without Missing a Moment 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 »