In this new interview-style series, you’ll meet a variety of people, from Industry Experts to the Fit Neighbor down-the-street, and learn about their unique journeys to finding Whole Body Wellness. We’ll discuss topics, habits, and practices that work … and ones that just don’t! Please grab a cup of coffee (or tea), and join us. There’s a lot we can learn from each other!
Today’s Spotlight: Lexi
Wife, Mother, Teacher, Christian, SpirFit Instructor &
Running Enthusiast
Lexi is the friend, next-door neighbor, or family member, anyone would
be lucky to have. If you met Lexi, you’d remember her for her big smile
and willingness to help. Despite keeping a full schedule, Lexi exudes a
calming presence. What's her magic? Her outlook on wellness may be
one answer.
Let’s hear more from Lexi …
Me: What everyday choices do you make to try to stay healthy?
Lexi: I try to get a good night’s rest, eat well, exercise, spend time with others and find a little time each day to do something I really enjoy on my own.
Me: Do you encourage your family to maintain a healthy lifestyle?
Lexi: I do try to influence my family to maintain a healthy lifestyle. My husband coaches and I help coach our school’s cross country team. Both children run for the team. Through this program we encourage children to be active, set goals and to know what it feels like to be an important part of a team. At home, we try to discourage too much time on devices or watching TV. As far as what we eat, we talk about what we eat and why certain foods are better choices than others. Our faith also plays an important part in our family life and helps provide strong moral direction and helps us determine how we spend our time. In addition to talking with the kids about positive life choices, we also try to model this. More times than I would like to admit, we fall short, but we know each day we get another opportunity to show through our actions what it means to live a happy, healthy, and productive life.
Me: What do you think is "the key" to keeping your body healthy?
Lexi: I think the key to keeping a healthy body is supporting the mind, body and spirit. For the body, it is about eating whole foods, exercising, and sleeping well. For the spirit, it helps to have a strong sense of belonging and purpose. This could be with your religious community, your circle of friends, family or work community. I also think it is important to find pockets of time for stillness, silence and prayerful contemplation. A time to connect with God … to something greater than ourselves. There are many ways to keep the mind healthy. For me I like taking classes, reading books and articles, listening to podcasts and watching documentaries. I also feel like a good sense of humor and finding joy in what we do can really keep a person happy and healthy.
Me: What is your favorite form of exercise?
Lexi: I really enjoy running, because it can be done anywhere, anytime, with or without a group and it builds both physical and mental strength. There is nothing like a good run to really help lift my spirits! I also really enjoy SpirFit. The stretching, breathing and a time for prayer and stillness are a wonderful combination.
Me: What is your favorite meal to make?
Lexi: I like to make a big pan of roasted veggies—carrots, onions, broccoli, red peppers, yellow peppers, brussel sprouts---whatever I have on hand. I sprinkle them with a little olive oil and sea salt and roast them for about 25 minutes at 425. Then I will eat them over brown rice or quinoa. It is nice to make a big batch and have them ready to go in the fridge for meals. For breakfast, I like to sauté spinach in olive oil, add a scrambled egg and sprinkle a little cayenne pepper and onion powder. It can be served over rice or wrapped in a tortilla. Yum!
Me: Do you have any rules for your diet or exercise regime?
Lexi: Sometimes. I go through times when I am pretty strict with my diet. I use these times as a kind of reset (and so my clothes will still fit!). I have been eating vegetarian for several years now so not eating meat is one rule I follow. Most of the time, I just try to keep everything in moderation and avoid processed foods and drinks with extra sugars. I am usually only strict with my exercise program when I am training for a race. Most of the time, exercise is one of the main ways I like to socialize. I know I would not get up early in the cold, dark mornings and run if my running group was not there to meet me. I also love SpirFit. It is great for supporting the mind, body and spirt.
Me: Why do you make keeping your body healthy a priority?
Lexi: I believe our bodies are a gift from God and we must take care of them. It is our bodies that allow us to do the work God has put us here to do and if we don’t have a healthy body in which to share our gifts with the world, it makes it harder to fulfill His purpose.
*Photo of Lexi: by Emily Morel Photography
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