Kim Musikant

My desire to help others become strong and fit started as a member of The Westfield Area Y. I wanted other people to experience what had happened to me - my body becoming fitter was helping my mind become stronger and my self-confidence to soar. The Y also gave me a sense of belonging. I loved the people there, and I felt valued.  As I became more comfortable in the classes and the weight room, I got to know the Fitness Director, Jean White, pictured here. A petite woman with a huge heart and an even bigger smile. She saw something in me and encouraged me to get certified. I laughed it off but did enjoy the attention - I was flattered.  The laughing turned into kicking and screaming when I realized that my desire to be in the fitness world was stronger than my fear of getting up in front of a crowd (hence the kicking and screaming). I had to do this - not for her, but for me. Jean  planted a seed in my heart that grew and pulled me straight into the world of fitness....

Studies show that when people journal their food intake, they are more likely to succeed with fat loss goals. When it comes to keeping a food log, though, most people are not sold. So, what's holding you back?   When we ask clients to share their journals with us, we don't care whether or not you have been "perfect".  Our job is to help, not judge. W e don't go home at night, and then entertain ourselves reading about the 26.2 cookies you ate last week. Helping you is our life's work, and we want you to succeed.   People tend to think they should hand in an exemplary journal with pristine line items of strictly portioned meals. Yes, we want to see the good, but we also want to see the bad and the ugly. No perfect people allowed! Together we can make little changes that add up to big successes. I recently had a conversation with an ALF member who confessed to attacking a bag of trail mix the night before. I told her that she can still attack the trail mix but m...

The Siblings Who Refused to Go to Bed: Leptin and Ghrelin Leptin and Ghrelin are hormones. These cute little guys are from the neuroendocrine system. The neuroendocrine system is the system in our bodies responsible for controlling our appetites! That is worth repeating. The neuroendocrine system is responsible for managing our appetites. (Ever notice that when you are sleep deprived, you crave carbs? Read on...) Leptin tells our brain, "Ok, I am good to go. I am full. I don't need any more food right now." Leptin tells us when we are satisfied - commonly called the satiety factor. However, when we are sleep deprived, Leptin is decreased. In short, less sleep equals a decrease in food being able to satisfy us, which leads to overeating and weight gain. Ghrelin signals our caloric needs. Ghrelin tells us when to eat and how much to eat. Lack of sleep increases Ghrelin, thereby increasing the need to eat more. Decreases in Leptin and increases in Ghrelin, caused by sleep lo...

Why So Many Women Quit Exercising in Midlife—And How to Turn It Around According to BMC Women's Health , nearly half of women reduce or stop regular exercise during the midlife period . Add in the natural decline in metabolism and muscle mass that comes with age, and it’s no wonder so many women struggle with unwanted weight gain, low energy, and increased risk of chronic conditions. But here’s the good news: you can reverse this trend—and feel better than ever. A landmark 2014 study,  "Factors Influencing Adherence to Regular Exercise in Middle-Aged Women ," identified three key motivators that increase the likelihood that  women in their 40s, 50s, and beyond will stick with an exercise routine. These insights are even more relevant today. 1. A Consistent Daily Structure That Includes Exercise By midlife, most women are juggling a lot —careers, aging parents, kids (or adult kids!), relationships, and community commitments. With so many competing demands, movement of...

Hopefully, I have inspired you to take some steps toward putting your health first after reading Are You Taking Care of You? and Put Your Oxygen Mask on First If so, do you feel a difference? Do you have more strength and vitality? If not, I want you to visualize having more strength and vitality. Can you imagine how you would feel with more confidence and energy? If you haven't decided to put your oxygen mask on first, we can help. Every day, we help people just like you get stronger, become more fit, and feel more energetic! Those are only some of the benefits... Read up on what some of our members are saying about how they feel. Facebook Reviews Most of our members are busy people, but they make their health a priority. They schedule appointments with themselves. They take the time to care for themselves. Today, take one step toward putting your health first by scheduling an appointment with Active Life Fitness. We want to help you as we have helped so many o...

Before an airplane takes off, during the safety instructions, the flight attendant will explain that if the cabin loses pressure, the oxygen masks will automatically drop down. Why do they always insist that you put yours on first before you place one on your child? Because if you are passed out, you will be useless to those who depend on you! In my post,  Are You Taking Care of You?  I wrote about how sometimes the love for our families and devotion to them gets in the way of taking the time to love ourselves too. I mentioned how we often sacrifice our own needs for the needs of those we love. So put your oxygen mask on first! Do not become  unconscious about your health. Here are two truths: Without our health, we have nothing. Time is precious. Yet, time is often the missing link between living a somewhat healthy lifestyle and living a lifestyle that makes a difference in our long-term health. Have you ever heard yourself say any of the following sta...

I always thought I was an extrovert because I am pretty friendly and enjoy being around people.  That is, until a few years ago, after I read a book by Susan Cain called  Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking. I learned that extroverts get their energy by being with other people, and that friendliness has nothing to do with it. That explains why going to parties where I don't know anyone makes me incredibly anxious (which may be a big news flash for those of you who know me). Introverts often derive their energy from being alone. That explains why I love it when I don't have plans for the weekends. One of the other characteristics of introverts is that they tend to be overly critical of themselves. Hmmm...I have always been my own worst critic. "Remember, you have been criticizing yourself for years, and it hasn't worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens." -  Louise Hay Self-love (not selfie-love) and self-...