Ten years ago today, on June 23, 2011, my baby company was made an official LLC through the State of Washington. 

IzzyFit is 10 years old now! It's a 5th grader! Time... If flies. Companies grow up so fast.

And I *hope* I've grown up with it. As I look back at the last ten years, I'd love to share with you some of the biggest lessons I've learned.

1. If you're not reevaluating how you do things every few years, you're doing it wrong. Follow the science. Learn from people smarter than you. Let go of what you thought to be true that's been proven wrong. Be transparent with clients about why you now think one way today when you did it differently the day before. Oh, hey, did you know your knees CAN go past your toes in a squat? Yeah! Go figure!

2. Strength training is for strength gaining, not weight losing. Weight loss is a fine goal if you and your doctor think it is necessary or you have (healthy) aesthetic goals. AND, at the same time, using strength training as a means to lose said weight is a study in using movement as punishment. Strength training should be EMPOWERING. It teaches you to take up space and OWN IT. It can help prevent injury and illness. So focus on the gains in the gym. Then, let's talk about lifestyle stuff that can get you to your weight loss goals outside of it.

3. Showing up matters. IzzyFit was born in June of 2011 and hit a crossroads in 2012. The relationship I was in at the time exploded into and I didn't know my next steps. Instead of staying in bed the morning after my Big Bad Breakup, I showed up to work and trained my clients. The new career that I'd both worked really hard for and given up a lot to change to was NOT going to be taken away by some stupid prick. 

4. Everyone needs a coach. Life's demanding. I had trouble brushing my teeth twice/day during the pandemic because I was so tired. AND I'm supposed to figure out a program for myself? No, thanks. Thanks to the past year, there are now more ways to find personal training at any budget. Want a connection? Please email me, text, or set up a call so I can help connect you to the best option.

5. You're. Not. BROKEN. We all have physical differences, some that can make life harder than for others. And if a fitness professional ever points out all of your physical "shortcomings" and says they can "fix" you with their system: Run. They're trying to make a sale. You're not broken. You are where you are and our job is to help you move better. Meeting with your fitness professional should help you move forward and onward, not make you cry. 

6. Before and after pictures are bogus. And I used to take them to help clients see progress. I even used a before and after sequence with a Client of the Month post and I still really regret it. Why? Because underneath the "look how far this person has come" congratulatory high five we give can lie the "OMG did you see that before? Ew." And that trend really needs to die. Why? Because that before picture was always worthy of love and acceptance and we spend too much time worshiping at the alter of thin.

7.  I like strong butts and I cannot lie. Want to lead a healthy life into old age? Lift heavy to strengthen your glutes. Period. Here's more on why.

8. Don't put off exercise. I have a new client. She is 86. She walks up and down the stairs better than some of our much younger clients. She has been training consistently with a trainer for 20 years. It's never too late to start. Just start and be consistent.

9. Tacos are the best meal. Always.

10. Consistency is key. As Tony Gentilcore likes to say, the ideal prescription for exercise is 3x52, meaning we should all be moving three days/week for 52 weeks out of the year. Sound daunting? It might and that's OK. So we start where we are, work to hit our initial goal consistently, and work up to 3x52. Show up consistently and it becomes a part of who we are. Conversely, if we consistently start and stop, that also becomes part of who we are. The choice is ours.

I'm sure I'll think of other IzzyFit lessons I've learned along the way but I'd like to leave you all with my deepest gratitude. Without all of my clients past and present, and friends like you to write and provide content for, IzzyFit wouldn't even BE 10 years old. So thank you, IzzyFit Nation. Much love to you.

Ten years after my first side butt post, I figured it was time for an update with some other exercises. 

I firmly believe the stronger your tush is, the longer your life can be. Here is why: The side butt (gluteus medius) is responsible for:

• Stabilizing your hips 
• Bringing your leg out to the side, away from your body
• Rotating your hip internally and externally

If your side butt is weak it can affect your:

• Hip complex
• Knees 
• Ankles
• Low back
• Shoulders

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If you’ve sprained your ankles a lot, have knee pain when you run or do any activity, have low back pain after long walks, have uneven shoulders, etc: It could all stem from a weak side butt!

When it comes to the body, EVERYTHING is connected.

One place to start working on the almighty side butt is right here in one of my very first blog posts ever (hey, it still stands up!).

The second place: Right in this blog post! Here are three more of my favorite exercises that target the side butt (and other fabulous places).