Physical Activity Readiness

 It is extremely important and in most fitness facilities mandatory that you take a PAR-Q: Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire before you begin any work-out program. The purpose of this questionnaire is to evaluate the individuals medical history briefly and  make an assessment on any underlined medical condition that may become detrimental during physical activity.



Here are the seven questions found on the PAR-Q.

•    Has your doctor ever said that you have a heart condition and that you should only do physical activity recommended by a doctor?
  

•   Do you feel pain in your chest when you do physical activity?

•    In the past month, have you had chest pain when you were not doing physical activity?

•   Do you lose your balance because of dizziness or do you ever lose consciousness?

•   Do you have a bone or joint problem (for example, back, knee or hip) that could be made worse by a change in your physical activity?
  

•   Is your doctor currently prescribing drugs (for example, water pills) for your blood pressure or heart condition? 

    IF YOU ANSWERED YES TO ONE OR MORE OF THESE QUESTIONS

 Talk with your doctor by phone or in person BEFORE you start becoming much more physically active or BEFORE you have a fitness appraisal.  Tell   your doctor about the PAR-Q and which questions you answered YES.
You may be able to do any activity you want — as long as you start slowly and build up gradually.  Or, you may need to restrict your activities to those which are safe for you. Talk with your doctor about the kinds of activities you wish to participate in and follow his/her advice. Find out which community programs are safe and helpful for you.


IF YOU ANSWERED NO TO ALL OF THESE QUESTIONS

If you answered NO honestly to all PAR-Q questions, you can be reasonably sure that you can: start becoming much more physically active – begin slowly and build up gradually.
This is the safest and easiest way to go. take part in a fitness appraisal – this is an excellent way to determine your basic fitness so that you can plan the best way for you to live actively. It is also highly recommended that you have your blood pressure evaluated.  If your reading is over 144/94, talk with your doctor
before you start becoming much more physically active. 

PLEASE NOTE:  If your health changes so that you then answer YES to
any of the above questions, tell your fitness or health professional.  a cold or a fever – wait until you feel better; or
• if you are or may be pregnant – talk to your doctor before you
start becoming more active.


DISCLAIMER: Fittobegoddess.blogspot.com is a resource center. In no way shape or form is the author(s) of any of the blogs or fitness programs are to be held liable for any possible injuries or death that may or may have been obtained as a result to the postings.

Here is what the actual form looks like. It should be signed and dated. If a fitness center or personal trainer does not provide you with such a form then you should be concerned. This means that they are not interested in your safety. They are most likely just out for your money. Be informed folks.

Love and Light!

The Naked Truth...

This was me, January 7, 2002, young single and childless. Do you see my double chin? No? Ha, that's because I only had one chin then.  No back fat, no flapping armpits and only one stomach. (I wasn't skinny but being skinny has never been a goal of mine)

What happened to me? Two babies, various birth controls, a divorce, depression, malnutrition, overeating, poverty, in activity and the complete separation from myself and my inner goddess.

Over the past seven years I have gained a little under 200lbs. I know what you are thinking, I thought the same thing when i finally stepped on a scale after three years of completely avoiding them. How could I do this to myself? How could this happen? The answer is simple, this weight gain came from me not taking care of myself. It is sad but true. I am a real woman with real issues and  I have decided to get up and do some thing about it.  I wasn't sure exactly of how to get started. I was unclear on what steps I should take, but I knew that something has to be done. So, I decided to got to school for Health and Wellness. I figured my education will help me get to the root of my problem. Throughout my degree program I will be learning the scientific foundation of exercise and fitness, nutrition and stress management. My goal is to obtain optimal health through a healthy lifestyle. I chose to blog and share my experiences so that maybe you all can be inspired to start your own fitness journey. Come on ladies, let's do this together!

So I wanted to see what 364 pounds looked like, so I can remember and never come back here again. I had my husband take some naked photos of me. (not sexy photos). This is as real as it gets. The honest truth and I needed to face that reality and confront the issue head on. It took me a week to muster up the courage.

This photo was taken on November 11, 2009.

Through out this process I will periodically add photos of my progress.

As I look at this photo, I am visualizing myself at my ideal weight and body fat percentage. I am seeing myself without the love handles, the back fat, the double chin and all the extra things i have acquired over the years. This was scary at first, but posting this picture actually feels good.

Okay so know that we have been properly introduced and I have shared this vulnerable moment with you. Let's get down to business. The first order of business is to get out the house. It is time to incorporate more activity, into our sedentary lifestyles. Come on let's go for a walk.

Let's listen to some inspirational vibes while we walk.
Download for free!

Deepak Chopra Perfect Health

And so it begins...

I would like to warmly welcome you all to the Fit To Be Goddess . I come to you all with all honesty and humility. My intent is to help others obtain their optimal health by first helping my self. I am making a commitment to bring forth the positive changes I seek for my life.
I will use this blog to create my memoirs and as a tool for documenting my progression. I pray that some one out there is inspired by my story and uses it to help encourage them to become the change they seek in their life.
 
I am known to the public as Lotus Speaks; a spoken word artist,writer, actress and plus size model. I have recorded three albums, toured and performed all over the country. I live a "real life" as a mother, wife, sister, home maker and student. I would like to introduce you all to Nicole Benzo (the other me). I am presently attending Kaplan University where I am working toward my BS in Health and Wellness. I plan to continue on to my masters and doctorate as well. Dr. Nicole Benzo has a nice ring to it. I want you all to be around to see this. Please hold me accountable for everything that I say. 
Over the past few years I have not been treating my body well. I have allowed my self to become over weight and out of shape. This blog is dedicated to Health and Wellness in all aspects. We will be dealing with nutrition, herbology, fitness, exercise routines, beauty tips, meditation and relaxation techniques. This will be a healthy living resource center for information and motivational testimonials.Along with my degree studies, I have consulted with several fitness and nutrition experts who have agreed to share their methods of getting into shape and healing the body with us.

 
This blog is about reclaiming control over my life. It is about getting in shape, spiritually, mentally and physically. Let all of us women walk back into our godliness by reconnecting with our inner being, our true power and natural way of living.
My personal goal is to remove 200 pounds of waste from my body through healing foods and an active lifestyle. I don't expect it to be easy or with out challenge. I know that there will be a lot of hard work and sacrifices. I invite you on this journey with me because quite frankly I am going to need as much support as I can get. Walk with me on this road to perfect health.