Healthy Sewist – Sarah with Craftyfesta

I met Sarah through the Modern Instabee Hive 11.  As the year has progressed she has been posting many pictures on her Instagram account about her workouts, etc.  She is actually the one that got me on the #sweatnsew hashtag.

Pretty certain we could run some miles and discuss sewing, quilting, fabric, etc.  That sounds pretty awesome actually.

What do you do to keep yourself healthy?
I’m currently training for the Army Ten Miler, so I mostly run these days. I’m also doing PiYO when I can to supplement my running and to give me a chance to work out at home. Otherwise, I seek out other opportunities for calorie burn–mowing the lawn, carrying my toddler in the ergo around a park, etc. I also try to eat healthy. This is a constant challenge for me!! I have an incredible sweet tooth. I try to curb this by meal planning. It’s a chore that I don’t always do, but when I do I notice a change in the scale (woot!!) and it alleviates any second guessing as to what I’m going to eat.

What inspired you to start posting under #sweatnsew? How has it helped you?
I really enjoy seeing what other workouts people are doing. It keeps me motivated to post what I did and it also gives me a little push to get up and get moving if I haven’t done so already.

When it comes to sewing or exercise, which usually wins out?
Tough one–I guess exercise because it’s something I can do with my kids. I have a double Bob (we call him Robert) that I take out for runs. I can also do PiYO at home with the kiddos or I can take them to the gym and get in a work out. Sewing gets them too interested in what I’m doing and they poke and prod everything I’m working on; it makes for a frustrated sewist.

What impact has exercise had on your sewing, creativity, or quilting?
I find that exercise just gives me more energy in general. It clears my head and allows me to destress. Once I have a clear head it allows me to prioritize what I need to get done and then might I realize that I have some time to sew later in the day/night.

What kind of challenges do you face when it comes to staying active or being healthy?
Eating healthy food is a conscious effort for me. It’s a downward spiral–once I have some sweets I just go all in and indulge frequently and often. I try to plan when I can have treats; it doesn’t always work…trust me.

Do you have a favorite quote, technique, and/or exercise video to share with others?
I have found that strength exercises are SO important to an exercise regime. I used to just go on the treadmill and wonder why my body wasn’t changing. Find something you like–weights, PiYO, etc and it will help you get lean and see some muscles!

I think I’m going to have give PiYO a try, her posts have really got interested.

So readers, what are you doing today to stay healthy?