The Balancing Act of Nutrition

You've heard it before... baking is a Science, while cooking is an Art.  Anyone who bakes has their fair share of chemistry lessons, while cooks have their their fair share of innovation and resourcefulness.  The body and the food we put into it is also a Science and an Art.  The body is a chemistry lab, but is also a machine, and an ever changing form that can be molded and sculpted by our own will, by the environment, or by our genetics.

I haven't posted much on food, mainly because it really is no one's place to tell you what to put into your body.  Your body, your needs, your choices all belong to YOU.  Free Flow Academy encourages gardening, or at least being connected with your food and knowing where it comes from, and eating whole foods, organic when available, and reading labels.  Other than that, we don't stress specific diets.  Paleo, Vegan, Gluten free... the list goes on. We aren't going to tell you what's right for you.  However, as individual trainers, we each make our own diet choices according to what we believe is best for our bodies, and for the tasks and functions we wish to achieve.  I can't speak for all the trainers and our staff, really I can only speak for myself. So here's my break down, in case you are wondering:

1) My number one priority in my nutrition is OPTIMUM IMMUNE FUNCTION

This area has been a battle for me.  When I was in my teen years I was really into big gains, pushing to my max, eating tons of carbs and protein, and burning fuel as fast as I could.  I'd work out, go to work, do homework, go to school, when I was tired, sick, and could barely stand.  If there was anyone who pushed their limits, both mentally and physically, that was me.

Fast forward a few more years... I was 19 years old, doing the same thing I always do - push/drive myself into the ground.  I had 3 jobs, Dean's Honor Roll at my university, and of course training in martial arts 6 days a week 2-3 hours a day.  I had the energy to do all these things, so I did them, because I could.  If I wasn't being ultra productive, then I didn't feel valuable, and I didn't feel like I was meeting my potential if I didn't crawl into bed each night exhausted.

Then one day my hair started to fall out.  My hair fell out in huge chunks, and I was diagnosed with Alopecia Areata an autoimmune disorder.

I was pretty upset about the whole thing.  Losing your locks at 19 wasn't my idea of enjoying my prime years.  Soooo, let's just say I did some research.  I started to look inward, and make some changes.  I made some big changes to my lifestyle, and the first thing I did, was look to balance my hormones and my lifestyle.  As soon as I made those changes, my hair stopped falling out and grew back.  

Since that time I have spent over a decade monitoring and trying to keep my hormones and lifestyle in check.  3 pregnancies (including giving birth to twins, vaginally, no c-section), and entering my 30's has been a continual "check your engine for maintenance" light.  I must admit, I still push myself, but I'm more on the side of steadily improving myself, rather than driving myself into the ground.

Now I have 4 beautiful boys, I'm in my 30s, and own a company with nearly 30 employees.  Sounds like a freaking LOAD of work.  Well, it is and it isn't.  Here is where my nutrition lifestyle comes into play.  First and foremost my nutrition is prioritized by the following factors: #1 is immune function, because if I don't have the ability to take on my work load in a manner that minimizes stress, and allows me plenty of time to eat right, rest, and avoid the common sicknesses and ailments that come around, then nothing else matters.  There is nothing lively about being sick all the time, and there is nothing good nor glorious about being exhausted and tired all the time.  If my immune system has been compromised, then I need to figure out a new way to treat my body, because there is nothing more detrimental to your quality of life than being sick.  

2) COGNITIVE FUNCTION

I choose a nutrition program that really keeps my brain active and sharp.  Your brain burns a minimum of 25% of your total intake of calories.  Your brain has A LOT to do, so if you feel "spacey" or have difficulty concentrating, I propose that you are not eating for your brain.  If anything you are probably not eating enough, and/or not enough of the right foods.  Our bodies are a chemistry lab, and a machine that regenerates it's own cells.  And it is our brain that is the control center.  It's really important that if you have to do any kind of problem solving, that you have optimum cognitive function, and I really can't stress this area enough.  There are tons of geniuses out there, but I wholeheartedly believe that their are plenty of people who aren't tapping into that genius, because they aren't putting their cognitive function as a priority when designing their nutrition plan.  Rather they focus on "fat burning" plan.  Or "get ripped" plan.  All of which in a nutshell are pretty much shallow focuses if you don't consider the body as a whole.  We are so much more than how many fat cells, or what percentage of body fat we are.  If you think about the thousands of nutrition plans out there, you have to ask, what's the point of all that?  For me, my first question is always, "How does this support my immune function?  How does this support my cognitive function?"  Because if it doesn't serve those two areas, or compromises/diminishes those two areas, then it's NOT WORTH IT.

3) PERFORMANCE FUNCTION

Normally, people within the fitness industry design their nutrition plan around this area of focus. PERFORMANCE.  They want to do know what they can DO.  How they can LOOK.  This is the part that really sells, and is the part marketers like to focus on.  For me, this is #3, and there is no way it's going to ever move up from there.  In my earlier years, like my teens, Performance Function was number one.  I'd do whatever it took to perform, but it came with a very serious price.  It's a lesson I have learned/relearned many times over the past decade, and it has taken me some big life lessons to really truly prioritize.  Here is where I feel wisdom really comes into play.  There are a lot of areas of focus when it comes to performance, whether you are training for a marathon, a tournament, a cage fight, a physically demanding trip - you name it, there are tons of things you can be training for.  I for one, am a mother of 4, wife, business owner - so I need to have lots of energy.  But you won't see me loading up on B vitamins or energy supplements.  I don't drink coffee, nor consume caffeine in any form, other than perhaps the occasional bit of chocolate.  It is my belief that the body creates energy all by itself, all you need to do is let it do it's job, by giving it the right fuel, and letting it rest when it needs.

For me, my performance function is longevity - essentially I need to have enough energy to get through the entire day, alert, and totally present.  Crawling into bed exhausted shows that I exerted way too much energy, and didn't intake the right amount or right kinds of fuel.

That pretty much sums up my own personal nutrition plan.  Many clients wonder about specific areas, like how to lose weight, how to get a 6 pack... and there is nothing wrong with wanting those things. But keep in mind that your body is designed a very particular way, and what works for one person, won't necessarily work for you.  I'll conclude by posing a question: What do you want from your body?  I think that's one of the key's to deciding how to design your nutrition plan.  Once you become very clear about exactly you want out of your body, then you can really start to prioritize and design a plan that works amazing, and is also sustainable.

- Elle Beyer

Free Flow Academy partnered with Lincoln Community Garden to bring free gardening classes to the community (Organic gardening workshops and Composting/Vermiculture workshops are offered quarterly)

Film making and Parkour

There are several reasons why I believe film making and visual media content is important.  For one, it's the most powerful and influential tool that we have today.  Media and visual content influences the way we think, but more importantly, the lessons and/or warnings we learn in life come from stories we tell.

When I was in film school, I was fascinated with the way films are in fact a combination of all the arts - while fusing the latest and most innovative technology that is available on the market.  It's part science, engineering, and art - but it also serves as a unique relic of our time, our perspectives, and tells a great deal about each demographic it serves.

As I gained more insight into the world of producing, I realized that making films was intricately woven into the much grander tapestry of economics.  It's an art form that is not only a collaborative art process, a brain machine of ingenuity - but also an artifact that has the potential to fuel entire industries for generations.

Since having opened Free Flow Academy, and for the past 3 years, been working on growing and building a sophisticated artistic community - one that first and foremost understands their body, their needs, and limitations, while encouraging people to fulfill their highest potential.  Then delivering an environment that is invariably persistent in self-expression, and exploration.  We do our best to combine the Science of methodology, with the Art of expression and style.  Now with our community numbers growing higher than ever before, our next step is to create opportunities for those athletes and artists, to share their talent.  Teaching/Coaching methodology will always be necessary to carry on our disciplines, but the fact remains that we still need Artists to inspire, to bring to life that which we have worked so hard to achieve.  This is where film making comes into play.

In a nutshell, I fell in love with film making, and respected the power that it held, which led me to the belief that you shouldn't make movies just because you feel like it.  Making movies is simply way too much work to do for the hope of money, or glory, or fame.  You don't sculpt a marble statue of David, just because you felt like it one day.  You do it because you hope to leave behind something iconic.  You do it because you feel you need to offer up something that serves as a kind of hieroglyph.  Just like our ancestors drew paintings on the walls of caves, we have the ability to communicate to the world that will come after ours has died and diminished into the ashes of time. You communicate your way of life, the dangers both real and imagined in our world.  You tell your story, with the hope that your story lives on and inspires others.

- Elle Beyer

Demo Team Minimum Requirements

Season 2 Tryouts are coming up Saturday January 24th.  12:30pm for Kids and 2:30pm for Teens/Adults

NeoFlow Requirements

1. All team members will be required to have an Extended Membership plus Tribe (or
an equivalent family membership or greater).

2. All team members will be on Autopay (unless otherwise discussed with Elle, Nate or

3. All team members will be expected to take 3 classes per week: Demo Team
practice, an additional parkour or tumbling class, and 1 strength, balance or landings

4. All team members will be required to purchase a uniform before first performance!
No uniform, no performance. The uniform will consist of a black pair of pants (of
your choosing) and a NeoFlow t-shirt, available for purchase at the front desk.

5. All members will be required to participate in the Spring Showcase and any
scheduled rehearsal dates. (see calendar for dates)

6. If you miss 3 or more practices or performances you will no longer be able to
participate on the NeoFlow team for the remainder of the season.

7. If you are unable to make the performance practice before a scheduled event, you
will not be able to perform at the event.

Team B Requirements:

Acro:
1. Front Flip on Ground
2. Back Flip on Ground
3. Side flip on Flat
4. Back handspring
5. Front handspring
6. Round off Back flip AND Round off Back handspring
7. Handstand 5-10 seconds open floor, or 60 seconds on wall (nose and toes)

Parkour:
1. Must have knowledge of and be able to execute ALL vaults (see skill sheet at desk
for list)
2. Climb up, no elbows
3. Precision, 1.5x height
4. Cat leap, 3ft to 6ft at a distance of 1.5x height
5. Must be able to properly execute a Parkour roll
6. Tack to dive roll
7. Wall spin

Strength:
1. 5 pull ups, 5 chin ups
2. 3 muscle ups
3. 5 no swing leg raises
4. 5 dips
5. Pull over
6. 10 solid pushups
7. 5 controlled squats with 1/2 your body weight weight vest OR 30 controlled squats
with no additional weight



Team A Requirements:

Acro:
1. Front Flip into Foam Pit, with landing mat
2. Back Flip off Panel Mat in Foam Pit
3. Cartwheel, regular and one handed
4. Round off
5. Spotted Front Handspring
6. Spotted Back Handspring
7. 40 second Handstand on Wall

Parkour:
1. Know how to do the following Vaults: Safety, Monkey, Thief, and 2-step reverse
2. Climb up with no knees
3. Precision length of your height
4. Cat leap, 2ft to 5ft, height distance
5. Parkour Roll

Strength:
1. 2 Pull ups
2. 10 knee tucks on bars
3. 2 dips
4. 5 solid push ups
5. 20 slow-controlled squats

Cost:
Uniform (only if you weren't on Season I Demo Team) - $60
Monthly Membership - Extended $105 (includes the Extended Membership & Tribe membership)
Occasional travel/expenses (Team Trip 1x per season) - $80

Practice Times:
Monday 5:30pm-7:30pm (Team A team practice) & an additional class (Parkour or Tumbling Class of your choice), and a MINIMUM of one Tribe class per week.

Wednesday 5:30pm-7:30pm (Team B team practice) & an additional class (Parkour or Tumbling Class of your choice), and a MINIMUM of one Tribe class per week.

Commitment:
**6 months
**You can expect to have 1-2 days per month for performances, service oriented project, or photo/video shoot.
**Be a LEADER, represent the gym well. Be respectful at all times to yourself, to all people, in all environments.

 

Parkour is fundamental and everyone should be doing it.

This weekend I had the chance to go to the Y Combinator startup school in Silicon Valley and had the opportunity to share what we do with some of the brightest, most brilliant people on our planet.  I met Googlers, as well as met individuals who are creating Minority Report technologies, Tech entrepreneurs, Creativists, Do Gooders... as well as listened to some pretty amazing talks from a wide range of start up backgrounds.  Probably the most impactful talk for the event was Danae Ringelmann (founder of Indiegogo).  You might remember, in our earlier days we used Indiegogo to fund our foam pit (raising $3,000) with this funding resource from members of our gym and community.  Many of the speakers directly impacted my life and business in a positive way, and it was really neat to hear them speak about their early ideas, early struggles, how they overcame them, and their wise insight.

Admittedly, I wasn't really there to do a startup (although plans are certainly on the horizon in regards to the overall vision of FFA).  I was mainly there for inspiration, as well as way for me to gain insight on what's happening in tech culture.  I believe my own personal future, as well as the future of Free Flow Academy, very much relies on the developments of these tech gurus.  These people mold/shape and influence our lives more than any other industry.  The tech industry matches the influence of entertainment/media, as well as industries contributing to overall design and infrastructure.  I am deeply fascinated with techists, their deep understanding of this other world that would seem alien to the every day citizen, but somehow they can harness this alien code, and transform it into something absolutely critical and useful to the masses.  And the more I study and become familiar with different cultures, it all seems to be even more connected and more intertwined.  Like, we're all learning the same lessons, and overcoming very similar struggles - but just in the language that we understand.

Movement culture - is it's very own culture.  And movement, is also a universal language, but each language - holding it's own code/dialect - that has to be introduced and learned over time.  Much like programming code, we must understand basic fundamentals.  And our binary is basic mechanics.  The body has a binary code.  It functions, moves, and has the ability to bend in only certain directions, with a few varying degrees.  But it is the patterning that makes the code, and ultimately it is the patterning of our code that unlocks a limitless design and world of creation.  I had the opportunity to share with many people this weekend, about Parkour, the fundamental nature of it, and why it's important.  To my delight, people were overall, sincerely excited, about what I had to share, and I noticed a deep sense of understanding of the utility of it all, without having to really explain much.  Parkour is a binary.  It is basic, and it is exactly what every human on the planet should learn first and foremost.  The interesting thing, is that Parkour generally comes natural to small children.  Children, as soon as they are able, start to climb, start to jump, and start to do Parkour.  But as western civilization developed, society began to look down on Parkour.  Children were scolded "Don't climb that!  Get off that!  Don't jump off that!"  And then usually followed up with something negative, like, "You'll hurt yourself!"  "You'll break you neck!"  So ultimately, society posed a stigma on our binary.  Instead, we skipped learning binary, and placed a huge emphasis on manipulatives.  We gave children balls, and said, "Here play with this instead!"  The only problem with that is that you are now training kids and people to put an emphasis on one type of coding, that limits the use as well as the understanding of the binary.  It's like teaching someone to program an app, by teaching them the code (already written for them), but then never teaching them how to actually code.  Basically, most of the population, especially in Westernized cultures, has NO IDEA how to use their body.  Instead, they know a few different codes (taught to them by people who wrote a code, and then kept passing on that same code...)

Which is why Parkour is absolutely FUNDAMENTAL.  People should learn, first and foremost, the mechanics of their body, AND what it's limitations are.  BUT at the same time, understand it's vast capabilities, and limitless capacity for creation and design in their movement.  Parkour is MOVEMENT, in it's most primal, natural, and fundamental state.  Parkour - the movement discipline - has progressions, a system and methodology for teaching these mechanics.  Just like you would learn how to count, to add, subtract, multiply, divide, and use decimals, the same goes for Parkour progressions.  Parkour is a binary code for your body - which is why EVERYONE on the planet should do it.

Now you're probably thinking - "Are you saying I need to be like those folks on YouTube who jump off of buildings and such?"  The answer - NO.  Although, if at some point, if you have decided to take your training in a way that includes jumping off rooftops, then so be it.  But understand that jumping off rooftops is only one form of expression of Parkour, and really only addresses one way of coding, that is expressed through the individuals patterning and design of their movement.  YOU on the other hand, will know, grow, and understand your binary, and then will come to create your own expression of Parkour.  Whether you express yourself through the design of utility and efficiency, or though creative and abstract expressions - that really is up to you and the direction you take your programming.  Ultimately once you grasp the basics, and the world has turned into your playground, your individual programming options just skied the limit.

Movement should be a Priority. Not an extracurricular activity.

I have the pleasure of talking to A LOT of parents.  It's always fascinating to me to get to know different people, their ideals, their life, their background... People are colorful, diverse, interesting.  I had a pretty cool talk, with a really cool mom today, who brings her 4 kids to Free Flow, and is currently pregnant with her 5th.  Go Mommy!  And what impressed me is that she's anxious to get out on the Parkour course after she has the baby, and get back into shape.  I find that we have some pretty amazing families - who are active, involved, and let me just put it bluntly... they have their PRIORITIES straight.

Whoa, did I so boldly declare that if you come to Free Flow you have your priorities straight?  Yeah... I did.  Here's why: MOVEMENT should be a priority in people's lives.  Not just some extracurricular activity that you do to get bonus points.  Movement drives our health.  It's as important as eating and drinking.  Your body NEEDS movement.  Furthermore, movement drives you to eat better ranges of fuel.  Your body cannot move at it's optimum if you eat crap.  Furthermore, MOVEMENT and HEALTH is far more important than grades, accolades, and everything else that gets far more credit than it deserves.  Wow... Now I'm getting real over here.  A parent who thinks grades aren't a priority... WOW... WOOOWWWW!!!!!  This is getting waaaayyyy too crazy over here!  But just think about it for a moment Generation X'ers and fellow Millenials.  Your health, and knowing how to use your body - this INCREDIBLE machine, SHOULD be a priority.  Because everything is nothing, without your health.  Do what you need to do to stay healthy - EAT WELL, MOVE, ENJOY THE JOURNEY.  Instill those habits early on, and don't lose them.  If you lost them, get back on track.  Your life depends on it.

Now that we are clear that Movement IS a priority, let's talk basics here.  Structure.  Your body is made up of bones and flesh.  Your bones need to be in alignment in order for your body to function optimally.  Meaning, there needs to be a basic understanding of postural alignment, good habits instilled early on.  Babies often have great posture.  But over time, too much sitting causes them to slouch, and to stand poorly.  By the time we're adults we walk, stand, and sit like utter crap.  So we need to constantly realign ourselves and fix/fine tune our posture and structure. Then their is muscle engagement.  We need to train our bodies to use muscles, to build upon them, and to gain new ones to perform more tasks.  We can train muscle memory to do ALL TYPES of things.  Then their is basic body mechanics.  A good rule of thumb:  If it hurts, it's probably not good for you.  But remember, there are good hurts, and bad hurts.  Just like in life, hurts can make you stronger, or leave life long scars.  We want the hurts that make you stronger.  Not injured, traumatized, and disillusioned.  Once we have a basic understanding of our own body, and how it moves and functions, we can introduce manipulatives, and even learn to work with the mechanics of another person's body.  Basics are so important, and are really all you NEED.  At Free Flow we'll encourage you to get what you NEED, but also go on and fulfill your potential.  Because the journey of fulfilling your potential is indeed... fulfilling. 

Anna Fisher - The first mother in space.  We encourage you to boldly go where no one has gone before. 

Anyone can take a class.  When I say anyone... I mean ANYONE.  Think you're too old for tumbling class?  Think again.  Check out our adult tumbling class filled with seasoned mom's who are sending their kiddos off to college.  Not preschool.  COLLEGE.  And let me put the record straight.  These mom's came to us with no fitness background at all whatsoever.  They just decided, as they entered mid-life, to take up tumbling, kung fu, parkour, and a number of other things for that matter.  Or check out one of our Saturday adult classes with our pal Travis.  He is a cancer survivor, and is also blind.  He sort of rocks at Parkour.  I'm not kidding.  The dude is a beast.  So excuses aside...

In order for Free Flow Academy to really progress, we need to change the way people think.  The general mass is still brainwashed, and still focused on the importance of WINNING!  Or perhaps having the "Commercially Appealing body" Or perhaps focused on getting their kid to "Toughen up" and overcome the competition.  I can attest, as a member of the human race, that the world actually doesn't need more people doing all those things.  What we do need is more understanding, compassionate, happy, innovative and collaborative individuals.  We need people to be HEALTHY.  Let's let medals and trophies have their place.  Let's let letter grades and accolades take off their crown.  Let's focus on the tangible reality, that you live in your body every day.  And you will live in your body every day until you die.  So take care of your body.  Move.  Play.  Live.  That should be a priority. 

Parkour Skill Sheet

We provide Parkour Skill Sheets for your convenience to give you the direction you need in terms of progressing your Parkour skills, and overall improvement of body mechanics, strength, and mobility. 

Here is a snapshot of just a few things on the skill sheet (downloadable off the website) or ask for one at the front desk. 

Bars

Dynamic
Under Bar
Brachiation
Lache
Dyno
Lemur Lock


Balance

Bar Walk FWD
BKWD
Turning
Perpendicular
FWD QM
BKWD QM

Walls

Running Form
Wall RunTic Tac
Cat
Cat Pull Up
Cat Leap
Tic Tac to Cat
Climb Up
Cat to Cat
Support
Support to Cat
Support Jump
Tic Tac to Support
Cat Pull Up
Climb Up
Cat to Support


Floor/Acro

Front Flip
Overhead Roll
Dive Roll
Front Up Tuck
Front Flip
Back Flip
Back Roll
Back Roll Handstand
Back Roll Off Box
Spotted Backflip
Backflip
Front Hand Spring
Handstand
Bridge
HS to Bridge
Front Handspring

How the Fitness Industry Brainwashed you

In one of my earlier posts, I expanded on the idea that Free Flow wouldn't ever try to sell you an "identity".  I'd like to expand on that, and what I REALLY meant by that.  I often get people that talk to me about health, about fitness, about what they think they know.  When I talk to people about owning a gym, they almost always, scan over my body with their eyes, and immediately it registers in their eyes their ideas on how they view fitness and health.  Let's first evaluate the word "Fitness".

According to Google "Fitness" is defined as:  The condition of being physically fit and healthy.

...So to be clear, fitness is health.  Health and fitness is one in the same. 

To me, "Fitness" means - Optimum and ideal FUNCTION of the body we have, personal fulfillment, long life.  

To others, "Fitness" may mean - Muscular, slender, toned, tan, white teeth

At some point in your life, you were probably brainwashed into thinking that "Fitness" meant one of the above definitions.  And here's the truth, and it may be to the surprise of millions, but one of the above definitions is totally WRONG.  One of the above definitions is completely, totally off the mark.  Can you guess which one?

Meanwhile - here is a picture of Kristin Rhodes.

I would say she is fit.  That would be because she is a 5x world champion strongman athlete.  She is also an inspiration to the world, mother of 3, owns her own business, and is downright awesome.  Her body seems to function at her optimum/ideal.  She seems as fulfilled as any human could ever be.  A champion, a family, travel and leisure, awesome body, and personally fulfilling mission.

Here's another picture of Kristin

... just because we love to admire her.   

Alright - so now that a picture is worth a thousand words, you can see my point yeah?  Fitness does not mean muscular, slender, toned, tan, white teeth.  Actually... the shape of fitness is rather no mold at all.  It can come in many forms!

Check out the Vegetarian Shaolin Monks playing soccor.  Soccor isn't their sport.  Kung Fu is what they are known for.  But it looks like they have fun with soccor too.

Oh and let's not forget, the 100 lb. 5'0 first female to dominate American Ninja Warrior - Kacy Catanzaro.

 
I don't understand.  It doesn't make sense.  How is she so strong!  So agile!  So.... so... FIT!

Isn't it interesting to note, that our extremities can only bend one direction, with a few varying degrees, yet have LIMITLESS applications!  It's really, truly, incredible.

So how fit are YOU?  And what more would you like to achieve?  Ignore the following images below, for they are lies.  Actually, never mind - not going to post those images at all.  Simply being on the internet will bombard you with images of tan and oily 6 packs, promises to lose fat, and be the BEST YOU by spending money on weight loss pills, miracle diet plans, and more.  The "Fitness" industry is the most advertised industry in the world, probably because it's a $60 Billion dollar industry.  That's right.  People are spending $60 billion dollars on this industry alone.  WHAT??  But, there is only 6 billion people on this planet.  So if we're spending $60 Billion dollars, shouldn't the whole world be healthy and fit 10x over?  I don't understand... it just makes no sense.  People are starving, people are dieing of heart disease, people are... totally and completely NOT fit!!!!!

I have a theory on that.  That would be because we don't actually understand what Fitness is.  Our understanding is very shallow, very... dare I say it... "Molded".  Dude, we have been brainwashed. 

So now that we have the word "Fitness" clearly defined, and can reprogram ourselves to think in truths, let's move on to your optimum and ideal function.  First off, fitness should not feel like an obligation.  It's a natural human desire to be healthy, to be fit.  In order to be healthy, to be fit, you need to move, you need to play, you need to fuel your body with good quality fuel and calories.  Next time someone tries to convince you that you need to take in 70 grams of protein for breakfast, you can most likely ignore that advice. It really boils down to what you are trying to achieve, what function you are trying to attain.  You need to always, define your goals.  Next, have fun!  Life is meant to be lived, the journey part is the BEST part.  The destination is secondary to the actual journey.  Have fun, have joy - this is the purpose.

And lastly, your body is a gift.  Love it for how it was made. Every body has it's own ideal/optimum function.

Inspired much?  Feeling a tingling of gratitude?  You should.  Because you and your body is amazing. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. 

If anyone tries to make you feel bad about you and your body, it's because they are trying to reach into your wallet.  Or because there are dark forces around us - who want us to feel miserable about our incredible gift, because those dark forces do not have what we have. A body.  Amazing, incredible, body. 

Be hopeful, cherish, love your gift.  And don't let a multi-billion dollar industry brainwash you.  Resist it!  CRUSH IT!!!  Look at yourself in the mirror, and admire your beauty.  If you can't see it, understand you have been brainwashed.  Your beauty is there.  Look beyond the many filters the dark matrix has placed upon you.  Admire that your eyes, your brain, can process images, that you can pick up a safety pin, that you can roll over, that you can read and process these words and letters!!!!  It's freaking AMAZING!!!

With that said - have a beautiful day and play safe!

- Elle