7 Personal Training Tips To Shape Up Your Soul

As a personal trainer, I've trained many individuals to work on the body by focusing on biomechanics, reps, sets, how long, how often and addressed other theories, but although a fit and well-conditioned body not only looks attractive and aids in living in our bodies with more ease and comfort, our bodies can't get us over the hump when we are faced with life issues that govern our inner world of emotional survival and sense of purpose.

No matter how good you may look on the outside, if you are a mess on the inside, you are not preparing yourself well to weather the ups and downs of life or to truly serve as your best self. At any moment in time, things on the outside (material possessions, jobs or careers, relationships, physical ability/appearance, perceived status or identity, money and health) can change in an instant!

I believe our bodies are the temple for our soul, but our soul is the true powerhouse and the most important part of ourselves to keep in shape. Yes, take care of your body, but shaping up your soul is what really counts in the long run. 

1: INCREASE STABILITY with meditation or prayer
Increase your soul's stability by meditating or praying at least 1x a day for 5-10min minimum. It's guaranteed we will be thrown off track, stunned or caught off guard by the rollercoaster and boomerangs of life, but if you take the time to meditate and/or pray each day, it will ground or root yourself with a sense of stability to withstand the punches, twists and turns because it provides you with a connection of something more than yourself. Quieting the mind is powerful. It helps you connect to your inner source (label of your choice). I find morning and evening times best simply because it's a great way to ground and center myself before the chaos of the day starts and at the end of the day, it's a great time to review, acknowledge accomplishments and let it all go! 

2: ENHANCE SENSORY AWARENESS with nature
Enhance your soul with sensory awareness by communing with our natural world and the animals we share it with on a daily basis. Pet a dog, scratch your kitty under the chin, walk outside to feel the warmth of sun and breeze on your face - the list goes on. Notice how you affect your surrounding and how your surrounding affects you. Sensory awareness helps you to be in your body, to connect and remind yourself of how you relate to everything and everyone around you and why it is so important to not only delight in these gifts but to be responsible to care and respect all things. Slow down, don't try so hard....the answers will come through sensation....just BE.

3: PUMP UP STRENGTH by honoring your personal best
Pump up the strength of your soul by stepping up and doing your best on a daily basis. You are here to be you not someone else's idea of what or who you are supposed to be. Break through boundaries and limitations by pumping up the strength of who you are. Forge through obstacles of someone else's reality to create your own reality! Face your self-imposed fears and trust you have everything you need. Be a lion full of courage to dream, create and become the fabulous you. This is not an area to be weak in. The goal is to be your personal best - this is not a competition with others. Work that muscle!

4: IMPROVE FLEXIBILITY of the heart

Improve the expansion of your soul's purpose by improving flexibility of the heart with compassion and love for yourself and others on a daily basis. Let loose to embrace the fact that everyone makes mistakes, has their own personal process and that we come from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Like the beating of your heart, ease up to allow the human learning curve to expand and contract, leaving the rigidity of judgement to fade away. Loosen up comparing yourself with others or with your own expectations of where you think you should be. Practice flexibility of the heart to expand and contract all day long. Love is powerful - keep flexible!

5: INCREASE MOBILITY with self-expression and play
Increase your soul's mobility by allowing your self to fully express your inner feelings and artistic abilities on a daily basis. No holds barred. No judgement. Let it out!!!!  Paint, dance, draw, build something with your hands, take photos, play an instrument, sing your heart out, write a poem...WHATEVER!  Just let your child-like inner self out. This is the real you. What makes you unique. This is your "essence"...your soul....what you naturally enjoy and are good at because it brings you JOY and it feels great!  You are in action. You are mobile, connecting to the unique YOU in as many ways as you can move yourself. Don't be a "stiff". Be mobile and express yourself fully! Wahooo!

6: MASTER COORDINATION between action and intention
Master the mission of your soul with coordination between your daily actions and intentions. As a discipline, ask yourself  "Does this task support my ultimate intention?".  If it does, forge ahead. If it doesn't, rework your tasks picking, prioritizing and then coordinating the execution of each task so that what you are doing most of the time supports where you want to go! No time to waste. If you want to loose weight, don't eat a bag of cookies. If you want a job in theatre, then don't take a job in finance. If you want better relationships, then communicate; don't hide with bitterness or anger. You can do it!!  

7: REGAIN AGILITY with laughter and sense of humor

The best way to bounce back to a joyful soul is to have agility, and the best way do this is through a daily does of laughter and a good sense of humor. Life is a serious matter, but it's good to know how to lighten up in order to elevate your soul to it's proper position. Develop a daily laughter yoga practice to sustain a hearty laugh for 10-15min in order to gain the most beneficial aspects of laughter. In a group is great, but if alone, simply lie on the floor on your back, bend your knees into your chest and start laughing. In no time you'll bounce off stress, gain clarity, feel more focused and start to wonder what was the problem in the first place? Laughter lightens the load and creates a light-hearted playful spirit so the soul can thrive in love & joy. 

Need a soulful personal trainer or coach? I can help. I'm not about obsessing over inches, counting calories, looking like someone else other than me or out of contact with reality. I like to have fun, explore new things and live my life as balanced and mindful as possible. If you want to discover a path that's right for you...and you only..sign up for my FREE 30min Discovery Session today and start getting that soul in shape today!


Maybe your soul just needs a quick lift. Then check out my Event Calendar for current soul-stirring events and programs.

To your soul's adventure,

Linda Parker
Creator & Founder
Soulistic Adventures, LLC
www.SoulisticAdventures.com
Linda@SoulisticAdventures.com





For more information about soulistic pathways to move, explore and discover you, visit my website at www.SoulisticAdventures.com or join my mailing list below or Facebook link above to stay connected!!

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The Adventure Lies Within

A nice place to sit still & listen.

It's been an interesting Summer as I continue my own Soulistic Adventure.  I've had to navigate uncharted territory requiring perseverance, face fears and the willingness to put a lot of effort in,  which at times, it felt like I received little in return. I've ridden emotions of excitement, frustration, happiness, anger, satisfaction, insecurity and joy (just a few). However, because I love and believe in my aspirations and the path I choose to follow for the rest of my life, I keep going, trusting the seeds are being planted and it just takes time to grow. I will keep watering the seeds.  Patience. A big lesson for me and one that repeats itself over and over.


Since turning 40, which was over seven years ago now, life has had to have meaning for me. I did not like to wake up having a sinking feeling in my stomach as I pondered "Is this all there is?".  After my Dad passed on September 1, 2006, this feeling really hit home (today marks 7 years - "Hey Daddyo! A big shout out to you! - Miss you! Love you!). I had to start making the adjustments, to continue my personal healing and development and to stop being quiet and unheard.

I am a deep thinker, but I also have awareness around seeing beyond the messages we receive from the media (print, audio, television) and often find daily life experiences to be quite mundane without being connected to something higher than myself. I don't believe everything I see or hear. Often this becomes jibber jabber... and the truth is lost. The truth is very basic if we all would simply stop for a moment to trust the feelings and sensations we each feel inside. We are so lost at times in a world that revolves around... shall I say...crap!

If you want more in life - simply open up to what is, what you feel inside and connect to spirit (God, the Universe, whichever reference resonates with you most)... you'll find your truth here and be inspired to get out there and make a difference.

Not sure where to begin?  I can help you begin to find your spark of adventure today by offering a FREE 30min Discovery Session via phone.  Often all it takes is one conversation to get connected back to what matters most.  Sign up today!

To your adventure and the truth that lies within,

Linda Parker
Creator & Founder
Soulistic Adventures, LLC
www.SoulisticAdventures.com
Linda@SoulisticAdventures.com





For more information about pathways to your soul to connect back to YOU through Movement, Exploration and Discovery visit my website at www.SoulisticAdventures.com or join my mailing list below or Facebook link above to stay connected!!

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Connecting with Nature - The Perfect Elixir

Hudson River in Yonkers, NY

My heart expanded so big this morning, I could feel it touching my ribcage and eventually spilling into every part of my body...all because I took a moment to connect with nature. To me, there is nothing better. It's the perfect elixir for life.

Where I currently live, I have the advantage of seeing such beauty on an every day basis living on the Hudson River. After living in New York City for 13 years, I have an acute sense of appreciating the difference between the abundance and lack of nature on a different level than I did before. As with most situations, there are pros and cons, but for me, I'll definitely take an abundance of nature over a lack of nature.

This morning, I sat on my favorite rock along the riverbank of the Hudson River in the early hours of the morning where I often meditate. It was so delicious as I allowed all my senses to be awakened by the wildlife and the beauty of the natural elements working in sync. It truly was a party for the senses, but not only that, it helped me to root and balance myself again. Nature allows myself to just BE a part of what is going on around me instead of trying to "think" it all out. There are lessons all around just by watching nature do what it does. For those that have busy minds, nature is a perfect reminder to relax, be in the moment and go with the flow.

How about you? What's your healthy elixir for life? Do you connect to nature on a regular basis?

To your adventure,

Linda Parker
Creator & Founder
Soulistic Adventures, LLC
www.SoulisticAdventures.com
Linda@SoulisticAdventures.com





For more information about Movement, Exploration and Discovery opportunities visit my website at www.SoulisticAdventure.com.   

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Maybe It Truly Is A Laughing Matter!

Maybe it's that's time again when everything seems to be going wrong and you just want to give up. When life gets too serious, may I recommend to simply..... LAUGH!!!! Laughter is the best free medicine out there.  When we laugh, we get the oxygen flowing. Different kinds of laughter uses different kinds of breathing methods...all done naturally without thinking. All you have to do is LET IT GO! The more you laugh, it will become contagious, and whatever was bothering you will be set free. Laughter feels great and puts things back into perspective. What a gift we all have. USE IT! After all, we humans are quite silly, aren't we?

Come on!...... Laugh with me.....

listen to ‘Something Funny?’ on Audioboo

Now, let me know how you feel.

To your adventure,

Linda Parker
Creator & Founder
Soulistic Adventures, LLC
www.SoulisticAdventures.com
Linda@SoulisticAdventures.com






Need more laughter in your life?  Join my local Laughter Club with Meet Up and experience a world of laughing, stress relief and good healthy times with positive people.  For more about Laughter Yoga, visit my website and look under MOVEMENT where you will find Laughter Yoga Wellness.

Exploration is FUNdamental to Life

Me exploring Quebec City, Canada - July 14, 2013

I don't know about you, but I LOVE to explore. I get bored easily and if I don't get out to explore in order to see, hear, taste, touch or smell something different than the same 'ol same 'ol, life gets a little stale and well.... lifeless.

To me, exploration is FUNdamental to enriching your life's experience.  What better way to learn and discover than by having "fun". Exploring new places, things and ideas gives such a great texture to life. It creates a sense of wonderment, purpose and supports the fact that we are all connected. It helps to keep life real and to remind us that we are all a part of something bigger than ourselves - so keep it light; have a sense of humor and relish the connections to all that is. Some things we explore are creations of the human spirit, some things are creations of nature... and some... well....you may scratch your head... but isn't it fun to explore?!

So this Summer, put your binoculars around your neck, get a good pair of comfortable shoes and get out there! Explore new foods, take a trip to see something new, meet new people from a different area or part of the world, try a new sport or test your artistic ability in a way you have not yet tried or read a book you normally would not pick up.

Just go for it!  Exploration is FUN FUN FUN. It will keep you young, engaged and continuously rejuvenate your body, mind and soul for a lifetime.

So how about it? What's your next exploration?

To your adventure,






Linda Parker
Creator & Founder
Soulistic Adventures, LLC
www.SoulisticAdventures.com
Linda@SoulisticAdventures.com





Is it time to EXPLORE YOUR LIFE? I offer Holistic Coaching - a blend of fitness, health and lifestyle coaching as a way to keep you moving forward in order to reclaim YOU - your life, your health, your passion.  Learn more about my coaching here and rediscover who you are. It's time to get out there and explore!!

Managing Disappointments

Yikes! You know how it feels. You've done all your preparation, you put your heart and soul into it.... and then NOTHING!  You show up, but where is everybody?!!  Or, you thought everything was going great and in your favor and then BAM!.....nope, not happening.  You may want to curl up into a ball and cry or beat a few pillows.

Although you might still need to do that, I think the best way to handle this is to approach life by simply putting your best foot forward - doing your personal best, speaking with clarity and sincerity and then letting go of any expectations to an outcome.  It makes it harder to feel disappointed when you step forward this way (although I know this is not easy for some of us who are hard on ourselves - which is me BIG TIME).  But think about it... if you did your best and you communicated with impeccability.... then...you've completed your responsibility successfully and that should be enough.  Okay.... or at least a helpful and healthy outlook when you don't get the results you were hoping for.

So go ahead - cry...beat those pillows...and lick your wounds. I completely understand. But at the end of the day, keep moving forward knowing you did your best and start to look ahead at new possibilities!

To your adventure,

Linda Parker
Creator & Founder
Soulistic Adventures, LLC
www.SoulisticAdventures.com
Linda@SoulisticAdventures.com

Staying on Course With Your Dreams During Transition

I think one of the hardest things to do when you are in transition is to stay on course towards a new path - especially when following your dream. It is so easy to re-create the old way even if the old way was not in your best favor but because it is a familiar and comfortable feeling, it seems easier or more natural. It's crazy, but most of us do this. We like to punish ourselves. If you feel you are choosing a painful choice or the hard way, it may be a good idea to ask yourself "why?" before taking that next step.

So how does one handle staying on course towards his/her dream during transition?

1. If at all possible, do not choose the "to survive" choice especially if there is a choice! Really think carefully and get in tune with your feelings and how your body reacts for clues. If you are struggling with a decision, it's probably for a reason.

2. On a daily basis, stay clear and true to your ultimate goals so that your steps of today still, in some way, support the direction of your new path.

3.  Break out of the "comfortable" and stretch your imagination and your ability to get out there and make it happen. Don't hide behind the computer. Get out there to be heard and seen.

4.  Connect to others that support you and are of like-mind. You NEED support that believes in you and can uplift you. NO Debbie Downers.

5.  If you have determined it is ultimately necessary to choose a direction that is of immediate necessity, give it a time frame (a beginning and end) to be clear about it's purpose. This will help you understand it's value so that you can ensure it still plays a part towards your ultimate course of transition.

And by all means, NEVER, EVER GIVE UP on your dreams. It is a journey, your "soulistic adventure" and you owe it to yourself to seek, find and become YOUR happy, healthy and fully expressed self. The world is waiting for you.

To your adventure,

Linda Parker
Creator & Founder
Soulistic Adventures, LLC
www.SoulisticAdventures.com
Linda@SoulisticAdventures.com





Need help staying on course?  I offer Movement Coaching, a blend of holistic fitness, health and lifestyle coaching in order to keep you moving forward during transitions. I've been through plenty so far myself and know it's a part of life. Don't let it get you down; it's part of your soulistic adventure; and what an adventure it is. For more information on my coaching programs click here.