Michelle Stevens, MS, CEP: Your Self-care and Fitness Friend

Hello Hello! I'm Michelle.

I'll be your fitness friend that will also go out for cupcakes. I'll just be ordering a gluten-free and dairy-free one. You do you.

When so many parts of you life are competing for priority of your available moments, it’s not surprising that “workout” moves farther down the to-do list.

You can take care of it later, once you get past this stressful phase, right?

We have to be careful not to burn out so we can keep making our magic and mischief in the world.

I can’t quite wave a magic wand and make the time for your health appear, yet.

But I can help you treat and prevent future burnout by being a self-care advocate and launch strategist for your health.

Body Compassion

Friendly reminder: You are a human first and all of your other roles in life somewhere after that. 

I know you’re wearing lots of hats, but you have to show up for yourself first. Give yourself some of that gorgeous energy you’ve been giving to all the other relationships in your life.

You are worthy of your own time, energy, attention, and affection. 

Movement

Movement as self-care can take many shapes and forms. When we exercise at a low to moderate intensity we can reduce stress, insulin resistance, cortisol, and burnout while serving up a boost of endorphins.

Unstructured dance breaks, car dance parties, pole, swing, reggaetón, merengue, bachata and salsa are my favorite ways to move. It’s fun, pleasurable, and playful moments with amazing music that makes life magical.

Energy Management

Rather than expecting yourself to be go-go-go all the time, how about adjusting to your energy level for the day and picking the most efficient action plan based on that?

Sometimes that means taking a self-care break to recharge. True self-care is more than a bubble bath, but a bath is always a good place to start brainstorming other options.

I'm here to teach you how your glorious body works & help it feel good.

• BS Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Human Performance
• MS Exercise Science, Clinical Exercise Physiology
• Clinical Exercise Physiologist and Certified Personal Trainer from ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine)
• BarreAbove Group Fitness Instructor. Corrective Exercise Instructor
• Diabetes Care and Education Specialist - Level 2
• Published research in Diabetes Care and ACSM National Meeting
• Adjunct faculty teaching leadership and management to our future public health practitioners

As cool as I make Type 1 Diabetes look, I'm sure you don't want any type of it.

One of my many missions is to get more movement in your life by swapping out fads for sustainable fitness practices. 

Getting more movement in your day helps reduce your risk for Type 2 Diabetes, insulin resistance, heart disease, and more. Even if you’re not a person who checks their blood sugar, being active still increases your insulin sensitivity. This helps prevent Type 2 Diabetes as long as possible. 

Thankfully, living a physically active life is simpler than most 30 minute workouts. 

Together, let’s heal your love-hate relationship with fitness, and eventually, your body.