Top 8 Core Athletic Strengths + Discover Your Core Strength

As a young competitive gymnast, embarking on such a concrete journey of strength, resilience, and determination, one thing always stuck with me no matter how hard it got - being an athlete is 90% mindset and only 10% physical strength. This is why I define the Athletic Mindset in my book, Beyond the Sport, as a foundational platform of mental and physical abilities, but the most important of the two is mental. The second thing that stuck with me is never to say the words, "I can't" because if I had I would suffer the consequences...this meant an infinite amount of pushups,  but besides that, the belief that I wasn't good enough. 

This limiting belief is something that we all struggle with on a day-to-day basis, and I would be lying to you if I said I've mastered this. This limiting belief is what keeps us at odds with our inner athlete and stops us from accomplishing our goals. A question that always comes up is, "what makes me different from him/her?" The answer, my friend, is...mindset. First of all, one of the basic principles in my book is that 'comparison fuels doubt and it is the thief of confidence.' The most important thing to understand is, without cultivating the mindset first, your physical strength will only get you so far. I learned that the hard way.

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Fitness, LifestyleMegan AstoreMindset, Strength, Performance
Meg's Energy Boosting Matcha Recipe

Just over three years ago, I would've given anything to have my morning cup of coffee, or occasionally needing a pick-me-up during some of my late night bartending gigs (sound familiar?). Simply, I was TIRED. Not only did I sometimes wake up tired (how does that even happen?), but I'd find myself crashing hard in the middle of the day. Even worse, I found myself on two separate occasions in an accident for falling asleep while driving. At the time, as terrible as it is, falling asleep at the wheel had become a common theme in my life. It didn't occur to me that it may have had something to do with my lifestyle and the food I was eating, or amount of coffee I was drinking because of how tired I was all the time, until I attended IIN. 

Since graduating IIN, I've discovered the foods that support me and give me lasting energy, therefore, I no longer have a "need" for coffee or caffeine. Although, I do love the taste of a good brew every now and then, but I generally go for decaf because I simply don't need the caffeine anymore. That being said, I've found an amazing alternative that adds a little something to my day without getting the crashing feeling coffee often provides - Matcha. 

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RecipeMegan Astorematcha, energy, sustainable energy, japanese tea
My 2018 Mantra + How to Tackle the New Year Like a Pro [free gift inside]

The day after Christmas, Bub and I decided we wanted to start the new year on an exciting new journey together with doTERRA to add more value to our health and personal growth. We joined a mentor team with Melissa Ambrosini and her Husband, Nick Broadhurst, called Path To Freedom  - key word, freedom. When we made this decision, as I reached the bottom of the page to join, I thought to myself, "Yes. I desire Freedom."

In the same day, I encountered two separate facebook posts. The first included a word search that read, "2018 will be the year of..." and then I was prompted to close my eyes for a few seconds, then open them, and say out loud the first word I see. To my surprise, that word was freedom. Next, another post that had the statement, "In 2018, I will manifest..." followed by a blank spot underneath with rapidly changing words and phrases. The prompt was to take a screenshot of the post and put the picture in the comments. Again, as soon as I saw my screenshot, it read, "In 2018, I will manifest...freedom."

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Lifestyle, MotivationMegan Astorenew year, 2018, goals, goal settingComment
How I Went From a Gymnast to a Runner: A Beginners Guide + My Top 10 tips for Keeping Your Run Game Strong

No one would expect a gymnast to become a runner - but then again, most people don't expect anyone to become a runner. Truth is, it's a process just like anything else. But, if you're interested, I've got some great tips for beginners and even for people who want to make their running stronger! Read more for my top 10 tips for a strong run.

If you had told me, when I was a gymnast full-time, that I would later on become a runner and run a half-marathon, I would've said, "Uhh, no way! I'm going to the Olympics like Dominique Muceano."

Well, interestingly enough...last year I ran my first ever half marathon at the Diva's Half Marathon and 5k in October AND I killed it (with a sprained ankle...oops)! I couldn't even believe it.

I still can't believe it...but, it happened.

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Fitness, MovementMegan Astorebeginners, runners, running, motivation, inspiration
Why Fats are my New Best Friends + A list of Must Haves

Did you know, on average, the human body is made up of 15 - 30% fat? Yet, decades of influence from media and food companies has conditioned us to believe that fats are bad and has influenced our perception of what fats should look like.  The "low-fat" and "fat-free" products have made significant headway onto the shelves in supermarkets and restaurants straight into the kitchens and meals of individuals and families.  Unfortunately, these products tend to be higher in refined carbs and sugar leaving us at greater risk for numerous health issues.  It's time to release guilt and shame surrounding the consumption of fats and to implement the right kind of fats for your individual needs into your daily food intake. Read below to see my ten reasons why fats are your friend and check out the list of must haves to start incorporating into your diet today.

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Megan Astorefats, brain food, brain health, weight loss, fuelComment
How to Get in with the Movement Culture + Find Movement You Love
How to Get in with the Movement Culture + Find Movement You Love

When it comes to the fitness/exercise industry, we can easily become intimidated, confused, or otherwise you literally have no idea where to start.

Let’s face it . . . we’ve all been there!

I was a competitive gymnast for years and competed track and field in high school. When all of that ended it was hard stepping out of my comfort zone of having sports to back me up and keep my body moving. I was insanely intimidated and had no idea where to even start. Not to mention, I wasn’t that interested to exercise outside of sports.

That was until I learned the hard way that moving my body was important.

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Movement, HealthMegan Astorefitness, movement, exercise, movement culture, health and fitnessComment