Find Your Fit | Wellness, Fitness & Nutrition

In episode #47 Jessica and Kevan give us an injury update.  Kevan is finally injury free! Jessica has started running again, so she will let us know as soon as she picks her next race. Jessica and WE Fit Wellness will be coordinating the National Fitness Challenge in Colorado with USABA. You can check out if your state is participating in the National Fitness Challenge on the USABA Facebook page. Kevan recommends that people get their medical records because it can become difficult to gather them all. Jessica & Kevan congratulate our good buddy, Joe Turcotte, on his trip across the USA. Jessica and Kevan welcome back Kevin Brousard from the United Association of Blind Athletes (USABA). Kevin just returned from Judo competition in Kazakhstan. He gives us an update on this year’s National Fitness challenge. USABA just had their first blind soccer camps this past year! They are trying to build a program to be ready for the Paralympics in L.A. in 2028. They also celebrated the first annual National Blind Sports Day! It was created to promote and educate everyone about sport opportunities that are available. For Fit Chat Jessica tells us about how to use walking or running to meet health goals other than just weight loss. Got questions? Shoot us an email at FindYourFit@WeFitWellness.com We would like to thank our generous sponsors for their support in the production of this podcast, the Colorado Center for the Blind, the National Federation of the Blind, and Push Beverages.

In episode #45 Jessica and Kevan talk about the 3rd annual NF-Be Healthy Fair at the National Convention of the NFB. They also give an update on Joe Turcotte from episode #43 of Find Your Fit. He will be in Colorado mid week on his way running from Boston to California. Kevan and Jessica congratulate Mel Scott and Blind Alive on the 100th episode of their podcast. Many will remember Mel from previous episodes of Find Your Fit. Check out her first appearance here. Jessica also tells what USABA is up to recently. Kevan tell how much he likes the new Aftershockz headphones he got from JJ of The AT Guys at the NFB convention. Jessica and Kevan welcome Kim Morceri. Kim is a nutrition and health coach at Natural Grocers. Natural Grocers offers this Nutrition & Health Coaching services for free at almost of their locations. She details the process of how the nutrition & health coach sessions go. Natural Grocers were supporters of our national Federation of the Blind of Colorado 6 Dot Dash. For Fit Chat Jessica tells us some tips to improve your sleep hygiene. Many of these tips are detailed at The National Sleep Foundation’s website here. Got questions? Shoot us an email at FindYourFit@WeFitWellness.com We would like to thank our generous sponsors for their support in the production of this podcast, the Colorado Center for the Blind, the National Federation of the Blind, and Push Beverages.

In episode #44 Jessica and Kevan inform us about the upcoming NF-Be Healthy Fair coming up at the 2018 NFB national convention. Kevan tells us why he is going to Baku, Azerbaijan and how he plans on staying healthy and active while there. Kevan also tells about a company in Australia that is trying to add a powdered broccoli in coffee. Jess talks about the NFBCO 6 Dot Dash 5k coming up on June 24th. Jessica and Kevan welcome Randi Strunk. Randi is a Blind athlete. She recently completed her first Ironman Triathlon! Jessica & Kevan chat with her about how she got started running as an adult and how her guide talked her into doing triathlons. Her guide for the Ironman was Caroline Gaynor, who was a guest on episode #42. Randi also tells us all about how she competes in triathlons as a blind person. She talks about nutrition, training, clothing, transitions, swimming, utilizing a guide and much more! For Fit Chat, Jessica and Kevan update us on Joe Turcotte’s adventure across the U.S. Check out what Joe is doing either on Facebook here, or on episode #43 of Find Your Fit. Jessica tells us all about one of her favorite new apps, AAPTIV. Got questions? Shoot us an email at FindYourFit@WeFitWellness.com We would like to thank our generous sponsors for their support in the production of this podcast, the Colorado Center for the Blind, the National Federation of the Blind, and Push Beverages.

In episode #43 Jessica and Kevan start with an injury report, this time it’s not Kevan’s! Jess is in a boot from a stress fracture in her foot. Kevan talks some about Blind Hockey. Jessica tells us that USABA will be starting a blind soccer (5 aside soccer) team. The WE Team tried out adapted Curling for the first time. Thanks to the Broadmoor Curling Club for showing us that. The NFB’s 6 Dot Dash races are coming up. If you want more information about the 6 Dot Dash in Maryland click here. If you want more information about the 6 Dot Dash in Colorado click here. Kevan welcomes Joe Turcotte to the Find Your Fit podcast. Joe is preparing for his fundraising event, 6 Million Steps of Gratitude, in which he we trek across the United States. You can follow his progress and support the organizations he is passionate about at his Facebook page here. For Fit Chat Jessica tells us about the Ketogenic Diet, which is a low-carb and high fat diet, where the body turns fat into ketones for use as energy. There are several sources to find out more about the Keto diet on the internet. Got questions? Shoot us an email at FindYourFit@WeFitWellness.com We would like to thank our generous sponsors for their support in the production of this podcast, the Colorado Center for the Blind, the National Federation of the Blind, and Push Beverages.

In episode #42 Jessica and Kevan welcome everyone to another Find Your Fit Episode. Jessica lets us know about how the National Fitness Challenge went his year as it wrapped up. They discuss Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition including a female athlete with a prosthetic leg, as opposed to Vogue UK last year airbrushing able bodied models as amputees. Jessica and Kevan welcome Caroline Gaynor to Find Your Fit. Caroline guides blind athletes from all over the world in triathlons. Learn how she got into guiding and how you can get into guiding blind athletes. In swimming, running, or tandem bike riding. For find Your Fit, Jessica and Kevan talk about the Winter Paralympics in Korea. There is going to be the most coverage of the Paralympics aired on television in the USA than ever before. This is great, but the US is still far behind many countries in recognizing their Paralympians and the amount of the Paralympics covered on live television. Got questions? Shoot us an email at FindYourFit@WeFitWellness.com We would like to thank our generous sponsors for their support in the production of this podcast, the Colorado Center for the Blind, the National Federation of the Blind, and Push Beverages.

In episode #41 Kevan welcomes “Intern Amber” back to Find Your Fit. We get the scoop on what’s happening in her life like the business she just started, which is an affordable health and wellness consulting company. For a low monthly fee you get access to weekly live webinars, coaching, and personal consulting from Amber. She has also accepted a position with the Lighthouse for the Blind in San Francisco. We wish her the best n her future. Kevan welcomes Bruce Porter of BVA Sports in Virginia. He is helping to grow the sport of Blind Hockey in the United States. He and the Blind Hockey team members in Virginia travel the country showing blind people about the sport of blind hockey. Since the sport is only 4 or 5 years old, many have never heard of it. Kevan also welcomes Jeff Vann of St. Louis Blues Blind Hockey to Find Your Fit. Jeff has helped to build a relationship with the St. Louis Blues to build and grow the blind hockey team in the St. Louis area. Jeff is also a volunteer with an organization working to build a theme park called . It will be a Six Flags type of theme park that will be inclusive, meaning it will be designed so that people with disabilities will be able to access and participate in the theme park experience. For Fit Chat, Amber talks about talks to us about intermittent fasting and some of the benefits. https://www.facebook.com/pg/BVASports/about/?ref=page_internal Got questions? Shoot us an email at FindYourFit@WeFitWellness.com We would like to thank our generous sponsors for their support in the production of this podcast, the Colorado Center for the Blind, the National Federation of the Blind, and Push Beverages.

In episode #40 we want to wish everyone a very happy, healthy, and safe holiday season. In this special holiday season episode, we are welcoming back one of our favorite guests, Mel Scott of Blind Alive/Eyes-Free Fitness. Kevan checks on the status of their new Eyes-Free Fitness app. Kevan and Mel also discuss the development of the app, the making of her audio described programs, and any tips for the holiday season. Got questions? Shoot us an email at FindYourFit@WeFitWellness.com We would like to thank our generous sponsors for their support in the production of this podcast, the Colorado Center for the Blind, the National Federation of the Blind, and Push Beverages.

Kevan is out on an assignment, so The Genius is filling in for a few minutes. Jessica gives us the Worley injury update. He has sprained his ankle. It is the one-year anniversary of Jessica and Kevan with their guide dogs Prada and Onyx, which they got from Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation. The last race for the National Fitness Challenge is November 11th at the Celebrate our Veterans 5K. Achilles Pikes Peak will be supporting many athletes in this 5K. Jessica and Kevan welcome Karen Kantor to Find Your Fit. Karen is a disabled veteran, an amazing running coach, and a wonderful woman. Karen was an Olympic qualifying trail runner while in the military. She suffered a spinal cord injury She tells about her journey from that injury back to being able to run again. Karen has also experienced numerous exciting endeavors. She was wrangled into playing sled hockey. She was also encouraged to participate in the 10 Island Race in Switzerland, which happened to be filmed for a reality TV show. Another cool event she participated in was the American Ninja Warrior where the show wanted to show of the wounded soldiers. Currently, Karen is making amazing things happen at the Independence Center in Colorado Springs. For Fit Chat, Jessica share some tips how to manage or control or chose good eating options for this holiday season. Got questions? Shoot us an email at FindYourFit@WeFitWellness.com We would like to thank our generous sponsors for their support in the production of this podcast, the Colorado Center for the Blind, the National Federation of the Blind, and Push Beverages.

In episode #38 Kevan talks about the wonderful people he met at the NFB of Iowa state convention. Jessica and Kevan tell us about a trip they took with their friends from Achilles of Pikes Peak up Pikes Peak to Barre Camp. Jessica updates us about the National Fitness Challenge. The last race of the series is coming up on November 11 to celebrate our vets. Jessica and Kevan welcome Kyle Rector to Find Your Fit™. Kyle is a Computer Science Phd. Learn more about Kyle at her website here. She tells us about a product she developed as a grad student called “Eyes-Free Yoga.” Eyes-Free Yoga uses a Microsoft Connect to assess the yoga pose or posture and tells you how to either correct your pose or if you are doing the posture correctly. She has Eyes-Free Yoga under a Creative Commons License so people can take the coding and add to it or use it to improve it. She would also like if other people that are excited about this to add more poses to the system. You can download the installer and get the code from her website at this link. Kyle has also developed ways for people who are blind to experience visual arts in a more accessible way. Learn more about this project called “Eyes-Free Art” at this link. Kyle is currently working on a project called ExerGames (short for Exercise Games), which allows both sighted and blind individuals to play the games together. If you would like to participate in any of Kyle’s research, you can email her here. In Fit Chat, Jessica talks about some effects that music has on exercise and physical activity. Kevan has added another hobby, like he needs another. He has started drum lessons. Jessica talks about some research conducted by Dr. Costas Karageorghis. Music can help to get people into “the zone” or “flow.” It also helps with synchronicity and timing. Music has many positive effects for before, during, and after exercise. Got questions?  Shoot us an email at FindYourFit@WeFitWellness.com We would like to thank our generous sponsors for their support in the production of this podcast, the Colorado Center for the Blind, the National Federation of the Blind, and Push Beverages.

In episode #37 Kevan talk about, well, himself. He also tells us about a new product created by a New Zealand company that we are excited about, an inflatable Goalball goal. This will make it significantly easier to help the sport grow. Kevanand Jessica remind everyone that there is still time to contribute to the WE Fit 50 Go Fund Me campaign here. She also talks a little about the Pikes Peak Ultra race, which you can read all about in her race report here. WE also thank the sponsors for the WE Fit 50: National Federation of the Blind (NFB) LaBarre Law Yorkshire Veterinary Hospital Colorado Center for the Blind (CCB) Jessica and Kevan welcome an amazing athlete, a wonderful person, and a great friend; Brandon Stapanowich. Brandon is a physical therapist and an Ultra Athlete. He has competed in many major events like many of the toughest ultra marathons, Nolan’s 14, a self supported run down the Colorado Trail, and most recently the infamous Barkley Marathon. WE recommend checking out the documentary about the Barkley Marathon on Netflix. Brandon helped to start a chapter of Achilles Internanional in the Colorado Springs area, which pairs able bodied individuals with individuals with various disabilities to encourage and motivate all to participate in various physical activities. You can find out more about Achilles Pikes Peak here. Brandon recounts his “15 minutes of fame,” in which he crawled across the finish line at the Boston Marathon. Check out “The Crawl” here. For Fit Chat, Jessica discusses how to control inflammation with your diet. Here are links to both anti-inflammatory foods and foods that cause inflammation. Got questions?  Shoot us an email at FindYourFit@WeFitWellness.com We would like to thank our generous sponsors for their support in the production of this podcast, the Colorado Center for the Blind, the National Federation of the Blind, and Push Beverages.

In episode #36 Jessica and Kevan talk about some of the things WE Fit Wellness has been doing over the last month including the NF-Be Healthy Fair, NFB 2017 Youth Slam, and the WE Fit 50. Jessica and Kevan thank the We Fit 50 sponsors: Gold Sponsors: Nikken Wellness National Association of Blind Merchants (NABM) AIRA: Visual Interpreter Ski for Light Silver Sponsors: Blind Alive: Eyes Free Fitness National Federation of the Blind of Colorado Sports & Rec division Jessica and Kevan welcome Anil Lewis from the NFB Jernigan Institute to Find You Fit ™. Anil was behind the 2017 NFB Youth Slam. He talks to Kevan and Jessica about what Youth Slam is and what the future might hold for Youth Slam. He and Jessica also reflect on the events of this year’s Youth Slam and the importance of it. Kevan also has Anil share about the podcast that he is a cohost for, The Nation’s Blind Podcast. For Fit Chat Jessica tells us about how she did in the Pikes Peak 50-mile race and the WE Fit 50 fundraiser. There is still time to contribute to the Go Fund Me campaign here. They thank the sponsors of the WE Fit 50: National Federation of the Blind (NFB) LaBarre Law Yorkshire Veterinary Hospital Colorado Center for the Blind (CCB) Jessica tells how the WE Team worked to get her dad, Doug, to Colorado to surprise her at the airport. Here is a video of that surprise. Got questions?  Shoot us an email at FindYourFit@WeFitWellness.com We would like to thank our generous sponsors for their support in the production of this podcast, the Colorado Center for the Blind, the National Federation of the Blind, and Push Beverages.

In episode #35 Kevan is back. Jess gave a run down of the NFBe Healthy Fair. Jessica thanks our NFBe Healthy Fair Sponsors: Gold Sponsors: Nikken Wellness National Association of Blind Merchants (NABM) AIRA: Visual Interpreter Ski for Light Silver Sponsors: Blind Alive: Eyes Free Fitness National Federation of the Blind of Colorado Sports & Rec division Jessica tells us about her upcoming 50-mile ultra marathon and the WE Fit 50 fundraiser. If you would like to support Jessica and WE Fit Wellness, you can do so by donating to the Go Fund Me campaign. She also thanks the WE Fit 50 Sponsors. National Federation of the Blind (NFB) LaBarre Law Yorkshire Veterinary Hospital Colorado Center for the Blind(CCB) Kevan congratulates Maureen Nietfeld of Breaking Blind on the scholarship she won at the NFB national convention. WE welcome Erik Weihenmeyer of No Barriers back to Find Your Fit. Erik has a new book out, “No Barriers: A Blind Man’s Journey to Kayak the Grand Canyon.” Erik shares about some of the things he learned while on his adventures. For Fit Chat, Jessica and Kevan discuss TENS and eSTIM therapies. Got questions?  Shoot us an email at FindYourFit@WeFitWellness.com We would like to thank our generous sponsors for their support in the production of this podcast, the Colorado Center for the Blind, the National Federation of the Blind, and Push Beverages.

In episode #34 we welcome back Kevan Worley from his recovery from a brain surgery. He tells us how the first swim after surgery he bashed his head in the pool for the first time ever! Jess tells us about her upcoming 50-mile race. She tells us some of her favorite parts of training for this amazing adventure. She also tells us all how we can help support her in making this a great fundraiser by donating to the Go Fund Me campaign Paul Gabias of Nikken Wellness joins us to tell us all about Nikken Wellness. He tells us what it is, what they offer, and how he came to be a part of Nikken Wellness. Paul gives us a run down of all the products he will be bringing to demo at the Healthy Fair. So, if you cannot find Jessica, you should try the Nikken booth where she may be napping. You can check out Paul’s website here or call 1-866-218-2953 for more details about Nikken Wellness. Bonnie O’Dea and her colleague Bob, of Ski for Light, join us as a sponsor of the NF-Be Healthy Fair. They are also hosting a reception along with the NFB Sports and Recreation division. Bonnie & Bob tell us about the history of the organization as well as their upcoming programming. On Fit Chat, we give all the details about the second annual NF-Be Healthy Fair happening July 10 in Orlando, Fl. There are going to be a number of door prizes and give-a-ways throughout the event so come on by and have a great time and maybe win some goodies. LuluLemon has donated an amazing gift. Stop by to see what that is! Trader Joe’s has donated a bunch of snacks and goodies. Elevate Yoga has donated several things like yoga mats free yoga sessions, and more. Then we list a bunch of the activities that will be at the Healthy Fair. We also want to thank our sponsors for the Healthy Fair: Gold Sponsors: Nikken Wellness National Association of Blind Merchants (NABM) AIRA: Visual Interpreter Ski for Light Silver Sponsors: Blind Alive: Eyes Free Fitness National Federation of the Blind of Colorado Sports & Rec division Got questions?  Shoot us an email at FindYourFit@WeFitWellness.com We would like to thank our generous sponsors for their support in the production of this podcast, the Colorado Center for the Blind, the National Federation of the Blind, and Push Beverages

In episode #33 of Find Your Fit Amber and Jessica tell us about their Memorial Day adventure in Boulder, Colorado doing the Bolder Boulder 10K as a part of the National Fitness Challenge.  Amber describes it as a 6-mile party and “her kind of race.”  Our co-host, Kevan Worley, used AIRA technology during the race so that he wouldn’t miss a beat, how cool is that?  Listen for details on this saucy adventure! Amber and Jessica are thrilled to announce just one of their many July extravaganzas, the 2nd Annual NF-BE Healthy Fair at the NFB National Convention in Orlando, Florida.  It’s going to be an event you won’t want to miss.  There will be a ton of activities to get your hands on including traditional Japanese sword fighting, aerial yoga, rock climbing, and an inflatable obstacle course, just to name a few! Speaking of July extravaganzas, our very own Jessica will be running a 50-mile race as a fundraiser for WE Fit Wellness so that we can continue to bring accessible, affordable, and achievable wellness solutions to all.  WE Fit Wellness is truly the right “fit” for everyone and this race will help us to spread the word!  It’s going to be a blast and we are so proud of Jess for taking on this challenge, she is going to rock it!  Stay tuned for details on how you can get involved in the 50 Miles of Fun that is the Pikes Peak Ultra.  Jess also gives us a sneak peek at how her training is going, this includes a story of how she got lost in the mountains.  Thankfully Genius came to the rescue, gotta love him! We interview Emily Harvey, a beautiful young woman who is an amputee, a blogger, a disability-rights attorney, and an all-around incredible athlete and human-being.  Emily shares her story on how she grew up as an amputee and what inspired her to get involved in various forms of athletics.   Accessible sports is a popular topic around WE Fit Wellness, so Emily gives us some insight on how she uses different legs for different activities.  This part of the interview excites Amber and Jess because there’s a small bet going on around the office to guess how many different legs Emily uses.  Can you guess?  Listen to find out!  While we’re playing the guessing game, can you take a gander at how much one prosthesis costs?  The answer almost brought me to my knees.  Thankfully, Challenged Athletes Foundation graciously gives out many grants each year so that athletes like Emily have the opportunity to live a life with no barriers.   Isn’t that spectacular?  Emily is also a model and ambassador for Skirt Sports, she has her own non-profit called Limb359, and she and her husband, Zach, are featured on She’s Got Grit.  Wanna hear a sweet love story?  Emily shares with us how she met her husband and its quite the Cinderella story! On FitChat, we revisit the subject of Heart Rate and talk about how to use it to optimize your fitness.  Discover how to find your resting heart rate, maximum heart rate, and target zones.  This info is sure to give your fitness routine a boost, while helping you reach your goals.  Got questions?  Shoot us an email at FindYourFit@WeFitWellness.com We would like to thank our generous sponsors for their support in the production of this podcast, the Colorado Center for the Blind, the National Federation of the Blind, and Push Beverages  

In Episode 32 of Find Your Fit Jessica and Amber open with excitement as usual.  Amber shares with us her experience of graduating with her Master’s degree last Friday and tells us about the exciting gift she received on graduation day! Jessica welcomes Amber to the We Fit Wellness team as a full-time employee and we sadly say goodbye to her previous job title “the lowly intern.” The NFB Healthy Fair is coming up on July 10th, so listen for details on content and prizes. Jessica announces the start of fundraising for her 50-mile run called WE Run for Independence.  Stay tuned for details, we will keep you posted on our Facebook page! Jessica gives us an exciting update on the National Fitness Challenge, hosted by the United States Association of Blind Athletes (USABA) and the Anthem Foundation.  We have an amazing Facebook page were participants share their stories of victory and success.  For fun pictures, stories, and updates on the National Fitness Challenge, search for the hashtag on social media outlets, #nfchallenge2017. We interview Erich Manser, a blind marathon runner with 17 marathons under his belt.  He used AIRA technology with Google Glass to navigate the Boston Marathon this year.  AIRA uses a smartphone app that pairs with a camera mounted on Google Glass that is connected to a sighted-human assistant. Listen for details on Eric’s experience and learn more about this exciting emerging technology.  Find out how you can get involved and learn more here. Amber’s new graduation gift got her thinking a little more about her resting heart rate.  She got a bit concerned, so she asks Jessica a few important questions. What should your Resting Heart Rate be and how do I lower it?  Listen in for this week’s Fit Chat as Amber and Jessica hash out the topic of Resting Heart Rate. We would like to thank our generous sponsors for their support in the production of this podcast, the Colorado Center for the Blind, the National Federation of the Blind, and Push Beverages

In Episode 31 of Find Your Fit, Jessica and Amber interview Jim Gump, an ultra-runner from England who has been running every single day since January 1, 2013 and is doing it in a way to inspire adults, children, and families around the world to get out and get moving. He was inspired by the 2012 Olympics in London.  He and his dog, Alfredo, began running an average of 7 miles a day and raised money for several great charities while doing it.  Alfredo even became an official hero of their local city!  Running each day allowed Jim to become stronger and faster than he had ever been before! Each year Jim increased his daily commitment.  In 2015 he committed to doing a triathlon each day and since then has been unstoppable. Jim has been inviting people to join in on the fun through an amazing campaign called Kx365.  Find out more about this life-changing opportunity in this incredible interview! Jim quickly became inspired to do more to contribute to the world, so he began traveling all around the world visiting schools to inspire children to get moving.  He has ran across the United States and visited hundreds of kids.  He tells us several exhilarating stories from running on dirt roads in the deep south to being chased by a pack of wild pigs!  Jim is still on his journey of inspiring adults, children, and families to participate in physical activity each day.  Listen to this podcast episode for a dose of inspiration that is sure to be life-changing. Want to get involved and join in on the daily fun?  Think about what form and how much physical activity you can commit to each day to improve your health, let us know for your chance to be featured on Inspiration Thursdays or Find Your Fit.  We would love to hear from you! Sign up for Kx365 here. Learn more about Jim Gump here. Donate to the campaign here. We would like to thank our generous sponsors for supporting the production of the Find Your Fit podcast, National Federation of the Blind, Colorado Center for the Blind, and Push Beverages.

In this episode of Find Your Fit we begin by wishing Kevan Worley (our co-host) well as he recovers from surgery. Amber and Jess are excited because Amber will start teaching yoga at a new studio called UpRise Yoga here in Colorado Springs.   We love UpRise Yoga because once a month they partner with our Pikes Peak Chapter of Achilles International and teach us an invigorating yoga class that supplements our workouts.  How awesome is that?  If you need help finding a yoga studio near you, don’t hesitate to reach out and let us know! Jess did her 50K race last weekend and gives us a full report.  Telling us that she went in super excited and mentally prepared, but quickly discovered that it was a lot more technical than she thought.  Jess learned valuable skills through this new experience and gives us insight on overcoming mental challenges through tough physical activity. A video that outlines Jess’ 50K nutrition plan is available on our Facebook page.  She is now training for the Pikes Peak Ultra, 50-mile race.  Let’s wish her luck as she gets ready to race, go team! We happily congratulate all the participants of the National Fitness Challenge, as well as athletes with disabilities who competed in the Boston Marathon.  Then Jess gives us riveting updates on several National Fitness Challenge groups across the country.  Amber is so pumped from her first race in the National Fitness Challenge that she decides to get serious about her running journey, find out what she is doing to get started.  Need tips on getting started in your own fitness journey? Reach out to us by sending us an email at findyourfit@wefitwellness.com  We would also love to hear your stories of success and victory in your own journey, send us a message for your chance to be featured on Inspiration Thursday! We interview Patrick Standen of the Northeast Disabled Athletic Association (NDAA).  He tells us about the exciting opportunities available for those interested in adaptive sports from sled hockey to chair soccer, and even Adaptive Sailing!  Patrick shares with us some defining moments and success stories that he’s experienced through NDAA, so amazing!  Find out how you can get involved with the NDAA and get moving!  Check out their website at disabledathletics.org or give them a call at (802)-862-6322.  They are always looking for participants, volunteers, and contributors.  Find out how to donate here. This episode’s Fit Chat is all about stretching. Why should we stretch? How often and when she we do it?  What’s the difference between Dynamic and Static Stretching?  Find out on Fit Chat. We would like to thank Push 2.0, the Colorado Center for the Blind, and the National Federation of the Blind for helping to make this podcast possible.  

In episode #29 of Find Your Fit, each member of the WE Fit Wellness Team, including special guests Joe Shaw and Nijat Worley share with us their latest health and wellness obsessions. Kevan explains the nickname “Genius.”  Basically, Genius (who’s real name is Kevin Kovacs) is the brains of the operation, anytime anything goes wrong, the Genius comes to the rescue.  He is also the lead producer of our podcast, we could not do it without him! Amber tells us about a new initiative called the Weekly WE Fit Tip, where each Monday the WE Fit team releases a short video on their Facebook page that helps to keep you healthy, fit, and well.  Got tips or questions you’d like covered?  Let Amber know by emailing findyourfit@wefitwellness.com  or by calling 866-543-6808. Check out our Facebook page to see this week’s video tip. Ever wondered how to exercise your brain and keep it sharp as a tac as you age?  Give this podcast a listen to find out, as Amber tells us about her new favorite health topic, “Neurobics.” Buy a book on Neurobics, “Keep Your Brain Alive” and learn more and play free games here. Returning special guest, Joe Shaw, leads us in a great discussion on confidence in the gym as a person with a disability.  We all chime in with tips and tricks related to our own gym experiences and how we can exercise with confidence in a variety of fitness settings. An exciting announcement from Jessica about our new business venture in Los Angeles leads to her telling us all about her new favorite fitness obsession.  Apparently, you can “hoop” your way to health with the new fitness trend of using a Hoola-hoop to stay in shape.  Jessica tells us about a company based in LA called Hoopnautica.  She plans on taking some hoop fitness classes in LA and is encouraging us all to get involved in “hooping for health.”  Find out more about how you can use the hoop to lose your pooch! Tips on hooping and a link to buy weighted hoops. Need a little extra motivation or tips to stick with your workout plan?  Jess, Kev, and Joe give us several great tips for staying motivated before and during a workout.  From packing your gym bag the night before to listening to your favorite tunes, these tips are super helpful for both newbies and oldies in their fitness journeys. Kevan shares with us his latest favorite superfood, the acai berry.  He tells us how to buy and use this amazing superfood in fun ways, including smoothies and yogurt bowls, yum! Acai recipes (Kevan loves Ola’s in downtown Colorado Springs http://www.olajuicebar.com/ Jess tells us all about her new Inov-8 shoes and their initiative to get people healthy and active.  Learn more about Inov-8 here.  Jess has an awesome pair of Roclite 290 Trail Running shoes by Inov-8, that she will use for her first 50K (Behind the Rocks Ultra). Finally, Nijat gives us tips and tricks for spending money in a way that is conducive to a healthy lifestyle.  Studies show that using cash makes you less likely to spend unnecessarily or make impulsive purchases.  Find out how to keep your wallet full and your waistline trim. Check out Erik Weihenmayer’s new book “No Barriers.”  It is available on  Amazon, Audible, and wherever books are sold. This week we congratulate fitness partner, LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired. (Please also check out their Facebook page!) We would like to thank Push 2.0, the Colorado Center for the Blind, and the National Federation of the Blind for helping to make this podcast possible. With gratitude for Achilles International of Pikes Peak and United States Association of Blind Athletes. Do good. Be well. Find Your Fit!

In episode #29 of Find Your Fit, each member of the WE Fit Wellness Team, including special guests Joe Shaw and Nijat Worley share with us their latest health and wellness obsessions. Kevan explains the nickname “Genius.”  Basically, Genius (who’s real name is Kevin Kovacs) is the brains of the operation, anytime anything goes wrong, the Genius comes to the rescue.  He is also the lead producer of our podcast, we could not do it without him! Amber tells us about a new initiative called the Weekly WE Fit Tip, where each Monday the WE Fit team releases a short video on their Facebook page that helps to keep you healthy, fit, and well.  Got tips or questions you’d like covered?  Let Amber know by emailing findyourfit@wefitwellness.com  or by calling 866-543-6808. Check out our Facebook page to see this week’s video tip. Ever wondered how to exercise your brain and keep it sharp as a tac as you age?  Give this podcast a listen to find out, as Amber tells us about her new favorite health topic, “Neurobics.” Buy a book on Neurobics, “Keep Your Brain Alive” and learn more and play free games here. Returning special guest, Joe Shaw, leads us in a great discussion on confidence in the gym as a person with a disability.  We all chime in with tips and tricks related to our own gym experiences and how we can exercise with confidence in a variety of fitness settings. An exciting announcement from Jessica about our new business venture in Los Angeles leads to her telling us all about her new favorite fitness obsession.  Apparently, you can “hoop” your way to health with the new fitness trend of using a Hoola-hoop to stay in shape.  Jessica tells us about a company based in LA called Hoopnautica.  She plans on taking some hoop fitness classes in LA and is encouraging us all to get involved in “hooping for health.”  Find out more about how you can use the hoop to lose your pooch! Tips on hooping and a link to buy weighted hoops. Need a little extra motivation or tips to stick with your workout plan?  Jess, Kev, and Joe give us several great tips for staying motivated before and during a workout.  From packing your gym bag the night before to listening to your favorite tunes, these tips are super helpful for both newbies and oldies in their fitness journeys. Kevan shares with us his latest favorite superfood, the acai berry.  He tells us how to buy and use this amazing superfood in fun ways, including smoothies and yogurt bowls, yum! Acai recipes (Kevan loves Ola’s in downtown Colorado Springs http://www.olajuicebar.com/ Jess tells us all about her new Inov-8 shoes and their initiative to get people healthy and active.  Learn more about Inov-8 here.  Jess has an awesome pair of Roclite 290 Trail Running shoes by Inov-8, that she will use for her first 50K (Behind the Rocks Ultra). Finally, Nijat gives us tips and tricks for spending money in a way that is conducive to a healthy lifestyle.  Studies show that using cash makes you less likely to spend unnecessarily or make impulsive purchases.  Find out how to keep your wallet full and your waistline trim. Check out Erik Weihenmayer’s new book “No Barriers.”  It is available on  Amazon, Audible, and wherever books are sold. This week we congratulate fitness partner, LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired. (Please also check out their Facebook page!) We would like to thank Push 2.0, the Colorado Center for the Blind, and the National Federation of the Blind for helping to make this podcast possible. With gratitude for Achilles International of Pikes Peak and United States Association of Blind Athletes. Do good. Be well. Find Your Fit!

In this episode of Find Your Fit, Kevan and Jessica give us exciting updates on their Plank Challenge journeys.  Kevan gives the injury update we have all been waiting for, he is finally injury free, feeling good, and ready to run again! Speaking of running, Jessica, Kevan, and Amber are gearing up for the St. Patrick’s Day Lucky Laces 5 & 10K Race. This is the first of three races in the National Fitness Challenge in Colorado presented by WE Fit Wellness, United States Association of Blind Athletes (USABA) and the Anthem Foundation.  Go team! Kevan mentions Michal Kapral from episode #27 of the Find Your Fit podcast.  Michal raises money for charities when he joggles in races. Joggling, as in running and juggling at the same time!  Apparently, joggling is a popular skill in the running community. Most athletes who joggle, including Michal, are very giving of themselves, their talents, their resources, and their time. The team welcomes Sabrina Simmons to the podcast. Jessica met Sabrina at an NFB seminar and was motivated and encouraged by her health and wellness journey and invited her to share her story. Sabrina lost her sight due to diabetes. She gained about 70 lbs. after she became blind and decided she needed to make some changes to lose the weight. Sabrina shares with us about the many styles of group exercises she takes regularly and how she succeeds in these classes as a blind person.  She also found fun and unique ways to exercise during normal daily activities and she shares these tips and tricks with us.  Sabrina didn’t stop there; she has also made significant changes in her diet. She tells us how a plant-based diet, which has increased her energy level, while helping her to reach her health and wellness goals. One of the books that inspired her to change some of her habits was Dr. Neal Barnard’s Program for Reversing Diabetes: The Scientifically Proven System for Reversing Diabetes without Drugs. For Fit Chat, Jessica, Kevan, Amber, & the Genius tastes protein bars made with cricket flour. We have two different flavors of Crobar protein bars by Gathr. Jessica is allergic to shellfish, which are arthropods just like crickets, so check out the episode to see if her head blows up like a balloon and how the WE team reacts to this tasty treat!     Also, below is a recipe from Sabrina for a Quinoa Lasagna. Give it a try and tell us how you like it. Ingredients: 2 cups water 1 cup quinoa (pronounced keen wah) 2 T. canola or olive oil 1 cup chopped onion 1 cup sliced mushrooms 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cups tomato sauce or prepared pasta sauce 2 cups no salt added low fat cottage cheese 1 large egg beaten ¼ Cup parmesan cheese, grated 1 T. fresh basil or ½ t. dried basil 1 teaspoon dried oregano 2 cups sliced zucchini squash 2 cups fresh spinach with skins removed or use baby spinach 1-1/2 cup part skim mozzarella cheese, grated Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 9 x 13 pan with non stick cooking spray. Combine quinoa and water in a sauce pan and bring to a boil. Turn down to simmer, cover and cook for 15 minutes or until quinoa is tender. Fluff with a fork and place quinoa in the bottom of prepared 9 x 13 pan or dish. In a sauce pan over medium heat cook onion, garlic, mushrooms until tender. Add garlic and sauce and mix until well blended. In separate bowl mix: Cottage cheese, egg, parmesan cheese, oregano and basil. Spread 1/3 of the sauce over the quinoa. Then layer with all of the zucchini. Add a layer of all the cottage cheese mixture. Add half of the remaining sauce. Add all the spinach. Finish with remaining sauce and sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top. Note: if there is not enough sauce, omit the second layer and use it on the top layer. Bake until hot and cheese is bubbling and slightly brown around the edges. This should take 35-40 minutes. We would like to thank our generous sponsors: Push Beverages, the Colorado Center for the Blind (CCB), and the National Federation of the Blind (NFB).