Gabi Ford

01/21/2025

…and nothing “declared” by any of the red hat crowd or leadership will change that. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

02/27/2024

We're just over 40 days from the solar eclipse! I was putting together a list of activities and crafts to do with Alexander so I figured I'd make little site of it (none of you are surprised by that, right?) It's a work in progress but so far I've included links that you may find helpful and - most importantly - info on DIY as well as trusted solar viewers! If nothing else, make sure you're properly equipped as I'm sure you won't be able to avoid looking up on April 8th!

So what's going on??

01/11/2024

Taking on a new movement routine or nutrition plan? Staying hydrated can help make the transition a little easier! However, it can be challenging to remember to drink enough water throughout the day. What tips would you add to this list?

04/27/2023

Which meal / dish do you want to know about? I’m working on a little project and your comments will be a huge help!
I’ve recalibrated this week. Life ebbs and flows and for a few weeks there, actively meal planning and being more thoughtful in our grocery list kinda fell away. I was aware of it. I was intentional about doing my best. And now I’m intentionally eating in a way I know my body will feel better. Doesn’t mean it’s magically easier for me this week but I’m able to be more focused on this right now - so I am and I figured I’d share what I’m eating in case a little inspiration makes it a little easier for you!

04/17/2023

I made a tough call today.

I chose not to finish my workout.

My lower back was feeling a little tight but I thought it might loosen up as I got moving through my 80 Day Obsession B***y day (phase 2 week 3 day 1).

It didn’t.

I could feel myself pushing my body past the point of a healthy challenge and into a risk-of-injury kind of place. So I hit pause and tried to stretch it out… which helped but I knew it wasn’t enough to continue with confidence.

The rest of the workout will be there later. After I’ve stretched out. After the muscles are more stretched and my joints are more open and my body is less stressed. I can finish it later - hopefully tomorrow. Because pushing past challenge and into risk isn’t worth putting me in pain or taking away my ability to stand up tomorrow.

Sometimes knowing (and accepting) when it’s time to press pause is just as hard as pushing play.

01/12/2023

I’m used to Alexander jumping on his bike when I take a cycling class but when I saw him climb up there today while I set up for some strength training, I realized something. He’s shifted from doing something because he sees us doing it in the moment to doing it because he’s found joy in the activity. He has little weights and could have mirrored what I was doing (he did end up doing some walk-out stretches with me) but he chose the bike because it’s fun.
I heard a lot of comments when these exercise bikes came out… people worried that having “exercise equipment” for kids would start them early in a mindset of body shaming or thinking negatively about weight but in reality, they just see a bike - we as adults are the ones that add the guilt- and shame-laden words.
We try to keep language about intentional movement neutral if not positive. “Ok - time for Daddy’s workout” or “Momma gets to ride her bike now” because how we frame the activity matters so much more than the equipment for the activity.
And changing our language about it helps me remember too that having a body that can handle extra movement or strength training is a GIFT and I do GET TO do something special. I can love this body I have while working to make it healthier and stronger. And I’m so so grateful to see that the way we talk about and do our workouts has helped Alexander take on activity with JOY!!

01/05/2023

It’s that “I just got to work out with my girls” feeling for me….
I don’t know about you but I was on some sort of active team - soccer, XC, marching band, formula car, etc - from 2nd grade through college. Once I hit the “real world” though, something felt off. Not that I didn’t and don’t still have amazing friends - there’s so much in my life that I wouldn’t be and wouldn’t have if I didn’t have them. But being on a team just hits different.
I think in the last few years, we’ve especially learned to value having a crew and how to connect with those we’ve never physically met. I’m so proud of and grateful for my sweat sisters and how open and supportive we’ve all been. And on top of that, the accountability we have for within our group is just what I need some days.
We all have our own individual goals but we all know the importance of keeping our bodies and minds active. We all know and value that a good workout isn’t just about physical body goals and it shouldn’t ever be about hating or putting down the body you’re in now. The joy and connection we get seeing each other in that cast… the excitement we feel for each other when one of us gets a shout out by our trainers… the way we’ll schedule classes together to celebrate milestones or special days… the scale can’t give you any of that. The way your clothes fit can’t give you that either. Those feelings come from others in alignment with you, from your teammates, from your community.
So to my amazing long-time friends, my sweat sisters, my ever-growing team - thank you, always, for all your love and support. We need each other and I don’t take your presence in my life for granted! 😘