Commit to Be Fit Newsletter

13 January 2023/ Issue No. 231

Meet Kayla Midkiff! Check out the Q&A below to learn more about our new Wellness Integration Specialist.

First off, I am so excited and thankful to have the opportunity to be a part of such an incredible program in an incredible little county. I have been a part of the Rapp community ever since I was little and will always call this place home. After graduating from Rappahannock High School in 2017, I went on to get my Bachelor’s Degree in Health Sciences in spring of 2021. I am also Certified as a Personal Trainer through the American Council on Exercise. After recently getting married, I decided it was time to get back to my hometown roots and accepted a position at the Rappahannock Elementary School where I worked the Fall Semester of 2022. I also had the privilege of assisting in coaching the Junior Varsity girls volleyball team. It is an honor to start this next chapter working alongside this amazing team and be a part of your health and wellness this year! Let’s go on this new journey together!

What are you most looking forward to in your new role?

There is so much I am looking forward to this semester, but I think I am most looking forward to collaborating with the whole C2BF team and continuing to come up with some great opportunities and events for students, staff and the whole community. I have already learned so much in the small amount of time from the team.

Why are health and fitness important to you?

When I was in college, I really started to make my nutritional and fitness health a priority. Physical activity and diet really do play a hand in stress levels, sleep and so many other health factors. When I would eat poorly or not get proper exercise, I could see the effects it had on me mentally. I had trouble focusing, wasn’t getting adequate sleep and honestly just flat out moody. After a few months of starting school, I really started to utilize the gym and other resources on campus. I had also experienced a lot of loss in that short period of time and exercise was a moment to clear my head and give myself a minute. It was the way I dealt with stress and anxiety and ultimately led to my passion for working in the health and wellness field. I want our community to know that taking the time to take care of yourself doesn’t have to be hard or inconvenient. Sometimes the things we go through in life are harder than we admit or realize and need an outlet to help us manage. Think of one small positive habit you can do for your body to pave the way for something greater.

What is your favorite type of workout?

Either indoor bike or outdoor run (especially at the beach!)

What is your least favorite type of workout? We all have them. Lol

Anything to do with arms. Weights or no weights. I dread arm day.

What is your favorite healthy food or meal?

Egg salad bell pepper boat- don’t knock it till you try it!

What is your favorite cheat meal?

I think mine is a pretty popular favorite-PIZZA!! :)

What is your personal fitness or wellness motto?

Everything in moderation- If you want something you know isn’t the best for you, eat it. Balance it out with a healthy option.

Is there anything else that you would like to share with our C2BF family?

I am so excited to serve each and everyone of you in our community! I am here to support you throughout your wellness journey in every way I can. I am looking forward to meeting and seeing you at our events throughout the year.

We are thrilled to have students back to school for the second semester of ABL! Check out some of the activities (alligator crawl and scarf toss) from the first week.

Our classes are back for the second semester! Check out some of the fun from the Wednesday circuit class, pictured above. Feel free to drop in and join us! Registration is not required, except for Meal Prep, which is capped at ten participants. See our upcoming classes below.

The JANUARY CALENDAR is now available. CLICK HERE to view.

As a friendly reminder, classes will not be held on early release days or when school is not in session for students. Be sure to join our Facebook GROUP (search Commit to Be Fit) or sign-up for our newsletters at the bottom of our website homepage (www.rappc2bf.com) to receive class updates and/or cancellations.

Location information is available on our website www.rappc2bf.com/activities

Have additional questions? Email Holly at hjenkins@rappahannockschools.us

This semester, C2BF invited all staff members to participate in a weekly free salad drawing. This week's winners are Lynn Rice-Takahashi (high school) and Samantha Williams (elementary). C2BF will be delivering your free salad coupons shortly. Enjoy, Lynn and Samantha!

Registration for the 2023 Fodderstack 10K Classic is now open. CLICK HERE to register. Due to a generous donation from the Rappahannock County Park Foundation (RCPF) and others, registration for the first 50 YOUTH (17 and under), registering by 2/28/23 will be FREE!!

The drawer is so full it won’t close, there’s no room to park the car in the garage, and the closet is packed with clothes that haven’t been worn in years. Forget about even getting to the basement. Things we collect over time can pile up quickly whether at home or the workplace. It becomes stressful trying to figure out where to begin the straightening up process. If feeling overwhelmed by the clutter, begin this New Year with a nice purge. Start with three piles. A “keep” pile, “throw away” pile, and a “maybe” pile. If you forget what’s in the “maybe” pile, you didn’t need it anyway. Slide it on over to the garbage pile. Let me tell you, the sound of that old dust covered, 200lb. TV (like the one your grandmother owned) hitting the bottom of the dumpster is freedom! Remember, not everything can go in the keep pile. Prioritize and ask yourself “Will I really need this in the next month?” If the answer is no, it must go! On a little side note, sometimes it helps to purge while the significant other is away. Then again, assume at your own risk.

I know everyone today has busy schedules between work and family, it’s hard to find time to take care of yourself. If I could give one piece of advice to start my role as your wellness cheerleader, it would be to not let the time you have for yourself be completely sedentary. Start with taking 10 minutes out of that time you have to yourself to perform some physical activity. Watching TV? Clear a space to do floor exercises or weights. Bring your favorite book and read on your elliptical, treadmill or stationary bike. Even cleaning the house can be a good exercise. After a few days, you will be surprised at the difference it will make. As you get more into the routine, bump it up to 15 minutes and so on… Keep in the back of your mind that becoming more active is not something you can do overnight. It is a long process that, more times than one, ends in starting all over again. Take advantage of the after school workout classes C2BF offers. We are here to help you and keep you motivated, especially at the beginning of this New Year. And staff, don’t forget! Take advantage of the Governor’s Physical Activity Challenge, we’re all in it together!

January's Harvest of the Month is sweet potatoes. Check out this yummy recipe from Simply Recipes.

CLICK HERE FOR RECIPE