strength – Cheryl Ilov International

Fit Tips to Help You Keep Moving

Written by Cheryl on August 24, 2020. Posted in Fit Tips.

During the past six months we have all been stuck at home during the worst pandemic the world had experienced in over 100 years. But, while we were sheltering in place to stay safe, most of us got little to no exercise. And even though the restrictions are being lifted, a lot of us are squeamish about going back to the gym or the yoga studio just yet. But here’s the good news–you don’t have to leave the house to stay on track with an exercise program. All you have to do is keep moving! Here are a few fit tips that you can easily do at home to help keep you fit, healthy, and back on track. 1). Get on the ball. If you don’t have one yet, get a large exercise ball. If you do have one, start using it. Just sitting and bouncing on the ball is a great way to improve your posture, balance,...

Episode #40: Living Differently-From Marine To Mentor

Written by Cheryl on November 25, 2019. Posted in Femininja Podcast.

Meet Tami McVay, business and lifestyle strategist dedicated to helping you find the courage, strength, and confidence you need to make your life better. Tami shares her experiences and perspective about thriving in a man’s world, building character, the resilience and tenacity of the human spirit, taking risks, and the power of adventure. With her unique background and engaging style, Tami will help you conquer your world! https://tamimcvay.com https://twitter.com/TamiMcVayMentor https://www.instagram.com/tamimcvaymentor/ https://business.facebook.com/tamimcvaymentor/?ref=py_c

Winter Is Coming

Written by Cheryl on October 11, 2019. Posted in Fit Tips.

Oh boy. Winter is coming, and yesterday’s snow storm is a harsh reminder that the cold weather, short days, and long, dark nights are right around the corner. Which makes it tough to stay motivated and on top of our game–the fitness game, that is. After all, who feels like leaving the house to work out at the gym or go to your favorite exercise class of choice? And don’t even get me started about going to an indoor pool for a swim. Brrrrrrrr! So, what’s a person to do? Here’s the good news–you don’t have to leave the house to stay on track with an exercise program. Here are a few simple solutions and ideas to help keep you fit and healthy, no matter what the weather. 1). Get on the ball. If you don’t have one yet, get a large exercise ball. If...

Episode #24 Saved By The Bells

Written by Cheryl on September 30, 2019. Posted in Femininja Podcast.

Shari Wagner struggled with her health and fitness her entire life. Over the years she tried many different exercise routines, but boredom, lack of results, and injuries always stopped her dead in her tracks. Until the day she discovered kettle bells. Discover how kettle bells completely transformed her life, including her physical, mental, and emotional health. At 50, she is strong, healthy, fit, looks better and feels better than she ever thought possible. Learn how she turned her passion into a successful business to help others transform their lives so they, too, can be saved by the bells. Iron Clad Fitness

Episode #23: The Heart Of A Champion

Written by Cheryl on September 25, 2019. Posted in Femininja Podcast.

Tricia Downing has always had the heart of a champion. As a life-long competitive athlete and competitive cyclist, nothing could stop her competitive spirit and her desire to excel in everything she did. Even when she was faced with her greatest challenge when her life changed forever. On September 17th, 2000, during a routine training ride, she was hit by a car. Tricia went from being a competitive cyclist to a paraplegic requiring a wheelchair for mobility. But that still didn’t stop her. Following her dreams and fueled by her competitive spirit, Tricia made the transition from able-bodied cyclist to an athlete with a disability, and has continued to excel in sports. She has completed over 100 races, including marathons and triathlons, since her accident. She was the first female paraplegic...

Episode #14 Three Ninja Tips For Life

Written by Cheryl on August 26, 2019. Posted in Femininja Podcast.

Often times life presents us with unexpected and challenging opportunities. We have two choices: embrace the challenge or walk away. However, if we walk away we might be missing out on an incredible experience that can change the direction of our lives forever. In a good way. Which is exactly what happened to me when I had the chance to begin training in Ninpo Tai Jutsu. What started as “I’ll take a few classes and quit” eventually resulted in becoming my teacher’s first female black belt. Honesty, effort, and commitment are the first three traits of the ninja that I learned as a brand new martial arts student. However, these three little words have different practical applications to each and every one of us, both in martial arts training and life in general. This...

Ballet Is For Everybody, and Every Age

Written by Cheryl on August 20, 2019. Posted in Femininja Podcast.

Ballet is the motherload for health, fitness, strength, and flexibility. However, traditional belief is that ballet is only for children and aspiring young professionals. That simply isn’t true! Adults of every age (and any age) can enjoy the remarkable health benefits of ballet. Ballet is the ultimate fountain of youth, and you are never too old to start taking ballet classes. I know many adults who began their ballet training in their 50s, 60s, and even 70s. This Bonus Episode features professional ballet dancer, teacher, choreographer and all-around great guy, Radoslaw Kokoszka. He shares his remarkable story of becoming a professional ballet dancer as well as his personal philosophy of ballet and dance in general. His unique and gentle approach to teaching ballet to people of all ages...

Episode 9: Ninja Body Talk

Written by Cheryl on August 7, 2019. Posted in The FemiNinja Project.

The way you stand, walk and move communicates to the world what kind of person you are, and what kind of day you’re having. People pay attention to your body language more than you think they do, and it leaves a lasting first impression. Even more important is the fact that the way you carry yourself can make you a desirable target for a potential attacker. Or not. Perpetrators are looking for an easy target. If you stand, walk, and move like a ninja, you present yourself as a strong, confident person, and less likely to be target for an attacker. Especially if you look like someone who would fight back. Attackers are bullies, and one thing they do not want is someone who looks like they would present a challenge. Download this episode to discover how to step out in the world with strength...

Episode 7: Strength Is Sexy

Written by Cheryl on July 31, 2019. Posted in Femininja Podcast.

Strength is another important aspect and characteristic of the ninja spirit. Now, you’re probably thinking, “Well, duh! Of course you need a lot of strength to take down an attacker, especially if they are bigger than you.” No, not really. It doesn’t take strength to take down an opponent. It takes technique, which explains how I was able to take down guys that were half my age and twice my size. And then go get my nails done. However, I will save that discussion for another day. The truth is that strong is sexy, and we ninjas are all about looking good. Because there is nothing more attractive than sleek, toned muscles in EVERY stage of life. But, as I mentioned in my previous episode, there are a lot of people (like me), who hate the thought of going to the gym....

Episode 1: Welcome to The FemiNinja Project!

Written by Cheryl on July 8, 2019. Posted in Femininja Podcast.

Exactly one year ago I entered a podcasting contest. At the time, I had no idea what a podcast was, or why I would possibly want one. I entered the contest anyway. Eight anxiety-filled weeks later and overcoming multiple steep learning curves, the contest was over. I didn’t win, but I was invited to join the platform anyway. I am now flying solo, re-branding the show, and creating a community of like-minded women and men who are dedicated to restoring human dignity and helping people of all ages and walks of life unleash their personal power. In this first episode, you’ll hear about how (and why) I began training in an ancient Japanese martial art called Ninpo Tai Jutsu, the Art of the Ninja. As a matter of fact, you’ll learn more about me than I ever wanted anyone to know....

All of her experiences, training and practice contribute to a truly customized workout/core-strengthening program for each of her clients.
-Claudia D.
She not only helped alleviate the pain, she helped me regain flexibility and got me back on my center.
-Misti M-K
She gently guide you so that ultimately you understand your body better and are able to move with greater ease and less pain.
-Gwendolyn P.
Some of the numbness around my knees has subsided and I’ve regained some feeling as well as had deep joint pain reduction. Flexibility and overall strength has increased.
-Melinda C.
Her gentle, loving approach is just what my body needs to fully recover from a recent car accident. I leave each session with a slight tingling sensation and movement seems much more fluid.
-Shannon G
Cheryl’s background in physical therapy, dance, Pilates, Feldenkrais, and martial arts make her very capable of not only understanding movement but helping others achieve their goals!
-Sheila S.

Tag: strength