Find your best self before the wedding ceremony and read marriage, relationship, and wellness tips from Denver wedding officiant, Michael Moody.
"7 Reasons Your Weight Loss May Have Stalled" Review
Introduction
If you’ve hit the weight loss wall, you may want to review these reasons. They will help you rethink your approach (from the MSN/Today article "7 Reasons Your Weight Loss May Have Stalled”).
1. You overestimate how many calories a workout burns.
If you sign up for a fitness class that claims to burn 800 calories or an hour, or even provides a calorie burn total for you — it could be completely wrong.
Huh? It's because the amount of energy exerted in the class varies from person to person. Are you punching your fists as hard as the instructor in the kickboxing class, do you weigh the same amount as her and how fast are your feet going? These questions need to be answered for an accurate calorie burn count.
Unless you're wearing a heart-rate monitor, it may be misleading to make a blanket statement about the number of calories you're burning in a 45-60-minute workout class.
Personal Trainer Wisdom: In all honesty, I wouldn’t lean on the calories you burn during your fitness sessions. Given the many factors (e.g., intensity, ability, etc.) that can affect your caloric output, it is tough to determine the exact number of calories. Also, you can easily wipe away any progress, no matter the number, with a Snickers bar. You’ll have better luck minimizing your caloric intake instead (to a certain extent).
2. You think that the cardio machines are always right.
As a certified personal trainer, I've heard this from my clients time and time again: "But the elliptical machine says I burned 500 calories in an hour, even though I felt like I could've fallen asleep!"
These machines are programmed to give estimates as to how many calories you're actually burning. They typically don't know anything about you: your body size, weight, body fat or exertion level. Many machines only account for how fast you're going, so they provide an inaccurate estimate of how many calories you're burning.
Personal Trainer Wisdom: Well said. I always estimate on the low end.
3. You swear by your calorie counter app.
When you're tracking your food in these apps, Lisa De Fazio, a registered dietitian, suggested that most people do not accurately measure or estimate portions, so their daily caloric intake is often actually more than what they list on a food-tracking app.
"For example eating 1/2 cup rice versus 1 cup of rice or 1 tablespoon dressing versus 3 tablespoons, all make a big difference in daily caloric intake. These calories add up!" she explained.
Another registered dietitian, Deborah Malkoff-Cohen, said that she tells her clients to only trust calorie-tracking apps for pre-packaged items.
"Everything else is totally subjective. For example, take an apple. Is it a small, medium or large apple? Every app will give you a different calorie count," she noted.
Personal Trainer Wisdom: There’s no way around this problem…Unless you physically measure the food ingredients yourself. I realize that this task is more of a burden. Since you’re motivated to lose weight, it may be worth measuring your favorite foods once for reference. If you plan to eat it anyway, you might as well know the truth behind it.
4. You spend most of your day sitting.
When you're burning a ton of calories in a grueling workout, but then sitting at your desk all day or lounging on the weekends, you're not burning many calories beyond your workout.
If you label yourself as "extremely active" in health apps, they can wrongly assume that you're not sitting all day. As a result, they'll overestimate the number of calories your body burns throughout the day.
Personal Trainer Wisdom: Exercising 5-7 days per week for an hour apiece doesn’t make you active, unfortunately. An active person moves all day (not sits). Challenge yourself to add an extra step to even the most minor tasks. The cumulative effect will show itself on the scale.
5. You never switch things up.
If you've been doing the same weight-loss program that's focused on the same workouts and the same restricted calorie diet, your body can tell. When your body gets used to a certain type of exercise, the amount of calories you burned initially aren't necessarily the same amount that you're burning after doing that routine 25 times.
To prevent this from happening, try to change up your workouts every couple of weeks. Mix in cardio with high-intensity routines, try cycling classes or take a speed walk. Keep things new and exciting!
Personal Trainer Wisdom: I'm not sure I agree with the idea of switching things up to keep your body on its toes. I’m not sure there's an anatomic truth in that statement. I can give you other reasons to switch it up, though. First, you may be building your muscular strength and endurance for that particular movement (making it more stable and strong to handle, thus easier on the body), which is terrific but less effective for burning calories in the short term (unless you value the muscle building that's occurring and the calorie burning benefits of the muscle growth). A slight pivot to something a little different may relight the body in the way you want (but don't overlook the progress you've made in other areas). Second, slight modifications to your typical movement may recruit a whole new level of stabilization (which is more taxing to your system). Be mindful of your progress and switch/spice it up when necessary. Don’t sacrifice your overall progress, though, for the sake of burning more calories.
6. Your pre- and post-workout snacks are caloric catastrophes.
When you're reaching for a snack, whether it's for energy before a workout or post-workout recovery, there are a few things to consider. According to De Fazio, you should think about the type of workout and its intensity, as well as the length of the workout before deciding what kind of snack to eat.
"Typically carbohydrates like a banana or a 150-calorie protein bar is ideal before an hour workout," she said. As for a post-workout snack, De Fazio suggested a protein smoothie or an apple with peanut butter. If you're working out longer and harder, such as going on a long-distance run or bike ride, that's when a higher-calorie snack would be appropriate.
Personal Trainer Wisdom: Eliminate the idea of a “snack” (shame on your mother)…It’s nothing but a filler treat with little intent. Instead, plan your meals accordingly. Eat 1-2 hours before your workout to supply the fuel you’ll need for work (exercise) and refuel not long after your session to avoid any nutritional deficiency. Your meal may be as little as 150 or as high as 5-700 calories. Either way, be sure it is a thoughtful combination of fiber, vitamins, protein, and fat. Anything that is a powder or highly processed bar doesn’t count.
7. You've already lost weight.
Once you've lost weight, your body needs less calories to do everyday activities and therefore less calories to lose more weight.
"When someone is overweight it is like a healthy weight person carrying 50- or 100-pound weights and going through daily activities. The extra weight puts stress on the body and uses more calories to do everything, from housework to grocery shopping to driving," De Fazio said.
While counting calories isn't always the most accurate or even always the best way to lose weight, it can be a helpful benchmark to determine where to start in order to reach your goals. Getting a good baseline to know how many calories a day you should burn and consume in order to hit your weight-loss goals is very helpful, but it's important to remember that other factors such as stress, sleep, and other lifestyle issues play an important role in overall health.
Personal Trainer Wisdom: Expect to use several techniques as you pursue your weight-loss goal. If you’re mindful of your progress, you’ll identify the appropriate change needed to properly challenge yourself at your new weight. Try to determine the perfect combination of activity and nutrition every 3 weeks to continue your momentum.
About the Author: Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant
Michael Moody—author of the self-improvement book Redefine Yourself: The Simple Guide to Happiness and host of the “The Elements of Being” podcast—is an ordained minister serving Denver and other towns across Colorado. He is a 2023 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award winner in both Denver and Chicago (his eighth consecutive year), was named “Best Business of 2024 and 2025” by Three Best Rated, and earned “The Best Wedding Officiant in Commerce City, Colorado for 2024” from Quality Business Awards USA. Since 2012, he has officiated more than 300 weddings.
Specifically, Michael officiates wedding ceremonies in the Denver neighborhoods of LoDo, River North, Washington Park, Cherry Creek, City Park, Central Park, Capitol Hill, Cheesman Park, Park Hill, Highland, Platt Park, Lower Highlands, Sloan Lake as well as the zip codes 80215, 80214, 80204, 80203, 80205, 80207, 80218, 80219, 80222, 80223, 80224, 80246, 80238, 80221, 80022, 80230, 80231, 80202, 80209, 80247, and 80210. Michael also serves as an ordained minister in Golden, Boulder, Breckenridge, Frisco, Aspen, Vail, Estes Park, and more.
If your Denver neighborhood or Colorado town isn’t listed here, no worries! Please contact Michael to propose a wedding ceremony location in a different area!
How to Minimize Your Stress at Work Right Now
Introduction
It’s Thursday, and the end of the week is quickly approaching. For some of you, you’re eagerly eyeing the weekend. For the rest, your head is probably ready to spin off trying to complete your endless list of random personal and professional responsibilities. While I’d love to discuss the anxiety and frustration you’re going through with a mile-long monologue, you really need a game plan instead. Here’s my no-nonsense approach to handling your anxiety and achieving your list today.
Organize your list based on priority.
Personal Trainer Wisdom: Before you dive into the nitty-gritty of your list, you need to prioritize! If you’re like me, you justify cleaning your desk, answering 48 non-important emails, and brushing your teeth (again) to avoid what you need to do. Half the time, the root of my anxiety stems from an unconscious shout (reminder) about the tasks I need to tackle. Are you listening to yourself??? Quit wasting time. Tackle the most time-sensitive, essential projects first.
2. Don’t add fuel to the fire.
Personal Trainer Wisdom: Would you ever add fuel to a blazing campfire? Hopefully not…That fire is already blazing. Then, why would you drink more coffee or black tea when you’re already stressed and anxious? You’re just heightening an already unstable state and increasing your chances of less focus and productivity. Your creative ability could end up stunted as well (while you fly across the room). Create the mindset and physical comfort to patiently, yet aggressively, check off your list. Save the caffeine for a time when you really need it.
3. Read your random text messages, social media streams, and personal emails for 3 minutes at the top of each hour (and no other time)
Personal Trainer Wisdom: Honestly, I’m already assuming you’re addicted to checking text messages, social media, and personal emails. Please don’t deny it. In fact, you may be reading this article from your phone right now (I’m not judging). Have you calculated how many minutes you spend on these distractions? I think it’s time. Starting now, record the time you spend in the next 24 hours. The tally will probably shock you. Although I don’t expect you to stop these indulgences, I think it’s time to set boundaries. You don’t have time to check Facebook every 15 minutes when you’re trying to finish a PowerPoint presentation. You’re splitting your attention each time and siphoning off your creative juices with witty comments and emojis on random social media posts (not important). By the time you return to your work, you need to review and refocus (such a time waster). Set an alarm on your phone and then jump into your project fully. Give in to your addiction when you’ve completed your homework like a good boy or girl, or at least wait until the end of the hour.
4. Return to simple
Personal Trainer Wisdom: When life is complicated and stressful, what should you do? Simplify. Always simplify. It should be your first response. Are you taking on responsibilities that a colleague can manage? Pass it on. Are you scheduling unnecessary meetings while you have other pressing projects on the go? Reschedule them for next week. Remove the unnecessary and complicated, and narrow your focus (a recurring theme here).
5. Rewrite your process(es)
Personal Trainer Wisdom: More often than not, anxiety stems from inefficiency in one of your personal or professional processes. When dealing with the less important stuff, create a mindless, predictable routine to minimize decision fatigue. I tend to wake up, eat, and go to bed at the same time each day. What daily requirements need more routine in your life? You want to minimize chaos in your life. Take control of these little processes too.
About the Author: Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant
Michael Moody—author of the self-improvement book Redefine Yourself: The Simple Guide to Happiness and host of the “The Elements of Being” podcast—is an ordained minister serving Denver and other towns across Colorado. He is a 2023 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award winner in both Denver and Chicago (his eighth consecutive year), was named “Best Business of 2024 and 2025” by Three Best Rated, and earned “The Best Wedding Officiant in Commerce City, Colorado for 2024” from Quality Business Awards USA. Since 2012, he has officiated more than 300 weddings.
Specifically, Michael officiates wedding ceremonies in the Denver neighborhoods of LoDo, River North, Washington Park, Cherry Creek, City Park, Central Park, Capitol Hill, Cheesman Park, Park Hill, Highland, Platt Park, Lower Highlands, Sloan Lake as well as the zip codes 80215, 80214, 80204, 80203, 80205, 80207, 80218, 80219, 80222, 80223, 80224, 80246, 80238, 80221, 80022, 80230, 80231, 80202, 80209, 80247, and 80210. Michael also serves as an ordained minister in Golden, Boulder, Breckenridge, Frisco, Aspen, Vail, Estes Park, and more.
If your Denver neighborhood or Colorado town isn’t listed here, no worries! Please contact Michael to propose a wedding ceremony location in a different area!
"If You're Trying to Lose Weight, Don't Make These 10 Breakfast Mistakes" Review
Introduction
My head often spins when I hear what my personal training clients are choosing for breakfast. There’s no doubt about it: Your weight loss is affected by every little choice you make after rolling out of bed. I’ve highlighted the biggest mistakes that you’re making from the MSN article "If You're Trying to Lose Weight, Don't Make These 10 Breakfast Mistakes.”
1. NOT ENOUGH PROTEIN
While toast or a bowl of granola is quick and easy, it's not offering you nearly as much protein as you need to have energy all morning long. You'll just feel blah and end up reaching for a sugary pick-me up. No need to go overboard and slurp down a 30-grams-of-protein shake - 13 to 20 grams is perfect.
Personal Trainer Wisdom: Translation: You probably need more protein because there is a protein deficiency as a result of your cereal-donut-cinnamon roll ways. It isn’t permission to overload your diet on protein, though. 13-20 grams of protein is more than enough for the normal human (that’s you…and me!) despite what you hear. Skip the refined carbs (aka Cookie Crunch) and make an organic veggie skillet with onions, green peppers, jalapenos, cubed butternut squash, almonds, hemp seeds, and salsa. Add it to an organic corn tortilla for another twist.
2. NOT MEASURING INGREDIENTS
Whether you're pouring a bowl of cereal with fruit, nuts, and coconut, crafting a jar of overnight oats, or whipping up a smoothie, just because you're using all healthy ingredients, doesn't mean it'll help you lose weight. It all boils down to portion sizes, and measuring ingredients (instead of eyeballing) to ensure you stay within your limit.
Personal Trainer Wisdom: If you’ve never measured what you’re eating, you’re most likely pretty far off from what you think. I’d think we can rely on our extraordinary minds for everything, but let’s be honest: It has skewed things in the past, and it might be skewing your breakfast perspective now (maybe your relationship too :) ). Determine your proper intake by measuring each of your favorite meals. If you plan to eat those dishes “on repeat” anyway, you might as well be sure you’re getting what you expect.
3. TOO MANY REFINED CARBS
Sometimes a baked good for breakfast is a necessity, but if you load up on refined carbs and sugar (even if those blueberry muffins are made with flax meal!), you're going to end up feeling super hungry within a few hours after that last bite. If you crave these foods, go for small portions and pair it with a protein smoothie, or bake your own with protein powder, whole grains like rolled oats, and less sugar.
Personal Trainer Wisdom: Normally, I would overlook this type of paragraph and pretend it never existed. I know that you’ll see it anyway, though. What starts with the right message—Too Many Refined Carbs (i.e., most cereals, donuts, sugary sweet goodness, etc.)—ends with unconscious permissions and another push for a protein focus. First, a baked good is never a necessity (don’t kid yourself). You can easily keep a jar of organic applesauce or fresh fruits around the house. Nothing in the house? I’m sure you can steer your vehicle towards a quick shop to find them too. If you choose a baked good, call it what it is: an indulgence. Accept the consequences, dance around in glory, and return to your nutritionally balanced habits with meal number two (which will be sooner than later)- You haven't fulfilled your nutritional needs, and your body will need proper fuel. Second, quit with the protein focus already…you think bigger than that. You need fiber, vitamins, protein, (good) fat, and the million other micronutrients you can find in your whole foods. If you must indulge in just a small bite of a donut, be certain that the rest of your plate is the proper mix of what’s best. A highly processed, nutritionally stripped powder won’t cut it either, Arnold Schwarzenegger.
4. TOO MANY CALORIES
With all the amazingly delicious options out there for breakfast, it's easy to go a little overboard. Aim for a range between 300 and 400 calories. If you're not into counting calories, Leslie Langevin, MS, RD, CD, of Whole Health Nutrition suggests to eat slowly, and stop eating when you are 80-percent full.
Personal Trainer Wisdom: Most of us think we need more calories than we really do. On average, you only need 300-500 calories per meal (a far reach from the typical Midwestern diet). Anything above is mainly stored as fat (or converted into something else nasty…and nobody likes nasty). Since I don’t expect my personal training clients to count the calories of every meal, I think eating slowly and mindfully, stopping when appropriate, is an excellent recommendation from Langevin.
5. DRINKING YOUR CALORIES
A frozen banana here, a scoop of peanut butter there, a big splash of vanilla soy milk - while smoothies are full of healthy ingredients, if you mindlessly throw things in the blender, you could end up sipping down 800 calories or more! The same goes for specialty coffee drinks. Make sure you look at the menu before ordering a 500-calorie Frappuccino.
Personal Trainer Wisdom: Smoothies aren’t always as healthy as you think. Often, sugar-packed smoothies are more dangerous than a Snickers bar. Even if you mindfully choose a healthy slate of ingredients, the calories can exceed what you need. Stick to the 300-500 calorie rule for your liquid meals and be mindful of the sugar content.
About the Author: Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant
Michael Moody—author of the self-improvement book Redefine Yourself: The Simple Guide to Happiness and host of the “The Elements of Being” podcast—is an ordained minister serving Denver and other towns across Colorado. He is a 2023 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award winner in both Denver and Chicago (his eighth consecutive year), was named “Best Business of 2024 and 2025” by Three Best Rated, and earned “The Best Wedding Officiant in Commerce City, Colorado for 2024” from Quality Business Awards USA. Since 2012, he has officiated more than 300 weddings.
Specifically, Michael officiates wedding ceremonies in the Denver neighborhoods of LoDo, River North, Washington Park, Cherry Creek, City Park, Central Park, Capitol Hill, Cheesman Park, Park Hill, Highland, Platt Park, Lower Highlands, Sloan Lake as well as the zip codes 80215, 80214, 80204, 80203, 80205, 80207, 80218, 80219, 80222, 80223, 80224, 80246, 80238, 80221, 80022, 80230, 80231, 80202, 80209, 80247, and 80210. Michael also serves as an ordained minister in Golden, Boulder, Breckenridge, Frisco, Aspen, Vail, Estes Park, and more.
If your Denver neighborhood or Colorado town isn’t listed here, no worries! Please contact Michael to propose a wedding ceremony location in a different area!
Why Your Office Desk Is Destroying Your Posture (And What You Need To Do)
Introduction
Recently, I was interviewed by Wayfair.com about desk posture. If you’re dealing with neck, shoulder, or lower back discomfort, you may want to read the reprint of the interview below.
Wayfair: How can you tell if you have bad posture during your day-to-day?
Personal Trainer Wisdom: Most likely, you are experiencing many symptoms, including lower back, hip, and shoulder discomfort and pain, which are surefire signs of poor posture. Considering the constant distractions, it's no surprise that you don't recognize these symptoms or realize how you shift your weight to one hip while speaking to someone or round your back while working on the computer for 8-10 hours per day. In small amounts, your body is adaptable and can function outside its neutral zone (Translation: Pick up light objects with a rounded back). When reinforced repeatedly, though, you create an imbalanced, inefficient system that can eventually lead to rounded shoulders or a posterior hip tilt (a rounded lower back).
2. Wayfair: What are some tips to improve posture while at your desk?
Personal Trainer Wisdom: The number one key to your best physical health and perfect posture is awareness. Simple check-ins throughout the day can minimize or eliminate most chronic problems. Although the human body isn't meant to sit for extended periods, most industries require it. If you're going to do it, you must do it well. Essentially, you're fighting nature while maintaining a flexed position at your desk under quite a bit of sustained stress. Our bodies are meant to move in a neutral position; however, you're most likely guilty of doing the opposite up to this point.
While it's not realistic to assume that you'll walk and type on a Stairmaster at the office, you can take several measures to maintain a neutral spine--the natural position of the spine that doesn't place unnecessary stress on your disks and maintains the natural curve of your neck and lower back. First, adjust your seat to the appropriate height to reduce a tilt in your hips or a curve in your lower back. Your knees should directly extend from your hips at a 90-degree angle or lower. Second, maintain a neutral position while seated. Keep your ears above your shoulders, shoulders above your hips, heels under your knees, and your feet flat on the floor. Third, stand up and/or walk when you fidget or reposition your body while seated. If you begin to shift in your seat, listen to your body! It's time to move! It takes muscle activation and strength to fight gravity and maintain perfect posture. Although you may be using the right muscles, they will fatigue too! With this being said, relight the system and find a reason to walk around.
3. Wayfair: Are there any tools, accessories, or furniture that are best suited for having good posture throughout a workday?
Personal Trainer Wisdom: Your best tool for maintaining good posture is self-awareness. No matter what system you put in place, you may unconsciously compensate in one way or another. An adjustable, ergonomic chair that allows you to maintain your neutral spine and adjust the height to find the appropriate level for your hips is a priority. An adjustable desk will also help you find the proper height for your computer keyboard and the optimal screen placement to limit slouching. If your desk doesn't offer an adjustable height, you may want to elevate your computer screen to eye level instead.
4. Wayfair: For offices with raiseable desks, how much time should someone switch between sitting and standing for the most comfort?
Personal Trainer Wisdom: In response to the constant demand on your body (gravity counts), it's essential to move or change position every 20-30 minutes. The same principle applies when utilizing a raiseable desk. As mentioned before, your muscles will fatigue while maintaining perfect posture. Not surprisingly, ambitious people have bought the raisable desks with hopes of resolving their postural issues, but still end up compensating by shifting their weight while standing and placing themselves in compromising positions. When you move, it isn't a failure! It's just a cue to reposition. Sitting, standing, or walking may be the most appropriate response.
About the Author: Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant
Michael Moody—author of the self-improvement book Redefine Yourself: The Simple Guide to Happiness and host of the “The Elements of Being” podcast—is an ordained minister serving Denver and other towns across Colorado. He is a 2023 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award winner in both Denver and Chicago (his eighth consecutive year), was named “Best Business of 2024 and 2025” by Three Best Rated, and earned “The Best Wedding Officiant in Commerce City, Colorado for 2024” from Quality Business Awards USA. Since 2012, he has officiated more than 300 weddings.
Specifically, Michael officiates wedding ceremonies in the Denver neighborhoods of LoDo, River North, Washington Park, Cherry Creek, City Park, Central Park, Capitol Hill, Cheesman Park, Park Hill, Highland, Platt Park, Lower Highlands, Sloan Lake as well as the zip codes 80215, 80214, 80204, 80203, 80205, 80207, 80218, 80219, 80222, 80223, 80224, 80246, 80238, 80221, 80022, 80230, 80231, 80202, 80209, 80247, and 80210. Michael also serves as an ordained minister in Golden, Boulder, Breckenridge, Frisco, Aspen, Vail, Estes Park, and more.
If your Denver neighborhood or Colorado town isn’t listed here, no worries! Please contact Michael to propose a wedding ceremony location in a different area!
3 Nonverbal Gestures that Will Change Your Romantic Relationship Forever
Introduction
Have you ever thought about the mixed messages that you’re sending your partner during a conversation? Your nonverbal gestures could be sending a message you didn’t intend. Make these three simple changes and redefine the way you communicate in a romantic relationship.
Keep your hands folded in front or your arms on your side.
Personal Trainer Wisdom: Have you ever been in an argument while keeping your hands folded in front of you? Probably not. If you’re like most people, you become animated when upset: Arms flailing, convulsive head ticks, and a blend of sitting, standing, and fidgeting. Does this reaction typically help the situation? The answer is never yes.
Whether you intend to or not, your reaction probably makes your partner feel defensive (which could filter the message you’re trying to communicate). The biggest threat: Your hands! During your following conversation with your partner, move your arms and watch his eyes follow your hands. He’s worried about your hands and what they’ll do next (something to compromise his safety???)! It’s a protective instinct (like a warrior), and it places him in a defensive mode (even if it’s only unconscious).
Even if your nonverbal gestures aren’t an interpretative dance of the devil, placing your hands on your hips or folding your arms might reflect discontent, anger, disgust, and boredom, too. If this is your intent, shame on you, and save the show for the stage. Most likely, though, you’re doing this unconsciously and don’t realize the effect of your nonverbal gestures.
Perform a check-in during your conversations. Ask yourself: What message are you sending with your physical position or reactions? You can offer your attention without adopting a confrontational manner. Try sitting with your hands folded in front of you (to show patience and attentive listening) or standing with your arms at your sides (a non-combative stance). Communication in a relationship requires trust and security. Don’t undermine this safe zone and muddle your message with nonverbal gestures you didn’t intend.
2. Face your partner with your shoulders square.
Personal Trainer Wisdom: Just as your hands and arms can tell a different nonverbal story, your hips can, too. When you turn your body away from your partner, you could be signaling that you’re about to run away (which could be true) or about to fight her in a martial arts match. Most importantly, you’re not showing your vulnerability with the display of your whole torso (think opening yourself to someone instead of closing yourself off). Make your partner believe that she’s safe during this conversation and that you’re fully interested in what she says. Keep your hips parallel to her hips and square your shoulders in an upright position.
3. Look your partner in the eyes while speaking and listening (assuming you listen :) )
Personal Trainer Wisdom: Nothing shows more respect to another human being (and dog) than looking at them in the eyes during a conversation. It’s another sign of attentiveness and respect. Most people find this nonverbal gesture the most challenging because they feel inferior or intimidated by the other person. I often find myself looking away to find a thought (as if I could picture the word I’m grasping for in my mind). Your reason may not be out of disrespect to the other person, either. Nevertheless, it is the most regarded in any personal or professional setting. Your eye contact says, “I respect you…I’m listening to you… a very important nonverbal message when building intimacy in any relationship. Practice and stop overthinking.
About the Author: Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant
Michael Moody—author of the self-improvement book Redefine Yourself: The Simple Guide to Happiness and host of the “The Elements of Being” podcast—is an ordained minister serving Denver and other towns across Colorado. He is a 2023 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award winner in both Denver and Chicago (his eighth consecutive year), was named “Best Business of 2024 and 2025” by Three Best Rated, and earned “The Best Wedding Officiant in Commerce City, Colorado for 2024” from Quality Business Awards USA. Since 2012, he has officiated more than 300 weddings.
Specifically, Michael officiates wedding ceremonies in the Denver neighborhoods of LoDo, River North, Washington Park, Cherry Creek, City Park, Central Park, Capitol Hill, Cheesman Park, Park Hill, Highland, Platt Park, Lower Highlands, Sloan Lake as well as the zip codes 80215, 80214, 80204, 80203, 80205, 80207, 80218, 80219, 80222, 80223, 80224, 80246, 80238, 80221, 80022, 80230, 80231, 80202, 80209, 80247, and 80210. Michael also serves as an ordained minister in Golden, Boulder, Breckenridge, Frisco, Aspen, Vail, Estes Park, and more.
If your Denver neighborhood or Colorado town isn’t listed here, no worries! Please contact Michael to propose a wedding ceremony location in a different area!