Have you ever noticed that runners have strong defined thighs, cyclist have firm, toned calves, swimmers have strong v-backs, and gymnasts are compact and strong all over? It shows that your body can be shaped by the exercises you do. For example, for many years I was a competitive gymnast. Because gymnastics entails lifting your body weight, I was small and buff all over. After college I was into weight lifting and put on a bunch of muscle mass, especially in my shoulders and upper back. In graduate school I got really into yoga and started teaching it. My body transformed-my muscles became lean and long! I’ve found the perfect combo of exercises that give a defined, lean, long look and I’ll share a little with you. Read the rest »

Here are 5 simple ways to boost your metabolism!

1. Calcium- Speeds up basal metabolism. Get it through food vs. calcium supplements. Calcium rich foods include: milk, yogurt, and cheese. Non-diary options include tofu, calcium fortified soymilk, and salmon. Read the rest »

“I’ve heard that I should eat 5 meals a day. I don’t understand, how can I lose weight by eating more often?” Julie S.

The reason why it’s important to eat every few hours is because it keeps your metabolism going, and this will ultimately result in weight loss. As soon as you feel the twinges of hunger you should eat instead of waiting until you’re super hungry. When you listen to your body and eat when you’re hungry you’ll have more energy, less cravings, and you’ll feel and look better. On the other hand, if you wait to eat until you’re “starving” you’ll tend to eat large portions and your body will crave high fat, high calorie foods to get the energy it needs. Read the rest »

Clients often ask, “How do you fit in a workout?” My answer- fit it in whenever and wherever you can. I recommend working out in the morning because by the time nighttime rolls around you’re likely to be too tired. Here are four clever ways to get your workout in plus spend quality time with your kids.

1. Jam Outside. Bring your battery operated boom box outside and do intervals of kickboxing, lunges, squats, and light weight reps while your kids ride bikes, draw with chalk, or play w/ sand. (I did this one today and they loved the music and were thoroughly entertained by watching me!) Read the rest »

When clients are trying to lose weight one of the first exercises I have them do is clean out their closets. I ask them to get rid of anything that hasn’t been worn in 6 months. I also have them get rid of clothes that don’t look good on their bodies. Usually they’ll find the clothes they’ve been holding onto are too big, too small, or don’t look good, but are comfortable. When I ask why they hold onto clothes that are too big they say, “Just in case I get up to that size again.” When I ask why they hold onto clothes that are too small they say, “I’m hoping I’ll fit in them some day.” And when I ask them, why they hold onto clothes that don’t look good on their bodies, they say, “I don’t know, I guess I’m just comfortable in them”. Read the rest »

The new year is upon us and for many of us this means thinking about what we want to do to improve the quality of our lives. Below I took the top 5 New Year’s Resolutions and offered you a mindset twist on how to attain each of them.

1. Lose 10+ lbs. Focus on health versus weight. Tell yourself, “When I’m exercising and eating healthy I feel better, look better, and have more energy.”

2. Drink Less. Focus on healthy alternatives and how good you’ll feel from making a healthy choice. For example when you drink more water you’ll lose more weight, have nicer hair, better skin and nails. Read the rest »

I’ve found that re-connecting with the magical wonder the season brings gives true meaning to the word “joy”. Share the holiday joy through the eyes of children and take in all this season has to offer.

Lights. Have you made a trip down a lighted street? It’s so much fun to see! We visited a street called “Candy Cane Lane”. It was so neat to see the different celebrations blended together with lights. I had so much pleasure from my two boy’s reactions. We must’ve gone down the street 5 times! Read the rest »