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 »

If you have children, than you are fully aware of the spell-bound gaze fixed to the television and permanent couch imprints left by our kids day in and day out. With the 500 channels on television, interactive online video gaming and the cold outdoor air – it’s no wonder our kids aren’t motivated to go outside. Most of the time we find them indoors and it feels as though they aren’t even there. As a parent, this is another one of your many jobs. You can motivate them to get out, ’see the world’ (as our parents used to tell us) and enjoy time outdoors. The summer months are slowly approaching, winter holidays coming to an end and spring breaks just around the corner – you have the perfect opportunity to arrange some quality family time. That is, until you try to un-glue your kid from couch and hit the kill-switch on the tube. Their complaints of boredom are peppered with your futile attempts to entertain them. If you have the feeling ‘all hope is lost’ and are looking for a solution, then this article is for you. Following are some great ideas to encourage your children to get moving…and all them involve a little strategic negotiating. Read the rest »

The toughest part about working out can be having the motivation to do it. Here are 10 simple tips to get you movin’ and motivated!

1. Reframe exercise as “me time”. Instead of viewing exercise as another thing to do, start seeing exercise as the one ½ -1 hour of time just for you. When you start to view exercise as “me time” you’ll actually want to do it!

2. Find exercise that you enjoy doing. There are so many activities to chose from including walking, jogging, biking, hiking, yoga, pilates, dancing, swimming and more. Don’t be afraid to try something new, there’s got to be something that you enjoy! When you do what you enjoy you’ll be more likely to stick with it. Read the rest »

I had a new client who arrived frazzled, and stressed out. When I suggested that we do yoga to relieve her anxiety, she stated anxiously, “but I’m not flexible!” I reassured her that 99.9% of my clients felt the same way when they were first asked to try yoga. What’s great about yoga is the postures are performed at your own level of ability. There’s no competition in yoga, the focus is within. Much of the class you’ll have your eyes closed with the focus placed on your breath.

A simple posture I often begin class with is called Mountain pose. To do Mountain pose begin standing with your feet shoulder width a part. Keep your spine straight, tuck your pelvis under and tighten your upper thigh muscles. Close your eyes and inhale a deep breath in through your nose. As you inhale imagine the breath going to the top of your head. Exhale out through your nose with your mouth closed. As you exhale imagine the breath sinking to your toes. As the breath sinks to your toes imagine all the tension of your day exiting your body sinking into the ground. Read the rest »