Sunday, October 23, 2011

The law of...

Thermodynamics:

The only way to lose weight or body fat is to consume less calories (eating and drinking) than you expend (doing activity). That means you have to exercise AND eat healthy to get to your desired healthier self.

Get to moving and then have a healthy snack. The process works together like a team; can't have one without the other!!

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Florida!

I've just begun a two week residency in Florida (!) I am teaching dance technique class and setting repertory on some fabulous dancers at Bak Middle School of the Performing Arts.

They are so open to my teaching and my approach to dance and repertory. I begin class with core stabilization and abdominal work and even some push-ups!! They are welcoming it at a young age of 6th, 7th and 8th graders.

What an incredible start to my residency! More to come!!!

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Say what?!

Take a look at this pie chart.



It doesn't always matter what you're saying, but how you're saying it. Do you make eye contact, smile, speak with conviction and energy? Be the first to answer yes to these things as physiology is contagious. We feed off of others as they mirror our behavior.

In the wise words of Ghandi, "be the change you wish to see in the world."

Think positive and be positive!


Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Change it up today

Instead of going VERTICALLY through a lifting workout (biceps, triceps, chest, then back, etc) and doing that pattern a few times, trying moving HORIZONTALLY across the workout. Repeat each exercise for 2-3 sets before moving on to a new body part. Don't forget to take a short break (30 sec to 1.5 min) between each set to ensure your muscles can rest and replenish your energy store.

See how this impacts your body differently!



Wednesday, October 5, 2011

I'm tired...

A conversation the other night leads me to do a little reading tonight... on sleep. Can we get too much, too little, or catch up on it when we've been burning the midnight oil? 

65% of people are sleep deprived... that means 65% of people are stressed, moody, and  probably struggling to concentrate.  Dr. James Maas tells us that getting less than the amount of sleep your body needs is neither macho nor smart.  Research supports his perspective and while hunting for even more info, I found out some interesting facts that some may be surprised to hear. (I hope it doesn't put you to sleep!)

New research shows that a woman's sleep clock is quite different than a man's - it moves faster.  This is why women are often "early-to-rise" (not me!) and men are often considered "night owls".  The biological ticker in the brain of a woman is quicker and can be the reason that women suffer from insomnia about 50% more than men.

The National Sleep Foundation sites a Harvard research study stating that it's nearly impossible to get caught up on sleep.  People with non-traditional work shifts need to be aware of this to maintain as regular a schedule as possible. 

Other Harvard research studies connect sleep loss to decreased productivity, hypertension, and obesity.

So as we head into the colder weather and sickness and exhaustion will inevitably creep in, make sure you are getting your much needed rest!

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Get it on the calendar

Today's thought comes from Elizabeth Cutler of SoulCycle spinning studios:

"Pencil it in!
If you don't plan for exercise, you won't do it. Put workouts on your calendar, just as you would meetings. You're much more likely to follow through if they're scheduled."

Thanks, Elizabeth!