Inspire - verb (spur on or encourage / heighten or intensify).... Aspire - verb (have an ambitious plan or a lofty goal). Happy New Year! As I look forward to embracing new beginnings, it is my wish that 2011 brings you all you are looking forward to and the perseverance to see your personal goals come to fruition, remembering that the answers that you are looking for ARE within reach. Sometimes we can't see them but they are there. Often we feel that we have to completely heal or wait for everything to align itself just so before we begin heading out. Life has ways of revealing just what is needed - but we ask for more details, clearer instructions and at times, we want changes to happen on our own terms. I am always asking myself if this or that is still serving me well or do I need to discard something that has lost its fit. One of my aspirations this year is to increase a deeper awareness that my choices in thoughts, action and benevolence will provide many, many, many positive outcomes, not just for myself but for you as well. My own life experiences have proven this to so true. As you explore your aspirations for this year, here's some questions to think about:
1. What's important to you?
2. What's really, really important to you?
3. How well are you doing in these areas?
4. What needs help? What needs improvement? What needs attention?
5. What are you hungry for?
6. What are you feeding your energy into?
7. What is serving you well? What has become an albatross?
8. What situations have you outgrown?
I am aware that not everyone wants or has a need to fine tune, but everyone has the need to keep growing.
Well-Body
Get That Washboard Stomach With The Plank - Often referred to one of the most effective strength exercises, the plank position can be used in almost every fitness level. Let's break down "the plank": Simplistically speaking, the torso is held in a neutral position while resting on the hands or forearms, with the elbows under the shoulders, legs extended and lengthened and the scapulae stabilized.When you perform the plank, there's a lot that's going on in your body:The internal and external obliques are engaged; The rectus abdominis (the six pack) is recruited; The scapular stabilizers are in place; The adductors of the inner thigh help maintain the pelvic position and activate the muscles in the pelvic floor; The glutes and hamstrings hold the pelvis and femurs (leg bones) stable throughout the duration of the exercise.
Proprioception Training - Pilates instructors use props to promote instability for many reasons. Proprioception is sometimes referred to as "the sixth sense". The term is used to explain a person's understanding of where their body is in space and where the different parts of the body are in relation to one another. Why is Proprioception important? Proprioception is an important sense. We use it in every day rituals; understanding one's position allows you to walk without looking at your feet, reading a book while sipping coffee and turning the radio station while driving. When you train on unstable surfaces, you increase not only your awareness of movement but of what is in motion that doesn't need to be. Check out rotational discs, the BOSU, Gliding Discs and the TRX.
Beth's Picks
TRX Suspension Training - The movements of the TRX are powered by the torso - the abs and back work together to support the spine for all your everyday activities. This suspension training builds core strength with every exercise by creating an element of instability that calls on your core to provide balance and coordination. Maximize your training time! Build core strength! Just you and your TRX - no additional equipment required! (www.youtube: TRX)
Burn 50 - Barre Workout - A training offering at the Four Seasons at Hualalai. We use our own body weight, light hand weights and the Bender Ball that is literally chiseling and contouring the physique through dynamic, micro movements to the point of fatigue, followed by a lengthening stretch to facilitate relief. This workout originates from ballet barre work. Look for updates on a training series that will be released early this year (My training DVD is in the works)
Usana "Reset Transformation Program" - How many times have you started out on a great plan to get your nutritional needs back into line, only to climb the walls in the process? I have been with Usana for the last three years and the "Reset's 5 Day program" has made a visual difference in the way I look and feel. The clients who have done this program with me have their own story with one common response in common - "Wow". This is a low glycemic, scientifically proven program that has jump started many from the sugar craving roller coaster to smooth sailing calm. There are two phases to work with - First is the Transformational phase (5 days) and then Maintenance (customized to lifestyle). Lisa Hudson, Vancouver, BC, needed a jump start to get her back on track without interrupting her active lifestyle. With four kids, she is constantly on the go. Climbing the walls, going hungry and losing energy was not an option. She was thrilled to climb out of the sugar-craving-cycle and lose her first few pounds without missing a beat. After starting Reset, she was back in control. Lisa now incorporates the Usana Nutrimeals and Health Pak 100 around her family and training schedule and looks fantastic.
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