Jusy read a few tips from Humana on achieving a restful sleep. Turn down the heat. Write a to do list so you can relax and turn off your mind. Keep any and all light out of your room, including, phones and other electronic devices. Use a white noise machine to drown out sounds in the house. Stop hitting the snooze button, as it interferes with quality of sleep. Add 30 minutes of vigorous exercise to your daily routine. (at least 4 hours before bed)
A couple of weeks ago I received a call from The Sports Club of West Bloomfield. The Fitness Director asked me to teach a kettlebell workshop for her personal training staff. First, I could feel my heart speed up at the thought of public speaking to my peers!. The next morning I called and said yes! I survived and actually found myself relaxing and enjoying it. Great group of trainers! Whew!
It's that time of year again. Temptation is all around. I am trying to heed my own advise. Have a healthy snack before attending holiday get togethers. Make sure to plan ahead for healthy snacks throughout the day. Get enough sleep and EXERCISE! Drink more water.
One truly amazing thing about the body is that it will allow you to compensate for bad posture with more bad posture. At first it could just be a forward head, a locked out knee or a rib cage popping forward. Next,your body must adapt by repositioning another part of your body. One muscle lengthens another part shortens to create imbalances in our bodies. Eventually you get an achy back, a tight feeling in your neck or a full blown injury.
As part of the "posture police" you might think I am immune to this..unfortunately, I am not. All of us have muscle imbalances to different degrees. It is one of the reasons I love Pilates and what it can do for my clients and myself.
Next time you are in class, make a really concentrated effort to keep your body in alignment throughout the class. "spine tall, abs up and in, pelvis in neutral, ribs in line with the hips, shoulders gently down, ears in line with shoulders, etc etc!!!
One truly amazing thing about the body is that it will allow you to compensate for bad posture with more bad posture. At first it could just be a forward head, a locked out knee or a rib cage popping forward. Next,your body must adapt by repositioning another part of your body. One muscle lengthens another part shortens to create imbalances in our bodies. Eventually you get an achey feeling, a tight feeling or a full blown injury.
As part of the "posture police" you might think I am immune to this..unfortunately, I am not. All of us have muscle imbalances to different degrees. It is one of the reasons I love Pilates and what it can do for my clients and myself.
Next time you are in class, make a really concentrated effort to keep your body in alignment throughout the class. "spine tall, abs up and in, pelvis in neutral, ribs in line with the hips, shoulders gently down, ears in line with shoulders, etc etc!!!
My mom is 87.She is, for the first time in her life, exercising. My dad died of a heart attack at 75. They both smoked until their 60's, never exercised, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, overweight and diabetic. Wow...what genetics! I have spent most of my adult life running from those genes. I think I will walk an extra mile today!
My 8:05 am kettlebell class has been outside in "workout alley" for the last two weeks. Great effort yesterday!!!
How is it possible that I can take a golf lesson at 10am, feel like I am a golf rock star, then not be able to do a thing I learned later the same day??? That muscle memory is just so in control! I guess I better practice, practice, practice!
A trip back home to NH is always a time to visit with family and friends. My mom who is 87 is going to outlive all of us. Her body is slumped forward from severe osteoporosis but her mind is still quite sharp. Looking at her reminds me to keep up with my calcium and vitamin D. My family has grown so much since I moved to MI over twenty two years ago. I now have three great nieces and two great nephews. My niece Allysa will marry this fall, my niece Kristen and her husband are buying their first home. The circle of life continues. Can't wait to go back for the wedding.
A trip back home to NH is always a time to visit with family and friends. My mom who is 87 is going to outlive all of us. Her body is slumped forward from severe osteoporosis but her mind is still quite sharp. Looking at her reminds me to keep up with my calcium and vitamin D. My family has grown so much since I moved to MI over twenty two years ago. I now have three great nieces and two great nephews. My niece Allysa will marry this fall, my niece Kristen and her husband are buying their first home. The circle of life continues. Can't wait to go back for the wedding.
