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Gyms have their positive points: they are convenient, house lots of equipment, and often have childcare available to parents who need to tote their tots to the gym (this includes yours truly). Gyms also can offer a range of fitness classes and most  have personal trainers on staff. If you're not a huge fan of going to the gym however, and would like to try something different, check out these fun alternatives... Stroller Fit® SF targets the  “mommy muscles” – those muscles used during  labor and delivery, and post-partum, and basically every day thereafter. Moms have a chance to get ......
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Maybe you've been on a workout train for some time, diligently going to the gym and happily taking your dose of cardio and weight training, maybe even a few classes too just to challenge yourself. Perhaps you've been on this train, per se, for years, then all of a sudden, you're okay with missing a workout, then two. The idea of going to the gym or out the door for a jog becomes a chore, when it was once something you enjoyed. Have you been there? Are you there now? If so, read on... I think I can help. True, I am a trainer, but at heart, I'm really a fitness buff and have been since college. ......
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Because I love yoga, and Pilates, but am by no means a guru of either practice, I felt compelled to pass along some helpful resources so that you can learn more. Yoga is one of those activities that evolves as you evolve. The yoga you do today will not be the same yoga you do a year from now, and your body won't likely be the same body either (note: this is a good thing - Yoga evens 'things' out, balances muscles, massages the joints, just all-around good stuff ;0). I've learned through my own yoga/Pilates journey that there is always something new to learn.  That said, here are some fabulous......
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Even though I have addressed this topic before (a-hem, at least twice before), I'm circling back because A) I keep getting asked, "I did strength training today, what should I do tomorrow?" and B) I keep getting asked, "Is it okay to do both strength training and cardio on the same day?" If you want to cut to the chase, check out: "Cardiovascular or Weight Training: Which should come first?" Otherwise, stay right here, 'cause I'm about to WOW you with...pretty much the same thing I said before. ;0) Here's the thing - you need to know what it is you want to get out of your workouts. Are you try......
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You have probably heard about Pilates, or possibly know someone who talks of "reformers, chairs, straps, pulleys" (and other contraptions), and silently wonder, "what the heck is Pilates anyway?" The Pilates Method (or simply Pilates) was developed in Germany in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates. The core-strengthening and posture-improving benefits of regular practice have helped the Pilates Method develop a loyal following of faithful participants in recent years. The aesthetic benefits of regular practice can be seen on the physiques of famous devotees, such as Madonna and Gwyneth Pa......
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Until about four years ago, I thought Yoga was a waste of time. My Type-A, monkey brain couldn’t handle the slow pace of poses held, well, forever. Then I discovered “power yoga,” and my mind was forever changed, along with my body. Turns out, when you run, and run, and run, the range of motion in your joints becomes limited. Thanks to yoga – specifically, downward facing dog, also known as Adho Mukha Svanasana – I can still run, and run, and run. According to my yoga instructor, Loretta, I have better range of motion than most runners (insert smiley face). Thanks Yoga!

The benefits of Downward facing dog

Provides a good stretch to the upper body, especially the shoulder complex and upper back, as well as the hamstrings and calves. Done correctly, you’ll also notice a nice stretch from your palms to your fingertips, as well as the heel of the foot to the toes.

Experts say this pose improves digestion, helps slow down the central nervous system (thus, reducing stress), and is supposed to help relieve headaches and lower back pain.


The pose

You can begin Downward Dog on your hands and knees, or from a standing position, or following Chaturanga and Cobra poses.

Begin with feet hip-width a apart and place hands on the floor slightly in front of the shoulders.

Exhale, lift your hips, and push your hamstrings away from the floor. Keeping your spine long, lift your tush toward the ceiling, gently nudge your heels toward the floor (it is okay to have a slight bend in the knee if you need to), making sure you can not see your heels (they should be aligned directly under your ankle bone.

Press through the base of your fingers and keep fingers spread out. Keep shoulders wide with shoulder blades down and back (as if you’re pushing them toward your tailbone). Your head should be between your arms.

Experts recommend holding this pose 1-3 minutes, however if done in a sequence (think Power Yoga), you may only hold it for 5-10 seconds.


(Note: if you suffer from carpel tunnel syndrome or have wrist problems, you should not do this pose. Also, if you are pregnant, do not do this pose past your 2nd term. High blood pressure sufferers, consult your physician before beginning a yoga practice. As always, let your instructor know if you have a health conduction.)



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  1. Great post, very informative, thank you for sharing!

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