If you have 15 minutes to spare or you just want to shake up your routine add the following moves to to your routine. httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3fZ21_Wfks
If you are tired of crunches try this routine. httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a83IgN0ANWI
Have a great day and let me know if you have added these to your routine. Gotta spice things up.:)
Do you have a favorite exercise? Feel free to share.
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The Semi Foldover
Source Rest your head on your arms, lift your leg, foot flexed, and bring your heel toward your butt. Press your heel up and down by an inch for 30 seconds. Continue, only smaller and faster, for 30 seconds. Extend your leg and slowly lift up and down by an inch for 30 seconds. Continue, smaller and faster, for 30 seconds. Switch legs and repeat the entire sequence. This is a classic Pure Barre move I do 3-4 times a week and it works. You can go here for the entire routine.
Here are 2 healing and nourishing foods to add to your shopping cart this week.
Watercres
This vegetable is touted as a cancer fighter. According to researchers the members of the population that consume more cruciferous vegetables have lower cancer rates. Watercress is also effective against respiratory and urinary tract infections.
Try this recipe: Fennel and Watercress Salad
Artichokes artichoke
According to researchers this food is one of the most powerful antioxidant foods. Artichokes are also high in fiber, vitamin C, and minerals such as potassium, and copper. They are also great for the liver.
Try this recipe: Artichoke Spinach Lasagna
A little extra:
High Calorie Condiments that Add Up
When do Beauty Products Expire
Fifteen Fat Burning Foods and Beverages
With the beginning of warmer weather we are outside more, whether we are gardening, exercising outdoors etc. Remember to stay hydrated at all times, drink water through out the day.
Ok we have all heard how bad stress is for you so when I came across an article from Women’s Health that stated stress in small doses can improve your health, slow down signs of aging and prolong your life I had to read some more because that was news to me. The type of stress they referred to in the article was short bursts of stress that ends quickly, not chronic stress. A study was performed on mice they found that when they experienced short bursts of stress they were better able to fight the flu. Why? According to the article, stress sends your system into repair mode. They compared it to when you are injured, your body hones in on the injured area to repair it, thus building your immune system to protect you from infection. If the stress is minor you are able to deal with it quickly and still have energy left to continue. Who knew? Being able to relax after a stressful situation is key as this will help your body to heal.
I deal with stress by doing a few things:
1. I exercise daily, which includes running, zumba, pilates, strength training, etc
2. I play card games, for example solitaire
3. Cross word puzzles are a great stress reliever as well
4. An occasional massage
5. Acupuncture
6. Tetris is great as well, infact the same article mentioned that researchers found that people who experienced traumatic event and then played Tetris were less likely to experience flashbacks.
How do you deal with stress? Do share.
The foam roller is often used for self massage, but this versatile gem can also be used to improve our balance, flexibility and stability. I incorporate the foam roller in my Pilates mat sessions for variety and it helps to keep the sessions fun and fresh.
Here are a few exercises:
The Swan Lie prone with roller on the floor above your head. Place your hands on the outer edge of the roller, thumbs pointing up. Engage the abdominals and slide your blades towards your hips and lift your upper body into extension rolling the foam roller towards you. Exhale and slowly lower your torso to the mat while rolling the roller away. Perform 6 times. A variation to the above exercise is to perform the Scissors: With your upper body lifted or extended position, lift your legs off the mat a few inches and open and close your legs 6-8 times, maintaining a stable pelvis.
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Roller Pike From the plank position, engage your abdominals and pull your hips up to the ceiling in a pike position, bring the roller towards your pelvis. Inhale and lower to the starting position. Perform 5 times
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Tendon Stretch (this exercise is typically performed on the Reformer.) Sit with the roller under your calf and your arms by your side with your hands in a fist and placed on the mat. Inhale and press your hands into the mat and lift your hips off the floor. Exhale and pull your hips back through your hands, lowering your head to your knees. Inhale and return to the start. Perform 10 times.
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Leg Pull Down Place your hands on the mat with your shoulders above your wrists. Place the roller under your ankles. Inhale and lift one foot off the roller and pulse twice towards the ceiling. Exhale and lower your leg and switch sides. Perform 5 times alternating sides.
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A little extra: Celebrity Chefs Share their Weight loss Secrets 30 Cute gym Bags
And a Recipe: Curried Mustard Greens
I highly recommned this book: Veganist By Kathy Freston
Jodie Pilates Blog 