This year has reminded me of the truth about physical transformation…that significant long-term change requires long-term practice. Covid pretty much forced me into this reminder. Consistency is the key and there is no way around it. If you just experienced an eye roll – I totally get it. Hearing that can be really overwhelming and annoying. Trust me, I wish I could say if you do this for two months you can achieve great health, balance, and strength and you will stay like that forever. How amazing would that be? If change is your goal it is going to take time dedication and practice. Whether that is physical, mental, or learning a new skill. Is committing to doing the work it takes to reach a new fitness goal challenging, oh yes, but the increase in energy and positive results are so motivating and rewarding in so many ways. It will be worth it.
Read moreMonday Moves: Glutes
Hip Bridge Pose or “Back Dancing”
Benefit: This is a great exercise to strengthen and sculpt the glutes while at the same time adding in a stretch to the lower back.
Play one of your favorite songs with a good beet ( 125-135 Beats per minute). A song I love for this exercise is “Dancin” by Aron Smith Lie flat on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
Monday Moves: Abs
The abdominal muscles are very important when it comes to being able to move the body. The abdominal muscles are made up of many diverse fiber attachments on the front sides bottom, and back of the trunk, the mid-section and all the way down to the pelvis. Not only do these muscles flex, extend, bend and rotate the torso, the abdominal muscles can help move the pelvis, thigh, spine, head, and neck. Therefor it is important that abs muscles are strong enough to support movement and stability in the body. The abdominal muscles also play a role in breathing.
Read moreMonday Moves: Inner Thighs
Strong inner thighs are important for providing support and stability to the hips and the knees joints. I love this exercise because it allows for isolating and strengthen the inner thigh muscles without the added weight of a standing exercise which may put extra strain on the hips and/or low-back. If you do have any injuries, strains or weaknesses ( hips, knees, low back) this is a great option for a modification for thigh work. This move can also be done without a resistance band, just focusing on engaging (moving) the inner thigh muscles.
Read moreMonday Moves: Triceps
This exercise is designed to tone, strengthen and create definition to the backs of the arm. If you do not have a resistance band you can use a towel.
Read moreMindful Movement
One of the most successful strategies I have been using with my students and clients who are already regular exercisers, but not seeing results they want is by encouraging them to embrace more mindful approach to their exercises and fitness routines. By mindful, I don’t just mean trying to be more present, more in the moment, more breathing, but this is more about incorporating the same type of balanced approach to exercise that most people do with their eating habits. For example, most people don’t eat the same foods every Monday, every Tuesday, every Saturday etc. etc.. year after year. Yet, when I hear from many of my students, I often hear a similar story like this “I spin on Mondays and Wednesdays, boot camp Tuesdays, Barre on Fridays, and Yoga on Saturdays. This has been my cross-training schedule for 5-10 years”. The type of exercises doesn’t really matter, it is the more the emphasis on a routine that people are following month after month without getting the results they are looking for. I hear this all of the time that people find a fitness routine that fits their schedule or, or a list of favorite instructors they follow, and they will stay with this exact plan for a long time, even if they are not seeing the results that they want, and even if it is not necessarily making them feel good.
Read moreOh What A Night: Fitness, Fashion & Philanthropy
With Kick it By Eliza founder, Eliza Shirazi Nick Cosky Photography
The Heart Rates for Heart Beats event was a blast! So grateful to the many women who came out to celebrate National Heart Month by participating in a Kickboxing-Barre inspired workout and girls night out to benefit the American Heart and Stroke Association. The turnout was as amazing as the energy that filled Ink Block last Thursday night. Thank you Ink Block for hosting us in your beautiful space that was perfect for combining fitness and fun. I am truly touched by the support from the guests and the sponsors of the night including Gogarbaj, Organic Bath Company, Mother Juice, Inda Creations, and to Nick Cosky Photography for capturing the event. Thank you Fomo Prescription for helping to promote the evening!
Read moreLet's Raise Heart Rates For Heart Health
Happy National Heart Month! Valentine's Day is not the only way to celebrate the heart this month! Join me for a fun girls night out to raise heart beats and awareness on February 16, 2017 at 7pm at Ink Block Boston. The night will start off with a unique class created by myself and Kick It by Eliza founder Eliza Shirazi. The awesome workout we have put together combines Barre inspired sculpting techniques with the high energy, heart pumping cardio benefits of Eliza's kickboxing routine. After the class there will be shopping for quality, sustainable second hand clothing from GoGarbaj, and organic fair-trade products from Organic Bath Company, and cold- pressed juice refrechsmens from Mother Juice. Proceeds from the evening will go to The American Heart and American Stroke Association. I am so excited for this event and so grateful to Eliza and all of the sponsors for helping to raise awareness about heart disease and stroke and to support the the American Heart and Stroke Association. Since having my stroke four years ago, I have been on a journey to spread the message that embracing a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce ones risk of heart disease and stroke. I can think of no better way to celebrate heart month and continue to spread awareness then at this heart-healthy night out. Tickets are $15, and space is limited. Purchase link.
Read moreLife Isn't a Sprint..It's a Marathon
Boston Marathon and the intense motivation the thousands of marathon runners must have to challenge themselves to running 26.2 miles. I mean, that’s pure motivation, drive, spirit, endurance, strength, will, bravery and passion… that’s moving two legs just one step, one pace, one mile at a time to achieve one single goal. Motivation is an amazing force. It can take you from one place in life to somewhere you never imagined in your wildest dreams.
This really got me thinking about the role motivation plays in each of our lives. What is your motivation? Do you have any? Is it easy for you to find it or is it a constant battle? Is it to drop a few lbs. (or 60), lose an inch, run a mile (or 26.2), increase your strength, get a new job, get out of bed, get over someone or something? All goals, no matter how big or small, how easy to realize or out of this world they may seem, have to start somewhere.
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