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09-10-07

Ahhh…. relaxation! We all need it, and there are often times when we crave a little time to prop up our feet. Some people relax while watching TV, some take a nap, and some meditate. But what is really the best way to relax, where your blood pressure decreases and serotonin (the happy hormone) is released? Well, I just watched a show on TV the other night that did a study on the best ways to relax. The scientists used three people for the study, getting each of them really angry by pushing them around, putting lights in their face, and making one guy almost toss his cookies. Then the scientists used several different relaxation methods: hugging by two women (I kind of like that one), aroma therapy with a massage, and petting a dog. The scientist then took each of them into another room to test who relaxed most by checking their heart rates, their blood pressure, and their serotonin levels. Which one do you think won? Drum roll please! Well, the hugging came in first place, with massage a close second. How interesting. I think I’ll start asking for hugs whenever I get stressed, and hugging everybody else in sight when I notice they’re under stress or may need a hug. How about you? However, I do really love a nice massage. Perhaps it all depends on our mood.

09-11-07

Is exercise good for you? This is a question many people ask themselves on a regular basis. Often I hear people asking this same question over coffee or lunch. Well, what do you think? I think it’s the best thing since sliced bread. I recently heard a woman asking this same question while talking with a friend. She said “How am I supposed to exercise when I am completely exhausted?” Sometimes I ask myself the same thing when I have worked a long and full day. How the heck are we supposed to move our bodies when the only thing we hear is our bed calling to us, or a desire to just plop down and watch some T.V.? What do you do? Do you give in to the temptation to crash when you get home? Or do you go out and get active? In my opinion the answer should be easy, sometimes both. I think it is very important to listen to your body. If it tells you to stop and rest, well, for gosh sake, stop and rest. I bet your body will thank you. When your body likes you it will produce more and you will look much better. When you think your tiredness is a result from sitting in front of a computer screen or having had long and boring meetings all day, then go out and move your butt because once you start moving you will feel ALIVE AGAIN! The choice is yours . . . a vibrant, energetic and healthy you, or a grumpy, tired, and sluggish you. I know which one I choose. I think my bed is calling me! Not, I am not falling for that this time. I’m going for a walk with my friend.

10-04-07

Don’t you love it when you meet people who think they know everything? Whatever they think about an issue, topic, or event they believe to it to be the ONLY right way. Well, we all know that people with this mind-frame are arrogant, narrow minded and extremely limited, and sometimes down-right dangerous.

Hello! Wake up and smell the coffee! There are many ways to arrive at the right answer. This message is meant to reach anyone, even physical therapists, who may think they know everything, or may be giving out incorrect information.

Recently it was brought to my attention that one of our clients was told by a physical therapist that there was only one way to perform a crunch. So, I had the bright idea to share this situation with you. I will let you decide what you think, because I truly believe not everything is black or white.

Are you ready? Here are the facts: A client has issues with her neck; her neck brings her head forward. Her problem is due to stretched-out back neck muscles, and she has had it for years. I’m sure you can easily visualize this, because it is extremely common and you have often seen people walking around like this. So, how do you work her abdominals without hurting her neck even more?

Which would you suggest?

A. She should keep her neck in line with her spinal cord, and use only her abs to do the work-load, or
B. She should bring her chin toward her chest, bringing her neck out-of-line with her
spinal cord, and stretch her back neck muscles even more, using her arms more than her abs to move the work load.

It seems to me that the answer is quite OBVIOUS, even for those who are not health and fitness professionals. Are you with me? I trust you didn’t say the answer should be ‘B’.

My point is this! People, please do not take one person’s rigid opinion as the ultimate solution to your problem, especially when doing a little research may prove their suggestion to be universally incorrect. Do not do what a person says, if their suggestion seems wrong. Use common sense, and only do exercises that are easy on your body. What does that mean? Only do exercises that keep your body in alignment!

01-17-08

Happy healthy New year to you all. I hope 2008 brings you success in your health and fitness programs. Just remember to make your goals achievable and break them down into little steps. If you get frustrated while you strive toward your goals, take a step back and relax. I promise you will find success if you continue. Just keep plugging away. Even if you have a pizza for dinner and a BIG bowl of ice cream for dessert. Start back on your eating program the next day and forget what you did yesterday. You can always ask us for help. That is our passion. I wish you the very best. Talk to you soon.

04-02-08

SEX! This one word can either make you cringe or make you feel happy. However this word makes you feel, there is a simple fact. Sex is proven to be healthy for our minds, bodies, and spirit. If used right. Often people lose interest in this act that is ohhhh so good. Follow this simple tip to get your sex life back on track.
Are you ready? Drum roll please! It is called sexercise. Pick yourself up and walk, jog, do weights, pelvic tilts, or something active. What is the connection? Exercise raises the level of testosterone, a hormone that regulates sexual drive in both men and woman. I am willing to bet when you start an exercise program for a few weeks your libido will strengthen- along with your body. Have fun!