Go BOTTOMS UP to Ramp it Up!

Yoga has been practiced for thousands of year and nowadays close to 11 million Americans are practicing on a regular basis! 

We all know that Yoga improves flexibility, but yoga also improves strength and posture. The breathing techniques involved in yoga has also shown to improve lung capacity which in turn improves athletic performance! 

In other words....Yoga ROCKS!

I have decided to add power yoga into my regular routine this training season. I want to go into Ironman training lean and strong! 

So I hit up my friend, Kelli, over at Sweat, Cycle, & Soul, to take her Friday morning Power Yoga class! 

We immediately began playing with balance poses. These poses not only required balance but also a lot of upper body strength!

We have begun to work in some inverted poses. I am L-O-V-I-N-G it!!

Thanks Kelli for taking these action shots during class!

So WHY do upside down??

Inverted poses benefit the cardiovascular, lymphatic, endocrine, and nervous systems!! Flipping upside   down brings fresh blood to your heart which improves circulation, fresh blood to your brain which lowers blood pressure and heart rate. Turning yourself upside down stimulates your lymphatic system which in turn strengthens your immune system. Inversions, especially shoulder stands, are actually recommended for perimenopausal and menopausal women because it is believed to stimulate the thyroid gland which regulates metabolism. 

Now that's alot of BANG for the BUCK!!

 For more info just click HERE

Probably the single most important benefit of yoga:

IT'S FUN!!

But don't take my word for it....

My little man Wes.....ROCKIN' a side plank!

Baking a cyst??

Last week, after my 8 mile run, my knee was a little tender. Nothing unexpected, just a little more than normal.

Over the weekend, I rolled over in my sleep and was woken up to a loud (and painful) pop.

I spent the whole weekend hobbling around and went to the Ortho Doc first thing Monday morning.

Several x-rays and an expensive MRI later...

The Diagnosis: Ruptured Popiteal Cyst. 

Also called a Baker's Cyst. 

Essentially, it is a fluid filled cyst behind the knee cap that causes pain and discomfort....which in my opinion is putting it mildly. It hurt....bad.

For more info Click Here

The Doc said I should be fine, rest, ice, then add exercise as I can tolerate it. 

WHEW!!!!

2013 will still be the year of the IRONMAN!!

Gettin' Juicy!

We have all heard about Juicing. Some people use it as an extreme weight loss diet while others juice as a way to get in extra fruits and vegetables.

I am one of those people who is always looking for a way to add in healthy fruits and veggies! I am pretty good about keeping lots of fresh fruits and veggies in my daily food regime but I wanted a way to add in extra without stuffing my face in public. Some days I get booked with clients, have to teach classes, and then my lunch gets pushed back until pretty late in the afternoon. I need a healthy, clean way to get good nutrition in fast so I can make it through those long days. It's hard work livin' the dream!! 

Juicers can be expensive, they range from $100-$600. So...I borrowed a friends! 

For my first attempt....

Kale, Turnip Greens, Beets, Carrots, an Apple, and a bunch of strawberries!

It actually turned out pretty tasty! It is a great way for me to sneak in nutrients on those days when I am booked with back to back clients and classes! It gives me energy and enough umph to get through my long mornings when my lunches have to come late!

Not sure if Juicing is right for you. Check out this website and weigh the pros and cons.

Click Here