Go Be Fit!

Soon to be 52 and suffice to say that at middle age I am finally fully comfortable in my own skin. Despite the fact that I have begun to feel my age recently. I felt the initial betrayal at my last physical. The scale showed my weight 10 pounds heavier than the year before. What???? How could that be? I exercise regularly and eat healthy. My clothes still fit. It’s called midlife – perimenopause – menopause – my hormones are going beserk and I have little control over it.  I woke up one day to discover a bit of weight around the middle. I’ll spare you of more details. 

The road to accepting my body and making peace with it has been a long and memorable one. I think back to my youth. I played tennis in baggy shorts rather than a skirt because I was self-conscious of my muscular thighs. Today I celebrate their strength and power. Their defined presence outlined boldly in my pants. Those legs have seen great times!

I also wanted height. Lots of it. At 5’2″, I longed to be 8″ taller. Why? I was sure that it would help my tennis, volleyball and basketball game. Tall people had an advantage. I hated them because they were always looking down at me. I had to cran my neck to look up at them!  I’ve been called petite – now that’s a description I can live with – I like being small, able to fit compactly in any space and place with little fuss. My legs don’t hang out over the bed. I have never felt gawky or clumsy as a short gal. My small limbs never thrashed about like some tall people I know!

I’m proud to say that I am fine just as I am, comfortable in my own skin. I’ll never be a skinny legged 5’10” woman, what a relief!

 

 

 

I want to empower and encourage people to exercise regularly, especially given the rising obesity rates and sedentary lifestyles.  My group fitness classes draw a fascinating array of participants.  Each participant is an individual and it is my job to honor and to meet them at their level, health status and ability. This is no easy task especially since classes are big these days.

An hour class zips by and there is so much for me to notice with each person – form, alignment, body awareness, muscular imbalances, weaknesses, stress, mood, attitude, posture, stamina, energy, endurance – the list goes on. These things are never static – always in flux. I ask that each person – pay attention to all of the above. It is much to ask.

It is the striving part of some participants that often worries me. The part – perfectionist and striving, who hurriedly and impatiently pushes him or herself without paying attention, being mindful, rarely satisfied with where he or she is in the moment, the here and now. The striver has trouble finding a balance. It is an all or nothing approach to them. The element of discovery, adventure and fun is missing. Sometimes the workout has to hurt for them to believe that they have worked out adequately. Still not satisfied until they feel, “the burn.”

They have missed the point entirely. It is all about the feelings and sensations in the mind and body during each moment in the entire class – being fully present in the body – entirely awake and aware. It is about creating and finding the connection – the bridge between the mind and the body. Not to numb out and to disconnect – but to be connected and whole.

 

If I could I would head out to the woods every day to rejuvinate my soul. My dream is to retire to a quiet life by a lake in the woods. I don’t need much, just a small cabin with a wood stove would be fine. I’d like to feel that lush green carpet of moss beneath my feet. I’d like to see the bold blue sky above, to feel the sun’s warmth on my face. I’d like to touch the crisp air as it swirls past me on a windy day.

Today I was out for a morning walk at the Brookline reservoir. I was struck by the trees mirrored so magnificently on the water. It was a sight to behold to be grounded like those trees. Their sheer presence caught me by surprise. Their strength and glory stopped me in my tracks.

I know what comes up for people when they hear the word Detox. Gee I wonder if she is in recovery – rehab perhaps? No – on the contrary, my retreat at Kripalu created an opportunity to detox from over stimulation, coffee and change some eating habits. Let me elaborate:

Over stimulation – just being alone and out in the woods helped me reconnect with quiet, calm and nature. No distractions – cell phones, people, Internet, television etc.  I am continuing to eliminate many of these distractions, particularly my computer habits. I now keep my computer closed and only use it once a day to answer emails. I gave up the dreadful sport of net surfing since it became a mindless activity of no benefit! Television – since I am an avid reader, the only thing distracting is when my husband is watching CNBC with the volume turned up!

Coffee – those that know me, are aware of my abundance of energy. Coffee was causing hyperactivity, dehydration, depletion of energy, stomach and bladder discomfort, irritability – all of these things create an imbalance – physical and mental. As much as I love a cup of coffee it was like drinking gasoline or poison for that matter. I was on fire and would crash and burn during the day. No kidding! Now I am drinking tea and experiencing none of these disturbing symptoms!  

Food – The food at Kripalu is the healthiest that one could imagine. I have always loved to cook because it is grounding for me. I now cook a fresh breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is nothing like sitting down to a hot bowl of oats cooked in soy milk with shredded coconut, walnuts, raisins, cinnamon and topped with maple syrup. Lunch cosists of home made soup and a delicious stir fry. Dinner follows a similar style.

I invite you all to try to detox from one or more habits or things that are creating an imbalance. You may be surprised at what you discover.

As a fitness professional I often notice that a large majority of people I work with lack basic body awareness. This is an observation not a criticism. The reason is because they live in their heads. Somewhere along the way there is a disconnect between the mind and the body. It is my mission to bring people back into their bodies. This is no easy feat.

I have learned that verbal cueing, visual demonstrations, and hands-on adjustments on my part don’t usually work. They tend to be limiting. I may correct their form, ask them what they are feeling and where – and boom before I know it – they are repeating the same improper movement.

How does one develop body awareness? I believe through guided relaxation exercises that focus on a full body scan. They bring your full attention to what is happening in your body that very moment. Your body has it’s own intelligence. I also believe that yoga – a slow flow style can increase body awareness. The flow of your breath is the link – the bridge between the mind and the body.  Even slow static stretching can bring you back into your body.

It takes practice but once you are aware – it becomes intuitive and natural. Each time you exercise your body and mind will be united in sync!

 

I just returned from my solo “retreat and renewal,” six day vacation at Kripalu Yoga Center out in the beautiful Berkshires. It was great to get away on my own.  I clearly needed time away from home and life’s distractions.

I spent most mornings outdoors hiking and snowshoeing by myself in the peaceful woods. I even snowshoed on the frozen lake, where people were ice fishing. I was in awe of the stark contrast to hiking in the green and lush spring and summer. I have never hiked in the winter. Winter hiking brings you physically closer to nature. My snowshoes allowed me access to hidden spots on the trails. I could see so much more of my surroundings, stopping and photographing the art in nature. It was invigorating for the soul.

In the afternoons I went to an extended moderate yoga class. I was moved by the community of people breathing, sighing, stretching in unison each with their unique bodies. It was a beautiful sight to behold. My breath was like an ocean, flowing out of me effortlessly.

Time seemed to stand still. People conversed easily and freely about their lives. There were hugs and some tearful moments as well. It was a liberating experience for me to be alone, in tune with nature and myself. Kripalu – yoga – healthy food – no coffee seem to work wonders.

 

 

I am going on a solo vacation next week to Kripalu Yoga Center in the Berkshires. The last time I went away by myself was in the summer of 2000 and it just happened to be at Kripalu. It is no small coincidence that I am going there. Kripalu is the perfect place to chill out and relax, something I’m getting better at.

I am looking forward to spending long awaited quality time with just me, myself and I. I hope to be good company and just go with the flow. I have no big plans for the week. Of course I do want to practice yoga and be outdoors in the beautiful Berkshires.

While I enjoy vacationing with my husband and kids, I need some time alone. My work also keeps me busy helping, inspiring, motivating and teaching people to lead a healthy lifestyle.  It is demanding work that calls for self care as well. Who doesn’t need self care in this day and age?  The question is what is self care? What does that mean for you? What do you do to take care of you?

I love homemade soup. It is easy and quick to make, a no brainer meal. In fact, there is nothing better than sitting down to devour a bowl of freshly made soup, especially on these winter days. I like soup at lunch or for dinner. Dinner is great because I can sip my soup slowly like a glass of fine red wine.

Every week I buy various vegetables and concoct delicious recipes. Ok – some are derived from the wonderful Moosewood cook book. I like to cook with seasonal foods. It is a form of sustainable living.  I buy and use only what I need.

Soup is super nutritious.  It is also known that soup aids with weight loss, because the fiber fills you up. Do something nourishing for yourself – make soup! I’d invite you to try my butternut squash soup that rivals Whole Foods! I made it yesterday in honor of National Homemade Soup Day.

 

With a storm each week and all the snow out there, I am inspired me to take up snowshoeing. I figure that the snow is going to be around for awhile so why not get outside and snowshoe? Besides, I love to exercise outdoors, particularly in the the winter. I find it exhilirating and refreshing.

I bought a pair of snowshoes on sale at REI. I went out today for the first time with a friend. We met at Larz Anderson, strapped on our shoes and climbed up and down the hilly places. We darted in a out of the trees, eagerly watching out for the extreme sledders flying down the hill.

I quickly discovered that it’s a great workout for the hips, butt and legs that also incorporates balance. It’s easy to learn and an ageless activity. I hope to be doing it in my 90’s. It’s a combination of a stairmaster and elliptical machine. My friend urged me to try running, which of course I did. Wow! I loved it. She had to leave but I stayed and continued to showshoe on my own.

Over February vacation I am going to Kripalu Yoga Center in the Berkshires by myself. You bet I’ll take my new snowshoes and explore the hidden paths in the woods and open spaces!

I was demonstrating proper form during the stretching component of one of my group fitness classes, when an eager participant asked, “Where’s my Hamstring?” He had no clue it’s whereabouts despite my detailed demonstration.

I was pleased that he had an inquiring mind and gladly pointed out the location of the hamstring muscle. He befriended  not one but both hamstrings! 

Much of the joy and satisfaction in my work comes from helping people get back into their bodies. I have noticed that many people live in their heads and removed from their bodies. There is a disconnect between mind and body. My job is to bridge that disconnect, to educate and reaquaint them with the wonderful feeling of their unique physical movement. I seek to cultivate mindfulness – body awareness in each class. Awareness that prompts participants to be attentive to their body, to critique their form and ask questions of themselves like, “What am I doing in this particular moment?” “Why am I doing this kind of exercise?” “How am I doing this movement?” “What does it feel like?”