Top fitness trend to watch for in 2012

Top Fitness Trend for 2012:

Barre Workouts...yup, that's what I've been trying to tell everyone!  I can't wait to start teaching BarreAmped classes in February!  You gotta come!

xoxo

Is Yoga Dangerous?

Lately I've been hearing a lot of buzz about how yoga is harmful to your body.  It's been on the local news, mentioned to me in the gym and the topic of an article in the New York Times.  And now it's made an appearance on my blog!

Here's a couple articles for you to read and think about:

How Yoga can Wreck your Body, NYTimes
Can Yoga Wreck your Body, Yahoo Health

I've never really been into yoga, though I've done it a few times at a group class at The Cooper Fitness Center. I wasn't crazy about it...at all.  Like most of you, I have some joint issues and the yoga positions I performed were NOT joint friendly.  Therefore I quit attending yoga classes.  It's just not necessary going into a class, thinking it's going to be good for you, and coming out more sore than you were.  There's a difference in feeling "sore" the next day from a workout (as you should) and feeling "pain".  Just remember, sore=good, pain=bad!

Getting into Pilates has been one of the best things I've done for my body.  Pilates works the whole body, emphasizing control, precision and concentration.  Yoga aims to unite the mind and body - making you "feel more fit".  Hmm, I think I'd rather be more fit and than feel more fit....  

Speaking of, I'm off to my favorite Pilates studio, Classic Pilates, for my BarreAmped class!  What are your exercise plans today?  Happy Friday the 13th ;)

Cholesterol

My dad asked a good question today regarding cholesterol:  "How do I increase my HDL level and decrease my LDL level?"

A few definitions first...
Cholesterol - a fat produced by the liver; important in normal body functioning
LDL - low density lipoproteins, AKA "the bad kind"; can increase risk of arterial disease by leaving plaque on arterial walls
HDL - high density lipoproteins, AKA "the good kind"; helps prevent arterial disease by acting like waste removal carriers
Triglycerides - type of lipid found in your blood; after we eat, the fat is converted by our body into the chemical form of fat (triglyceride)

Desirable Levels...
Cholesterol 100-199
Tri 45-149
HDL >39
LDL 40-99

How to make improvements...
-get rid of any extra weight you need to lose
-perform regular aerobic exercise
-nooooo smoking
-limit 1-2 alcoholic beverages a day
-increase monounsaturated fats such as avocados, olive oil, peanut butter
-add soluble fiber to your diet found in oats, fruits and veggies
-avoid trans fats found in margarine and partially hydrogenated oils

Make an appointment with your general doctor to get a physical with a blood draw.  When the results come in, compare your numbers with the desirable ranges.  If they aren't where they should be it's okay because now you know what you need to do to make the appropriate changes...your body will thank you :)

Stay healthy my friends!
xoxo

Austin 10 20

Since I missed out on my 1/2 marathon in December that I was so ready for (ha, ha), I've decided I want to try again.  I didn't wimp out or anything...my friend's dog ate a Christmas ornament the night before the race and spent the night at the hospital.  (I was a bit relieved as the weather the morning of the race was AWFUL!)

So here's my next/first race:

Austin 10 20

I have until April 15 to get ready and to talk my boyfriend into doing it with me.  It looks like a lot of fun:  10 miles, 20 stages on course, 30 live bands, huge beer garden and BBQ!!  I do have to consider my boyfriend has had several surgeries that challenge his running abilities... So I figure we will probably run some, stop and listen to a couple bands, walk some then hopefully run a little bit more.  

Maybe you and some friends should sign up!  It's fun to have something to train for :)  And by April the weather should be so nice for a long run!  And who doesn't love Austin!? 

Get your TASC Gear

New women's tops from TASC:

Proceeds benefit "TEAM GLEASON"

Limited edition RUN t-shirts.  Get yours while they last.  These are my favorite tops; they're so soft!

27 Rules of Conquering the Gym. Good luck.

Please don't let this happen to you.

A client of mine shared a great article from The Wall Street Journal that I had to blog about because it's pretty funny and unfortunately accurate.

The 27 Rules of Conquering the Gym

Click the link above and read!  Then go to the gym.

Here's some of my favorites among the 27 Rules...

#1 - feeling and looking good takes time!
#4 - seriously, put down the book and pedal!
#9 - "don't laugh at the client,"says Sir Cumference formerly known as SW.
#19 - challenge yourself or else you won't see any changes in your body.
#23 - whatever makes you work harder.
#27 - just because you worked out doesn't mean you can eat more........chill out.

Here's to a good time

Ok, my new favorite lunch spot:

Company Cafe on the Trail

I met my bff for lunch, after barre class of course, at Company Cafe.  After oohing and awing over the gorgeous weather we scanned the menu and immediately agreed it looked so appetizing!  Everything is natural, fresh and even gluten-free!  Perfection.

So we ordered the Tomato Burrata Salad and the West Side Tacos to share.  Ahhhhmazing!  So fresh and flavorful!  After we ate every bite I wanted to order another round for us because it was just that good, but I refrained.  We couldn't leave without dessert so we spilt the Mystery Cake - so yummy and...mysterious!  The service was just right as well - our waiter was friendly but not overly friendly; however, the guy that brought our food seemed overly happy to see us :)  I enjoy an overly happy waiter every now and then, it's kinda cute.

Props on the location too.  The restaurant has a great patio next to the Katy Trail; so we were entertained by walkers, joggers and barking dogs.  Next time you don't know where to go for lunch or need a cool place to take a prospective client, seriously go here.  Definitely sit on the patio if it's nice out...then maybe go for a jog.......lol, riiiiiight.

Cheers!