I have one dog, Rey, who is the most athletic Labrador you’ll ever see, and then I have another dog, Bridget, who is gentle and willowy – not as capable as Rey – but very beautiful to watch. It dawned on me recently, that watching my dogs run, stretch, swim, and maneuver through life could be my favorite pastimes. I am inspired by them, and I’ve learned a lot from them. Aside from the obvious,...
It’s firmly summer here in Connecticut, and while I try to appreciate every season, I must admit, I live for summer! I love the sun, the longer days, the summer food and most of all, I love being warm. Warmth is not talked about all that much but let me take you down memory lane. First, air conditioning wasn’t even a thought in dance/yoga studios back in the day. Most gyms did not have it...
The black legging….what did we do before black leggings? Some fashionistas might not love the fact that a black legging is part of an unofficial “uniform” for millions of women, but there is a solid reason why: black leggings are functional. You and I can move freely in them! Fitness clothing is just clothing you and I can move in, right? Also, black leggings can be spruced up. In the winter, I wear sweaters with my workout wear....
There’s a reason why we use the term “pain in the neck” when describing something or someone annoying. Neck pain is annoying, and I think everyone at some point in their life, has experienced it first hand. Often, we don’t know the cause of our neck pain. It just shows up. Did I sleep in an awkward position? Did I strain my neck at work? Did I lift something too heavy? It’s important to know that while exercise...
I grew up in one of the snowiest parts of New York State, with a polar bear father who never turned on the heat, and a very unusually low body temperature (never breaking 97degrees). Discovering aerobics in the 80’s was divine intervention. I’m not kidding. It saved me from the agony of being cold. To me, cardio is synonymous with feeling good. Cardio is my favorite. When I was a student of Pilates, I was blown...
There are blurred lines between “frozen in fear” and perfectionism. In this week’s inspiration board’s pep talk, I denounce perfectionism because often it prevents taking action. Don’t get me wrong – It’s great to care. In fact, make sure you care! However, as the saying goes….”if you don’t shoot you don’t score.” Too many people never even attempt to make the shot because of perfectionism. What’s the cure for perfectionism? Focus on effort. Do your best...
I felt inspired to share a story with you all… I was at a cocktail party a few days ago and was drinking a glass of water. (The bartender very kindly put in a lime slice for some pizazz!) Almost everyone I mingled with at this party, gave me some grief about drinking just water. “Live a little, Ellen.”“Are you sure you don’t want something stronger?”“A glass of wine won’t kill you.” I haven’t seen...
In the US, we’re heading into Memorial Day weekend, which is sort of like a kickoff to summer. It is always “hit or miss” weather-wise. I remember sunbathing by the pool in 80 degrees this time of year, and I also remember torrential rains for four days straight. You just never know. Memorial Day weather in Connecticut is a metaphor for life. You never know what’s in store. Things don’t always go as planned. An often overlooked “skill” is to not get thrown off too easily....
There is significant scientific evidence that suggests exercise done right increases immunity. (Emphasis on “done right” meaning not too intense, yet not too mild. For me, 30-45minutes where my breathing gets slightly challenged and I break a sweat, is ideal.) I have no doubt that exercise has helped strengthen my own immune system, and the immune systems of my family members and clients. Also, ask any doctor, this is common knowledge in the medical world and believed...
Stop what you are doing right now and look at your posture and notice…where are your shoulders? Chances are, if you are reading this while sitting at your desk or while looking at your phone, your shoulders are rounded forward. [Insert crying emoji😢] When shoulders are rounded forward, the neck and chest muscles are always “on” which ultimately tires us out and causes muscular strain. When shoulders are rounded forward, the airway to and from...
