“Intrinsic” means belonging naturally, and its Latin root translates as “inward” so I like to think of intrinsic motivation as motivation from within. Intrinsic motivation is the best kind of motivation because there is no bribery, guilt, or coercion. You’re doing something because you want to do it, end of story. When I was a kid, I only cleaned my room when my Dad threatened to throw whatever was on the floor out the window. So I’d tidy...
Things really start to ramp up this time of year, don’t they? I feel like there’s something extra tacked onto every day, either a chore, a decision, or some sort of outing. It is easy for our daily workouts to get put on the back burner. What’s a girl to do? Well, I just got hip to the term “habit stacking” and it’s definitely something to embrace. Habit stacking is when you layer in good...
Workout with Ellen in-person, and learn how to thrive with her three-part, three-hour workshop spotlighting the two greatest self-help tools of all time, your body and your mind. The first hour is a feel-good fusion flow workout, barefoot, low-impact and for all fitness levels. The second hour is a seated discussion (with demonstrations) of simple yet game-changing mental strategies that direct focus and build resilience. The third and final hour finishes strong with a lovely...
“Let’s go from ground to crown.”I say the aforementioned statement a lot, especially at the onset of classes, as it covers a few bases. First, it’s a check in – how’s it going? Second, it’s grounding – am I here, now? Third, it’s alignment – is everything in the right place? All it is is bringing your mind’s eye to your feet and proceeding to work your way all the way up to the crown of your head. Noticing. Feeling....
Would you consider yourself limber? I bet most of you would, because you see how good it feels and how functional it is. But you know what? You’re a unicorn. Limber is not the norm. When I’m out and about in the world, i see the opposite of limber. I see tight, constricted, stiff joints, especially in men. It’s a real shame because being limber is entirely up to each individual. Sure, someone might be...
Happy Baby pose, where you lie on your back and grab your big toes, is a natural action that I remember watching my own baby organically do, way back when he was an infant in his crib. I marveled, thinking, wow, yoga is innate. Plus, the name of the pose was so apropos. Then there’s the dancers I’ve spent time with over the years. They are so body-oriented, they can’t be idle for long. Even when...
The idea that “gentle” is for babies or for the injured, but aside from those specific demographics, you should be embracing intensity, is still alive and well in the world today, but not in my world. In my world, gentle is sustainable, nurturing and a winning aspect of longevity. What is a gentle workout? First, gentle might just be slower. It might just be shorter. It might just be avoiding certain ranges of motion that cause pain. Gentle doesn’t mean less effective. Secondly,...
Ladies, it’s our nature to ebb and flow. Our energies and moods fluctuate and our needs constantly shift. One day we’re extroverted and have loads of energy, and the next day we might need to prioritize a good nap. In 2013, the big catalyst for writing the 28 Days Lighter Diet was my realization that our culture ignores – and rewards us when we do – one of the most important aspects of women’s health, the menstrual...
A happy body needs happy hamstrings, yet nobody pays much attention to their hamstrings unless they’re tight or sore. I say ignoring your hamstrings is a fitness cardinal sin. Here are three simple ways to create some hamstring happiness: 1. Give your hamstrings a massage. Sit on the floor with your legs in front of you and knees bent. Then take your fingers and “dig” into the backs of your thighs. Start behind the knee and work...
I was just talking about how I like to get creative with naming workouts and here I come out with a “boring” title that’s not all that exciting, and seems a bit generic. I know, I know….but the workout told me its name. The workout was adamant it be called FEEL GOOD FLOW. All the other names (“Barre Flow” was a frontrunner) were shot down by this workout’s incessant whispers I couldn’t drown out. Feel Good...
