Strength training - pilates - gyrokineses

I think I mentioned in an earlier post that I’ve been signing up for various exercise places around town. I’ll give a quick summary of 2 more I’ve tried.

First, for background, I have a left knee that started to give me trouble after doing my own exercises a few years ago – and I’ve come to terms with the fact that I now have to say “only low impact and watch the back” when people ask if I have any “issues.” 

So I won’t be sharing any exercises that have high-impact activities.

Doing the exercises has been really great for my general health and well-being, but so far I’ve found it really easy to keep gaining weight (not that I really know because I refuse to get on the scale until my pants aren’t quite so tight). At some point I’ll have to get serious about the eating and the cardio exercises.

All Out Fitness – good for guys and girls http://alloutfitness.org/

I got 5 personal training sessions thanks to Groupon, really cheap! The trainer there is a great guy, as I’m sure personal trainers have to be to stay in business. I do squats, planks, superman planks (like the girl did on American Idol this season), weights, and pretend pushups and pullups (I can’t do real ones, but the alternative method for doing them is great). I’ll probably sign up for some of their Boot Camp sessions and general All Out classes. I’m told I can easily replace the high impact parts with other stuff, and I need to get my heart racing (from exercise).  After the first class I couldn’t believe how sore I was! But no soreness after that first class.  And no knee or back pain at all. This place is off of State St. past Briarwood Mall, on Avis. Somewhat reasonable prices ($8/class for 10 classes), but not cheap like some places.

The Movement Center – good for girls http://www.movement-center.com/

I got one personal intro session on pilates, and 5 classes of either pilates or gyrokinesis. This is a little shop downtown, next to Grizzly Peak. The women teaching the classes are extremely warm and supportive individuals. I just did one gyrokinesis class but it was a bit too low key for me. I did pilates mat and pilates using their special machine. I liked both of these.  No knee or back pain after-yay! This place is really great, but really expensive! If they ever offer another Groupon or LivingSocial deal, check them out!

Look at that sweet face. Will you be my valentine?

Animals and Wellness

To the animal loves among us – it’s no secret that having a pet can add dramatically to your own wellness.

I had a dog growing up, and he gave me a daily walk/run. I don’t have one now, unfortunately, but when I’ve borrowed my sister-in-law’s miniature dachshund, I’ve again been taken on daily walks (though I don’t have to run so fast as when I had an exuberant golden retriever), and actually got to know my neighbors a bit better! She helped me dig up a big bush/tree that started growing in the wrong place in my yard, and she’s great company. And I know she loves me for myself, it has nothing to do with the fact that I feed her and walk her:)

Pets have been known to detect illness in their owners. Many give unconditional love and loyalty, and that leads to a decrease in stress and increased happiness. And they don’t have to be cats or dogs. Somehow taking care of any living creature is beneficial.

I know – sometimes animals will eat you up (looking forward to seeing The Grey sometime), but they’re also really cute and part of Mother Nature – so they are all perfect in their own way.

A friend of mine sent these photos recently – her little cat passed away – but thankfully she already has another to keep her company.

Don’t stress it! Breathe!

To be brief – stress is bad for you!

Here’s a tip for distressing at work from the article, Defusing the mental and emotional pressures that take a toll on cardiac health:

While seated in a desk chair, cross your left ankle over your right thigh, hand forward over your crossed legs, allowing your head to hang toward your left shin, ideally even with or below your heart (but don't force it). Hold for five slow deep breaths, and then switch legs and repeat.

"Folding forward with your head even or below your heart with the support of the chair calms your nervous system," she [Allison English, of Equinox fitness clubs] said. "Opening your hips relaxes your back and lets you walk through your day more calmly, while deep breathing is the ultimate must  for lowering your blood pressure and stress."