Hey, Sage here, resident Pilates expert.  Lots of people know about Yoga, but less know the ins and outs of Pilates, and a question I am often asked is, “Does Pilates work?”

Of course, that question, like any question of that nature, depends entirely on the definition of the term “work.”  I first need to know what you expect to get out of it before I know if it will deliver what you’re hoping for.

Pilates is a core strengthening series of exercises which, in some ways, is similar to Yoga.  Like yoga, it is low impact, and also like yoga, it improves your flexibility and stamina.

Many people that become involved in Pilates are looking for a long, lean, toned muscle look - tall and lithe, like a dancer.  Pilates is actually perfect for this because of the way that it lengthens your muscles and strengthens them while stretching them.

Pilates won’t, and wasn’t designed to, build huge muscles like bodybuilding might do.

So, in short, the answer is - yes, if what you are looking to get out of Pilates is something it was designed to do, then it absolutely does work!

Hey, this is Sage here, I’m the “Mind, Soul, Body Connection” fitness chick.

I’m writing to you today about the many yoga benefits that a yoga practice can bring into your life, and it’s a subject that I am so excited to share about!  There are, in fact, so many yoga benefits that it might be hard to fit them on the page, but we’ll try.

YOGA BENEFITS:

1) Flexibility - Yoga stretches and strengthens your muscles and makes them more pliable and flexible.  You may think it’s odd that I listed flexibility as the number one benefit when there are so many others, and for all of us non-gymnasts in the crowd, it doesn’t seem like a very useful day to day skill.  Still, it’s listed first intentionally.  Flexibility is the single biggest predictor of continued mobility into old age.  No one wants to be trapped in a body that you can’t move around as you age.  Mobility is the key to staying young and vibrant, flexibility is the key to mobility, and yoga can be the key to flexibility.

2) Strength - People think of weight training as being the only way to strengthen muscles, but a consistent yoga practice will leave your muscles wiry and strong!  Weight training works by repetition and yoga works by the sustained holding of a single position, but both ways are effective strengtheners.

3) Stamina - Because yoga involves holding positions for extended and ever-building periods of time, it naturally and gradually builds up stamina, and that translates, not only into better health, but into other athletic practices as well!

4) State of Mind - Because yoga is one of the most spiritual physical activities you can engage in, it naturally lends itself to a greater mind/body connection and more centered, peaceful state of mind.

Namaste!

Hey, Brenda here, the “food plan” fitness chick!

When you are on a low-carb eating plan, one of the challenging elements is eating out in restaurants and fast food establishments.  Still, with a little creativity, there are ways to eat out, eat delicious food, and stay true to your plan!

Here are a few low-carb ideas for eating out at McDonald’s:

1) Of course, there is always the classic “Take the Bun Off the Burger” approach.  McDonald’s features a line of burgers called Angus Burgers that consist of higher quality beef and 1/3 pound of it per burger.  They have a bacon version and a mushroom swiss version that would fit into low carb plans.  I suggest ordering them “plain” to avoid getting ketchup and other sauces that you can’t control the carb count of.

2) Salads - Either chef salads or cobb salads are good for low carb, but remember to check the carb count on the dressing packet!  It might be advisable to use your own dressing, depending on how strict the plan you are on is.

3) Chicken McNuggets - Breading taken off, don’t forget!

4) Chicken Sandwiches - Make sure you choose grilled.  The buns are whole wheat, so if you are on a low carb plan that allows whole grains, you can have it whole.  However, if you are on a more restrictive plan, you can have the chicken sans bun.

Happy and healthy eating!

Hi, I’m Brenda and I’m the fitness chick that specializes in healthy food and eating for your health.

A lot of people don’t even realize the difference between food that is healthy and food that isn’t.  Sure, there are some obvious boundaries.  Everyone knows that celery is “healthy” and fried chicken is “unhealthy.”  But what about all the food in the middle?

When you start to talk about calorie counting, fats, trans-fats, carbs, cholesteral, on and on - some people start to glaze over.  It’s overwhelming!

So, let’s keep it simple.

As a general rule, fresh equals healthy.  Of course there are exceptions, but that’s where using common sense comes in.

So, remember those low calorie diet cookies you thought were healthy.  Yeah, not so much.  Save them for a treat.

As a general rule, shop around the edges of the grocery store.  This is where it’s refrigerated, and so this is where they keep the fresh food.

Keep an emphasis on fresh fruits and vegetables and lean proteins.  Throw in some whole grains.

It’s not rocket science, but it’s a great first step on the road to better health!