Work-in Wednesday: Meditation

I have decided to work-in this week.

Working-in is very similar to working out, except the focus is inward.  You take the time to give the body a rest from intense exercise and do things that help calm and relax the mind, body and spirit.

The 60 Minute Workout: Pilates/Yoga Flow

Thanks to everyone for the well wishes.  From the sounds of it, it looks like everyone has had a cold/flu in the last few weeks. I am feeling better today, not 100%, but the show must go on!

I have decided that I am going to have a work-in week and give my body a break from vigorous exercise.  I think it is good for the mind and the body to do this a few times a year.  This week is my time (guilt free :).

However, just because I am taking the week off, doesn't mean you have to. :)

A few weeks ago, I shared with you a full-body, high intensity 30 minute workout.  Today, I am going in the opposite direction: A 60 minute, lower intensity workout with a focus on breathing, strengthening and stretching.

This pilates and yoga inspired workout will leave you feeling stronger, more relaxed and refreshed.

Note:  Remember to modify exercises as needed, drink plenty of water and check with your doc before you begin any exercise program.

My 3 Favourite Mind-Body Books

Thanks so much for your feedback about my last post about commenting and blogs, keep it coming (no pressure:)

I know that I worked-in last week, but I today I wanted to feature a few of my favourite mind-body reads.  These books have been on my shelf for many years and I find myself constantly using them as a resource, not only for my own practice, but to help me with my classes and clients.

Inner Fitness: Finding Your Happiness

I am working-in this week (I hope many of you are joining me too;)

During the #Fitblog Plank Challenge, I started posting my weekly workouts and a few of you asked me where they went, especially this week as you wanted to know exactly what a "work-in week"  looks like.

Ask and you shall receive.

I am going to take it one step further.  Along with my workouts, I am going to include what I call a "happiness" section.

Why?

It is just as important that we take care of our insides.  We need to approach health and fitness from a good place.  If you don't work on making yourself happy (and in turn, being happy with yourself), I believe that you will never truly get to where you want to be.

"Happiness" doesn't always equate to doing what is fun (although I certainly think you need to have fun), it can mean doing something that will give you piece of mind and contribute to your overall well being.

 

Work-In Wendesday: Plan, Bake, Sweat.

The last week has been crazy.

I have been doing some office work during the day, training in the morning and teaching at night.

Needless to say, I am not so used to these 12 hour days.

Enter Work-In Wednesday. 

I am actually off today and have a few errands to run (like getting ready for this event on the weekend:), but for the most part I am going to focus on taking care of me.

Between work, school, friends and family it is so important to squeeze in some "me time".  This could be as simple sitting outside with a nice cup to tea to booking a day at the spa.

So what am I going to do today?  I am so glad you asked.

Importance of Stretching, Part 1

I am having a work in kind of week.

My body is telling me that it wants to move, but in a low-impact kind of way.

It is not feeling the weight training this week, but wants yoga, pilates and stretching.  I am listening.

Move of the Month: Warrior III

I just realized that I missed the Move of the Month in March.  I don't blame myself.  I think the month just whizzed by way to fast ;)

In keeping with my current exercise theme of working-in, I present Warrior III.  This posture helps to improve balance and strengthens your legs and ankles.

This is a challenging pose, so make sure that you work within your comfort level and make any modiciations as needed:

• To increase the difficulty of the posture, extend arms over head.
• To make the pose easier, don't lift your back leg as high and/or keep your hands on your hips.

Lets get started!

The Benefits of Massage and a Quick Announcement

Sorry for the late post today, but I had a massage and it was glorious.

It has been a very long time since I had one and my body was very thankful :)

Not me, but a picture from my favourite book :)

Resolutions Revamped

Happy April!  Did anyone get fooled this morning?

It is a sunny start to the month and time to reflect on those New Years Resolutions (you didn't forget about them, did you?)

3 Ways to Soothe the Body and Mind

We have been blessed with some fantastic weather in Southern Ontario and I am planning on enjoying every minute of it.

Isn't amazing how the sun instantly lifts your mood?

Speaking of mood, I have been finding myself pretty tense lately, so I thought I would share a few of my favourite things that help me to relax and find some inner calm.

Work-In Week Wrap Up and Getting Organized

It is the last day of my Work-In Week and I have to say that my mind, body and spirit have truly appreciated the time I have taken for me.

I only ran and weight trained once this week and that is OK.  My mind told me that I wanted to, but my body begged to differ.  I listened to my body and I spent the the week doing yoga, pliates and swimming.

I believe it is exactly what I needed.

Work-in Week

The last few weeks have been busy, happy and exhausting.

Starting a business is very exciting, but it quite a task.  You don't quite realize how much there is to do between research, promotion and prepping until you are knee deep in it.

Don't get me wrong, I am beyond thrilled about this new opportunity, but I am finding myself a little stressed on this Monday morning.