I’ve heard one to many times of people getting on the liquid diet or the apple cider vinegar diet.  Sure it may be a quick fix but what happens next? You lose the weight for that special occasion then once the event is over, Guess What Happens?

You gain it all back!

I’ve seen this happen time and time again.  Summer is right around the corner and everyone hits the gym and/or starts a crazy fad diet.  It happens over and over again, the results are temporary.  Keeping a steady workout program  that is good for your body at any given time will help you sustain a fit body all year around.

But, mostly importantly is adopting a healthy lifestyle.  Just as I mentioned earlier those gimmick  fad diets out there who offer a quick fix for losing weight is just that a quick fix.

I’m always searching for the most effective, healthy supplements and food to help sustain a healthy fit body.  Which brings me to one of my favorite daily drinks, tea.  Well not just any tea.

The most common and often consumed tea is Green Tea.  I drink about 2 to 3 mugs of Green Tea a day (I tend to have a sensitive stomach so drinking this tea helps to soothe my stomach after every meal) There’s a wide range of benefits for women when drinking green, below is a short list of benefits…

* Helps to burn fat faster (speeds up fat oxidation)

* Increases Your Metabolism

* Reduces lepton in the body (fat in the body is created by this protein that causes fat storage in the body through brain signals)

* Healthy alternative to high sugar drinks

* Helps to alleviate stomach problems and bloating

* Helps reduce bad cholesterol

Now,  just to be clear…I’m not saying to drink green tea and you are going to instantly drop weight overnight.  It is a better alternative to drinking coffee or sugary drinks.  You can always drink green tea either caffeinated or decaf.

Another one of my favorite teas is Oolong tea…Check out these benefits, pretty similar to Green Tea…

*  Promotes weight loss

*  Improve metabolism

*  Reduce body weight

*  Rich in Anti-Oxidants

*  Good for your skin

*  Improves complexion

Just want to point these are benefits seen over time consuming these teas.  I’ve tried different types of teas of the years, I’ve been my the guinea pig and tried teas that literally had me either running to the bathroom or straight out did not help with what I was really looking for.

As I mentioned above by substituting your soda or any other sugary drinks with these teas (either caffeinated or decaf) can substantially help to increase your metabolism, shed some pounds and live a healthier life.

Make sure to pair your teas with active activity.  Whether you are exercising in a fitness, at home or doing a Pilates workout.  With the two you just can’t go wrong.

Enjoy the benefits of a natural herb with amazing health benefits!

As the school year comes to an end the majority of my clients and myself included are running around from school open house to recitals and champion games.  So what happens? Bad food choices.  Let’s face it you barely have time to get your kids lunch packed and ready to go and you forget about yourself.  I’ve done this before until I caught myself eating out and on occassion not eating anything.  Now that is not an option.

You see, to get your metabolism to really fire up and maintain a well balanced metabolism is to incorporate full body workouts like a Pilates Workout with well balanced food choices.  You can be working out for hours and hours and if you aren’t eating the proper foods you wont see much of a change.  Those hours and hours of exercising is wasted.

I have heard this so many times, “I’m to busy to east right”, “I’m only going to eat once today”, “I’m not going to have dinner”, “I don’t eat breakfast”, it’s self sabotaging your fitness goals.  I have a very close friend who does this all the time, I see her working so hard to get her workouts in but she doesn’t eat.

There’s no way around it,  you have to fuel your body and love your body.  We only have one body, we can’t exchange it or replace it for a new one so why not take care of it?  Whether your doing a Pilates Workout or any other fitness program make sure to eat.  By that I mean I proper balanced meal, not fast food or fried greasy food.

Here is a simply salad I prepare, sometimes I get it ready the night before or that very morning while I’m getting my son’s breakfast and lunch ready.  It’s quick simple and easy.

- One can of white albacore tuna, packed in water (not in oil),
– 2 tablespoons of vegenaise (same consistency as mayonnaise but it’s gluten free and non-diary)
- cayenne pepper (high in Vitamins A, C, B complex, calcium and potassium)
- Green Onions
- Black Pepper
- Put on top greens (spinach, kale, green lettuce)
- Low fat Raspberry Vinegrette
- 1 Slice of Rasin Ezekiel bread (you can find this at Trader Joes and other healthy markets)

Just in case you aren’t sure what the Ezekiel bread looks like here is a picture of it. It’s flourless so it goes in the refrigerator.

And, By the way, I do eat the whole can of tuna.  Generally women aren’t eating enough protein so make sure to have your fair share of protein don’t skip out on what’s good for your body and your toned lean muscles.

I’ll be giving my top 10 best snacks this week so stay tuned!

Over the weekend I spent a few days in San Diego with some amazing fitness professionals from around the world who share the same passion in helping millions of people get in shape, stay fit and live a healthier lifestyle. I had the pleasure to hang out with one of my best friends from Canada, Shawna K.

She’s known as the “Pull-Up” Queen.  One of the many amazing qualities about Shawna is she pushes me to be the best I can be and to share all my knowledge and passion I have for Pilates and not hold back.
Whenever Shawna is in town I give her a few Pilates Exercises to do and she’s always amazed with how intense she feels the workout in her core.  But let me explain, one little thing here.  She is one of the strongest women I know both physically and mentally.  She can bust out 32 pulls up like nothing and if you think I’m kidding check her out here.

When she comes to town she gives me one of her workouts and she pushes me through the workout and encourages me to not give up.  I love my Pilates workouts and I love to add in a few extras to always challenge myself and improve.

Just like in anything you do, whether it’s challenging yourself to a new exercise program or breaking a bad habit of eating fast food. Make a promise to yourself to challenge yourself to be the best you can be!  I know it may sound silly but have you contemplated:

“Starting a new workout?”
“Pack a healthy lunch for work?”
“Take some much needed me time?”

Take baby steps, then jump in and take charge and challenge yourself to make some great things happen. What’s the worse that can happen? well not much worse than not taking any action and moving away from achieving a personal goal.  I’ve had many of my Pilates clients tell me I need to get in shape first before I start working out.  The answer to that is absolutely not. Just like I mentioned before, if you want to see Shawna’s challenge workout head over here.

There’s always a starting point to anything we do, especially with beginning a new routine with a fitness program, just do it and get it started.  I always tell my beautiful Pilates ladies I’m proud of them for stepping out of their comfort zone and get closer to their goals.

Oh and while I was in San Diego  I did this quick Pilates Workout in my hotel room,
try it out and let me know what you think!

Well, now that does sound like a fantastic relaxing thing to do but, your bootie and tummy need a Pilates workout!

Day’s where it sounds more appealing to miss a workout is when you really have to knock some sense into yourself.  You see one of greatest Benefits of Pilates is once you start a Pilates routine and incorporate Pilates into your daily lifestyle it’s almost impossible to miss a workout.

I know what you’re going to say, well what’s so different about Pilates it’s just like any other workout.  Not exactly! You see my Pilates exercises are designed to compliment your body’s natural movement.  This may sound a little absurd but it’s true.

Have you ever done a workout and later feel you need to stretch because your body feels tight everywhere?

Don’t get me wrong a tight – firm – toned body is what it’s all about but not the feeling of being so stiff that you can’t move.  What I’m saying is even when there’s that little voice inside of your head saying – “I’ll take today off and not workout” Not with Pilates, your body will feel it when you don’t do your Pilates workout.  It’ll scream – I need my Pilates!

I went off on a little tangent there!  I do that from time to time.  But everyone I know who does Pilates as a lifestyle would agree when I say, Once you start your body can’t stop.  It’s addicting. And it’s a very different feeling of soreness.  Believe me, you will feel it in your abs and bootie after a Pilates Workout.

One of my favorite body parts to work is the bootie!  Why? Well it’s the last thing people see as you walk by and isn’t a great feeling when you put your jeans on and look in the mirror and you see a firm – tight –lifted bootie.  The kinda of bootie that you can bounce a quarter off of! Plus – the feeling of a tight rear end it’s amazing and when you slide on a pair of nice heels or wedges, Watch Out!

There’s been talk about the Brazilian butt lift and how popular it is and I’ve seen women with this and I would be so scared to do that.  But all power to anyone who feels that’s for them.  I’m a chicken when it come’s to anything evasive.  But hey…I don’t judge!

With that said, one of the greatest Benefits of Pilates is a killer firm toned bootie. One of my “Pilates Bootie Lifter” exercise is no joke.  By rep number 5 you’ll be feeling muscles in your bootie that you’ve never felt before.   Your bootie is made up of 3 muscles Gluteus medius and gluteus minimus which both lie underneath the gluteus maximus.  Not that you need to know all the terminology but Gluteus maximus is a pretty common term used now a days, but what about the other two muscles?

Just because you are going to work your butt that day doesn’t necessarily mean you going to be focusing on each of those muscles.  The beauty of my “Pilates Bootie Lifter” exercises you’ll be feeling it for sure and like I said in areas around the bootie that you swear you never thought there was a muscle.

The angle and range of movement of Bootie Pilates Exercises makes every repetition so unique that just doing a few reps you’ll start to feel muscles working that you never knew you had.

Enough talking about my bootie lifter…

Since summer is just around the corner and it was a little gloomy day out and to get you in the Bikini season mood I recorded a quick teaser video for you. It’s one of many in my series of “Pilates Bootie Lifters”.

Now, I do have to warn you.  You will see something small and black running around, it’s not a rodent or a skunk. It’s my Pilates buddy “Rocky”.  He looks a little like a skunk and one of my friends calls him the “Rat”. But it’s a cute little doggie, and he had to jump into the Pilates Workout with me, every time I pull out the mat he’s ready to get a Pilates workout in also.

Have Fun, Be Safe and Enjoy!

Ever wonder if Pilates Exercises really works or if it’s just one of those specialty exercises the rich and famous do?  That’s what I thought when I first heard of Pilates.  I heard it was always for dancers and celebrities.

That was until I actually started doing it myself and I quickly learned the rumors about Pilates and who it’s for it absolutely wrong. I truly Love Pilates, I’m addicted (In a Good Way) Pilates is perfect for everyone, either as a main workout regimen or an add on to their current exercise program.

The dozens and dozens of Pilates movements are created to challenge your body, tone your body, strengthen your body and push your body to limits you didn’t think were possible.

I put together a list of 6 little known secrets about how Pilates literally transforms your body into a healthy, energized, fit, toned body.

But first, I want to share a little story about one my male clients….

A male client wanted to try it but was skeptical and said “Oh no that’s for girls”, he quickly learned it wasn’t.  The workout kicked his butt and he was cursing and

Swearing the whole time.  His whole body was sore and the workout only lasted about 30 minutes (I do want to mention he was in really good shape) I’ll be honest, I loved it.  He quickly learned the true Benefits of Pilates and he stuck with his Pilates Workouts with me religiously.

Ok, so here are the little secrets…

Secret #1

Stress kills!  Exercise relieves stress.  We all know this is true, but over and above a lot of exercise, Pilates involves concentration requiring mindful thought to execute exercises.  Your mind is forced to cease its endless chatter to focus on the challenge at hand.  You stop thinking,”Did I lock the door?” or “Does my butt look big in this outfit?”

Pilates allows the mind to relax and the body to “vent” some of the stress that has been building up during the day.  People have experienced a better night’s sleep and wake up refreshed the following morning. I’ve even had my clients tell me they don’t feel like a ball of stress and that they feel lighter.

Secret #2

Ever noticed when someone walks by with perfect posture they look slender and confident? Just   like swimsuit models and celebrities.  And you quickly find yourself throwing your shoulders back and sucking in your stomach and pulling your shoulders back? It has been a misunderstanding in the exercise world that to help posture you have to strengthen your upper back muscles.

Actually, good posture is the result of how you stand, using abdominal strength and correct alignment.  Pilates strengthens the small intricate muscles in our bodies (always overlooked when exercising in a traditional gym setting) that make you stand tall, toned, slender and strong.

Wouldn’t it be great if you easily went about your day standing tall, lean and strong as if you were wearing a corset? But it’s your abs that act as your corset.

 Secret #3

It’s for men, too!  Just like I mentioned above in my story about my male client. Developed by Joseph Pilates (a man), a former boxer, these exercises are challenging.  If you are a golfer, it will add yards to your game.  It helps with endurance and coordination in any sport, plus help to reduce injuries.  Truth is, professional football and baseball players practice Pilates.

Secret #4

Pilates Exercises doesn’t abuse your body.  Have you ever felt like you are really stiff tight and you can’t move from working out? Sure being sore is the best feeling in the world, a Pilates Workout definitely gets you sore but not in the way where you can barely move.

Some workouts hurt your body causing injuries and over time your body revolts and you are forced to find another workout regimen.  You can start doing Pilates from now until well into your eighties without skipping a beat!  Pilates gives you a lean, toned, healthy, energized body!

Secret #5

You can’t fake it!  People blast their iPods, check email, check text messages while exercising so they can try to forget what they’re doing.  Not so with Pilates.  There’s no faking it…you simply can’t!

I hope you would agree when I say, if you are going to dedicate time out of your busy day to workout it better be well worth it, that’s what I live by. Pilates moves are not designed or meant to go beyond 10 reps.

When Pilates exercises are done correctly you feel the burn on the fourth rep!

Secret #6

I’ve seen people do hundreds and hundreds of crunches (resulting in neck and shoulder pain) they hold  the back of there neck and rub their shoulders, why do we punish our bodies this way, but you don’t have to. Pilates flattens your stomach by working the deep abdominal muscles that are often forgotten about with other programs.

The Benefits of Pilates is not just a flat sexy stomach, you work entire body as a whole at the same time.  I will say this, just like every other exercise, Pilates takes practice to engage the muscles in your body and can be picked up in no time.

Put these secrets to work for you and you’ll be shocked with the results you can achieve!

I don’t know about you but I always have fifty million things running thru my mind every minute of the day. My husband thinks I’m crazy and nuts and says I need some serious R & R. If you’re like me juggling between teaching your clients Pilates, maintaining and building your Pilates Business or some well deserved me time then you will find it will be crunch time one way or another.

Your thoughts can be shifted left and right at any given time. Whether you have you eyes set on one project it can always be veered off to another at the drop of a hat.

The daily mental and physical challenges we experience as we teach our clients can have its emotional strains. Our goal is to always keep a level head.

What do you do to keep a clear head?

Some people exercise, some meditate and others do absolutely nothing. I’m going to share with you the most important tool I found to help to stay clear and be more productive every day.

Now, with being a mother, wife and a business owner I honestly do not have 4 to 5 hours a day to meditate (that’s the suggested length of time to meditate) I had to find some thing I can do for one hour.

What I found has taken my thought process to a higher level and I have quantum leaped my success just by being more productive.

This is one of my goodies in my little black bag of tricks that takes me to the next level and helps me think clearly.

I meditate using a c.d. from Holosync. There are no words, just sounds of rain and thunder, Go to www.cenpterpointe.com, there are different levels where you can overlay your personal affirmations. I work this into my daily routine, either 30 to 60 minutes.

The technology used in Holosync helps to stimulate the creation of neural pathways between right and left side of the brain that balances the brain that leads to a “whole brain function”.

This technology takes you through 4 brain wave patterns: Alpha state (deep relaxation), Beta state (concentration, anxiety), Delta state (dreamless sleep) and Theta state (most important…changed behavior, increased retention of learned material) this state is our super learning.

This meditation system helps you to push past any barriers you may be experiences and helps to reduce your stress level so you can be more productive so you are not spinning your wheels.

Why is this so important to your business? Have you ever heard the saying “Leave it at the door before walking in” you don’t want to be side tracked when you are teaching your clients or finishing up a project. Stay clear!

Practicing this every day has literally helped me to be more productive and keep a level head….It’s super relaxing, find a comfortable place and put your headphones and sit back and relax!!!

On January 6th I was heading down to my Studio to help a friend record some footage for his fitness marketing product and was visualizing how I planned to attack my 2009 goals when all of sudden a big rig decided he wanted to beat me and turned right in front me.

I had nowhere to go but right into him, it was an eight wheeler and I slammed into the second set of tires. If it was two seconds later I would of Gone underneath the bed of the truck, pretty ugly…

This was my first time in an accident. I sat in the car motionless, I had the wind knocked out of me and I could barely breath. The crazy thing is the cars that were going around me were bothered and irritated that I was stopped in the middle of road. My car was totaled and I couldn’t move it, there was a guy that actually yelled out “Get out of the street”…(what the heck?…)

Why am I telling you this story? I had to make a decision here if I was going to let this ruin my goals and plans and subject myself to the pardons of a car accident victim. When I left the hospital my discharge papers said it was normal to feel depressed and upset and it may take some time to get better.

Depressed! I was lucky to be alive. It was as if they were trying to give me an out and blame my accident on terrible luck and that my year started off Bad…

Like I said I had 2 options here, to either feel bad for myself for what happened (don’t get me wrong I was hurting) or make the choice to be grateful that it wasn’t my time to go and to be sure that I accomplish the goals I set for myself.

What’s the point to all of this, it’s all about mind set. Deciding to take the route of feeling bad and depressed I would not be setting the tone for what I really want to happen in my life, on a business and personal level.

We all have the choice to feel bad about something that went wrong in our life and we blame that event or thing as the reason to give up or not work as hard.

As we move forward to reaching a goal there will always be an invisible barrier, like when you are driving a car and you are trying to go a little faster and you feel inertia pull you back. It’s the same concept in every goal and project you set to accomplish.

If you don’t feel some sort of discomfort as you push past all the Bulls&*$% then you aren’t pushing hard enough. Set your path, there may be some curves and dips but don’t make a u-turn.

What the heck does this have to do with anything? Let me explain….

When operating your own Pilates business you WILL run into invisible barriers, which blocks your way to your goal. It is your mindset and how you perceive what has happened as a good thing or as bad thing. It’s very easy to stop what you are doing and sit back and say, “Oh I lost clients so I just have to deal with it”.

This is not o.k. if you’re planning to be successful in what you do let me Be the first to tell you this, “If that’s how you are thinking that’s what you are going to attract.”

No one but YOU and only YOU has the power to succeed and overcome whatever Bulls@$%t that stands in your way!

Set your goal, expect detours here and there but never lose focus of your target!