yoga

Calling all Yogis!

04.25.2013

Calling all yogis! (I love that word) Who out there loves yoga? It’s becoming the “it” thing to do around town. Hatha, vinyasa, bikram, power yoga to name a few of the many styles. I know, it sounds like I’m speaking a different language, right?

After hitting the gym for repeated days in a row, a nice long yoga session always helps break up the repetitive muscle strain and tension. Also pretty sure we can all use a little relaxation, myself included. I’m all about trying to find ways to de-stress. Lifting and cardio do this for me as well, but yoga specifically releases the tension building up from work, relationships and just life in general. I am de-stressing just thinking about it…

Here are some benefits:

Strength, posture, flexibility anyone? I’M ALL IN! Of course I believe that lifting weights is critical for all of the above, but cycling in yoga once in a while is a must for me. Try these poses:

Send me a message or comment if you would like yoga studio recommendations in San Francisco. I also LOVE yoga DVD’s which can be done in the comfort of my teeny apartment. Jillian Michael’s is of course my fave- try her Yoga Meltdown.

Do you guys practice yoga? Would love to hear about it! I just mastered the crow pose! Woohoo 🙂

Here are some yoga articles that may be of interest to you:

Namaste.

home gym must-haves

03.09.2013

Lately I have been dreaming about moving into a 2 bedroom apartment so I can use one room as a designated gym (as well as a second closet which I am in dire need of). So until I have room for a treadmill, elliptical or a bike, I have put together a few smaller must-have items for my home gym.

1. Stability Ball: an inexpensive way to give your workout a little something extra. Use for core work, sit on it for shoulder work, use for wall sits or prop your feet on it for push ups. Theres a million things you can do with a stability ball.

2. Jump rope: cardio, cardio, cardio. Use a jump rope if you’re looking for an easy and simple cardio warmup.

3. Kettlebell: I am loving kettlebell exercises! Use them for cardio or strength training and work every muscle in the body.

4. Yoga mat: stretching, yoga, ab exercises, a yoga mat can be used for anything and everything.

5. Bosu Ball: instead of standing flat on the ground, stand on a bosu ball when doing shoulder or arm exercises, squats or killer crunches. This will give you an added core bonus.

6. Dumbbells: these are essential for any home gym. I like these specifically because the material will protect the hardwood from getting scratched. Also, be sure to get heavier weights. I usually use 8-15 pounds.

7. TRX resistance band (not pictured): this allows you to do hundreds of exercises using your own bodyweight. You can anchor it to your door at home. I have been loving TRX and bodyweight training lately!

Fit Gal: Tiffany!

02.06.2013

Tiffany and I frequently see each other at the gym and she is such an inspiration that I had to get her on the blog! She just got Zumba certified and is working to become a personal trainer! Ah, I love this girl! Here she is….

1. Tell us about yourself and your “fitness lifestyle and journey”

I grew up in San Diego which is a very fit and active city. I tried many sports in elementary & middle school but running was always my favorite. In high school I ran track, Cross Country and played Soccer for the school and a competitive Soccer team. I went on to play College Soccer for Sonoma State University. After I graduated college I continued to play soccer for Club Soccer teams and started to compete in half marathons. I currently play for the SF nighthawks (a women’s Soccer team in the city) and I am hoping to sign up for a couple of new races starting in the New Year. Staying fit is very important to me and I always make time to incorporate some fitness into my schedule.

2. What are your goals and how are you working for them?

I have a lot of fitness goals that I am hoping to accomplish by this year. I just signed up for my first full marathon in March so I am hoping to get less than 4 hours for my time. Physically, I would like to be a little bit leaner and not have so much mass. I have always had a really athletic build because I felt I needed it for soccer. I feel like I could be just as strong without having so much mass. I am going to start taking Pilate’s classes and I am trying to be more disciplined with my eating regimen. My ultimate goal is to become a Personal Trainer by the end of 2013.

3. Do you “eat clean”?

I am lucky that I grew up in a home with a very health conscious family. I grew up always eating fresh fruit and vegetables and we were not big “meat eaters.” About 7 years ago I decided to become a vegetarian and I have noticed a big change since that time. I try not to eat any junk food and very careful of what I am putting into my body. I don’t drink soda and rarely eat fast food. I make sure to take certain vitamins to make up for the lack of dairy & protein in my diet. I feel better when I eat healthy and I definitely see the difference.

4. In what ways do you stay active?

I like to work out 6 days a week and rest on the 7th day. I adapted this workout schedule from soccer practice schedule in College and it just works for me. I just got my Zumba certification and I am very excited to begin teaching some classes. I try to switch up my workouts a lot so that I don’t get bored. I alternate between running outside, yoga, classes at the gym and soccer practice/games. When I am at the gym I usually do 45 minutes of cardio and 15 minutes of weights. I can honestly say that I LOVE to work out and always make it a priority.

5. What inspires you to live this lifestyle?

I love to live this lifestyle because it makes me happy. After I get done with a workout my skin has a healthy glow and I just feel so much better!

Thank you so much for sharing your story Tiffany! I am positive you will inspire many by your active lifestyle. Good luck with your marathon, teaching, coaching and all of your goals! See ya at the gym. =)

If you are interested to be a Fit Gal along with Tiffany, feel free to contact me! I would love to have you.

xo,Jenna

yoga

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