Pilates

I woke up really early this morning and just didn't feel like leaving my apartment. Sometimes you just don't feel like going anywhere, ya know? Well, that doesn't mean skipping out on your workout. I was going to spend my hour with Cathe Friedrich's, and do her workout I recorded, but decided I wanted to change things up.

A few months ago I bought a piece of equipment that was featured in one of my magazines, Shape. It's called: CorePlus Reformer, it's made by Gaiam, and is a resistance band that has four handles. It came with a Workout DVD featuring pilates guru, Mari Winsor. I bought it at drugstore.com for around $35. So, I FINALLY did Mari's core workout with my new reformer and really enjoyed it.

I'm a big fan of pilates. I was the demonstrator in my class for two years. Pilates is so good for your core and is a great full body workout that keeps you lean. It's also great for gaining flexibility, I encourage men to take pilates for this reason. There are mat classes, or classes that use machines. Each are great for your body, and are both challenging. I eventually will teach a mat pilates class.....it's on my agenda! Enjoy your weekend, have some fun, and be healthy!

Thank you for reading and no matter what shape or size you are, always love yourself!!!

xoxo
Michelle

TIP OF THE DAY:
As with yoga, if you can't afford to take pilates classes there are great DVD's to purchase, or rent at your local library. My favorites are Denise Austin, or any Winsor series.

The Farmers Market

My lesson for yesterday and today is on resistance training. This is really important information so I am soaking it in. I'm taking extensive time re-reading and learning. Resistance training is more easily understood as weight training. For my workout today the body part I trained was my back. I practice a split routine system, where I work a specific body part each day. This system works well for me, there are many different systems to choose from. When starting a resistance training system, be sure to find one that works best for you and your fitness goals.

The other day I had lunch at the farmers market, at the grove in LA, with a few friends. I wanted to address farmers markets today. It is a great place to get your produce, and for the most part it's MUCH cheaper than grocery stores. You can also talk to the growers, and get to know the people you are purchasing your nutrients from.

Almost every city has a farmers market. I'm sure there is one very close to your home. It's fun to go with a friend, and it helps your local growers stay in business.

Thank you for reading and no matter what shape or size you are, always love yourself!!!

xoxo
Michelle

TIP OF THE DAY:
I got blueberries for only $0.99 at the farmers market this weekend. Blueberries are full of antioxidants, and a cancer fighter. I eat blueberries almost every single day. Go out this week, have some fun at your farmers market, and buy some healthy blueberries......they are sooooooooooooooooo good for you!!!!

There is enough time

It was suppose to rain in LA today, the weather report was incorrect, it is a really nice day. It's sunny with a bit of a breeze. I trained my legs this morning, I got inspired by a friend whom I recently saw that has rock hard legs. He was sore on Monday from his workout Sat. I love that, I hope I'm sore for the next few days because I was burning and shaking.

So let's talk about time. What I am learning talking to people and trying to help and inspire my friends and followers is that most people claim they don't have enough time for a fitness regimen. I beg to differ.

There is no need to be a fanatic, you can start out small. The average person only needs 3 days of training for 30-60 minutes. I'm sorry but that's really not to much to ask to benefit your health and heart. The increased energy alone is worth it.

With technology today you can multi task. While your on your computer sit and ride a stationary bike, jump on a treadmill and walk or run while your watching your favorite show, if you have a conference call take a walk while talking, hike with a friend you want to catch up with. There is enough time, you just have to make the commitment and find a way. You can do it, right now schedule a time this week when you are going to get your heart moving and exercise. Do it right now!!!! You can do it, I know you can!!!!

Thank you for reading and no matter what shape or size you are, always love yourself!!!

xoxo
Michelle

TIP OF THE DAY:
This is straight from my textbook. There was a study done and it is a fact that if you break up your cardio in the day and have it remain at the same intensity, you will burn the same amount of calories. An example is if you ran for 30 minutes at level 5.5, you will burn the same amount of calories if you ran for 10 minutes 3 times that day at 5.5. If your under time constraints do ten minutes in the morning, at lunch, and in the evening.

Stripper pole work

It's late in the afternoon and I just got done training. I had appointments today so I had to push going to the gym back. I always find it harder to get to the gym when it's late. I personally go as soon as I wake up. My arms are killing me though, I still worked hard.

I can't believe I have waited this long to address my all time favorite form of exercise....aerial pole dancing...aka strip pole class. The class sounds intimidating and sorta scant less, but I love it!!!! Pole work is incredibly difficult and you use all of the muscles in your back and arms, not to mention your legs. Pole work is not only a phenomenal form of exercise, it is so empowering. I recommend every woman to take one class just to feel the experience.

The studio I belong to is Be Spun, on Santa Monica and Western in Hollywood. The studio is fantastic, and all levels are welcome to attend most classes. There are all different shapes and sizes of students and it's a very warm, loving environment. There is absolutely no judgements at this studio. I had to stop my membership because of my injury, but my ankle is almost up to par, I can't wait to get back on a pole. I enjoy it so much that I have decided for my birthday in May that I'm going to buy a pole for my home. This way I can practice as much as I'd like, and eventually teach beginers one on one. I'm at the advanced level and would LOVE to give women the confidence to pole dance, it's so much fun!!!

Thank you for reading and no matter what shape or size you are, always love yourself!!!

xoxo
Michelle

TIP OF THE DAY:
Ok this is for women and some trainers will disagree with me on this one. As a women I don't weight train my chest. This is the only muscle that I want fat at, (my breasts). I want to keep my girlish figure so I never spend time on this body part. I do keep the muscles toned with pilates, push-ups, yoga, and plank holds though, it's just enough so there isn't muscle imbalance.

Get disgusted

I just did hardcore cardio, I am truly exhausted. I cycled 14.15 miles, which is a shorter distance than usual, but I increased my resistance throughout my training session and it made a HUGE difference. It was much more difficult.

Today I would like you to get disgusted. One of my ultimate hero's is Anthony Robbins. I have studied his material for about 3 years. After my trip to NY, I really got into his way of life, everything he has taught me is really sinking in....I get it, if you understand. I listen to one of his motivational Cd's every morning, and one thing he states is that you need to get disgusted to really bring about change.

My trip to NY opened my eyes and I came back to LA and got utterly disgusted with where I was at. Since then, my life has changed dramatically and I am so excited to see where I will be a year from now. If you have a health or fitness goal that you have put in the back of your mind, or if you every week say your going to start it then darn it, GET DISGUSTED and start it!!!! I dare you, I challenge you, and most of all I believe you can do it!!!!

Thank you for reading and no matter what shape or size you are, always love yourself!!!

xoxo
Michelle

TIP OF THE DAY:
It's the beginning of the week, make the decision to take out one bad food you normally consume, (i.e. soda, sweets, potato chips), this week. It's only for one week, you can do it!

Jillian Michaels

Yesterday evening I took a yoga class at Goldenbridge, in Hollywood. It was wonderful and exactly what I needed. I like the classes at Goldenbridge because they are really small. There were only 3 people in the class, so the teacher was able to spend extensive time with each student. I recommend this studio for beginners, or yogis who really want to perfect their postures. My training today was on my glutes and abs and I'm exploding with energy. I have so many creative ideas and goals going through my head, wooohooo!!!!

I have to address the latest news around Jillian Michaels. She is very controversial and I admire this about her, she takes a stand for what she believes in and doesn't back down. She recently stated that she would never want to go through pregnancy and physically have a baby, she's up for adoption though. I want all of you to know that I think having babies is wonderful. I hope and pray that one day I love someone so much that I want to make and raise a child with him. I believe becoming a parent (especially mother's) is the ultimate selfless thing you can do as a human being, and I commend all parents for it. I believe it to be the hardest, (and most rewarding), job in the entire world.

I also believe it's totally acceptable for a woman to not want to carry and deliver a child. It does take a toll on a woman's body, and it's your own right to do it or not. Even though Jillian is in the public eye, it's her right as a human being, she is allowed to feel this way.

Also, for anyone scared of body issues regarding pregnancy......your body with hard work will bounce back. I know tons of ladies whom have had children and look amazing!

Thank you for reading and no matter what shape or size you are, always love yourself!!!

xoxo
Michelle

TIP OF THE DAY:
Take a few minutes in the morning to plan your meals. A study was shown that when you plan what you eat throughout the day, most people in the study stuck to it, lost weight, and kept the weight off.

What's your strongest sense?

Yesterday was a gloomy day in LA, Christine and I decided to hike Runyon regardless. It was really windy which made the hike more difficult due to the increased resistance. Later my body was feeling really tight so I did an ab routine and then went in the dry sauna to stretch. I fell asleep early and slept incredibly good.

Today I trained my back and shoulders. I've learned a few new moves incorporating stability training. Using a stability ball is great for your core (my lesson yesterday was on core work). One move I love is balancing your feet on the ball and performing push ups, then holding in plank position. It's difficult but the results are rewarding.

While I was at the gym I started thinking about our five senses. Do you know what your strongest sense is? Mine is my hearing, I hear EVERYTHING. Sound is a big inspiration for me. As an actress it's the only way to trigger me to cry, I have to take a moment, listen to music and write before I can get there. I also CAN NOT weight train or do cardio without music. Music inspires me in every way, I love music for so many reasons.

On the other hand, I have an awful sense of smell and taste......maybe that's why I'm able to have such a strict diet, who knows. It's good to know your senses so you can build your health regimen around your strongest one. For example if your touch is the strongest maybe you should take up a contact sport? If your sight is the strongest maybe you should get outdoors and run, hike, etc., so you can get visual stimulation. It can make a huge difference.

Thank you for reading and no matter what shape or size you are, always love yourself!!!

xoxo
Michelle

TIP OF THE DAY:
This is another feel good tip and a bit cheesy. I read an article and it stated if you smile more, you will feel better, and make others feel better. Today let's all smile, feel good, and be happy :)