With summer just a few months away, here are a couple of articles that can help you get in shape.
The first article is on how to do a “Body Audit” so you can assess where it’s best to focus your efforts.
The next article gives some helpful anatomy to better understand the arm muscles so you can be ready for a “Sleeveless Summer”.
Cheers to your health,
Shannon
Body Audit – How to maximize your workouts
The four categories you should aim for in your workouts. Plus a bonus one. And tips how to maximize each one. From cardio to posture, get your well-rounded workout here.
Sleeveless Summer
Though the biceps get a lot of attention, they actually are not the strongest flexor of the arm.
To find out what muscle is, read the full story here.
Getting creative and finding simple ways to get more movement in your daily life can make a huge impact.
In the past few years, you may have heard the saying that “sitting is the new smoking”.
The numbers are staggering. Depending on the report, the US ranks between 29-49 in terms of life expectancy. Low for a high-income nation, especially considering how much is spent on healthcare.
What studies have found is that it’s not food or vitamins or soil depletion that are the culprit.
It’s a sedentary lifestyle.
Even a little bit of daily movement makes a big difference.
Places in Europe or New York where people have to walk 15-30 minutes a day to catch a subway – the numbers drastically improve for longevity.
To give you ideas of simple ways you can get more daily activity, here is a short (under 3 minute and 30 seconds) TED Talk. It’s by an executive who found a creative way to fit 20-30 miles of walking a week into her busy schedule.
Hope this inspires you to move and think outside the box!
For the February Newsletter, I want to share a special Valentine’s edition. It’s the love story of Joseph and Clara Pilates. I wrote about it a few years ago. If you haven’t heard the story, you are in for a treat.
Read about Joseph and Clara Pilates love story here. You’ll also find an archival black and white video of Joe and Clara at home working out on the equipment he invented.
Waking up from surgery, Eve found out she had cancer and a radical mastectomy had been performed. In 1955, it looked like her dance career was over and she went straight to Joe to begin her recovery.
It’s hard to believe it’s been seven years since starting the Newsletter and blog. There are nearly 100 articles on over 20 different Pilates and Yamuna related categories. If there is something you want to search, you have a free Pilates library available anytime!
The Newsletter is highlighting Anatomy this month. If you are curious and want to brush up on bones, ligaments, fascia and muscles, then you’ll enjoy the articles below.
If you like dessert, then you are in for a treat with this month’s newsletter. I have a couple of ice cream recipes for you below. They are from the website ChocolateCoveredKatie, The Healthy Dessert Blog.
I have referred to her website a number of times over the years. Here is what I like about Katie’s recipes:
1) They are simple and easy to make.
2) They are super-adaptable. Depending on your dietary needs – you can swap out the kind of milk or sweetener, etc. The recipes still turn out.
3) And they actually taste good! You would never know the recipes are healthy!
Katie has regular meal recipes too. Like this vegan quiche which is my new favorite. I have tried other vegan quiche recipes but this one is a winner.
Please enjoy the recipes below and stay cool the rest of the summer!
With Best Wishes,
Shannon
Almond milk ice cream
You don’t need an ice cream machine and you don’t even need dairy to make these recipes. Made from Almond Milk, this recipe can be adapted to create different flavors including chocolate, peanut butter, mint chocolate chip, strawberry and chocolate chip cookie dough. Enjoy!
Coconut ice cream
Made with coconut milk, you can follow the recipe as is. Or you could use this base recipe and make different variations like Chocolate, Coffee, Peanut Butter, Cookie Dough, Strawberry or Salted Caramel. Find out more here.
