tag:www.naturalawakenings.com,2005:/categories/fit-body?page=23Fit Body Fit Body | Natural Awakenings Magazine Page 23Healthy Living Healthy Planet2019-08-28T16:07:04-04:00urn:uuid:ee5a3a76-0b05-4195-98e0-da617077610b2019-08-28T16:07:04-04:002019-08-28T16:07:04-04:00Walk Softly: … and Carry the Right Stick2010-11-02 15:30:00 -0400Martin Miron<p>The mythical<em> Riddle of the Sphinx </em>asks, “What is it that walks on four legs in the morning, two at midday and three in the evening?” The answer is man, who starts out crawling, then walks upright, and finally needs the assistance of a cane. Specialized sticks and poles also have evolved over the ages for use in pursuit of recreational fitness.</p><p>Whatever the technology, the primary function of any type of pole is to retain or regain one’s balance. Whether schussing a frozen ski slope or making the ascent of a rocky hillside easier, that extra leg can serve as a pivotal accessory. The instrument itself even can be turned directly to the purpose of fitness, when it is used in Nordic pole walking.</p><h3>Extreme Versatility</h3><p>Just the names of Henry David Thoreau or John Muir evoke the romantic image of a nature lover wandering the virgin landscape, hiking staff in hand. This is a goal that we can all still achieve, given suitable surroundings. From a fallow tree limb to a finely machined, telescoping rod, hundreds of models are available to aid in tackling mountain, forest or stream, including those that sport attached seats or fold up for backpacking. Some aficionados even collect them.</p><p>Besides saving us from a spill into a babbling brook, poles come in handy for testing the depth of water, knocking down spider webs, parting bushes and fending off wild animals. They can also be used to dislodge a piece of ripe fruit from its branch. From day to day, using a pair of trekking poles saves strain on the knees, especially during descents, according to the American Hiking Society.</p><p>In skiing, other key considerations come into play. Jen Butson, director of public affairs at Ski Vermont (SkiVermont.com), explains: “Poles are used to enable the skier to gain more speed, as well as improve balance. Alpine ski poles help with improving the timing of the more advanced ski turns in steeper terrain, or in moguls, serving as an extended platform for better balance.”</p><p>Regarding another popular winter pastime, hiking in snowshoes, Butson elaborates on the similar, yet distinctive benefits. “When snowshoeing, poles also provide stability and balance in varied terrain, deeper snow conditions and during side-slope traverses. Poles further serve to engage the upper body of the fitness-minded snowshoer, offering a total body workout and incremental caloric expenditure.”</p><h3>New Nordic Workout</h3><p>A unique regimen called Nordic pole walking was brought to the United States in 2004, via Naples, Florida. Klaus Schwanbeck, Ph.D., a German track coach, has devised a way to adapt ski-like movements to provide a low impact, aerobic routine.</p><p>Naples Community Hospital (NCH) was the first to train instructors under Schwanbeck’s tutelage. NCH Group Fitness Coordinator Bobbie Lee Gruninger says, “The benefits are that you can burn a high ratio of body fat. You get the heart rate in the mid-range and it stays in the mid-range the entire time, because of the speed and distance that you’re walking. We do about seven miles out on the beach.”</p><p>Any climate will do, as long the attire is appropriate. Don’t just buy the lightweight, adjustable poles and have at it, though. As Gruninger advises, “It’s important to be trained properly to do Nordic pole walking, because a lot of people just dig the pole in and take big steps, and they don’t get the rotation in their upper body. It’s not really much like skiing.” (Video lesson at <a href="http://www.PoleWalkingUSA.com">www.PoleWalkingUSA.com</a>).</p><p>Rather, specific technique is required. Gruninger points out, “With Nordic pole walking, the poles have to be adjusted so that when you put the pole on the ground, you want your elbow right at your waist and your wrist will be slightly lower than that. If you’re doing it correctly, your shoulders are actually slightly rotating side-to-side, which engages the outer obliques in the core.”</p><p>In addition to facilitating an abdominal workout, results include an overall toning effect on the entire body. Gruninger notes that pole walking provides an acceptable, low-impact cardiovascular routine for people recovering from injury, as well.</p><p>Whatever the season or reason, there is a pole designed to help sportsters remain upright. Adventure, excitement and athletics are all on tap as we take care to use this versatile extra appendage gently and wisely.</p><p><em>Martin Miron is a freelance writer in Naples, FL. Contact </em><a href="mailto:emem.creative@gmail.com"><em>emem.creative@gmail.com</em></a><em>.</em></p><p> </p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>urn:uuid:56b3283f-4fcb-4a29-a2ff-70dee4c51a632019-08-28T16:24:40-04:002019-08-28T16:24:40-04:00Tidy House, Fitter Body: A New Reason to Clean2010-10-11 10:25:22 -0400Anonymous<p> </p><p>A new study at Indiana University suggests that how tidy we keep our home can also indicate how fit we are. That conclusion was based on an examination of the domestic habits of 998 urban African-Americans, ages 49 to 65, that found a correlation between the interior condition, or cleanliness, of a participant’s residence and their level of physical activity. Remarks researcher NiCole Keith, “If you spend your day dusting, cleaning, doing laundry, you’re active."<br> </p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>urn:uuid:594b4be4-3660-4f93-95ff-135eb59a5e852019-08-28T16:24:36-04:002019-08-28T16:24:36-04:00Exercise For Spine Health: Smart Training Beats Back Pain2010-10-11 10:25:00 -0400Michael Curran<p>As exercise reaches beyond the realm of pure athletics to include fitness fans everywhere, people have noticed that their efforts to stay in shape often are thwarted by back pain. That’s why knowledgeable trainers counsel that any well-designed workout must honor the health and mechanics of this important part of the body.</p><p>Dr. Karen Erickson, a New York City-based chiropractor and spokesperson for the American Chiropractic Association, sees firsthand why alignment is crucial, especially if an individual has a history of back pain. “Good stability and good flexibility are the big factors for keeping the spine healthy,” she says. No matter what exercise modality one chooses to practice, Erickson advises beginning conservatively, as benefits can be achieved without pushing the level of difficulty.</p><h3>Core Strength Counts</h3><p>Developing muscle strength throughout the torso is key to maintaining the correct spinal curvature for a strong back. In addition to the muscles that directly attach to the spine, the spine is also stabilized by deep stomach strength, strong pelvic floor support and the upper thigh muscles. Pilates is well-known for its focus on such core conditioning.</p><p>“Pilates uses apparatus expressly designed for working the abdominals and the back,” explains Lolita San Miguel, from her studio in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. “Most of our work is in the supine or prone positions [lying down], so that the vertical pull from gravity is lessened, and the body can be worked with a more correct alignment, and thus more effectively.” One of a small group of active practitioners who studied with Pilates method founder Joseph Pilates, San Miguel is a living testament to the benefits of the practice. When this 75-year-old isn’t doing her daily Pilates, she’s engaged in other physically demanding activities. “Pilates makes life sweet for the senior,” she says.</p><p> </p><h3>Posture Matters</h3><p>Despite well-meaning parental advice, it turns out that good posture entails more than just pulling our shoulders back. Alignment practices like Restorative Exercise and the Alexander Technique were designed to develop an awareness of full-body mechanics as we go about daily activities.</p><p>Annette Cantor-Groenfeldt teaches the Alexander Technique in Santa Fe, New Mexico. “The central theme of the technique is the spine, learning how to maintain length through the spine as you move,” she advises. “It is used extensively by actors, dancers, musicians and other high-performance people whose activities depend on postural alignment.”</p><p>In 2008, the Alexander Technique was the subject of a yearlong study published in the British Medical Journal, where it was shown to be effective in relieving low-back pain. The system focuses on both mental and physical aspects of movement, and usually includes passive treatments on the massage table, where the teaching practitioner manipulates the body to help release muscular tension.</p><h3>Stay Flexible</h3><p>Keeping spinal movements fluid and supple is also essential for keeping the discs of the spine healthy. Tai chi and the related qigong emphasize this kind of mobility.</p><p>"Many Tai chi students find that they can move some of their vertebrae, but others seem to be stuck, with several vertebrae moving as one,” reports Sound Beach, New York-based Tai chi Master Bob Klein. He explains, “In Tai chi, you become a master of moving the spine so that it almost seems devoid of bones, flowing and turning with ease, in exact coordination with the rest of the body.” Both Tai chi and qigong are gaining popularity among those who are looking to maximize a cardio-style workout, while minimizing impact on their bones and joints.</p><p>Yoga is a longtime favorite approach to maintaining both stability and flexibility through strong muscles and alignment. Ana Forrest used her hatha yoga practice to recover from an accident that seriously injured all the regions of her spine, and Forrest Yoga was born out of her retraining. “People spend 90 percent of their waking hours in positions that compress the spine—in how they sit, how they stand, even how they do backbends in yoga class,” she observes. “Part of a good yoga practice is to create length in the spine, create a feeling of spaciousness in the body.”</p><p>While Erickson considers herself a fan of all the exercise modalities listed here, she always emphasizes personal responsibility when it comes to back health. “Never do an exercise that causes you pain,” she offers as a rule of thumb. For long-term back health, she explains that chiropractic care is great for improving alignment and other back-related issues, yet is no substitute for daily exercise and self-care.</p><p>Michael Curran has credentials in psychology, ayurvedic medicine, and Restorative Exercise™. He is the director of Health and Wellness Media (<a href="http://www.HealthAndWellnessMedia.com">www.HealthAndWellnessMedia.com</a>).</p><p>Contacts: Karen Erickson at <a href="mailto:DrKarenErickson@msn.com">DrKarenErickson@msn.com</a>; Ana Forrest at <a href="http://www.ForrestYoga.com">www.ForrestYoga.com</a>; Bob Klein <a href="http://www.at">www.MovementsOfMagic.com</a>; Lolita San Miguel at <a href="http://www.LolitaPilates.com">www.LolitaPilates.com</a>; and Annette Cantor-Groenfeldt at 505-670-0474.</p><p> </p><div class="body-sidebar-right p-4">
<strong>FIVE SIMPLE WAYS TO AVOID BACK PAIN</strong><br>by Katy Bowman<br><strong><br>Lose the high heels.</strong> The scientific consensus is that high heels compress and damage the lumbar spine, increasing osteoarthritis and degenerative disk disease in the low back.<br><br><strong>Let the feet point the way.</strong> Just like the wheels on a car, feet should point straight ahead when walking. Military or dance training, or an ankle or back injury can sometimes result in a sort of duck walk. Line up the outsides of the feet along the straight edge of a carpet or tile floor and walk along it to practice.<br><br><strong>Stretch the calves</strong>. Tight calves are a major contributor to back pain. The tighter the lower leg, the more one’s gait pattern whips the upper back forward and contributes to curling of the upper spine. Adding a daily calf stretch to any exercise routine helps to better align the spine.<br><br><strong>Do the twist.</strong> Each vertebra in the spine not only bends forward and backward and from side-to-side, it also rotates. Of all these natural motions, the twisting of the torso is the least used in our culture. Incorporating a yoga spinal twist into an exercise routine will gently reintroduce rotation back into our movement repertoire.<br><br><strong>Get a better butt</strong>. The main culprit of low back pain is weak butt muscles. Gluteal muscles not only stabilize the tailbone, they help support the function of the low back muscles. If the glutes are weak, the low back muscles have to work harder than normal, which makes them fatigued and sore. Squats work well to strengthen the butt.<br><br><em>Katy Bowman, a biomechanics scientist, is director of the Restorative Exercise Institute in Ventura, CA (</em><a href="http://www.restorativeexercise.com/"><em>www.RestorativeExercise.com</em></a><em>).</em>
</div><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>urn:uuid:b5d76d4c-4820-4771-9a22-a6f617568ea22019-08-28T16:14:48-04:002019-08-28T16:14:48-04:00Seane Corn: Finding a Yoga Style and Making It Meaningful2010-09-02 16:02:37 -0400Kim Childs<h3><em>Seane Corn, a yoga superstar featured on magazine covers and Oprah.com, has been practicing yoga for 23 years and teaching for well over a decade. She has also taken her yoga “off the mat,” inspiring activism and raising funds for programs around the world that serve at-risk youth and AIDS/HIV treatment and prevention. Natural Awakenings asked this renowned teacher to share her advice on choosing a style of yoga and creating a home practice.</em></h3><p> </p><p>Corn observes that personality may initially predispose a student to prefer one style of yoga over another. “For example, the style of yoga I teach is Vinyasa, a fluid form of yoga,” she says. “It tends to draw people who are more athletic and perhaps more goal-oriented or self-competitive—those who prefer a practice that feels more like a workout.” This style of so-called flow yoga can also be very emotionally therapeutic, she adds.</p><p>Students who want to try more vigorous yoga styles like Vinyasa or Ashtanga should have a basic understanding of how to build yoga asanas (postures), integrate the breath and work with their body’s flexibility. “In my dream world, students would know that there are techniques they need to understand before they approach a more challenging or fluid practice,” says Corn. “That would mean either going to a very beginner-level class or an Iyengar class. For some students, that may feel too slow, but it’s providing the appropriate information that’s going to give them longevity in their practice.” Likewise, she recommends Iyengar if an individual is recovering from an injury.</p><p><img alt="" src="//cdn2.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/625397/Standing-splits-green.jpg">Without proper technique, students can compromise their knees, lower backs and necks, Corn counsels. She explains that while Iyengar is quite a methodical and precise style for teaching fundamentals, styles like Kripalu, characterized as “meditation in motion,” can be more forgiving.<br> </p><p>Once people begin to practice, physical and life changes may lead to the exploration of other styles. This is true for Corn, who has studied many traditions over the years. “When I was younger, I wouldn’t have considered an Iyengar or a Kripalu class,” she recalls. “It was only Ashtanga or Vinyasa. Now that I’m in my 40s—or even back in my 30s—I’ve wanted a deeper practice that has more space and more areas of stillness and connection, which seems to match my growth as a person.”<br> </p><p>For those who are grounded in yoga fundamentals and want a home practice, Corn recommends setting aside 30 minutes to an hour at least three days a week. “If you have a half-hour, I would recommend 10 minutes of sun salutes, 10 minutes of standing poses and 10 minutes of backbends, forward bends and a resting pose.”</p><p>Turn off phones and other distractions, she advises, and focus. The more sacred, intentional and meaningful a home practice is, the more likely one is to regard it as more than an exercise routine. “I set up an altar with things that are important to me,” remarks Corn. “When I put my palms together, I’ll set an intention and ask Spirit that the practice be a reflection of my devotion, a dedication to something greater than myself.”<br> </p><p>At 43, Corn credits her yoga practice and diet (avoiding meat, fish, dairy, sugar, alcohol, caffeine and chemical additives) with maintaining her good health. “My bones are strong, my muscles and joints are quite supple, and my hormonal system is in really good shape,” she reports. “I don’t have PMS or other [premenopausal] symptoms and my skin looks good and clear. More importantly, I’m just very comfortable in my body and confident on my feet.”</p><p>As with any physical undertaking, anyone with a pre-existing injury or medical condition should consult a doctor before beginning a yoga practice. Corn advises students to, “Find a teacher who can meet you where you are.” Once on the mat, she says, explore what feels right and allow your practice to evolve as you do.</p><p> </p><p><em>Kim Childs is a Kripalu yoga teacher in the Boston area. Connect at <span class="link-external"><a href="http://www.kimchilds.com/"><strong>www.KimChilds.com</strong></a></span>.</em></p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>urn:uuid:c0de0c03-1b14-42be-b2ec-3c9f02d764c62019-08-28T16:14:46-04:002019-08-28T16:14:46-04:00Titans of Yoga: World-Renowned Masters Offer Their Insights2010-09-02 16:01:32 -0400Johannes R. Fisslinger <p>The essence of yoga, no matter its style, is a journey of self-discovery and transformation. It becomes a way of life that embraces a system of physical science, while honoring the quest for mental and emotional stability and balance. Millions of U.S. practitioners of all ages enjoy the benefits of increased flexibility and muscle strength, better posture and alignment, and decreased stress. As their practice deepens, they also experience yoga’s larger gift: a body/mind attunement that nurtures mental clarity, emotional composure and a greater sense of overall well-being.</p><p>The titans interviewed incorporate various techniques and approaches. Yet, they all agree upon the following handful of principles, designed to inspire, facilitate and heighten anyone’s yoga practice.</p><h3>Be Present in the Moment</h3><p>Yoga… is about the power of now, being present in the <br>moment. Anytime, [you can] take a few deep breaths and find a peaceful space within.<br> ~ Beth Shaw, founder of YogaFit</p><p>Enjoy the moment; don’t be inhibited by the past or future. You are in a timeless space, connected to the infinite.<br>~ Sharon Gannon, co-<br>creator of Jiva Mukti Yoga</p><p>Try this healing exercise: Sit up, put your hands in your lap, close your eyes and watch your breath. Take 30 seconds to enjoy this moment, right now, being present… and connecting with your inner smile.<br> ~ Lilias Folan, called the “First Lady of Yoga” since her 1972 PBS series, Lilias! Yoga and You</p><h3>Focus on the Breath<br> </h3><p>If you bring your attention to your breathing, you become present; develop this muscle of being present by focusing <br>on the breath. <br>~ Bryan Kest, creator of Power Yoga</p><p>Try this transformative exercise: If your mind becomes restless, relax your jaw and breathing, then become aware of the quality of your breath, using a soft inhale and exhale. Feel your belly move as breath enters and exits through the nostrils, like a guest. Choose to observe your breath and it will redirect the mind.<br>~ Lisa Walford, developer of YogaWorks teacher training program</p><h3>Experience Health and Oneness with the Body<br> </h3><p>Regular practice is key. Inevitably, if you do the postures enough, there’s magic to them. Even if you [begin with] no intention, yoga leads you to a state of union. Practicing yoga helps you remember that you’re already perfect, already free.<br>~ Sara Ivanhoe, creator of bestselling yoga DVDs</p><p>If you don’t feel good in your body—if you can’t move forward with ease and not dis-ease—how can you feel good about anything? Yoga… makes us feel good about the bodies we are in.<br> ~ Beth Shaw</p><p>Yoga strengthens our life force and makes us stronger from deep inside; it builds life energy, prana, chi.<br>~ Vinnie Marino, Vinyasa flow teacher who employs music styles ranging from trance to rock</p><h3>Strengthen the Mind through Meditation<br> </h3><p>The real power of yoga is in meditation, the qualities of the mind behind the action. Bring these meditative qualities into the physical practice, and it becomes meditation in motion.<br>~ Bryan Kest</p><p>Learn to concentrate on your mantra, your sacred words that you recite over and over again. My favorite is, “Let go… just let it go…”<br>~ David Life, co-creator of Jiva Mukti yoga</p><p>Practice pranayama [regulation of the breath] and meditation to improve concentration and the power of your mind. The mind creates emotions and thoughts; when the mind is healthy, the body and mind connect. Then you really find your soul essence, your consciousness.<br>~ Rajashree Choudhury, teacher of Bikram yoga</p><h3>Experience Oneness with the Spirit</h3><p>For energy to be flowing, you have to be in tune and in balance not only with the nature around you, but [with] something that’s deeper inside you. This energy that’s in you, in me, in plants and animals, is the pure energy, the one life that connects us all. Who you are is an expression of consciousness, an expression of God.<br>~ Kim Eng, Qi Flow yoga teacher and partner of author <br>Eckhart Tolle</p><p>Yoga helps you [let go of] attachment to material things and empowers your soul.<br>~ Rajahshree Choudhury</p><p>The essence of yoga is truth and love… willingness to embrace the God that is within, recognizing that we are all connected.<br> ~ <a class="internal-link" href="/Natural-Awakenings/September-2010/Seane-Corn/%20">Seane Corn</a>, internationally celebrated yoga teacher</p><p> </p><p><em>Johannes R. Fisslinger is the co-founder of National Yoga Month and founder of Yoga-Recess in Schools. Both initiatives are coordinated by the Yoga Health Foundation. For information about free local yoga classes and events in September and the new Titans of Yoga DVD, featuring 25 masters of yoga and meditation now available through yoga teachers and studios, visit </em><span class="link-external"><a href="http://www.yogamonth.org/"><em><strong>www.YogaMonth.org</strong></em></a></span><em>.</em></p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>urn:uuid:87bc35e4-7b20-4b88-89cc-a6052e2e4d7b2019-08-28T16:14:34-04:002021-03-22T14:55:59-04:00Dance Away: Older Adults in Dance-Based Therapy Reap Multiple Benefits2010-09-02 16:01:00 -0400Rachael Oppy<p>Seniors who regularly put on their dancing shoes benefit from more than just having a good time. According to University of Missouri-Columbia researchers, participation by older adults in dance-based therapy can improve both their balance and walking speed, key factors in reducing the risk of falls and injury. The researchers used a program called the Lebed Method, based on a combination of low-impact dance steps, choreographed to music.</p><p>In the latest of a series of studies, volunteers at an independent-living community participated in 18 dance sessions over a two-month period. The seniors had so much fun that they continued dancing after the study concluded.</p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>urn:uuid:a4c0f718-6e0e-45e7-9934-50532782be682019-08-28T16:14:23-04:002019-08-28T16:14:23-04:00Hoop It Up for Health: A Fun Way to Get a Groove On2010-07-28 02:06:00 -0400Ellen Mahoney<p>When Betty Shurin, aka “Betty Hoops,” picked up a hula hoop 10 years ago, she didn’t know that one day she’d take home a Guinness World Record. But in 2005, Shurin set the pace for the world of hula racing, running Colorado’s 10-kilometer Bolder Boulder event with her bright red hoop continually spinning around her waist. “My goal was no stopping and no dropping,” she says.</p><p>Today, like many fitness trainers across the country, this hooping pioneer teaches people of all ages and body types who are interested in getting fit, losing weight, shaping up or just having fun. “Hooping changes people’s lives,” Shurin observes. “I love that when I hoop with others, I get to experience the sheer playfulness of a child.”</p><p>The hoop has been around for thousands of years, beginning in the form of encircled grapevines and grasses used as a toy by children. The evolution of the hula hoop, influenced by the Hawaiian island dance, emerged in 1958 when wooden hoops from Australia morphed into America’s plastic edition, courtesy of the Wham-O toy company.</p><p>Hooping became an instant hit and a cultural icon that lost appeal over time, only to be revitalized in the late ’90s at music festivals. That’s when fitness folks became inspired to use the hoop for getting in shape.</p><p>These days, Shurin, a certified anusara yoga teacher, focuses her pioneering spirit on hoop training as artful exercise that blends aspects of yoga, sports and dance in workshops that crisscross the United States. She says hoop exercise realigns and strengthens core elements of the musculoskeletal system and claims individuals can lose inches around the waist and burn up to 600 calories an hour with her program.</p><p>Karla Kress-Boyle, a dancer from Connecticut, says she is much stronger from the hooping that helped her take off weight after having a baby. She adds, “It definitely strengthened my abdominal muscles.”</p><p>Hula hooping is not exclusive to women. Philo Hagen, editor of Los Angeles-based Hooping.org, discovered the updated phenomenon at a party and says it immediately helped him quiet the chatter in his head. “I just felt like I was connecting with the music and my body, and wound up hooping for hours.” Hagen soon realized how hooping was also helping him, “accidentally get in shape.”At heart, he felt he was becoming more centered in both body and mind.</p><p>Shurin explains that, “Hooping is similar to the [Sufi] whirling dervish dance that emphasizes the laws of physics, metaphysics and quantum physics.” In addition to strengthening the body, she sees the hoop as a wheel-like vortex that enables the hula hooper to receive energy, as well as release it. She recommends using a weighted adult-sized hoop that weighs no more than two pounds; they even come in collapsible travel models.</p><div><span> </span></div><p>This year, hooping hit the big screen with director Amy Goldstein’s self-proclaimed popumentary, The Hooping Life. She first discovered hooping in Venice, California, where it’s hugely popular.</p><p>“I’ve noticed that hooping brings people from every walk of life together,” Goldstein says. “It has a spiritual side, a business side and a healthy side, and I’ve seen how many young people who used to feel isolated and without direction are now hooping and living life to its fullest.”<br> <br>Highlights of her feel-good film include appearances by Michelle Obama and Shaquille O’Neal, plus intimate portraits of eight hoopers from around the world. “The essence of the film,” says Goldstein, “is about finding something you love and taking the risk to give it all you’ve got.”</p><p>After discovering hooping, Anah Reichenbach, aka “Hoopalicious,” a California-based dancer and hooper in the film, started making and selling innovative hoops on her own. She now offers a hoop mentor certification program through hooping workshops nationwide.</p>
<p><br> </p><p>“Beyond being an incredible core workout,” Reichenbach says, “hooping can become an all-body, cardiovascular workout.” Other benefits she’s observed first-hand extend to increased calm and peacefulness, happiness and even more personal compassion.</p><p>As a movement, the hoop has become a widespread symbol for individuals’ willingness to be free and playful as adults as well as their caring about community; people unite around the rhythm and creativity. “You really can transcend yourself if you let yourself go with the hoop,” remarks Goldstein. “Even if you have no rhythm, you get it with a hoop.”</p><p>Ellen Mahoney teaches writing at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Email <span class="link-mailto"><a href="mailto:evm@infionline.net"><strong>evm@infionline.net</strong></a></span>.</p><p>Check out the online videos:<br><span class="link-external"><a href="http://www.thehoopinglife.com/"><strong>www.TheHoopingLife.com</strong></a></span><br><span class="link-external"><a href="http://www.hooprevolution.com/performance"><strong>www.HoopRevolution.com/performance</strong></a></span><br><span class="link-external"><a href="http://www.hooping.org/"><strong>www.Hooping.org</strong></a></span><br> </p><p> </p><div class="body-sidebar-right p-4">
<h3>Hooping Tips</h3>
<br><h4>~ Use a hoop weighing 1 to 2 pounds; anything heavier creates too much torque for the organs and spine.<br>~ Stand up tall with good posture and feet a hip-distance apart; don’t look down.<br>~ Breathe deeply from the body’s core and push belly muscles toward the hoop.<br>~ Rock hips back and forth or from side-to-side; don’t rotate the hips in a circle.<br>~ Maintain the rhythm via belly and hip movement; don’t use the knees or lower back.<br>~ If the hoop starts to fall, move faster.</h4>
<br><h4>Source: Betty Shurin and <span class="link-external"><a href="http://www.bettyhoops.com/"><strong>www.BettyHoops.com</strong></a></span>
</h4>
</div><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>urn:uuid:44602d3b-b415-411b-ba8b-0abdb2a899622019-08-28T16:17:54-04:002019-08-28T16:17:54-04:00Bike to Work: The Two-Wheel Commuting Wow2010-07-01 03:00:00 -0400Paul Dorn<p>People might start commuting by bicycle to improve their fitness, save money or support sustainability, but they continue because it’s fun.</p><p>Ask a motorist about their commute and they’ll frown, at best. Ask a bicyclist about their commute and they’ll smile, and likely mention the endorphin rush, fresh air, wildlife spotted that morning, the new breakfast shop discovered en route or how their retirement accounts are swelling with money saved by not driving.</p><p> </p><h3>Health Benefits</h3><p>The health benefits of bicycling are recognized around the world. Cycling is a holistic form of exercise that gradually builds strength and muscle tone with little risk of over-exercise or strain, according to AdultBicycling.com. Legs, thighs, hips and buttocks all benefit, including hip and knee joints. The average cyclist burns about 300 calories during a 20-minute commute, while also improving coordination.</p><p>Commuting bicyclists easily meet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendation that adults engage in moderate-intensity physical activities for 30 minutes or more at least five days a week. A study in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports concluded that just 30 minutes of bicycle commuting improved aerobic fitness, cardiovascular load, cholesterol and the burning of fats for energy.</p><p>According to the British Medical Association, in a nine-year study of 9,000 UK civil servants, those who cycled 25 miles a week (2.5 miles each way) experienced half the heart attacks as those who shunned physical exercise. A long-term Copenhagen Heart study of more than 30,000 men and women found that even after adjusting for other risk factors, those who biked to work had a 39 percent lower mortality rate than those who did not.</p><p>A less stressful commute also contributes to mental well-being, even to the point of countering depression. A study at Duke University found that 60 percent of people suffering from depression overcame it by exercising for 30 minutes three times a week without antidepressant medication, which is comparable to the rate of relief people generally achieve through medication alone.</p><p>Daily exercise may also help prevent memory loss, according to several recent studies from the United States and Europe. The research, reported by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and others, suggests that because regular aerobic exercise—such as bicycling, swimming or running—can improve cardiorespiratory fitness by up to 14 percent, it helps improve brain function. Further, improved overall health helps prevent certain diseases that may affect mental health.</p><p><img src="//cdn0.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/625688/Bike-to-Work-Wheel.jpg" alt=""> </p><h3>Cost & Time Benefits</h3><p>When it comes to sustainability, the bicycle is one of the most energy-efficient personal transportation devices ever created. According to the American Automobile Association, the average annual cost of operating a sedan for 15,000 miles in 2010 totals $8,487; for an SUV it’s $11,085. Vehicle costs include depreciation, finance charges, fuel, maintenance, tires, tolls, insurance and taxes. Given the latest U.S. median annual household income of $52,029 reported by the Census Bureau in 2008, the cost of car ownership exceeds 15 or 20 percent of the typical household’s income. A quality bicycle, which can be purchased for the price of about one car payment, will never need fueling, is inexpensive to repair and has an operating carbon footprint that’s next to nil.</p><p class="pullquote">Commuters can now select the “Bicycling”<br>layer on Google Maps at Maps.Google.com/<br>biking to help them plan their route.</p><p>Bicycle commuting is surprisingly time-efficient, too. Federal Highway Administration statistics show that nearly half of all trips in this country are three miles or less. More than a quarter of all trips are less than a mile. A three-mile trip by bicycle takes about 20 minutes; in a busy city, traveling the same distance by car can take longer. Add in getting a car out of a parking space, into traffic, through lights and congestion and parked again, and for many urban and neighborhood trips, bicycles are simply faster from point to point.</p><p>Making a good thing even better, bicycle commuting saves time that would otherwise be spent at a gas station, car wash, automobile mechanic, department of motor vehicles and even traffic court. Plus, without the large cost of operating a car, it’s just possible that bicyclists might even save the necessity of time spent at a second job. As yet another bonus, there’s next to no time spent sitting in traffic.</p><p> </p><p><em>Paul Dorn, a writer and activist in Sacramento, California, is co-author (with Roni Sarig) of The Bike to Work Guide: Save Gas, Go Green, Get Fit. He is a former editor of the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition newsletter, former executive director of the California Bicycle Coalition, and a League of American Bicyclists certified instructor.</em></p><div class="body-sidebar-right p-4">From ergonomic seat s and<br>pedals, seamless shifting and<br>Kevlar-lined puncture resistant<br>tires to handlebar speakers<br>and elect r ic-as s i s ted power,<br>today’s bicycles are packed<br>with innovative technologies<br>that make cycling accessible,<br>easy and fun. Riding at night<br>and in wet weather is also safer<br>with bright, energy-efficient<br>LED lights and lightweight fabrics like Gore-Tex, HyVent and H2NO that are big on breathability and waterproof comfort.</div><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>urn:uuid:9cae8441-e535-4d3a-bb09-ba83224afc1c2019-08-28T16:29:02-04:002019-08-28T16:29:02-04:00Yoga Boosts Heart Health: Build Up Your Resistance to Stress2010-06-01 03:00:00 -0400Anonymous<p>Research published in the journal International Journal of Medical Engineering and Informatics supports a direct link between the regular practice of yoga?with its breathing exercises, stretching, poses, relaxation and meditation?and heart health.</p> <p>The researchers point to yoga’s impact on the nervous system, which regulates heart rate through the sympathetic nervous system that causes the heart rate to rise, and the parasympathetic nervous system, which slows it down. When the two systems work well together, they ensure that the heart rate is steady, yet ready to respond to external changes if needed, such as the fight or flight response.</p> <p>The study of 84 volunteers showed that regular yoga practitioners have a stronger, more flexible parasympathetic control, which helps them ease out of stressful situations more easily. The researchers concluded that this translates into the desirable higher heart rate variability, more resistance to stress and an overall healthier heart.</p> <p> </p> <p>Source: Inderscience Publishers, 2009</p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>urn:uuid:04a9f0ce-4241-45a5-bd41-ab911f99957f2019-08-28T16:29:08-04:002019-08-28T16:29:08-04:00The Hunt for Buried Treasure: Geocaching with Man’s Best Friend2010-06-01 03:00:00 -0400Patricia Komar<p>
<span class="dropcap">S</span>ummer trailheads can tempt even the most diehard computer fans to push away from desktops, lace up hiking boots, pack dog treats and trek into the great outdoors to become their own search engines in pursuit of hidden treasures. What they’re after is the next geocache. Geo means “Earth” and cache is French for “a hiding place to temporarily store items.” This year, <span class="link-external"><a href="http://www.geocaching.com/">www.Geocaching.com</a></span> celebrates its 10th anniversary, with nearly 2 million Earth-friendly hunters seeking a current total of more than a million active caches around the world.</p>
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A geocache searcher ventures forth equipped with a handheld global positioning system (GPS) receiver, a set of designated longitude and latitude coordinates, trail descriptions and cryptic clues posted on the website. New Jersey geocacher Jeff Smith also takes along his Scottish terrier mix. “What fascinates me is that there’s a goal to the hike,” he grins. “My pooch loves it.”</p>
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But he adds that it’s important to be a bit secretive and avoid attracting attention from non-geocachers who may become alerted to the presence of treasure. “Bringing a dog can be helpful; after all, you’re ‘just out walking your dog.’”<img alt="" src="//cdn3.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/626736/The-Hunt-for-Buried-Treasure-Geocache.jpg"></p>
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The fast-growing sport started in 2000, when Dave Ulmer, a computer consultant, filled a container with software, money and a video, book, cassette recorder and can of black-eyed peas, as well as a slingshot handle and a logbook with the notation “GPS Stash #1.” He hid it in the Oregon woods, made note of the coordinates using his GPS, posted it on a website and called it “The Great American GPS Stash Hunt.” His only rule: “Take something, leave something.”</p>
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The idea took off like wildfire and the word stash soon changed to cache. Delve deeper and we discover the story of a 19th century traveling businessman who left his calling card hidden in a jar in the English countryside with instructions that whoever found it should add his own card. Soon, people began planting boxes with self-addressed letters or postcards as their calling cards. The next traveler who came along and found one of the boxes would take the letter, mail it and leave a letter in its place. Sounds a bit like “Who’s got mail?” (See <span class="link-external"><a href="http://www.letterboxing.org/">www.Letterboxing.org</a></span>.)</p>
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To get started as a geocacher, simply log onto the Geocaching website, type in a location and sort through the many hits of hidden caches. Caches can be concealed anywhere, from wilderness areas to inner-city parks. Forms also vary, from traditional (ammo can or Lock & Lock brand divided tray) or micro-caches (film canister, breath mint tin) to theme or benchmark caches and virtual caches that designate a special point of interest, such as a dazzling sunset overlook, secret grove or panoramic view.</p>
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<img alt="" src="//cdn1.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/626737/The-Hunt-for-Buried-Treasure-Dog.jpg">Earth caches promote education; visitors learn about geological processes, resource management and scientific investigation procedures. Mystery and puzzle caches challenge searchers by offering puzzles, problems or mathematical equations to be solved in order to determine the coordinates.</p>
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Items hidden in caches may be geocoins, trinkets or dog toys. Some include a “travel bug”—a metal dog tag with a unique tracking number stamped below the picture of a bug. The number can be tracked on the geocache site and by definition, a bug must hop from cache to cache.</p>
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After finding a cache, there are three basic rules to follow:<br>
1. Sign the logbook, and if you take an item, leave an item of equal or greater value.<br>
2. Return the cache to its original hiding place.<br>
3. CITO, Cache In Trash Out. Geocachers often participate in cleaning up the environment by bringing a trash bag and picking up the occasional litter. For coordinated worldwide cleanup events, log onto Geocaching.com/cito.</p>
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George Hornberger, an avid geocacher from Vienna, Virginia, echoes a common sentiment: “I’m a kid at heart,” he says, “so hunting for hidden treasure using grown-up technological toys is perfect for me. I’ve been introduced to several nearby parks and natural areas that I’d never visited until going to hunt for a cache there. The moment of joy when my family finds the cache we’re hunting for is very satisfying.”</p>
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Geocaching helps indoor entertainment junkies put the active back into interactive.</p>
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<em>Patricia Komar is a freelance writer in British Columbia, Canada. She, her husband and their Lab/border collie and cairn terrier dogs are avid geocachers. Connect at </em><span class="link-mailto"><a href="mailto:Komar2@telus.net"><em>Komar2@telus.net</em></a></span><em>.</em></p>
<hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>