Moment of clarity

August 21, 2014August 22, 2014Leave a comment

With the ALS ice bucket challenge taking over all forms of social media it wasn’t until I saw the Pete Frates feature on SportsCenter that the severity of the disease hit me. Then it got me thinking, so many able, young people are obese and do not take advantage of their ability to go for a walk, run, or swim. People with ALS, rapidly lose the ability to do basic every day functions like sitting up, talking, even feeding themselves. Seeing people in this condition makes me so glad the ice bucket challenge happened to raise awareness of those suffering from the disease but also to remind those of us that are healthy and fully able to be active and take care of our bodies, to do so.

Not exercising, drinking alcohol and poor eating habits are poisonous to the body, very slowly weakening the immune system, stiffening joints and inhibiting many from doing daily tasks; taking a perfectly able body and destroying it from the inside out.

Take time to donate to ALS or any disease close to your heart, but also reflect on how blessed you are to have a body that hasn’t failed you. Don’t be the one to fail it.

Kale Health Benefits

August 4, 2014Leave a comment

In the previous post Snack time: Kale Chips I gave step by step directions on how to make, a personal favorite of mine, kale chips. I came across this article about the many healthy benefits kale has and figured I’d pass it on! #eatkale

10 health benefits of kale from http://www.mindbodygreen.com

1. Kale is low in calorie, high in fiber and has zero fat. One cup of kale has only 36 calories, 5 grams of fiber and 0 grams of fat. It is great for aiding in digestion and elimination with its great fiber content. It’s also filled with so many nutrients, vitamins, folate and magnesium as well as those listed below.

2. Kale is high in iron. Per calorie, kale has more iron than beef. Iron is essential for good health, such as the formation of hemoglobin and enzymes, transporting oxygen to various parts of the body, cell growth, proper liver function and more.

3. Kale is high in Vitamin K. Eating a diet high in Vitamin K can help protect against various cancers. It is also necessary for a wide variety of bodily functions including normal bone health and the prevention of blood clotting. Also increased levels of vitamin K can help people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.

4. Kale is filled with powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants, such as carotenoids and flavonoids help protect against various cancers.

5. Kale is a great anti-inflammatory food. One cup of kale is filled with 10% of the RDA of omega-3 fatty acids, which help, fight against arthritis, asthma and autoimmune disorders.

6. Kale is great for cardiovascular support. Eating more kale can help lower cholesterol levels

7. Kale is high in Vitamin A.Vitamin A is great for your vision, your skin as well as helping to prevent lung and oral cavity cancers.

8. Kale is high in Vitamin C. This is very helpful for your immune system, your metabolism and your hydration.

9. Kale is high in calcium. Per calorie, kale has more calcium than milk, which aids in preventing bone loss, preventing osteoporosis and maintaining a healthy metabolism. Vitamin C is also helpful to maintain cartilage and joint flexibility

10. Kale is a great detox food. Kale is filled with fiber and sulfur, both great for detoxifying your body and keeping your liver healthy.

For this article and more on healthy living visit: http://www.mindbodygreen.com/

Take your fitness goals to work!

July 30, 2014August 2, 2014Leave a comment

A healthy lifestyle is more fun with friends! Try to get a group a work to walk during lunch or a group gym session after work instead of happy hour!

Why not make it a challenge? Try to start a weight loss challenge at work and you can hold each other accountable! Nothing like some friendly competition!

Your healthy lifestyle and habits will spread throughout your office and help everyone in the long run!

And remember to have fun!

For more ideas visit on getting a challenge started at work: Click Here

Family Fun for a Good Cause!

July 1, 2014July 1, 2014Leave a comment

Join us on Saturday, November 1, 9:00 a.m. at Bluemont Park located at 329 N. Manchester St. Arlington, VA 22203 for a Family Fun Run and Dog Walk all to support Paws2Care. The organization helps children battling cancer, children with special needs and children of wounded warriors.

Beamer the Therapy Dog is on the Nationally Certified Pet Partners Therapy Team. He visits children in hospitals offering some fun and laughs! Come out and support this wonderful cause and get your whole family moving! It’s a win win! Don’t miss it!

CLICK HERE to Register today!!

Here is Beamer with some of his friends!

Stair Stepper Challenge

May 17, 2014May 17, 2014Leave a comment

Add this challenge to the beginning or end of your workout for an extra cardio boost! Just 10 minutes! We’re capable of doing so many things if we just let ourselves do it! Don’t stand in your own way! Make it happen!

Happy stepping!

Tuesday Technique: Bulgarian Lunge

May 13, 2014May 14, 2014Leave a comment

Often referred to as the Bulgarian split squat or rear foot elevated split squat.

This effective move trains each leg independently making it a unilateral leg exercise.

The Benefits

Like squatting, this move can produce noticeable muscle and strength gains
Less weights on joints than squatting but allows you to see similar muscular results.
Increases flexibility of the hip flexors and improves overall lower body mobility
Improves both core strength and balance
Helps with agility
Adds variety and targets both legs differently helping to even out the legs unlike squats where one side can compensate for the other.