Move of the week: Kickboard Sit

I know the last thing anyone wants to do in California at the moment is get into a pool! But, one of my favourite ways of keep cool in the summer and working on my core.

The trick of this move is to keep your core pulled in tight and your spine nice and tall. If you do not activate these muscles, you will fall off the kickboard.

Sculling - Kickboard Sit - GoSwim!

I am particularly fond of this move when visiting hotels in Mexico. For some reason, they build their pools at a standard depth of 4'10" ... being 4'11", it means I am submerged if I stand vertically. This kickboard move allows me to stay in the pool and not bob up and down like a drowning rat!

Happy sculling!

The Twinkie Diet

I saw this on the news a few weeks ago; a professor of nutrition embarked on a diet experiment to lose weight while eating foods that are considered "bad".

As a result, he lost 27 pounds. However, there is no research into the long term health implications of such a diet.

The article stated:

"Before his Twinkie diet, he tried to eat a healthy diet that included whole grains, dietary fiber, berries and bananas, vegetables and occasional treats like pizza.

"There seems to be a disconnect between eating healthy and being healthy," Haub said. "It may not be the same. I was eating healthier, but I wasn't healthy. I was eating too much.""

So the diet dilemma continues. My recommendation is to eat healthy and keep an eye on your portions.

Happy eating!

Move of the Week: Mountain Climber

My favourite move this week. It works your core, lower back and hips.

You can place your hands on the bench/chair, or on the sides with fingers over the edge, or rest on your forearms.

Make sure your shoulder is aligned over your elbow.

Keep a plank position by dropping your hips a little, control your breathing, and pull up through your belly button.



Enjoy!

New in 2011

Where has 2011 gone?? I apologise for being extremely lackadaisical with blog entries, life has been going too fast for me to keep up!

One of the highlights for 2011 is I am training at Evolution Trainers in Mountain View. They have a fabulous facility with great equipment AND one of the few Power Plates in the Bay Area.



I discovered the Power Plate when I was in London last year and was thrilled with the muscle density assistance this machine can provide. If you are in London, do stop by one of the Good Vibes studios for a fabulous workout. The first session is free, but I can almost guarantee that you will be hooked and will keep going for more classes!

Looking forward to helping you meet your goals this year!

I'm working on my 2011 resolution and will keep you posted.

Fi

Finding those elusive deep ab muscles

In my classes, you'll hear me ask you to "zip up your belly button" or "pull your core in and breathe". Many times, I'll be told "I can't find my core". So, here's a quick little video produced by Prevention magazine that show you how to find your core.

Enjoy!