Update On Clean Eating

OK, so clean eating has been a little tougher than I thought. I still cannot bring myself to puree cauliflower or tofu in place of cream or coconut milk. LOL. However, switching to quinoa and soba noodles was a breeze.

We've also had some great surprises. One new favourite recipe is Almond Butter Choc Chip Cookies. I recommend an extra egg and 2 tablespoons of vanilla to give it a nice depth. It is also gluten free. When I was whipping up the first batch, I was a little concerned since it looked like runny yuck, however, 8 minutes in the oven and it was awesome!

I also made over our regular artichoke dip and it was tasty. We polished it off with celery sticks and carrot sticks.

Wish me luck for the rest of the year!

Hugs,

Fi

Power Plate Certified

I finally did it! After falling in love with the Power Plate in London last April, and working with several of you on the machine at Evolution Trainers, I finally scheduled time to go to LA and complete Level I & II Power Plate certification.

The course was very informative, and I was sore for several days but it was all worth it. I learned new programming techniques and more efficient ways to take people out of a plateau, and use the Plate to work with less mobile clients.

Interesting thing I did not know before the course: the way the Power Plate is designed, you can put as many people as you can fit on it, and each person will receive the same amount of vibrations. Very cool!

If you haven't tried it but are interested, I offer a free session on the Power Plate. So give me call or send me an email and we can set something up.

Cheers,

Fi

A Late New Year's Resolution

Nearly June, and I've finally figured out my resolution for the rest of the year. I know, late, but hopefully not too late.

I have a husband who travels frequently for work, and usually at the last minute. It has become well known that on Monday nights, I get a large pizza and eat it for the rest of the week, supplemented by burgers, and other noble takeaway meals.

Unfortunately, it is no longer possible to eat like a college student when one is no longer a college student. My body just can't cope.

So, for the rest of the year, my resolution is to eat well (and normally) when hubby is away on his travels. Wish me luck!

Cheers,

Fi

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!

Fall Prevention Workshop

The thought of falling can be scary but falls can be easily prevented. So, I will be running a Fall Prevention Workshop on the 29th of September 2010 at 1:30 pm at Every Woman Health Club in Redwood City.

Come and learn:

- Why we fall

- CDC recommendations for making your home safe

- Muscle memory exercises

- Good body mechanics & body awareness

- “Kitchen sink” exercises

Please come wearing comfortable clothing and shoes.

The workshop is free to members and $10 for non-members.

Please call the club (650-364-9194) to reserve a spot.

Looking forward to seeing you!

Fiona

If it hurts, S-T-O-P!

The old adage "no pain, no gain" is very passé ! If it hurts, STOP IMMEDIATELY!

Your trainer can find a different exercise, or modify your current one. By "working through the pain", you can cause severe damage to yourself. This is not the point of exercise; exercise is meant to make you feel better, not worse!

Keep having fun!
Fi