Sunday, October 17, 2010

Dancing does the body good......

There are many benefits to going out dancing, whether you take a formal dance class or spend Friday night at the club, read below for some benefits associated with dancing.



Metabolism Boost: Average exercising can train both your bones and muscles. However many professionals believe that dancing is one of the most efficient forms of exercise when it comes to boosting your metabolism. Dancing allowes you to do many different combinations of movements, targeting completely different muscles in your body, in a variety of cardiovascularily challenging intensities. Your body constantly has to accommodate the new stress and it can never adapt. Allowing you to burn a higher percentage of calories.


Powerful Muscles: Some of the quicker dances, Hip Hop, Jive, Salsa, etc force your muscles to work in an explosive manner in order to perform moves. While you are out there having fun, you don't realize you are actually increasing the strenth of your muscles.


Flexibility:  An asset of both quick and slower dances as ballet and ballroom dances. You will increase mobility in trained bones and joints. Hips, arms and the abs are the main target of the bending, turns and swinging.


Increased Heart Rate: The ultimate condition for successful weight loss exercise is an increased heart rate. Keeping it on high speed will guarantee an exhausting and spectacular workout. Body fat is best burned when your muscles need more fuel to face the rest of the session.
Body Toning: Weight loss is not the only asset of dance lessons or a night at the club. Undoubtedly proceeding with this type of exercise for further months will reveal a toned body with strong muscles and a worth-admiring silhouette. You'll not only burn calories but will also strengthen your core and skin, which is also of crucial importance for a spectacular look.




Popular Dance Styles
Various dance styles furnish you with a distinctive benefits, some of these target the thighs other would concentrate on the abs. However the majority of these combines all the A-list elements to tone all the critical spots.


•Salsa: This is one of the most passionate dances that not only provides us with a reviving energy boost but also improves our coordination and muscle groups. Burning more than 420 calories per hour is one of the most promising attractions of the classy and refined moves.



•Belly Dancing: Popular among those who are keen to explore the secrets of lean moves. Professionals guarantee a 380 calorie loss with only one session. Those who would rely on their flexibility rather than strength should opt for this dance style with great confidence.



•Ballet is one of the classic and sophisticated dances that is practiced right from an early age. One of the main advantages of this workout is the stress releasing quality. Those who are mesmerized by the fabulous music and are keen to challenge their mobility will be welcomed to experiment with a ballet lesson. 300 calories per hour is the guarantee for the spotless look.


•Aerobic Dancing: Are you more of an energy-bomb then dance down your extra-pounds with an exhausting and extremely healthy aerobic session. With 540 calories burned it leads the list of top favorite dance workouts.


Head to a dance class or the club and dance your little heart away as though no one is looking! The more passionate you are about the music and the dancing, the more fun you have, the more calories you will burn!

Monday, October 11, 2010

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's SUPERMAN!

It is believed that 1 in 2 people experience lower back pain or discomfort. In many cases (but not all) this is due to weakness, instability, or inefficient muscle recruitment of essential "core" muscles. The general population spends continues to creep towards a devastatingly sedentary lifestyle. This only perpetuates the weakening and disfunction of the "core" muscles' ability to perform their job. The below exercise aims to strengthen the lower back and glutes, helping to create a stronger more stable"core".

Alternating Superman


Please start with 2x20 reps total (10 per side) 3x per week

Remember to lengthen the arm and leg out long in addition to raising it slightly off the ground

Full Supermans (advanced)


Begin with 2x20 reps 3x week


Saturday, October 9, 2010

Banana Bread Recipe

There is just something about how baking makes your whole house smell wondrful! Try this recipe for some great banana bread! I added some heart healthy flax seeds, almonds instead of walnuts, and organic whole grain blend baking flour!






Butter a non-stick bread pan, then flour well. (The flour is really important for the bread to “climb” against while baking. I had not done that before, and it makes a huge difference!)


Combine and mix well the following dry ingredients in a bowl and set aside:
2 cups AP flour
¾ cup sugar
½ cup toasted coarsely chopped walnuts
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt




In another medium bowl, coarsely smash 3 ripe bananas (use a large spoon or spatula and don’t puree – the banana needs to be chunky)


To the bananas, add and combine: (but try not to reduce the banana chunks)
2 large eggs, beaten
6 Tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
¼ cup buttermilk or plain yogurt





Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently FOLD until the flour is thoroughly moistened. Pour into the prepared bread pan and spread the mixture evenly across the top.




Bake in a preheated 350-degree (F) oven for 45-50 minutes.

Friday, October 8, 2010

bootie time!

forgot about these: oldie but goodie...
these prada oxford boots will be my go to for this season
they feel comfortable...but i've only worn them in my living room

love the bow detail


shaft is tall and perfect to pair with this season's cropped pants
and possibly long-ish skirts

 



did i mention the little bows...

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Quench

Intersted in being environmentally aware and fashionable at the same time.... check out Quench. All of their products are made to order, no mass production... just beautifully designed pieces.

"Quench uses sustainable materials such as untreated canvas and scrap leather.  Colors may vary based on availability at our local leather resource.  All dyes are plant based using spices, vegetables and fruit."

http://www.quenchshop.com/

Below you can view a couple of their pieces


Based in Portland, Oregon



Beautiful bags and totes


Decorative pillows to add a touch of love to your home

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Roll out- the easiest way to prevent injury

We were gone for a minute, but now we are back :)

Everyone knows about stretching but few people know about rolling out on a foam roller. This has been proven time and time again to be more effective than stretching. You can purchase a foam roller at most sporting good stores, online, or at The Working Body in you live in the greater Oakland area. Initially you will find that your body is sensative, but over time it is like giving yourself a massage.... enjoy our intro to rolling out!



Rolling out the Quads or fronts of your thighs



It Band Rolling