Alexa Lane | Dance Coaching and Wellness
Dance Technique & Conditioning | Theatre Arts
POWER BERRY
We all know how delicious and juicy strawberries are, but recent research supports this fruit’s ability to lower LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides. The study published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry showed that participants who consumed 500 g of strawberries daily for one month had an improvement in their general plasma lipid profile, antioxidant biomarkers, antihemolytic defenses, and platelet function. Researchers state “this is the first time a study has been published that supports the protective role of the bioactive compounds in strawberries in tackling recognized markers and risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.
This powerful and delicious fruit can be creatively added to many dishes and adds sweetness to salads, sandwiches, and of course blended drinks.
Read the study here.
SUMMER SOLTICE
After a long winter, summer has arrived! It’s a time to get outside and connect with nature. It’s also a great time to kick start your exercise routine and meditation practice. You may want to try walking or biking outside or take your yoga mat down to the beach for an asana and meditation practice. Whatever outdoor setting inspires you!
If you need some guidance you can download my asana and meditation practice on itunes and practice anywhere you like.
Download my free meditation guide: Key points to a Meditation Practice download
YOGA ENHANCES A MAN’S LIFE AND AIDS IN CONSCIOUS PARENTING
Of the 15 million people in the United States practicing yoga, approximately 72.2% are women and 27.8% are men. With all the benefits yoga has to offer, I would like to encourage men to go out and try a class. There are so many choices available; men are bound to find a class they like. If you are athletic, try power Vinyasa Flow, Hot Yoga or Ashtanga. If you need to relax, try Restorative Yoga or a meditation class. Most importantly, beyond the physiological benefits of yoga, yoga can help men, fathers, and all of us to become more present and aware of our behavior. Awareness and conscious behavior can help enhance relationships with your children.
Below are five ways by which yoga can boost a man’s physical and psychological well-being:
1. We lose flexibility and muscle mass as we age. Yoga helps keep our muscles and bones healthy, helping us move more efficiently.
2. Yoga lowers stress and improves concentration which aids in work performance
3. The mind/body connection can lead to a greater level of sensitivity. Towards yourself and ultimately permeating into all relationships.
4. Many pro athletes (NFL, NBA, NHL) cross train with yoga because Hatha Yoga enhances athletic performance.
5. Yoga increases awareness of the concept of Ahimsa (non-violence), which in turn creates compassion for all living beings.
NUTRITION AND FITNESS FOR THE SOUL
I visited a beautiful, new gym this week that offered a wide variety of classes and workout options that I believe would keep the average workout warrior happy. Adding to that, every week there seems to be a new, trendy workout or diet on the market that promises to transform your body if you follow the program. My thought is “what about nutrition and fitness for the mind and soul?”
I am, obviously, all for exercise and nutritious food as a way to promote a happy, healthy body, but a major part of being happy is exercising and feeding your mind and soul with healthy, positive thoughts.
Here are few ideas to exercise and nourish your mind and soul:
• Be aware of your words, whether they are out loud or the silent. Words and thoughts have energy. Do your best to catch yourself if you are being particularly hard or self-critical toward yourself.
• If you do catch yourself engaging in a negative thought pattern, good for you because awareness is the first step to positive change.
• Know that in the present moment you have the power to choose to create a new, positive thought.
• Practice positive self-talk. A good place to start is being grateful for the good things that surround you. Focus on nurturing and encouraging yourself.
• Visualize yourself doing something you love. Perhaps, a physical activity you love or getting together for a healthy dinner with friends. Notice how your body feels when you are engaged in activities and thoughts that feel good.
• Take a minute or two to truly embody the sensations of positive happy thoughts. Know that at any moment in time you can access these moments that bring joy and happiness.
• Practicing this exercise can help shift your awareness to the positive and naturally shift your body and mind into a more relaxed and receptive state. When we are open and receptive, it sets the stage for us to create a life that is full of possibility where miracles can happen.