Paying Attention

Today I set out to walk 20 miles.  The AWBC is only 2 weeks away, and you need to rest the last week, so this was my opportunity to really push myself.

I had breakfast, got dressed in my favorite wicking yoga pants and socks, put on my AWBC tee and stretched.  I got my water and my fanny pack (yup, I said it...) and had Sam & Gregg drop me off at the forest preserve at 8 am.

It was HOT.  Already 80 degrees at 8 am with high humidity.  But I was committed.  The first 10 were no problem.  Piece of cake.  I stopped for lunch (Gregg brought a picnic) and some Sam lovin'.  1/2 hour later, I was ready  to go again.

Okay, a bit more difficult this time.  It had climbed up to 90 degrees and this portion of the trail didn't have as much shade.  I was trying to stay hydrated but after a while (mile 15) realized I had stopped sweating and it was getting difficult to breath.  Then I started getting dizzy.  I sat down on a log and realized I was getting dehydrated and showing early signs of heat exhaustion.
In the past, I've had ice-baths, IVs and ER visits for heat exhaustion and dehydration.  So I KNOW it's a slippery slope.  I called Gregg and with big sobs asked him to pick me up.  Problem was, I was in the middle of the forest and it wasn't vehicle accessible, so I had to walk out.  About 2 miles later I met Gregg (literally) on the side of the road.  I had only walked 17 miles.
It took a couple hours of rest, 1/2 gallon of watered-down apple juice, a couple of handfuls of pretzels and a 45 minute cool shower, but I'm better now.  I'm very disappointed that I didn't finish the full 20.  But I'm glad I paid attention and didn't end up collapsed on the trail or in the hospital.
This was unusual weather.  We don't see heat and humidity like this until July/August.  In fact, last week it was 58 degrees when I started my training walk.  I seriously doubt it'll be 90 degrees with high humidity walk weekend.  I really think I can do the full marathon on Saturday and 1/2 marathon on Sunday.  Of course,I'm going to pay attention, and won't see it as defeat if I need a sweep (van takes you 2 miles to the next rest station) or the medical tent.  But I REALLY hope I can keep hydrated and healthy and finish the walk.

Where in the World is Sam's Mom?

Things have been incredibly busy over here.  I've missed blogging and missed all of your supportive comments.  I've missed seeing Zenful Mommy as regularly as I would have liked.  (WAY TO GO! on the 5k!!)

What's kept me away from all of you?

** working on my marriage: communication is really good and we've taken some "date time" for ourselves recently

** working on my parenting skills: giving Sam more boundaries, working on language, working on not hitting!

** working on ME!  physically & emotionally

** AWBC training.  Up to 15 miles on the weekend

** Bilateral knee cortisone injections (today!) which should help me with AWBC and general health through easier exercise

** working on WORK.  So busy, but aiming for good time management skills

** fitting in more family time ... really getting the most out of each hour of the day

** home improvement projects: we're doing the kitchen, basement & backyard.  80% of the work we're doing ourselves

WHEW!  That's a lot.  I do have details and will be sharing those soon, hopefully.  Obviously to get the above in, I'm cutting back on blogging (and reading the blogs of you lovely ladies...sorry.)

I'm hoping to get in some training walks with Zenful Mommy before Walk Weekend.  It's so exciting to be walking with such dear friends as Zenful Mommy, her DH and SIL.  I cannot wait!

What "self improvement" projects have you been working on lately?

We DID it!

On Saturday my 7 year old daughter, my 18 year old sister, and my Non-running husband ran a 5k. It was everyones first time except for mine. My sister and I stayed together and finished in 37 min, not bad for her first one. It poured rain, it was freezing but we kept going. I truly thought that my husband and daughter would have given in...but almost an hour in...here they came...they DID it! My daughter was cold and soaked but her and her daddy finished TOGETHER...57 min(walk/slow jog). I was SO SO proud of them both! and guess what...little girl got "the bug" and wants to run again soon!

Sometimes you do what you think you can't and it makes you stronger.

Happy Monday

I haven't posted on a Monday for awhile. This is due in part to my kids being off of school for a week for winter break, a crabby baby due to immunizations , house guests and just being a little overwhelmed.

My lifestyle changes have been amazing and quite honestly.....life changing and contagious, spreading throughout my family like wild fire.

I have lost 12 pounds , gone down a size, lost inches everywhere but most of all 4 inches in my waist. I am on day 53 of my P90, incorporating yoga and pilates.(all of my fitness activities are done at home)

Nutrition: no soda, no processed foods but still having my coffee as I can't give it up. !☺
I am taking my supplements daily as well as drinking tons and tons of water.

Funny thing...I don't miss the crappy stuff. not at all. I was at my moms yesterday and was reading the back of a package of something she got at Costco. She said to me " don't read the back or you won' t eat it" E X A C T L Y!!!! She then went on to tell me that it doesn't matter what I eat, as it won't make me sick....CAN YOU SAY HEATED discussion....With me WINNING I must say! My younger brother and sister are both taking to a healthier lifestyle and I couldn't be happier as one is in college and the other a senior in high school. They have added exercise and good nutrition to their lives are feeling healthier and have more energy.

I guess Grandma was right "you are what you eat"

Happy Happy Monday everyone. Live in the Moment. Put into your body what nourishes your body. Eat what Nature Made.

Monday check-in

Slow and steady wins the race.  

I've always been the hare...running, running, running.  Often frantically.  My husband calls it "jazz hands."  But now, I'm trying to slow down.  Thinking about what I put into my body.  Meal planning so I'm not getting something on the go.  Planning time for workouts.  I'm staying veg and fitting tons of fruit, veg & fiber into my everyday eating.  I'm more satisfied.  I'm actually fuller eating about 1/2 the calories I used to.

And I've found that I WANT to be the tortoise.  Because the tortoise is winning.  I am winning.

Since January 1st I'm down 14 lbs and 1 size.  I am sleeping soundly and have energy to spare.  I run around with my son and hold nightly "dance parties" (which is quite interesting with a 1 1/2 year old in case you haven't tried it before.)

Thanks Zenful Mommy for challenging us ALL to be healthier mommies!

It's Amazing

It's Amazing what paying attention what you put in your mouth does for your mind, body and soul. My healthy commitments are: I gave up soda over a month ago, NOT MISSED! I gave up fried foods, NOT MISSED! I vowed to do mostly CLEAN EATING and I love it! In fact my kids are eating healthier...just shows that Leading by Example works.

Over the last week, I got in my 6 workouts and took my daily vitamins and ate well.My waist is shrinking and i am getting stronger by the day! I have energy now and am loving everyday!

Thanks to bookieboo for this challenge to lead a healthier lifestyle, you gave me the little push that I needed.

You were right

Gawd I hate admitting that. But you said (a collective you) that exercise would give me more energy and help me sleep more deeply at night. I fought you. I bitched about it. I made excuses. And then I did it.

And I must say, you were right. 

I've been getting about 150 minutes/week in via walking and such.  Nothing hard-core.  But today I did 40 mins on the elliptical at the gym (thank you LaGrange YMCA for adding 4 extra machines this summer!), a feat never before attempted because after 15 minutes my thighs were burning and quivering (and not in a good way, wink-wink, nudge-nudge.) But today I felt GREAT, and actually had energy to spare afterwards, which would have translated into time on the weight machines if not for the YMCA babysitting ending at 12 noon (it's a work-at-home day in between a ton of suburban meetings.)

Oh, and I'm sleeping deeper than I have in...well...forever. Now, part of that is the fact that Sam is sleeping, in his own bed, ALL NIGHT LONG. This has been going on for almost 2 weeks now and it is delicious. He does wake at 5:30-6 but he'll go back to sleep for another hour in our bed, which I'll do for the extra sleep. But the hours between 11p-6a are pure and utter bliss. Okay, so Sam may be waking up, but G and I don't know about it because we are sleeping so well. I think we would hear him...

The moral of this story? 2 points for you 0 for me. Maybe I'll be right about something else fitness related in the near future.

yucky week...mamavation

It was a difficult week for me, exerise wise, food wise....and everything else.

For some reason my kids, ages 7, 4 and 6 months...all decided to wake up thru the night, everynight.....so much that I had to offer "treats" at the end of the week if my oldest 2 stayed in their beds at night. I promised them ice cream on Friday night if they could stay in their beds all night for the remainder of the week. I saw a habit forming, of them coming into my bed everynight and didnt' like it....they woke me up everynight, at least 2 times and I was "QUITE" grouchy in the mornigs. The fact that I work out at about 9 at night and can't get to sleep until 1 am doesnt' help much either...so heres my report for the week.

Nutrition: Ok I guess, did the 5-6 small meals a day, no soda, still had my 2 cups of coffee a day(can't and won't give this up) Got in my fruits and veggies as well as my TONS of water a day. Also managed to have donut holes that my hubby brought home, as well as leftovers of my kids grilled cheese (yummo!)

Exercise: Did 6 of 7 days...it was hard as hell but I did it!

Health: Felt blah all week..still have a cold, but took my supplements and drank EmergenC

YIPPEE ! Down a pound....


How was your week?

Portion control & 150 a week

I have now learned the art of portion control.  I had NO IDEA how much I was eating before.  300 cal of healthy food is still 300 cal.  I took about 3 weeks to measure things out and now can pretty much eye-ball it.  I can tell you what 2 c of spinach, 1/4 c nuts, 1 serving of pretzels, 1 inch cube of cheese all look like.  I've also been getting my 150+ minutes of exercise a week.  That represents 30 mins/day for 5 days.  Last week I got in 180 minutes and my goal for this week is 200 minutes. 

Overall, I've lost over 12% of my weight-loss goal (okay, I'm just gonna say it and get it out of the way, I'm trying to lose 100 lbs to reach a healthy, "normal" BMI.)  I've given myself 18 months to lose the weight...slow and steady wins the race and insures the weight will STAY OFF this time around.

Stats: down 12.5 lbs in 7 weeks and almost ready to go down a dress size from where I started.

How are you doing on your "get healthy" goals?

Small Steps to a Better Me

I don’t know about you, but I’m quite inspired by Zenful Mommy’s progress in the past few weeks.  I’m making my own small changes, and having some small success.  I wanted to share some of these things – maybe they’ll work for you.

1.     I resisted pastry/bagel day at work (every Tuesday) by bringing a Kashi GoLean bar to work.  It was super-filling with loads of healthy carbs, fiber & protein.  With coffee, the bar, and a bottle of La Croix, I was too full to even look at the pastry/bagel table in the kitchen. 

2.    I’ve been packing my lunch EVERY DAY.  This has really helped my temptation for fatty lunch foods, as I would feel guilty if I didn't eat what I packed and/or to spent extra money.  The lunches I’ve been taking are planned the night before and are usually left-overs from dinner.


3.     Oh right!, I’ve been planning and making healthy dinners: a grain (Thai red rice, quinoa or brown rice) several sautéed veggies (loving dark leafy greens and cabbage lately), and protein (tofu or egg.)  The grains and veggies are really filling.  On the occasional times I have pasta with my guys, I half a ½ portion and supplement with fresh veggies like carrots, celery, or red pepper strips.


4.     I’ve been packing snacks for work: portioned out dried fruit and nuts.

5.     I’ve been chewing gum.  This really helps in the afternoon when I’m craving an UN-healthy snack.  Its sweet and keeps my jaw moving, which gives me the sensation of eating.

6.     I’m back at the gym.  WOW that feels good to say!

7.     I’m tracking all my progress with a food/calorie diary and exercise diary.  This really helps accountability-wise.

I hope to soon be seeing Zenful Mommy sized results!





What little secrets/tips do you have to stay “on target” with your healthy-living goals?

52 To Fabulous

"52 weeks to fabulous...pursuit to a better me"

ENOUGH SAID, I'M IN!!!

Cassie and Linney, 2 fabulous ladies, started a challenge for us all! More than a challenge , its an action plan to make the changes you want in your life. To live your life to its fullest potentional. It's all about you and your journey. Each month will focus on different areas of your life, I will post all information here. Join us in this journey of self reflection and set goals for yourself!

Here is the schedule of Categories for the year by month
January – Fabulous Beginnings
February – Fabulous Organization
March – Fabulous Fitness
April – Fabulous Food
May – Fabulous Style
June – Fabulous Fun
July – Fabulous Hobbies
August – Fabulous Finances
September – Fabulous Family
October – Fabulous Health
November – Fabulous Home
December – Fabulous Blogging

We hope that you will join us! Both of us will be on this journey with you...and be blogging about it here.

(Week 1 for January is "WHAT A GIRL WANTS", this will be in a seperate post)

No matter how large or how small...set some goals !

Feel your boobies!

As you know by now Zenful Mommy & me are walker/participants in this years Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.  We are walking on June 5-6 in Chicago.  It's 26 miles the first day and 13 miles the second day and we are already training and fundraising.  (and might I say, already looking and feeling better!) 

The AWBC is about awareness, it's about hope, it's about funding mammograms and research and A CURE.  It's about survivors and fighters.  It's walked in memory and honor of the women we love and the women we have lost.

But it's also about US.  The young women who don't have cancer now, and are too young for annual mammograms.  It's about SELF-EXAMINATION.  It's about FEELING YOUR BOOBIES. 

This is so important ladies and something each and everyone of us should be doing every single month.  Religiously.

If you don't know how, go here.  There are also several videos on YouTube.

If you do know how and aren't doing it DO IT NOW.  Seriously, stop reading this post and go get in the shower and raise your left arm and feel your boob with your right hand.  NOW.

Why you ask?  Because cancer in younger women is on the rise.  Because younger women tend NOT to complete monthly self-examinations and we don't catch it quick enough.  And because, I love each and everyone of you too much to see that happen.  Hence this PSA. 

Oh, and I'm going to be posting this every single month until the Walk.  So next time, I want to see comments that you are ALL doing it.

Going Veg

I used to be vegetarian.  I kept it up religiously for 8 months once, and then 9 months after a break of about 1 year.  I was good: tofu, eggs, dairy, beans for protein.  But I'd fallen off the wagon for about 1 year again.  Now I'm back on, and really committed. 

You see, for me eating veg is eating healthy.  I don't eat prepared (ie: frozen food section) veg protein patties (high in sat. fats), I don't eat gobs of cheese pizza or grilled cheese sandwiches, or other similarly fatty foods.  When I'm veg I'm hard core.

They say it takes 28 days to make a habit and 90 days to break it.  I've been completely veg (no fish) for 7 days now.  I was semi (just a bit of fish and one meal w/ turkey) for about 28 days prior. The first week is always the toughest and I feel like I'm really on track now.  Hard because my husband is a chef, and makes lovely pork & veal meatloaf, roast chicken and Italian sausage regularly...but after 1 week, I must admit the thought of those foods make my stomach turn.

My fridge is stocked w/ eggs, low-fat dairy, and tofu.  My pantry is stocked with dried and canned beans and quinoa (a grain high in protein.)  I even have veg chili (tofu &  red beans) for lunches.

I must say, I FEEL better when veg.  Not necessarily thinner or anything like that, just better.  Like my insides are getting clean.

I'm pretty proud of myself, making this commitment.  I hope to keep this habit FOR LIFE this time.

Have you recently made any dietary changes that make you feel GOOD on the inside?

Mamavation

So as moms, we all need a little motivation or "MAMAVATION" and Leah over at Bookieboo is offering a challenge to 2 lucky moms, to get fit! I am applying and need your support.

The 2 moms chosen will complete a 7 week crash course in healthy living, they will be supported by an army of moms. The Mamavation Cheerleader squad and Mamavation Sistahood will be behind them every step of the way. They will receive a Mamavation Mentor, which is a mom that completed the program and has stuck around to mentor another. And they will also be required to have a "fit friend," or someone who they know that already lives a healthy lifestyle.

The moms chosen will receive all that they need to succeed, a customized meal plan, footwear, a treadmill, Tao Bo Videos and TONS of support! The moms will have to keep a food diary(posted on line) as well as post progress photos as well as appear on MOMtv every Monday for the 7 weeks!

Am I nervous (YES), am I scared (OF COURSE), but by putting this all out there(IN THE OPEN FOR EVERYONE TO SEE )....I hope to get fit and live a healthier lifestyle and NOT have to cover up anymore!!!

See my video entry and support me on this journey to a healthier lifestyle!!!

New Years' resolutions a bit early.

My gift to myself this ME Monday is forgiveness. I’ve been working hard to change my eating habits the past several weeks, and it has paid off: I’ve lost 3 lbs. Or rather, I HAD lost 3 lbs.
Last week, Christmas week, I gained those 3 lbs back. It was shocking to step on the scale this morning and learn that. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised; I ate like a PIG Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It was disgusting. I literally gave myself a stomach ache several times over.
But as the song goes, I’ll pick myself up, dust myself off, and start all over again.
I also know that I DO NOT want those fatty, sugary foods inside my body any more. I felt sick all weekend: so what’s the point? Sure a cookie here and there is FINE, but not to the extent I took it.


I will do better this week, and I’ve learned a valuable lesson about the foods I want to put into my body. So, here’s to new beginnings a bit before the New Year.

Food diary, week 2

Not to worry; I don't plan on using my journey on Calorie King as permanent filler for Wellness Wednesday, but I do want to talk about a few more aspects of the program. 

Food diaries. 
Now, you could do this on your own, or in any other program.  My mom used to do this for a weight loss group she was in, back in the 80s.  I have found the food diary the hardest and most useful part of this program.  Writing down every single thing that passes your lips in quite powerful.  It makes you accountable, and if you're like me its a real shock to see what you consume in a 24 hour period.  The calories and nutrients are calculated by the program, so you just have to log the food and drink.  I was amazed by the calories in a simple sandwich, salad or soup out at a restaurant: SERIOUS hidden calories!  By being accountable for my calorie intake, I'm getting educated and am making educated choices on the foods I eat and beverages I drink.  Even after just 2 weeks, I'm looking into getting the most fiber, the healthiest carbs and fat, the "right" protein. 
Being conscious of what's going into my body is also making me conscious of what's going into my son's body.  In the end, this journey to health and fitness will not only benefit me, and set an example for my son, but it will also MAKE me feed him the most wholesome food possible.  And that's a pretty terrific thing, if you ask me.

How conscious are you of the foods you eat and feed your children?

Doing it for ME

A bit late on today's posting...but better late than never, right?

I have been so frustrated with my health/lifestyle lately.  I WANT to make positive changes, but I cannot seem to stick with them.  I WANT to eat healthy but feel I'm sabatoged by fast food and my husband's cooking.  I WANT to exercise, but I tend to blame the early darkness and the lack of energy to get up at 5 am.  I guess that means I don't WANT it badly enough.

So drastic times call for drastic measures.  Last week, I joined Calorie King, which is an online tool & community to promote and help you STICK with a healthy lifestyle leading to weight loss and weight management.  It IS calorie counting, but you don't do it...the computer does.  You have to be 100% honest and log every single morsel that passes your lips.  Every single one.  It then calculates your calorie intake for the day, and logs & graphs your nutritional intake as well.  Based upon your current weight, and how active of a lifestyle you lead, it calculates how many NET calories** you need a day to lose a healthy 1-2 lbs/week.
** NET calories are the calories you intake, minus the calories you burn through exercise. 

Calorie King promotes "incidental" exercise.  This is the exercise you don't know your doing.  Not running, not going to the gym.  But parking your car in a far-away space and walking through the parking lot to the store; taking the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator; walking the long way around the office to the bathroom; dancing at night w/ your child; pacing while on the phone, etc. etc.
For now, I need to take in around 1730 cals/day to lose weight.  Once I start exercising more (ie: gym) I'll need to take in about 150 more/day (if I go to the gym 3-4 times a week.)  I've found it's actually HARD to eat enough calories when you are watching them, spacing out your meals, and eating healthy foods.  For example, the leafy greens recipe I posted on Friday fills me up a lot more than bread or white rice would.  Come 8 pm at night, I've found I HAVE to eat something (fruit, yogert, popcorn) just to get enough cals in per day.
The site also has support groups to join, based upon how much weight you are trying to lose (decade club, century club, etc.) and age (silver club, golden club) and lifestyle (SAHM club, working moms club), etc.

The moral of this story: I think I've found something that will work for ME.  And I'm doing this for ME for the first time.  Not to look good in a particular outfit.  Not to be "skinny."  Not for low self-esteem or a myriad of other reasons.  But for ME.  And I think that's pretty great.

If you are trying to get healthy/lose weight what's working or not working for you??

Guest blogger: House Call Fitness

From our friend Abby at House Call Fitness (where the personal trainer comes to YOU at YOUR house.  How cool is that??  Please check out this great woman's owned business if you live in the Chicago area!)

You say you don't have time to exercise? I beg to differ. Read on for simple strategies on how you can get your 30 minutes per day.
30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise on most days of the week (think 5) is the minimum amount of exercise needed to achieve cardiovascular and health-related benefits. (Remember: more is needed if weight loss is the goal) The good news for people who are time crunched is that you can accumulate this 30 minutes throughout your day. You can break it up in to three manageable 10 minute periods.
Ideas for increasing your daily activity:
WALK ON YOUR LUNCH BREAK
PARK IN THE FARTHEST SPOT FROM THE STORE ENTRANCE
TAKE A WALK AFTER DINNER
WALK OR BIKE TO WORK
CLIMB THE STAIRS TO YOUR OFFICE INSTEAD OF TAKING THE ELEVATOR
ON YOUR 15 MINUTE BREAK, CLIMB THOSE STAIRS AGAIN


Here are a few random facts on stair climbing that I gathered from a recent article in the Intelligencer.
67% RISE IN STAIR USE AT A 10-STORY MIDDLE-INCOME HOUSING COMPLEX IN THE BRONX AFTER THE CITY STARTED POSTING "BURN CALORIES, NOT ELECTRICITY" SIGNS
33% DIFFERENCE, IN A HARVARD STUDY, IN MORTALITY RATES BETWEEN MEN WHO CLIMBED MORE THAN 55 FLIGHTS OF STAIRS A WEEK AND THOSE WHO DIDN'T
STAIR-CLIMBING IS A MORE EFFICIENT FORM OF EXERCISE THAN WALKING: TWO ADDITIONAL MINUTES OF STAIR-CLIMBING PER DAY (APPROXIMATELY 3 FLOORS) CAN BURN MORE THAN ENOUGH CALORIES TO ELIMINATE THE AVERAGE ADULT'S ANNUAL WEIGHT GAIN


WORKOUT WITH A BUDDY, TAKE TURNS MAKING UP NEW EXERCISES
EXPERIMENT WITH A NEW CLASS
PICK UP A FITNESS MAGAZINE AND TRY SOME NEW EXERCISES
PURCHASE A NEW WORKOUT VIDEO SUCH AS TAW KWON DO OR HIP HOP
TRY A BOOTCAMP STYLE WORKOUT
GO ON A WALK/RUN WITH A FRIEND
RUN AROUND AND PLAY WITH YOUR CHILDREN IN THE YARD


Take a look at this video clip and see the measures that some folks in Sweden went to in order to encourage people to take the stairs.

People are discouraged by boredom and encouraged by novelty. What can you do to make exercise more appealing to you? How about making it more fun?


----------------------
Since Zenfull Mommy and I are both doing the 2010 AWBC, we will be doing some long training walks together. YEAH! I'm also getting a friend at work to join our AWBC team: she lives just 2 miles from my house so we're going to start working out together as well. This will get ME motivated, as I cannot let these two amazing ladies down.

Bliss for sale

Massage.


Did you KNOW about this magnificent bit of bliss conveniently located at your local nail salon?? At least, it's conveniently located at my local (aka: walking distance) nail salon. Until 3pm on Sunday, I had never had a massage before. Never. Ever. The main reason was, while my RSD was active, I couldn't. With all the surgeries and hardware in my back, no one would touch me, and quite frankly, I don't think it would have been the best of ideas. But I've been in remission for well over a year now, so I thought, WHAT THE HELL??
I paid such a ridiculously low price for 1/2 hour that I gave my masseuse a ridiculous tip (heck, it's the holidays, right??) She did surface work, deep tissue work, heat work, the whole nine yards of massage. She even climbed up on the table to get in a better position to "dig in." She was AMAZING! I've never done hard drugs but I'm guessing this was on par with crack.
I carry all of my stress in my back, so I'll likely need a massage every 2 weeks to receive the greatest benefit. Of course, I'm gonna consider it a medical expense rather than a frivolous beauty expense. Oh, and I think I'm going to call the Pres. and recommend 30 mins, 2x week for all world leaders. I do believe it could be the answer to world peace. I mean, WHO could think about invading a neighboring country, or forming a coup, or testing nukes if they are BLISSED OUT???
What about you...do you get massages?

Yoga Chiropractics

Stretching is part of any well-balanced fitness program.  It helps prevent injury.  We know that.  But did you know that stretching is, in and of itself, exercise.  Serious, calorie-burning exercise?  Well it is. It's call YOGA.  In it's truest, most basic form, yoga is a tradition of physical and mental discipline.  Yoga is a calming of the mind through meditation + stretching positions called poses.  Its learning to breath, and moving your body with those breaths.  Believe it or not, there are loads of different ways to breath and each one benefits the body in different ways.  Similarly, each yoga pose benefits the different muscle groups in different ways.  Oh and balance...did I mention the balance?  For an extremely clumsy person like me, yoga is a god-send of balance perfection.  I swear I don't fall down as much as I used to, because I've learned my center of gravity and how to properly hold my posture.

But even if you don't want to meditate or do "hot yoga" at your gym with a bunch of sweaty bodies, you can do yoga.  It sounds intimidating at first, but it isn't.  Like anything else, it takes practice.  You likely already know some yoga poses and don't even know they are poses at all.  This site has a good run-down of basic poses along with pictures.  This blog has daily poses and breathing techniques ... like you are doing a group practice without the group.   

Back to the title of this post: yoga chiropractics.  Sam is quite a toll on my body, especially my back.  I didn't go from a 6 lb baby to a 20 lb baby gradually as birth moms do.  Nope.  I started w/ a 15 pounder.  That was TOUGH.  And it still is, as Sammy likes to be carried, a lot.  I have found some basic yoga stretches completely decompress my spine after a long day with Sammy.  I cannot begin to imagine the chiropractor bills I've saved just by learning and DOING a few simple yoga poses.
Now, I'm green, don't get me wrong.  I need to do yoga more consistently, and I need to branch out on my poses.  I used to do yoga practice at the gym once a week, religiously; but if you read this blog regularly, you'll know I'm afraid to go back to the gym and lose precious time w/ Sammy.  So I do it at home.  And that's OKAY.
The best thing about yoga is that it doesn't require equipment or anything special.  You can do it at home in comfy clothing, or at the office in your desk chair.  Its accessable and attainable.  And you feel the benefits immediately.

Have you ever done yoga or taken a class/bought a video?  Are you interested?  How has yoga helped you?