Living Better

When was the last time you were this happy and stress free?!

With the stress of work and life I sometimes get bogged down in the details of life, the to-do list.  I'm concentrating on checking things off to make sure I get everything done, which usually means for someone else but its  not usually for me.

Make lunches for kids - Check

  Get laundry started, make beds and do a once over on the house - Check

Spend hours working, getting things done for my boss - Check

Run errands, buy Christmas presents and go to the market- Check

Make dinner, help with homework, clean up the house again - Check

Fall into bed without doing one thing for myself, except for a shower (maybe!) - Check

 So my commitment to living better is starting now. I'm not waiting until the New Year. Or waiting for something big to change my life.  I hope you will join me in my quest.   Here is the challenge:

Make room for yourself. At least three hours a week, make it to the gym to take a class, exercise, sweat, train and try something new. 

It's about time. I deserve it. You deserve it.

Secrets to Staying Motivated From Fitness Expert Marra Okola

Marra Okola on the GYROTONIC tower at Body Design

One of Body Design's fitness experts, Marra Okola shares her secrets for staying motivated:

1. Find a picture of you looking your best physically and put it on the fridge, on your gym bag, in your car, everywhere. Make sure it is realistic -- not from when you were 18!

2. Keep track of how you feel when you eat well and exercise. Even when the results are not visible, they can nearly always be felt. Acknowledge that feeling. Savor it and then try to recreate it the next day.

The Power of Exercise and Healing

I love this photo below. I love the blue shirt with the red ball and not to mention the beautiful girl with the fresh face.

The girl in the photo is Alex, Susan Tobissen's daughter. Susan is the owner of Body Design, the fitness and wellness center in Newport Beach. Her daughter had scoliosis and had to have a metal rod put in her back when she was a young girl. With Susan's knowledge of the body and the power of healing the body by strengthening it, her daughter fought back to become a gifted and talented soccer player.

It shows you can do anything.

Get Exercise and Stroll With Your Baby! Favorite OC Spots

Love to exercise but can't always make it to the gym here at Body Design? Well if you are a mom with young kids, Stroller Suspenders has some tips for strolling with your baby, as well as their favorite stroller spots in Orange County.

Stoller Suspenders is a new, hot item for moms on the go ($9.99/Basic Series or $18/Designer Series www.strollersuspenders.com). It is an easy to use strap that secures your blanket to the stroller so your blanket doesn't drop on the ground.

Favorite OC Spots to Stroller
Balboa Island – When in doubt, this is our “go to” walk. Not only is it beautiful to be right on the bay, but if you do both Islands it is almost 3 miles. Kids love the boats, dogs and the Balboa Island Fire Station. Reward yourself with a latte afterwards.
The Castaway’s Loop – This is an easy walk that lets you feel the ocean breeze while getting a great view of the Harbor. Bonus: After your walk, stop at the Bob Henry Park for some extra play time.
Dana Point Harbor – Stroll along this scenic path and watch the ships roll in.
The Circle in Old Town Orange – From the vintage Drug Store fountain shop to the beautiful antiques and made over service station turned café, this is a great place to stroll, shop and get a taste of OC history.
Irvine Regional Park – Stroll along with the wild peacocks through the beautiful oak tree lined paths then take a ride on the train and/or the ponies, play at one of the many play areas, have a picnic lunch and don’t leave without visiting the bears at the Zoo!
Main Beach in Laguna - No place is better for an early morning or late afternoon walk than this beach but you must have a good running stroller so your wheels don’t get stuck in the sand.
Woodbridge Lake, Irvine – The kids will get a kick out of feeding the ducks and swans as you stroll lakeside in Irvine.
Mission San Juan Capistrano – Take in some of California’s rich history, stroll the great shops and restaurants along Camino Capistrano.
Crystal Cove – If you are looking for a short stroll, park your car and walk down to the beach, making a stop at the Beachcomber for breakfast, lunch or dinner or just play on the sand. Don’t be fooled by the short distance. The walk up the hill to get back to your car will have you feeling the burn.
Your neighborhood – For when you need to quickly get out of the house before the kids meltdown, walk around your own neighborhood. It is the best way to get ideas for your future dream home and get fresh air at the same time.

Strolling Tips:

Travel Light! Don’t bring a huge bag with all of the baby’s things. A big bag hanging on the back of the stroller will weigh you down and get in the way.
Don’t pack the playroom. Try not to bring toys unless they are strapped to the stroller. It is no fun if you have to keep stopping to pick up a dropped toy.
Think Shade. Shade your baby in the sun or while they are sleeping. Use Stroller Suspenders to secure your blanket to the stroller and don’t forget the sunscreen.
Quench that thirst. Bring a bottle or sippy cup and a small snack. All kids inevitably get hungry or thirsty. And this can help you avoid meltdowns and stave off hunger pains before lunch arrives.
Play a game. Use this time to educate and talk to your baby. Point out things on your walk like the garbage truck, boats, dogs etc.

Why Women (and Men) Should Try GYROTONIC

Madonna, Gwennyth and Tiger are doing it.

Anytime you mention that those three -- some of the best bodies around today -- are doing it, sign me up! Sign you up for what, you say? Its only the latest in fitness -- GYROTONIC.

I got a chance to talk to Leslie Bergey, a GYROTONIC expert at Body Design, about why women and men for that matter should try GYROTONIC. Here is what she had to say.

Q: Why should women try GYROTONIC?

A: Women benefit (as do men) from GYROTONIC physically (strength, flexibility, balance, coordination), but also mentally.

The three dimensional movements we do in Gyrotonic "confuse" the brain a bit and ask it to build new motor neurons...new pathways on the body's information highway. You can't really "call it in", just show up and think you're going to be able to do Gyrotonic.

It's going to take you literally outside the box of daily life into a world of rhythmic spiraling, of flowing motions, of power and grace. (Plus it's fun!)

More about Leslie Bergey
Leslie Bergey teaches GYROTONIC® and fitness training at Body Design. With over 15 years experience in training others, over 17 years of classical ballet training and 4 year stints on the National Basketball Team and the National Volleyball Team, Leslie’s diverse and extensive knowledge shows in her workouts and philosophy.

In addition to being a Certified Pilates Instructor, she has earned a B.A in Kinesiology from Long Beach State and a teaching credential in Kinesiology and Gerontology. Never one to sit still, Leslie is currently studying the Alexander Technique.

In each workout with her clients, Leslie focuses on trying to find more ease and less tension to cultivate lightness, grace and awareness. Her goal is to create a gentle strength that supports clients in and out of the gym.

BEAT THE AFTERNOON BLAHS--GET ENERGIZED AT THE OFFICE WITH FIVE SIMPLE TIPS

Susan Tobiessen, the founder of Body Design, Orange County’s premiere fitness facility for women, has over 25 years of experience and education in weight training, Pilates, Gyrotonic and sports medicine.

She offers these easy tips to get focused and stay energized at the office:

1. Feel the sunshine: Go outside. Even if you go out for lunch, take at least five minutes to get some fresh air in the afternoon if you are feeling drained. A simple walk around the building may be all that you need. And, if you can, bring a colleague to do some business brainstorming.


2. Just breathe: Sometimes getting re-energized is as simple as remembering to breathe. Concentrate on counting to 6 slowly as you inhale and then do the same as you exhale so that you fill your body with oxygen.


3. Do the 7th inning stretch at your desk. While sitting in your chair, bend forward to touch your toes. Hold for a count of 10. Then reach your hands up in the air above your head while concentrating on your posture. Think about reaching your hands as high as they can go.

4. Do the twist: Twist your torso to right, holding on to the side of your seat with your left hand and the back of the seat with your right. Focus on a point behind you, hold for 10 seconds and then repeat to the left.


5. Make sure you eat. If you starve yourself all day you’ll have low energy and tend to over-eat in the evening when you burn few calories. Beware -- a trip to the vending machine doesn’t count. A better way to feel more productive at work is to keep stash of nuts and fruit that you can grab at a moments notice when you need a little lift.

Gyrotonic - The New Hot Fitness Craze

Body Design, the women’s athletic and wellness center in Newport Beach, is now offering GYROTONIC®.

The new fitness craze, made famous by Madonna during her “ReInvention Tour”, was created in the 1980’s by Juliu Horvath, a Hungarian and a former principle dancer with the Romanian State Opera.

Taking Pilates to a three dimensional level, the GYROTONIC® system simultaneously stretches and strengthens the body with minimal effort, while increasing range of motion and developing coordination. The GYROTONIC® system was created using key principles of gymnastics, swimming, ballet, and yoga through which major muscle groups are worked interdependently and in an integrated manner.

Each exercise is synchronized with a corresponding breathing pattern and is performed with either a rhythm or melodic rhythmical expression, creating a gentle or vigorous cardiovascular-aerobic stimulation, depending on the intensity and speed of the execution. Used worldwide amongst dancers, sports enthusiasts, rehabilitation facilities, GYROTONIC® is also great for general conditioning at any age or physical fitness level.

In addition to four certified GYROTONIC® trainers at Body Design, the GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® is also used by Body Design’s on-staff physical therapist to aid in recovery.

Get Summer Ready For Only $20 Per Month at Body Design

I love the long days with the sun setting well after six. It reminds me of summer and with that, you know, comes the thought of getting in shape and summer ready. Thanks to Body Design and their $20 a month program, I can make it happen.

Swimsuits and short dresses here I come!

Tai Chi Grand Master Tony Ho Class at Body Design Is Only $20 Per Class!

Want to be more focused, feel more relaxed and be more aware of your body?

Grand Master Tony Ho's Tai Chi class at Body Design, the fitness and wellness center in Newport Beach, is for you!

Body Design Offers A "Recessionista Plan"

Don't let this down market get you down. Body Design, a fitness and wellness center in Newport Beach, is offering a fun, easy way for you to stay in shape, be healthy and not hurt your pocket book.

THE RECESSIONISTA PLAN
Monthly Unlimited Classes: $220
(Includes use of the weight & cardio room)
Or
One hour class: $25 ▪ 30 minute class: $15

Body Design Fitness Classes are kept small on purpose. We want to make sure you get all the personalized attention you need.

So be sure to reserve your spot in the class today. Call 949.719.2600

CLASS SCHEDULE INCLUDED IN THE RECESSIONISTA PLAN

Monday
6-7 pm Reformer Pilates w/Leah

Tuesday

1:30-2pm Power Core w/ Shannon

2-3 pm Reformer Pilates w/ Jennifer

Wednesday

12-1 pm Stability Ball w/ Laura

6-7 pm Ballet Booty Camp w/Leah *NEW*

Thursday

9-10 am Ballet Booty Camp w/Leah *NEW*

2-3 pm Pilates Circuit w/ Jennifer

Friday

12-12:30 Stretch w/ Leah

12-1 pm Reformer Pilates w/ Laura

Saturday
8-9 am Rock Pilates w/Leah *NEW*