Is there more Love?

I recently had the honor of spending the day with someone the second day after cancer surgery. He was in and out of sleep with plenty of discomfort.

Slowly walking the halls holding a pole connecting him to several tubes including a large one in his nose, he looked up and asked, "Why did I have to come here and do this again?"

We all know the short answer. But how does someone live a healthy lifestyle of moderation, working out doors, and loving what they do get to this place? Could he have taken better vitamins? Avoided well water? Used sunscreen?

The list goes on. He's found himself in an unfamiliar place of weakness, limitation, and pain knowing this is only the beginning.

What can we take from this? "Life is unpredictable." "Appreciate the moment." "Bla, bla, bla...."

I know you've heard that before. But did you know that we can actually grow in appreciation for the health we have and our already amazing benefits to new and higher levels?

Why don't we allow ourselves to go there? Its like hearing about an amazing destination, finding yourself standing at the gate staring at the first class ticket in your hand, then sliding it back down into your pocket.

Today don't just acknowledge a few good things and shake your head "yes." Let's stoke it up! Feel the goodness around you. Think of new things to appreciate and take time to milk those feelings until you're surprised to find yourself in a place of love you've never been before.

When people ask what its like to have seven kids, I often say love multiplies. It doesn't divide. As we actively think and feel appreciation, each moment will unfold better that the last.

My Father is on a rough road. But I know the love he has allowed to multiply through the years will lighten his burden. Love is all that really matters.

Lifestyle Disease

Lifestyle Disease by Online Pilates Instructor, Judy Farmer

Would you have ever thought of hiring a personal trainer twenty years ago? Back then, hiring someone to help you or your kids loose weight and exercise regularly would have been something reserved for professional athletes or the rich. And that mat in the back of your vehicle was something you had just bought from home depot.

According to economic trend predictor, Paul Zane Pilsner, income per family tripled in the 90s. Living large meant living larger for many people with obesity swelling populations like Michigan and Texas to epidemic portions; oops, I mean proportions. He now says the wellness industry is set for great expansion. I believe that along side social media, wellness will be the new dot com boom minus the fallout. 

Our culture had become driven by economics. As our health waned, our expendable income grew and we chose to expand our physical life in terms of cars, homes and a plethora of other stuff like gadgets, furniture and clothes. Our tendency generally went from work hard to play hard and we began to loose touch with our bodies.

Wouldn't it be wonderful to have our health and fun too? I believe we can!

Let's have a little compassion on our party culture. Most of our parents couldn’t show us any example of handling extra money because they never had it. How many of your Moms had fitness club membership or did pilates at home? We watched them work hard each day grateful for food on the table and a roof over it all. When the money started coming, our first reaction generally was, “Lets get more food and a bigger house.”

Over half the people in my pilates classes used to suffer greatly from this disease. They’ve worked hard or still do. They come to me weak and overweight, driving beautiful cars and living in comfortable homes. Sadly, as I mentioned in my article “Staying Healthy at Work”, many know they are getting weaker and live in pain rather that missing any work. They are accustomed to a large home with few people in it. They feel like they can’t do without it while some are loosing years of life through obesity and the resulting cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and much more.

Their doctors deserve a little compassion as well. Because these patients can’t/won’t change their lifestyles, the docs have no choice other than to proscribe medicines that only treat symptoms and may have negative side effects over time.

Economic downturn and ill health have been our wake-up call. A blessing in disguise. Again, my mantra “go within” comes in handy. Many of us DON’T KNOW HOW. We shy away from spiritual forms of exercise. 

That’s where being a pilates instructor comes in handy. I teach people to “go within” without them knowing it. I know that their breathing and focus take them into a trance-like state where they are able to receive affirmations like “ I am so grateful for my excellent body.” or “I am so proud of myself for taking care of my lovely and beautiful body.” 

As our western culture receives this wake up call, lets feel compassion and gratitude. We all have to admit we’ve somehow been victims of “lifestyle disease.”

Diastasis Recti During Pregnancy? No Worries!

A medical term that strikes terror in the hearts of many young women; this common occurrence is another reason why some decide not to enjoy the phenomenal experience of giving birth. 

I actually had some fun with it. While pregnant with number seven, Christina, I could literally get hold of her little foot. One reason is that the uterus wall gets thinner and more pliable after several pregnancies. That alone with the opening of the muscle in mid belly made it easy to touch her and play with her. 

Her siblings were able to enjoy her too.

Yes I still have the scourge. If I engage my abs I can easily feel the sort of, crack down the middle. Does it hurt? Am I self-conscious? Are there any physical ramifications whatsoever? I think you know my answer.

You know you can begin pilates exercise the same day your baby is born? That's right. Just stand or sit as tall as you can and engage your abs. Become aware of your body and breath completely as you stand tall and hold your precious baby.

One reason many are so concerned is that no one wants a big belly when they aren't pregnant. The topic that should draw real concern is insulin insensitivity. In Pilates for Weight Loss I explain the main reason for belly fat and the simple lifestyle changes that help my clients and myself keep that beautiful tapered waistline we all desire.

The medical community has to call it something, but don't let fear of this very common occurrence create confusion about the real belly fat culprit!

Did She Say "Free Pilates Exercises for Pregnancy?"

Sweating, breathing, squeezing your partner's hand; they finally tell you that it's time to push!

You have no choice but to dig in and wait for the next contraction. You feel that crazy powerful pressure coming on again, so you bear down and do as they tell you. It's unlike anything you've ever felt. It's awkward at first. You try again....

The clock ticks as everyone shouts at you like your running with a football. But you've had a bad back for months and you've spent most of your spare time resting. You've allowed your muscles to weaken in an attempt to avoid pain or injury. You're completely exhausted. You can't push anymore.

Pregnant with my first baby, I remember telling my OBGYN that I was sore after doing water aerobics. I was offended at first when he started laughing. He gently let me know that I don't need to be concerned about the normal aches that go along with a good workout. He let me know that it won't hurt the baby and that it would help make the birth easier!

As I had more children I saw that the more reasonably active I was during the first 36 weeks, the easier it was to get through the last four, and the quicker I recovered! My free local pilates sessions are uniquely designed to keep you strong and flexible and feeling great before and during your pregnancy.

When the baby comes and you are home-bound for a while, safe, online pilates for birth recovery classes are a convenient and affordable way to get your body back in the shortest time possible. And you can try it for two weeks free.

Why Pilates for Pregnancy?

• Safety. Pilates exercises are slow and controlled.
• Ease. You can start at any fitness level.
• Convenience. You can do them at home on the floor.
• Effectiveness. Women who do pilates are stronger and less prone to injury.
• Universalness. Physical therapists use many pilates exercises for their patients.

Real Women Have Babies

Remember before you had your second child? I'm not talking about those of you who can't get pregnant. You were concerned with things like your toenails and your clean counter tops. Now your thoughts go to "Will I sleep tonight?"and "Will I actually use that running stroller?"

I know you still care about details, but you've had to let go of some of them. The clutter around you and is something you my not have tolerated B.C. (before children). And that bathroom!

Well I'm here to congratulate you. As much as we try to fight the monkey on our back which says "look at your messy house! You need to get those weeds pulled! You haven't sent that card yet!" You, my dear, have likely become a more full, more accepting, and a more loving person.

When you delineate priorities and pull back; when you shelve, for a time, priorities number 3, 4, and for God's sake number 5, you put yourself on the level of the millionaire entrepreneur. Women who have to tackle the task of managing little ones and a home and a job of some sort, and learn to stay positive, are powerful beyond imagination.

Fine Points:

Every day we make choices concerning how we think and use our time. When we work on the very basic task of choosing thoughts that encourage ourselves, that cut us a break; when we choose to back off when we are getting irritated, to see the cuteness of our son when we gently take the paring knife out of his little hand, we move in a direction of amazing power.

What's so great about that? Moms of little ones have the gift of many opportunities to practice this power throughout the day. This is the reason motherhood is praised.

But We Have a Choice

The other side is that most of these opportunities happen when no one is looking. Our character test as moms, often feels like walking in unprepared for MCATs. The toilet overflows. Someone chooses to cry all the way home. Even something as significant as a difficult marriage.

But we do have one great advantage. We can begin again at any time! How? By doing something to help ourselves relax and feel good. Maybe we need to let things go and lye on the floor and let them play around us for a while. Maybe we can bite the bullet and let someone watch them so we can go for a walk, talk to God, or work out by ourselves. Whatever it takes to shift our mood back to feeling pretty good, liking ourselves, and thinking about things that keep us in that place.

Trust yourself. Prioritize staying positive. Believe me, you are creating a great future by feeling good now!