Fitness is a fact of life. I have wished many times that I was born a naturally-sporty type of girl who loved the outdoors, tennis, swimming, horses, and all types of perpetual motion.

 
I am not. I loathe most sports. It’s sad but true, although I do not begrudge others. I had a childhood full of lessons that included swimming, tennis, skating and the like. Not much was neglected. I have fond memories of skating which may be why, along with growing up on Boston and going to school in Montréal, that hockey is the only sport I actually understand.
 
I joke that yoga is my sport. I do adore it, hot, fast and hard. I also like a good workout with weights. I miss my ladies-only gym and my beloved stiletto strolls. Fitness is not a choice if you want to have élan vital – a vital impetus to live and grow — after forty, in spite of one’s avocations. Nor alas is vanity. All this is harder if you don’t start working on it earlier. Thank heavens, the experts have told us that quick and dirty will get the job done.
 
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Sheila Kelly Sheila Kelly the originator of the The S Factor shows you how to take it all off like a lady. The S Factor workout is a celebrity favourite because the approach is not cheap or tacky. It’s a sensual workout that combines fitness with how to do a sexy strip tease and even swing on a pole.

 
I loved it because it is a real workout. My time is too precious to waste on a gimmick. I have tried other “strip tease” workouts and they were just too silly to take seriously. But Sheila Kelly is dancer and doesn’t waste your time or embarrass you with cheesiness.
 
When Sheila starred in and produced the film, Dancing at the Blue Iguana, she needed to prepare for the role of "Stormy" by learning how to strip tease and pole dance.  As a result, her body became long, lean and fit.  She decided to take her knowledge of ballet, exercise, and exotic dancing, and combine it into the most effective fitness dance workout ever devised for women. She created the S Factor.
 
"S Factor was born when I discovered my sensual power and the best body of my life while preparing for my role as an exotic dancer." says Sheila.  "My life changed so profoundly just from moving in this organically feminine way that I’ve dedicated myself to sharing this extraordinary journey with other women."
 
Sheila was a classically-trained dancer and soloist with the Westmoreland Ballet Company at the age of 15.  She attended New YorkUniversity’s famed Tisch School of Arts as a dance major.  There are three S Factor exercise DVDs. I tried “The Beginning” DVD, and any beginner could do it. I would love to try a more advanced one, these DVDs are an exciting and novel way to reshape your body.

 

 




French seductresses, sage and author Collette said, “A good body lasts a long time.” She was right. She also could have added ‘your body will shape up faster than you think’, especially your derrière (glutes) and thighs.
 
To that end, we love the Core Fusion DVDs by fitness gurus Fred DeVito and Elisabeth Halfpapp.  Heidi Klum and Cameron Diaz rave about the regime too.
 
The Core Fusion Thighs and Glutes DVD has five- to 10-minute routines that will lift your derriere, tone your legs, and trim your waist. The program targets all the right spots. While you cannot lose weight through spot exercise, you can tighten, tone and sculpt. If you do the routines at high intensity, you will burn fat too!
 
The DVD has several bonus features including a five-minute leg-lift strengthener to shape long lean legs. This DVD is being released August 25th.
 
I have said it before and I will say it again; you have only your thighs to lose!
 



Kirstie Alley a saga of food fuelled crazinessI have just finished reading a fascinating memoir of a food-obsessed family. It’s called Hungry, A Mother and Daughter Fight Anorexia by Sheila and Lisa Himmel. The blurb on the back reads, “Sheila Himmel used to love irony. It made for the best stories. But Sheila found it harder to appreciate when she was reviewing exotic cuisines from bistros to brasserie, while her daughter, Lisa, was at home starving herself”. Sheila Himmel is an award-winning food critic in food-obsessed northern California; Lisa is anorexic.

 
I have known few women who are not, in one way or another, obsessed with food. Even those who disdain food are in their own way obsessed. The challenge most of us face is to turn our love of food a healthful and joyful lifestyle. Unlike alcoholics and drug addicts, those of us who struggle to shed an occasional few extra pounds or more cannot give up or avoid the source of the problem – food, glorious food.
 
An intelligent look a food issuesThe question is how and when does food become a problem? What is too big to be healthy or beautiful?  How do we learn to embrace food and ourselves in this contradictory and judgmental world?
 
It seems North Americans are crazy about food, can’t handle healthful eating. Obesity is on the rise. We know that being too thin is not good for you either. Queen Latifah is a wonderful example of a stunning full-figured woman in the public eye. Even as a Jenny Craig spokeswoman, she is not super thin, but she is fabulous and healthy. I have many friends who are generously built and fit women. They look fabulous and are healthy. These women eat well and work out.
 
Unfortunately, I know many women who are so unhappy about their weight. Their size has so damaged their self-esteem it has negatively affected their lives, relationships, and health. I also know a few women — like myself — who have had a narrow escape from a legacy of weight issues.
 
At a curvy five-feet tall, I was destined to have to watch my watch my weight. I was lucky to have been was born a fashionista. I started reading Vogue in grammar school and idealized the eccentric editor Diana Vreeland. I decided early on I would do whatever was necessary to look the way I wanted.
 
 
But I grew up with a mother who did not like to cook, a woman who hated her weight and shape. My mother binged on ice cream and adored junk food!  She periodically joined Weight Watchers. We should have lived on Mixed-Messages Lane. Luckily, I was surrounded by a community of women who dieted and exercised sensibly. They talked openly of the pitfalls of getting fat as they sipped Fresca. 
 
It’s interesting to note that the friends I grew up with are fit and active to this day. I am sure it is in great part due the active way we were raised. We learned that eating well and staying active was important, as were appearances. No one minced words about it either.
 
It was socially unacceptable to be lazy, unfit, or even to embrace a bad diet.
Things seem to go wrong when a young woman, usually a teenager, suddenly gains weight. I have been astounded at the cruel remarks some of my own friends made to their own daughters — or allowed family members to make — regarding sudden body changes. The impact on these girls has been devastating.
 
It is heartbreaking to watch parents react with anger and rejection to their daughters’ weight gains. Sometimes it is sadly ironic, when the one or more of the parents also has body issues. In one instance, a previously adoring father rejected his daughter so coldly she was never the same. She became a borderline anorexic and developed many social and relationship issues. She had been smart and charming, but sadly she became bitter, and had many problems.
 
Often families are well-meaning. Much of this kind of behavior is unconscious, as horrific as that may seem. Sometimes it is a form of child abuse.  I know two unhappy, middle-aged women who can never silence the sound of their own mothers’ cruelly-critical voices. The damage their mothers did to their psyches as well as their bodies has sabotaged most their relationships.
 
My own fitness guru ChristineOthers like me escaped all this narrowly. We learned to embrace joyful, healthful lifestyles very different than those of our own families. We found exercise and diet mentors to help.
 
One friend, who suffered many small insults from dear ones when she gained weight after high school, successfully shaped herself into a bombshell. She wryly noted that this feat earned her more kudos from supposedly ‘intellectual family and friends” than all her previous academic accomplishments.  It was a good life lesson.
 
Another friend who is fabulous after raising four children told me she has always discussed fitness and health with them. She thinks you have to. Her offspring all have different body types, but none has weight issues. They have seen her – and her husband — step on a scale daily, diet, and exercise. 
 
Darlings, to be as happy and fabulous as you deserve be in this life, you need to be — as the French say — bien dans sa peau.  You need feel well in your skin. You need the tools to be fit, vibrant and healthful. Remember you are lovely and fabulous at any weight. The sad women I spoke about were done in by psychological damage, not their bodies. If weight challenges your happiness or health, get help.
 
Dr. Brian Alman TrusageLosing weight alone can be hard. TruSage is one option. It is an affordable, professional medical support system designed by a successful weight loss doctor. They can help you if you have issues.  http://sanford.trusage.com/faq.html  We know many women who love Jenny Craig too. http://www.jennycraig.com  My favourite way to stay in shape in Toronto was to go to Christine’s all-women’s health club.  I can always lose a few pounds or just start feeling fabulous. http://www.christinesfitness.com/
 
Darlings, you are fabulous. Your beauty should shine from within. Be proud of your own uniqueness. You deserve a beautiful, healthy, delicious life.
 
 

 




Lisa PettyIf you have ever been confused about the some of the popular supplements recommend by experts these days then don’t miss this interview. Lisa Petty, nutrition expert, wellness coach, and health journalist will demystify the subject. Lisa will explain why we might need these supplements. She will tell us what they do and how we can make sure our body has enough of them. Lisa will also translate the “scientific alphabet soup lingo” that surrounds the subject and makes it so hard to understand.

 

 
Lisa is the author of: Beauty: Feel Great, Look Fabulous & Live Well and also is a spokesperson for Nordic Naturals.
 
 
DD: Why do we need supplements if we eat a healthy diet?
LP: Let’s be honest: most of us don’t eat 7-10 servings of fruit and vegetables every day! And even if we do, sadly, our modern farming practices lead to produce that simply isn’t as nutritious as it used to be. Our diets have also changed so drastically in recent years, with important food sources of nutrients like fish falling out of favor. We face nutritional gaps in our diets, and supplements help to bridge those gaps. Many prescription medications also trigger nutrient deficiencies that lead to both short and long-term health consequences. I always recommend that people on prescription meds find out whether they need to be concerned about supplementing nutrients.
 
DD: What are EFA’s and where do we find them in food? Why do we need them?
LP: Essentially fatty acids (EFAs) are fats that are necessary for us to survive. They are the preferred fats for making up the cell membrane on every single one of our trillions of cells. They also play a role in brain development and function, hormone health, metabolism, skin repair, resolving inflammation – the list goes on. Our bodies can’t manufacture them, so we have to be sure to get them from food. The important EFAs are the Omega-3 fats alpha linoleic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA); and the Omega-6 fat Gamma linolenic acid (GLA).
 
DD: Can you explain what DHA and EPA are exactly — and what are the best sources of it?  
LP: Research has shown that the two most beneficial EFAs are the Omega-3s EPA and DHA (see question above). These two fats have been studied extensively and are easily used by the body for both mental and physical health. ALA is an Omega-3 fatty acid that occurs naturally in flax, nuts, chai, and several vegetable sources, but must be converted through an enzymatic process to EPA and DHA to be used by the body. Unfortunately, due to many factors including age, stress, diet and underlying health conditions, only about 1-9% of the ALA we eat is converted to EPA and DHA, which simply isn’t enough to meet our needs. It’s best, then, to get your EPA and DHA directly, and the best preformed food source of these fats is deep water fatty fish like sardines, anchovies and Arctic cod. Since these fish can be subject to environmental toxins, many people feel more comfortable using a purified fish oil supplement in liquid or soft gel form. This ensures purity and adequate dose daily as it takes several meals of fish per week to reach optimum levels of Omega-3 fatty acids.
 
DD: What is GLA and why do we need it?
LP: Gamma linolenic acid (GLA) is the anti-inflammatory Omega-6 fat that has been shown in studies to play a role in soothing dry, irritated skin like you see with eczema and psoriasis. Other research shows the benefits of GLA in arthritis and improving hormone balance for women. The best sources of GLA are borage oil and evening primrose oil.
 
DD: Can we just take plain fish oil? Is all fish oil the same? How can we tell what quality we are buying?
LP: Absolutely, you can take plain fish oil in liquid form – but most people won’t — simply because of taste or texture issues. Many people prefer the convenience of soft gels. Freshness and purity (from environmental toxins) are absolutely essential when choosing a fish oil supplement. Look for fish oil in its natural triglyceride form. This is the way it’s found in nature and it’s the easiest for the body to use. The best fish oil comes from sardines and anchovies that are low on the food chain and therefore at reduced risk of contamination with mercury and other toxins. Arctic cod from northern Europe is another good choice for conscientious consumers as it’s not at risk of over-fishing. Cod liver oil should be made from 100 percent cod livers. Any fishy repeat (burping) tells you that the oil is rancid, and is causing more harm than good. For best results when it comes to compliance, choose a naturally-flavored, quality brand for liquid or soft gel supplementation. You’ll enjoy the taste and most likely want to take it daily.
 
DD: Can supplements help your skin and hair look better? There evidence that certain supplements will even help joints, we know for some people with arthritis benefit from glycoside, but not everyone can take it? Are there alternatives?
LP: There is no doubt in my mind that supplements can help your skin, hair and nails look better, healthier and more vibrant. In my book Living Beauty: Feel Great, Look Fabulous & Live Well I write about three Living Beauty® Essentials that I think everyone should take every day as a foundation for healthy beauty: they are a multivitamin/multimineral, essential fatty acids, and probiotics, which help keep the digestive tract healthy. A vibrant digestive tract is key to getting access to all the nutrients in the foods we eat. Other nutrients, like orthosilicic acid help to build strong bones, nails and skin. Vitamin A and zinc are crucial for those with acne. Many of the so-called beauty concerns we see in the mirror are outward indications of nutrient absorption problems or deficiencies. When we address the underlying problem, the beauty issue often vanishes.
 
DD: Is there any evidence that you can help depression or mood swings with the right supplements?
LP: The brain is made up of fat, so it’s not surprising that the Omega-3 fats EPA and DHA have been studied for their impact on brain health and depression – with results indicating a reduced risk for depression with adequate EFAs. DHA particularly is important for the developing brain and is beneficial in Alzheimers and other neurological diseases. It’s really important that women in their child-bearing years intake adequate DHA as it’s crucial for the baby’s brain and also helps mom with postpartum depression. Talk to your health care provider if you are suffering with depression because it’s a serious health concern.
 
The Omega-6 fat GLA also helps to balance hormones, which is key for women who suffer mood swings with their monthly cycle or through perimenopause. Hormonal moods swings are also associated with an over-worked liver (which is charged with metabolizing hormones) so liver support supplements including dandelion or milk thistle are helpful.
 
To learn more about omega fatty acid research for depression and mood, see www.omega-research.com.
 
DD: How do you determine which supplements are best for you and correct dosages to maintain your personal health and goals?
LP: It’s always a good idea to speak with nutrition professional or naturopath before starting with supplements because even adding something healthy like a multivitamin can lead to undesirable consequences like an increase in blood pressure when you first start to use them. This is because your body might be finally getting what it needs to operate optimally, and it kicks into working gear – which can be stressful on the body. As well, some products have great marketing budgets and flashy commercials and advertisements, but don’t live up to their hype. Nutritionists and naturopaths know what to look for in a supplement, and can help you make the right choice for you.
 
DD: How important is a healthy diet for optimal health to get the benefits from supplements?
LP:You can’t stuff yourself with a hamburger, fries, and chocolate shake and follow with a potato chip chaser, then down a multivitamin and pat yourself on the back for having a nutrient-rich meal. Supplements are just that – an insurance policy to supplement a healthy diet.
 
Many of the convenience foods we eat actually deplete our bodies of nutrients, and reduce the effectiveness of a supplement regimen. For example, cooked and processed foods are void of enzymes, tiny protein chemicals that spark every chemical action and reaction that occurs in the body. Without enzymes, digestion suffers and we don’t get what we need from our food.
 
Our choice of fat matters too. While a cell prefers to use Omega-6 and Omega-3 EFAs to build its membrane, it will use whatever fat is available. If the only fat floating around the blood stream is a trans-fat from your potato chips, that’s what the cell will use. No wonder we don’t look good or feel good after living on a fast food diet. Bottom line: eat 7-10 servings of variously-colored fruits and vegetables every day, along with lean protein, whole grains, and nuts and seeds. And take your supplements with plenty of pure, filtered water.
 
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Om shanti - surfs up!

 

Renowned yogini Shiva Rhea brings the motion of the ocean to the practice of vinyasa yoga in Surf Yoga Soul. In this customizable workout DVD you can choose from seven different segments to build strength and flexibility – or do the entire 75-minute workout! So if you’re a beach bunny at heart or just looking for a new way to motivate yourself into working out, try yoga surf style and get your body bikini — or at least bathing suit — ready for summer. 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Nikki commented:This sounds so great. My favorite thing about yoga is that there are so many kinds to do, you can never be bored with it. Here is a link to the kind of yoga I’m into right now, more meditation, but I’ll defintely have to check out the surf yoga!!

http://www.exercisetv.tv:80/watchvideo.aspx?id=832738873&series=&filter=776655086 

 
Can’t stand to get caught in the crunch

Dance and Be Fit ABS Burn with Kimberly Miguel Mullen focuses on flattening and tightening abs with hip circles, shimmies, and dips. Kimberly’s routines will keep you off the floor, but still whittle your middle. If you hate to exercise, but live to move and groove this is your work out. Sculpt your body and get in a cardio workout too. Best of all, there isn’t a single neck-wrenching crunch in this ab-flattening routine. Choose between two different 20-minute workouts, or go for a 40-minute blast.
 

 

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