These exercises are usually done in a specific order at various levels of difficulty. The moves may look simple, but take a lot of precision and control. You can do Pilates on a mat in class, at home, or individually with an instructor. Pilates targets core areas and legs, with a focus on stabilizing and strengthening your abdominals and back. It generates flexibility and strength using your own body weight, but it is not a cardio workout.
Community News
Gluteus Maximus
The gluteus maximus muscle is located in the buttocks and is regarded as one of the strongest muscles in the human body. It is an important muscle because it is a prime mover of the leg bone into extension (moving the leg backwards) or propelling the body forward as when walking and running. By strengthening your gluteus muscles, your spine will have more support and your pelvis will automatically begin to stabilize. Both of which are essential to improved posture. Having strong gluteus muscles can prevent injuries to your knees, lower back and hamstrings, all of which are essential to simple daily activities. Strengthening your gluteus muscles can help improve low back pain, as well as make sitting down, standing, picking up heavy objects and climbing stairs easier. The gluteus maximus is one of the primary muscle groups that help us rise from a chair. See your physiotherapist for a specific gluteus strengthening program.
Bust Stress and Boost Your Health
Chronic stress takes a high toll on mental and physical health. Some may not even recognize the symptoms, which can range from insomnia, irritability, mental fog, headaches, and fatigue, to more serious physical health problems including weight gain, osteoporosis, digestive problems, hormone imbalances, cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Access BARS are a relaxing way to deal with stress, and all of the thoughts that do not serve you. Lightly touching 32 points on your head, this healing modality has been known to reduce stress, and improve sleep, focus, and physical and mental health.
Product Review: Avena Original’s Superfood
Hand-harvested and sun-dried, Avena’s Original’s Super Foods choose deliver outstanding nutrition. They combine dense greens and herbs with the nutrition your body needs to thrive. A scoop of Superfood contains 100% RAW living foods such as Cellulase Enzymes, Alpha-Amylase Enzymes, Beta Carotene, Pineapple Fruit, Celery Seed, Kelp, Beet Root, Broccoli Stem/Flower, Kale Leaf, Irish Moss, Artichoke, Echinacea Root, Siberian Ginseng, Horsetail, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf, Barley Grass, Catalase, Whole Mushroom, Acerola Cherry Fruit, Maltase, Alfalfa Herb Top, Dulse Whole Plant, Pea Protein, Protease Enzymes, Milk Thistle, Tomato Fruit, Spinach, Dandelion Root, Lipase, Wheat Grass, & Phytase Enzymes. Every serving is the equivalent of eating a fresh salad or green smoothie!
Community Event
March 16-18; Mar 23-25; Apr 13-15 Navina® Principal Certification Thai Massage Training. Classes run Friday – Sunday, over three weekends. (204) 729-8596. Robinchant.com
Book Club: The Natural Makeover Diet
We all want to look our best, feel attractive and be healthy. Energy and appearance are important at any age. And now achieving these results is possible without unsafe quick-fix diets, risky surgical procedures or other invasive measures. Whether you want to increase your energy levels; improve your skin, hair or nails; or lose weight, your true beauty will shine through when you achieve optimal wellness from the inside out. By following Dr. Joey’s four steps to inner health and outer beauty, you will quickly see and feel long-lasting results.
Soup up Your Gut
Our intestines are responsible for the breakdown and absorption of nutrients from the food and liquids we consume. In order to accomplish this, the gut lining must be semi-permeable. Sometimes this lining is more porous than it should be – a condition called leaky gut – which allows undigested food to enter the bloodstream. This causes inflammation, a potential root cause of most illness and disease including mental illness. One effective way to repair the gut lining (and warm up on a cold winter day) is to drink mineral and nutrient rich bone broth made from organic beef, chicken, or fish bones.
The Mind-Body Connection
Your body responds to the way you think, feel, and act. When you are stressed, anxious, or upset, your body reacts in a way that might tell you that something isn’t right. The mind and body are mirrors for each other and this connection can be a valuable way to discover underlying issues or blocks that are preventing healing. If you are having pain, discomfort, and/or tension in the body, then there is also some sort of pain, discomfort, and tension in the mind and emotions. The body is also communicating with you at all times.
Got Vitamin D?
One of the best sources of vitamin D occurs naturally from sunlight. However, those of us living in Winnipeg are in short supply of this natural resource in the winter months. Some symptoms of vitamin D deficiency include depression, reduced wound healing capacity, fatigue, or becoming sick often. During the winter months, consider asking your physician about taking a vitamin D supplement, or eating foods that are high in vitamin D, such as fish (tuna, mackerel, salmon, and cod liver oil), egg yolks, beef liver, cheese, and mushrooms. When summer arrives again, go outside for some fun in the sun!
Product Review: Avena Original’s E-Fusion
This powerful Vitamin E and amino acid complex is formulated to promote energy, health, healing and longevity complete with perfectly-balanced ratios of protein, carbohydrates and fat. This great-tasting, plant-based, 100% RAW whole food provides a variety of naturally-occurring essential nutrients including antioxidants, vitamins, pro-oxidant nutrients, phytonutrients, and tocotrienols. E-Fusion helps your body heal muscles after intense workouts, injury, trauma, and boosts the vitality of your internal organs.
Avena Originals, AvenaOriginals.com
Fitness and Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of death in Canada and includes conditions such as angina, heart attack, and stroke. Specific cardiac rehabilitation programs prescribed by a physiotherapist can improve overall cardiac health, thus reducing the risk of subsequent heart attacks or strokes. It is critical to monitor your blood pressure and have your cholesterol routinely checked. Maintain an appropriate weight with a healthy diet and regular exercise, as extra weight places strain on the heart. If you start a fitness program, seek the advice of a professional (physician or physiotherapist). Begin all exercise programs at low intensity and gradually progress as your cardiac fitness improves.
