Supernatural Botanicals

Quotes: Marc Jacobs

“I like my body now, at 47, better than ever.  It’s taken a lot of hard work at the gym.”  Designer Marc Jacobs on his incredible new buff body.  Kudos, Mr. Jacobs.  You look sensational! 

Drink 1/2 Cup of Water Every Hour

Researchers at Tufts University found that even a 1% to 2% dip in hydration, the point at which you feel thirsty, can make you sluggish.  Your cells rely on water to make and use energy.  It is recommended to drink at least half a cup every hour, or 8 cups throughout the day. 

Jennifer Aniston’s Workout

Want Jennifer Aniston’s body?  Because you can have it.  Did you know that?  Okay, you can’t specifically have Jenn’s body, but you can have one that looks just like hers.  Jennifer’s celeb fitness trainer, Mandy Ingber, dishes on how she trains Jennifer.

Tips from Mandy: 

• Start with cardio:  Ingber suggests 30-60 minutes, three times a week.  “Try running, cycling or even walking.” 
•  Work thighs:  “Temple pose is essentially a yoga squat.  You plant your feet wide, then plie squat and hold for 30 seconds.  Then plie deeply 8 times, followed by 8 quick shallow pulses.  Repeat.” 
• Tone calves:  “Lovely calves are underrated.  Repeat this series slowly twice.  Get on the balls of your feet, then lift and lower yourself 8 times followed by 8 quicker pulses.” 

For more exercises, get Mandy’s DVD (and Jennifer Aniston’s workout), Yogalosophy. 

Yoga Mats Help Your Workouts

Professional yogis don’t use yoga mats just to keep their feet on a soft surface during yoga postures, they use yoga mats because they are incredibly beneficial to help you stretch further.  Yoga mats, sometimes called sticky mats, are thick rubber-like surfaces, about 4 feet wide, designed to be under foot while you are doing yoga or Pilates workouts. 

When you place your hands and feet on a yoga mat, they almost stick (and sink) into the soft mat, keeping your hands and feet securely firm, with no worry of slipping out of your posture.  They are also fabulous for doing stretches, enabling you to stretch deep into your stretches with your feet and/or hands essentially glued to the mat.  It truly makes a difference in your workouts. 

Also great to stimulate the spine.  How to:  Lay on your back, hold your bent legs to your chest, wrapping your arms around your bent legs, and rock in a boat pose from head to feet.  The thickness of the yoga mat keeps it comfortable for your spine.  It will feel like a back massage!

Kiss the carpet goodbye, and try using a yoga mat during your next yoga/Pilates/stretching session.  It increases your flexibility by 25% to even 50%.  (Those aren’t scientific percentages…it’s just what I can feel in my own workouts.) 

Make Your Body Rock!

Go ahead and prepare yourself to be envious and/or inspired.  Want to see what it takes to have a rockin’ body?  Check out my girl, Zuzana, and her grueling workout.  That’s what it takes.  Arms and abs like Zuzana’s doesn’t come for free.  But, if you look at it in a different perspective, it’s a relatively small price to pay to feel and look so amazing.  I love Zuzana’s workouts!   Check out her site at www.BodyRock.tv

Five Minute Stretch

If you only have five minutes for exercise today, try this five minute yoga stretch with Tara Stiles.  She’s beyond flexible….and ultra-inspiring!  A great stretch will not only elongate your muscles to give you a long, lean look, but it also relaxes your mind and recharges your batteries. 

Enter for you chance to win yoga gear

Two lucky winners will each receive a Five-Piece Yoga Collection from Title Nine, valued at $275.

ENTER HERE TO WIN

Fish Oil (Omega 3) May Help ADD-Type Symptoms

Ever feel like you’ve got a bad case of ADD?  Or do you feel so unfocused at times it’s interfering with your job and productivity?  The word on the street is that Fish Oil is working wonders on ADD-ish type behaviors.  Fish Oil (Omega 3) has been know to be extremely beneficial in lowering high cholesterol and protecting the heart, but new studies are showing significant improvements in mental clarity and alertness.  It’s worth a try, as there are virtually zero side effects from taking Fish Oil.  If you want to step up your game, try Fish Oil caplets and see if you notice a difference. 

Stop Tripping Up Your Workout

One in 10 gymgoers checks her cell phone while exercising, hindering fitness focus and stress relief according to a survey by Standard Life Healtcare.  Leave the Blackberry in your locker or car …out of sight, out of mind. 

Quote : Tracy Anderson