This past Sunday Morning, bright and early, was June’s Boot Camp at Open Doors in Weymouth.  These dedicated students were there at 7:15am for a tough workout!  We began with 20 minutes of core work/abdominal exercises followed by an intense Power Yoga class with Muscle Conditioning exercises mixed in.  It is very important to have a strong core for your yoga poses.  A strong foundation in your core brings lightness into your postures and help protects the lower back.  (more…)

In order to properly align my body and protect my joints, I choose the sneakers and footwear I work out in very carefully.  I have had a heel spur, a sliding patella and a slight tear in my meniscus.  I also have very tight hamstrings and hips so anything I can do to help protect my body, I’m in!  I taught Step Aerobics for 18 years but because of my knee issues an orthopedic surgeon recommended that I discontinue teaching this style of class.  He also told me to be sure and wear the appropriate footwear that would allow me to continue teaching other classes and enjoy my own workouts, especially running.

From right to left, these are the shoes I wear for a typical week of working out:  Bloch Jazz sneakers for Zumba Dance class , Pearl Izumi for Spinning and Cycle Reebok, 2 pairs for  Running, Asics and New Balance, Reebok for Cross Training/Weight Training, and flip flops for after Yoga.  (more…)

What you’ll need:  A jump rope, a bench or a low wall or even your coffee table.

Life gets busy and fitting in a workout can sometimes seem impossible.  If you can’t get to the gym or your favorite power yoga class, try a 10 minute fitness routine. 10 minute workouts can really add up burned calories and strengthen muscles. Perhaps get up 10 minutes earlier or work it into your lunch break.

Today’s 10 minute fitness routine includes  jump roping, tricep dips, and modified push ups.  Jump rope for 3 minutes using a two footed jump or a skip jump. Try alternating two feet, and the skip jump with the right leg and then on the left.

For Push ups, I used a log at Pond Meadow Park in Braintree.  Pond Meadow has a great 1.6 mile walking trail with benches along the way.  You can change the width of your hands, wider for more chest, closer together for more tricep work.  Stand far enough away so that your chest comes down between your hands.  Slowly push back pack engaging the pectoral muscles. Do as many reps as you can!  For more of a challenge you can do a push up on the floor/ground. read more of this entry (more…)