mhfitness

There is an illusion that Yoga is all about being still…for me, I must sometimes challenge my body and exert myself  in order to find that stillness within….Work the body, quiet the mind, strengthen the spirit…Relaxation in Action!! Namaste;)

Sun Salutations,  Surya Namaskars, are the cardio aspect of Yoga that really get your heart rate moving…Train hard…Stay strong…Shakti~

Toning Yoga Practice today…I pretty much get my arms using my own body’s weight…no need for weights anymore…Yippeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!

Balance develops core strength. The core of your body is the line of Energy running up through the center of your body like an apple core…Naturally!!:)

Abdominals are directly connected to your willpower, your sense of identity, your sense of self. Finding that connection to your center, the center of your body, your original self  located directly below your belly button is extremely powerful. I like to have nice strong abdominals and know who I am…Mary Helen….I am me:)

Green juice keeps getting better! Large head of romaine, 2 stalks of celery, 1/2 pink grapefruit, 1/2 lemon and aloe from plant given to me by my husband Danny’s late mom Kathleen:) I then rubbed the aloe leaf on my face…such a healing mask. This juice I name Kathleen’s Green….we are all connected♥

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I begin today, January 9,  2010, because it works and is important to me.  It is not about perfection because we are all perfect exactly as we are in the present moment.  It is about the journey that is unique to us all.  This is about my journey as I move forward this day…Namaste~

7 am…Green Juice Fast begins.  My reasons for fasting include the following:  Spiritual Strength,  Soul Support,  Mental Clarity, Inspiration, Physical Purification, and Optimal Health.  I honor and support with much gratitude several people that I will mention along the way.

I sip my warm lemon water waking up as the creative juices burst free within me like the tears in my eyes.  Not sure what they mean, but it doesn’t matter…maybe it’s detox, maybe it’s joy, probably both:)

I must quote a dear beautiful inspiring friend of mine that I met through facebook.  Her name is Teresa, aka “Raw T”.  I watched a video of her and her California friends about 9 months ago and her radiant glow stays with me to this day!  When asked why she chooses the raw lifestyle she said, “ Feeling good… I  started getting younger and younger…hahaha!  I like the energy, it’s the ENERGY.  You feel good…wake up smiling…It makes you Happier.”  I realize the truth in these words as I allow myself to go where I am going releasing where I have been with faith in the process day by day.

Click below to check out Teresa’s green juice fast. 

http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/secrets-to-a-5-day-fun-juice-fast/8162029

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Hello everyone…glad to be back:)  As I was entertaining a birthday present idea for my mom whose birthday is November 10th, I realized it would make a great blog topic…so here goes!

I have been studying and incorporating the healing principles of  TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine)  for the past 9 months and am amazed by and grateful for its numerous and powerful benefits.  I told my mother about Wu Ming Meridian Therapy and have encouraged her to practice these  movements that take between 10-20 minutes.  In order to inspire her practice, I have decided to make her an instructional dvd, with the help of my husband and his video expertise:), explaining and demonstrating these meridian stretches.

Wu Ming Meridian Therapy is a series of 10 movements designed to accomplish two things:   help your body’s organ systems work in harmony and to relieve the blockages of Qi that are the root causes of excess weight.  Like a jumpstart, these Qigong movements can help your Qi flow smoothly throughout your body.  Things such as mucus and water and fat get stuck in our bodies.  By getting your internal battery functioning again and getting Qi to flow, the whole body gets better evenly.  That’s why fat and water are eliminated naturally and muscles can become more toned – even without strenuous exercises.  You may also find that you are more flexible because they gently stretch your tendons as well as your meridians. 

These meridian stretches are designed to help relieve hunger, stimulate your own healing ability, and increase Qi.  It is a powerful self-healing discipline that can help connect body, mind, and spirit allowing you to gain control of and direct your own Qi, life force,  and  lets you tap into the healing energy of the universe.   Qigong literally means “energy work” but the actual practice is far deeper than its description.  Its biggest benefit is that it can develop your intuition, body wisdom, and let you see the world in a different way.

I’ll keep you informed on the practice of Wu Ming therapy and the dvd.  I just thought of something…my dad’s birthday is Thanksgiving Day…another significant gift opportunity:)  With many Blessings and the Best Health, MH~

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I am so inspired to share as I hear the freeing mantra in my head repeat with a calming flow…Just drink the water:) I’m talking about Alkaline Water, more specifically, Alkaline Kangen Water.

Much of what we have taken into our body is acidic whether it be food, drink, or stressful situations. An acidic environment is unhealthy and toxic. Our body heals and thrives in a slightly alkaline environment. It is important to eat greens & vegetables, preferably raw, and fruits to balance the acidity we have created in our systems. One of the most alkaline foods we can eat is the lemon. Lemons have a ph of 9. Alkaline Kangen water ranges from 8.5 to 9.5. You cannot eat anything as alkaline as the water that we are blessed to receive!!

Alkaline water tastes great! ~ Pure and light with no aftertaste…the cleanest water I’ve ever had…and I consider myself a water connoisseur! I discovered this fountain of healthful youth at a local health food store and was immediately drawn to it. I kept going back for more! I had more energy immediately. Over the past years of marathon training, bodybuilding and other athletic endeavors, I have consummed alot of H2O:) I now realize that up until now, I had not known what it truly felt like to hydrate myself. Kangen water is ionized water made up of small clusters of molecules which allows nutrients to be carried into your cells for maximum absorption and hydration. In addition, contaminates can then be carried out of your body faster…Cleansing as it Replenishes!!! Alkaline Kangen water is full of minerals & antioxidants, and we know how important these are to our health:) It is full of energizing and mental clarifying oxygen…..
a liquid oxygen bar – lol!!

An alkaline ph is anything above neutral 7. As I previously mentioned, Kangen alkaline water ranges from 8.5 to 9.5. I am now drinking 9.5…and usually drink a gallon a day depending on my activity level and of course the heat:) I have been enjoying it a little over 3 months and feel great! Tons of energy, clarity, sound sleep, improved digestion, clear eyes, strong nails, and healthy hair and skin. I know it is doing much more than I am aware of as it proactively helps my body to restore and rejuvenate as I alkalize becoming healthier and growing younger every day!

My husband just started this wonderful water process and is excited about it as well. It immediately relieves his acid-reflux and is greatly beneficial for other digestive issues. He is asking for the water…very thrilling for me to share! He already notices changes in himself and looks forward to the weight loss benefit so many experience due to release of toxins and increased alkalinity. Also important, the water encourages and enhances healthy choices in an intuitive, body wisdom, kind of way.

I would love to hear from you… Do you drink alkaline water, how has it changed your body…your life? If you have any questions, I will be happy to do my Best to answer them. If I don’t know the answer, I will ask someone who does or research the information:)

I now have a wonderful “free” flowing water source here in Dothan. Her mission is to share this water with others as it blesses her to be a part of the exciting journey towards optimal health. If you are ready to empower yourself with an internal healing environment, simply drink the water:)…Alkaline Water!
Energize…Empower…Enlighten…~In Health~~MH~~~

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I had a wonderful and enlightening sunrise yoga session in my sacred space this morning. As I worked my body, quieting my mind, I allowed more to be revealed to me as Yoga shows the way.

Yoga develops Balance between the body, mind, and spirit and allows one to withdraw from the chaos and chatter of the world and find that quiet space within. As I focus on the Breath moving with the flow of Energy, I move forward in my practice as I develop my own unique yoga style. I combine what I’ve learned in life devoted to the Disciplines of Fitness with the cleansing, healing, and strengthening properties of Yoga.

For example, I love the Eagle Pose, Garudasana, in Sanskrit. Sanskrit is the Indian language of Yoga. When I teach, I teach the postures, or asanas, in English and in Sanskrit. I believe this is a significant factor in connecting the mind with the body. Garudasana improves balance as you stand on one foot crossing the other leg over the supporting one. The arms are wrapped in the same manner in front of the chest with the hands in prayer position, or Namaste, in Sanskrit. As I mentioned, this asana develops balance as it also strengthens and tones the legs. Taking it to the next level, I have my students bend the supporting knee slightly and come up repeating this movement several times, a one-legged squat:). Not only does this require focus, it also cleanses the muscles releasing toxins and excess weight as it strengthens and integrates the entire body from the inside out. Yoga muscles are clean and lean:)

As a former competitive body-builder, I know the benefits of practicing poses for a competition. Holding poses produces amazing results in muscle definition. Iyengar yoga teaches the benefits of holding the asanas in correct alignment, reflecting, and reaping benefits physically, mentally, and spiritually. I enjoy integrating fitness principles with all that I continue to learn as an enthusiastic student and grateful teacher of Yoga. I am so excited and inspired!

Transformation Yoga…Change your Mind, Change your Body, Change your Life…It’s all about you!! ~Shanti~MH~

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As I sat in the sultry sun yesterday afternoon soaking up my daily dose of vitamin D phototherapy, I savored information from David Wolfe’s wonderful book, Superfoods: “the food and medicine of the future”.

Superfoods are nutritionally dense plant foods that have unique healing properties. They have the ability to greatly increase the vital force and energy of one’s body, and are the optimum choice for improving overall health, boosting the immune system, elevating serotonin production, enhancing sexuality, and cleansing and alkalizing the body. Superfoods meet and exceed all protein, vitamin, mineral, glyconutrient, essential fatty acid, and immune system requirements. Pretty impressive wouldn’t you agree?!

I love the Goji berry!! It is a dried berry somewhere between a raisin and a cranberry with a delicious taste and chewy texture that delights the senses as it provides the body with a tremendous amount of nutritional and healing properties.

The Goji berry is the #1 herb used in Chinese Medicine. It is antioxidant rich and is the only food known to help stimulate the human body to naturally produce more HGH(human growth hormone).
The Goji berry is an adaptogen which is a substance with therapeutic actions that help neutralize the effects of stress on the body and power performance. Goji berries are a complete protein source containing nineteen different amino acids and all eight essential amino acids, 21 or more trace minerals, vitamins B1, B2, B6, and vitamin E.

Another name for the Goji berry is the Wolfberry. The first ingredient in the Isagenix liquid supplement Ionix Supreme is the Wolfberry. Cool!! I’ve been using this product for over 3 years with incredible results and didn’t realize until now that it is a Goji berry product – I love that!! In addition to the unique properties of the Wolfberry, Ionix Supreme also contains MSM and healing herbs as well as an abundance of B12, which is especially beneficial for the raw vegan, vegetarian, or plant based diet.

The Goji berry can be enjoyed as a chewy, delicious & nutritious snack mixed into a trail mix or a smoothie. The daily recommended intake is 15-45 grams, a handful:) If you prefer a liquid supplement, I suggest Ionix Supreme. 1 -2 ozs. daily will help you reach your peak performance with Energy that will surprise you in the Best possible way – Have a Goji Glory Day!!

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Good morning all!! I am here at my favorite place in the world on the bay celebrating the first week of June in the Best way Ever!!! Before I head out for an early morning run, I thought I would touch base with all of you and share what is on my mind this glorious day;)

As the full moon of June 7th draws near, I realize once again the wonder of the cleansing power of the moon. It draws toxins from our systems as we rest like it moves the tides of the oceans with subtle strength. Since we fast during sleep, our bodies have time to restore and heal. The moon assists with this process – Nature is Awesome!!

I enjoy doing my cardio first thing in the morning for several reasons. Since we sleep for 6-8 hours and fast during this time, a great sweat allows the body to release the toxins and flush the entire system from the inside out. As the toxins are released, any unhealthy fat that is stored also melts away. The body holds on to fat for protection from toxins – Ironic isn’t it?:) Therefore, toxin-free = fat-free! Yay!!

Another great reason to choose 30-45 minutes of cardio to begin the day is because it is a great Energy jump-start. The metabolism is at a slow point first thing in the morning. Ever wonder why you go for that cup of coffee – haha!

Also, cleansing cardio first thing in the morning is a blessed time to process thoughts letting go of that which no longer serves purpose making room for the new as you begin a new day. It is a great time to plan your day as your actions reflect your expectations!

Choose a walk, run, bike ride or yoga sweat;) as a morning treat! Work the body, quiet the mind, strengthen the spirit as you begin your day in the Best possible way!! Namaste~

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I woke up this morning charged and excited:) I was meeting my good friend Amy E. at Golds Gym for a workout!! Silly maybe, but I had that tingly feeling like on Christmas morning or something! I love to train and I love Amy E. so what could be better right?! Well, little did I know, but I was about to find out…

Amy is an incredibly talented vocalist with a passion for theatre. She recently costarred in our community theatre’s production of “Honky Tonk Angels” with 2 of my other goddess “diva” friends – Jennifer and Kendell;) They were all FABULOUS! After the thrill of an amazing show, there is naturally that “let down” feeling the week or so after it closes. Needless to say, Amy wasn’t much about the workout, and I was a little frustrated.

To quote my daughter Falin, Golds Gym is a “Happy Place” for MH. I have spent many hours training there and training HARD tasting the sweetness of the endorphins in an intense set and LOVING every minute of it. As my focus has shifted, I haven’t spent as much time there, but it felt Great to be back! Renovations to the place aligned with transformations in my life, and I received the affirming feeling that All is Well….

In saying all that, the “trainer in me” started “making suggestions” to Amy about her form as I felt the push/pull within to pick up the intensity of our session. It wasn’t so much what Amy said, but the Energy I tuned into as I quieted my mind, that I heard that voice of the Divine Teacher within saying, “this time is not about form MH, let go of perfection and allow freedom… say what you need to say and listen to her truth. Thank you!!!

We spent the next hour “going through the motions of the workout” and you know what? Never thought I would say this, but sometimes that is okay!!! Change your mind…change your body…change your life!!! Trust the sweetness of release, tap into the power of what you hold back, and Always follow the Energy! It will show you the Way! So much passion, so much peace, so much more than a workout!!! Stay in Spirit and the focus will stay and the Energy will GROW~~~~~Be Grateful for the down times because you know what? That means you get to go Up Again:) Live who you are in the moment and Be it well…Simply Do You!!

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I have missed you guys!  Been busy with yoga classes and raw food research but ready to get back to some posting  again – keeps my focus grounded and connected:)

Just a little while ago, I was munching on some deliciously sweet organic carrots as I soaked up the sun in front of our place on the bay.  I hurried inside and turned on my laptop as  I realized something fun to share with you.  Last summer my tan turned a golden dark yummy color like i’ve never before experienced.  My husband  Danny was puzzled and wanted to know why as he does enjoy a native tan!  I had been drinking alot of carrot juice.  Suddenly, a light bulb came on – that’s it!!!  Carrots are a great snack and also enhance your tan.  Organic carrots need not be peeled and this has an added bonus:  the peels are especially benefecial for your skin! As well as a “natural” tan enhancer, carrots have been used in treating acne, dry skin, and eczema.  They treat your skin according to its specific needs – amazing!

Also, carrots are sweet, alkaline, and warming.  They contain beta-carotene, vitamins B6 and C, calcium, phosphorus, pectin, and fiber.  Their leaves are rich in flavonoids and potassium.

Carrots are known for their ability to help vision, but they have so many other wonderful effects.  These include treating  asthma, colitis, constipation, cough, diarrhea, gallstones,  kidney stones, gastritis, gout, high cholesterol, indigestion, irritable bowel, cystitis, bladder, and ulcers – wow!!

Carrots have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, astringent, diuretic, galactagogic, laxative, and liver-tonic properties.  They strengthen the stomach, spleen, liver, and lungs – if we  all ate one carrot a day, lung cancer rates in our population could be cut in half! 

Eat carrots raw and organic to reap the most healing and beautifying effects.  Carrot juice is an excellent remedy to cleanse the liver, but should be diluted with pure water, as it is very sweet.  Whether eaten alone, in salads, or as a refreshing, purifying beverage, carrots are a delightful delicacy!

Time for me to run…we are headed out to the island on our boat, “The Sweet Mary”:)  I will savor this glorious day with my family and snack on crunchy, tasty carrots that bring out that “golden glow” from the inside out!  

 Enjoy your day – Namaste~

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Today I had one of those empowering runs that reminds me why I love the freedom and thrill of being in the presence of nature connecting  body, mind, and spirit as I move to the rhythm of my music, the beat of my heart, and the messages in my mind:)

A year ago next month, I injured my hamstring as I was sprinting and overstressing the strong but tight muscles of my legs.  I am now very thankful for that  injury as  it led me to embrace Yoga and Yoga has allowed me to heal.

I appreciate the integrated strength and flexibility that Yoga brings the body as it quiets the mind and calms the spirit with Peace.  Yoga has brought balance to my life, balance to my health and workout routine. 

Variety adds vibrancy to life!  I love beginning the day with Yoga practice.  I love teaching the principles and Postures of Yoga.  I love  running outdoors all by my playful self or with my best friend as we  support each other sharing truths – free to cry and laugh out loud!  I also love a tough workout training my body with stepups, pushups, walking lunges, and hanging abs. 

This is to me the Beauty of Balance:  Staying present in my body, present in the moment, feeling the energy within and the power of that Energy we all share as  Passion is set on fire ~Peace.

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