Countdown

Ah yet again, I am amazed by this woman.  Its pretty hard to beat Beyonce.  This magical video takes me to a place somewhere between West Side Story, band ballet class and a Gap ad.  I love it.  She really reminds me how I always wanted to be a cool modern dancer with cute Audrey Hepburn bangs... in a sexy black turtleneck and hot pink pumps. and fake eyelashes.

Besides, doesn't this Indian summer weather inspire a little splash of color in your downbeat?  Ladies go show your man you the flyist - ow ow!

Key Muscles of Movers and Shakers

http://www.amazon.com/Key-Muscles-Yoga-Scientific-Keys/dp/1607432382

Every mover and shaker that wants to have a better sense of what booty muscles are used in their trademark dance floor shake should grab this book... Oh yeah, and that also includes all yoginis, Dailey Methies, pilaties gurus and boot campers alike who want to figure out what the heck is going on under the skin.

I happen to be a very visual learner so this functional anatomical guide to the human body in various poses has had a significant affect on my personal workout practice.  It is an incredible visual aid to skeletal alignment and muscular connections.  If I can visualize what muscles are working during plank, I can better isolate and engage them therefore deepening each exercise.  Its fascinating!  

I don't think I can do all of this Muscle Man's yoga poses, but hey, ain't he pretty doin them?

Go Yoga Man!

Dailey Method Strikes Again

Ground breaking news!  4.0 Earthquake shakes up Berkeley and the Bay Area with its epicenter at the infamous corner of College and Ashby... Need I remind you all what else shares that locale? None other than the Dailey Method Berkeley.  Coincedence?  I think not!  Power Rangers are kickin' ass in Berkeley so come check out one of our classes and see what all the earth tremors are about :)

Read about the quake:
http://berkeley.patch.com/articles/three-quakes-and-a-fake-hit-berkeley#photo-8183963

Take a class and rock your world:
http://www.thedaileymethod.com/berkeley.html

Berkeley 4.0 Earthquake Epicenter 10/20/11

Berkeley Dailey Method Location.... 

Super natural. Super human.

A Minor Glitch in the Dailey Matrix

Well, after all that revelatory Saturday evening inspirations, apparently the wine and tequila weighed more on the Muertos than the Dias side of things the following Sunday.  Bad new is, I slipped off the Dailey wagon and missed a day of working out in the studio. I've lost some luster.  Some gusto. Probably a little street cred.  Technically I cannot say I've done 30 consecutive days of Dailey Method this month, because the 12th day was spoiled somewhere between a limited Sunday class schedule and the aftermath of mixing my spirits... Alas.

Lets be realistic shall we?  a) Its not the end of the world b) no need to throw in the towel now, I'm going to keep this Dailey challenge going towards a newly inspired 31 days now and c) eventually I'm going to try it all over again at some point and do consecutive 30 days.  Now, the moment when I slip up is a delicate and precarious point in any workout challenge or diet and it's easy to return to bad habits.  Rally on!

The good news is, I'm human and a determined, optimistic one at that.  So a little bump in the road doesn't mean you trash the whole plan.  Look at the big picture -- 30 days of working out is rad -- even if you miss one.... Let's see the forest for the trees and re-adjust with the grace and poise.    One of the most important things one can learn from any workout challenge is not only how to stay disciplined, but also how to recover from a slip off the plan.  Obviously the competitive nature of my 30 day Dailey goal is a primary reason why I've been getting my butt to so many classes these past two weeks. However lets not forget the more overarching big picture goals of creating more routine and daily structure for health and fitness in my everyday life.  Everyday I'm slowly creating stronger habits for healthier living.  Balance is key in order to maintain a sustainable healthy lifestyle- particularly in the mental approach to making changes!  I'm certainly not going to condemn a social glass of wine or celebratory splash of tequila.  However, if I'm seeking more balance, thoughtful choices are pre-requisite.


Time to gracefully get back on the horse and ride that pony into the sunset.  

Onwards and upwards~

Lydia

Carrot Juice for the Dead

Lets be honest.  There are many factors that contribute to the success of any exercise or health plan, including desire for results, discipline, time management, realistic goal-setting, supportive environment and relationships, competition... and of course good ole' fashioned carrot chasing-- as in a big shiny reward for all your hard work.  Of course, factors weigh in on varying degrees for different people, but sometimes even a little carrot can be a fun and valuable perk at the end of a long and esoteric collection of inspired pep talks.


This past Saturday, I had the pleasure of visiting a fabulous art opening at the Victorian Rat, an innovative art gallery space moonlighting as a Temescal garage.  Founders Brianna, a fellow Dailey Method instructor and artist extraordinare, and David her husband live in the bungalow upstairs and decided to kick off the Halloween season with their second Dia De Los Muertos themed show.   My friend Haven and I joined the ranks of well-healed arty Oakland folks and mingled amidst skeleton brush strokes, lacy spiderwebs, flickering memorials and of course, a large porcelain skull filled with tequila.  Perhaps it was the warm fall evening, or the whirling energy of fresh art on display, or maybe it was just the blush of the Jaliscan skull speakin' some magic, but  I think it is safe to say we were feeling inspired.

"Amy" by Brianna: 

For me, fall inspiration comes from a sense of change, a shifting of intention and desires.  Although Saturday's warm Indian Summer evening offered a lovely atmosphere for art musing, the change of seasons was well at hand.  With the closure of those long, colorful, extroverted summer days, the crackling of fall makes me turn inward and offers a time of self-reflection, nourishment, and re-focus towards future planning.  I mean, what else can explain the overwhelming recent temptation to ignore all my work, grab a Pumpkin Spice Latte's at Starbucks and cozy up with a good book!

Yet, this transition of energy and focus is as natural as day and night, new and old, and life and death.

Thus yet another contributing factor of my current head space of "what next!? and why!?" My Autumn mantra for health and fitness usually differs from my Summer "bikini-bod" anthem.   I tend to focus more towards restructuring my exercise practice, reassessing my goals and reaffirming a sense of discipline.  Changes in my routine now reflect a desire to make health and fitness a greater overall priority in my life (um, a little different than trying to tone up for a Burning Man tutu-  of course both valuable goals!).

"Lady Muertos" by Brianna

So, sitting amongst the painted dead and lively artists, we settled on a carrot.  In three months time, after working out four times a week (or more -- particularly since I'm still doing my 30 Dailey Days!), we'll reward ourselves with a trip to the outlet malls in Vacaville. J-Crew watch out, fit fashion craved ladies on the loose!


Now that the carrot's in place in a flurry of Autumn inspiration, sticking to the track is the hardest part.  Well, can't hate on some healthy skull-bottled tequila inspiration!  Salud!

Thanks to Brianna and David for such a wonderful and revelatory setting-- visit their website to find out more about their next show:
http://victorianrat.squarespace.com/

Family Weekend

We enjoyed a fabulous few days last weekend with my Aunt Jan and Mary's visit to the Bay from Michigan!  Lots of outdoor time, farmers markets, gardening, Marin hiking, healthy feasting and of course LOVE!  

Baby Boot Steps

This morning I had an introductory meeting and tour of Bauman College for Holistic Nutrition in Berkeley after an unexpectedly boisterous Monday evening (which involved rounds of tasty Blood and Sands and boot shots of 4 Roses bourbon at Comstock).... 10am in the East Bay came all too quickly, particularly with the subject being holistic nutrition.

Jeremy and I found ourselves sitting in a sun-filled office, lined with bamboo and dietary pie-charts.   Eileen sat across from us and explained the structure and philosophy of the program with an occasional animated tangent upon such topics as America's addiction to caffeine and our symptom driven approach to health today.  More blurry than bright eyed, Jeremy and I couldn't agree more- a strong cup of coffee and some Advil were in order after the appointment... and maybe a greasy diner breakfast.

Ah, but thus is life.  Baby steps in the right direction for healthier living... and maybe a few less baby boot bourbon shots on an empty stomach before bed.  But hey, talk about progress, I stuck to my guns all night and only drank whisky AND I drank a good deal of water.   So it was mostly shortchanging my sleep that made for a grumbly morning.  Baby steps.

Besides, the meeting went great and their Spring semester sounds like a plan!

Dailey Day 6 - Living Room Gym Demons

A home work out is hard for so many reasons.   Sometimes your schedule is not on your side and one has to get creative.  Dailey Day Six was one of those days for me.  I planned to work out at 9:45, which turned into 11:00, then 12:15 and finally I realized it wasn't in the cards for me to make it to a class before I had to go to work that night.   So I did what any self-respecting exercise instructor/ desperate 30-day challenger would do... I grabbed my weights, threw open the windows, and blasted my iPod loud enough that the elderly ladies at the Korean Community Center next door could join along if they wanted.  I taught myself a Dailey Method class, and believe it or not, I'm a difficult client.

 I have always been a little reluctant to workout by myself at home because lets face it, I turn into a cheating, easy-way-out, distractible wimp.   But with a 30 day challenge at hand, well obviously I was left with no choice but to face by living room gym demons.

Anyone who has tried to crack down on their home workout routine - especially without a video, knows the classic pitfalls - spacing, distractions, temperature control, other people being home, and more than anything, the overwhelming temptation to cheat and call it a "good work out" before even breaking a sweat.

My workout therefore, became rather informative as I examined all of these excuses and shortcomings I faced.  But why sell myself short of what I know could be a fantastic, efficient and productive hour long workout?  My goal was to push through the pitfalls and at the very least, make my muscles shake.  A little quivering of the muscles is a great sign.  It means you're fatiguing the muscles beyond their normal threshold, which means your reshaping them.  The more dense your muscles are, the greater calorie burning machines they become which increases your metabolism.  Not to mention, strong, well-stretched muscles make your body a better functioning, more agile crime-fighting super hero... and latin lover.

Work the muscles until they quiver... your heart will be pounding and a sheen of sweat will envelope your body, making you... ok, romance writer give it a rest, no need to glamorize home work outs too much ;)

Work out at home!  But make sure to be honest with yourself and work as hard as I would make you work in my class!


ALSO, videos are a fabulous guide and tool if you can't make it into a class and are left to re-arrange your living room furniture.  Check out our new Dailey Method DVD-- So cool!

http://www.thedaileymethod.com/exercisedvd.html

You're Sexy and You Know It

Ok, so while I'm really loving LMFAO's newest track, I have to warn you all that this video is a little graphic with several gyrating speedo crotch shots... there I said it.  Apologies Dad... and Grandma, maybe just skip this one all together.  Otherwise, it pretty dang amusing and with several Porn star gentleman cameos  (they're clothed, don't worry), LMFAO delivers some wit along with their infamous dance moves.  If nothing else, allow yourself a moment to feel a little sexier today and strut your stuff, especially if you've had a good workout... maybe even let this inspire you to put a little passion in your pants. Damn, you be fly, what!

 

Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle, wiggle, wiggle yeah 

ALSO, Wow, if you haven't listened to Rihanna's newest release, "We Found Love," do so quick before it gets played out and you can't stand it!  I personally love it and think its a great song to get your work out on Fiyah!

I mean doesn't it make you feel like you're here:

And since working out is much healthier and more sustainable than going to crazy light-show raves with mind-numbing blinkie lights and mysterious designer substances, I support rocking out to this song to your work out.

The 5th Dailey Day: Rockets on the Horizon

After four days of dreary grey skies, boisterous thunderstorms, and a collection of wet shoes, an inspired breeze has broken through the bay skies and brought with it as sense of Autumnal accomplishment.  San Francisco seems to be basking in its sunny disposition this weekend and everyone is happy to enjoy the beautiful weather and optimistic atmosphere with her.   I have to admit, sitting on the Embarcadero over looking a sparkling bay, steps away from a bustling, regal ferry building, my FIFTH Dailey Method class on Spear street just blocks away delivered me to one of the prettiest areas of San Francisco.  To add to the majesty of the moment, I am literally sitting under a gleaming rocket ship as the Blue Angels divide the skies into intricate patterns as they shake the world below them with their roaring engines.  

Back to the challenge at hand - as an update, I'm on day five.  Taking five workout classes in a week is a remarkable accomplishment and goal for anyone wanting to see results from their workout regime for clients and instructors alike.  I've often heard it said, taking a 3 classes per week will allow you to maintain your strength, four times per week you will start seeing more progress in your work out and results in your body, five or more classes per week, and you'll sky rocket to the next level... Um, did I say sky rocket?? Yes, in my words and in my experience, it usually is the fifth class that will push me over a threshold.  Now I'm not talking about reaching some transcendental bliss where the sky opens and the world becomes an LSD fairy land on the fifth day, although that would be amazing.  But I will say, I get through that period of "ugh, this sucks and my body hates every movement" and more into a "wow, I just did 5 great push ups without wincing" or "my back feels stronger and I can see my muscles changing!"  Its that sky rocket zone that creates new challenges and rewards new accomplishments.   My work out was definitely stronger today, although I know a thousand areas where I can still improve.

I can't help but think that the image of a rocket ship is inspiring on the most basic of levels-- released from gravity and voyaging into new, unknown heights.  The potential we all have is astonishing and it starts with voicing a desire or goal and setting it in motion, starting one day and a time.

Ok, time for some Blue Bottle coffee - quick before I try to give up caffeine!

Practice What I Preach: a 30 Day Dailey Challenge

The goal: 30 consecutive days of Dailey Method.

Let me preface this by saying I am a Dailey Method Instructor and I do not take a Dailey Method class every day.  In fact, I try for a minimum of four times a week, but often times my other jobs get in the way, which to say the least is frustrating - not to mention at odds with my teaching practice.  Like most people, I go through ups and downs with my consistency of working out, however, I'd like that to change for the better.  Thus I propose a this challenge to myself...

Let me also say, every freakin' Bikram-loving yogi friend I have ever known has done some sort of 30-day challenge.  Their name is written in bright blue magic marker on some community yoga board in a steamy studio somewhere, and they arrive ready to sweat their butts off everyday just to see their name march forward on the giant calendar towards day 30.    To note, for me personally, I think Bikram is quite possibly one of the most ridiculously hard, unpleasant, tourettes-inducing forms of exercise I have ever endured.  That being said if they can do it, Dailey Methies (operatively me) can be challenged for a month just as fiercely!

SO, as you can see, I'm already off to a stellar start as it is Tuesday, October 4th when I begin this personal challenge... Apparently I had a bit of a rocky start, mid-week and slightly shy of the beginning of the month, but hey, better late than never (Mondays and first-of-the-months are over rated anyway- right?).

Here's the plan - for the next month, I will spend an hour a day working courageously on my transverse abdominal engagement and perfecting my plank amidst the trademark Dailey Method neon green and orange hues and catchy electronica mixes.    I have always said, the hardest part of a work out is showing up.   This 30-day challenge has more to do with personal discipline and time management than anything else.  So this month is about making my personal health and fitness a bigger priority in my daily routine, even if that means making sacrifices like going to bed earlier (gasp!),  procrastinating less and or even sticking to my schedule and getting up before 9am (more dramatic gasp!!).


While I don't ever expect to see a giant calendar grid lining any Dailey Method walls with colored name tags tracking attendance in order to win some prize after a month, I do believe prizes are in store for any one who were to try this kind of challenge...  the real reward comes like Christmas morning when one day you spot that little shadow under your tricep or notice the muscles under your shoulders blades when you open a door.  Or how about when you discover a new line the middle of your quadriceps or sweet lord you uncover your obliques along side your belly (even if you have to stand at a funny angle in a very certain light!)  Hallelujah!  Superficial or not, someone once asked me "how long have you been dancer?" and I  might as well have just started crying right then because dear lord, if anyone saw me in Ballet that one quarter in college. Yikes... The point is, nothing beats working hard and feeling your body change and get stronger and healthier, even if its just a little at a time.   It makes any sacrifice worth it!

How I'll make it happen:  
- Make a schedule and stick to it.  Google Calendar and my Blackberry are my friends and each day I have my class "penciled" in (sometimes two so I have a back up if my day is crazy busy) .
- Get better sleep, that means a full 8 hours for me personally (yes, I must sacrifice that extra episode of Mad Men via Netflix).
- Tell people about my goal so they can help me stay committed
- Work out with friends, meet me there!
- Buy a watch


Goals: 
- Take classes all over the city/Bay Area and meet new teachers, learn new teachin' tricks, and pick up new cool music
- Track my 30-day challenge with my new fitness blog: Water and Wine Wellness
- Be ready for a photo shoot in a month - new blog photos folks!
- Display 30 disciplined, Dailey Method loving days!



I encourage you all to pick a class or fitness challenge and make a month of it -- no matter what day of the month it is -- better late than never!


Feel free to join me in a class or come take one of my classes!
http://www.thedaileymethod.com/
I teach:
Thursdays in Piedmont (11:00 & 12:15)
Fridays in Berkeley (4:15 & 5:00)
Alt. Saturdays in Berkeley (2:45 & 4:00)

Tuesdays in the Mission (8:30 & 9:45)

Go team go!

My first workout instructor extraordinaire- Denise Austin

Here's a quick reminder of where we all began, sizzlin it down at the beach with none other than Denise Austin.  Gotta love them sparkling white tennies.  Get it Denise!  My newest goal is to get me a hot pink spandex full-body cut-out unitard... ebay?

My Saturn has Returned: Time for Transition

According to Astrology, there is a phenomenon described as one's Saturn Return. Apparently while Saturn takes 29.4 Earth years to make its trek around the sun, we as tiny humans experience "youth," which hopefully involves a sense of sparkling curiosity and possibility, and then for most of us towards our mid to late twenties, we enter a vast black hole that leaves us wondering "What do I actually want to do with my life?!"  As Saturn comes waltzing back into our personal night skies, and this Roman God of abundance and harvest is ready to cash in and usher us youngens into the the next chapter of life, affectionately known as adulthood.  Guess what, Saturn shakes things up again at 56 (maturity) and in one's late 80s (wise old age)...

This life transition of course makes sense in the greater non-astrologically-minded world.  Yes, as you approach 30 years old, life changes a bit and you feel like you "ought" to know who you are, the work that will make you money, and a whole series of check-lists present themselves: marriage, kids, mortgage, friendships, life porpose. In short, we, and all of our life choices to date, are up for review, and let's face it, some of those choices aren't makin' the cut.

Needless to say, exactly 2 years ago (hello Saturn!), I retired my Acting career ambitions, broke up with New York City and moved out to the land of Milk and Honey in California with little to no plan of what I really wanted to do next.   Luckily, a was introduced to the Dailey Method as they were opening a new exercise studio was opening across the street from our new Berkeley apartment and well, what else do actors know how to do besides odd jobs? That's right - work out!

Since that inspired voyage West into the unknown two years ago, I have been cultivating that spark of interest in health and fitness.   I currently am excited to teach at three Dailey Method studios and have my eyes set on becoming a Certified Nutrition Consultant. The universe seems to have shifted ever so slightly for me at 28.5 years old thanks to good ole' Saturn's return.

Change is good, no its GREAT! Its exactly what we all need to keep things honest and interesting. While I don't regret a second of running around acting in every New York project I could find, I have discovered another incredibly fulfilling life ambition, which to help people get healthier and feel better about their bodies and lifestyle.

SO, let me introduce my newest blog and project:  Water and Wine Wellness.  It seems an appropriate description of my approach to the health and fitness world.  For me, keeping healthy doesn't mean restricting all the pleasures of life!  Drink lots of water and enjoy good wine -- all good things in moderation people.

This is a forum to explore the varied terrain known as the Health & Fitness world -- because hey, I'll be the first to admit I like feeling healthy, but I'm no fanatic. I like food, sleeping in, Sonoma Pino Noir and a mean Old Fashioned. I would never bring a pair of running shoes on vacation.  You get the picture. That being said, while "getting healthy" is inspiring and exhilarating, it can also feel daunting, deflating, and complicated.  This blog will offer a space to explore and inquire, muse and investigate, as well as challenge and reward. This blog is also here to keep me honest and pro-active.

I want to say I can see the light at the end of this astrological cycle and am spinning into something like adulthood, but hey, I can only laugh out loud, hang on and go along for the ride!