Our Studio Fitness Blog

Pilates, Anywhere

Here's to incorporating Pilates fitness into your everyday lives.  This cartoon is from Harold's Planet, who also brought us Pilates for People who Love Wine.  Who knew sitting at your desk could be so rewarding?  

A New Year, A New You at Studio Fitness

It's New Year's Eve, and I find myself reflecting on 2009, a year with both highs and lows, for Studio Fitness, for my family, and for so many others out there.  Yet as I think back on the year's events, it's all of the good times at Studio Fitness on which I try to focus - especially the new Pilates and yoga clients that came through our doors; and the clients that have been with us for so long.  We appreciate you appreciating us.  And because of you, we continue to try to bring you programs that inspire you and contribute to your goals in mind, body and spirit. 

We appreciate our instructors, who time and time again strive to give our clients more than one hundred percent.   They are dedicated and passionate about what they teach, and the knowledge they impart, be it new moves on the Pilates Reformer machines, the ability to teach new Zumba and belly dancing routines and see clients "get it", or to instruct clients in the progression to go deeper into a particular yoga pose.  They are inspirational to me as well, contributing new ideas and class concepts.  Take, for instance, Lauren's Yoga Lounge, a gentle restorative yoga, with candlelight, relaxing music and essential oils - all designed to feed your soul, align your spine, and provide an end-of-week oasis.  

As 2010 rolls in, complete with a New Year's Eve blue moon (there hasn't been one since 1990), we hope that Studio Fitness is more than a "once in a blue moon" experience for you.  Here's to health, wealth and happiness in life and for your family.  

See you next year!

Studio Fitness, Encouraging Seasonal Harmony

SEASONAL HARMONY - by Ellasara Kling

As we move from Late Summer into the Autumn season, we can feel the shift in our environment more and more, and the new season develops from the one we are in at the moment.  The underlying, pervasive flow of Universal energy moves through its cycles whether or not we are consciously aware of it.  It is this ongoing, ever-changing flow that we pretty casually call Nature, and which underlies our lives and affects in ways both large and small.  Everything leaves a clue, as the saying goes, and so it is with Nature whose clues we recognize as the relationships in Five Element Theory.

Viewing the above chart, we can easily identify some of the major relationships that are part of the Autumn season.  We can see how this season has mutated from the Late Summer (Spleen) and will be changing into Kidney season (Winter).  Even as one season moves into the next and Nature brings us the signs of that season (relationships), as part of Nature, we are flowing with it and experiencing the Seasons as part of ourselves.  Cooperation is key.  Cooperation with our own individual Nature and the greater flow brings harmony, balance and health to our bodies.

Some Foods That Harmonize With Autumn - Apples, Apricot, Bamboo Shoots, Barley, Basil, Bai Mu Er - aka White Fungus, Cauliflower, Chicken Egg, Chickweed, Cilantro, Coriander, Cow's Milk, Eggplant, Fennel Bulb, Garlic, Ginger, Job's Tears (Chinese Barley), Kohlrabi, Kumquat, Lily Bulb, Lotus Root, Lotus Seeds, Mustard - leaf and seeds, Onions - Green, Yellow, Red, Shallots, Parsnip, Peanuts, Pears, Peppermint, Persimmon, Pine Nut, Radish, Spinach, Strawberry, Walnut, Water Chestnut

Lung Season - The organ system for this season is the Lung/Large Intestine.  Among its many other functions, we are most familiar with the idea that the Lungs are in charge of the flow of air in and out of our bodies.  They connect our "insides" with our "outside" through the nose, its sense organ.  The Lung is literally the highest organ in the torso and directs the qu it receives downward to the other organs.  It is the administrator.  The Lung is known as a "delicate" organ and is, indeed, very sensitive to changes in hot, cold, dryness, dampness, and wind.  The Lung is responsible for providing proper moisture to the skin and similarly through its paired partner, the Large Intestine, dry hair is a sign of a tired Lung.  Grief and sadness are the emotions associated with the Lund and crying is its "sound."  An attitude of rectification (setting "things" in balance) can counter balance Lung sadness, which is important as too much sadness can dissipate qi.

The Autumn (Lung Season) is also known for the beginning of cold/flu season.  It is most important to take care of our health by getting the proper rest, exercise (qugoing/taiji practice is vital), eating for our health and energy.  On those wonderful clear Fall days, be sure to get lots of fresh air and fill and empty the Lungs completely.

GOOD EATS

Pear and Watercress Soup - adapted from ZEN:  The Art of Modern Eastern Cooking, by Deng Ming-Dao

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup walnut oil
• 2 TBs minced garlic
• 1 medium yellow onion - chopped finely
• 3/4 cup celery hearts - tender light colored stalks only, no leaves - chopped finely
• 2 cups of peeled chopped pears - try to choose fragrant pears such as Bartlett, William, Asian
• 4 packed cups finely chopped watercress leaves only
• 1 bunch flat leaf (Italian) parsley - finely chopped - leaves only
• 1 1/2 cups spinach leaves - baby organic, preferably
• 1 qt vegetable stock
• 2 TBs cornstarch
• 2 TBs cold water
• Salt and white pepper, sugar or honey to taste
• Garnish with creme fraiche and sliced scallions

Directions:

1. Heat the oil in a large pot and add the garlic, onion and celery.  Sweat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent any browning.
2. Add pears and cook for another 10 minutes.
3. Add all the greens and when they wilt, add vegetable stock.
4. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water, and slowly add to the soup.
6. Bring the soup back to a simmer while constantly stirring.
7. Remove from heat and puree soup in small batches in a blender.
8. When blended, pass through a sieve into a clean pan.
9. Reheat and adjust seasoning.  Garnish each serving separately.
   

Stir Fry Lotus Root with Carrots and Water Chestnut

Ingredients:

• 1 pound lotus root
• 3 TBs walnut oil
• 10 water chestnuts
• 1/4 cup carrot
• 1 clove garlic
• 2 slices ginger
• 1/3 green pepper
• 1 cup water

Seasoning:

• 1 tsp sugar
  
• 1/3 Tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 tsp salt
• White pepper

Directions:

1. Scrub lotus root and cut into 1/4-inch slices.
2. Wash and chop other ingredients.
3. Heat walnut oil in wok, add garlic and ginger.  Saute until aromatic, one to two minutes.  Add sliced lotus root and water.  Cover with lid and simmer for 3-5 minutes.
4. Make a "well" in the middle of the lotus root; add the sugar, salt and white pepper, and mix together.  Then add the carrot, water chestnut and green pepper.  Stir-fry 2 minutes.
5. Sprinkle with sesame oil and serve.
   

Poached Pears - this recipe makes a great dessert, but is also said to soothe the throat, ease coughs, and regulate digestion.

Ingredients:

• 5 Asian pears
  
• 3 cups water
• 5 TB honey
• 5 tsp very finey chopped almonds
• 5 tsp very finely chopped fresh lily bulb
• 5 tsp ery finely chopped lotus root
• 1 tsp finely chopped ginger

Directions:

1. Bring the water, honey, almonds, lily bulb, giner and lotus root to a boil (the mixture).
2. Wash the pears well, and cut off the tops at the point where the fruit begins to slope downward. Do not throw away "lids".
   
3. With a spoon, scoop out the insides to remove the seeds and form a little bowl.
4. Pour the mixture into the pear bowls, and cover the the pear "lids".
5. Steam for about 30-40 minutes.  Serve warm.

Ellasara is a long time student of Master Nan Lu. She is now participating in LifeForce, Tao of Medical Qigong with Master Lu. She has deeply studied Chinese Nutrition and Food Cures with Master Lu and at two different schools of TCM and is a certified nutritionist.  She has a background as a chef, personal chef and caterer as well as having worked with people on improving their perspective on food and health. She teaches “Seasonal Harmony” a cooking class for balanced eating according to the principles of TCM/five Element Theory and is certified to share Wu Ming Qigong for Breast Health.

For a copy of the full article, with additional recipes, click SEASONAL HARMONY.

My (Sort Of) Day Off From Pilates

As I type this up, sitting out on our back porch, I'm reflecting on the fact that this was a wonderful holiday weekend.  The weather finally cooperated and the sun did come out!  

This 4th of July, my husband Michael and I went on a 17 mile bike ride yesterday around the Great Swamp (he has his laptop outside as well, and is now Googling info on Trek and Cannondale bikes).  I'm less familiar with this part of New Jersey, but after playing around on the computer, I realized that it would be a somewhat hilly ride.  And unfortunately, just as we began our journey, I learned that my gears were a bit shot.  I plowed ahead, though, encouraged by Michael, and probably expended three times as much energy as necessary versus had my gears worked correctly.  I felt like Fred Flinstone driving his car, legs working at a quick pace, kicking up a dust cloud, screaming, "Wilma!"   However, even though I worked harder, I constantly had keep your hips forward and shoulders back and down playing over and over in my head.  One more occasion where Pilates training has crossed over to everyday life.  When you do Pilates on a regular basis, be it on the Reformer or the mat, you realize the importance of alignment, of creating a stronger and more flexible spine, use of the breath (good for those hilly inclines), and so much more.  

We were on the last leg of our journey, and noticed a 'Pick Your Own Blueberries' sign.  We decided, since the last part of the ride included a long, steady hill before the final coast back down to the car, to finish the ride and drive back.  We knew if we got off the bikes, we wouldn't want to get back on, and we still had a ways to go.  So we ventured on, made it to the finish line, and pointed the car towards blueberry heaven!

We parked our car, bikes now dangling on the bike rack, and made our way into Hillview Farms.  We were each given our own pails, the kind children use at the beach, but our prize was going to be a lovely shade of blue vs. the usual golden sand.  We made our way to the blueberry patch, and reflected upon the fact that something so simple could be so rewarding (we ate a few as we filled our pails, so yes, we knew it was rewarding... and so very tasty!).  This place was a discovery we made purely by accident, but as we made our way back to the store to have our booty weighed, we knew we'd be back one day soon.  That's because Lorraine, who was friendly, informative and funny, too, told us about the fresh peaches arriving in a few weeks!  

Hope you enjoyed the beautiful weather and you were able to do something active and rewarding, too!  Feel like sharing?  We'd love to hear from you! 

 

Yoga Helps Make Cancer Less of a Bear

I recently came across an article online.  It appeared in the Daily News, a New York-area newspaper, entitled Making cancer bearable: Yoga group links survivors with free classes to rebuild strength & wellness," written by Sarah Armaghan.  I read the article, and then ventured on over to YOGABEAR to learn more.  

YOGABEAR, so says its website, "is a community of friends -- cancer survivors, yogis, health professionals, and volunteers -- across the nation."  YOGABEAR has created a network through which yoga studios can offer cancer survivors the opportunity to practice yoga... for free.  

 

Some people find that complementary wellness methods such as yoga help control some of their symptoms and improve the quality of their lives after being sidetracked by cancer.  YOGABEAR is one resource that helps disseminate information about yoga as a "complementary treatment in cancer recovery."    

With cancer touching so many people's lives, whether as someone who has suffered and survived, or as someone who has lost a loved one, it always amazes me when you come across information sources like YOGABEAR.  Today, June 7th, is National Cancer Survivors Day, so I wanted to let you know that Studio Fitness has applied to become a participating studio in the YOGABEAR network, already at 140 studios strong.  What a great way to give back to the community.  YOGABEAR... pass the word!

And the Countdown Begins - Get Me My Pilates, Quick!

I just looked at the calendar, and thought, "Oh, my!"  Count for yourself - there are only 50 days until the unofficial start of summer - Memorial Day.  

Don't get me wrong, I love summer; I love the sun and sand, barbecues, and a great day of beach volleyball.  But ask most people, and they'll say they want to drop anywhere from five to fifteen pounds, and quick!  They want to shape up, tone, and slim down so they look good and feel healthy participating in all of the activities that arise during the summer season.

Lately, I think about how I can squeeze in some extra workout time for myself.  Take the stairs.  Walk to the farmer's market for the goodies that will go into my smoothies.  Get that bike in for a tune-up ASAP.  And what are you doing?  What have you been doing?  If you haven't moved much during the cold, wintry months, be careful.  Don't become a weekend warrior, or you just may find yourself making regular visits to a chiropractor.

I have found myself bugging my husband to get out of bed for his 6am yoga class so he maintains the flexibility to endure 18 holes on the golf course (he's probably on the 15th hole as I write this!).  He'll even ask for some Pilates Reformer instruction once in awhile.  If you are unsure of where to start for yourself, inquire about a Pilates for Golf routine to help you avoid injury.  A golf swing requires one to rotate the upper body while maintaining a stable lower body.  Ask a qualified Pilates instructor to give you a Torso Rotation Test.  If you're looking for a better swing, check out this recent article from Pilates Digest, "Pilates for a Better Golf Swing" and practice what they preach!

If you think that it’s too late to start exercising, I’d have to challenge you and say you’re incorrect.  It’s never too late, regardless of the date on the calendar.  Anyone can do it, yourself included.  Look at one of our clients.  Sophia stopped by last week with her six-month old son, wanting to sign up for some Pilates mat classes to help her get back on the proverbial exercise horse.  As you can see, she looked fabulous doing yoga while she was pregnant.  I see pictures of her, and I'm inspired to move, move, move!  (Not sure where to find yoga near you?  Click HERE to find local classes in your area.)

 

Now, as much as I would love to say that Studio Fitness is the ONLY place that can help you achieve your fitness goals, that would be very far from the truth.  No matter where you decide to take classes that help you strengthen and lengthen, just get out there and do it so you’ll be bathing suit ready when the calendar says sand, sun and fun!

Take our quick poll and tell us if you're ready for summer.  And always feel free to stop by for a class at Studio Fitness!

 

Do you think outside the box? If not, then try Capoeira or Zumba!

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX - Owning a Pilates and yoga studio has helped me embrace this phrase.  I try to think outside of the proverbial box when I imagine what else my instructors and I can offer our clients.  Enhancing a class schedule without sacrificing the core (pun intended) of what we offer at Studio Fitness is key to keeping our clients engaged and wanting more.  Of course, we do not want to sacrifice what they have been coming for in the first place, but we want to keep it interesting.  

To that point of offering more, we've added some fun classes to our repetoire, and as such, I've come to realize that we've got a theme night here at Studio Fitness.  Our Thursday night classes have a Brazilian flair, with both Zumba®, and then Capoeira on the schedule.  Personally, I've taken a few Zumba® classes, and all I can say is that it's a good thing I can laugh at myself.  Some people are able to just let loose and let themselves go; they feel the music, they don't care what they look like, and they just have a blast while working up a sweat and working off some calories.  One client said, "If I can't shake it here, I can't shake it anywhere!"  

Not sure if Zumba® is for you?  Well, if you're ready for some fun, check out this Zumba® YouTube video that has been viewed by over 2 million people.  Then stop by for a class with Mary Liebau or Tina LeVine.  Both of our instructors inspire you to think outside the box, and shake it if you've got it! 

 

 

 

Capoeira is new to me, and a new class on our schedule.  For me, I am really enjoying it, and I have even convinced my husband to participate.  I know it's not supposed to be about me, right?  It's about the clients.  But I have had so much fun, just two classes in!  I've been reading more about Capoeira, hearing more about it, and even saw it mentioned in one of my favorite catalogs, Title Nine.  There is usually a tiny blurb about the models who appear in the catalog, and on page 95 of the Summer 2009 issue I just got in the mail, it says, "Yhazi's dream job would be teaching Capoeira in Brazil."  I like the dress she is wearing, and am considering purchasing it, but even more impressive are her arms, and if Capoeira can help me get arms as cut as hers, then count me in!

In Capoeira, participants form a roda, or circle, and take turns playing instruments like a berimbau, singing, and sparring with someone else in the center of the roda.

The benefits of playing Capoeira include building confidence, and increased concentration, alertness, and circulation.  It's a great stress-reliever, and a full-body workout, and balances both body and mind. 

Not sure Capoeira is for women?  Traditionally, women were practically absent from the world of Capoeira.  Today, they actually make up the majority of students.  Women are attracted by the aspects of dance, flexibility and physical resistance that the game requires and develops.  Overall, Capoeira is for boys and girls, men and women, basically for all ages.  Take a look at the following video, and notice the young girl participating in Capoeira!  (Save the Date:  experience Capoeira on June 20th at the Montclair Museum, more details to follow.)

 

 

 

Finally, a sorority friend of mine from Syracuse University, who lives in New Jersey and teaches yoga, posted this video after the Syracuse/UConn Big East Tournament game that went to six... yes, count it, six, overtimes last night!  Syracuse perservered, with the game finishing at almost 1:30 am, and I am oh, so proud!  Yoga Jen's video struck me as also thinking outside the box.  Her yoga tweens are rallying around Syracuse, all as they do tree pose, incorporating yoga into everyday life... take a look! 

I challenge you to look around, find something that you've always wanted to try, something about which you've always been curious... and join me as you learn to think outside the box. 

 

Put Down That Green Bagel! It's Time for Boot Camp Challenge!

That's right, it's time for another round of Boot Camp Challenge.  The new session with Drill Sergeant Susan begins on Tuesday, March 17th.  Why not celebrate St. Patrick's Day with renewed energy?  And no, we don't mean to hoist that green beer off the bar!        

Boot Camp Challenge is a six-week group personal training program that provides you with affordable, individualized attention.  You will be guided in cardio and strength conditioning, gain flexibility and learn more about proper nutrition.

The groups are small so that you get the personal attention you need.  Workouts are led by an experienced fitness professional to help you achieve your fitness goals.  Here's what a participant, Marie, has to say about Susan's steps to success:

1. Motivation - she has the ability to motivate clients of any level of fitness.
2. Timing - She has impeccable timing so that your workout can flow seamlessly. 
3. Creativity - She is imaginative and believes in variation to keep her clients from getting bored. Even the most effective workout will get stale if you do it day after day.

Boot Camp Challenge is a great way to lose unwanted pounds and inches fast, increase your strength, tone your muscles, improve your self-esteem and just feel great!  Boot Camp Challenge is for everyone, and all participants will see results.  Boot Camp Challenge runs for six weeks, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:00-7:00 a.m. at Studio Fitness.

About Susan Marone:  Susan is the owner and trainer of Boot Camp Challenge.  She is an AFAA Certified Personal Fitness Trainer and AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor, and has been working in the health and fitness industry for 15 years.  She loves motivating people to get in, and stay in shape.  Over the past 15 years Susan has helped hundreds of people reach their fitness goals.   

Contact Susan at 908-399-3431, e-mail her at susansbootcamp@aol.com or visit Boot Camp Challenge to see why Boot Camp Challenge is right for you!  Save your spot today, and your friends will be green... with envy!

 

Treats for Your Sweet

It's that time of year - it's still cold out, and it will stay cold a little longer, thanks to that darn groundhog.  With Valentine's Day approaching quickly, I thought I'd share with you a list of things you and your special someone can do for each other.

There are two especially sweet Valentine's Day rituals that I treasure, although they may not seem like much to others.  The first one was started by my husband, who surprised me the first year we lived together by putting candy hearts into my coat pocket.  As I headed off for the train into New York City, reaching into my pockets for gloves, imagine my surprise at finding these simple, yet touching messages.  And every year since, I look forward to this silly little ritual. 

The second one started in Washington, D.C.  We were killing time in the hotel room before we headed out to dinner, and sat down to write out cards to our nieces, nephews and good friends' children.  We laughed so hard, remembering how much fun it was to exchange these drug store cards with our classmates back in those early school years.  The grown-ups of these children thought we were just a bit crazy after they received our cards, but now they, too, look forward to seeing what type of theme card we will come up with, be it Bugs Bunny or Hannah Montana.

It's the little things that I remember in life, not the expensive bouquet of flowers purchased on a Hallmark holiday.  If you want to buy me flowers, send them to me on a day when I don't expect them.  That will truly make my heart skip a beat.

How will you spend Valentine's Day this year?  In these tough times, even random acts of kindness toward strangers can be appreciated on a truly deep level by both parties.  Buy coffee for the person behind you in line.  Volunteer at an animal shelter.  Or offer to go to the grocery store for a sick or elderly neighbor.  Do something to make someone else smile, and it will make you smile, too.  Inspire us with your stories here!  But first, read on for a list of ways to celebrate on February 14th.

 

Courtesy of HARO subscriber Sheryl Kurland. Sign-up for FREE, weekly, email “Time-Tested Relationship Tips” from couples married 50+ years!

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50 Cheap Valentine’s Day Gifts For Your Sweetheart (Without Looking Cheap)

If you’re like most couples, you’re watching your pennies this year and looking for ways to romance your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day without breaking the bank. The following list will help:

1. Create an indoor picnic with available props, i.e., picnic tablecloth, paper goods. Share finger foods and favorite treats along with a glass of wine. Spice up “dessert.” Enjoy your picnic on the living room floor or in bed. Play card games, board games, or make up your own.

2. Decorate a unique-looking jar or box with craft items. Write numerous love notes on small pieces of paper and fill the jar with them. Present the jar to your sweetheart.

3. There are many local and national Valentine’s Day giveaway contests with great prizes. Enter as many as you can and maybe you’ll get lucky.

4. For young couples with kids, get them involved in an all-family fun Valentine’s Day dinner at home. Mom can prepare a dessert for two and light the candles while dad puts the kids to bed.

5. Since Valentine’s Day is on a Saturday, celebrate with a day full of low-cost activities you both enjoy doing (depending upon your location and weather). Do something with your significant other that he/she rarely has time to do, but loves.

6. Take a 2-hour, one-time salsa or tango dancing lesson together. Or, identify some other interest you share and find a place to give you one-time extended lesson on Valentine’s Day.

7. Gals…Make the entire day full of his favorites: the breakfast of his dreams, the dinner of his dreams, TV that is his favorite, his music, etc. Don’t say anything about it, surprise him all day long.

8. Take the person you love to experience something spectacular in nature: a sunset, a sunrise, the calm of the beach, share an evening walk gazing at the moon.

9. Create a framed group of photos that put your relationship in chronological order of events, by months or years (depending on how long you’ve been together).

10. Create a CD with songs that make you think of your sweetheart, and give it to him/her.

11. Choose specialty foods, such as wine, cheese, fresh bread/dessert from a favorite bakery. Enjoy in front of your warm, toasty fireplace.

12. Create an at-home spa day for your mate. Deliver the gift in a basket filled with inexpensive candles, bubble bath, rose petals, facial mask and scrub. Then give your mate time to enjoy it. When he/she is done, heat up towels in the dryer for drying off.

13. Give each other long-lingering back rubs or head-to-toe body massages. Invest in luxurious lotion or oils.

14. Create a favorite drink together. Try all kinds of ingredients. Enjoy taste-testing. Be sure to record the ingredients, so you can make the “your” drink again on Valentine’s Day year after year.

15. Watch an old movie at home together, with popcorn and soft drinks and candy – movie-theater style.

16. Share a scrumptious dessert and latté at a local patisserie or bakery.

17. Pick a few household chores your Valentine usually does and surprise them by doing it before they get a chance, i.e., making the bed. It doesn’t sound romantic, but the thought will most certainly count.

18. Walk around a favorite part of town, stopping at a nice locale for a glass of wine and appetizers.

19. On Valentine’s Day, place three pair of sexy undies on your bed and let your mate pick out which one you should wear. It’s your secret!

20. Write a “Top 10 Reasons Why I Love You” list.

21. Since Valentine’s Day is on Saturday, if you’re a member of a wholesale club (like Sam’s or Costco) have fun eating all the free samples! Then fill in any empty holes left in your stomach by going out to lunch. (That way you won’t spend a lot of money at a restaurant!)

22. What’s a new activity you’ve both wanted to try that’s low cost? Do it. Or, how can you creatively modify it to make it low cost? Do it.

23. Leave a note on your mate’s pillow expressing how special you think he/she is. Place a couple of mints on the pillow, too (or a single rose)…all to be discovered at bedtime.

24. Guys…If you want to cook dinner, remember, she doesn’t care what you make. There are many easy recipes on food web sites that look like you spent hours in the kitchen. Be imaginative and set the table special. Play romantic music softly while you dine. Leave the clean-up until morning!

25. Guys or Gals…When you make that special dinner…Just like when you go to a fancy event and a “dinner menu” is put on each plate describing each food item, do something similar. For example, on your menu, write “Spaghetti & Meatballs, made with passion to be with YOU.” Don’t forget to give your “event” or “restaurant” a name at the top of the menu.

26. Make a simple dinner at home, then go out dancing or to listen to live music at a jazz club.

27. Buy two champagne flutes for use on Valentine’s Day only to annually toast your love. Keep them in a visible location as a year-round reminder of how special you are to each other.

28. Play a sport together that you haven’t played in awhile, or that you rarely get a chance to enjoy. Before you start, determine what the “winner” gets (making it something to do with caring, loving, etc.).

29. Leave a “racy” picture on your mate’s cell phone. Text a romantic message at a time of day when you know things get hectic.

30. Present your Valentine IOU coupons: I will make dinner; I will do the laundry; I will take care of the kids one day a month for the next year; I will clean the kitchen for a week; I will serve you breakfast in bed.

31. Together, go “shopping” at a sex-toy store without spending any money. It’ll give you ideas and get you “in the mood.”

32. The tough economy has lured many upscale restaurants to have high-end early-bird specials. Find out what’s available in your area.

33. Some volunteer fire departments use holiday fauna to create flower and rose bouquets as a fund-raiser. Prices are reasonable; just get there early.

34. If she loves chocolate…Take her on a chocolates tour. Find your hometown chocolate purveyor and ask for a behind-the-scenes tour. Next, go to a restaurant that serves her favorite chocolate dessert. Return home to snuggle with a cup of hot chocolate.

35. Use a bar of soap to draft a love note on your bathroom mirror. Or, if you shower first, write a love note to your sweetheart in the steam on the mirror.

36. Write “I love you because….” notes and insert them into balloons. Blow up the balloons, and spread the balloons throughout your bedroom for your Valentine to pop and capture each message.

37. Many drug stores with photo departments offer a variety of Valentine’s Day specials to make gifts from photographs. Use a good picture of the two of you together.

38. Make homemade chocolate-covered strawberries: 1) Melt a package of chocolate chips in a double boiler and add a small amount of oil; 2) Remove from heat and quickly dip the strawberries into the chocolate; 3) Place on wax paper and refrigerate for several hours until chocolate is firm.

39. Guys…If you want to order flowers for your gal, supermarket florists are generally half the price of the stand-alone or on-line stores, but the trick to for seeing real savings is to order two weeks or more in advance and pay for the flowers up front………..Another trick to save money, get other guys who want to order flowers to join you and place your orders to the same florist all at once. The florist may give you a “bulk” discount. Again, important to plan ahead.

40. Plan a scavenger hunt. Write clues and place them in envelopes, and place the envelopes around town. Make the final clue a doozey of a destination.

41. Get a small radio and take your partner dancing at a romantic hideaway, such as the woods or riverfront or ocean.

42. Use fabric paint to decorate a Valentine’s Day pillowcase for your loved one. Check arts-and-crafts web sites for other easy-to-make gifts.

43. What did you do on your very first date? Repeat it.

44. Create a year-long calendar with photos of just the two of you above (top page) each month. Office supply stores will insert the spiral/binding for you.

45. Have a progressive dinner. If you’re single, appetizers at his place. Entrée at her place. The middle course, dessert, after-dinner cordials…map it out a few days ahead. If you’re married, one course at home, one course at her office, his office, etc. Use your imagination to set locations!

46. Write new “updated” wedding vows, both serious and humorous, and share them with each other over a glass of wine in a candlelit room.

47. In the morning, tuck a love note in his pocket or her pocketbook or other certain-to-be-found spot. Jot down some meaningful words on a piece of paper – “Can’t wait to wrap my arms around you tonight!”; “What’s for ‘dessert’?”; “You make me happy every day!” – and tuck it in a conspicuous location to be easily discovered during the day.

48. Have a 15-minute kissing session and try some new ways and places to kiss. The same old smoocheroo can get boring. Use your imagination…and perhaps a little whipped cream, chocolate syrup, etc.

49. If you don’t have a special sweetheart, focus on bringing a smile or laughter to everyone you come in contact with on Valentine’s Day.

50. What are your mate’s quirks and habits that irk you? Don’t nag about any of them the entire day. Then try to extend the no-nagging effort to every day of the year. Remember, you’re never going to change the other person.

Success in Fitness, in Life

It's not in plain sight, but it's been catching my eye lately.  Success.  It's on a greeting card I saved, a card I received when I graduated from Syracuse University way back when, and I put it into a frame.  I've kept it for all of these years, and each time I read it, it makes me think about being a better person, for myself, and for others in my life.  It's often attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson, although there has been some debate.

Regardless, you can read it below, and hopefully each time you read it, it will make you think about being a stronger, smarter and nicer person, maybe make you think about paying it forward.  That brings a smile to my face, just thinking about you being inspired by it as well. 

Success

To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.  This is to have succeeded.

Tell us what inspires you, whether it's to succeed in business, in fitness, in family.  Share your story below.