Posted by Jennifer Popper on Sun, Jan 25, 2009 @ 04:51 PM
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.
Posted by Jennifer Popper on Tue, Jan 20, 2009 @ 07:47 AM
Snow. It's only mid-January, with many more Winter days left until the sun shines and we can put those parkas back into the closet. Personally, I've lost patience with it, with icy and slick roads; with snow sneaking in between pants legs and boots, making for some chilly feet; and with the worry that I'll have to reach out to clients to let them know that classes are canceled.
Yes, the snow is beautiful as it comes down, at first a few white spots standing out on the hood of your car, and then the sidewalks are blanketed by whiteness. But I hate to be cold. When I'm cold, I just want to curl up on the couch under a blanket; any motivation to exercise is lost.
However, I recently came across an inspiring list. It's called 10 Things to Love About Yoga in the Winter, which is posted on the Florian Yoga blog. Take a look.
- Not having to wake up quite so early to do your practice while the sun is rising.
- More
time to attend workshops on the weekends when it's not competing with
yard work (understandably, gardening IS yoga for many of us...but not
so much for me)
- How well our twisting postures prepare us for shoveling.
- A warm toasty studio or meditation spot on an icy cold day.
- That
yoga allows us to practice impermanence. That all sensations (in this
case, cold ones) pass (unless you live on the North Pole).
- Snow cancellations give us "extra" time that we can use to practice, read, meditate.
- A meditation walking through a snow storm and listening to the sounds (a kind of buffered quiet I've never heard elsewhere)
- Bundling up in blankets for savasana.
- Heating up your body all on your own through a vigorous practice.
- More opportunities to stay indoors and develop a home practice.
To which of these points can you most relate? What inspires you to emerge from that flannel PJ cocoon we tend to wrap ourselves in when Winter rears its blustery head? Motivate others with your secrets to fitness sucess by leaving a comment below.
Posted by Jennifer Popper on Sat, Jan 10, 2009 @ 11:55 AM
In Nia we say…“Through Movement We Find Health”
After taking just one class, I knew Nia was the life-style practice for me. Nia has changed the way I think about traditional fitness. I now prefer listening to my body and being guided by the pleasure principle, “if it feels good, do it”, moving in a way that fits my needs at that moment. People of all ages and all levels of fitness enjoy Nia.
Thanks to Nia, I have an enhanced self-awareness and the creative and expressive parts of me are now present. I have experienced improvement in flexibility, agility, mobility, stability, strength, cardio capacity and balance.
Nia is a total experience allowing me to reach my full potential…in body, mind, emotion and spirit.
Gracene Mehlman
Certified Nia Instructor
Learn more at NiaNow
Join Gracene on Mondays at 6:40 p.m. at Studio Fitnesss to experience Nia for yourself!
Want to hear another woman's story? Check out Nia: A Cure for Shame from MORE Magazine.
Posted by Jennifer Popper on Sat, Jan 03, 2009 @ 05:28 PM
We've said good-bye to 2008, and have welcomed in the New Year. If you are like the majority of people who make resolutions, losing weight or beginning an exercise program is high on your list. But how do you plan to stay motivated on the path to a healthier you? We're sure that music plays a part in your fitness routine, so we want you to share the kick-butt tunes that inspire you to keep going.
For instance, when I decided to give jogging a try, I was at a point where I was close to home, exhausted, and ready to quit. Walking was how I was going to finish, proud that I'd gotten as far as I had, but not happy that I was a 'quitter' in my own mind. And then, that song came on my IPod. It started slow, but then sped up, motivating me to speed up as well. Walking... I think not! Fat Boy Slim's song with changing tempo inspired me to run, to round that last curve to the home stretch as a winner!
So, dear Studio Fitness fan, we want to hear from you. What song encourages you to stick with your exercise routine and why? Inspire others, and you have the chance to win an itunes gift card so you can load up that mp3 player and attain your fitness goal!
In the comments section below, enter the name and artist of the tune that most motivates you to keep moving, and more importantly, why. Studio Fitness instructors are not eligible; all entries due by January 20th at 11:59 p.m.