You may or may not know that I write a weekly fitness column on Lifetime Television, at mylifetime.com. It’s true – my approach to fitness is “kinder, gentler” – I don’t want anyone to abuse or torture themselves in the name of exercise – so, I’ve gotten a lot of questions over the years regarding knee pain/knee rehab/knee recovery (especially from all you ex-dancers!!) Click HERE to get the scoop.
Water can not be underestimated and I found this book to be really fascinating – nice that a medical doctor is taking a simple (and FREE) approach to wellness, instead of aggressively pushing other methods (like pharmaceuticals or surgery). According to the author, Batmanghelidj, an Iranian trained doctor, symptoms like fatigue, anxiety or depression indicate dehydration, not just a dry mouth. He discusses water in relation to ulcers, arthritis, heart disease and even cancer…super interesting, and worth your time. He avers that by staying hydrated you will more likely stay healthy, thin and disease-free.
I know for me, when I’m hydrated I have way more energy…I always try to drink up before class, so my voice works well too. WATER: FOR HEALTH, FOR HEALING, FOR LIFE is available in paperback for about $10. I’ve gotten a lot of my clients and friends to read it and they all say it was eye-opening.
I’m pregnant everyone! 33 weeks along, which means I’m officially “waddling”. I haven’t mentioned it because I didn’t want the blog to become a pregnancy blog. And, for the record, I’m not making a pre-natal exercise dvd. I thought about it (and my pal Erin O’Brien, a pre-natal dvd superstar, encouraged me to make one at the six month mark) but you know, I just don’t feel like an expert, as this is my first pregnancy.
Since after the first trimester, which felt like three months of seasickness, I’ve been feeling great…just a little more tired than usual. I’ve learned so much about the genius that is the human body and I am so grateful to have this experience. For all you women out there worried about pregnancy weight gain, here’s what I have to say: 1. everyone is soooooo nice to pregnant women. I get many more smiles on the street and doors held open for me. Such a good feeling – all of humanity is rooting for you! 2. I think a lot of the weight gain is retention of fluids and increase of blood volume, at least that’s what it feels like. I’ve gained about 25lbs so far and have about 4-6weeks left, so my “grand total” will probably be around 30lbs. I’ve been THE MOST PICKY EATER, very specific cravings (Goober sandwiches!) but no overeating at all. When I’m done, I’m done. I am constantly drinking beverages. I’ve had gallons of lemonade. I don’t think the weight is “fat” or “stuck” to my hips forever. Stay tuned on this one…3. My exercise intensity is DEFINITELY more moderate. I sometimes see pregnant women go for a hardcore workout. From my point of view, wow, that’s wild! I guess every woman’s pregnancy is different…but a 40minute walk has been my favorite, next to swimming in the ocean. I actually love feeling “softer” and I think that’s the healthiest state for the baby.
People have asked me, if as a fit pro, does the body change/expansion ‘freak me out” – a totally logical question, by the way. I thought it would, but the process is just so cool. What bugs me is not being larger, but being less physically able. I can’t carry heavy boxes up the stairs. Pre-pregnancy, I was very self-sufficient and now, I need help and things aren’t getting done because I have to wait for assistance! (Re-enforcing the notion that having a certain level of physical fitness is empowering!) I’ve learned how important core strength is too.
I’d love to hear what you all have to say about workout intensity during pregnancy. Some women, like I said, still really go for it. Some women, like me, mellow out a bit.
I’ll be sure to blog about the baby when he/she arrives and fill you in on the adventure of childbirth! 
EB
Gas prices, climate control, and global warming are big topics right now. We seem to be looking at politicians to “rescue” us…It can get depressing after a while and the popular chant, “Drill, Baby, Drill” is worrisome. I think the solution resides in everyone doing a little something, whatever that may be. Think to yourself, “What can I do?” Here’s what I can do and do do – I recycle. I do all my laundry in cold wash. I also ride my bike whenever and where ever possible.
My bike is famous in my neighborhood – lots of people have stopped and asked where I got it. I’ve had it for four years now. It cost $100 – got it at Walmart, not ashamed to say…worth every penny. People think I had to pay much more for it ’cause it’s so cute and sturdy. What’s great is I sit upright and I can wear flipflops and skirts and tube-tops. Honestly, it never seems like exercise, even when it is! My purse goes in my basket and sometimes, Roxy (the dog) goes in the basket! Riding my bike is a painless way for me to help the environment. That’s what you’ve got to discover for yourself – a painless way to help the environment. Maybe it’s riding a bike like me, or maybe it’s something else….
Here's my bike, aka, "Moon Dog." The basket makes it really handy for errands. And, no parking tickets!
I used to only drink bottled water, but getting a water filter has helped me reduce my bottle use. (This wasn’t so painless as I was a water snob!)
I admire ultra eco-sensitive people – “off the grid” sounds exciting. Just read LIVING LIKE ED: A GUIDE TO ECO-FRIENDLY LIFE -the book features a ton of great tips on reducing energy consumption. The author is really advanced on the eco-front, yet offers little things that you can do to make a big impact. Maybe it’ll serve as inspiration.
Oh, and interestingly…my local bike shop owner said that his business is booming right now – more fat burning, less oil burning – win/win!
