Step It Up

Researchers at the University of Missouri recently concluded that a sedentary lifestyle can cause harmful spikes in blood sugar after meals, contributing to such chronic issues as Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. After reducing the activity level of an otherwise healthy group of volunteers (specifically, halving their daily amount of steps), scientists found their glucose levels quickly became unstable. Fortunately, blood sugar regulation quickly resumes once the body starts moving again...so get crackin'!

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Ho-listic Bliss

William Broad seems to be on a kick these days to expose the dark underbelly of yoga. Early last month, his New York Times Magazine piece on the physical perils of yoga had some people running from their spine-tangling yoga classes. His most recent article focuses on the perversions of yoga, which will no doubt send some people running *to* their spine-tingling yoga classes. It's a shame that an industry which focuses mainly on the positives of health and wellness has some bad apples, as with the latest scandal surrounding Anusara founder John Friend. But like every other institution that involves admired figures, charismatic leaders, and perspiring, devoted followers, Shiva happens. Try not to throw the swami out with the hot tub water on this one. It's still a great way to feel good and stay centered.

Bungee Core

Is anyone else wondering about the part trampoline, part tightrope act performed by the tunic-clad Richard Simmons look-alike during the Superbowl's halftime show this past Sunday? The unusual sport, known as slacklining, started more than 20 years ago within the West Coast's rock climbing community and has branched out into various styles including...yoga slacklining. (See below as Andy Lewis, Madonna's bouncy Estruscan boy toy, strikes a fiery pose). This is one serious bungee core workout!

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Livestrong.com's Top 20 Supermarket Foods

How many of these grocery items are in your kitchen (or belly) at the moment?

Is Yoga Back-Breaking Work?

...not exactly, though the Times piece from Jan 8th may lead some readers to believe otherwise. After receiving the "How Yoga Can Wreck Your Body" article from about 10 different people, I'm putting my two cents in for both teachers and students:

Teachers:

1) Avoid giving "mixed level" classes if you can: You have a woman balancing on one foot in a standing split while the guy next to her can't get into child's pose because his quads are too tight. It's really tough to cater to both experience levels at the same time.

2) Unless you're working one-on-one with a student, avoid headstands altogether. The cervical spine is way too fragile. You only have two eyes and they're unable to carefully watch the ten necks simultaneously trying to attempt this pose during class.

3) Incorporate a bit of Pilates into each class. By helping students safely strengthen their core (both abs and lower back), you are placing more emphasis on alignment (think possible better posture) rather than flexion / extension (think potential spinal surgery).

Students:

1) Attend class with a teacher that is more concerned about joint alignment, awareness through movement, and breath work than with the guru who's encouraging scary-looking poses they'll gladly demo for anyone who will watch.

2) Be honest with yourself about which class level you should attend -- and if it is unclear to you, err on the side of caution. After 12 years, I still take a basics class from time to time, as there's always room to enhance your foundational understanding of each pose.

3) Resist the temptation to mimic the superstar on the mat next to you. It sounds super cheesy, but yoga is about understanding where you are in any exact moment on the mat; not where Sexy McFlexy is as she wraps her ankles around her head.

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Some 1984 for your 2012

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Raquel Welch's "Total Beauty and Fitness" yoga video, why not start this new year off with 90 minutes of hangover healing Hatha. Check out those classic 1980's swimsuits!

Legal Ease

Check out my holiday stress-busting tips in the most recent issue of Legal Management.