Listen to my podcast from my recent interview with Brant Secunda, a shaman, healer and ceremonial leader in the Huichol Indian tradition of Mexico and Mark Allen, a six-time Ironman World Champion, also known as “The World’s Fittest Man” by Outside Magazine and “The Greatest Triathlete of All Time” by Triathlete magazine as we discuss more about Fit Soul Fit Body.

We discussed overexercising, Seasonal Affective Disorder, giving ourselves permission to “go within and find the light inside ourselves,” the benefits of a spiritual process called Nerika and more.

Interview with Brant Secunda and Mark Allen

** Recording volume differs from computer to computer – You may need to turn up your volume.
You won’t want to miss what Brant and Mark have to say.

For more information: Visit www.fitsoul-fitbody.com and return here often as I’ll be including some of the tips and keys that both Mark and Brant present in their book.

Personally, I found Fit Soul-Fit Body to be very insightful and recommend it as a go-to holistic guide for your own personal well-being.

Enjoy your journey!

In The Happy Body you’ll see detailed step-by-step photographs, charts and formulas with written instructions.  The book is beautifully illustrated and also offers a spiritual component.  The Gregoreks believe that as people perform the exercises on a daily basis, their lives develop a rhythm that helps them become calmer, more meditative, more relaxed and more mindful.

This is one of six of those tips I mentioned earlier and I’ll continue to present more in the days ahead.   Set achievable goals and each step will take you closer.

1. Change your idea about it.
Stop thinking about exercise as a way to burn calories and counteract overeating.  You will never lose weight through exercise.  Start thinking of exercise as a way to combat aging.  With this vision, you can learn to exercise properly.  Start by measuring your current flexibility, strength, speed, body type, and posture.  Now you can set meaningful exercise goals.

As with any exercise or weight loss program, check with your doctor if you have specific questions about your personal needs and goals.

What is it you ask?

Working out together and that can mean a fitness routine, dancing, hiking and the list goes on as you’ll hear first hand as I recently had the opportunity to interview Jerzy Gregorek, co-author of The Happy Body book.  Jerzy and Aniela Gregorek  are world weightlifting champions and founders and head coaches of the UCLA weightlifting team. Aniela is a 5-time World Weightlifting Champion who holds 6 world records, and Jerzy is a 4-time World Weightlifting Champion with one world record.  They also own a successful fitness coaching practice in LA, and have written a new book called The Happy Body: The Simple Science of Nutrition, Exercise, and Relaxation.

We discussed a lot and I’ve included the full podcast below so you can listen to Jerzy’s wisdom and ideas for a healthier lifestyle.

Interview with Jerzy Gregorek

And below you’ll find Four Reasons to work out together from Jerzy and Aniela:

Creates “us” time. How often do you and your partner complain that you don’t spend enough quality time together? When you work out as a couple it doesn’t feel like a chore or an obligation. It’s an activity you get to share that feels great and creates a bond. Studies show the endorphins you get from working out also boost libido!

Keeps you motivated. When one of you is tired or feeling lazy, the other partner can boost your morale and cheer you on. Research has long shown that embarking on a health and fitness plan with a partner increases the likelihood that you’ll both keep at it and achieve your weight and fitness goals.  

Shows you care. Is your guy working hard to be healthy and vigorous for you? Does your gal make you proud to call her your wife? Investing the time, energy, and commitment in your health and your fitness is a beautiful way of saying, “I love you.”

Reduces stress. Life is stressful, and relationships can be too. But we’ve found that working out together each day is a great time to release pent-up frustration. By the end of a vigorous workout session with your partner, you will both feel relaxed and happy.  For us, it’s better than couples counseling!

More info:
The Happy Body: The Simple Science of Nutrition, Exercise, and Relaxation (www.thehappybody.com) is also the winner of six national and international awards in the category of health and fitness books.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

One of the destination spas that I enjoy sharing with others is Rancho la Puerta in Tecate, Mexico.  You’ve seen some other recent posts here based on my latest adventure to the Ranch and I’m so grateful to have spent time at La Cocina que Canta.  This is the Cooking School and Culinary Center at the Ranch and offers a sensory experience, which is nothing short of amazing.

For many, this could also be a life changing experience.   I lost my husband due to complications of diabetes and although I did my best at the time with cooking healthy, this could have been (and I’d like to say would have been), a stronger catalyst for both of us to experience together.   I wouldn’t call him a foodie, however we loved watching the Food Network and participating in a workshop with someone like Rick Bayless would have been memorable.

Getting back to the present and another Mindful Adventure brings me to my La Cucina experience.  Chef Tanya Holland of Brown Sugar Kitchen was our visiting teacher and everything from the moment we gathered for our short ride to La Cucina to the organic garden tour to the main event of cooking and enjoying the fruits of our labor was an experience I’ll never forget and one I hope to enjoy often.

Our group (full at 16) that day had such a great time together and when I close my eyes I can smell the fragrant garden and just taste the sweetness of the just-picked tomatoes and herbs.  I learned a lot that day, including how to properly chop chives (thank you Chef!).

This quote comes to mind:

“Everyone has a doctor in him or her; we just have to help in its work.  The natural healing force within each one of us is the greatest force in getting well.  Our food should be our medicine.  Our medicine should be our food.  But to eat when you are sick, is to feed your sickness.”  – Hippocrates

I’d also like to mention how beautiful La Cucina is as the colorful hand-painted tiles and murals, the wrought iron gate and fireplaces set the mood for the class and the teaching kitchen is something that I think any of us would love to have in our own home.

Enjoy your journey!

Nutritious and Delicious!

Plans for the summer? Thinking about leading a healthier life? Canyon Ranch has a lot going on this summer to help you make this your best summer ever.

If you’re already familiar with Canyon Ranch, then you know how much there is to do and how their classes and services can help you get back on track with fitness and nutrition.

If not, then continue reading about the benefits of a worthwhile trip to Canyon Ranch. By the way, Canyon Ranch offers a full program in both Tucson, AZ and Lenox, MA. If you’re looking for a beach resort, then the newer Miami Beach location is one to consider. The details below are based on the Tucson location due to the lower rates offered in the summer, which makes it one of the best values for a destination spa adventure.

When traveling to Canyon Ranch, it’s great to balance out your stay and focus on nutrition, fitness and spirituality. The programs offered will enrich your life and you’ll leave with the tools required to really make a difference. It’s about ‘lifestyle’ changes and not a quick fix.

Meals are delicious and nutritious and with such a wide variety you’re sure to find something that you enjoy. Meals display nutrition information so you can see how many calories you’re eating, as well as fiber, fat, protein and carb content. And, cooking demos are available as well and you can learn the basics of cooking healthy and bringing what you learned home and into your own kitchen.

With a wide variety of fitness options, you may even find something new to try and perhaps engage further when you return home. From Yoga, to Pilates to Dance; you’ll feel energized and build self-confidence as well. Meet with a Canyon Ranch exercise physiologist and get to know your body better so you can build on your strengths.

The Spirituality program at Canyon Ranch is one of the best in the country and whether you’re seeking to find ‘calm’ in your hectic life or enhance your meditation practice, you’ll find an array of options available. On my last visit I spent time with Lisa for a soul-coaching session and it brought me a sense of peace and helped me to go deeper into my own spirituality practice, something that I continue to work on at home.

Canyon Ranch is like a luxury camp for adults, and when you experience all of the possibilities of how you can create a healthier and more balanced life, you will know that every moment you spent at Canyon Ranch brought you closer to the ‘you’ that you always wanted to be. A healthy lifestyle takes work, however when you have the tools to make it happen, it’s so much easier and you can see the results.

Summer Promotions (and beyond):
1. Two New/Two Terrific. If you’re both new to Canyon Ranch, this is for you. Share time with a girlfriend or your significant other and learn healthier skills together so you can support each other for a lifetime of good health.

2. Celebrate You. If you’re going solo, this may be for you.

3. In the Neighborhood. If you live in California (or Arizona), then this is THE BEST value!

4. Graduate Promotion. Okay, this is when I think, “If I knew then what I know now, I’d have gone to Canyon Ranch when I first graduated!” If you’re a graduate or know a graduate, this is a great opportunity to share a room and save and go forth into the world armed with all the tools necessary for a healthier life.

Visit www.canyonranch.com for more information or feel free to e-mail me at donna@mindfuladventures.com

To your health, always!