Hoop it up!

Hooping is getting a lot of press lately as a fun, sassy way to get in shape. Check out this Time article on hooping.

I personally think the claim that hooping burns as many calories as running on a treadmill is a bit farfetched. It really depends on what kind of shape you're in to begin with and if hooping is hard or easy for you to do. If keeping the hoop around the waist is a challenge then you'll burn more calories than another person who can waist hoop more easily. But don't get me wrong. I think it's an excellent way to get and stay active!

I've been introducing hooping to my clients and they love it, especially when I show them how to do moves like lasso/wild west or revolving door. In additional to working the abdominal muscles, they feel muscles in their backs, arms and shoulders working when we do off-the-body, arm moves. They also find it mentally stimulating to try the moves in both directions and with their less dominate arm or leg. I love that they laugh out loud which is good for the spirit!

There is a hooping community out there for you to learn how, as well as videos on line. In addition to the hoop moves you can learn in a standard class, I'm developing ways to add it to my existing Take It Outside Fitness classes as a tool for balance, resistance, core strength, agility and cardio drills. So stay tuned! I'll be adding fun, hooping class programs in the new year.

Tabor Trot 2009!

Here's just part of the group after our runs/walks.

Thanks to everyone who came out today for the 1st Annual, Non-sactioned, Unofficial Tabor Trot. What originally started out with a few us getting together for a run to earn our pie, turned into a group of about 50 folks! Just goes to show what a community can create. Some did the 2 mile walk and others did the 4 mile run.

Incase you couldn't make it but want to get out there tomorrow for a post turkey waddle here are the routes. Also, be sure to get on our email list for future events. 2010 is gonna be really fun!

Thanks everyone and Happy T-Day! I'm truly grateful...

Dijon sesame bok choy (or greens of your choice)

Are you trying to come up with something simple, healthy and easy for Thanksgiving? Here's one of my standard potluck dishes. Be aware that I never measure anything so these amounts are guesstimates.

1-2 lbs greens (I get my bok choy at An Dong on Powell)

2 T dijon mustard

2 T toasted sesame oil

2 T soy sauce (I like mushroom soy sauce and Trader Joe's reduced sodium soy sauce)

2 T oil (olive, safflower, etc)

2 T nutritional yeast powder

garlic powder and black pepper to taste

4-6 T water

1. lightly steam the greens and rinse with cool water to stop the cooking
2. put all the other ingredients in a jar with lid and shake it, baby!
3. pour dressing over greens (if you take it to a party do this just before serving)

Enjoy!

62-Year Old Grandma -to-Be says "Take It Outside!"

I have been taking Kristin's Mt. Tabor classes for about 2 1/2 years. I have taken lots of aerobic classes in the past, but wanted to 'take it up a notch'. And Kristin does that with great enthusiasm! She is very knowledgeable. Is right there beside you and offers guidance throughout the class. Corrects 'bad form' before can I do myself damage. Helps me find ways to work through problem areas before they snowball. She is fun, interesting, caring, and a pleasure to be around. She is my teacher, but also my friend! Since taking her classes I am able to go on multi-day back-packing trips with my son, downhill ski, hike, swim, just enjoy life to the fullest. Her voice is always in the back of my brain telling me to "relax my shoulders" and "hold in my abs". And I do!! I'm 62 years old. If I can do it, so can you. You can think of all kinds of excuses, but just get off your ba-butt-ski and DO IT!!

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In class we all call Madeline the little white rabbit and the rest of us have to chase after her to keep up. She may be in her sixties, but others in class think she kicks butt and say "I want to be like her when I'm that age!" And just for the record, she has not always been a physically active person. So, see? Anyone can start a fitness routine at any age.