Take some time for me!

Today I took a yoga class! So, you're probably asking what's so exciting about that. Well, being a teacher makes it that much harder to take time for my own workouts. It's so much more fun being the student. I actually love taking classes because I don't have to think about my workout. I can just show up and follow the teacher's lead. I was feeling sore and stiff, so this was much needed. A good thing about teaching at YAS (a yoga and spin studio)is, I get to take all the classes I want for free!

True or False - Indoor cycling makes your legs bulky?

After teaching an indoor cycling class at YAS Downtown LA, a student comes over and says "I liked the class but i am scared to spin too much, my friend said her legs got really bulky from cycling." My reply? Well, not to brag, but there i stood - toned and lean (not bulky). I said, "Do I look bulky?" She smiled coyly. I continued, "I teach 8 classes a week." Enough said. It is a myth that cycling makes your legs bulky. However, the key is to add resistance to your ride and roll with good form. When you cycle without resistance it can bulk your legs up. So if you ever find yourself in a spin class, remember to tap it up!

The truth of the matter is spinning helps to strengthen your core, sculpt your legs, burn calories and sweat our toxins. It is a great cardio workout and it's fun, fun, fun! As a matter of fact I am going to teach a class now!

Ciao!

How do you stay so fit?

People always ask how I stay so fit. What do I do? Do I follow a special diet? I always say I'd be a millionaire if I wrote a best selling book about how to get fit. Actually that's not a bad idea... but for now, I want to blog about it. I live in downtown Los Angeles and lead a very active life as a fitness instructor. I teach boot camp, spin and yoga classes and I have a handful of personal clients I work with. So that keeps me busy enough, I also model and act as gigs come up.





So back to the question at hand, how do i stay so fit? I'll try to sum it up:

• I exercise at least 5 days a week, multiple times a day.



• I walk a lot!



• I eat pretty good, but I am not obsessive about it (i.e. I don't feel guilty when I have an occasional pint of Ben and Jerry's Mint Chocolate Cookie! MMmmm! (occasional being the key words!))



• I laugh a lot



• I play a lot



• I have fun



• I stay informed on subjects dealing with health & fitness



• I make the effort

The decision to live better was a life choice. This decision has affected me mentally, emotionally, physically, socially, and even spiritually. Just a little about my background, I never played sports, in fact I was quite uncoordinated growing up. I was always thin, but not the least bit healthy. My food staples were McDonald's and Taco Bell. The only vegetables I knew were canned, and four fruits ruled my world-apples, grapes, bananas and oranges. When I was 20, my doctor told me I had high cholesterol and if I didn't make some changes I would need some meds. I took that news seriously! I started working out that week. I didn't know what I was doing but figured an hour on the elliptical was better than sitting around. If I had to grade my health at that time, I would give it a D. My endurance was terrible and I couldn't even touch my toes. My only saving grace was walking across the college campus daily. When I heard the news from my doctor, it motivated me to change my lifestyle. It has been quite a journey from being the "fat", skinny girl with high cholesterol to the fitness chick I am today. I just want to share how i stay fit and inspire others. You don't have to be an athlete or expert to change your life. Just the motivation, drive and follow-through to say enough is enough and mean it!

My main motivation is quality of life. I want to experience all that life has to offer and I want to have fun and be happy! I know my chances are much greater the healthier I am. Join me on this fitness journey!