“Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn’t learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn’t learn a little, at least we didn’t get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn’t die, so, let us all be thankful.”
Benefits of Dry Brushing
I started Dry Brushing about two weeks ago and have to admit that it’s pretty cool. My skin feels so much softer now. And some how it has helped me sleep a lot better at night.
So what is Dry Brushing? Dry brushing is a technique you can use to exfoliate dead skin cells from your body.
Why do we want to do this? The largest organ is our skin. Our skin is made up several different components which include water, protein, lipids, and many different chemicals and minerals. Here is a fun fact. The average person’s skin weighs around 6 lbs. I know, right? And your skin regenerates every 27 days. We eliminate toxins from our skin to prevent illness and disease. If our largest organ, the skin, is clogged then the toxins will eventually build up in our bodies. Here is another fun fact I stumbled upon. It is estimated that the skin eliminates over a pound of waste every day.
What do we use to dry brush? You can use a natural bristle brush with a handle or if you have super sensitive skin start with a wash cloth and work your way up to a loofah. It is important to use natural bristles not synthetic.
Here is a photo of the dry brush that I use. I purchased one with a long handle so I can reach the whole back. My back can sometimes break out in acne, having a long handle was important to me. Some people prefer smaller brushes so they have better control of the movement of the brush over the skin. It is totally up to you.
Dry Brushing
If I haven’t convinced you yet that you should add dry brushing to your daily routine then look at all these amazing benefits.
*Improves muscle tone
*Rejuvenates the nervous system
*Improves circulation (preventing varicose veins and spider veins) Very important for people who have desk jobs, who travel often, or do lots of sitting)
*Helps with lymphatic drainage (without proper lymph drainage we can have weakened immune systems and possibly cancer)
*eliminates cellulite (cellulite is toxic buildup in the fat cells)
*Better nutrient absorption
*Decreased cortisol (less stress and possibly even a better nights sleep)
*Strengthens the Immune System
How do you dry brush? It is important that you dry brush only on dry skin. I dry brush before I shower. You can also dry brush before exercising or using a sauna or steam room. You start from your feet and work your way up to the head. Now I have read different kinds of techniques and I will tell you that all of them mentioned brushing towards the heart. I use long strokes and do each part of my skin five times. Some people prefer a circular motion. I prefer the longer straight stroke towards the heart.
This is the order I brush my body parts. I start with the feet, work my way up the legs, then I will brush upward on my abdomen towards the heart. Next I start from the hands and work up my arm to the shoulders. I lightly exfoliate the chest area because my skin is sensitive there. Then I will start at the lower back and finish the dry brushing on my upper back and shoulders and neck. You should never dry brush over irritated skin or sun burn. After dry brushing I get into the shower and rinse off the dead skin cells and toxins. Again, you can use a sauna or exercise to eliminate even more toxins before showering. If I have time in the shower I do the hot/cold detox water technique. This improves the circulation, closes the pores and helps with the lymph drainage.
You must take care of your brush and wash it at least once a week and dry it in a sunny place to avoid mildew.
After you are done in the shower it is important to moisturize the skin. You can use coconut oil or a botanically based lotion. You should avoid cheap lotions with petroleum and other chemicals and fillers in them including fragrance. This can clog your skin and put more toxins back into your body. One of my favorite companies for skin care is Arbonne. You can find their products here.
I also read that it can take up to two months to see an improvement in the lymph system so be patient. Like I mentioned above, I have only been dry brushing for two weeks. But my skin has never been so soft and smooth!!! And sleeping at night couldn’t be better! I hope you found this helpful.
Related articles
- Dry Brushing: Improve Your Health in Just a Few Minutes a Day (healthextremist.com)
- The Amazing Benefits of Dry Body Brushing (conqueringfearspiritually.com)
How I recovered from a lower back injury
A few weeks back I injured my lower back during warm ups at a kick boxing class. It sucked.
I am not writing this blog post to complain about the injury. I am writing this entry to tell you how I healed myself.
I went to a Chiropractor and a Massage Therapist to help with the discomfort. I also took care of myself by taking natural supplements and stretching at home.
The Chiropractor told me I had inflammation and that my lower vertebrae were jammed. This was causing a nerve to be pinched between the vertebrae. Ouch! And My Pelvic bone is slightly tilted. (Thank you childbirth)We had to unjam them and get my spine moving fluidly again.
Photo credit. White Tiger Natural Medicine
The Massage Therapist I went to was also taking Kick boxing classes. So I asked him to work on the areas of my body that he thought he would need worked on himself. First we focused on where my pain was, the lower back. He also worked on my upper legs, upper back and neck, ankles and knees. I had a tight T-Band?
He told me that all professional athletes get injured but you don’t always here about it. And when you are exercising as much as I do, you should get a massage at least once a week. But if you couldn’t do it that often then to try to get a massage once a month.
Good point. Never really thought about Massage being that important except for relaxation, right?
So I decided to look a little bit more into the whole thing via google search. LOL
This is what I found and totally agree with.
The oldest form of medicine can date back to 2,700 B.C. in Chinese Medical Literature. Massage.
Massage can lower heart rate, lower blood pressure, increase lymph flow and circulation. Massage also helps with the elimination of toxins that build up in our bodies from exercise and every day life. Massage will also help with exercise related injuries and help prevent future injuries. Let’s not forget how relaxed we feel after a great massage. It also helps with anxiety, mood, stress, depression, headaches and digestion. And who doesn’t want to recover faster after an injury? Resource – www.bodybuilding.com
I did not find a whole lot on Chiropractic while web surfing. But just from my experience I do believe that if I did not go, I would still be in pain and not exercising. Remember my fitness addiction? Chiropractic care just makes sense. All of your bones are connected and they support your muscles and organs. That is a lot of work for the poor skeletal system! If your joints aren’t moving like they should then our bodies aren’t doing as good as they should.
What I found out that helped with a quick recovery was stretching on a large exercise ball at home. I started in a squat position with my arms over my head and my back against the ball. Slowly, I rolled backwards with my back still making contact on the ball until my hands were touching the ground behind me. I did this three times in a row. Then I draped myself over the ball and just hung there. The technical term for that move would be The Wheel with ball support. If you can’t reach the floor with your hands, go as far as you think is comfortable.
Demonstration of The Wheel on an exercise ball
What also helped stretch out the spine was The Cobra Pose. If you lay on your stomach with your palms on the ground next to your shoulders, push yourself up and arch your chest up. Crack! Stretch! If your neck is tight you can roll your head in a circle from side to side.
Demonstration of The Cobra Stretch
Last but not least! Natural home remedies!
I took Organic Sulfur. I also took Noni and Mangosteen juice. And I drank 8 ounces of water with apple cider vinegar and half of a lemon squeezed into it for the pain and the inflammation.
The next time you are in pain, don’t finish the class. Don’t be a hero. It is ok. We all get injured at some point in life. It means “Slow down” Take the time to heal. Take care of yourself so you do not get injured more the next time.
For more information on products mentioned in this blog please inbox me. I prefer Organic Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar. If you click on the products above, it will also take you to where you can purchase them.
There are many other great exercises and stretching techniques not mentioned in my blog post. These are the two that were most effective for my particular injury and helped with my speedy recovery. Please feel free to comment and ask for any fitness advice. Namaste.
Related articles
- The Many Unexpected Benefits of Massage (underpressuretherapeutics.com)
- Fantastic Information For Getting The Best Benefits From Massage (klayoxyoung.wordpress.com)
Let’s go paddleboarding!
The first time I ever saw someone on a paddle board was years ago in one of those Celebrity gossip magazines. It was either Jennifer Aniston or Cameron Diaz in the ocean, balancing on what looked like a surf board with a paddle in hand. The article said something about what a great exercise paddle boarding was and how great it is for the core muscles. Both actresses have amazing athletic bodies. I really wanted to try it! Didn’t ever think I would be anywhere that I could paddle board. It seemed like a West Coast sport, not an East Coast thing. (Sometimes I think in a previous life I lived in California.)
Well guess what? I finally tried it! Last year actually. I had a few hours without the kids last Summer and went out on a lake for an hour. It was very easy actually. I enjoyed the sun as it kissed my skin. The sky was very blue that day and the clouds were fluffy cotton balls. I paddled out to the middle of the lake and sat on the paddle board. Breathed in the Summer air. Then….a black fly started biting my leg. Ouch! What the heck are you supposed to do in the middle of a lake when a black fly starts to attack you? Not cool. Not cool at all little black fly. Ruining my zen moment. Time to paddle back.
As peaceful as the paddle board experience was, I wish I had a friend out there with me to enjoy the scenery. Not the fly.
Fast forward to this Summer. My husband and I had a few hours without the kids so I suggested we go to Marsh Creek State Park for a few hours and go paddle boarding and kayaking! He agreed! Woot!
He didn’t think he could balance on a board so it was is idea to get the kayak.
Marsh Creek Boat Rental
We decided to go out on the lake for an hour. I love Summer time!!!! Just a few instructions from the rental people and we are off. The board looks brand new and it looks a bit wider then last years. I notice the name on the board is Naish. Cool. First, you start off kneeling, then you get yourself up to a standing position and balance yourself. I can already feel my shoulders getting a workout from the paddling. My feet hurt a little unfortunately because we were standing all night long at a Dave Matthews Band concert. (good times)
It really is a nice view of the lake as you are standing on the board. This time no flies to bother me and I have company. Paddle Boarding is a very social sport. We talk to a man who goes by on his kayak. And we met a few others along the way. Then I convince my husband that he should try it too. We make our way over to the other side of the lake to switch. Paddle Boarding a a fun sport to do, but it is also a great workout. I am definitely feeling it in my arms, shoulders and abs. And if you can find something that doesn’t feel like a chore to do and it helps you stay in shape then its a two thumbs up from me! On the other side of the lake we found the hiking trails and people horse back riding. I feel another challenge in the near future. (Horse Back riding)
My husband did a good job for his first time on a paddle board. But guess what found him!? A horse fly! They are worse then black flies. He nearly lost his balance and almost ended up in the lake. LOL. If only I had a video camera.
I enjoyed the kayaking too. Definitely relaxing. It is a great for toning and strengthening the upper body. It is pretty easy to do too. If you have bad knees and are looking for some cardio, kayaking could benefit you. I preferred the paddle board. It had better views of the lake and I felt it was more relaxing and more of an overall toning.
The kayak that we rented that day was a good size for my husband but too wide for me. My fingers kept getting smashed into the sides of the kayak when I paddled. Now I know that kayaks come in different shapes and sizes. He liked the paddle board better too.
Next time we go out on the lake, I might try the Yoga class on the paddle board or the kayak or paddle board racing. Fun right? I took a photo of all the kayaks so you can see the differences of shapes, colors and sizes.
If you would like more information on all the different kinds of water sports that Marsh Creek State Park has to offer click here.
I also checked out the website where the paddle board came from. They are called Naish and are from Hawaii. We might be purchasing one for next Summer. Awesome board and awesome site! Naishsurfing.com
Hopefully this weekend I will be able to try Marsh Creeks Yoga on a Paddle Board. The class is free. I just need a paddle board. Can’t wait to try it!
Big yellow kayak
Kayak lake view
Different types of kayaks
Paddle Boarding
Paddle Boarding
Related articles
3 plan to paddle board across Lake Michigan (jsonline.com)
Paddle Boarding Growing In Popularity Across Minnesota (minnesota.cbslocal.com)
I like Kicking and Punching Things!
Why my husband likes me taking Kickboxing classes. His words. “I have a smoking hot wife!”
Why my husband doesn’t like me taking kickboxing classes. When I punch him in the arm it hurts. LOL. The other day I was showing him my round kick and when my foot made contact with his back side it made a loud slapping sound. Waaap! Oops!
Boxing and Kickboxing have become one of my favorite exercise routines. 🙂 I like kicking a punching things! Don’t you?
I like kicking things!
Do you like my yellow gloves?
I like punching things!
Some days it’s hard to motivate myself to go to class because I’m feeling a bit lazy or tired. But once I get there and start kicking and punching the sand bag with my gloves my energy goes up and I feel better.
Not all places that offer kickboxing are created equal. The first time I was introduced to kickboxing was at a Martial Arts studio my son used to take karate lessons. We wore open fingered knuckle padded gloves and kicked a soft sand bag on a stand. The second place I tried kickboxing was at a local gym offering cardio kickboxing. You did not need gloves and you did not kick anything but air.
My favorite place to take Boxing and Kickboxing class is LA Boxing in Exton. You can find me there atleast three to four times in a week. I wear real boxing gloves there! And punch the crap out of an authentic black heavy sand bag that is suspended from the ceiling. So much fun! Bad day? Go to class and get your frustrations out on the bag! Ate too much and need to look good at the pool? Burn those unwanted calories of about 800 to 1,000 in an hour! But be careful not to pig out when you get home because you will be really hungry! LOL
I quit going to the regular local gym just so I can dedicate more days at LA Boxing. What is really cool about this place is how friendly everyone is. They are like a mini family to me. They are like the “Cheers” of fitness. My very first class everyone gave me fist pounds and a “good job!” It was very cool.
I have to admit that the first class I was very uncoordinated. Now I am a pro. I am faster and stronger. It’s been about three months or so since I have joined La Boxing and I have four pack abs I swear. It is awesome! The Instructors do a lot of abdominal work in the end which I love. They do it because you need a strong core. You need a strong core for everything in life actually. It will help your posture and if you have a bad back it will help incredibly.
My friend Laura quit the regular local gym as well and kicks and punches things with me. It is good to have a work out buddy. She has lost weight since she started Kickboxing and decided to start taking a few sparring lessons in the ring.
Check out Laura’s arm definition now! You go girl!
Look at those arms!
Here are some more photos of my friend Laura at Kickboxing class. Vinny the Instructor helped us out with the photos after class.
If you would like more information on LA Boxing and how to join. Click here. I promise you won’t be disappointed. You will trim down, lose weight, become stronger, feel less stress and have more energy!
My favorite pic of Laura
You want me to do a hand stand?
This is me after class
“Now that you are warmed up, I want you to find wall space and do a hand stand.” Shannon the Yoga Instructor says. The last time I ever tried to do a hand stand was when I was twelve years old. I was probably trying to be a Gymnast or something in my backyard.
It’s a small sized class. I stand back and watch the others attempt the hand stand with their feet against the wall. My Best friend Abbey does it like it’s her day job. First try and I actually did it! I, Andy, in my 35 year old body did a full hand stand! Now I can cross that off of my bucket list. 😉
The hand stand pose was one of the easier poses of the night. We also did a wheel pose while doing push ups. Wish I had a photo of that one!
This is my third class that I have taken of Shannon’s. I have to say, that it may be time to join Cirque Du Soleil! I can now brush my hair with a comb in between my toes. Just kidding. Maybe I can? Oh, never mind.
I can tell that I am becoming more flexible. After three yoga classes, I can now do The Bird of Paradise pose. I took a photograph of my best friend doing it, but can not post the photo because I know she would disapprove. So here is one I found on the internet.
Bird of Paradise
What I love about the Yoga class is that it is Vinyasa Flow or some know it as Power Yoga. And Shannon has several portable heaters in the room to make you sweat. The heat is to help you stretch further into the pose. Or to make you feel like a pretzel.
But seriously, Abbey goes to the class to help with her Hip Displesia and I go for strength and core.
Funny moment in class. The Instructor is teaching us to be light on our feet. She tells us to float forward from plank to feet in between hands without making a sound. Guess who sounded like an elephant? Me! All of five feet two inches. Probably the tiniest one in the room. Everyone got a good laugh out of it though.
Ok, so here are a few pics we took after class that day.
Learning Crow Pose
Successful Crow Pose
Side Crow
What I have learned with some of Yoga’s advanced moves is that you have to learn to trust yourself and your body.
Shannon said that eventually I will be able to do this!
Side Crow Variation
Here is one more of my friend Abbey doing The Scorpion Pose. She used to be a dancer. Can you tell?
Abbey doing Scorpion Pose
Let me sum up my experience in Shannon’s class.
I thought the class was Intermediate to Advanced. You will sweat so bring a towel. Great for stamina, strength, flexibility, improved blood circulation, better digestion, core strength. No mirrors, but I loved that Shannon is hands on and she will go around the room and correct you. It is not meditation yoga. It is more of a fast flow and breathing to get from one pose to the next. She does turn the lights off at the end of the session which is nice. She did mention that she made the last class harder because she knew she had all advanced yogis that night. She does do more beginner moves if there are beginners in her class. I am looking forward to taking her class outside of the room and outside at a local park.
To find out more information or to sign up for a free class go to
http://www.dragongym.com/index.php?page=ourprograms/yoga.htm
My Mission
Namaste
Hi everyone!
My name is Andy!
Who is addicted to fitness? (me raising both hands)
I just wanted to mention a little bit of what you will find on my blog.
I will be going to different places to try new workout routines and writing about the experience. I will also document my exercise routines or classes with my camera and photos. 🙂
I am also really into healing your body the natural way with what the earth has provided us and will post as many tips I can on being healthier from the inside out.
Pretty much anything that is health and wellness related you will see on here. I will post a few recipes, my favorite natural products, healthy snacks, supplements to take, inspiration, quotes, natural home remedies, etc. (I made an awesome natural bug spray I will post about later), places to shop.
Tonight my friend and I are heading to a local Hot Yoga class. I am bringing a towel, a mat and my good camera. Will write a post about our experience afterwards.
Enjoy your day!
Namaste
Ten Motivationa…
Ten Motivational Fitness Quotes
1. Those who do not find time for exercise will have to find time for illness. – Earl of Derby
2. Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live. – JimRohn
3. Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up. – Thomas Edison
4. Whether you think you can or whether you think you can’t, you’re right! – Henry Ford
5. The hardest thing about exercise is to start doing it. Once you are doing exercise regularly, the hardest thing is to stop it. – Erin Gray
6. Take care of your body, then the rest will automatically become stronger. – Chuang Tzu
7. The greatest wealth is health. – Virgil
8. No matter how good you get you can always get better and that’s the exciting part. – Tiger Woods
9. Pain is temporary. Quitting lasts forever. – Lance Armstrong
10. Just because you’re not sick doesn’t mean you’re healthy. – Author Unknown
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