From the Founder: Sleep Spa

Sleep for me these days seems like a luxury. Lately, I just can’t seem to get enough. Last night, or afternoon I should say, I fell asleep at 6pm! No, I am not 70- I know most of you are wondering my age since falling asleep at that time seems to be the norm of the people living in a retirement community.

As much as my current lifestyle requires more hours for work and somehow I still put a decent amount of time into my social life, I am learning to give in to sleep. In this go-getter era, our lifestyles rarely allow us to give in to sleep except on the weekends and even then most of us feel guilty that we are wasting our time or that it is not allowed. After reading this week’s guide, I know most of you are thinking (whether there is a sleep spa in your city or not) There is no way I could break away from work for a nap!

Now back when I worked 9 – 5, I could see where that mentality comes from, but at the same time if I think hard enough I could really add some wasted time spent on Instant Messenger, Email, Chatting in the Lunch Area, etc. All of which could add up to 20 minute increments which if I had known back then would have traded for some ZZZ’s.

Napping of course is not something we need everyday. Even though an afternoon rest is a part of the European and Latin American cultures as Susan mentioned, we Americans need moderation for both setting the time aside and accepting the fact that it's OK to shut down just like a computer and reboot 20 minutes later.

When Susan shared the experience she and her friend had at Yelo in her Spa Blog, I wanted our BalanceBoost readers to know more. One of the things she told me that stuck out was how she woke up naturally. She said that they simulated a sunrise with the LED light which as most of us nappers know when we pass or voluntarily take a nap, sometimes waking up comes with a jolt of confusion- was I sleeping? how long was I sleeping? or from the noise of an annoying alarm. Most of know that feeling sometimes defeats the whole rest that we got from the nap and in
Susan’s feature, she told us about the benefits sleep has on our skin and appearance. Now napping, for me at least, has more value to it, because not only am I hoping to increase my energy and concentration when I wake up, I may also be contributing to my aesthetics.

Even though I have not been to a sleep spa yet, I definitely recommend that you try it once just to have the experience to compare to a cup of coffee, energy drink or to see what you look like after (it's not a makeover, keep your expectations in the realistic zone).

So sleep away and you may wake up looking better and ready to conquer the world! Source: http://balanceboost.blogspot.com/

Sway, Swing and Rock your Way to Better Health

Healthy Living
Physical Activity

What can dance do for your health?

In addition to promoting cardiovascular health, muscle tone, balance and posture, dance improves your immune system and elevates your mood.

Maximize Your Fat Burning Potential

Physical Activity
By Kevin Koskella

Are you frustrated by that stubborn fat that seems to stay with you no matter how hard you work out or exercise? Are you getting annoyed that no matter how you eat, you cannot seem to lose that extra 10 pounds you’re carrying around with you?

Physical Activity

Healthy Living — Physical Activity
Leaner, Longer and Stronger
Humera Sayeed

Often described as an intelligent and precise approach to exercise, Pilates continues to gain popularity worldwide.

Introduced to North America in the early 1920s by Joseph Pilates, the exercise method focuses on lengthening and strengthening the muscles by creating a union between mind and body. It helps people of all ages stay fit, increase flexibility, improve posture and get rid of back pain.

Lynne Stewart, a Pilates instructor at Sol Pilates in Markham, Ontario believes that the exercise tackles the body’s imbalances caused by daily activities and helps alleviate stress. “Activities such as long hours in front of a computer or driving can cause many muscle imbalances. Pilates programs create a balance in muscles and hence, lead to a healthier posture,” she says.

Pilates can be practiced either at home or with a certified instructor in a studio environment. Depending on the instructor, class settings can vary from one-on-one training to group training of up to 20 people. Commonly Pilates is practiced two to three times a week, but results will depend on each individual.

Different types of Pilates

Over the years, many instructors have developed their own versions of Pilates programs, based on the fundamental principles taught by Joseph Pilates. Mari Winsor creator of Winsor Pilates has taught her program for over 15 years in the United States. Former professional dancer, Moira Merrithew created Stott Pilates, a contemporary approach to the exercise regime.

“The programs have evolved based on various things including recent research into biomechanics and anatomy,” Stewart says. “While all the programs have similarities, the general public is primarily aware of the popular ones such as Winsor (Pilates) or those with a strong international presence such as Stott Pilates.”

Other Pilates programs include Body Harmonics Riverdale Pilates and Body Control.

Pilates vs. Yoga

The core teachings of Pilates and Yoga are quite similar to one another, yet both differ in their practice. Both forms of exercise focus on creating unison between mind and body. Each one develops, tones and increases muscle flexibility by using the natural resistance created during movement.

Pilates principles include proper alignment, centering, concentration, control, precision, breathing and flowing movement – all similar to Yoga’s core teachings.

The main difference is that while Pilates concentrates on developing core strength in the body and proper alignment in the spine, Yoga focuses on the wellbeing of body in unison with mind.

Breathing techniques also differ in the two styles of exercise and therefore, offer different results. Pilates requires inhalation through the nose and exhalation through the mouth while, Yoga teaches inhalation and exhalation through the nose only.

Being careful, not careless

It is advisable that one learns Pilates from a well-trained instructor. “Without the guidance of a well-trained instructor, a person may move too quickly, too far into a range or overuse certain muscles,” Stewart says.

It is important to let your instructors know of any injuries and medical conditions, so that he or she can help you focus on strengthening that area or deal with that problem. Always consult your physician before attempting any exercise program.