Warrior two position. Bharadvajas twist. Cat tilt pose marjariasana. Three-part breath, finally something I think I can do. If you’re like me, you’ve entertained the notion of taking a yoga class. I went so far as to take a class or two. After all, I did get a yoga mat for my birthday. It sounds great too . . . “I’m off to my yoga class.”

Well, again, if you’re like me, you’re just a tad out of shape and some of those yoga positions are, well, challenging. I might be able to get down on the mat, but who is going to help me up? I might be able to knot my legs into the lotus, but again, who will unfold me? Beginning a position on all fours; manageable, doing the stuff that comes after; not so much.

What I have learned from my foray into the world of hatha yoga is that it’s mainly about centering your spirit through breathing. That I can do. So can you. Although yoga is something I would like to master eventually, it is more important for me now to just relax, calm myself, and center my spirit. I can do that by sitting quietly in my favorite chair with music playing softly. Sit with me a moment or two. READ MORE

1.Start Slow
The first 3 - 5 minutes of exercise should be done at a slow pace. This helps to warm up your muscles and reduce the risk of injury. Gradually increase your intensity and duration in your exercise program. A 10 to 15 minute walk at a slow pace may be enough at first. Build up to 30 minutes at a time, 3 - 5 times per week.

2.Use your free time
While watching television, do 2 minutes worth of exercise during the commercials. Take advantages of your breaks at work, a quick walk will not only help you burn calories, but most likely improve your performance at work. Be creative when finding ways to fit exercise into your schedule. READ MORE

[DROP IT LIKE IT’S HOT]

[DROP THE POUNDS!!]

There is 3500 calories in 1 pound. Cut 500 cal/day for 7 days through diet and exercise and you could safely drop 1 pound a week.

[DROP THE INCHES!!]

You don’t always drop pounds as fast as you would like. Look at inches or how loosely your clothes are fitting.

[DROP THE EXCUSES!!]

I don’t belong to a gym, I don’t have time, exercising is too hard, I have bad knees…there’s an exercise for everyone no matter what kind of
shape you’re in.

[DROP THE STATISTICS!!]

Resources say overweight and obesity rates are at an all time high among minority women.

[DROP THE ATTITUDE!!]

Stay positive…YES YOU CAN!!

[DROP THE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE!!]

THE GOAL IS 120/80. Have you had yours checked??

[DROP THE CHOLESTEROL!!]
The goal is under 200. Have you had yours checked??

Join us for the Girlfriends Workouts every other Saturday at the Northside YMCA.
Click Here for our schedule
- Nicole (Seals) Towns

Desiree is a certified Group Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer for the national organization, World Instructors Training School (W.I.T.S.) and she has received numerous continual education credits from NETA (National Exercise Trainers Association). She is currently certified in the following areas of fitness- Cardio-Kickboxing, Personal Training, Fit Kids, Breath, Stretch and Relax, Sit To Be Fit, Plyometric, Step Aerobics, Can I Get a Better Body, Fitness Guidelines.

Not only helping people achieve their personal needs, but also their spiritual needs, Desiree provided services for several religious establishments and community organizations in the City of Milwaukee for over 10 years.

Her goals in 2007 are to connect with other organizations like “Girlfriends” to promote better ways for people to have fun while exercising and to acquire her Yoga certification. READ MORE

Walk 30 minutes a day for cardiovascular health. If a full thirty minutes is not available to you, break it up into 10 minute intervals. Wear a pedometer, it will measure how
many steps you take a day. Your daily goal should be 10,000 steps.

Incorporate weight training into your workout plan. Weight training can reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and bone deterioration. READ MORE