There are multiple components of a healthy lifestyle. These components include adequate sleep, sound nutrition, and a positive attitude toward fitness to name but a few. Yet there is one non-negotiable element that must be part of our lives to realize optimum health: exercise. If this unavoidable lifestyle choice must be a part of our lives, we should put thought into what are the most effective and efficient ways to do it, ways that bring both joy and fulfillment. I personally tend to believe that group exercise, whether in a group fitness class, outdoor sports or running group is the best way to go. I have seen groups transform and inspire each other beyond what the individual thought possible at the beginning of a program. There are social benefits and a bit of healthy competition inherent in group or partner exercise as well. Does science back up what I have actively been part of and continue to promote? Yes and no.  

YES
There are benefits to social exercise, as recently documented in an Oxford University study, which found that rowers had higher endorphin levels when they trained in a group rather than, by themselves. The researchers conclude, “Acting as a group and in close synchrony seems to ‘ramp up’ pain thresholds. The underlying endorphin release may be the mechanism that underpins communal-bonding effects that emerge from activities like religious rituals and dancing.”

Six years ago when I saw my first compost bin I thought my mom had gone overboard with her gardening. The compost, to me looked like a pile of hot leaves, fruit peels and worms. I didn’t share her enthusiasm for the worm rich soil she had been producing in her compost bin, although, I had to admit that the vegetables grown from that soil looked and tasted amazing. I naively thought that dirt was dirt and was unaware that gardeners regard compost as “black gold” or “gardener’s gold” because of its remarkably beneficial properties. Happily there is a tremendous amount of information on the Internet about composting. I spent a few hours of reading and watching how-to guides, do’s & don’ts and “make your own compost bin in 2 minutes”. Making your own bin looked easy enough, but you need to have scrap wood or wooden pallets. We opted for Home Depot materials only to find that the materials for purchase did not match and would be more expensive then the already made heavy plastic version they had on site.

January is often filled with resolutions for better health, fitness and weight loss. Perhaps you too find yourself making a list of things you want to change about your body and health for the New Year.  As you go through this introspective process it’s important to keep in mind that each of us is unique. We were all born with a specific body type and body shape based upon our genetics. Although we can't change our genetics, we can take charge of our shape and our health. To do this we need to understand our individual shape and put together a workable and enjoyable fitness plan to achieve the best version of ourselves. Below is an excerpt from my new book, Your Best Body Now.  The book was released this month and it is my intention to help others pursue the healthiest version of themselves.   

To a Happy and Healthy You In 2010!

Body Types & Body Shapes

Do you know your body type? Are you friends with your unique form? How much control do have over your shape and level of fitness and how much is defined by your genetic code? We would like to start this journey to unleash the best you possible by reminding you (and us) of a truth we all intuitively know:  beauty and love can be found in many variations of our life experience when we consciously look for them.

• Gift of Workout Accountability
• Offer to be the person’s workout partner, offer to help with goal setting and progress tracking. You can also create your own fitness challenge with friends, coworkers or family. Set fitness goals and make it a fun competition.

$2- $5

• Make a workout music mix. Create a customized workout cds that will keep your friend or family member motivated through their workouts.
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