Functional Fitness with Suzanne Andrews

Posts in the live strong category

What Food Labels Really Mean


 What food labels really mean:
by Suzanne Andrews

  1. FRUIT: If there are four numbers in the price look-up, this means that the produce was grown with pesticides.
  2. STICKER BEGINS WITH A 9: If a price look-up sticker begins with a 9, this means that the produce was grown organically.
  3. LOW FAT, LOW SUGAR, LOW CALORIE If an item is labeled "low" in a particular element, it means that you can eat several servings without exceeding the recommended daily limit. Low-fat products have fewer than 3 grams of fat per serving; low-saturated fat items have less than 1 gram per serving. Low-sodium means the food has 140 milligrams or less per serving; low-cholesterol means 20 mg. or less and fewer than 2 grams of saturated fat. Low-calorie products have fewer than 40 calories per serving.
  4. TRANS FAT: This is partially hydrogenated vegetable oil and responsible for LDL cholesterol which is the “lousy cholesterol.” LDL causes heart attacks.  If the label says no trans-fat, there still can be ½ a gram of trans-fat and if you eat a lot of that food, the trans-fat can really add up.
  5. NATURAL: The food manufacturer decides how to label their food natural. If the food does not contain added coloring, artificial flavors and/or artificial ingredients they can decide to call it natural.
  6. ORGANIC: This means that no growth hormones, pesticides, DNA altering was done to produce this food. If the label says, “made with organic ingredients that means that at least 70% was made with organic ingredients. If it says 100% organic, that means that at least 95% was made with organic ingredients. 

Source: Health US News

Suzanne Andrews founded Functional Fitness in 2008, the most popular fitness series for boomers and seniors broadcasting on over 159 Public Television stations throughout the US and Canada.

A question from a fan...

by Suzanne Andrews

Which exercise DVDs are best for someone with L4-L5 herniated disc specifically designed to flatten the abs? Also something for torn rotor cuff? Rachel L

Hi Rachel,
Thanks for writing. Herniated disc of the lumbar region exercise contraindications (things you shouldn't do) are when you combine rotation (twisting) and side-bending which creates shearing and torsion forces to the discs. This is a general answer and your doctor would be able to specifically tell you what you can and can't do. We have a workout called Vertical Ab Toner that's on our Total Strength and Conditioning DVD with three levels: seated, modified standing (gentle) and full standing workout so you never have to get on the floor. Our Get Stronger Bones has a back strength and stretch workout.  This workout has physical therapy moves that includes strengthening the accessory muscles needed for a healthy back. 

As far as your shoulders - so sorry to hear you are going through that. I had two rotator cuff injuries and I know how painful they are. Went from 0 to 99% function with lots of hard work. Again your doctor would be the one to advise you what you are able to do since I don't know your specifics.  The arthritis exercises in the Arthritis Relief may be good for your condition, provided your doctor gives you the OK.  You would need to be past the stage of doing the exercises in supine (lying down).

If your doctor says you are able to progress to active range of motion exercises, the arthritis walking workout has physical therapy exercises in it for the shoulder with an exercise band.  Start without the band and progress to active resistant exercises with the band according to your tolerance level. When it warms up, I highly recommend our Arthritis Water Therapy DVD/CD/booklet as that offers pain relieving healing moves for the entire body, including shoulders and back. 

Wishing you the best of health and a very happy New Year!

FUNCTIONAL FITNESS: ARTHRITIS WATER THERAPY WITH SUZANNE ANDREWS

Suzanne Andrews founded Functional Fitness in 2008, the most popular fitness series for boomers and seniors broadcasting on over 159 Public Television stations throughout the US and Canada. Read Suzanne’s inspiring comeback story of how she survived a near fatal accident, From Deaths Door to Producing a National Fitness Series. Feel free to send Suzanne a message here.

Osteoporosis Exercise Myth Busted

by Suzanne Andrews

Scouring the internet the other day, I was amazed to find an incredulous osteoporosis exercise claim. 

Some misinformation I came across is "ankle weights are dangerous for people with osteoporosis." 

Not correct.  Not only is the person who wrote that misinformed, they are doing people with osteoporosis a disservice.  Without going into all the medical jargon: here's the skinny on ankle weights with osteoporosis.  

Evidenced based exercises that my physical therapy and occupational therapy colleagues (and yours truly) teach patients in therapy sessions utilize ankle weights. Using weights with osteoporosis is not a contraindication. Quite the opposite. 

Your bones react to stress you place on them and that reaction is increased strength and cellular density.  Simply put - weights are a good stress and ankle weights help make your bones stronger.   

You have to be the judge as to how much weight you place on your ankles.  If you're just beginning, you can start without any weight and increase to 1 lb as you get stronger.  Gradually increase the weight according to your tolerance level.  

If you have osteoporosis, it's  also vital you strengthen your balance to prevent yourself from a fall and fracture.   Here's an exercise to give you stronger balance that is taught in physical therapy.  

STRONGER BALANCE (from Get Stronger Bones DVD)

Find a straight line.  
March slowly lifting your knee and making sure to place one foot directly in front of the other on the line.  
Land so your front heel is touching your back toes.
Reverse going backwards.  Do 1 set of 12.
It's harder than it looks!   

ADVANCED

In therapy, we will grade up a patients exercise program when they are increasing their skills.  One of the ways we do this is to have them perform the exercise on an uneven surface such as the grass.  Being a little off balance when you do this actually kicks your balance muscles and balance (proprioception neurons) into high gear and gives you stronger balance!   

If you're unsure of your balance on an uneven surface, make sure to have someone standing right by you for safety.

 

FUNCTIONAL FITNESS: GET STRONGER BONES WITH SUZANNE ANDREWS

 Suzanne Andrews founded Functional Fitness in 2008, the most popular fitness series for boomers and seniors broadcasting on over 159 Public Television stations throughout the US and Canada. Read Suzanne’s inspiring comeback story of how she survived a near fatal accident, From Deaths Door to Producing a National Fitness Series. Feel free to send Suzanne a message here.

How Can You Fight Arthritis Naturally?

by Suzanne Andrews

Arthritis is often accompanied by chronic debilitating pains that can make life difficult at best, sometimes intolerable. Today we understand better the origins of this disease, and we know that with some treatment you can smile again.

 Arthritis is not an illness. Rather, it is an irreversible degeneration of joints cartilage. It is most often found in the joints of the fingers, hips, knees, and back. The severity and the evolution of arthritis can vary, and sometimes even lead to a total destruction of the joint, which will inevitably result in a replacement of the joint.

 It is, therefore, important to pay attention to any symptoms and pains as early as possible, and start a natural treatment to slow the progression.

There are two main origins of arthritis, the first one is the wearing of cartilage due to aging and it should occur only late in life. The second is an accelerated aging of articulations due to nutritional imbalances and to lifestyle. In the second, we can include pathological and physical sources of arthritis that resulted from shock or trauma. Joints can also be worn by repetitive motion in one's professional life or activities.

Pain is the first symptom of arthritis. Its intensity varies, sometimes bearable and mild, sometimes acute. Usually in the beginning the pain is present after an exertion, a long walk; for example, but it is bearable. It can go away with a little rest. As time goes on, the joint can become more and more painful, even during rest. In the later years, research has proven that inflammation is at the source of the disease.

Own Arthritis Relief Walking Workout on DVD

How can you fight arthritis?

Exercise is not the enemy of arthritis, far from it. It is essential to keep moving. You should choose programs that are not too taxing on the joints and avoid tennis jogging and skiing. A group of researchers in Cleveland Ohio have noticed that people with chronic arthritis were suffering fewer symptoms after 10 weeks of daily practice of exercise, when compared with sedentary people. The improvement was directly linked to the movement; it improved blood circulation in the joints and strengthened muscles and tendons around the joint. According to a new Cochrane Systematic Review, exercise programs designed to improve strength and stamina are perfectly safe for rheumatoid arthritis. Their research found benefits associated with dynamic exercise programs that were designed for chronic arthritis patients.

The goal of arthritis exercise is to reduce inflammation, eliminate pain and increase your ability to function. By increasing blood flow and providing important nutrients to your joints, Functional Fitness keeps the muscles around your joints strong, and supports your joints so you function at your best. Functional Fitness also lubricates your joints by encouraging your body to produce a natural lubricant called synovial fluid and that reduces joint friction.

Suzanne Andrews founded Functional Fitness in 2008, the most popular fitness series for boomers and seniors broadcasting on over 159 Public Television stations throughout the US and Canada. Read Suzanne’s inspiring comeback story of how she survived a near fatal accident, From Deaths Door to Producing a National Fitness Series. Feel free to send Suzanne a message here.

What You Need to Know About Balance After 40

by Suzanne Andrews

Did you know that balance is not natural? That's right -we must work on balance to keep it as we begin to lose it as early as age 40. Another thing to note is the exercises you've been doing to improve your balance might not be enough. Keep reading and I'll explain: (I'll keep it brief)

Maintaining and improving balance is an important factor in enjoying a healthy lifestyle, strengthening your body and preventing injury. Most falls occur within the home, (from my experience as an occupational therapy clinician, the bathroom is the number 1 place to fall.) These injuries include broken hips, wrist/shoulder fractures and brain injuries. 

Not only do these injuries result in long hospital stays and painful recoveries, they also cause loss of independence, decreased daily function and loss of the ability to participate in social activities. Lack of proper balance can inhibit daily activities that we often take for granted such as getting in and out of bathtubs, climbing stairs and using a car. It is important to be proactive in your health and prevent balance injuries before the happen by participating in an exercise program that strengthens “spinal stabilizers”, (back and abdominal area) your legs and specific balance exercises to increase your “proprioception”, (your brain's ability to sense where your limbs are positioned in space).  Since your proprioceptors weaken over time, it is vital to strengthen this sense, just like you strengthen your muscles. 

You won't find these balance exercises in most DVDs as these specific balance exercises are therapy based. Therapists will place you on "uneven surfaces" to strengthen your balance muscles and your proprioception. Why? Because when you are on an uneven surface, you activate all your balance muscles by challenging them. That's why in the Get Stronger Bones DVD, you will see the most advanced version demonstrating on an uneven surface.   

If you're not ready for that, it's advisable to start either seated on a chair - and yes - you can strengthen your balance muscles sitting if done to medically proven exercises. If you're beyond chair exercises, you can do the modified standing version using a chair for balance when necessary. Happy balancing and if you have any questions about your exercises make sure to message me - (link below).

 
 
Suzanne Andrews founded Functional Fitness in 2008, the most popular fitness series for boomers and seniors broadcasting on over 159 Public Television stations throughout the US and Canada. Read Suzanne’s inspiring comeback story of how she survived a near fatal accident, From Deaths Door to Producing a National Fitness Series. Feel free to send Suzanne a message here.

Fast Food Lovers Guide to Weight Loss

by Suzanne Andrews

If you've seen the movie Supersize Me, where Morgan Spurlock follows a 30 day diet of eating only McDonald's food, you watched as he gained 24 and 1/2 pounds, a dangerous cholesterol level of 230 and fat accumulation in his liver. While it was fascinating to watch, it only offered a one sided view.   

Obviously, if you just eat junk food every day, no matter what fast food establishment you choose, you will gain weight. Along with eating fatty fast foods, Spurlock didn't exercise which contributed to his weight gain.  

That being said, no amount of exercise in the world can protect your body from a constant diet of saturated fats. To remain functionally fit we need to practice good diet and get out there and move. No buts about it! So what do you do when you find yourself at McDonalds? Here's a healthy choice menu to make it easier for you to decide. I wonder what would have happened if Spurlock ate the healthy options and exercised 6 days a week. Now that would be interesting to see...

McDonalds Fast Food Healthy Choices Menu
 
Premium Grilled   8 oz
Chicken Classic   (226 g) 420 calories
Sandwich              10 Grams of Fat

Snack Wrap ®      4.3 oz  (With no dressing)
 (Grilled)               270 Calories
                             10 grams of Fat

Premium                  12.3 oz
Southwest Salad      320 Calories
with Grilled               9 Grams of Fat
Chicken

Premium Caesar      11 oz
Salad with Grilled    220 Calories
Chicken                   6 Grams of Fat

Snack Size Fruit   1 Package
& Walnut Salad    210 Calories
                             8 grams of fat

Newman's Own®  1.5 oz
Low Fat Balsamic  40 Calories
Vinaigrette             3 grams of Fat

Suzanne Andrews founded Functional Fitness in 2008, the most popular fitness series for boomers and seniors broadcasting on over 159 Public Television stations throughout the US and Canada. Read Suzanne’s inspiring comeback story of how she survived a near fatal accident, From Deaths Door to Producing a National Fitness Series. Feel free to send Suzanne a message here.

Why 95% of Diets Fail (and 6 Ways to be in the 5%)

by Suzanne Andrews

   Would you like to achieve amazing weight loss results while outsmarting your body and still eating what you want? Learn how now in today’s Functional Fitness blog. 

   How many times have you gone on a diet, only to give up because of hunger and frustration before your goals were met? Chances are, you've done this a few times and you've known others who had similar experiences. 

   That's because when you diet, you set yourself up for failure. 

   95% of diets simply do not work. Let's take a look at the reasons why, and then learn how to attain that most coveted goal of all dieters: long term weight loss that leaves you healthier and happier. 

   First, the reasons why most diets fail: 

   Reason 1: Diets are Temporary. 

   A diet is a temporary solution to a long-term problem. Dieters often find themselves thinking in the short-term. "If I can just get to my goal weight," they tell themselves, "I'll be able to eat my favorite foods again!" 

   That's exactly the thought process that leads to failure, because returning to old habits leads to regained pounds. If you want lasting weight loss, stop dieting and make some permanent lifestyle changes you can comfortably live with. 

   Reason 2: Diet is Only One Half of the Weight Loss Equation. 

   Trying to lose weight through diet alone is like trying to swim using only one arm. Can it be done? Yes, if your 20 something and don’t have any metabolism issues. 

   Exercise should be a part of your healthy weight loss plan. Without it, you'll experience a very slow weight loss, or you'll have to cut so many calories that you'll

end up feeling hungry and deprived. Don't do that to yourself. Exercise doesn’t have to consist of insane moves to be effective for weight loss. As a producer of Functional Fitness with Suzanne Andrews on PBS TV, I get to hear lots of feedback from viewers like Julie, a 53 year old lady who emailed me and said, “I started doing your show and at first I thought, the exercises were too slow for me and not fast enough to lose weight but somewhere along the line, something amazing happened.  My clothes got too big, my blood pressure got better and my doctor (who insisted on I do your workouts)took me off my blood pressure medicine!” That’s because all of Suzanne Andrews Functional Fitness programs are medically designed with years of proven results and research in every workout. 

While you won’t find our workouts free on You Tube because all the doctors, physical therapists and occupational therapists who’ve contributed to each workout are highly regarded experts in their field. On the other hand, at only 19.99 a DVD, we make each Functional Fitness program very affordable as you don’t pay the $280.00 plus fee or ($400.00 plus a month co-pay once your deductible is met) that these experts charge for a session with them. The savings in medical bills, pills and sick days far out weigh the cost of your healthy functional lifestyle! 

   Reason 3: Diets are not Satisfying 

   Some diets require you to eat low-calorie foods that contain very little fat. Others require you to eat very small quantities of food. Others encourage you to eat plenty of protein but drastically cut your carbohydrate consumption. 

   None of these diets will satisfy you for very long. The healthiest and happiest eating plans are those that contain a mixture of lean protein, heart-healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. 

   Add plenty of fiber and water, and your body will be more satisfied with the fuel you put in it. 

   Reason 4: Diets Can be Expensive. 

   Healthy food typically costs more than junk food, but special diet foods can really strain your food budget!

   The expense of special bars, shakes, and supplements is pretty appalling, not to mention unnecessary. Diet plans that require you to buy pre-packaged meals are the most expensive of all, and they often contain additives that can sabotage your weight loss. 

   Don't waste your money on special foods. Get your nutrition through whole, natural foods that you can cook for yourself. Your budget - and your waistline - will be thinner as a result. 

Suzanne Andrews Functional Fitness Tip: Cook a bunch of foods at once and put it in correct size portions.  Freeze what won’t be eaten in 3 Days. You’ve just saved your stomach, your waistline and your budget with preservative free natural foods. 

   Reason 5: Diets don't Easily Fit into Your Lifestyle. 

   Have you ever watched your friends and family eat normally while you had to settle for a liquid or prepackaged meal? Do you spend an inordinate amount of time trimming, weighing, and measuring your food while everyone else digs in? 

   It's hard to feel like one of the crowd when you're following an inconvenient diet. That's another reason why so many dieters give up in despair and frustration. 

   Your lifestyle is an important consideration. Don't choose an eating plan that requires a radical departure from the norm. 

   Reason 6: Too Much Dieting Can Cause Weight Gain. 

   When you go on a diet, your body reacts by squeezing every bit of nourishment from the foods you do eat. After the diet ends, your body still processes food with

increased efficiency, causing you to pack on the pounds even though you're eating "normally". 

   This is a survival mechanism that helped our ancestors survive times of famine. Diets are the new famine, and they can actually leave you weighing more than you did  before the diet! 

   How to Succeed 

   For weight loss to be safe and permanent, it needs to come as the result of a lifestyle change. Find a healthy eating plan you can stick with for the rest of your life. Add exercise 5-6 days a week that doesn’t make you feel like you got hit by a truck or that you have to keep up with a 20 year old. You’ll stick to an exercise plan and won’t injure yourself (which could really set you back). 5- 6 days of working out is best because consistency is key.

   With those bases covered, you're free to live your life without constantly worrying about your diet. The weight you lose will stay gone, and you will enjoy greater health and happiness. 

   You can achieve amazing weight loss results by outsmarting your body with a sensible eating plan and following the program millions of women and men over 40 follow on PBS TV with Suzanne Andrews Functional Fitness

Get started today and be on your way to a happy healthy you.  See results in 30 Days!

 Suzanne Andrews founded Functional Fitness in 2008, the most popular fitness series for boomers and seniors broadcasting on over 159 Public Television stations throughout the US and Canada. Read Suzanne’s inspiring comeback story of how she survived a near fatal accident, From Deaths Door to Producing a National Fitness Series. Feel free to send Suzanne a message here.

Arthritis Relief Tips

By Suzanne Andrews

Arthritis Relief Exercise DVDs!

Suzanne Andrews founded Functional Fitness in 2008, the most popular fitness series for boomers and seniors broadcasting on over 159 Public Television stations throughout the US and Canada. Read Suzanne’s inspiring comeback story of how she survived a near fatal accident, From Deaths Door to Producing a National Fitness Series. Feel free to send Suzanne a message here.

 

 

 

 

Weekend Weight Gain

by Suzanne Andrews

Are You Gaining Weight on Weight on Weekends? Here Are 6 Tips to Stay on Your Weight Loss Track!

After a hard week at work, it's only natural to look forward to a relaxing weekend. But weekends contain some of the most difficult diet hurdles, from dining out on Friday night to having a hearty home-cooked Sunday dinner with family - and everything in between.

We're also more likely to eat junk food on the weekends than during the week. In fact, many dieters look forward to an opportunity to splurge a little after their work-week is done.

It's no wonder research has shown that most people between the ages of 19 and 50 consume more calories on weekend days than on regular weekdays. All of these extra calories can add up to an annual weight gain of 5 pounds or more.

To avoid nasty shocks during your Monday morning weigh-in, follow these helpful tips for minimizing weekend weight gain. 

  1.  Stock up on healthy options.

If you come home to an empty cupboard on Friday evening, you'll be more tempted than ever to order pizza or get fast food.  To avoid such temptation, plan ahead and pick up some healthy snacks and quick meals. Try new foods you've been curious about, or new flavors of your old favorites. Be sure to get plenty of diet-friendly drinks as well. 

  1. Don't skip meals.

If you know you've got a big dinner coming up, you might be tempted to "save up" calories by skipping meals earlier in the day. This tactic is doomed to fail because you will ultimately end up very hungry and surrounded by tempting food. A much better strategy is to eat small, light meals throughout the day. Fruits and vegetables, salads and broth-based soups are good choices. These will help keep your calories in check, but won't leave you starving before your big meal. 

  1. Have fun while you move.

You might not want to hit the gym on the weekends, but staying active is important. The International Journal of Obesity reported that dieters who consistently stick to their plan are more likely to be successful.    Luckily, there are plenty of fun ways to stay active on the weekend. Sign up for a yoga class, take a walk through a scenic neighborhood, or go window-shopping at the mall to pick out clothing you'll buy when you reach your next weight loss goal. If you have children or pets, play with them in the back yard or take a trip to the park. You'll have fun and burn calories. 

  1. Limit alcohol consumption.

You don't want to sabotage your healthy food and exercise choices by drinking too much alcohol. Alcohol is high in empty calories and can leave you hungry and dehydrated. It can also lower your inhibitions, paving the way to a binge.  If you must drink alcohol, limit yourself to one or two low-calorie options, such as a White Wine Spritzer or a Rum and Diet Coke. 

  1. Remember your goals.

It's easy to lose some of your intensity when you're relaxing with friends, especially if you're the only one on a diet. Some of your friends might even tempt you to overeat. While they're probably not doing it maliciously, that extra temptation can lead to a diet disaster.    Speak with your friends about the level of commitment you have to health, and spend more time around those who support your efforts. Good friends will take your goals into consideration. 

  1. Don't be discouraged.

After a long weekend of celebrating, you might find yourself several pounds heavier when you weigh in on Monday. Unless you ate a truly massive amount of food over the weekend, most of the weight gain is probably due to bloating. Simply tell yourself that today is a fresh start, and get back on track.

Need help staying on track?  Try my motivational Functional Fitness workouts and I'll help you every step of the way!

Healthiest Blessings,

Suzanne Andrews, Occupational Therapy Practitioner/L

Suzanne Andrews founded Functional Fitness in 2008, the most popular fitness series for boomers and seniors broadcasting on over 159 Public Television stations throughout the US and Canada. Read Suzanne’s inspiring comeback story of how she survived a near fatal accident, From Deaths Door to Producing a National Fitness Series. Feel free to send Suzanne a message here.

Spinach-Ricotta Portobellos

by Suzanne Andrews

This vegetarian treat goes great with whole wheat pasta and a side salad. As an added bonus, each stuffed mushroom cap serves up a healthy dose of calcium and protein!

  What You'll Need:

  •    4 large Portobello mushrooms (caps)
  •    1/4 tsp sea salt
  •    1/4 tsp black pepper, divided
  •    1 cup reduced fat ricotta cheese
  •    1 cup fresh spinach leaves, chopped
  •    1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese, divided
  •    2 tbsp kalamata olives,diced
  •    1/2 tsp Italian herb seasoning
  •    3/4 cup marinara sauce  

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Coat a baking sheet with no-calorie cooking spray and preheat oven to 450 degrees.
  2. Place Portobello caps on baking sheet, gills facing up.
  3. Sprinkle with sea salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Cook until tender (about 20 minutes).
  4.  While caps are cooking, mix ricotta cheese, spinach leaves, 1/4  cup Parmesan cheese, diced olives, Italian seasoning, and remaining pepper in a bowl.
  5.  Pour marinara sauce into a separate bowl and cook or microwave until hot.
  6. Remove caps from oven and drain them. Place them back on the baking sheet and spread 1 tbsp marinara sauce on each.
  7. Heap each cap with 1/3 cup ricotta spinach filling. Sprinkle all caps with remaining Parmesan cheese.
  8. Bake for 10 minutes, and serve with remaining warm marinara sauce.

 More Tips

  Here are some more tips for putting together exciting and healthy recipes:

    * Try new meats. Veal, lamb, and bison are ultra-lean and full of flavor.

   * Add color to your recipes. A balanced diet should contain plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables. Take this opportunity to try new varieties of produce.

   * Use whole-grain rice and pasta. Whole grain products provide plenty of fiber and keep blood sugar spikes to a minimum. Many dieters also find them to be heartier and more satisfying than regular white flour products.

    Remember that with "Eating for Energy" you can fall in love with beautiful, healthy foods you never knew existed and be on your way to a slimmer, healthier you.

Suzanne Andrews founded Functional Fitness in 2008, the most popular fitness series for boomers and seniors broadcasting on over 159 Public Television stations throughout the US and Canada. Read Suzanne’s inspiring comeback story of how she survived a near fatal accident, From Deaths Door to Producing a National Fitness Series. Feel free to send Suzanne a message here.

Stay in Touch

Information

210 W. Parkway, Suite 7, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444 ● © Collage Video ● Exercise Video Specialists ● Fitness Videos and Workout Videos ● 1-800-819-7111 / 201-464-4921 ● CustomerCare@CollageVideo.com

From Our Blog

  • Collage welcomes instructors Brook Benten & Aimee Nicotera to the shop!

    Exciting news! We're welcoming two highly qualified instructors that will help you crush your fitness goals, shake up your routine, and offer a new source of motivation!   Brook Benten, B.S. in Exercise and Sport Science from Texas State University. Masters of... read more

  • Two More Happy Yoga DVDs Coming to Collage Video

    Happy Yoga from Sarah Starr is designed to bring you the beauty of Mother Nature as you receive yoga's rejuvenating benefits, including flexibility, toning, clarity and balance. Want to learn more about Sarah? Visit her instructor profile here. These titles... read more

  • What is Callanetics? Is it for me?

    Some people swear by it. Some people have never heard of it. It’s Callanetics. Callanetics became a revolutionary method of exercise and gained international recognition for its speedy body-shaping results. Some of the noise behind Callanetics may have softened over... read more