Gratitude

This is a re-occurring thought for me, and has been on my mind the last little bit. Gratitude is just as much an integral part of health, as is exercise and nutrition. Many times the mind and soul are forgotten when we think about fitness. For example; if your mind is full of negative, selfish, ungrateful thoughts all day, your body will have to process those emotions and learn to cope with the negative energy that you're producing. Just as eating excessive junk food forces your body to process all of the sugars, fats and high calories, resulting in minimal benefits. The same is true with negative & ungrateful thoughts, your body is left with minimal benefits. Imagine if your mind was full of positive, charitable, grateful thoughts the entire day. Imagine if you regularly told yourself, "I'm grateful for my beautiful body", "I'm grateful for the chance to learn", "I'm grateful for the good people that surround me", "I'm grateful for this beautiful day", "I'm grateful for a second try to become better". Thinking these thoughts would fill your body and mind with positive energy, resulting in improved health and self-perception. Showing gratitude for the things that you have in life, whether you have much or little, will directly impact your health in a positive way. Your Challenge: Find a new way to increase the gratitude in your life. You may want to begin a gratitude journal. Pray and give thanks. Start sincerely telling people thank you. Post a positive thought above your desk at work or somewhere you look frequently. Take time to slow down and notice all the good in your life in which you have to be thankful. Good luck on your journey to greater gratitude!

Pilates

Pilates. I can't say enough good things about Pilates. What a great way to get a mind body workout, strengthen your core and sculpt your body into long lean muscles. Pilates is for every body! It can be done as you're watching t.v. or in a small dorm room. It's great for people who travel, you can practice in your hotel room. Or for a busy mom, you can do the leg series as your little one takes a nap in the next room. Pilates primarily focuses on flexibility, strength and body awareness. It may look easy, but is very difficult and not for the faint of heart. Men and Women alike can benefit from the wonderful world of Pilates.