Day #9 - En Pointe

Theme

En Pointe

Description

Balance your workout regimen with cardio, stretching, strengthening and toning activities... including those that promote balance!

To Do

Try an exercise that enhances balance

Nourish Yourself

Today don’t give a thought to what you eat. Just go with what you have already planned... do however take note of your posture while you eat... now sit up a little straighter... there... isn’t that just the teensiest bit better?

Get Up & Go!

Focus on balance promoting activities today

Tools

Try a balance ball, ballet, Pliates or yoga class

Tip

Tips for good posture from American Chiropractic Association: http://www.acatoday.org/content_css.cfm?CID=1452

“Posture expert Janice Novak, M.S. says that people can beat the effects of aging and instantly look younger and thinner by improving their posture. She claims that they will feel a lot better too, since poor posture is a leading cause of backaches and headaches.” 

Tweak

Straighten Up!  Here are some ways to improve posture: http://www.wikihow.com/Improve-Your-Posture

Question

What activities make you feel the most balanced and relaxed mind and body

Thought

"Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there" - Will Rogers

Tidbit

• A study from Vanderbilt University shows you can burn up to 40 calories by genuinely laughing for 15 minutes
• Playing with your dog will burn around 115 calories per hour
• Hugging burns 68 calories per hour
• Bowling burns 180 per hour
• Here is a page detailing how many calories you can burn during a day at Disneyworld! http://www.the-fitness-motivator.com/fitness-disney-world.html

Treat

• Play a board game and burn 102 calories in an hour
• Better yet, enjoy a kissing session with your honey and burn around 120-325 calories an hour, (2-5 calories per minute)

Blogs & Articles

• Some Pilates-based balance exercses: http://www.my-pilates-exercises.com/balance-exercises.html
• This page lists a variety of links on balance related exercises: http://physicaltherapy.about.com/od/balanceexercises/Exercises_to_Improve_Balance.htm 
• Advanced Balance Exercises: http://www.bodyresults.com/e2balanceexercises.asp

In Sum

In ballet and disciplines such as yoga, balance is not between two things as we think of with the scales of justice; balance is usually on one single point.  So don’t feel you have to choose between things to enjoy a balanced life