Spring is here! While riding in the Solvang Century Bike Ride (100 miles) with two of our clients on March 8th, I was overwhelmed by the breathtaking beauty and freshness of springtime in full bloom here in California. Riding the meandering roads through vibrant green hills of the Santa Ynez Valley, our journey took us past several of the wineries and horse ranches that make the area famous.

Never having ridden longer than 30 miles, I wondered how my body would respond to at least 7 hours of being on a bike. With 5 rest stops along the way, all equipped with fruit, bagels, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, water and electrolyte powders, my legs were feeling it by the end. But I was amazed at how energetic and alive I felt! To quote one of our clients while on the ride, “Exercising outside isn’t even like exercise because it’s so much fun!”

How true! Who doesn’t get bored walking on a treadmill or doing weights in the gym? A whole other element comes into play when we take our exercise outside. It stimulates the senses as we breathe in the fresh air and scenery that can change our whole state of mind and being for the better!

With spring in the air, take advantage and take your exercise outside!

Lisa Brisse & the State of the Heart Fitness Staff

In last month’s newsletter, we listed the first 5 secrets to success in achieving your health goals. They were: 1.) How you think is everything, 2.) Decide upon your true dreams and goals and write them down, 3.) Take action, 4.) Never stop learning, 5.) Be persistent & work hard. Hopefully you’ve been putting those into practice and you’re ready for the next 5.

6.) Learn to analyze the details: Get all the facts and learn from your mistakes. Don’t believe everything you hear or read about health. There is so much conflicting and misleading information out there. Read original research articles; look for proven, scientific data that has been shown to be successful.

7.) Focus your time and money: Don’t let other people or things distract you. Health is the result of healthful living. If you’ve been following unhealthy lifestyles for some time, it will take some time and money to learn new habits. Unfortunately, we don’t live in a world where living healthy is the norm, so it will be easy to get distracted. Stay focused and find the support you need.

8.) Don’t be afraid to be different: Following a “healthy” lifestyle can be challenging because we don’t live in a society that easily promotes health. In the U.S., the average American has about a 50% chance of dying from heart disease; ~25% chance of dying from cancer, and ~68% chance of dying of a preventable disease caused by what they eat and drink. It’s okay to be different… to choose to be healthy!

9.) Create a support system and enlist others: No person is an island and it’s very difficult to do this by yourself. Make the choice for yourself, however, and be the example and inspiration for others. Create a buddy system for accountability. Company is stronger than will power. Enlist the help of health professionals including exercise trainers, nutritionists, doctors, chefs, etc.

10.) Be honest with yourself and take responsibility! Without this, the previous tips won’t work. Your health is YOUR responsibility. You have to take this initiative. Remember the big secret in weight loss and health is that there is no secret. Just proper diet, lots of exercise, stress management and healthful living! Be good to yourself… be good to your health!

-Adapted from Chef Jeff Novick, “10 Secrets of Success”

We would like to acknowledge a couple of our clients, Danielle Green and Steve Avdul, for their great ride in the Solvang Century Bike Ride on March 8th! Here are a couple pictures of their experience:

This is a reminder that we will be offering 3 full moon hikes this year! Our first one is coming up this month…

Saturday, April 19th starting at 6:45 pm in Topanga Canyon.

If you’ve never joined us before on our full moon hikes, we highly encourage you to come! Chances are it’s not necessarily something you would do yourself, but it’s great to do with a group. There’s something special and very peaceful about hiking under the moonlight. Please mark your calendars and bring a friend and a flashlight. It is bound to be an experience to remember!

Here’s a picture from our last hike – a day hike on the Los Liones Trail in Topanga State Park. Interestingly enough, it was on a rainy weekend, but the clouds ironically cleared during the 2 hours of our hike to elicit a great time had by all! (see below)

join us for our full moon hike: saturday, april 19th @ 6:45 pm;
call for more details & to register @ (310)899-4046.

It is with great sadness, but also much support and encouragement, that we wish one of our dearest staff members, Kate Rogers, well on her next career endeavor.

As of April 1st, Kate will be pursuing a unique opportunity working for the Berkeley HeartLab in Beverly Hills. Kate started with State of the Heart Fitness in August of 2005 and we have had the great pleasure of having her as such an integral part of our team since then.

Kate brought not only a wealth of knowledge in the field of exercise science and health, but also her vibrant personality that was loved by all of us—her colleagues and her clients. We certainly look to keep a personal and professional relationship with Kate, but surely she will be missed as a part of our staff. Thank you, so much, Kate, for the time, energy and enthusiasm you have shared with us. We only wish you all the best that life has to offer!

With much love, Lisa, Gigi, Kim, & all of your clients.

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State of the Heart Fitness, P.O. Box 7013 Santa Monica, CA 90406
T: (310) 842-5657     info@stateoftheheartfitness.com      www.stateoftheheartfitness.com

copyright © 2007  - State of the Heart Fitness