With the economy being what it is, it's natural to hold onto our money out of fear that at some point, there will be no more.  Out of respect for those who have lost their jobs or have experienced a cut in their pay, this is very real. It's during times like these when our spirit, hope and optimism are challenged...

When I was living on an extremely limited budget back in college, there wasn't much room for frivolity. Though difficult and often times scary wondering if I'd be able to make the rent, believe it or not, there was a gift in all of it - I got clear in what was truly important in my life.  I realized that my education was important and so was my health.  My education was a part of my dream, and my health was the "vehicle" to get me through, no matter what the impediments were. 

Despite the challenges presented with these economic times, I see a "blessing" - an opportunity for all of us to gain greater perspective of what is really important.  Remember, the best things in life aren't "things" and your health is one of those things. Though so much seems out of our control right now, take special care of what IS in your control. Your true wealth lies in your health.  Invest wisely.

Let's celebrate new beginnings with spring!  

Lisa Brisse & the State of the Heart Staff
Note: Please check out Lisa's blog for more news & thoughts

Have you ever heard of a story of a husband or wife who passes away after spending a lifetime together, only to have the surviving spouse die within months or even days after their beloved's death?  I know of an elderly man who passed away at his wife's funeral after spending every day of their sixty years together!  Are these just timely coincidences or is there a direct connection between the grieving and sadness one feels as a result of profoundly missing the one they love?

We've heard the expression, "dying of a broken heart," and there has been much speculation about the interconnection between the emotions and the physical body.  Today, much research is being done that actually shows how the emotional state of our heart has a direct effect on the physical state of our heart.  Dr. Redford Williams of Duke University, a specialist in how psychosocial factors affect health, said that "growing evidence shows that depression is an independent risk factor for heart disease - on top of classic risks such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and smoking." 

In a recent study at Columbia University that was published in the American College of Cardiology, researchers tracked 63,000 women between 1992-2004.  None had evidence of heart disease at the beginning of the study, but nearly 8 percent had evidence of serious depression.  It was shown that depressed women were more than twice as likely to experience sudden cardiac death.  Reasons for this  aren't completely conclusive but one strong link does show that those who are depressed are less likely to take care of themselves in regards to getting daily exercise, eating healthier and keeping their stress to a minimum. 

Depression is an emotional stress and we know that chronic stress not only wreaks havoc on the immune system, but also on our heart. Although it is not easy to feel motivated when experiencing depression, it's still important - maybe more than ever - to get out and take a walk and enjoy the outdoors. A study at Duke University showed that "30 minutes of brisk exercise, 3 times a week can be just as effective as drug therapy in relieving depression symptoms and over the long-term, continued exercise reduces the chances of depression returning."  Through a combination of endorphins - the body's "feel good" hormones - as well as increased serotonin levels, exercise does lift our spirits and heal our hearts...  not just on a physical level, but on an emotional level as well!

If the health benefits and the "feel good" hormones are not convincing enough to keep you exercising, here are some medically based reasons to get moving!

1. Exercise helps keep arteries flexible and malleable which prevents heart disease and heart attacks.
2. Weight reduction can reduce blood pressure, glucose, triglycerides, and total cholesterol - all heart disease contributors.
3. Exercise prevents fat growth around the midsection, which contributes to diabetes.  Belly fat is also linked to damaged blood vessels, heart disease, liver disease, and Alzheimer's disease.
4. Exercise is a drug free antidepressant!
5. Exercise can be social, which has been shown to improve happiness
6. Strength training improves bone density, which helps prevent osteoporosis.
7. Strength and flexibility training protect the body against injuries during activities of daily living.
8. Participation in group sports can promote  improvement in hand-eye coordination and reflexes.
9. Exercise can help tone muscles and create a leaner appearance.

State of the Heart Fitness wants to honor two of our clients - Rita Yoshimura and Ruth Kaufman -  for participating in the Solvang Century Bike Ride on March 14th!   Rita completed the 50 mile course while Ruth finished the 100 mile course... an amazing feat for both! 

Rita Yoshimura:  Rita, 59, has been a client of State of the Heart Fitness for several years training with Gigi while also participating regularly in our spinning classes. Rita is full of life and brings much joy to those around her while dealing with rheumatoid arthritis, a condition that affects her joints and ability to participate in life's everyday activities.  Determined not to let these obstacles limit her, Rita challenges herself in her quest to truly live life to the fullest.  For Rita: "Finishing the half century ride was exhilarating on many levels. I faced a challenge and despite my physical limitations was able to find a way to work with them and honor my body. I see the ride as a metaphor for life... there are the easy breezy days on the flat road, cruising along, enjoying the beautiful landscape and then there are the hills that we approach with trepidation and caution. I believe it is with determination and self awareness we can dig deep to get to the top and enjoy the view on the other side. The ride was the goal and finishing it was really a reminder of what we can do if we are willing to be courageous in life. The long lasting pleasure comes from the friends that I have made and the love and support that encouraged me when I had moments of doubt; it was a team effort. I am thankful for their inspirational friendship."

Ruth Kaufman:  Ruth, 36, didn't even have a road bike 6 months ago, just her beach cruiser!  However with the strong encouragement (and peer pressure) from her friend and workout partner, Danielle Greene, she not only signed up for the ride, but also bought a bike and all the gear to go along with it!  Talk about serious commitment!  Unfortunately, at the last minute, Danielle wasn't able to ride, but Ruth continued on!  According to Ruth, "My mindset was just about starting something and following through from start to finish. My first real obstacles were the equipment (didn't have anything), the next obstacles were learning to use the bike, shoes, ride up/down hills while getting comfortable and confident on the bike. Then came the weather/training obstacles as December and January had many wet and cold weekends.  About 6 weeks out I felt like I really needed to 'cram' if I was going to be able to do it. And then the last major obstacle was finding out last minute that Danielle and my other friends couldn't ride. I sort of felt abandoned as they were the ones that got me signed up in the first place! But I chose to do it anyway...

While on the ride, my mindset to get me through was really about realizing I was doing this for me and not for anyone else. It wasn't about anyone suggesting I do it, or suggesting we do it together (even though it started out that way).  In the end, it was just me and that made me feel pretty good. At that particularly difficult hill around mile 85 I wanted to get off and walk but I didn't.   After 'the wall' I really felt a sense of personal accomplishment. It wasn't necessarily a journey I started for myself but it certainly ended up being that way."

Ruth & Rita... You Rock!
Congrats to everyone who rode with us that day!

heartrunners 
training program for the santa monica classic
(may 3rd) wednesday evenings

on the move
cardio, strength & stretch group training program
tuesday & thursday evenings

healthy hearts
exercise & nutrition program for those with
specific health issues! 

Tune in TODAY... Wednesday, April 1st
to Lisa's FIRST Radio Interview
on the
"Dare to Dream" Radio Show
8:30 pm (Pacific Coast Time)
with Deborah Dachinger on
KCLA.FM

How to Listen:
A) Online: www.KCLAFM.com. Click on "Listen."
B) Call 323-461-6675. Listen on your phone.
C) Time Warner cable into 3,500 So California homes.
D) 99.3 FM Radio on the dial (Hollywood location).

Or go to
http://www.deborahdachinger.com
or to our website at www.stateoftheheartfitness.com

Call us today for more information on any of our programs or services. (310) 842-5657

Could your friends and family use
some health and fitness tips?
Refer them to us for their complimentary newsletter.

---

To unsubscribe to this Newsletter just reply to this e-mail with "remove" in the subject line.

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