It is so easy to take our life and the people we love for granted. As we go about our daily routine of work, running errands, taking care of the kids, paying bills, as well as everything else, it's easy to become complacent believing things will always be the same and the people we love will always be there. Yet, even though we know things do change in life, we often can go about our lives as though they won't.

I find myself forever contemplating how in a moment, life can change... and not just change, but change our course forever. Nothing is more demonstrative of this than experiencing the sudden and unexpected death of a loved one. In the past few weeks, the State of the Heart Fitness family has experienced two losses - one being one of our dear clients (also our eldest client at 91) to a car accident, and the other is Gigi's horse, Jackie, who died unexpectedly to a raging infection in her jaw bone. (See our tribute to Jackie & Doris)

When life changes so suddenly, it naturally brings our awareness to how precious life is as well as those we love. It's also a reminder of how fleeting it all is. Though easy to take life for granted, let's take the time not only to appreciate and love the people in our lives, but also, to let them know! We never know what's around the corner, therefore, the time to live and love is now.

Lisa Brisse & the State of the Heart Fitness Staff

With summer here, it's a great time to combine your exercise with nature and the great outdoors. Everyone who has taken a walk outside knows there's something about it that makes a world of difference compared to walking on a treadmill in a gym or at home.

Research findings show exercising outdoors is good for your body and mind. Edward O. Wilson, a biologist & naturalist suggested an instinctive bond that exists between human beings and other living systems and that the deep affiliations humans have with nature are rooted in our biology.

There is an energy of peace and calm that naturally emanates from being in nature... whether it be in the quiet of a forest, hearing the trickle of a stream, feeling the fresh air and aliveness from the ocean, or feeling the expansiveness while being in the mountains. It's as though the body, mind and spirit together take one big breath followed by a deep releasing sigh that lets go of all the tension and stress we hold onto in our daily lives.

In today's fast-paced society, it seems rare that most get a daily dose of nature unless making a concentrated effort. Yet, when in nature (even if it's in a park), we experience an abundance of negative ions. These ions (not so plentiful in the city) affect our brain chemistry, leaving us feeling invigorated, revitalized and restored. Scientific research has shown levels of our stress neurotransmitter, serotonin, are normalized when we are outside.

Here are some other benefits of exercising outdoors:

 It's FREE! No need for a gym. Just walk out your door.
 It provides sunlight which is important for Vitamin D & enlightening our mood.
 It provides mental stimulation for your brain instead of "zoning out" watching a TV while on the treadmill.
 It gets you "out of your head" and to remind us there's more to life than sitting at a desk or staring at a computer screen!
 It can burn more calories overcoming gravity, ground reaction, terrain changes & nature's elements such as wind and/or cold, keeping the body stimulated!
 It elevates post-exercise endorphin levels - the body's natural "painkillers."

We encourage our clients to get outside this summer! This August we're offering several outdoor fitness options with a beach training, a sunset stretch, & a full moon hike! Please, see more details in this newsletter. We hope to see you there!

doris bartlett
Though her petite 5 foot frame along with using a cane due to a hip replacement made Doris' physical body a bit frail, her mind and spirit were as strong as nails. Being apart of the State of the Heart Fitness family since the beginning over 7 years ago, Doris was an avid "pro" at the water aerobics class and wouldn't let anyone slack.

Much older than the rest of the participants - and the matriarch of the group - Doris was certain to let it be known if anyone was lagging behind... "Get movin'!" she'd say... a reminder for all of us to pick up our pace! Doris also participated in the LIFE program - a program specifically designed for the older adult to help maintain posture, balance & strength. When not in the LIFE program, she and one of her LIFE program classmates would share personal training sessions with Kim & Gigi. Her mind was sharp and full of wisdom. She wasn't afraid to let her opinions be known and was always ready to discuss the world, politics, or a good book. She lived an amazing life and shared her stories through poetry and writing. Her last two sessions with Gigi were the week of July 4th. Doris was in a car accident the following Saturday and passed away on July 12th.

It's hard to believe she's no longer with us, but needless to say, she inspired us all. She showed us that despite the challenges life brings our way, don't look back and just keep movin'. Thank you, Doris. You will be missed.

jackie
For those of us who have animals, we know that losing them can be just as difficult as losing the people in our lives. Though Jackie was 22 years old and only in Gigi's life for the last a year and a half, her youthful spirit and sweetness is what captured not only Gigi's heart, but all of us who had come to know her. A Thoroughbred and retired racehorse, Jackie practically dropped from the sky (appropriate for the angel she was) and into Gigi's life. In need of a home and friends who would love and care for her, that is exactly what she got. In her last year, she was surrounded by people who loved her as she served as a dear companion to Lisa's horse, Little Miss. Jackie would run the hills of her pasture with the energy, grace, and innocence of a child at play. When an unfortunate & sudden infection fell upon her in June, her spirit and heart made a gallant effort to overcome, however, it wasn't quite enough. While experiencing her overwhelming kindness and love, she showed us that some souls come into our lives for a very short period of time, but they leave their hoof prints on our hearts forever. Thank you, Jackie. May you run in peace.

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State of the Heart Fitness, P.O. Box 7013 Santa Monica, CA 90406
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