Though a bit too young to experience JFK or Martin Luther King, Jr. firsthand, I could only imagine what it was like to feel the kind of inspiration they generated. With the inauguration of Barack Obama, I feel that I have experienced the presence of such a person.  It has been amazing to feel the shift in energy from almost everyone I meet, as well as to see how the world is responding.  Even in these tough economic times people are alive, awake and rejuvenated with a sense of hope. What a powerful thing!  

You know a true leader when he can inspire people to believe not only in the power within themselves but also in the great power created when we all come together.  Obama's message is one of unity and self-responsibility.  It's similar to a coach of a sports team. To achieve great success, all players must play collaboratively, but at the same time take complete responsibility for their part in reaching the goal.  I believe we all desire peace in our world, therefore it takes every single one of us to play our ever so important role.

In honor of our new president and a new era, may we all have the audacity to take the hope in our hearts and make it a reality in our world! 

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

Before I created State of the Heart Fitness in 2001 with a colleague, I had the good fortune of working for seven years as an exercise physiologist and lifestyle coach for the world-renowned Pritikin Longevity Center.  In addition to my formal schooling at Pepperdine University studying Sports Medicine, I considered Pritikin - a residential lifestyle program - to be another significant aspect of my education. 

Working right alongside cardiologists, dietitians, physical therapists and psycho-therapists, I was in a unique place where people with heart disease, diabetes and other specific health issues would come to learn a healthier way of living through proper diet, exercise and stress management.

One of the most profound things I learned while working at Pritikin was how resilient the body is, as well as how willing it is to regain health when we give it the proper time, attention, and care.  It was the norm at Pritikin to see people get off their blood pressure and cholesterol medication, as well as for diabetics to get off their insulin shots!  Within 3-5 days of eating a primarily plant based diet (low in sugar, sodium and fat), while exercising consistently every day for 90 minutes (45 minutes of cardio & 45 minutes of strength & flexibility training), people - some who hadn't exercised in 20 years - noticed their energy levels rising, their endurance on the treadmill increasing, as well as their blood pressure and cholesterol dropping.  I remember one person losing about 100 points from their cholesterol count in the 2 weeks they stayed there!  Amazing!

Naturally I loved my job working at Pritikin.  For me, it was like witnessing miracles every day.  I realized that I was a part of helping many people transform their lives in a very meaningful way.  Though I have many positive, uplifting stories that I could share from my time there, the one that seems to stand out the most is a symbolic precursor to the eventual birth of State of the Heart Fitness.  On her last day of the program a woman asked me to close my eyes and hold out my hand because she had a gift for me.  She placed the gift in my palm and closed my fingers around it. She then asked me to open my eyes and I noticed that she had tears in her own. When I opened my hand, there lay a beautiful rose quartz heart.  She said, "This is for all the hearts that you heal."

With February as national heart month I, along with the State of the Heart staff, feel blessed and honored to be a part of people's heart healing journey!  Take care of your heart!  It's the only one you have!

If you happened to set a weight loss goal for 2009, how are you doing so far?  The best success with weight loss comes when we commit to making a lifestyle change, opposed to being on a program for a set amount of time.  To assist you with your weight loss goal as well as to maintain a healthy weight over time, here are some helpful hints to remember:

HEALTHY weight loss should only be between 1-2 lbs. a week!  If it's more than that, usually it's unhealthy and unsustainable for the long run.  Be patient & stick to it!

Keep it realistic.  Start off with a 10% weight loss goal.  Examples:  220 lb. man x 10% = 22 lbs, 150 lb woman x 10% = 15 lbs.  Plan on allowing about a week for every pound you desire to lose.  If you have more than 10% to lose, consider this into the equation.

The National Weight Control Registry reports the key elements for "successful losers" - those who have lost a minimum of 30 lbs. and kept it off for a year - are:

• Combining dietary changes with exercise
• Exercising ON AVERAGE for 60 minutes (walking)/day, 5 days/week
• Eating breakfast every day
• Keeping a food diary!   (This a valuable tool which keeps you focused and aware of the food/calories you are eating)
• Maintaining a lower fat & calorie diet
• Weighing 1-2x/week (NOT MORE) to monitor progress

And one of the most important factors?  Having support! 

Need some help?  Let us support you... 
Call us Today!  310-899-4046

After experiencing chronic side effects from a knee injury in 2001, Barbara was having difficulty hiking - a favorite activity she shared with her husband.  In 2005, after hearing about the benefits of water aerobics, particularly in regards to the low impact on joints, Barbara joined the Loews, and in particular, joined the water aerobics class.  Amazingly enough, within 4 months, her knee was strong enough to allow her to hike again!   During her water aerobics sessions, she decided to do some personal training with Kate from State of the Heart Fitness.  Kate had designed a gradual strength training program that was challenging at the time, but became progressively easier as Barbara became more fit.  Not only did she feel stronger, but her balance, flexibility and posture also improved! 

Barbara continues today, now working with Kim 1-2x/wk.  Her workouts consist of walking up and down stairs, deep knee bends, as well as walking uphill.  Then they do a routine of strength training combined with cardio exercise  on the bosu (half ball).  Barbara says the bosu is her favorite part of her exercise because it can be used in a variety of ways, such as lifting her weights while standing atop the bosu to incorporate core strength and balance.  The "up and over" exercise using the bosu gets her heart rate up while strengthening her legs & core.  According to Barbara, "It is wonderful... Now that I am feeling more fit, I walk with friends and/or my husband approximately four miles, two days a week." 

Great job, Barbara!  Keep it up! 

ever felt the relaxation of a good stretch? 

you are invited to join us for this
one-time special class

you will: 

1. learn stretching, breathing & relaxation exercises to help you relieve daily stress
2. learn helpful tips on technique & safety of stretching yourself & each other
3. walk away feeling totally relaxed & rejuvenated!

friday, february 13th, 5:30-6:30pm
cost:  $35 per couple
space is limited, must sign up by
thursday, february 12th
ocean spa & fitness center, loews sm beach hotel

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health and fitness tips?
Refer them to us for their complimentary newsletter.

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

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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