Well, summer's in full swing as there are many barbeques to attend, outdoor activities to participate in, vacations to be taken and even weddings to celebrate.  This is summer at its finest...so much fun in the sun and lots of action and play in the great outdoors! 

At State of the Heart Fitness, summer's happening with the Basic Training on the Beach program that started on June 16th.  It's always great to be out there exercising in the cool ocean air on a beautiful summer morning.  It's fun to utilize the various beach equipment such as the bars, ropes, swings, steps, and of course, the sand to get the heart rate pumpin' and the muscles toned.  It's also nice to finish with a relaxing stretch while listening to the waves and birds.  In a way, it's like being a kid again, playing in the good ol' outdoors.  Who ever knew when we were kids that swinging on the swings was such a great way to work the abs?  Guess what...  as adults, it still works!

This is the beauty of being physically active outside... especially in the summer.  It can make exercise feel more like play, and we could all use a little (or a lot) more play in our lives!  When we play, life is light and fun.  When we play, we laugh.  When we play, we smile.  When we play, we are alive! The sun's out.  The weather's nice.  Summer's here.  Get outside and play!

Lisa Brisse & the State of the Heart Staff
For more thoughts by Lisa, please read Lisa's blog at:  www.stateoftheheartfitness.com/blog

Let's face it--who ever wants to keep a food diary? No one! But if losing weight or eating healthier is a goal, it's a tool that can be the most important part of your success.  How often have I heard my clients say, "Oh, I don't need to do that; I know what I eat... I just need to eat less and exercise more."

But if it were as simple as that, we'd all be thin, right?  The fact is, very few of us are truly conscious of how much, how often and exactly what we eat.

There's something "magical" about having to write down your food and drink that immediately brings awareness and consciousness about what we so easily put into our mouths - unconsciously -  that usually translates into excess calories! (Read: weight gain!)  Clients will often think twice about eating that cookie or drinking a soda when they know they have to write it down (and then report it to someone who's keeping them accountable).  For a moment it causes one to stop and think, "is this really what I want to do right now? I don't want to have to write it down."  Because our eating habits are so ingrained, we usually aren't even conscious of what we're eating, nor the amount of what we're eating, which brings up two huge functions of a food diary:  1.) it gives awareness to what we're putting into our mouths, and 2.) it keeps us honest. 

Though keeping a food diary can feel like a daunting task, just as in any new skill we're learning, it takes a bit of conscious effort in the beginning.  Remember how much of a concentrated effort it took learning to ride a bike?  For a while it was a struggle and chances are, we fell a few times before we got the hang of it.  Changing our eating habits is the same thing.  Our eating habits have been instilled in us since we were children. We learned to eat based on our family culture and oftentimes it meant we couldn't leave the table until we cleaned our plate... even if we were full.  Or food was our way of soothing our emotions.  What does a baby get in its mouth when he cries?  A bottle. What are the messages we were imprinted with?   Our eating patterns and messages started at the earliest age! 

For those people who have been successful in losing weight and maintaining weight loss, or have made a lifestyle change with healthier eating habits, usually a food diary is the tool that helped them the most.  Even if you're not ready to commit to keeping a food diary for the rest of your life, at least try it for a week or so.  You might be surprised about what you discover about yourself! 

When their "ordained" (for a day) tennis coach, Scott, began the ceremony with the words, "In tennis, love means nothing, but for Danielle and Steve, it means everything," he was right. 

As avid tennis players who didn't know each other 4 years ago, they were partnered together for their first tennis tournament and won, not realizing that the tournament was only the beginning.  Not only were they partnered for tennis, they were partnered for life. 

Danielle, a client of State of the Heart Fitness since 2003, started to talk about this great guy named Steve ever since that fateful day, and really, the rest is history.  Together they have shared more than just tennis.  Always looking for the next exciting and active adventure, they've biked from San Francisco to Los Angeles, they've participated in triathlons and half marathons, and they've white water rafted, all the while thoroughly enjoying each other's company with great humor and laughs. 

As two of the most dedicated and loyal clients of State of the Heart Fitness, they continue to train with Gigi and Lisa and are currently enrolled in this summer's Basic Training on the Beach despite Steve's reluctance to get up for a 7am class!   (He says it would be even better if it were at 4 in the afternoon - Ha! - but he's there regardless.  The wedding was a good incentive!) 

At State of the Heart Fitness we want our clients to feel like  a part of a family and it is from this place that we wish these two important people in "our family"  lots of love in the years to come!  Thank you for inviting us into your lives!

Bob working his strong core
on the ab machine with Gigi!

Bob Campbell, 80, has been pretty active for most of his life playing tennis and golf, as well as gardening, but he never had a specific exercise program.  However, about 3 ½ years ago, Bob was diagnosed with an immune problem called poly-myalgia and was referred to State of the Heart Fitness by his physician at Physicians Choice Physical Therapy. 

Bob started with State of the Heart's LIFE program - an overall balance and fitness program for older adults - and then moved on to more specified exercise with one-on-one personal training sessions with either Gigi or Kim. 

In April, Bob had a bit of a curveball when a health issue put his life at risk.  Initially his urologist told him surgery would not be an option because of his age, but after reviewing his physical and seeing that Bob took NO medications, his urologist believed Bob was "surgery ready" thanks to Gigi and Kim's work with him.  In fact, Bob has had his surgery and has made a quick recovery that would be amazing for a person of any age. 

We are thrilled to say that in June, Bob got back on track with his program!   He comes in a half hour early to do his cardio on the treadmill and then moves on to his half hour training session doing a variety of strength and balance exercises using the resistance machines, free weights and his "favorite"... the Bosu half ball for balance work! Bob says his program with State of the Heart Fitness has "done wonders for both my physical and mental well-being.  I look forward to the sessions and feel invigorated for hours afterward. "  He continues by saying, "State of the Heart Fitness is ‘first class,' the fitness center is beautiful, and the equipment is fabulous.  It is all such an easy, friendly, comfortable atmosphere - especially for older people who may be  self-conscious about their physical appearance." 

Bob Campbell is not only an inspiration to our State of the Heart Fitness staff, he is also a major inspiration for our other clients!    We are proud of your commitment to yourself and your health, Bob!  Keep up the great work and the heartwarming smile! 

basic training on the beach
in session & runs through july 23rd!
T & Th mornings, 7- 8 am
$25 drop-in fee OR pro-rated program fee

full moon hike
tuesday, july 7th,  los liones trail
meets at 7:45 pm
cost:  donation

walking beach meditation
wednesday evenings in july
meets at 6:45 pm on the beach side of the loews
cost:  donation

call for more information or to sign up! 

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

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