With spring in full force, spring cleaning naturally follows.  It's amazing how rejuvenating it is to clear out old stuff that has been sitting stagnant - sometimes for years - from closets, files, and desktops.  Of course, when I come across an occasional card from a loved one, I can't help but pause, ponder and smile; there was a reason for keeping this, but now, it's time to keep the memory and let the card go.  Along with the sentimental things, it really feels liberating to get rid of old papers, clothes and who knows what else we may have stored away.  As we clear our space, we lighten our load. That in itself makes life feel fresh and naturally uplifts our spirits! 

As standing water becomes murky, so it is with our minds, bodies and spirits.  When we have too much clutter in our mind, we feel bogged down.  As a result, our energy, motivation and inspiration for life all suffer.  Old unhealthy patterns and behaviors, such as not getting enough exercise, eating non nutritious foods or not practicing healthy stress management, dig us into an even bigger hole of stagnation. 

If you are feeling depleted, uninspired, and out of balance, it may be time for a mental "spring cleaning."  Remember-- movement is life.  Clear the space to keep your mind fresh and free from clutter.   

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

Special Announcement: Lisa & Gigi along with 5 other friends will be traveling to Peru this month (May 15th-26th) to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu! It should be an exciting adventure so stay tuned!

In the meantime, Kim will be handling things on the homefront with the help of Mike Anderson. Mike is Lisa's long time college friend from Pepperdine. He has his B.S. degree in Sports Medicine and 2 Masters Degrees, 1 in Public Health & the other in Outdoor Education. Mike has traveled the world and has recently started his own outdoor fitness company in Santa Monica called, "Go Outside & Play."

And finally, Happy Mother's Day to all mothers out there (and the mothers-to-be)! Please see this month's specials in honor of who you are!

We all see it everyday... the media portraying that "perfect" body.  As a result, we are a society that tends to over identify with body image and place one's self- esteem on a number instead of a healthy body composition. 

Body composition refers to the percentage of body fat in relation to lean tissue (muscle, bones, organs & water). Because muscle tissue weighs more than fat, a person such as a bodybuilder would be considered "overweight" according to outdated height-weight charts (BMI), yet still have an ideal or low body fat percentage.  On the other hand, a woman thought to have an "ideal" weight of 120 lbs could actually be overfat.  So what's the real story? 

The scale can be very misleading and should NOT be used as an indicator of one's healthy body weight.  Seventy percent of the body is made up of water, so, if not hydrated properly, one can lose up to 2 lbs of weight during a workout, but none of it is fat nor is it healthy.  Though one has lost "weight" on a scale, losing that much water during a workout can be detrimental to one's health, to the point of dizziness, nausea and even loss of consciousness! 

It's important to remember that we all have a unique body type that is determined largely by genetics, and chances are it may not fit into what society deems as "perfect."  In fact the model thin body often portrayed as ideal for women can be a result of unhealthy eating habits, including smoking and other drugs to maintain it.  The truth is we will be happier and more fulfilled if we dedicate our energy to working with and loving the body type that we have rather than forever trying to mold ourselves into something that is not realistic.  All in all, the key is to properly educate ourselves  on what is healthy and to know the ideal body composition for the body type we are. 

Here are the recommendations of body fat % for men and women*: 
Description          Males                  Women
Athletes                  6-13%                      14-20%
Fitness                   14-17%                    21-24%
Acceptable             18-22%                    25-31%
Obese                     22+%                       32+%

Remember-- carrying extra weight over time increases your risk for disease while decreasing your joy and overall quality of life.  If you'd like to learn your body composition and get started on a safe and healthy weight loss program today, we're here to help you! 
*American Council of Exercise

Not sure what triglycerides are? You're not alone. A survey conducted last fall by the National Lipid Association involving nearly 2,100 men and women found that 87% were clueless about triglycerides and completely unaware that high levels of triglycerides, like high levels of cholesterol, increase the risk of heart disease.

Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood. High levels can be caused by a variety of factors, including a genetic tendency. But for many people the key culprit is taking in excess calories, which leads to weight gain and obesity. Like the National Cholesterol Education Program, the Pritikin Program recommends that triglyceride levels remain below 150 mg/dL.

Changes in lifestyle habits can dramatically lower triglycerides. Research on more than 4,500 people attending the Pritikin Longevity Center found an average 33% reduction in triglyceride levels in just three weeks.* 

Factors especially effective in reducing triglycerides include:

1. Exercising regularly
2. Increasing your intake of fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans
3. Reducing the fat in your diet
4. Reducing your intake of sugar and other refined carbohydrates
5. Eating seafood regularly - at least twice weekly
6. Limiting alcohol
7. Lose excess weight

jeff novick, MD, RD, LV/N pritikin longevity center www.pritikin.com

Gradually, however he went further and further.  On July 4, 2006, he ran his first 5k and he was hooked, not to mention his cholesterol was in the low 100's (on less medication) and he lost 30 lbs in the process.  It wasn't long after when Laird ran his first marathon in March of 2007! 

Laird continues to stay committed to his health with running and we're proud to say that on Sunday, April 20th, 2009 Laird completed the ever-so-famous Boston Marathon enroute to his ultimate goal to run a marathon on all 7 continents!  Yes, you read that correctly.  His next marathon - in Antarctica - is scheduled for next year!  

Laird, you are an inspiration to all!  Congratulations!

Read more about Lairds inspiring (and motivating) story HERE.

come join state of the heart fitness for the
santa monica classic 5k/10k
to benefit the "heal the bay" foundation

sunday, may 3rd
cost: $40
to sign up: www.active.com 
get a free state of the heart fitness t-shirt
when you walk or run with us
have FUN, FEEL GREAT, & let's FINISH together! 

mother's day specials
mothers:  you deserve a break!
10% off 1 hour
stretch & relaxation session

includes a FREE "living in balance"
relaxation CD
good thru may 1st-15th

15% off a training & massage combo
come get an energizing workout & follow it with a massage for the ultimate gift to yourself! 
 discount qualifies for a swedish or deep tissue massage
good from may 1st - 31st 

summer programs are coming... sign up today!

6-week back to basics program

We all know what to do, but why don't we do it?
Whether it be weight loss or simply improving your overall health, make the changes that last!  This comprehensive program provides the tools & education necessary to integrate exercise, proper nutrition & stress management into your everyday life!
M & W evenings
6:45-8:15 pm
$795
starts monday, june 8th
sign up with a friend & both receive $50 off

get fit & have fun in the early morning sun!
6-week
basic training on the beach
T & Th mornings
7- 8 am
$250
starts tuesday, june 16th
sign up with a friend & both receive $25 off

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