One of the most powerful things I've learned over the years is how much - if not all - of our experience of life is a result of our perception. As children, we are taught and programmed to believe certain things... some things are considered "good' while others are considered "bad.'  Yet, Shakespeare, in all of his wisdom, once said, "Nothing is good or bad; thinking it makes it so.' And how true it is.

So much of our stress and tension in our daily lives is based on our perception of the world.  How often do we get in confrontations with the people around us, whether it be family members, partners, friends, work colleagues and even nations simply because we all are steadfast in our own personal perspective or view?  Yet, there are 6 billion people on this planet and not one person sees the world in exactly the same light.  No wonder we have conflict.  However, having a different perspective is also a beautiful thing as it's what makes the world a colorful place.  The problem comes when we hold rigid in our stance and think our way of seeing things is the only way.  Personally, I have been humbled many times when I thought I was "right,' only to be shown differently.  In humility, there is a release... a letting go... 

"A Course in Miracles' states that a miracle is simply a change in perception. What I have found is that just because we may hold a certain perception doesn't always mean that it's the best one, and therefore, when we open our mind & heart to a new view, we "miraculously' see and experience our world transform!      

Lisa Brisse & State of the Heart Fitness
For more thoughts from Lisa, check out her blog at www.stateoftheheartfitness.com/blog

Though Heart Disease is the #1 killer in our society, many people still overlook the importance of exercising and taking care of the most important muscle in their body - the heart.  The heart pumps, on average, about 100,000+ x/day and is responsible for delivering oxygen and vital nutrients to the body's organs and tissues, yet, we also know that if our heart doesn't get enough oxygen and nutrients itself, it goes into cardiac arrest and at worst, stops beating altogether.

Needless to say, taking good care of our heart should be our #1 priority, above all else, but for some reason it's not. Interestingly enough, even people whose main mode of exercise is yoga and/or pilates, still have a tendency to forego the weekly cardio workouts necessary to specifically challenge and condition our ever-so-important heart!  

In a recent study done by the University of Pittsburgh Cardiovascular Institute, 1,933 participants were evaluated and compared results to the American Heart Association's (AHA) criteria for optimal heart health.  The criteria included:

• Nonsmoking
• Body Mass Index (BMI) below 25
• At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of high-intensity physical activity per week
• 4 or 5 components of the AHA's recommendations for a healthy diet
• Total cholesterol under 200
• Blood Pressure below 120/80
• Fasting Blood Glucose under 100

Sadly, according to the data, only 1 in 1,900 people met all of the criteria!  This speaks volumes of our sedentary society that places more and more demand on a health care system that is already inefficient, inadequate, and grossly expensive!  But the bottom-line is if you desire to live a long, healthy and vibrant life, it's imperative to take your heart to heart and make it a priority. 

State of the Heart Fitness can help you take better care of your heart!  We offer Fitness Assessments to assess your cardio-vascular (and overall) fitness and provide you with a specific heart conditioning exercise program.  In addition, we also offer the Healthy Hearts program, which combines our services with the dietary & nutritional guidance from Healthy by Design Nutrition Specialists. 

Take advantage of our September Specials
for these services! See below for details!

For more information about Healthy by Design Nutrition Specialists, see their website at:  www.healthybydesignnutrition.com

To learn more about the American Heart Association's Simple 7 & to see where you rank in the above criteria, please go to:  http://mylifecheck.heart.org/

Rob, Gigi & myself are excited to welcome our newest staff member, Christina Privette! After working at Loyola Marymount as the program coordinator of the First Year Experience for freshmen, as well as a Healthy Living teacher & fitness instructor, Christina joined State of the Heart Fitness in June as an apprentice to pursue a full-time career in the field of health & fitness.  She in an AFAA certified instructor, as well as a Pi-Yo and Yoga Barre Instructor.  She also is currently completely her 200 hour yoga training course with Yoga Works, and taking her wellness coaching certification with Wellcoaches.com.  Christina is married and loves spending time with her husband and their amazing dog, Dutch!  Welcome Christina!  We are happy to have you!

Whip up a batch of these creamy, delicious frittatas for easy grab-and-go breakfasts, or eat them as appetizers or a high-quality snack.  They're so easy to make ahead, freeze and reheat that you almost can't go wrong.  Make it an even more nutritionally balanced snack or breakfast by adding a cup of fruit!

Prep time is just 10 minutes.  For a lighter option, use reduced-fat cheese. 

What you need:
6 eggs
½ cup milk
¼ teaspoon (tsp) salt
1/8 tsp pepper
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (4 ounces)
¾ cup chopped zucchini
¼ cup chopped red bell pepper
2 tablespoons chopped red onions

Preheat oven to 350 Fahrenheit.
Beat eggs, milk, salt and pepper in medium bowl until blended.  Add cheese, zucchini, bell pepper and onion; mix well.
Spoon evenly into 12 lightly sprayed muffin cups, about ¼ cup each.  Bake until just set, 20-22 minutes.  Cool on rack 5 minutes.  Remove from cups and serve warm.  Makes 12 yummy mini frittatas!

Article & Recipe found from the IDEA Fitness Journal

SAVE $50 on HEALTHY HEARTS in September!

Take Care of your Heart!
**Fitness Assessment
**Exercise Program & Training Sessions
**Dietary & Nutritional Counseling

Email or Call to for more information on
specific 4 to 8 week programs
 or to SIGN UP TODAY!

SAVE $50 when you get a
FITNESS ASSESSMENT
In the month of September
(Normally $195 – with discount $145)

Are you frustrated about your exercise?
Not getting RESULTS?

Learn the specifics about your:
• Cardiovascular Fitness
• Strength & Flexibility
• Body Composition & BMR

THEN, Get a specific exercise program to meet
your goals & help you get the results you’re looking for!

Email or Call to SIGN UP at 310.899.4046!

Come Join Us on Our Last
FULL MOON HIKE
of the Summer!

Los Liones Trail
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12th!
Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Suggested Donation: $10
Meets: 1st parking lot on right of Los Liones road

Bring a flashlight & a friend!
Email or Call to SIGN UP at 310.899.4046!

JUST DO IT BEFORE ITS TOO LATE!

Take advantage of the beautiful sunny mornings
on the beach before winter comes!

Sign Up TODAY for
  BASIC TRAINING ON THE BEACH
  September 20th - October 13th
  Tuesday & Thursday mornings
  6:30am - 7:30am
  Cost: $175
  Get $25 off when you Register by September 13th! 

Email or Call to SIGN UP at 310.899.4046!

Call 310.899.4046 or E-mail
to sign up for any of our activities!

See our archived Newsletters HERE

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 © 2011  - State of the Heart Fitness