Is Having Good Posture a Drag?!!

Is having good posture a drag?  Good posture can be easier than you think.

Most people donʼt know how to sit or stand with good posture in a way thatʼs comfortable. We have never been taught how to balance our bones and move with the least amount of stress on our bodies. In fact, not only can it comfortable to sit and stand but it can feel easy and very freeing

How about walking?  Wouldnʼt you like to be able to walk anywhere, either a hike or into a room with poise and confidence and fluidity?  It has nothing to do with age.  It has everything to do with learning how.

Do you find yourself getting short of breath?  You can learn how to breathe freely , giving yourself more energy and a better voice!

The principles of the Alexander Technique enable us to change anything thatʼs getting in the way of our mind and bodies having lightness and ʻfree flowʼ, throughout our day, no matter what our activity.  Our overall health changes and top to toe pains and strains diminish dramatically.

For more info visit: www.alexandertechniquewithjune.com or www.alexandertechnique.com

This is a guest post from  June Chadwick, Image via bgh.com

This entry was written by Soma Get Fit Guest Writer, posted on February 16, 2010 at 1:19 pm, filed under Alexander Technique, Bodywork, Lifestyle and Spa, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and tagged Alexander Technique, Good Posture, Healthy back, June Chadwick, SOMA GET FIT. Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink.

Keeping Fit When the Motivation Gets Tough + Soma Get Fit Retreat Giveaway

Orginally Posted by Tracy Hepler of Yourdailythread.com

Each New Year, many of us re-discover our motivation to get in shape, only to have it wane and disappear come spring. Well this year is going to be different—seriously. Rather than setting unrealistic goals, I’m focusing on the day to day and what I can actually.

I sat down with Scott Crawford, founder of Soma Get Fit , an active wellness retreat in Santa Barbara (and my friend and trainer) to see what tips he could share for keeping in shape the whole year.

Tip 1: Keep Moving

Like many of us, I’m trapped behind a computer most of the day. This is a big no no according to Scott. He suggests taking mini stretch breaks 3 to 5 times a day. Whether it’s a simple hanging stretch or a brisk walk around the office. You can even create your own mini yoga or Pilates routine if you have the space. The point is to keep moving, and you’d be surprised how much these breaks not only benefit your body: they’ll rejuvenate your mind and make you a more productive worker too.

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Tip 2: Food Matters

You are what you eat so watch AND log it. Most people don’t keep track of the mini snacks they have during the day. Whether it’s a hanful dof crackers or an afternoon cookie, these calories add up. If you have a habit of snacking, Scott suggests using a food journal to write down what you’re consuming. You’ll be able to see the habits that might be sabotaging your workout efforts. He also recommends eating mini meals every 3 to 4 hours and NEVER eating anything when the sugar content is greater than 20% of the total carbohydrates (well almost never as I’ve got to have a cupcake every now and then).

Tip 3: Get Outside

Leave the crack berry, iPhone and iPod at home and head into the great outdoors (or at least a more natural area considering we’re in a city). Exercising outside is not only good for the environment as it uses no electricity (other than your own juice), it releases tension, clears the mind and loads you up on vitamin D (which you get naturally from being in sunlight).

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Tip 4: Morning or Night

I’ve always been curious if it makes a difference whether you work out in the morning, afternoon or evening; it turns out it doesn’t. Scott suggests picking a time when you feel most excited about working out. If you’re not a morning person, you’re not going to feel motivated to do anything early, especially exercise. The key is to make the time that you do work out something you look forward to and enjoy. That is how you’ll actually make the habit stick.

To help keep you in shape, Scott has shared a quick full body exercise program using dynamic stretching, endurance and strength exercises. It’s extremely beneficial for those who sit at a computer all day since it allows your full body to move in three planes of motion. Click here to see the complete list of exercises.

Images via smh.com.au, apartment therapy & rachellowry

This entry was written by Soma Get Fit Guest Writer, posted on January 11, 2010 at 10:55 am, filed under Green Lifestyle, Life is Fitness, Los Angeles, Outdoors, Press and tagged green work out, new year’s resolutions, Scott Crawford, SOMA GET FIT, wellness retreat santa Barbara, Working out. Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink.

Green Holiday Gift Guide: Affordable, Local, Environmental

While many gift guides come out before Thanksgiving, we like to digest our Turkey and Tofurkey before we think of holiday giving. So now that the meal is done, we want to help you find the right gift for the special people in your life.

We’ve put together a green gift guide for all sorts of folks from the cocktail lover and eco-fashionista to the dog lover and eco-geek , and even the friend that has it all — you’ll certainly find something that will make people, your wallet and the planet smile.

For the Chocolate Lover…Nicobella Vegan Dark Chocolate Truffles

Nicobella vegan organic dark chocolate truffles take the concept of the decadent truffle to a new level. By replacing cream with oat milk and processed sugar with agave nectar, then infusing high antioxidant ingredients such as blueberries, green tea, and pumpkin into each truffle, there is finally a decadent indulgence with all of the flavor without the guilt.

A healthy addiction…naturally

Please visit www.nicobellaorganics.com.

YDT Deal: When you purchase 2 or more 6-piece assortment boxes receive 20% off of your order through December 18th. Discount code YDT.

These delicious truffle retail for $15.00 per assortment box.

For The Person Who Has Too Much To Carry: Tote Buddy

Isn’t it fun to give a gift you know they’ll enjoy? Give The Tote Buddy this holiday season. It’s The World’s First Reusable Bag Organizer! It neatly organizes reusable bags, keeping them nearby and handy for every shopping trip. It’s the perfect shopping companion and the perfect gift for everyone on your list (even you!).

Plus, you’ll be helping the planet with every purchase by not taking extra bags. Now, who’s your buddy? Available online at www.TheToteBuddy.com.

Prices vary from $9.99 to $12.99.

For the Jeweled Gal…Ann-made Jewelry

Proving that recycling can be beautiful, you too can look beautiful this holiday season and show everyone how important the earth is to you by wearing (and giving) a piece of environmentally-conscious jewelry by Ann-Made. Each bracelet, pendant and pair of earrings is handcrafted using cleaned and polished post-consumer can tabs and beautiful beads and gemstones. They are exceptionally lightweight and amazingly comfortable. When you wear our jewelry, you’ll have everyone saying, “Wow! Where did you get that?” See the full collection and find something special at www.annmadeart.com.

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For The Non-Desk Types: Natural High lifestyle Lap Top Table

Great for Djays, students, facebookers, chefs and designers alike!

This super stable, heat diffusing lap table is ideal for anyone that works on a laptop computer. Create an ergonomic workspace and significantly increase the range of motion on your machine. Bring yours into our store in Santa Monica and enjoy our free wireless networking by typing in password shoplocal…

Made from sustainable materials including bamboo, wheat board, hemp, organic cotton, buckwheat hulls. Color options include charcoal grey, pearl white and eclipse black. Purchase online at www.naturalhighlifestylestore.com or in Santa Monica at Natural High Lifestyle, 2400 Main St. Santa Monica Ca 90405. Tables prices vary $88-148.

For the Spirit…Divinexpressions

At Divinexpression, you will discover a delightful array of products and services created to inspire a deeper connection with yourself and Spirit. Our vision is to co-create a world where people experience harmony, joy, love, laughter, growth and transformation from the inside out. We do this by design products that support people in fulfilling their positive intentions and dreams with grace and ease.

Products include: Affirmation Cards, Sacred Organic Incense and Handmade Paper Journal!

YDT Deal: Enjoy the journey of exploring our site and products and get a 10% discount by using the YDT10 code at divinexpression.myshopify.com

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For the Friend That Wants To Go Green But Doesn’t Know How…Green Irene Consulting

Give a Green Home Makeover From Your Local Green Irene Eco-Consultant. Give a unique and lasting gift with a $99 Green Home Makeover gift certificate. This includes a Green Home Makeover consultation, membership to our online green database, and a detailed report to implement green solutions. The recipient will also receive a free Green Irene eco-tote or stainless steel water bottle as a bonus ($15 value) with their gift certificate.

Visit www.GreenIrene.com for more information or contact us at sales@greenirene.com or (888) 212-4733 to purchase today.

A Gift For You: Copper Willow Holiday Cards

There are times when an E card simply doesn’t do it and a true hand written card is the only way to go. Copper Willow is the perfect choice for that occasion. Using sustainable materials such as tree free paper made from discarded cotton, FSC, Green Seal and Post Consumer Recycled Paper, Low VOC soy inks and antique printing machines and calligraphy, this boutique paper studio based in Culver City can make your holiday cards beautiful, personal and considerate of the environment. Book an appointment with them at their studio at www.copperwillow.com or visit them all month long at Livingreen in Culver City at 10000 Culver Blvd. Culver City, CA 90232 (310) 838-8442. Prices vary per card packages.

For the Greenie That Has It All…Laundry Tree Soap Nuts

Need a thoughtful holiday gift for someone that has you stumped? Here’s a truly unique idea: Laundry Tree Soap Nuts! Soap nuts are the fruit of a tree (Sapindus Mukorossi), found mostly in the Himalayas. They clean JUST as well as traditional detergents and are:

• 100% natural

• Organically grown

• Free of harsh chemicals (gentle on clothes AND skin)

• Totally biodegradable & Naturally low-sudsing

The Laundry Tree Starter Kit comes beautifully wrapped in environmentally-friendly packaging for only $14.99.

YDT Deal: Save 10% off your own kit online with discount code YOURDAILYTHREAD at www.laundrytree.com.

For the Dog Lover…Eco-Friendly Bones

Every dog loves a bone, and you’ll love it even more since it’s eco-friendly! The fabric of these Eco Bones are made up of 85% re-engineered recycled IntelliLoft fibers surrounding a squeaker. It’s sure to keep your dog entertained for hours. They are available in two sizes: 7″ and 10″ for larger dogs. Both are available and ready to be delivered at http://www.healthyspotonline.com

If you’re in the Santa Monica area visit Healthy Spot at 1110 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica CA 9040.

Bones range from $9 to $12.50.

For the Health and Wellness Buffs: Acupuncture with Julie Festa

This holiday season, give the gift of health with Acupuncture sessions from JulieFesta , L.Ac. Dating back thousands of years, acupuncture can treat anything from stress and insomnia to weight issues and low energy. So rather than gifting an item your loved ones will out grow, gift them a session (or two or three) with Julie Festa that will surely balance their over all well being just in time for the new year. Visit www.juliefesta.com for more information.

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For the Yogi in Your Life: Eco-Friendly Jade Yoga Mats

Jade is everything you want in a yoga mat – cool colors, incredible grip, great comfort and eco-friendly. Jade mats are made sustainable with natural rubber is tapped from rubber trees, a renewable resource and unlike other mats contains no PVC, EVA or other synthetic rubber and are made in the United States in compliance with all US environmental, labor and consumer protection laws.

Jade plants a tree for every mat sold and has a recycle mat program. Get your mat and your eco-friendly yoga on at www.jadeyoga.com.

Mat prices vary by size and thickness.

For the Eco-Fashionista: Greenbees Boots and Shoes

It is estimated that 2 to 3 billion tires are currently stockpiled in the US. Greenbees is making good use of such rubble. Greenbees Eco-Friendly Shoes represents the finest in form, fashion and function. From the hand crafted, formaldehyde free dyed leather to the recycled tire sole; it is easy to do something good while looking great. And now, through our partnership with Trees for the Future, a tree will be planted when a purchase through Greenbees is made. Shop for a pair of gorgeous boots and shoes at www.shopgreenbees.com.

YDT Alert: If you’re a New Subscriber or Invite Friends to YDT in the month of December you’ll be entered to win your own pair of Green Bees Emma Boots.

Boot and shoe prices vary by style.

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For the Eco Geek: Solar Powered Surge iPhone Charger From Go Green Solar

With NOVOTHINK’s hybrid solar charger case, you can now power up your iPhone literally anywhere under the sun. The solar panel technology enables you to be part of the solar energy solution. You’ll also get free shipping when you preorder this item now. Get the Surge at http://www.gogreensolar.com/products/surge

Features

• Power up while walking, running, hiking, or biking
• Full access to touch screen
• USB connection allows you to charge or sync with iTunes without ever having to take your iPhone out of the case
• State-of-the-art solar panel technology allows your iPhone 3G and 3G S to power up with the power of the sun
• LED status light indicators
• Clean, green energy source

Available for $69.95

For the Mixologist: Organic, Shaken, Stirred

The holidays are certainly known for libations but what if you could make them a little healthier and greener? Paul Abercrombie’s book Organic, Shaken Stirred does just that and is the perfect addition to any home bar or a great gift for a mixologist in training.

The book features organic liquors and 100s of unique recipes to try. Why not drink organic and drink to your health?

Learn more at www.organicshakenandstirred.com

Available for $13.57 at amazon.com

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This entry was written by Soma Get Fit Guest Writer, posted on December 17, 2009 at 2:19 pm, filed under Green Lifestyle and tagged eco-friendly gift, fair trade chocolates, green gift guide, green holiday gift guide. Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink.

Seasonal Summer Fruits That Can’t Be Missed

Guest post by Tracy Hepler of YourDailyThread.com

Besides good weather, no school and beach days, what makes summer rock is the delicious array of summer fruits of the season. From berries to cherries—they are not to be missed. Check out our listing of delicious fresh fruit that is popping up at a farmer’s market near you.

….Pluots: A hybrid between plums and apricots—these interesting-looking fruits are super sweet and have a juicy pulp. Don’t be turned off my their ugly exteriors, beauty (or taste) comes from within.

…Gaviota Strawberries: These heirloom strawberry varietals are grown exclusively between Oxnard and Santa Barbara County. Though smaller in size and shape to store bought strawberries, these pack an aroma and taste that put the store’s to shame. They’ll be here till about August or so. Get them while you can.

Heirloom Tomatoes: Tomatoes—yes they are fruits, and heirloom tomatoes are so sweet you can bite into them like an apple. Again—don’t be turned off by their odd exterior—they just haven’t been genetically modified to look exactly like every other tomato. These don’t come cheap—at about $3 to 4 per pound, they have a hefty price tag. Truthfully though, they are worth it.

Organic White Peaches: We’ve all had yellow peaches (I secretly like them in a can). But white peaches are a serious treat. Their flesh is sweeter than yellow peaches, and a little softer too. Great over yogurt or cereal and would make a healthy dessert too. P.S. peaches are one of the fruits with the highest amount of pesticides because of their thin skins, so always be sure you buy organic.

Cherries: Cherries are in peak season right now. They can be a little messy (so if you’re like me, don’t wear white while you eat them.) They’re the perfect blend of tart and sweet. Any bakers out there—now is a perfect time for seasonal cherry pie. For the most seasonal varietal, see if you can find Lambert Cherries.

Organic Cantaloupe: Part of the melon family, cantaloupe is best eaten a bit chilled in my opinion. More versatile that most fruits, you can eat it alone or wrap it in Italian proscuitto for a sweet and salty snack or treat. See if you can find a Cavaillon, a delicious heirloom varietal that looks like a regular cantaloupe with green stripes.

Figs: Upon eating my first fig, I thought I had tasted heaven in my mouth. No joke, a perfectly ripe fig is one of the most divine things you could ever eat. Figs are also one of the world’s oldest fruits (a popular staple of ancient Greece and Rome.) It is also rumored that figs were the forbidden fruit that got Eve kicked out of the Garden. Good thing we can get them at the Farmer’s Market and in trees all over town from now through early fall.

Did we miss your favorite fruit? Let us know which one and where to find them.

Want to get even closer to your food? Why not pick your own at http://www.pickyourown.org/

More Resources:

Download the EWG’s guide to pesticides in your fruits and veggies

This entry was written by Soma Get Fit Guest Writer, posted on August 13, 2009 at 7:54 pm, filed under Nutrition and tagged eating lower on the food chain, Green Living, Green Santa Barbara, Local Food, locavore, Seasonal Food, Seasonal Fruits, Sustinable Food. Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink.