Wine Enthusiast Gives Soma a Shout Out for Equestrian Wine Tours

The Wine Enthusiast gives Soma’s Equestrian Wine Tours a mention in their lastest review. If you love horseback riding in the beautiful Santa Barbara wine country you should certainly join us.

This entry was written by scrawford, posted on January 12, 2010 at 4:11 pm, filed under Experiences, Food, Green Lifestyle, Horseback Riding, Life is Fitness, Outdoors, Santa Barbara and tagged California wineries, California wines, Horseback Riding, Horses, Santa Barbara, Santa Ynez, SOMA GET FIT, vino vaqueros, Wine Enthusiast Magazine, wine tasting. Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink.

Starting the New Year with an Appetite Adjustment

by Bonnie Crouse

There were certainly plenty of reasons I found to overeat over the holidays – but now it’s time for an appetite adjustment. (along with the inevitable decrease in alcohol consumption and increase in aerobic activity!) I came across a few articles on what drives appetite and causes overeating and decided to share some ideas for making changes in behavior and  in your environment that could help keep appetites in check.

Apparently what you eat and how you eat it can affect how much you eat. Some of the physiological factors that are involved:

• Volume of a meal. We tend to eat the same amount of food regardless of calories – so better to eat high volume, low calorie dense foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans and lean protein. (choose real foods that occur in nature – not ‘manufactured’.)
• Food components. Foods high in protein increase satiety. (as my dietitian friend Teri Tom says – ‘always have some protein with that carbohydrate snack’)
• Palatability. Most people find high sugar and high fat foods more pleasurable – making it easier to overeat these foods. Figure out how much food you need ahead of time – and don’t go back for more.
• Portion size and visual cues. Many people eat to ‘clean their plates’ and not from hunger cues. Portion out servings in small bowls, plates and cups or small bags if on the go. Eat 5 to 6 small meals spread throughout the day.
• Distractions. Eating while watching TV, working or driving can lead to over eating – portion out ahead of time if you do.
• Variety. The greater the variety to choose from – the more we tend to eat. Keep it simple and avoid those “all you can eat” buffets.
• Emotions and social situations. Certain emotions (sadness, anxiety, loneliness – even happiness and excitement) trigger automatic behavior and lead to overeating – as do certain parties and events. Stay alert and mindful.

By reminding myself to practice more intuitive eating (eating slowly, with pleasure and aware of surroundings and emotions), I’ve begun the new year by replacing chaotic eating with a more structured mindful plan.

This entry was written by bcrouse, posted on January 6, 2010 at 7:46 am, filed under Food, Life is Fitness, Nutrition, Santa Barbara and tagged 2010, Bonnie Crouse, Food, mindful eating, Nutrition, Santa Barbara, SOMA GET FIT. Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink.

What Is Gyrotonic®?

by Amanda Comito

The Gyrotonic Expansion System® is based on principals of movement drawn from yoga, dance, swimming, gymnastics, and Tai chi combining a unique repertoire of exercises performed on Juliu Horvath’s costumed designed equipment, helps stretch and strengthen muscles, while simultaneously stimulating and strengthening connective tissues in and around the joints. Using the total involvement of the nervous system, the Gyrotonic Expansion System® achieves a neuromuscular reconditioning. It not only rejuvenates tired or unused muscles, but also has the unique capacity to strengthen ligamental connections, which as yet, cannot be achieved on other exercise equipment. Unlike most conventional exercise machines that work on linear or isolated planes, the Gyrotonic Expansion System® utilizes circular movements which emphasize multiple joint articulations without compression, strengthening ligaments and each attachment. Dynamics on these machines are achieved with less muscular effort than other exercise systems. Instead, the focus of exertion is on the use of breath with the movement. This together with an easy relaxation in the activity, releases joints from ligamental or muscular constriction. Dancers, athletes, martial artists, etc. benefit from the intensity of concentration on opening and releasing the body while gaining increased strength and flexibility. Injured or rehabilitating patients achieve a gentle yet stimulating body workout that takes a complete view of the body, while focusing thoroughly on the afflicted areas in relation to the whole. Gyrotonic® is used in exercise facilities all over the world. It is beneficial for people of all age’s even children.

This entry was written by scrawford, posted on December 23, 2009 at 3:41 pm, filed under Fitness, Gyrotonic, Life is Fitness, Lifestyle and Spa, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and tagged Amanda Comito, Fitness, Gyrotonic, Movement, Santa Barbara, SOMA GET FIT, Studio. Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink.

Stand UP Paddle Boarding

by Chris Gutzeit

Santa Barbara is quickly becoming California’s mecca to the fastest growing water sport in the world. Stand Up Paddle boarding a.k.a. SUP can be seen in abundance year round due to Santa Barbara’s beautiful climate. Take a walk down to the beach on any calm and glassy morning and see it for yourself. It’s hard to miss them as they appear to be walking on water,  or just out for a morning stroll exploring Santa Barbara’s coastline from a new and exciting perspective.

SUP is a sport that is being embraced by people of all ages. It appeals to the masses and anyone can do it. I recently taught a Grandmother in her 70′s who absolutely loved it!!! and all her friends thought she was crazy for even wanting to try it. Kids pick it up fast… because kids pick up everything fast and their smaller size makes it easier to learn on boards that have a volume designed to float an adult.

SUP is great for improving your core strength. I get more and more women learning to paddle everyday and have heard it compared to yoga “yoga on water.” It’s a wonderful alternative to going to the gym and you never know what you will encounter out on the sea. Dolphins are a common encounter on our adventures and are just as curious about us as we are about them,  and usually swim right under your board and look up at you through the water as they pass you by. Is there better way to start your morning? I don’t know? This is how I start mine!!!!!

Aloha,
Chris

This entry was written by scrawford, posted on December 4, 2009 at 10:58 pm, filed under Fitness, Life is Fitness, Outdoors, Santa Barbara, Stand Up Paddle Surfing and tagged Chris Gutzeit, Ocean, Retreats, Santa Barbara, SOMA GET FIT, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Stand Up Paddle Surfing, SUP, Surfing, Waves. Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink.