If you are reading this on Feb. 22, it's another milestone for me, my 52nd birthday.  I had a laugh as I facetimed with my granddaughter Isabella, age 4 and told her Nanna would be 52.  Oh the cute face!  It might as well have been 152!  But the truth is I'm proud of my age.  I've always done my best to be healthy, but I'm religious about it now, and being around to watch Isabella grow up is just one reason why. 

My Isabella

When clients are setting goals, I like to see them also set a goal for their next physical to be their best.  Not only can you "grow" an inch because your posture will have improved so much  with elongating yoga exercises and the benefits to your spine and posture that I've developed with lumbar stabiliation--my first step and what I encourage even longtime clients to do once as maintenace at least every two weeks -- but when you lift with the right form and posture you will protect your joints and muscle mass with strength training and help combat osteoporosis.  You will also reduce injury doing everyday activities including housework.   We just can't expect to do the same things we've always done -- including returning to summer yardwork and gardening -- when we don't fight to retain our muscle mass by weight training and eating for muscle gains.  Over 50, there's a science to it and you need to know what that is.

Birthdays and other holidays can cause us to gain weight, because we say "yes" to eating out, treats, etc.  I myself had several celebratory events this weekend.  It pays to plan and look at calorie counts before you go. While you may try to  make good choices at restaurants, consider that the standard serving size in an average restaurant entry contains six whopping servings! Have the waiter cut your portion at least in half, order wisely on the entrée such as baked fish, get your low-cal dressing on the side, avoid the rolls and alcohol and you'll "faire" much better!  By preparing to succed you actually can! 

You can boost weight loss and reduce belly fat with yoga and meditation too.  Also my Far Infrared Sauna can help you lose 700 calories on a 30-minute session.   Read my feature below and learn more about that and another healthy step Jennifer Aniston and I have in common besides that she eats Mediterranen too!