Rejuvenate Your Skin: The Remarkable Benefits of Dry Brushing

Dry brushing, a centuries-old self-care practice, has gained popularity for its many benefits in recent years. This simple yet effective technique involves using a natural-bristle brush to gently massage the skin in upward strokes, typically before showering or bathing. Here are some compelling reasons why incorporating dry brushing into your routine can be a game-changer for your skin: 

 Exfoliation: Dry brushing sloughs off dead skin cells, promoting cell turnover. This reveals fresher, smoother skin and can help unclog pores, preventing breakouts.

 Improved Circulation: The gentle pressure of dry brushing stimulates blood flow, promoting better circulation. This can result in a more radiant complexion.

 Lymphatic System Support: Dry brushing assists the lymphatic system in removing toxins and waste products from the body. This can lead to reduced swelling and puffiness, especially in areas prone to fluid retention.

 Stress Reduction: The rhythmic motion of dry brushing provides a soothing massage effect, which can help relax the body and reduce stress levels. It's a wonderful addition to any self-care routine. 

Enhanced Absorption of Products: By exfoliating the skin's surface, dry brushing allows moisturizers and serums to penetrate more effectively, maximizing their benefits. 

 Energizing Effect: Many individuals report feeling more invigorated and alert after a dry brushing session. The increased blood flow and stimulation of nerve endings can provide a revitalizing boost.  Incorporating dry brushing into your routine a few times a week can lead to noticeable improvements in skin texture, tone, and overall vitality. It's a simple yet powerful practice that can be easily adopted for a glowing, healthy complexion. 

Younger Looking Skin:  Dry skin brushing removes dead dry skin.  This allows your skin to breathe. Your skin will look smoother and less crepey!

photo via Deposit photos

                        I can't wait to go to CVS tomorrow to get my brush to start Dry Brushing!   

P.S. Remember there are pros and cons to many beauty routines.  Dry brushing may not be for everyone. It is not recommended if you have a skin condition, such as Keratosis Pilaris. Also, never dry brush over an open wound.  Do not dry brush on moles or skin cancer.  And never dry brush too hard.  It could irritate your skin.  If you dry brush properly you can benefit from it.

Use a natural bristle brush instead of one with synthetic fiber.  Just as you wouldn't use a chemical peel every day you should space out when you dry brush.  Once to twice a week before you shower should work.

WE LOVE SQUATS!

                                Rear Squat (look at all the muscle groups targeted!)

The single best exercises that you can do for your lower body are squats.  Squats are a compound exercise meaning multi-muscle and multi-joint.  Depending on which squat you do different muscle groups will be targeted either more or less.  When you do a squat you are using your own bodyweight as resistance so you do not have to use weights.  When you perfect your form you can add weights for added resistance if you want.  You can perform squats anywhere.  They are an extremely important  exercise.  
The muscle groups that are primarily targeted are the glutes, hips, quadriceps, hamstrings, calves.  You are isometrically working your core as well!  I think you can call a squat a "total body exercise!"   The squat is also great because it is time-saving.



p.s. as you are rising up from your squat press through your heels and when you are upright give your glutes an extra squeeze, but don't hyperextend your torso.  You want to be in neutral spine when you complete your squat!   

p.s.s. you can also bring your upper body into the exercise by simultaneously doing bicep curls, tricep kickbacks and shoulder exercises.  Don't do this until you have perfected your form.  And remember when you are lifting weights, no matter how heavy or light.....slow and controlled movements are the way to go!!!!!

  Plie or Sumo Squat (fitnessvolt.com)

p.s.s.s. always check with your doctor before starting this or any exercise program!

Curtsy Squats br.pinterest.com

                                                     Squats are the best if done properly! Always keep your knees behind                                                         your toes. 

            Do you love squats?

Eat, Pray, Love.

Julia Robert's character in the movie "Eat, Pray, Love" needed to find herself.  She was lucky enough to have the luxury of taking a year off and traveling to try and figure things out in her life.
 If you could pick three places like she did.....what would be your "Eat", "Pray", and "Love"??????  I haven't traveled much at all so I can only guess what would be the perfect places to go to "meditate." Since I haven't traveled much I do think that just getting away must be a wonderful thing to help see things more clearly.  What do you think?  Have you traveled much?  Do you come back from a vacation with a different outlook?  Do you feel energized?  Would you want to go away for a year?  I honestly don't think that going away for a year is practical.

I can definitely see Italy as being my "EAT" place.
I think that I would taste each and every pasta dish!!!!!! Yum!!!!!!

image via touritalynow.com

I would love to go to Israel as my "PRAY."
I have never been to Israel but I just know that it must feel so welcoming and warm.  The perfect place to pray!!!!!

image via tripwow.tripadvisor.com

I'm still thinking about my "LOVE" place.
(any suggestions??)

Monday Move

six pack (much more visible on a man than a woman)
photo via skinnybulkup.com

Good morning everyone,

Let's talk about our abs......

Of course it is very important to strengthen all of the muscle groups of your body.  But it is extremely important to have a strong core.  If your core is not strong then your body will have a hard time working properly.  Your core is basically your trunk minus your arms and legs.  One of the most important muscle groups in your core is your abdominal muscles.  These include the rectus abdominus (six pack), transverse abdominis and the internal and external obliques.

I do not believe that you have to lie on the floor to effectively work your abs.  There is a very small range of motion that is necessary to work this group of muscles.  If you ARE doing a floor crunch there is no need to come all the way up off the floor.  You will be losing the contraction that is so necessary for your muscles to grow and tone.

Here is a simple ab exercise.
While standing do a pelvic tilt......bringing your belly button in towards your back. (as you are bringing your belly button in towards your back your pelvis will tilt up)
Hold that for ten seconds........YOU DID A CRUNCH!
Now do reps.....but at the top of each movement (when you are holding and squeezing) think about the muscles that you are working (there is a mind-muscle connection) and give an extra squeeze (recruits more muscle fibers....more effective) Do as many as you can with proper form ( which is extremely important)  Start with 25 if you can.  Rest for 30 seconds in between sets.  Do three sets!

You can do this abdominal exercise anywhere!

(I will post a pic as soon as I can get someone to take one of me doing this)

p.s.  working your abs or any muscle group will make them toned and strong but to see them you have to lose the fat that is hiding them from sight.  That,  of course,  means eating healthy. And we do have to add in some cardio!....But when you have strong and toned muscles your body becomes a more efficient fat-burning machine!!!!!!!

p.s.s.  there are so many different ab exercises.  Please email me with any questions @ eengel088@gmail.com.

p.s.s.s.  always check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program.

Inspiration!!!

This woman is gorgeous, amazing, and soooo inspirational!!!!!!  Please everyone watch this and then get up and move, dance, exercise.  Let's get healthy for Spring and Summer!!!! ( "This is the official music video for the song "Penny on the Train Track" starring Ben Kweller's remarkable 82 year old grandmother!!!")

A chocolate bar a day may help keep the doctor away!

Hi lovely ladies,
I just finished reading an article by CBS news about the benefits of chocolate.  I've written about it before and we know that the darker the chocolate the more beneficial it is.  Dark chocolate contains over 50% cocoa content.  Dark chocolate also contains more cocoa flavanoids, which have been proven beneficial for treating diabetes, strokes and vascular disease.  Last summer, a study of more than 100,000 people found those who ate the most chocolate (in the study) were 39 percent less likely to get heart disease and 29 percent less likely to have a stroke. (reported by HealthPop)  Dark chocolate is associated with lower rates of all causes of mortality!
Now added to the list of health benefits of chocolate is losing weight.  (yay!)  Chocolate is high in calories but is also full of antioxidants and other ingredients that may promote weight loss.  A study was published in the March 26 issue of "Archives of Internal Medicine."  More than 1,000 healthy men and women who were an average age of 57 - ate chocolate an average of twice a week and exercised 3.5 times per week.  The more frequent chocolate-eaters had smaller BMIs , a ratio of height and weight that's used to measure obesity.   That doesn't mean to go out and buy bags of chocolate (which I would love to do since I am a chocoholic).  And granted there are chocolates that contain lots of sugar and calories.  So you have to pick your chocolate wisely.  Dr. David Katz , director of the Yale Prevention Research Center in New Haven, Conn., said:  "I would not want people reading this to think that all they need to do to lose weight is eat more chocolate."  "That would be a huge mistake."  Katz suggests dark chocolate, because of its bitter flavor, may suppress appetite whereas sweet chocolate may stimulate it.  I've always heard to eat an ounce of dark chocolate a day.  More studies will be done and who knows maybe more than an ounce of chocolate a day will be recommended.
There really is something so good about chocolate.  Maybe more than we know.  So tonight I went to Trader Joe's and bought dark chocolate.  I am really going to try to keep away from milk chocolate although it does have some benefit but not at all like dark chocolate.  I also think that if you satisfy your sweet tooth and eat the dark chocolate you will crave less of other sweets.   As Dr. Katz said it could be an appetite suppressant.
  You must exercise too.  Chocolate alone won't do it.  And in my opinion any kind of weight bearing  exercises are the best.  They will build long, lean muscles which will burn more fat!
So, a little dark chocolate every day!

Happiness

Contributed by Cindy Holbrook to Global One TV

“Happiness is a habit – cultivate it.” ~ Elbert Hubbar


Happiness is one aspiration all people share. No one wants to be sad and depressed.


1. Appreciate Life

Be thankful that you wake up each morning. Develop a childlike sense of wonder towards life. Focus on the beauty of every living thing. Make the most of each day. Don’t take anything for granted. Don’t sweat the small stuff.

2. Choose Friends Wisely

Surround yourself with happy, positive people who share your values and goals. Friends that have the same ethics as you will encourage you to achieve your dreams. They help you to feel good about yourself. They are there to lend a helping hand when needed.

3. Be Considerate

Accept others for who they are as well as where they are in life. Respect them for who they are. Touch them with a kind and generous spirit. Help when you are able, without trying to change the other person. Try to brighten the day of everyone you come into contact with.

4. Learn Continuously

Keep up to date with the latest news regarding your career and hobbies. Try new and daring things that has sparked your interest – such as dancing, skiing, surfing or sky-diving.

5. Creative Problem Solving

Don’t wallow in self-pity. As soon as you face a challenge get busy finding a solution. Don’t let the set backs affect your mood, instead see each new obstacle you face as an opportunity to make a positive change. Learn to trust your gut instincts – it’s almost always right.

6. Do What They Love

Some statistics show that 80% of people dislike their jobs! No wonder there’s so many unhappy people running around. We spend a great deal of our life working. Choose a career that you enjoy – the extra money of a job you detest isn’t worth it. Make time to enjoy your hobbies and pursue special interests.

7. Enjoy Life

Take the time to see the beauty around you. There’s more to life than work. Take time to smell the roses, watch a sunset or sunrise with a loved one, take a walk along the seashore, hike in the woods etc. Learn to live in the present moment and cherish it. Don’t live in the past or the future.

8. Laugh

Don’t take yourself – or life too seriously. You can find humor in just about any situation. Laugh at yourself – no one’s perfect. When appropriate laugh and make light of the circumstances. (Naturally there are times that you should be serious as it would be improper to laugh.)

9. Forgive

Holding a grudge will hurt no one but you. Forgive others for your own peace of mind. When you make a mistake – own up to it – learn from it – and FORGIVE yourself.

Bicycle Sharing

Ten thousand bicycles will be placed around Manhattan for everyone's personal convenience  starting in 2012.  This has been happening in France successfully for the past year and a half.  This is called Bike Sharing.  The use of bicycles instead of cars for people to get around for work and pleasure makes France a clean air country and alleviates traffic and provides health benefits.
Heading the program in Manhattan will be Alta  Bicycle Share, bases out of Portland, Oregon.
Stations will be set up within the city so that you can rent a bicycle on an annual basis with a credit card only.  The cost is $100.00 per year.  This enables you to use the forty pound bicycles which are heavier and safer, as many times during the day as you want to go from place to place parking it at different available stations and taking another bike to go to your next stop.  So you lock up your bike at a station that is near your destination.  There will be stations all over the city.  It operates the same way in France.  Parisians love it and it is doing amazing there.   Bike Share is also in London.  When the program becomes successful in Manhattan it will be available in the other boroughs as well.  I have read that it is also used on college campuses which is an amazing idea.

This Bike Share is in London

What do you think of this idea?  Would you join Bike Share to get around the city?

It's All About The Resistance!

Hi Ladies (and men this is for you too!)

I just received some exercise products from SPRI!  So excited to get them!  I would like to tell you about these products.  I received the "Xercuff" and "Lateral Resistor."   These products are known as  resistance tubing.  You do not need to work out with machines or heavy weights.  Resistance tubing is a great option!  Actually a better option then standard gym machines.  When you work out with resistance tubing it is a more natural movement then sitting on a machine..... you recruit more muscle fibers which change your body faster and more effectively!!!!  Another plus is that you can bring the products with you and workout whenever you have a free moment.  I have two "Xercuffs".  I keep one at home and one always with me for my clients and myself.  You can keep one at the office.  Grab a free moment and get in a few reps!!  You will not bulk up!!!  You will have long, toned, beautiful legs!!!  Resistance tubing is a great way to accomplish this!
 SPRI offers numerous resistance products.  They are convenient, easy to use and most of all they are extremely effective!  So great for a lower body work-out!!!
Visit SPRI here to view all of their great products!!!!

Lateral Resistor



Xercuff

Visit SPRI to see all of their great resistance tubing!