So you are about a month into 2013. Your commitment to Being Healthy is on track. First, you have been doing some cardio every day, maybe some running or cycling, getting your heart rate up to the threshold…you’re heart is getting stronger. And you are trying to do this outside, in nature, even if it takes a little more effort, it is great to be outside this time of year.

For strength everywhere else in the body, you’re resistance training at least twice a week. And no, yoga doesn’t count and really, neither does Pilates. Pick up some weights or go to a weight training class. If your core strength is weak, then let’s talk about some Pilates Reformer private sessions. You will have a much easier time in your weight training endeavors with a strong core, not to mention in your sports. No lie, skiing and snowboarding will be so much easier.

Now let’s talk about Yoga. You balance your stimulating cardio and resistance training workouts with Yoga. The mistake so many people make is thinking that their Yoga can be their workout! NO! Yoga is your work “in” or your balancer of the overstimulation in your life. So you should be evaluating your day to decide what kind of Yoga to practice. If you start your day with Yoga, and it’s going to be a low key day you may want a stimulating class, like Ashtanga. If you are looking at the day from hell, maybe a gentle balancing yoga would be a better choice. If you practice after a cardio or strength workout, Yin yoga is a great choice. It works to stretch connective tissues. If you practice in the evening, you will have experienced most of your day and if it was stressful and over stimulating, restorative could be the ticket. If you have had a very vatic day (experienced a little bit of air-headedness, or you were having a hard time staying focused, an Iyengar class would bring alignment and balance. Whatever you choose, make sure that it is not hot (remember we are healing) and that you are balancing, not continuing to deplete which creates more of the same stress or imbalance. That will only open the door for injury, aging, illness, headaches, anxiety, emotional imbalance, depression, and hormone imbalance.

The next thing to look at is your food. You are what you eat! How’s your digestion, your energy level, how often are you sick, are you eliminating on a regular basis and what does that look like? Yes, literally, what does that look like? (we will talk about that more in another blog).

What you eat determines the answers to these questions, because again, you are what you eat. If the answers aren’t “great”, then you must look at how and with what you are nourishing your body. In Ayurveda, (the ancient science of health) we look at our bodies constitution or make-up, Dosha, (Vata, Pitta, or Kapha) and then follow the nutritional guidelines for your particular make-up. If this is an area of interest, see the Ayurveda section of my website for information on setting up a personal consultation. You won’t believe how much difference it makes when you eat the food your body is capable of digesting correctly.

Last but not least, Sleep! Yes, you need sleep.

So it looks like you are doing a really good job. You are exercising daily and in a way that fills you full of energy and vitality, not in a depleting manner. You are eating fresh, organic foods that agree with your constitution. And you are getting sleep, at least 8 hours. You are nourishing your body so that it can digest not only your food, but also your emotions, thoughts, feelings, and impressions.

Ten things to up the Ojas of your daily being:

• Dinacharya, daily routine (see previous blog)
• Eat 3 balanced meals a day
• Cook and eat meals with your family
• Watch your portion sizes
• Get some medium intensity cardio and weight-bearing exercise
• No caffeine or alcohol, your body processes it like a poison
• Get outside in nature, walk , bike, play
• Meditate
• Brush off the day, go to bed with a clean body and mind
• Get enough sleep

Okay, on to February. Stay warm and cozy. Keep building!