BEAMING - Balancing Experiences with Activity ...to Motivate Life Change

Thankful

2011-11-24T08:53:00.000-08:00

Today I give thanks for the air that I breath,
The trees that I see and the life that I lead.

Today I give thanks for the friends that I have
... To my mom and my dad
and the Chances I’ve had.

Today I give thanks that the things that I see
Are opportunities for me to grow and succeed.

Today I am thankful for just being me
To grow and achieve
To live and believe

My 1sr trip ro the UK with BEAMING

2011-10-27T03:53:00.000-07:00

Monday October 3, 2011

SO as we all know, life without DRAMA would not be very exciting ………Right?

Many weeks ago I shipped the BEAMFIT’S to the UK for this launch. All was well – they got picked up on time and were on schedule to be delivered on September 30 ….. With plenty of time. SURE……..

I get an email from Gill (in England) that the container the BEAMFIT’s are in quarantine because THAT container also contained food items – and all containers (and their contents) that are near food need to be “cleared”. They told Gill that “perhaps “she will get them on the 5th or 6th – and I am scheduled to do a MAJOR presentation on the 5th……YIKES.

So she continued ,frantically, to pursue this ( in the mean time plan “B” is painters tape on the floor and me SHLEPPING 2 BEAMFIT’S with me on the plane so at least they can SEE and FEEL a BEAMFIT)

This morning, 2 hours prior to my departure, she emails me that NOW they can’t find the shipment. SO, I get 2 BEAMFIT’S, box ‘em up, tape ‘em together, slap a label with my name, address and phone and prepare to go to the airport. RIGHT BEFORE I am ready to leave I get an email from her that they have released the BEAMFIT’S and we will have them on time……………………..So, as we all know, life without DRAMA would not be very exciting……..RIGHT?

So, at the airport, the plane coming in had an emergency – one of the flight attendants took sick and they had to rush her to the Hospital upon landing. What does that mean? They are 1 short now and can’t fly due to FAA regulation!!! SO we were delayed as we had to wait for the Dallas flight to come in so “we” could “steal” a flight attendant. 1 hour delay…….not a big deal…….So, as we all know, life without DRAMA would not be very exciting……….RIGHT?

The flight was empty and I was able to get a whole row “we” love that don’t “we”!!! So, the Universe threw me a bone!

IN Chicago I went up to the gate agent to see if I could get a GREAT SEAT on my flight to London. She gave me 22G ….. And blocked the WHOLE ROW for me so I had 5 seats. I was able to lie down and stretch out and SLEEP the whole way there. It wasn’t first class but it was FANTASTIC!

Tuesday October 3, 2011

All was smooth upon landing. Gill picked me up and off we went to her office where I got to meet her staff, husband and co workers and had the opportunity to see the Physical Therapy clinic. IT was then off to my hotel - just lovely on the River - and so quant and comfortable (see pictures). Dinner was at another hotel (where I will be staying in a few days) and then off to bed!!

Wednesday October 4, 2011

What a great night’s sleep!! I forgot to mention that I have every electric converter for every country in the world EXCEPT ENGLAND so I have been unable to get on my computer as I was SAVING my battery.

Today was a fantastic day!!!!! I did a 6 hour program for the Drummond Education Team (they will be the UK Beamfit™ Training team. For now, they will teach classes in several clubs across the UK in order to peak the interest. In December I will be returning to Train them and prepare them to give the training to UK instructors as we roll out the program here. My dear friend, Monica Linford, came today and I was thrilled to see her. I met her in 1997 when I was in Australia – I stayed at her home in Adelaide while there. SHE is the one who hooked me up with Gill here in the UK and set this all in motion!!

The program started today @ 10AM …….and the BEAMFIT’S finally arrived @ 11:30 – talk about a sigh of relief!!! There were 18 of participants and among them representatives from some of the TOP clubs here in the UK. What a fun, encouraging and exciting day!!! 6 hours sound like a long time but it just flew by and they were a super group to work with. As I suspected they fell in love with the BEAMFIT and all it has to offer. A day of Fun, inspiration and gratitude, and a dinner filled with laughter, good wine and great food!

Thursday October 6, 2011

Today was a day of Meetings……yes sitting at a desk……at a computer…….meetings, meetings, meetings. Then checked into a different hotel FANTASTIC (see pictures). Dinner with my friend Monica……and then off t bed. TODAY the weather changed!!! FALL is here in England – cold, windy, fast moving grey clouds….blowing leaves and long sleeves. BRRRRRR and tomorrow I am off to MANCHESTER!!

Friday October 7.2011

Off we went to Manchester with a Van full of BEAMFIT’s which took about 4 hours. The weather has been really mild so far, however, when I stepped out the door to load the car “fall” whisked by and brushed across my face, It reminded me of those days in Chicago when I was young when I just knew the season had made its change ….and there Was no turning back

The English countryside is beautiful with its rolling hills dotted with sheep and cows, the green grass contrasts the recently harvested fields and the trees are beginning to change from their vibrant green of summer to crisp shades of brown, yellow and orange all in preparation for winter, and my return in December.

Driving was really fantastic as Gill and I talked about every topic under the sun, and this gave us the opportunity to get to know one another on a personal as well as professional level. It was truly time well spent.

I taught the program to a group of 10 instructors who represent significant clubs in the Manchester are , and as suspected, they loved the beam and are excited to get them in their gyms and begin to implement the programming. It was a Win!!! Pack up the BEAMFIT’s and off we go.

And now it is 9pm ….. And we have to drive three hours as tomorrow mornings program is in Cornwall which is about 6 hours from here. So 3 hours of the drive was completed tonight. We wound up staying the night (midnight – 6am) at a Days Inn off the motor way……..and as Betty Davis would say “WHAT A DUMP.” But one adapts - head hits pillow @ midnight, Ass hits car seat @ 6:00am …..Can’t even remember I was in that hotel!

Saturday October, 8, 2011

6am IN THE CAR for another 3 hour drive!!! This reminds me of FITOUR which I did 9 times in the 1990’s….. IN the car ……teach ……..sleep fast ……in the car…….. Teach……. And so on “Memories …….light the corners of my mind!”

We arrived in Falmouth in Cornwell at 9:50 just in time to teach the 10 am program. In grand FITOUR style we “schlepped” the 40 BEAMFIT’s up 3 flights of stairs to the studio. Helen Tite (friend her on FACEBOOK so you can see ALL, ALL, ALL of the pictures, video and posts she added to her wall) was there with a grand smile and a group of “eager BEAVERS” ……….. The class was so fantastic I can’t even describe it here. We had members, and staff, representatives from the press and even a neuropsychologist who is a physical therapist. The reception was grand and Helen will be piloting the program at her club which is very exciting.

The location of Falmouth in Cornwell is at the south-west tip of England. It reminded me of a cross between Cape Cod ( fishing, and the English country side and buildings) Southern California Beach towns ( surfing and that whole feel of , slow paced relaxed atmosphere) and San Francisco ( the hills and winding steep streets) The town is quaint and the scene is picturesque. It is an area where the English go on Holiday or retire. Truly a Beautiful place and I am so glad I got to see it, meet some of the locals and just be able to “be” there. We walked around a bit amongst the winding streets and visited some of the local shops. LOVELY I tell you!

On a side note, Helen’s Husband is in the Royal Navy and he will be Knighted by the Queen next month …….so they get to go to the Palace, meet the Queen and other Royals while he Becomes “SIR” Tite and she becomes “LADY Tite ……….I guess this is about as close to “THE QUEEN” as this queen will ever get!

Following lunch …… off we went for the 4 hour drive now back to Hensley ……. ON the drive we stopped for “petrol” and Gill insisted I eat a Cornwall Pasty – It is like a giant pocket of Dough filled with beef stew and baked. IT tastes good, blew up in my stomach and filled me for the rest of the evening. We FINALLY ARRIVE AT THIS HOTEL where I get to be for 3 nights!!!! YAY I think I was awake all of 30 minutes before I just CRASHED.

Sunday October 9, 2011

I just have to make a quick mention that there are 12 SHOPPING channels on the TV here. When you run the remote – every other channel is shopping. AND you all need to know that Gasoline is $10.21 A gallon HERE IN THE UK SO STOP COMPLAINING IN THE USA – GET A SMALLER CAR – TAKE A WALK – RIDE YOUR BIKE.

Lovely day at Gill’s home with her Husband Alex and daughter Freddie ……. Home-made dinner, great hospitality, great conversation. I am so fortunate to have made this new business connection……but more importantly these new FRIENDS!! Was also nice not to have to teach today a day off is a good thing!

Monday October 10, 2011

Today I started out earlier than usual with a class for Physical Therapists as well as Personal Trainers at the clinic. They REALLY got it and we will be talking with ALEX about creating module programs for Physical therapy and a Program Workshop for them. IN addition they had some excellent feedback on a 2 day Personal Training course…….( Linda Shelton will be grinning from ear to ear as these two areas are really right up her alley). After that class, Gill and I finalized all the plans and “paperwork” and as of Today, Drummond Education is the official representative for Beamfit™ in the UK. Watch for a Beamfit™ UK page on face book as well as Beamfit™ UK web site. This is such a positive step and a great opportunity for both of our companies.

And now we are OFF to LONDON to teach a Master Class at a Virgin Active Club (huge chain in the UK). TRAFFIC and CONSTRUCTION landed us there 10 minutes prior to the start of class ……. But no worries the participants were ready to grab a Beamfit and try and I was ready to teach. The class was full and FANTASTIC!! This was the last class on this trip and with the finishing of this we had a 100% POSITIVE response everywhere I taught! Here at this club Virgin Active will be piloting the BEAMING Program and will roll it out system wide in March 2012 – very exciting. Beamfit™ has definitely found a home here in the UK with Drummond Education and Gill and her staff will excellent representatives as we move forward.

Following my shower, Gill and I walked around a bit so I could see a bit of London and then met with Greg Sellar ( a presenter here in the UK) we wanted to show him the BEAMFIT and talk a bit to him. And then it was off in the traffic…….past London Bridge, Big Ben, The Palace and Harrods - back to Henley for dinner.

At the Little Angel we had Kate (our waitress) and a great meal………..then whooosshhh off to bed!

Tuesday October 11, 2011

Wake UP + Breakfast+ shower+ packing = TIME TO GO HOME.

Heathrow is chaotic and we took off a bit late and as the plane lifted from the runway I calculated the time and realized my connection time is going to be as tight as Tupperware…….but instead of a “burp” I will sigh and let the Universe handle it. It seems all of my connections this week from the arrival of the BEAMFIT’S to my close-call arrivals at some of the venues (and now this) all seemed to work out just fine. So as I sit here and type I am hopeful the Universe will once again grant me the opportunity to have a positive outcome.

WELL “hopeful” was the word. I did get a whole 3 seat row to myself which was GOOD …….BUT the plane was delayed 1 ½ hours and the food was unusually poor ……at any rate we landed late in DALLAS. 45 minutes to get through customs, claim my bag, re check it through and rush from the “D” terminal to the “A” terminal. I made it there exactly at 6:15 ( which was the departure time) – the door was closed and I was S.O.L!!! There were several people from my London Flight going on to Palm Springs so we all shared the same fate.

So I had to take a flight to Ontario. On the flight I was stuck in the very last row 32B next to the engine…..and in the row across were 2 men that looked like hoodlums…….and the third { against the window) was in HANDCUFFS………AHHHHH marshals dressed like “tough guys” in flannel shirts and Baseball Caps guarding the prisoner……I wondered – Did he murder? Rape? Burgle? HMMMMM

I had to have Perry pick me up @ 10:30 and then drive the 1 hour back to my house. I met a nice lady at the gate who was in the same boat (she can from London too) so we gave her a ride to Palm Springs with us…….But the saga still has a mystery - where was my bag????

I hoped it was on this flight and ----------- no dice. I was told it will arrive tomorrow @ 11 in Palm Springs AND IT DID so all is good!

This week was amazing. Met great people, laid the foundation for Beaming in the UK, made some good friends and established good business relationships. My sincere thanks to Gill and Drummond Education for bringing me, to Monica Linford for the introduction and to all those who took my classes and workshops for trying something “new”. I know some times a “new” thing can be intimidating, scary or bring up feelings of “ will this REALLY be good” I am sincerely thankful that all who crossed my path and walked the BEAMFIT this week found it to be just as amazing and exciting as I do. So I thank ALL OF YOU for your warm reception and hospitality. I am looking forward to seeing you when I return in December.

China Trip August 2011

2011-08-30T22:02:00.000-07:00

China Trip Log

Wednesday - August 17, 2011

As the alarm rang gently at 4:30am here in Palm Springs this morning, the sun is just setting in Shanghai at 7:30pm….and in fact, 24 hours from NOW I should be arriving Hangzhou – my first city of the trip.

ü Flying from Palm Springs to LA happens as fast as one blinks.

ü Sitting in LA for 4 ½ hours just plain stinks.

ü And sitting on an airplane from LAX to Shanghai for 14hours gives one much time to ponder, asses and think.

The flights were fine and FULL. Samantha (a friend in CHINA) and a driver picked me up, whisked me off to eat and then on to the train station to catch the BULLET train (375 Kilometers an hour). Upon arrival in Hangzhou David Valez and his Wai Han met me. So many PEOPLE, PEOPLE, PEOPLE crowding, pushing and shoving to get to the taxi line and then to get the taxi. And finally to the hotel 24 hours after I left my home in Palm Springs. The room is “nice” – no alarm clock, no view, no TV and a bed that is so hard it is like a King Size ironing board. Finally 11:30 pm Thursday here 8:30 am Thursday in Palm Springs 29 hours since I left home and NOW I can go to sleep.

Friday - August 19, 2011

What happened to August 18??? I lost it somewhere in the Pacific as I crossed the International Date Line yesterday.

Me and my internal clock. 5:30am this morning …. And I am up. FOG, RAIN, HUMIDITY UGLY OUT THAT WINDOW today!

Watermelon, cookies, rice, broccoli and coffee for breakfast – I could recognize those things on the buffet!!! A day of preparation for workshops and meetings, then lunch with David and Wai Han at a place that was playing CHRISTMAS MUSIC as I ate dumplings and noodles. Felt really good today BUT at 630pm jet lag began to set in. BUT I did not nap!!! Went to dinner (Japanese food) and went to sleep @ 10pm.

Saturday August 20, 2011

Awake 6:30 GREAT REST!

Broccoli and rice and coffee for breakfast….. Then to Starbucks. On the way there I stopped to watch a group of Women with GIANT red fans dancing in the park to music. It was like a Chinese Tai Chi/Ballet – something to see. I love to see all of the elderly walking with their packages….on bicycles and motor bikes. Determination and pride has wrinkled their faces and hard work has toughened their spirits. People and more people EVERYWHERE. Makes New York look like a small town.

I spent the whole day with 2 trainers that came in from Shenyang (NINI and HALLE). They worked with me in December, have been teaching Beaming since I left and will now be ready after this trip to go out and conduct trainings for the YOGA WAVE chain. They will work with me again all day tomorrow and will team- teach 10 master classes with me in three cities PLUS they will assist me in leading a Training in Harbin.

Dinner - walked a good mile in the HOT HOT STICKY HUMIDITY to a place called “grandma’s kitchen”. The place was packed with people and like most in China the ambiance was NON existent. We ate “family style”, most of the food I could not recognize except for the CHICKEN FEET which I did not eat. So I stuck with rice, noodles, broccoli and several other vegetables. YES we walked back. By the time I got to my hotel I was SOPPING WET WITH SWEAT. But all of these experiences are just fantastic reminders of how wonderful it is to be alive and have the opportunity to experience and explore the world we live in!

Sunday August 21, 2011

Another GREAT NIGHT SLEEP!!! My usual breakfast at the buffet of things I can identify! Off to starbucks – they know me there now and know what I like and I know the price is “31 RMB” $4.85.

Training today consisted of each trainer (NINI and HALLE) giving portions of the lecture (and of course Wai Han was there to give feedback regarding what they were saying) and I was able to help them with presentation style, body language etc. Then each one taught a 1 hour Beaming class to “our small group (David, Me, Wai Han, Nini and Halle). Both of them did a really great job at teaching, cuing and their form ant technique – impeccable (both are dancers, gymnasts and Pilates and Yoga teachers). After the lunch break, we sat for HOURS and HOURS working on translation of all of the materials………53 pages to be exact as well as the time schedule for the 2 day workshops they will be conducting to “ready” instructors to teach Beaming here in CHNA. We had most translated already – BUT……the translations were done by two different sources and Nini and Halle said that some was GOOD and some was NOT SO GOOD. So there we were from 2pm till 7pm going through the materials line by line to make sure we have 1 SOLID translation of all the material. This was also helpful as they asked many questions and this process helped them to internalize and really “own” the content.

Dinner with David and Wai Han ………price “200 RMB” $31.00 for ALL THREE of us (same price as last night) you can literally eat here 3 meals a day for less than $18.00 a day!

Monday August 22, 2011

I am amazed at how well I am doing on the time zone. No adjustment at ALL. Sleeping perfectly!

What a GREAT DAY! I taught class today to members in the morning at 1 location and then another one at another location in the evening. The clubs I am working with here are called YOGA WAVE and they are predominantly Yoga studios with “some” Fitness. Most of the members shy away from the fitness programming however NOT from Beaming. Both classes today were sold out with people standing and watching.

In the morning, Halle did the introduction and explanation and then taught the beginning of the class (awaken and align) then she handed the microphone off to Nini. I taught the middle of the class (experience and explore section) while Nini cued and then Nini finished the class with rejuvenate and reframe…..she taught mostly Pilates based moves as she teaches Pilates as well. The class was a huge success and I could not have been more proud of these 2 trainers!!! They really did a FANTASTIC JOB and I am very comfortable with them. In the evening class, the 2 of them switched rolls and Halle ended with rejuvenate and reframe utilizing more bridging and Yoga as that is her expertise. Once again a HUGE SUCCESS. Over the course of the next 6 days we will do this same format 8 more times (twice tomorrow here and the moving on to Shenyang and Harbin)

Meanwhile, between classes we had the day. We took the BUS yes the BUS from the first club over to the second one. Sardines in a can = people on the bus standing hip to hip swaying back and forth and jerking from side to side as the driver swerved , slammed on brakes and did everything he could to make it seem like we were on a ride at Disney land. Nini and Wai Han actually were nauseated when we got off!! Here in Hangzhou there is a famous tourist place called West Lake. It is a beautiful lake surrounded by weeping willows, flower beds and ancient Chinese buildings and statues. That is where we got off the bus as the club we taught at in the evening is close by. We had Korean food for lunch and then went to the open air (touristy) market to walk around. It was really a lot of fun, interesting and I will have video to post on Face Book when I return to the states.

Sigh……………………..long day but GREAT DAY!

Tuesday August 23, 2011

2 more Master classes here in Hangzhou. Both sold out with many, many MORE people watching. Once again Halle and Nini did an excellent job and the classes went SMOOOOTH as silk! The BUZZ about Beamfit™ is definitely HERE in Hangzhou! People are excited for the classes to begin next week with David Valez teaching several at each club each week!

In between we ate lunch and then went walking around the West Lake. Although cloudy and foggy, it was bustling with people and I was the only Caucasian in the bunch! It is very beautiful and peaceful there and was a nice way to spend the afternoon.

For dinner, one of the personal trainers at the gym (Golden is his name) took us to a place. We pulled up in a taxi and climbed out and then climbed up a rickety staircase to a place I would have never walked into in a MILLION YEARS………but when you are in the hands of a local, you TRUST! We had our own private dining room – don’t picture the Waldorf, picture a soup kitchen. The food (flavors) was amazing although I did not eat much of “what” was in these giant bowls as I had no idea what it was. I used the sauces and soups from these bowls over my rice and ate vegetables (and god only knows what animals and animal parts were used to flavor those). Sleep now.

Wednesday August 24, 2011

Today was a travel day. After breakfast the 5 of us …off to the airport BYE BYE HANGZHOU …..On to SHENYANG. This is the city where NINI and HALLE live. The flight was delayed due to weather but only for about 45min. Up we went and 2 hours later we landed in SHENYANG. The cab ride from the airport to the hotel was an experience in survival. NO ONE follows rules. NO ONE drives in one lane. NO ONE stays in a lane. On the FREEWAY there are people on bicycles, there are people WALKING and CROSSING yes CROSSING the freeway. It just can’t be described – you just have to be in a cab experiencing it as you pray you will live to reach the destination. There are SO MANY PEOPLE and cars!!!

HALLE and NINI took cabs home and David, Wai Han and I arrived at our hotel. We immediately went on a hunt for the place we needed to buy TRAIN TICKETS as the 5 of us will be taking the four hour train ride to HARBIN on Saturday morning. THIS was an ordeal but thank god for WAI HAN because without her I would be lost. We walked around a bit and then went to dinner at the place I had my last meal when I was here last December. The food was SO SO good……..on e note: we had a cold spinach and garlic dish that was delicious. It tasted a bit like cilantro, a bit like mint, a bit like garlic and a bit like spinach. But what made this unique was that the after taste and EFFECT on my mouth was like nothing I had ever eaten before. After chewing and swallowing, my mouth felt a bit tingly, then a bit numb it was a weird sensation……it was very strange, yet the more I ate the more the sensation increased and the more intrigued I was………………..definitely something I will never forget. And then we walked back to the hotel……off to sleep. Tomorrow I teach twice.

Thursday August 25, 2011

Nothing so different today - 2 GREAT CALSSES one in the AM and one in the PM! Nini and Halle were very excited today as these classes (today and tomorrow) are taught in their home city in their home clubs where Halle is the Group Exercise Manager. Oh …. And once again had GREAT FOOD!!! Oh I almost forgot - I HAD 2 media INTERVIEWS WITH 2 Chinese magazines. Interviews plus photo shoots with members from the club standing around watching……they think I am some celeb from the USA “very funny to me” ….. Little do they know I am just some kid from Morton Grove Illinois J who followed his dream!

Friday August 26, 2011

The trip is winding down. We had today here in Shenyang and the off to Harbin for the finale! We had to run off CHINESE manuals. IN the states I would go to Staples or Office Depot………but HERE ….. (See the pictures attached!)

There is the fall festival coming soon and it is CHINESE Tradition to buy MOON CAKES (little individual round cakes with different fillings to celebrate this season change) We bought some today to eat on the train tomorrow.

2 GREAT classes AGAIN!! At home, Sometimes I have issues with members coming in after class has started …….. And even worse, they come RUSHING IN for the next class before I have finished, Well here in China; here is how it works and I LOVE IT.

Before each class the room is locked down during preparation and a sign is put up on the door that prevents people from entering... 2 people come in and set up the equipment needed (in my case they lay down a toga mat and then a BEAM on top) When the door is opened to let people in, a door monitor is present with a clip board. They greet and count the people entering the class. ORDER!!! After the class has begun, a sign is put up which stops people from entering the room. After the class is over 5 people come in and CLEAN each, mat and each BEAM as well as the floor and mirrors. This cleaning procedure happens after EVERY class EVERY day of the week! LOVE THIS……..

Nini and HALLE treated us to Chinese Bar B Q ……..unlike America all the foods come on sticks and have minimal sauce YUM YUM YUM!!!

Saturday August 29.2011 NO INTERNET ACCESS HERE IN HARBIN

Well today is a travel day. It started with the hotel check out and then a cab ride to the train station. This experience just cannot be described well here. THOUSANDS and THOUSANDs of people pushing and shoving in a place that reminded me of the UMSHLAGPLAZ ( Gathering area) In the old Warsaw Ghetto during the Nazi occupation of Poland during WWII. Shoving, pushing, dirty, poor lighting, poor ventilation, scary………schlep the suitcases up some staires,,,,,,then down some stairs………then stand, gather, wait…..walk more down dark dingy tunnels , schlep more and then up the final staircase to the outside platform to board the train ( VIDEO will be on FACEBOOK SOON)

The train was VERY NICE and we had comfortable seats …..really …..It was like a 4 hour flight with food and beverage service and everything. The train holds 1,000 people!!! And then we arrived in Harbin 4 hours later to enter ANOTHER TRAIN STATION …….just like the one we started with this morning in Shenyang.

We got to our hotel YES YES another one of those CRAZY cab rides……but looking out the window here, I see less chaos, less pollution and less old-world China. It looks a bit more like an American city. The hotel is like one you would find in Japan – small room and very modern/high-tech. AT LEAST it has a GREAT SHOWER.

Off to the grocery store, then lunch and then yes…..you guessed it to teach another class! We have it down SO WELL now you would think the 3 of us were teaching from 1 brain. Once again the class was sold out to an enthusiastic crowd! Off to walk around the Streets and then to a Japanese place to eat. Food AMAZING!

Sunday – August 29, 2011 NO INTERNET ACCESS HERE IN HARBON LOOOONG day!

I gave the workshop today to instructors here in Harbin. Wai Han translated, they had the manual in Chinese and Halle and Nini assisted by presenting the materials on Breathing, Barefoot and Sensory. Wai Han listened very closely to how they presented the materials and she said they were just awesome…..using their own life experiences to exemplify many of the key points. So I taught 2 hour class in the AM, then the Base work 1 hour class in the afternoon along with ideas how “else” to use the Beamfit. Then more lecture and THEN Nini. Halle and I taught the last mater class together …the 10^th one!!!

Dinner HA HA - all the instructors plus the 5 of use filled a private room in another room in a place YOU WOULD NOT BELIEVE!!! Pictures attached!!

Monday August 29, 2011

The day started with packing, coffee and peaches. Wai Han David and I went to the club to see NINI and HALLE as they were conducting the 2^nd day of training on their own…….we had to see them and say goodbye. And here we go……. Cab to the airport – delayed flight from Harbin to Shanghai…..and once in Shanghai I had to claim my bag and THEN check in with United! I was running and RACING with the bag to the United counter…..and then through immigration and security check,,, running and SWEATING to get to the plane……………………..by the skin of my teeth I made it on board!!! ! 13 hours later landed in LA and sat for a few hours waiting for my Palm Springs flight. Needs less to say cab+ 3 flights and 26 hours later I made it home at 9pm.

I don’t know how I do it but in each direction I get RIGHT ON the time zone!! Went to bed at 11pm and was up at 7am Tuesday – no nap – and off to bed at 10….as if I had never been 6,000 miles away and living on a 15hour time difference for 12 days.

Just a few notes to mention about CHINA

1) No diapers. The little kids wear shorts that are slit in the back so they can pee and poop – and they do it right out in the streets

2) No Tampons or G strings

3) No tipping and No TAXES on anything

4) Dessert is brought out with the meal and served at the same time…….example Tomatoes COVERED in hard grain sugar

5) Napkins – lucky to get any and when you do you either get cocktail sized napkins or what looks like small pack tissues

6) Entrances to businesses have a small “curb” you step over. Why? It is believed it keeps the ghosts and bad spirits out

7) Chinese people are EXCELLENT at Beaming

8) Eating black and white fungus tastes good and is excellent for your health and digestion

9) ½ the time you have no idea what you are eating

10) Here are some American names of some of the people here I met – King, Ice, iPod, Lulu, Lemon, Smile, Happy

11) The bullet train is very cool VERY cool America WAKE UP!

12) There are several smells you will smell when here : Sewage, car exhaust, cigarettes, the smell of Chinese food – always a scent in the air

13) Women wear ankle high nylons

14) People are clamoring in the streets wearing Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Chanel,Dior and Prada – and it is ALL FAKE

15) People in the clubs are paper thin and have no body fat and like the exercise rooms to be SO SO SO HOT!

16) Nike and ADIDAS rule – never saw Reebok or Puma

17) Very surprised to see so many BMW’s, Mercedes, Cadillac’s and Audis

18) The elderly are just fabulous and strong. Riding bikes, walking, dancing in the streets, working, carrying heavy loads

All in all I just LOVE CHINA and the Chinese people. There’s no place like home but WOW what an experience!

The FROG….a symbol of evolution and change - a perfect accent for spring!

2011-03-20T14:37:00.000-07:00

SPRING is about GREEN and …well “springing” into action. The Frog is GREEN and certainly knows how to SPRING into action on many levels!

The FROG symbolically represents transition and change in its unique three stage growth cycle from egg to tadpole then ending as a fully formed amphibian. It undergoes incredible transformations throughout these three phases and understands what serious growing pains are all about in order to reach the destination of full adulthood, and so do we as human beings.

In China the Frog is an emblem of Yin energy and thought of as good luck. Putting a figurine or image of a Frog in the east window of your home encourages positive flow of chi for happy family life according to ancient Chinese custom.

Frogs are also good luck symbols in Japan - especially for travelers. Images or charms of Frogs were worn during long voyages to assure safety (particularly across water).

I know we can all use some positive CHI in our lives on a personal as well as professional level and that is why I have embraced the FROG and use his symbol in my home to bring about positive change and positive CHI flow.

53rd Annual Grammy Awards - Observations

2011-02-13T22:52:00.000-08:00

53rd Annual Grammy Awards

- You know we have hit an all time LOW……..
when a song entitled F*** YOU is nominated for record AND song of the year.

- Was there a shortage of Tux’s and fabulous dress clothes for the men? The women certainly got dressed

- TOO MANY COMERCIALS

- LOVE ARETHA FRANKLIN– 18 GRAMMY’S in her career (the tribute was GREAT….the ladies did a GREAT job)

- LL COOL J – take OFF the sunglasses…………. Jack Nicholson you’re NOT !

- Lady GAGA - GA GA GA GAG ME was that Madonna EXPRESS YOURSELF? Or was that Lady GAGA? AND – what was that BLACK LEATHER bubble butt outfit LMAO!

- Miranda Lambert – I learned ( through her song ) Her doll is buried under an Oak in her yard. Where was her heart buried while she sang that song?.....it was so emotionless. YAWN ( and a bad outfit)

- Lenny Kravitz – WHAT WAS THAT OUTFIT?

- MUSE - I like – so 80’s sounding

- BRAVO BRUNO !!

- Janelle – what was that puff on your head? Lookin like Janet in GOOD TIMES

- USHER – ROCKS!!

- BEIBER – just a boy…with a career ahead of him! Thank god he had all that staging to hold our interest

- Gotta LOVE Will Smith’s son - Jaden Christopher Syre Smith

- Bob Dylan – a Legend….. BUT – HOW could he let him out there like that…that’s what Whitney will sound like in about 2 years if she keeps drugging –it-up TRAGIC!

- Julie Andrews – Dolly Parton – we LOVE YOU Why weren’t you 2 there?

- We miss you Teddy Pendergrass and Lena Horne – THANK YOU for your wonderful music!

- Lady Antebellum – I do like her but not sure I get the big deal?

- Jamie Fox – FABULOUS TALENT - sing – act – dance – drama – comedy

- Cee Lo Green – what was that outfit: and WHY WHY,WHY is there a song called F**CK YOU – What is Gwenyth thinking?..I did like her Versace shoes J

- Nora Jones, Alicia Keys - writes the words, the music, sings it and plays it THAT is deep talent

- Eminem……melt away.

- GLAD Taylor Swift was in a cover girl commercial tonight and not singing

- John Legend – YES!

- Esperanza Spalding – what was that dress?????????

- Mick Jagger – LEGEND - age 67 can you believe it

- Barbra Streisand – The STAR that shines above all stars – but a horrible dress

- And now they are on to RAP….. and THAT is a WRAP for me!

Happy Valentines Day!

2011-02-13T13:07:00.001-08:00

It's all in your Heart ....

We all have heard that "The kitchen is the Heart of the home." Or perhaps the phrase "Follow your Heart" ........and yes......... "Don't take it to Heart".

In all these examples, the Heart is given a great deal of responsibility when it comes to our lives and the way in which we experience them. In the physical sense, the Heart is made up of 4 chambers and has a most important job - balancing the flow of "good" and "bad" blood through our bodies throughout our lifetime. Symbolically, I see the Heart chambers represent four very important areas of our lives:

Personal life - People and experiences in our lives

Professional Life - People and places we work- the financial foundation and security

Spiritual Life - Emotional happiness and well being - sense of contentment - worthiness

Physical Life - The source that actually keeps us alive

The Heart, figuratively, represents the flow of everything in our lives. It leads us toward and away from people, places situations and all kinds of "things" that form our daily reality and existence. All we have to do is stay focused on its beat, its rhythm, its pulse........follow it with all our conscious attention and then heed it's message - LISTEN TO YOUR HEART!

In both the physical and metaphorical sense, the Heart is always working; the attention we pay to it will determine its capacity to serve us well. Eat well and exercise and your Heart will beat strong and provide a long lifetime of service. Listen to your Heart and follow its direction and it will lead you to a long lifetime of happiness, joy and personal fulfillment.Your Heart can support and guide you to great things - like winning a race or meeting that special person.

So when it comes to your Heart, remember to attend to it in high regard, listen to it; follow your Heart and it most certainly will always return the favor! This Valentines Day, give some attention to YOUR Heart so you can give a bit more of it to others as you walk through life!

Have a Happy Valentine's Day!

How to make the most of Your Beaming™ Class: Beam Your Way to a Strong Heart!

2011-02-13T07:21:00.000-08:00

by June Kahn, Beamfit™ Education Director

With February being heart healthy month and Beaming a program that allows us to enhance our self-awareness through its practice, I thought it only fitting to focus this issue on the heart, the STRONG heart and how we can achieve this both physically and emotionally through Beaming.

Individuals with a STRONG heart emotionally, are not afraid of their own experience. When your emotions are in balance, you feel completely fulfilled; therefore, your heart always responds appropriately to the situation. You are going to make calm, self-confident decisions because you can trust your heart and your intuition. With this mindset, you are able to be gentle and sympathetic with yourself and your outlook and your perceptions become clearer. There are no outside distractions.

To balance the emotional, an individual with a STRONG heart physically, has gained the cardio endurance, energy and resilience to take on and endure life's daily challenges, to perform and function efficiently with less stress. Thus, STRONG heart, physically AND spiritually, is essential to our life being.

Most people, who first see Beaming without the experience of it, do not necessarily classify Beaming as a cardiovascular workout. Like any other fitness activity, if you choose moves that progressively increase intensity, you can and will sustain enough intensity to truly your challenge your heart. Beaming cannot be compared to cardio interval training, which can be intense and has a different purpose than Beaming. Beaming, regardless of the cardio challenge, will result in a heart healthy cardio response, at the least, equal to a mild to moderate walk. Anyone who is Beaming regularly can tell you that Beaming goes beyond just physical training. What you gain instantly while Beaming is the ability to go within yourself and be totally immersed in the moment. This gives you the opportunity to be 100% at your heart center, nothing else matters. All external distraction and head noise is gone. You become more aware with clarity and have the opportunity to be as close to your true self as you can be while continuing to move on the Beam. Après Beaming...you will have a more open sense of yourself, radiating a more relaxed, self -assured and secure YOU emotionally along with the fact that you did something good for yourself physically.

We can achieve this process in our Beaming classes by choosing moves that progressively build intensity while simultaneously challenging our balance and proprioception. Incorporating movements that target the larger muscles of the body allow for a stronger heart through increased heart rate response at the same time, enhancing self-awareness. The following moves, interspersed in your Beaming workout, will help your participants enhance their cardio endurance while building core strength and enhancing balance physically and emotionally. This is one reason why we think Beaming is the perfect program to bring true balance to the “heart” of one’s life.

The Squat Series:

- Stand in split stance with the Beam in a vertical position.

- Step off the Beam with rear leg to a parallel squat position. Torso erect, abdominals engaged.

- Step same leg forward on the Beam to a lunge position, lifting the heel of the rear leg as you descend into the lunge position.

- Step same leg back off the Beam to a parallel squat position adjacent to the Beam. Step same leg back to start position on the Beam to a vertical erect stance, legs straight arms extended to side. Create a complete sense of vertical elongation and balance throughout your body as you pause for a moment taking in this feel-good , strong feeling.

- Repeat for 6 - 8 repetitions gaining a cardio respiratory response from the series, then repeat on other leg.

To increase the challenge, lift front knee when returning to start position and rear leg is secure on the Beam. For further balance challenge, look up when you return to split stance at completion of repetition.

The Plie Series:

- With Beam in horizontal position, stand on Beam in a wide stance, legs wider than shoulders, hips externally rotated. Extend arms out to side.

- With erect torso, bend knees and descend to a turned out squat raising one heel as you squat down. Arms reach down in front of body.

- Maintaining an erect torso, rise up, straightening both legs, gently pressing the Triad and soles of feet into the Beam. Arms reach overhead as you straighten legs.

- Repeat Plie, raising other heel as you squat down. Rise up, straightening both legs, gently pressing Triad and soles of feet into the Beam with arms reaching overhead.

- Repeat Plie's alternating heel lifts with each repetition.

To increase intensity and difficulty, raise both heels as you descend to Plie position. Abduct left and right leg as you rise up for more of a balance challenge.

How is YOUR New Years Resolution going??

2011-02-12T08:33:00.000-08:00

Hundreds of studies suggest most people abandon their New Year's resolutions by February. Some studies say at least 50% of people hold out until March with their resolutions, but then give them up just as spring arrives.

Why you ask?

- Not having a clear plan for success

- Aiming too high – unrealistic multiple drastic changes IE: quitting smoking AND starting an exercise regime AND joining a diet group AND getting a divorce all at once!

- Not having a support system

- Not having a home or work environment that supports the desired ie: living with a smoker while trying to stop.

We all know how we feel when we succeed at something, when we experience early success with our goals, or when we see our efforts paying off.

It makes us want to do more.

It gives us encouragement that we really can do it.

It feels pretty good, doesn't it?

Well, more importantly, it gives us a “model” for our success. If we succeeded once, all we have to do is to do that exact same thing, over and over until that new, desirable behavior actually becomes our new habit.

Given all of this reminds me, to remind you, about choosing an EVOLUTION rather than a RESOLUTION when you want to make life improving choices. . In this way we can see micro-successes all along the way to build upon.

HEY........Aqua Exercise Instructors - READ THIS!

2011-02-06T17:21:00.000-08:00

You may not know this but I have been a water exercise instructor for over 30 year and in fact… I began in this business as an Aqua teacher. As such, I can relate to all of the challenging aspects of teaching in the pool – from the freezing water to the over chlorinated Natatoriums, and yes, the challenges of teaching on the deck while maintaining balance and trying NOT to slip and fall! Our industry has done a pretty good job of addressing the latter with aqua shoes and mats that assist in keeping us surefooted atop the deck. But how can we train and work on improving the upright balance we need while demonstrating our moves on deck, while shifting weight from one foot to the other, maneuvering around puddles, kickboards, boom boxes and other things that create an obstacle course poolside? In other words, what activities can we do “off deck” to improve our ability to teach “on deck?’ Well, to address this and improve our teaching skills as well as reduce the likelihood of slipping, tripping and falling, we need to heighten our sense of awareness, balance, peripheral vision and overall proprioceptive ability.

An innovative balance and sensory development program is now available that will assist you and enhance your own fitness as well teaching ability, specifically addressing the needs of aquatic fitness professionals. Beamfit™ is the company (www.beamfit.com) and Beaming™ is the activity Recently, veteran instructor, Laura Ribbons, joined me for a Beaming™ session and was quite surprised at how much FUN it was and yet how challenging and, most importantly, Laura saw the relationship to those issues associated with teaching aquatic fitness. Laura told me, “David, this type of training is just what we need as Aqua instructors - Beaming™ can really aid us with our ability to teach on the deck, providing us with improved balance, which will help us to demonstrate moves more accurately and therefore give us more opportunity to think about being creative and less about slipping and falling.” She is so right on! So let me share with you what she was so excited about and why I think you will be too!!

This is a new approach to exercise that goes beyond total body training, It is a “whole body”, mentally invigorating, core-based activity experience rather than just another workout. This simply means that it’s fun, easy to participate in and trains your body as well as your self-awareness while improving core strength, balance and spatial awareness. Beaming™ is performed on a low, grounded beam that gives slightly as you work on it,that feels like as we teach atop the pool deck. Training in this way will bring more awareness to your own body alignment and help you to translate body awareness to your students in the pool as you teach. Beaming™ trains your physical body: tones muscles, strengthens the core and improves balance, flexibility, posture, overall stature and appearance. But the beauty of this training is that it will leave you feeling refreshed, renewed and inspired…beaming from within. cushioning your joints while adding just enough instability to create a dynamic, reactive challenge. This instability helps you to “right” yourself when you are off balance; we all know what

By working in this “mindful way”, training your sensory awareness as well as your physical fitness, you will be brought to a new level of self-awareness, both physically and emotionally. And it is that level of awareness that can really assist and support all of us when teaching on the deck.

B.E.A.M. is an acronym that stands for:

Balance your body,
Engage your core,
Align your spine, and
Move…in our case, Move with grounded control, precision and fluidity, across the pool deck.

So I ask you this question, Why not try a program that is new, fun, exciting and challenging that can assist with your own fitness as well as with your teaching ability? Do something for yourself; add Beaming™ to your own personal workout regimen and your students will ultimately benefit. Perhaps even consider teaching Beaming™ so that your students can obtain the benefits right along with you. Beaming™ is the wave of the future and, as Aqua instructors, I know you love to ride a good wave!

BEAMING for FITNESS

2011-02-01T12:03:00.001-08:00

Beaming for Fitness

Try out this hot, core-based exercise trend
By: Nicki Anderson

It’s February: Do you know where your fitness resolutions are? The hope is you’re still going strong. One way to stay focused and consistent with your fitness resolutions is to add variety to your exercise program. This month I’d like to introduce you to a hot, 2011 trend calling Beaming™. Beaming is the brainchild of fitness icon, and Morton Grove native, David Mesirow. As a 30-year fitness veteran, Mesirow grew frustrated with the direction that exercise was going. He wanted to find a way to teach form and alignment in a way that class participants could feel movement, as well as understand it. In 2007, he founded Beamfit™ and developed a workout on a narrow, unstable surface (much like a balance beam, only wider) called Beaming.

“I had been teaching fitness for 30 years. I was always a stickler for form, technique, and alignment,” says Mesirow. “As a Reebok trainer (back in the day) I watched step get out of control with both speed of music and choreography—and that led to a drastic decline in form and proper execution.” Mesirow felt that this type of activity was injuring people, and he felt exercise was becoming too exclusive. Beamfit came out of his desire to create a sound program that was all about inclusivity, as well as creativity.

“Beaming can be done by every demographic and with every fitness format,” says Mesirow. “You can do Beam in a group exercise setting, personal training setting, or small group setting. It is the most versatile piece of equipment that
we have at our fingertips!”

So just what is the “beam” and how does it work? The Beamfit Beam is a 5-foot long, high-density foam beam covered in an easy-to-clean, heavy-duty, odorless vinyl material. It is designed for an easy three-step walk, ideal for all Beamfit programs. The six-inch width is two inches wider than the traditional gymnastics beam, making it challenging, yet “doable.” The two-inch height is all that is needed to engage the user’s sense of body perception, challenging both sensory and balance awareness. The beveled edges of the beam create an illusion that the walking surface is larger than it is, thus making it easier for the participant to balance, engage, align, and move.

Once on the beam, users experience core-based activities that are whole-body focused. The action of Beaming harmonizes familiar fitness movements with the philosophies associated with mind-body disciplines to infuse balance, core, and stability training. The goal of Beaming is to improve muscle tone, strength, endurance, posture, mobility, and flexibility, while heightening balance, sensory, and self awareness—all during a “Whole Body” focused workout session, making Beaming deceptively intense! The integration of these training elements unites the body with the mind in a provoking way, which lends a fresh, new approach to fitness and overall health and wellness.

The routines developed for Beaming are physically challenging, mentally Invigorating and ultimately life changing. “The beam itself becomes the users’ ‘personal trainer,’ since people can feel their mistakes and feel how to correct them,” said Mesirow. People can expect not only a physical workout (in the traditional sense), but also a mental workout including attention span and awareness training, proprioception training, and visual/ auditory acuity training. There is training for balance and strengthening of the feet and ankles, as well as posture and core, all while enhancing self esteem. Mesirow says, “In Beaming you are training your whole person, not just your whole body.”

When Beaming was featured on the Martha Stewart Show recently, Stewart said, “I am adamant about my fitness regimen and through my trainer, I keep up with all of the latest equipment. On the Beam, I can really feel my core working while working on my balance.”

In the last year Beaming has exploded and has become one of the hottest international trends. Runners, Yoga and Pilates enthusiasts, athletes, and at-home Moms and Dads all find Beaming a refreshing departure from the “same old” exercise regimes. When taking a class last year, I found Beaming to be a wonderful way to connect with my body without the frenzy and over-the-top intensity many believe is necessary for a great workout. If Beaming hasn’t hit your gym or studio yet, ask.

Marrying "High Tech" with Physical Technology...We are WIRED for LIFE!!!

2011-02-01T07:49:00.000-08:00

If you're not 'tech savvy,' these days, the ever-changing technology can either enhance your life or hinder it. Computers, cell phones, ipods, ipads-all become outdated before you even wear out your warranty. Texting is the preferred real-time communication standard instead of voicemail. Let's face it-as fitness professionals, we conduct our business with students and clients based on high human touch, interaction and physical reaction, quite the antithesis to technology...or is it?

I had the pleasure of speaking as a panelist representing Beaming and HOPSports, one of our new partners, at the Consumer Electronic Convention Jan 8th in Las Vegas, NV., the largest gathering of techno geeks, electronic master-minds and futuristic technology gadgets in the world. The topic was how technology enhances our ability to reach, teach and engage kids to exercise as a global platform to thwart the alarming rise of obesity.

Knowing I would be speaking in front of a packed room of techno junkies discussing fitness (clearly we are from different worlds), I wanted to find the common thread between fitness and technology: can we still use technology to reach a clientele that's not exercising and still be interactive? Today, there are thousands of phone and ipad apps, to engage the user to track and share workouts, watch videos etc. Fitness Technology IS the growing genre of our future. If we re-frame how we view technology, the answer lies in the body and the sensory system itself-we are already "WIRED FOR LIFE!" Just as a computer chip has a sophisticated and integrative design reactive system, when we push a button or shortcut on a keyboard, for example, we get the desired response. When we don't know how to use a computer or our-newly fangled, multi-purpose phone, we need to add that skill and figure it out. Our bodies do the same.

The body is comprised of billions of receptors, wired to react and respond, based on the physical messages we receive. Our bodies act as mini computers; these receptors, connected via the spine to the brain and every inch of your body uses these messages to figure it out-whether it be a new sport, balancing on the Beam, getting into a new yoga pose, or simply reacting to a rocky hiking trail.

The beauty of Beaming is the Beam is the physical technology that connects the body to the mind. A low- tech tool, which initiates real-time reaction, yet provides a high tech body response! Bottom-line, even if you don't consider yourself as technologically smart, your body is.

By Linda Shelton, Fitness and Wellness Educator; Beamfit™ Communications & Educational Resources Director

Autumn in the Heartland

2010-10-05T15:56:00.000-07:00

Autumn in the Heartland

The leaves are changing, the landscape bleak
Autumn in the Heartland, colors at their peak.

Pumpkins, hay stacks and corn stalks abound
Witches and goblins can even be found.

Birds overhead flying in form
Animals seek shelter trying to keep warm.

Yes, it's autumn in the Heartland, some call it Fall
As Mother Nature prepares to let the snow fall.

To cover the branches and make brittle the trees
To blanket the earth with slumber and peace.

The waters will freeze and the icicles form
The sun will beat down unable to warm.

The days will grow shorter as the temperature drops
As seeds sleep below where once there grew crops.

Yes it's autumn in the Heartland, a time of transition
When moms and their children bake cookies in the kitchen.

Each year leaves change color and start their great fall
But this year take special notice as you witness it all.

Do you know "Rosh Hashana?"

2010-09-09T05:15:00.000-07:00

Rosh Hashanah occurs on the first and second days of the month called Tishri. In Hebrew, Rosh Hashanah means, literally, "head of the year" or "first of the year." Rosh Hashanah is commonly known as the Jewish New Year. This name is somewhat deceptive, because there is little similarity between Rosh Hashanah, one of the holiest days of the year, and the American midnight drinking bash and daytime football game.

There is, however, one important similarity between the Jewish New Year and the American one: Many Americans use the New Year as a time to plan a better life, making "resolutions." Likewise, the Jewish New Year is a time to begin introspection, looking back at the mistakes of the past year and planning the changes to make in the New Year.

The name "Rosh Hashanah" is not used in the Bible to discuss this holiday. The Bible refers to the holiday as Yom Ha-Zikkaron (the day of remembrance) or Yom Teruah (the day of the sounding of the shofar).

The shofar is a ram's horn which is blown somewhat like a trumpet. One of the most important observances of this holiday is hearing the sounding of the shofar in the synagogue. A total of 100 notes are sounded each day. The Bible gives no specific reason for this practice. One that has been suggested is that the shofar's sound is a call to repentance. The shofar is not blown if the holiday falls on Shabbat.

No work is permitted on Rosh Hashanah. (So why am I working today you ask……answer in a bit) Much of the day is spent in synagogue, where the regular daily liturgy is somewhat expanded. In fact, there is a special prayer book called the machzor used for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur because of the extensive liturgical changes for these holidays.

Another popular observance during this holiday is eating apples dipped in honey, a symbol of our wish for a sweet new year. It's yummy. We also dip bread in honey

Another popular practice of the holiday is Tashlikh ("casting off"). We walk to flowing water, such as a creek or river, on the afternoon of the first day and empty our pockets into the river, symbolically casting off our sins. This practice is not discussed in the Bible, but is a long-standing custom.

Religious services for the holiday focus on the concept of G-d’s sovereignty.

The common greeting at this time is L'shanah tovah ("for a good year"). This is a shortening of "L'shanah tovah tikatev v'taihatem" (or to women, "L'shanah tovah tikatevi v'taihatemi"), which means "May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year."

You may notice that the Bible speaks of Rosh Hashanah as occurring on the first day of the seventh month. The first month of the Jewish calendar is Nissan, occurring in March and April. Why, then, does the Jewish "new year" occur in Tishri, the seventh month?

Judaism has several different "new years," a concept which may seem strange at first, but think of it this way: the American "new year" starts in January, but the new "school year" starts in September, and many businesses have "fiscal years" that start at various times of the year. In Judaism, Nissan 1 is the new year for the purpose of counting the reign of kings and months on the calendar, Elul 1 (in August) is the new year for the tithing of animals, Shevat 15 (in February) is the new year for trees (determining when first fruits can be eaten, etc.), and Tishri 1 (Rosh Hashanah) is the new year for years (when we increase the year number. Sabbatical and Jubilee years begin at this time).

And now you know Rosh Hashanah – The Head Of the year.

Your very PERSONAL trainer

2010-06-26T04:04:00.000-07:00

All Beamfit™ programs are taught barefoot and harmonize familiar fitness movements with the philosophies associated with mind-body disciplines to infuse balance, core and stability training in a unique way on a resilient, low grounded Beam. This provides, perhaps for the very first time, the ability to align body with mind in a way that will help you not only get more fit but lead you to balance all aspects of your life off the Beam.

The Beam can be considered the first true ‘awareness tool’, providing a reactive, dynamic workout while standing, kneeling, sitting or lying down.

The Beam acts as “your Personal Trainer”, giving you immediate tactile feedback, through its pliability and narrow base when your body is not in correct alignment. Therefore, the Beam enhances any exercise modality, making it much more physically demanding, effective and result-oriented.

The Beam can be utilized in every corner of your facility, from group exercise and mind-body to personal training sessions, potentially touching the life of every individual who walks through your doors, breathe life into your existing programming and attract new participants.

http://www.Beamfit.com

What is this "BEAM THING" anyway?

2010-05-01T11:26:00.000-07:00

Looking for a low to no-impact workout that helps you balance your body, while engaging your core muscles? The Beamfit Balance and Exercise Beam with 4 Workouts is the perfect fitness tool to put you on the path to better balance.Sitting just 2-1/2" off the floor and measuring approximately 5' long, this beam of high-density foam sets the stage for a safe and stable workout that encourages focus while helping to improve muscle tone.Beamfit Balance and

Exercise Beam with 4 Workouts Features:

Ideal for all fitness levels - from beginning to seasoned athlete
Helps work your core in a standing, kneeling, sitting or lying down position
Helps improve overall core strength and stability
Helps firm and tone most muscle groups
Helps improve balance
58-1/2" Beam Length - designed specifically for an easy 3-step walk
6" wide top working surface - wider than a traditional gymnastics beam
9" wide base - assures the beam remains stable
Beveled edges - help create an illusion that the walking surface is wider than it really is
High-density foam construction - provides cushioning for feet, ankles knees hips and back during exercise
Lightweight - weighs less than 3 lbs.
Compact - easy to store in a closet or under a bed

Instructional and workout DVD - includes "How to use your beam" led by David Mesirow (10 mins.); "Stand up Beaming," a standing workout led by Mesirow (32 mins.); "Abs and core Beaming," designed to work the muscles of the core (10 mins.); "Hips, buns and thighs" designed to target the lower body (15 mins.) and "Beam-lates," a series of Pilates-inspired exercises
Measures approx. 58-1/2"L x 9-3/4"W x 2-1/2"H
Max. user weight: 300 lbs.
Made of polyethylene crosslink foam fill, coated vinyl cover and non-slip neoprene bottom
Made in USA

http://www.hsn.com/

Beaming has staying power at the YMCA!

2010-05-01T07:38:00.000-07:00

Reported by Nancy Gitlin:

As a national fitness presenter and the Fitness/Dance Supervisor at the YMCA in Saint Joseph, MI for over 15 years, I've seen many fitness products and programs come and go. Most lack the staying power to succeed in the fitness industry. It's not often that you find something that can offer such a diverse array of benefits to the user...Balance, Cardio, Strength and Flexibility to name a few.

Beaming™ is transcending the fitness industry!The YMCA has been offering Beaming™ programs since January 2010. Foundational Beaming™ BEAM-LATES, and Integrated Yoga using the Beam. All three programs have been exciting new additions and continue to grow. In the past 3 months, I have seen astonishing results with our members. They have more strength, cardiovascular endurance and best of all they are feeling wonderful.Members say that Beaming™has a positive effect on their life and the choices they now make. They have become more optimistic, confident, less moody, and have had fewer days where they feel down. This is very important, especially in our part of Southwest Michigan when, during the winter months, it's common for the sun not to shine for weeks at a time. This in itself can have a negative effect one's outlook on life. I really feel that Beaming™is training them to be better at everything they do! They just love it! Most members come to more than one class that's offered. It's common to find participants who enjoy one mind and body program over another such as Yoga or Pilates. Not with Beaming™! Many members take both BEAM-LATES and the Integrated Yoga, enjoying them each just as much.The Beam itself has also been integrated into our Dance Program as well. I started as a dancer so flexibility, strength and balance were essential in my dance training. Using the Beam especially in the Ballet and Lyrical Ballet classes has contributed outstanding results to the dancers. The student's technique has developed much faster integrating the Beam, which has helped them to develop the muscles needed to support the core. Bottom line....Beaming™is here to stay and there are endless creative possibilities!

Learn how to use CONTROL as a positive change in your life!

2010-04-03T08:33:00.000-07:00

By Linda Shelton, Fitness and Wellness Educator; Beamfit™ Communication Director

Control is one of those yin-yang words that, either way you use it in a sentence, usually sounds negative. "Get control of yourself;" "Control your children in public" "Seize majority control over that company;" "Control your desire for chocolate;" Her blood sugar levels are not controlled yet; the list goes on and on. On the other hand, we also use CONTROL in these circumstances; he lost control of his car, she's not in control of her finances; the officials lost any control over the crowd.

When we're in CONTROL, whether it be our finances, job, or body, we feel that our opinion matters, and our ability to manage and transcend stressful situations and our own life is within our capabilities. When we feel out of control, life usually feels chaotic, spiraling and out of balance; the ground beneath us is not stable. Neurally, emotionally and physically, the body responds to lack of control reactively and negatively with anger, anxiety, depression, amped emotions. How we respond to this unpleasant phenomenon in our life is usually exacerbated by the physical sense of no control that translates into poor choices in eating, exercise or lifestyle habits.

In Beaming™, Control refers in the physical sense, to the ability to perform exercises on the Beam while being centered and focused with minimal wobbling. Control on the Beam is also dependent upon your ability to release or relinquish stress so that you're without tension or rigidity. At the same time, your mind and body is integrated to maximize your ability to move; you have the power and jurisdiction over your own body. Your body soon learns that when you lose your balance on the Beam, you have the ability to "right" yourself and gain control, not by fighting the fall, but by re-focusing and re-centering so you can be 'present' without panic.

When your body is more relaxed and in balance, you actually gain Control. The Beam's constant balance challenges puts us on alert, forcing us to be aware, reactive and responsive in the moment and to do so without stress or losing Control, just as we need to do in daily life. You can learn how to re-gain Control in any area of your life by applying the same techniques you learn to employ on the Beam, by learning how to relinquish to lack of Control by being in the moment and allowing your mind and body to work through the challenge. You have the ability to change the quality of your reaction and your energy, reunite your mind and body and feel in Control in a very short time.

You can apply the Principle of Control in your life by learning to recognize your physical reaction to when you feel yourself spiraling and how it causes you to feel like you're losing Control. Ask yourself:

1. What factors contributed to loss of Control in this situation?

2. What do I need to implement in order to gain or maintain Control of the situation?

3. What physiological or mental adaptations do I need to employ to stay balanced and stable and therefore, feel I'm in Control?

4. Can I release stress and tension without feeling like I'm losing Control?

When we can re-frame the word Control positively to indicate the ability to stay focused, calm and centered, even in scattered, tense moments, we will feel that we have the ability to navigate our own path, health and well-being and thus realize the power of Control.

“Beam me UP!”…….Up North that is to Montreal Canada!

2010-03-31T05:46:00.000-07:00

Montreal Canada – The Muscle Up Symposium in Montreal Canada was THE place to be this past weekend. David Mesirow, founder OF Beamfit™ and creator of Beaming™, took a quick trip to introduce his program to our neighbors up north. The symposium provided many educational seminars and lectures to over 200 fitness professionals from Quebec. Beaming™ was the only “movement” session and the attendees were eager to take of their socks and shoes, get on a beam and “learn all about it!”

Francis Michaelson, director of the symposium and CEO of Muscle Up a Fitness product Distribution Company, was excited when Mesirow returned her call to inform her he was able to participate in this year’s symposium. She first met Mesirow last fall in Chicago at the Club Industry show where she took his program and was WOWED! “ I could not believe how I felt after I took the session, my body felt worked out like in Yoga and Pilates and calm and serene as if I had just meditated and had a massage: said Michaelson when asked what drew her to Beaming™.

The success of Beaming™ is wide spread in the USA and this weekend proved that Canada will not be far behind.

Beaming™

· Is performed barefoot and harmonizes familiar movements with mind-body philosophies to integrate balance, stability, strength, endurance and stretch in a unique format on a 6-inch wide by 5 foot long finite surface.
· Heightens awareness to create a fun yet challenging experience.
· Is perfect for everyone from kids to the active aging and that includes YOU!
· Incorporates the experiential senses into the workout… touching, smelling, hearing, seeing and “taste" …as a matter of style - more importantly lifestyle, thus making it the ultimate “SENSE…UAL” program.

To B.E.A.M. is to:

Balance your life! We all wear many hats and it is the balancing of these hats that leads to a more centered and fulfilled existence.

Elevate self-esteem and confidence

Accomplish and realizing self-potential

Motivate you while improving physical health and fitness

For further information on Beaming™ and Beamfit™ programming and products, please visit www.Beamfit.com. Or call 877-808-BEAM (2326)

There are wrinkles,wrinkles 'round my eyes...there's nothing wrong with me or my thights!

2010-03-02T08:00:00.000-08:00

More and more people are asking themselves questions like:

“What workout will change my body the fastest?”
“What can I do to gain more muscle? Lose fat?”
“Should I get Botox?”
“What is the best way to whiten my teeth?”
“What products will help me look younger and feel better?”

Many of us ask these questions and then answer ourselves with this:
“I just want to look like myself, like I have looked all of my life”……in other words we don’t want to age or change. But how does this quest to alter our physical appearance in any way we can, healthy or not, relate to our mental health, our sense of self acceptance, confidence and overall happiness?

There are so many fitness products, diets, supplements, plastic surgery procedures and less “major” forms of body altering procedures such as injecting Botox (a poison) into our body’s that have become an American obsession. In many cases we don’t care what it costs or what we have to do or what the doctor injects into us, as long as we get the result we are looking for – altering our physical appearance in some way.

So the obvious question is: WHY?
“Why are we so focused on changing ourselves in so many dramatic ways?”
“What is the goal?”
"To like ourselves better?"
"To have the admiration of others?"
"To look like the bodies we most admire in others? "

Answering these questions can give us clarity. All of these “things” we do from working out to going under the knife may seem innocent, but they do play on our emotional well being and overall sense of self. Look at Joan Rivers and Michael Jackson, and I am sure you have met an exercise addict or 2 in your life – perhaps even an anorexic.

Let’s say the goal is to like “you” better. Statistics show that people who want to make physical changes based on this motivator are often left less than satisfied .They had hoped they’d like themselves more with the changed appearance but discovered that changing the outside doesn’t necessarily change how they feel inside.

Consider these questions:

“If the goal is to like ourselves more, are there better ways to do it than altering our appearance? Is self-esteem really based on physical appearance?” If this were true, the most beautiful people would be the happiest people (and we know this is not true).
“Would working on raising our self-esteem be a better investment in time and money than a few thousand bucks for a “fresher” face or a personal trainer?”
“Would we be more likely to have the admiration of others if we were the type of person people liked, felt comfortable with and could emotionally connect with rather than look at?”
“Why do so many of us feel so desperate to change our image?”
“ Why do we allow the media to make us feel bad about our bodies”? If we are unhealthy, ill or vulnerable to disease, that’s one thing. But if we are none of these and just don’t like how we look, wouldn’t a more powerful question be: “Why am I so dependent on what others think of my appearance?”

Promoting body insecurity sells products that promise us the illusion of popularity and admiration. In reality, the only thing that really lasts – and is likely to improve as you age – is your mental health. Physically, we all age, and eventually die. This is part of the natural rhythm of life. We can fight it for a while, but none of us gets out of here alive, and few of us do it looking “fresh” and youthful.

Hoping to achieve the perfect face and body is like going on a trip knowing we will never get to the destination. There is no real “perfection” out there, and even if we somehow manage to get there, it’s temporary. Today’s fashion model (our alleged cultural ideal) is typically passé in a few years. If the image of the perfect man/woman doesn’t change, you can’t sell new products (clothes, skin care, cosmetics, hair color, etc.) so the ideal standard of beauty is constantly in motion…and the consumer product industry is always on the outlook for new things to sell us.

So, is it wrong to want to look and feel younger? NO - I am not saying it’s wrong, I am just asking us all to take a serious look at the motivating factors and perhaps replace that question with two more practical questions:

“Will this really make me feel better about whom I am?” and “if it does, is this temporary or will it last?”

In the end nothing is more attractive than a person who is truly happy and secure and comfortable with themselves. When you have happiness with self and joy in your heart you bring it out in others and that is the most beautiful thing of all.

CENTERING...A technique that can give you a professional edge and the hub of your world.

2010-02-28T07:24:00.000-08:00

By Linda Shelton, Fitness and Wellness Educator; Beamfit™ Communication Director

If we look at the definition of the word center, it's most commonly referred to as the middle or midpoint, or "dead center" as in bull's eye of a target. An expanded definition encompasses the center as the core, hub, focal point, axis or nucleus. In other words, the world, in a sense, revolves around you! Not to be self-centric, but think about how we get pulled out of our "center" and get drawn away by demands and chaos of our external environment. This leads us to feeling scattered, frazzled, out of synch and out of sorts with ourselves so something that is innate...to be centered, now becomes something we need to learn or re-learn how to do.

In Beaming™ we use the physical movement on the Beam as a catalyst to engage and enhance an individual's attentiveness, focus and concentration to re-group and therefore, return to our center. On the Beam, Centering cultivates this focused awareness to keep our minds here in the present moment, to bring us back into the space of being conscious right now, in the moment to the experiential senses of Beaming™. Today's lifestyle moves at a fast pace for most people. Beaming™ trains us to adapt on the Beam, similar to the changes one must make to react and respond in this fast-paced world while still maintaining a more mindful, centered state.

In essence, Yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi, all bring one to be more centered. These disciplines train the mind, similar to Beaming™ while moving, enhancing the mind-body connection to oneself and the ability to return to the centered state at will. In Beaming™ it is the IMMEDIATE and consistent adjustments that have to be made as you work on the Beam, shutting out anything else but what is going on between you and the Beam, otherwise you'll fall off and literally lose your Centering ability...exactly what happens when you allow the outside world to bombard your space.So what is the ultimate benefit?

By learning how to Center, when you need to Center, allows you to handle whatever tough situations you encounter with grace and wisdom. Centering is a process you practice, ideally everyday so eventually, you get to choose when you want to let the environment that surrounds you, enter your world.

We really are...The World!

2010-02-23T18:55:00.000-08:00

No matter what "SOME" may believe......

"WE" are much bigger......much more than American Citizens...

"WE" are members of the World Community -

"WE" are citizens of the world....

and

"WE" along with every living thing on this planet.... are the world

HMMM "JUST DO IT"...WHY "JUST DO IT"....when you can DO IT BETTER?

2010-02-16T18:29:00.000-08:00

I think our society has become too focused on getting “THERE” whether “THERE” means a number on a scale, a position in society or getting a job. This obsession with the “THERE” has lead us astray from paying attention to the “HOW TO GET THERE”…..and this has led too many astray…focusing on just “DOING IT.”

We see it in sports with DOPING. We see it in business…just ask Bernie Madoff. There are too many examples of the “JUST DO IT “message gone astray.

So I say don’t “JUST DO IT” Do it with integrity, with style, with purpose and with humility. Do it BETTER than “YOU” did it before and forget about competing with others. Complete YORSELF……don’t compete with others!

Go out today and improve on YOUR “time” YOUR “jump” YOUR ‘throw” just for YOURSELF….……because in the end if you improve on YOUR game you are improving YOURSELF and YOUR LIFE…..and THAT , in the end is all that really matters even if the gold medal isn’t hung around your neck

YOU....hold the POWER!

2010-02-15T20:14:00.000-08:00

When the walls feel like they are closing in on you -

LOOK up and you won’t notice.

When the water is rising and you are fearful of drowning -

SWIM harder and be stronger.

When it’s dark and you are alone and scared -

SEEK your inner light for strength and security.

And when all else seems hopeless -

BELIEVE...

in yourself,

in your power,

in your talent,

in your ability

and in your wisdom to get through no matter what …

in the end you hold your life in your own hands and that is the best way to insure a positive outcome.

I thought we could live like "that"

2010-02-12T05:38:00.000-08:00

Ever since I can remember I have loved the Olympics. As a child, I would create charts and graphs and follow the events picking who I thought would win the medals. I studied the athletes (from all of the participating countries), studied the sports and overall dove right into the whole thing from the opening ceremonies to the last credit running on the screen following the closing festivities.
What I really took away from all of it wasn’t just my amazement of the athletes and their talents….but actually WHAT the whole event stood for.

I loved to watch all of the countries march in side by side – I always thought we could really live like that some day.

I loved to watch competitors embrace one another at the end of a race – I always thought that we could really live like that some day.
I loved the way countries respected one another and all came together as a world community – I always thought we could really live like that some day.
I loved to see the tears of joy and pain and sorrow and hope as the athletes revealed to the world their talents …and I loved watching even their foes showing respect and Awe at what they saw – I always thought we could really live like that some day.
To me, what the Olympic event represents is hope - a dream – that IF we all come together we would experience a much better world to live in.
So as I watch the Olympics this time, I, once again, will be hoping that what I am watching on the screen and feeling in my heart can somehow carry on after the event is over.

I will take it upon myself to do my best to carry the message forward in my life – which in turn, I hope, will radiate and BEAM out into the lives of those with whom I come in contact with….

GREAT deal on Beams NOW on HSN!

2010-02-04T17:43:00.000-08:00

We had two great shows on HSN!!

I want to personally share with you that we have a a few Beams left at a GREAT price at HSN ( www.hsn.com).They are $99.95 each which INCLUDES a DVD (with 4 workouts that are different than what we are selling on the website now) and NO CHARGE for shipping and handling.

There is no limit to the number of Beams you can order, however, they are selling FAST at this price.

In addition, you can use flex pay and split your payment into 3 smaller ones. Can't beat that!This is a limited offer so don't miss out!

Log onto www.hsn.com to order.

RELEASE.....

2010-02-01T15:37:00.000-08:00

RELEASE...so you can De-stress, Decompress and Regain Control of Your Life
By Linda Shelton, Fitness and Wellness Educator; Beamfit™ Communication Director

In our frenetic, fast-paced lives, stress is inevitable; it takes a toll on our minds and bodies, stored internally day after day like an uncoiled snake ready to strike if we're pushed too far. Too many commitments, endless to-do lists, demands from your job, family or friends can leave you exhausted. When this happens, do you resort to unhealthy habits like mindless eating or grab yet another grande latte with double espresso shots for a much needed perk me up?

Or, perhaps you become so anxious and agitated that you skip your workout because the last thing you feel like doing is adding one more thing to your already jam-packed to do list.

Whether you need an energy boost or to recapture that peaceful easy feeling, you can regain self-control and manage stress by learning how to relinquish or RELEASE stress rather than hold it in until you explode. You have the unique ability to change the quality of your energy and go from being tense to tranquil or drained to revitalized, in a very short time.

In Beaming™, Release refers, in the physical sense, to the ability to move on the Beam without tension or muscle rigidity. Your body learns not to fight to neutralize tensional pull from muscles being out of balance, but rather you discover how to Release by responding to the resiliency of the Beam so your body feels naturally aligned. This is calming in itself. When your body is more relaxed and in balance, you can Release as in the act of letting go and, through breathing deep into your belly, you can maintain muscle balance, suppleness and easy movement. The Beam, because of its consistent balance challenges, forces us to learn to be reactive and responsive in the moment and to do so without stress, just as we need to do in daily life.

You can apply the Principle of Release in your life simply by learning to recognize your physical reaction to stress--holding patterns in your body, holding your breath, where you maintain and hide tension in your body which translates as aches and pains. Ask yourself:

1. Where do you hold your tension?

2. What would it feel like to let go in your body?

3. Can you Release without feeling like you're losing control?

4. What does the 'yea but' voice say in your head when you try to Release; do you set up mental roadblocks that prevent you from letting go?

Next time you recognize you're in stress mode try this; it's called Breathe Awareness 360, the same breathing technique we teach while Beaming™ to maintain and attain equilibrium in both body and mind to Release:

* Begin by inhaling deeply, taking in a full breath;use 4 counts to get past your chest and into your belly.

* Feel your rib cage expand cylindrically---front to back and sides.

* Exhale slowly and take 4 counts to empty your belly, your lungs.

* Repeat this technique for 1 minute.

By learning to control your breathing, you will learn how to Release. Deep breathing is the transducer between the body and mind which resets and balances your nervous system and can turn turbulence into tranquility, both on and off the Beam. When you can master staying in Release, you can become better stewards of your own health and well-being.

BARE your SOLE

2010-01-14T07:52:00.000-08:00

Why Barefoot Training is the healthiest thing you can do, not only for your feet, but for your body overall
By Linda Shelton

Some of us early exercisers remember, back in the day, when fitness shoe technology wasn't even a glimmer in anyone's fertile mind, we exercised barefoot............... running, dancing, high-impact aerobics, water aerobics. Our feet in those days trained us well; when we moved in a way that challenged our stability or ability, sensory receptors on the soles of our feet sent the body messages-some subtle, some painful, that we were moving in a way that would hurt us or cause injury. If we were aware and listened to our bodies, we'd alter the movement. Your feet are your greatest trainer; they are the "sensory antenna" to the rest of your entire body-your muscles, connective tissue, organs and your brain. In fact, your feet contain the largest number of propioreceptors, second only to your spine. Think of your feet as an "I-chat messenger," giving you constant, in the moment, real-time live feedback as to your position in space, your movement quality, reaction, balance and more. These billions of micro receptors are "turned on" 24/7 when you're standing on your feet.

So why did we cease to 'bare all'? Shoe technology seemed like good idea and in truth it is, considering the shoes we used to exercise in before we got so savvy about specific training. The issue isn't that shoes are bad; the concern is that we NEVER TAKE THEM OFF...EVER! Techno shoes today clearly drive both fitness and fashion. There are shoes that are exclusively designed for every activity and every sport. Hundreds of hours are spent in foot labs, watching people move to determine the best cushioning, support and alignment so that you can individualize your needs, based on your high arches, flat feet and dancer's toes. All good and we support these phenomenal efforts. By the same token, give some thought to kicking off your shoes-athletic or otherwise, and exercising bare naked as in BARE FEET! With so much cushion and support from a shoe, your feet actually become 'numb' to all sensory input and doesn't allow you to naturally ground and feel the surface. It's like giving your feet a shot of Novocain because you feel nothing! In other words, you're losing your own ability to react and respond to sensory input that impacts how your body innately moves. When the bare foot strikes the ground, sensory feedback from the sole activates a series of muscle contractions that in a well-trained foot disperses pressure to a wider area, inducing adaptations, dissipating shock, and functionally avoiding injuries. In shoes, you can't possibly get this input because of the limited sensory feedback to the central nervous system. In addition, wearing shoes full time, for all the positive benefits, can restrict natural foot movement, causing muscles to become weak and lax, joints to become stiff and immobile.

Beaming™ brings "barefoot" back to the forefront of training
To be clear, we're not saying don't ever wear shoes. What we are saying is that at some point, every day, you need to be sans shoes and meet your feet and hopefully this is an exhilarating and "Sens...ual" experience.

Here's why:
Barefoot is tactile, bringing sensory sensation through sole of the foot so that your body can respond. This feedback system helps us balance, re-balance, improve awareness and accurate foot positioning as well as stimulate and activate the muscles of the feet and ankles.

Barefoot is freeing, so the toes can fully extend, flex, and grip the way they should.

Barefoot enhances the stability and mobility of all of your joints, from the feet up so that you begin to use those very fine intrinsic muscles again that can become lax and atrophied from constant shoe entrapment.

Barefoot and balance training combined provide the ability to improve the body's natural response system to reacting more quickly to a negative situation.

Barefoot can lead to better overall health. According Chinese philosophy, life-force energy called Chi can be absorbed through the soles of the feet, increasing circulation, energy, vitality, ability to think more clearly and function at a higher level.

Barefoot may deter aging. Your feet are your own natural fountain of youth. When you exercise barefoot, especially on uneven surfaces, vital organ acupressure points on the foot's sole are stimulated along with receptors of the inner ear that control balance, which declines with age. Research concluded that barefoot training can lead to significant physical and mental health benefits including improved balance, mobility and overall body circulation, lowered blood pressure, correct imbalances and misalignment in the foot structure, all which can delay and even prevent the effects of aging.

Recognizing all of the barefoot benefits, Beaming™ IS performed barefoot. Therefore sensations felt through your feet are amplified even more while balancing on the unstable, resilient surface of the Beam. This initiates more footwork, developing a healthier foot, a heightened sensory awareness and proprioceptive response, bringing mindful consciousness to your body position and movement on the Beam, which transfers to overall better movement off the Beam.

So get brave, get smart and GO BARE everyday...you will love the feeling and even more, your feet and your body will love the abundant results.

2010-01-01T16:35:00.000-08:00

Being in the moment is only ½ of it

... celebrating it completes the experience.

Ya know, we have heard it over and over and over, be in the moment, live each moment as if it was your last. But how many of us know how to do it, what it means? We are so busy on our cell phones, blackberry’s, texting and messaging away. We miss ½ the moments in the day due to not being open enough to receive them and experience them. You are already “in the moment” your alive and your there, but how many of us can NOTICE the moment enough to celebrate its uniqueness and cherish its existence before its passing? So I ask you to put down all of your electronic devises and open up the devises that you have been blessed with your eyes, your ears you nose. By doing this you can appreciate and celebrate each moment to its fullest and THAT will show you they way to a more celebrated life.

Evolve today, from where you were yesterday.

If we learn through life we can GROW through it instead of just GOING through it. And the act of learning comes from taking past experiences and applying the lessons they have taught us to the next chapters of our lives. In this way we can evolve as human beings, and hopefully improve and in our own small corner of the world make some improvement. As you wake each day this month, take a moment to reflect on the day that has just past and see if you can GROW and EVELOVE from who you were yesterday. You have 360 days this year ahead of you – think of the potential!

Articulate not just your words but your entire existence.

We spend time making lists, talking about what we would like to do, like to be. We dream and we wish. But more often than not the buck stops there and much of that positive intent melts away. Just think back on your life for a moment. How many things have you wanted to try? How many have never been realized? Look at realistic ways in which you can connect your words with actual experiences in your life. Want to write a book? Start writing short stories – LIVE as a writer. Looking to be a better chef? Get the cook book out and make a new exotic dish once a week – you will add 52 dishes to your repertoire and LIVE as a chef, shopping for ingredients and spending time focusing on the preparation of fabulous food. Exist through living your dreams.

Mentor those around you. You have something to say.

We often believe that our work is our defining statement. How much money we made, how many we sold. But what really matters over the course of our lives? What impact do we have that really matters in the world? What do we leave behind when we’re gone? I believe it is the messages we have left in the hearts and minds of all those we have inspired, mentored throughout lifetime. Not just our own family, our coworkers or friends, but those we meet along the way on a plane, in line at a Starbucks or in a waiting room at the dentist office. We are all walking mentors, some or more conscious than others. YOU become more conscious of it this year. How can you leave a positive thought or feeling on every person you come into contact with? It starts there. A simple smile, kind word or thoughtful deed reveals a style of living to be mentored. Be a mentor to the world and together we can motivate positive change.

Don't "CELL" Yourself Short!

2010-01-01T05:26:00.001-08:00

As the sun rose to reveal the bright morning of the New Year, some alarms went off as if just another day had arrived. Others lie still on crowded bedside tables turned OFF while sleepy party goers lie nestled under warm covers determine to sleep a bit longer. Some stores have planned for late openings and early closings on this day, and the Gym stood ready, awaiting the frantic neurotics whose party going and over eating has thrown them into a panic. On this morning one thing is the same for all. 2010 has arrived and the resolutions that were made less than 12 hours ago await their fate. Stop smoking, stop eating, stop drinking, stop swearing and the list goes on. Those with lists to “START” are eager and ready to start exercising, start saving money and start living better lives. It is here we find Dawn, the subject of our investigation.

It is this day and this Dawn that are of importance since what we are looking at is her journey to fulfill her resolution to exercise. She has awakened with excitement and determination and a sense of “I can do this” in her heart. She speedily prepares herself for the gym…..nothing will stop her and nothing will discourage her from her mission. As she gets dressed, tying her hair back in a pony tale she looks in the mirror and assures herself once again that THIS IS IT! Off she goes for the short 8-minute drive to the gym – a journey she could have undertaken by bike or foot. But no, Dawn is beginning her fitness journey with the mindset that working out and exercise can only occur in the gym and therefore a walk or bike ride to the gym is out of the question. Upon arrival she looks for the closest parking space once again solidifying the idea that exercise happens in the gym.

As she proudly walks in, bag over shoulder and a bit of a kick to her step, she is stopped by the guy at the desk…a 22 year old. He stands there like a centurion with a physique that can only be attained by age, diet and an over obsessiveness with self and exercise. He warmly greets her, swipes her membership card and grants her access. Climbing the stairs toward what she has always thought of as the “DREADMILL” she reminds herself that THIS TIME SHE IS GOING TO DO IT!

The treadmills are lined up like cars parked in the lot and most of them are racing beneath the feet of sweaty neurotics who appear to be clinging to the handrails for dear life. She approaches one with mixed emotions, places her bag down to the side and steps up and pushes that dreaded START button. She proudly pushes all of the buttons and programs the machine to the best of her ability with an air of confidence. There she is…exercising…at the gym…. with everybody else….. SHE DID IT!

She looks down at the time indicator on the confusing computer board in front of her in disbelief. It indicates she had been exercising for only 4minutes. How can this be, she wonders? 4 minutes? It feels like 20! At that precise moment her cell phone goes off and she clumsily gets off the machine to dig through her bag.
“Hello” …….. “Oh hi Sara.” “I can’t talk right now I am at the gym..I’ll Call you later.” Sara keeps her on the phone for 5 minutes going on about this and that until Dawn tells her “ok, I really gotta go” ….. “I’ll call you later!”
She places the phone back in her bag, climbs aboard the mighty treadmill, pushes the buttons and begins again. Her mind at ease……she tells her self “I’M DOING IT! As she thinks of how she will be doing this day after day, she looks around at the bodies surrounding her. Some looked like they were carved out of stone. Others looked just like hers and she took comfort in knowing that she was not alone in her struggle. It has now been 6 minutes as she glances at the clock. She is astounded at how out of shape she has become. “I can’t believe it has only been 6 minutes,” she says to herself as she hears the sound of her cell phone once again. Off she goes to dig through her bag.
“Hello”………. “Hi mom” She goes on talking with her mom for a good 15 minutes while the treadmill races next to her working out on its own…. “Mom, I gotta Go” “I’m at the gym” She hangs up and once again climbs aboard the mighty treadmill. Pushing the buttons once again she sets the machine and gets back into it. Dawn is amazed at how the woman next to her appears to have been on her treadmill for hours. She is sopping wet and shows no signs of stopping. She seems as though she is in a trance with her headphones on, eyes closed and legs and arms pumping away. Dawn wonders if she will ever be that good at this…that fit……that dedicated.

12 minutes has passed now and Dawn is huffing and puffing. Sweat emerges on her brow and she is feeling proud that she is at least “looking” like she is accomplishing something. Fur Elise begins to play once again from her bag and she gratefully dismounts her treadmill with a sigh of relief at the sound of her phone.
“Hello”……….”Hi Susan, guess what I’m at the gym!”…….”Well I got up this morning and Blah Blah…….……..” And Dawn went on and on how she had finally decided to begin her exercise routine. She and Susan discussed exercising and the countless times each one of them had started and stopped. The numerous classes and programs they have tried and dropped. 40 minutes went by. The treadmill raced next to Dawn once again as she sat there with Susan on the cell. “Ok, ..I really gotta go and finish my workout” Dawn said as she hung up the phone with Susan. She got up and ran over to the bathroom. Upon her return she looked at the clock and realized she had been at the gym for an hour and a half. WOW she thought. She gathered her belongings in a hurry to leave the gym and rush home to shower. She looked back at the great grey building wondering what it is about the gym that attracts so many people……..and why they keep going time after time.

And so, Dawn left the gym proud that she had spent and hour and a half “working out”. It is sad to note that she was “celling herself short” since she spent more time off the treadmill on the phone then she did on the treadmill working out. As she drove home that morning she realized that working out and talking on the phone doesn’t really work. So she plans on skipping the workout and spending her time on the phone where she would really rather be. After all there is another New Year to start again..Next year.

30 minutes working out
60 minutes on the phone

It's a NEW Beginning!!!

2009-12-31T03:59:00.000-08:00

It is said that “In the beginning G-d created the heaven and the earth.” Like all beginnings there is a before, a “pre” beginning. Well I don’t know what there was before G-d created the heaven and earth or how they even came to be, but I do know what came before the beginning of this year. It was the 49 ½ years of my life prior to January 01, 2010. And unlike the creation of heaven and earth, we all have a chance at a new “in the beginning” each year of our lives!

If we all reflect on that very fact, the reality and excitement of yet another “in the beginning” is awe inspiring. Like the creation of the earth, your life is a creation BUT, with the changing of the year YOU are given another chance at another “in the beginning.”

What will you do with this awesome opportunity?

How will you use it to better yourself? The lives of others?

What challenges will you face?

What conquests will you make?

As you start this year, create a list of what you want to accomplish this year. Make it a REAL DOABLE list. Then….Think it, Speak it, write it down, act upon it and then Live it!

12 Blessings

2009-12-24T18:21:00.000-08:00

So we hear a lot about Christmas trees, drummer boys, angels, kings and of course the 12 days that pull it all together.”This” is the Holiday Season and the time of year when we give, share, create and decorate.

But what if we took just one moment and shifted the focus off doing and buying for others and shined a light on ourselves – specifically, our blessings, our fortune, our own JOY in the world.

I challenge the 12 drummers drumming, 7 swans swimming and even the lonely partridge in a Pear Tree to take stock for a moment in THESE 12 blessings of Life:

The ability to: see, hear, smell, taste, touch, laugh, think, hold memories and learn
The privilege of: Family, Friends and having opportunities to experience.

These are blessings that cover a wide spectrum from the physical to the intellectual and emotional. These are blessings many of us take for granted every day. Blessings we would be lost without. Blessings that many in the world don’t enjoy. Take THIS moment – RIGHT NOW – take a breath, don’t just count these blessings but honor them. Be thankful for them individually and the power of them collectively and how they impact every moment of your day, your life, your legacy.

Site – Just look around you. The fact that you CAN look around you is in itself a blessing. Now factor in all that you see when you look around you = POWERFUL!

Sound - Just close your eyes for a moment and listen. What do you hear? A symphony? A barking dog or perhaps an ambulance hurrying to save a life. What a spectacular blessing “hearing” is. Not everyone has been blessed with it – be thankful.

Smell – There is nothing more enticing this time of year than the smell of cookies baking, or the pine tree standing tall all decorated and proud. The smells of this season evoke memories which in turn lead us to feel so many things this time of year. Ahhhh, our sense of smell is perhaps, the strongest connection to the experiences in our lives.

Taste – What better time of year to be thankful for the blessing of taste than the Holiday’s? Savor the flavors, eat the cookies with joy, and drink the wine in style. Hmmm…now pinch your nose and stifle your taste - eat a piece of chocolate - without taste…..what’s the point!! Touch – Oh, Oh, I can feel it now……the sensual touch of a lover, the warmth and coziness of cashmere throw. I can also feel how the words from a Christmas card from a friend far away touch my heart and remind me of the times we once shared. Don’t forget to FEEL all that is around you as you reach out and touch the world.

Laughter – They (who ever “they “are ) say laughter is medicine. Well, I don’t much like to take medicine, but if it all tasted as good as the sweetness of laughter I would never miss a dose – and I don’t. Let’s laugh at ourselves, laugh out loud and laugh throughout our day, every day, just in case it IS medicine. And ya know, you can even get a great ab workout if the laughter is hard enough, loud enough – if it reaches deep enough inside.

Think – NO not in the intellectual sense but in the profound sense. Question, analyze, ponder, study all through your day. The more you do the more you learn and the more you learn the more you grow and the richer that growth becomes. Hold your memories dear – Don’t ever let them go for they make up the history of your life. Can you look back today and journal on the most memorable Christmas’s in your life? What about the most memorable people? Take your time feel the memories don’t just conger them up. Let them take you away for a time. Let them take you back in time so you can reflect and move forward.

Learn – Explore the lessons in each day you live. Apply today’s learning to tomorrow’s experience. See the messages in your life and use them to create an even better one. Every moment of every day is an opportunity TAKE IT!

Family and Friends – Many of us are blessed with large families, some with small. Remember, your family may not just be your blood relatives. Sometimes your family is no biological relation at all. Those closest to you and your heart are your family regardless of how near they may be or how far. The blessing of family is an important one. Even in the animal kingdom, many species live in family units. Friends too are like family and in many instances are one in the same. Take a moment and list just 10 of your closest family and friends. Now, list the 10 that are farthest either geographically or in terms of time you have been away from them. Call THOSE 10 today. Wish them well, tell them how much they mean to you, what they mean to you – don’t wait, often times we’re too late!

Experience – the 11 above come to THIS the 12 blessing – the ability to experience life and all it has to offer each and every one of us – the 6 Billion on this planet. I ask you to move through your life from this moment forward with a renewed sense of enlightenment, relish in all your blessings.

Life should be a celebration – and that celebration should be living - and living is much richer when you not only count your blessings but realize them in a real, tangible way. So sing about the 12 days of Christmas this season – and the rest of the year season your life by allowing these 12 blessings to pepper your days!

What are "YOU" thankful for?

2009-11-24T06:47:00.000-08:00

On Thanksgiving Day many of us have the tradition of stating (out loud) what we are thankful for. I have done it myself, gone around the dinner table and asked everyone to share. Each person would get up, in sincere honesty, and provide a list of things that they are thankful for. This year, I am going to challenge us all to list just one thing.

That’s right one thing.

It’s much easier to ramble off a list so I ask us all to THINK! I have been thinking about this for weeks and could not get it right ……until now!

This year I want to shout from the rooftops that I AM THANKFUL FOR ADOPTION! YES ADOPTION!

You see, I was adopted and I am thankful. It is the result of that 1 thing in my life that has set the course for my entire existence. I am thankful that the 2 people who adopted me (my parents) did so and brought me to live in the small modest home I grew up in.

If THOSE 2 people didn’t adopt me and bring me to THAT home at THAT place and time – I would not be the person I am today, which is a result of every experience I have had and every person I have known from Mari Nelson who I just connected with after over 35 years to Perry who I have lived with for the past 15.

I am thankful for adoption because I was adopted. And through that adoption I have been blessed with wonderful family members - cousins, aunts and uncles, true friends and long time colleagues. I am thankful for adoption because I got to grow up in Morton Grove, Illinois, go to Hebrew school, learn to play the piano and have the opportunity to attend college all in a nurturing environment. And THAT just scratches the surface.

So I ask you to dig deep and think – what is REALLY important and what do you REALLY have to be thankful for?

This Thanksgiving, with all the turmoil in the world, it is important not to lose focus but rather to take stock in what really matters. Many people are losing their homes, their jobs and their comfortable way of life. But even those people have a reason to be thankful this year. Perhaps this year, for many, the focus on the thanks and the gratitude will have less to do with what they have and more to do with who they are, where they came from or what they can achieve as a result of it.

So, as you sit at your Thanksgiving table, adorned with candles, flowers and food, take just a moment to reflect on just one thing (big or small) that you are truly thankful for.

Happy Thanksgiving!

How do YOU Balance your life?

2009-11-07T12:55:00.000-08:00

Balance is often taken for granted; that is until you're forced to put it to the test. I know many of you reading this have said at one time or another “I have horrible balance." I’ll bet you have found yourself wobbling around when you put on your shoes standing up.

Balance, like many of our body's “taken for granted commodities”, deteriorates with age. But beware; age is not the only reason why balance diminishes. Injuries to the lower extremities are another common culprit. A sprained ankle, a wrenched knee , broken toe or injured hip all cause a break in communication between the joint and the brain, altering proprioception - or the body's ability to know where it is in space.

The science behind how the body balances itself is complicated, but simply stated: when sensory data delivered to your brain from vision, the inner ear or your sensory receptors is in some way disrupted, your sense of awareness in space and your balance is disrupted. But the solution to improving this situation is simple – You can easily improve your balance while Beaming™ on the Beamfit™ Beam.

Research studies provide data indicating improvements among those who participate in balance training programs are realized within the first training experience. As for you athletes, incorporating balance exercises (both static and dynamic) into our regular workout is worth the extra time and effort

Why does it even matter?

Well, balance training:

Repairs damaged pathways to the brain assisting in training the right and left hemispheres of your brain to communicate with each other more efficiently,

Strengthens weakened stabilizing muscles throughout your body ( especially in your ankles and feet)

Teaches the body new strategies for keeping itself upright reducing the risk of falling or tripping as you walk through your life.

What's more? Jumping over puddles, standing on a ladder to change light bulbs, snowboarding, and riding on the shuttle at the airport (standing up) all require balance, so a little improvement just makes your life easier.

So if you’re looking to improve your balance and improve your life visit www.Beamfit.com to get your beam and a DVD and start Beaming™ today!

November Mantra

2009-11-01T09:24:00.000-08:00

Believe in yourself
It’s funny how we all seem to believe in something or someone. We believe in God. We believe in the universe. We believe there is good in all people. We believe in the right to bear arms – and the list goes on. It’s interesting how, often times we don’t put ourselves on this list, and if we do, we don’t list ourselves first! Belief in yourself – your abilities and your capabilities is the first step in changing your life forever. Belief in yourself increases your confidence level, increases your desire to get out there and live your best life and shows the world just what you are capable of.
Express to the Universe what it is you desire in life
Why keep secret thoughts? Why hide your desires? Why hope and wait? Make a poster board with pictures – a scrap book. Create a hope chest, write a poem, create a doable list and set goals, take action in some way – join a dating service – a gym, cut something out of your diet or add a new healthy habit. By openly acting on something, or expressing it to the Universe, YOU can begin to realize, in a concrete way, your desires. Remember, a thought expressed by a word becomes an action and an action becomes the reality of your experience in the world.

Achieve your dreams by waking up and living them
Most of us have ideas, hopes and dreams. We make lists. We make plans. We have good intentions. And in the end, most of us wake up and can’t remember the dream…let alone execute it. With all we have to do, our busy schedules and complex lives keep us living in the here and now, just muddling through the day to day list of things that must get done. As we begin this winter season, filled with all the wonderment of the holidays and the promise of the New Year, promise yourself that you will put your dream into action.

Make every action deliberate
Don’t waste time on things, people and places that don’t serve to further your quest, your dream. Bring ideas, people and experiences into your life that represent what you want and can help you get there. We all have that moment when we think “Why do I have to go to dinner with “so and so” - or why do I have to go to “that” party with “those” people who I really don’t have much in common with. Well, the answer is – YOU DON’T HAVE TO! Take charge of your life; make decisions that serve to better your experience in the world. By doing this you will continue to evolve to be a better you, a happier you. And “ that” YOU will be a better asset to the world and the people around you, not to mention a truer representation of you- who you are actually suppose to be evolving into on your life path.

Are you “Re-gifting” your life?

2009-10-13T06:25:00.000-07:00

Are you “Re-gifting” your life?

As the calendar pages blow past in the wind, the months pass by, the days just fly. Like falling leaves they get lost in history never to be realized again. Yet before they disappear ,we have a chance to make each day like each leaf, individual, different, special – a truly unique entity. The opportunities – endless. The possibilities – bountiful!
What we do, choose to act on, strive to experience sets each day apart from all the others. Yet many days we live as one’s that have passed repeating things, that in many ways, only needed one days worth of attention, energy or thought.
It is said each day is a gift. The question becomes: Who wants to receive the same gift twice? Are you “Re-gifting” your days, your life? If this logic leads our way we should choose to live each day like the falling leaves, and like a child open each gift expecting it to be new, exciting and something we will cherish forever.

Each leaf was a gift to the world from its mother tree. Each day is a gift we can give ourselves. It’s inexpensive, it can be life transforming and changing. Take today and run away with your imagination, your dreams……run away ….blow into the wind and see where it takes you. You may be surprised what lies ahead and where you will land.

When Smoke gets in YOUR eyes

2009-10-03T06:57:00.000-07:00

Anxiety, Hyperactivity, uncertainty and self doubt can lead to emotional imbalance, stress and tension and this can lead to distraction which in turn can throw you off course.When we allow these distractions to take root it as if a cloud of smoke begins to appear on the horizon….and before we know it we are enveloped in it…….coughing and choking – suffering from smoke inhalation. We become blinded and lose our way……. when this smoke gets in your eyes. This very state leads us right back to the root – the anxiety, stress, tension and thus disrupts our natural flow of positive energy.

So how do we get back on track…..regain mental clarity and focus?
Mental clarity can be achieved and maintained only when we are balanced and calm. This simply means we need to create an equilibrium in our lives. When we are agitated, and imbalanced it gives rise to an agitated, imbalanced mind. When we are calm and have balanced our energy we can obtain mental clarity. One great way to regain Mental Clarity is to get on a Beamfit™ Beam! Even if you don’t have time for a full workout on you can still greatly benefit by just standing on the Beam in split stance, refocusing your attention for as little as 5 minutes
This simple exercise is great when you need to center, re-group and change your perspective on those frazzled, stressful days.

Visit www.Beamfit.com to get your Beam today.

Wash your windows...Rinse away the EGO and let your "Spirit" shine!

2009-09-24T06:51:00.000-07:00

Regardless of religious affiliation, or lack thereof, most of us agree that people have a “spirit” and that the “spirit” is the source of all consciousness, and the source of awareness that lights up the mind. It is the part of us that is open, free, and innocent - seeking new experiences and shining with pure joy. When we live through our spirit, we are BALANCED and in harmony with ourselves and the world around us. But as soon as we enter the world in the physical form, social conditions that surround us begin to chip away at “spirit”, creating self doubt, a need to “conform” and it is this that drives us further from our true “spirit’s” desire to express itself and strive.

These conditions begin to empower the EGO and as the EGO takes hold we lose a portion of our pure “spirit”…….”spirit” that wishes to express and be free without constraint. This overtaking of the “spirit” by EGO leads to the “spirit’s” loss, in part, of its conscious leadership of our experiences in life. The EGO asks for its own gratification both physically as well as emotionally. When this happens we experience racing thoughts that clutter our minds……..constantly filling our hearts and minds with questions, doubts and fears. All of that chatter suppresses our true “spirit” and we drift further away from our hearts desires.

Like a snowflake falling gently to the ground, the “spirit” is blown in many directions by the EGO and it slowly melts along the way. The act of being tossed and turned while simultaneously melting leaves us far from that first day of life….when the “spirit” was pure and in charge.

When we are born, it is said, we have a clean slate…..a fresh perspective….we are an open book. But our”spirit” although strong and stable, can be delicate and vulnerable in the shadow of the EGO and like a window (after all it is the window into our souls) it can become streaked……streaked with greed, lust, conflicting emotions and thoughts.

So the question becomes…..How do we move away from EGO, back to “spirit” and live a life filled with pure joy and BALANCE?

How do we “wash the window?”

This is an introspective journey that takes time and is done with calculated thought and effort. We must seek ways to clear away emotional obstruction, attitudes and preconceived notions. We must learn how to return to “spirit.” We can meditate, focusing on the “letting go” rather than the “holding on to” ingrained thoughts and ideas. We can dig deep inside of ourselves and feel rather than think about what it is we want in life and how we can achieve it. We can begin to listen to the inner voice that is guiding us, our “spirit” voice, and disregard the rebuttal voice, the EGO voice, that sabotages us and fosters self-doubt

Take a moment each day to focus on one small thing you would like to change about the way you experience your life – a moment to identify one thing you would REALLY like to do, regardless of what the EGO is telling you or the fear it may create. It can be as small as wearing a shoe with an outfit….because your “spirit” sees it as the right choice, suppressing the EGO’s voice that would normally drive you to change it 3 or 4 times. Or, it could be as huge as removing someone from your friendship circle because they really are no good for you….perhaps they enable your alcoholism, perhaps they continue to feed your EGO and assist in the suppression of your “spirit”

You will find, throughout this process you will become more self-aware. You will experience more joy in your life. You will become more empowered, more certain of yourself…. your true self. You will begin to live in harmony with your “spirit” and by doing so you will radiate, BEAM with positive energy. And all of this will lead to living a life that is becoming more BALANCED and this will lead you to a heightened sense of peace as you walk through the rest of your life.

Autumn in The Heartland

2009-09-22T04:59:00.000-07:00

Autumn in the Heartland
The leaves are changing, the landscape bleak
Autumn in the heartland, colors at their peak.

Pumpkins and hay stacks and corn stalks abound
Witches and goblins can even be found.

Birds over head flying in form
Animals seek shelter trying to keep warm.

Yes, it’s autumn in the heartland, some call it Fall
As Mother Nature prepares to let white snow fall…

To cover the branches and make brittle the trees,
To blanket the earth with slumber and peace.

The waters will freeze and the icicles form,
The sun will beat down unable to warm.

The days will grow shorter as the temperature drops
And the seeds sleep below where once there grew crops.

Yes it’s autumn in the heartland a time of transition
When moms and their children bake cookies in the kitchen.

Each year leaves change color and start their great fall
What magical magnificence Mother Nature has for us all

Lesson from the Geese

2009-09-21T17:48:00.000-07:00

As the leaves begin to change color, the air takes on a crispness and nature gears up for the next season – have you ever paid attention to geese flying in formation overhead on a brisk autumn morning beneath a golden sunrise? There they are …just picture them – majestic wonders of nature on an ancient mission to vacation all winter in a sunny climate. Perhaps they are enroute to Palm Springs!!

Notice as they fly over head… they have picked a formation. As you gaze up at them , look closely, although they have picked a formation, they HAVE NOT picked a steadfast leader… the leader intermittently changes as they fly off into the distance. It is as if they are performing a choreographed routine ....one up front… then another....THIS one dropping back to gave way to THAT one.....and all the while it is done with the elegance and cooperation of a beautiful ballet. I don’t think they give much thought to who is leading …who is following…I don’t think they much care. I believe what is important to them is that the entire flock, as an entity, arrives safely and intact to its final destination. There is a sense of oneness, of social responsibility, unity – the individuals working together to protect the safety and well being of the whole. They have created a symbiotic relationship that shares leaders and followers........giving everyone, who wants it, equal opportunity to command the lead. There is beauty in this simplicity, a sense of wisdom to the effort and a true commitment to the overall well being of their micro society.

Perhaps our politicians can take a lesson from the geese.

Picture a congress that actually works together in planning, legislating and decision making. And what if whether freshman or veteran all members had the opportunity to chair and lead on various committees and task forces……based upon their expertise, experience and knowledge…true equality within the common collective in an effort to have a smoother running system of government that can work FOR all of us. It truly would be something to experience a congress that paid attention to you and me rather than the lobbyists or other outside influencers. A Congress that votes on issues along CONSCIOUS lines and not party lines or interest group pressure.

And what if we had a president who could awaken every day with the knowledge that the collective is happy and running smoothly......

Why can’t we work together? Why do we have to fight? Why can’t we recognize that every citizen has rights – gay, straight – black, white – male, female – and those on BOTH SIDES of every issue??? Why can’t we Balance out our ideals and meet in the middle to bring together the best of all of the ideas?

Why is so much time spent on distancing and separating ourselves ……Why can’t we be more like the geese?

The geese have survived for millions of years working together through mutual respect, unity and an understanding that if they don’t look out for one another….they may become extinct.

Will we eventually become extinct if we don’t begin to learn the lesson from the geese??

Walking consciously through your day will keep your conscience clear and your life’s purpose on track.

2009-09-17T04:58:00.000-07:00

As you awaken each morning, stretching, yawning…. and as your senses are rebooting - take a moment during this time of re-entry into your waking hours and prompt yourself to keep your mind and heart open. Be curious, learn…look for the lessons of the day ahead and apply them for your tomorrows. And then, as you return to bed each night, take stock, review your day …how open were you that day? What did you learn? How did that help you?

During these reflective moments, you may notice that you learned much, or, perhaps never once thought about the plan you set forth that morning. Either way, the day happened, you experienced it, you saw things, smelled them, tasted them and touched them. Whatever your day was like, you grew from the experience of it and added those experiences to the tapestry that is YOUR life. Use all of this to get to know yourself better.

You'll see that there are many events in the day that may change the way you view yourself, the way you view your world and these happenings can only come from opening your heart and mind to all the possibilities that are put before you.

Walking consciously through your day will keep your conscience clear and your life’s purpose on track.

WHOOSH........

2009-09-15T20:12:00.000-07:00

Run, Walk, Train, Cab, Bus, Car.........rush rush rush - YES I am in NYC. Meetings, traininings, dinners, Busy ,busy........ BEAMING has me really on the move.

All is well now I sleep to do it all over again

Let's stop searching and just go home!!

2009-09-15T06:27:00.000-07:00

Let’s stop searching and just go home!

As we look at the things in our lives that we place importance on we should seek to understand why. To analyze the reasons why things appear on our list of importance in the order of priority is an important question as we begin to understand more about ourselves and how we relate to the world around us.

Many things in our lives become important for many reason. To some it matters what other people think. To many the level of education of OTHERS around us seems to be of some importance. Socioeconomic status, what we do for a living, where we are living and what we are driving all find their way somewhere on the list of things that we are concerned about.

Notice how our lists are filled with material things or perceptions of things outside of ourselves. So, why are these things important? This is a question I leave up to each one of you to ask of yourselves …about your own personal lists.

At any rate, none of those things I mentioned will lead any closer to the one thing that really should appear first on the list…finding the supreme essence of who we are as spiritual beings . This reaches far beyond the physical existence of the ego, of our need to serve it and nourish it.

People are searching for peace and harmony in their lives. That search is causing them to look ahead, forward, outside of their inner self; the search is driving them further and further away from themselves. And the more they search, the more they look outside ,the further they get from finding it. We need to learn who we are on the deepest level. Accept that person. Love that person. Nurture that person. Grow that person. Believe in that person. Express the desires of that person. Let that person shine and Beam for that person is YOU!

The challenge is to give that person a chance to speak out, to wave a flag and show you that they’re right there with you, in you…screaming out to you to STOP looking ……and realize that leaving “your house” to find “a home” will never work…….and if you continue on that path you will never truly find your home.

My hope is for each and every one of us to be able to look in a mirror one day and simply say “It’s good to finally be home”. And when you do please call me up and invite me over. I will do the same

A Day in Flight!

2009-09-14T22:01:00.000-07:00

I travel often for work and can’t help but notice things as I do.

Today I flew from Palm Springs to Dallas and then Dallas to NYC. It amazes me how people act in public. It makes me wonder how they act in the privacy of their own homes. If you pick your nose in the airport in broad day light while waiting in the boarding area what do you do at home? And what about all of these people walking around texting while pulling a suitcase, not paying attention where they are going, how slow they are walking or how rude it is. I can’t help but wonder…..Are people getting to the point where they just don’t care about ANYTHING but themselves? Like, there is no reason to be polite, courteous or have any sense of social decency.

Just the other day we had a member of Congress blurt out at the President of the United States, a professional Tennis champion go off on a referee and a music artist interrupt the acceptance speech of one of his peers.

Do we have a social consciousness anymore? Do we even care if we do? Do we pay attention? And what are the messages being sent ….”Do what you want, break a law, speak out of turn…..and then just apologize or pay a fine and all is ok again. If this is the direction the world is going I am truly mortified!

I can’t control any of it. So I have to let it go. But I can use it to my advantage to remind myself not to behave in this manner. I can blog about it and hope the some of you reading will think about it.

There may be a day where even I may open my mouth in an inappropriate manner and have to apologize about it, but I do know this – you will NEVER see me picking my nose in an airport!!

"BIG"

2009-09-13T20:20:00.000-07:00

I am packing the last few things I need for my trip tomorrow . I will be off to NYC for perhaps one of the most important weeks of my life.

As I was folding clothes and checking the list, I had to just stop for a moment to reflect on how blessed I am in life. I am humbled by the power of the Universe and all it has shown me and shared with me. I am grateful for all the people it has brought in and out of my life all these years and for the lessons they have taught me. I am grateful to have the opportunity to share what I have to offer with others and give back to the Universe for all it has given me.

It is with this spirit that I now go to sleep, resting my eyes, my mind, my heart hoping to continue to dream big dreams and believing that those dreams can become the reality I will live tomorrow.

I ask all of you to do the same the next time you lay down for your rejuvenation period we call "sleep."

Dream Big. Think Big. Do Big.

The Universe is a BIG place. It has a Big space for each one of us to fill. I hope to do my best to fill that space with something meaningful, purposeful.....something that will perhaps in some small way shift it. If we all do this we can collectively participate in that shift....and bring forth the best in each other thus bringing to future generations a better world.

Good night

What's wrong with a little......."FOREPLAY?"

2009-09-13T04:40:00.000-07:00

Often times we look at or listen to something or someone and form an opinion or have a reaction based on “presumptive foreplay.” We tell ourselves stories about what they are doing or saying. Sometimes we take it personally. Sometimes we judge. Sometimes we blame. Sometimes we are surprised to learn we're dead wrong, and sometimes we are spot on. In any case this practice is a dangerous one. It limits us. It closes off our minds and our experiences in life.

The act of “presumptive foreplay” creates a situation that sets us up to only see and hear what we want to see and hear , preventing us from growing and learning. More often than not it blocks us on many levels – from seeing the truth to experiencing a new wonderment of living. It is the act of living in a world where we are experiencing things as we dream them up …where our reality can become one that is based upon our imagination. We begin to believe things we have conjured up during this “presumptive foreplay” session, and then defend them, trying to prove them, just to make ourselves right and others wrong.

Participating in “presumptive foreplay”, when dealing with our friends and significant others, is a great way to ask for trouble and bring on problems. It can lead us down a path where we assume that our partners or friends know what we think and that we don't have to tell them what we want. We assume they are going to do what we want, because they know us so well. If they don't do what we assume they should do, we feel hurt and say, "You should have known."

A simple technique to avoid the ramifications of “presumptive foreplay” is this…… JUST LIVE!

You see, life is about “living” and living is about experiencing, and experiencing is about being open to new things, unexpected surprises, discovery, and unpredictability. So the next time you find yourself slipping into the state of “presumptive foreplay”, STOP - and start asking questions, communicate. Have the courage to explore and clarify things. You will find the truth and the truth is the path that will lead you to a harmonious, balanced existence filled with joy and peace.

Words can't describe

2009-09-11T07:43:00.000-07:00

This week has so much meaning to me. It was 2 years ago ( September 07, 2007) that June Kahn was visiting me and I first spoke , out loud to anyone, about my idea regarding a Beam. It was 1 year ago ( September 10, 2008) that we had the very first Beamfit Trainer's Training held in Palm Springs.

All the while, with all the planning and the collaborative efforts of so many , I have been struggling with a way to convey the true essence of Beaming with just the written word. In every attempt I have always ended with...." well you just have to experience it".....or...... "once you get on a Beam...you'll get it"

To me , describing the experience of Beaming is like trying to describe the site of the sunrise to someone who can't see or the sound of Chopin to someone who can't hear. Yes - it is that dynamic, that powerful that impactful.

So, I offer you the opportunity to read a note I recieved today from a woman who took Beaming for the first time last week. Perhaps her experience will help me explain this wonderful thing I call Beaming.

"Hi David,
I was in your Friday class for the first time on Sept 4 and you asked me to let you know how I felt about it. Well, I was completely surprised and very affected in a whole person sort of way by that first class. I have always loved exercise and enjoyed my physicality. There was something about this class experience that completely engaged me - I felt that I was training for dance, yoga, meditation, and was getting a good workout with a lot of inner focus. Having to do everything on the beam narrowed my mental focus to where all I was thinking about was doing the movements. I experienced a lot of pleasure in the movement and imagined being in practice as a dancer and gymnast. At the end of class, I was aware of feeling a lot of emotion - a deeper sense of calm and some exhilaration too.

I'm looking forward to class tomorrow. Take care,
Mary"

What are we doing?

2009-09-10T05:39:00.000-07:00

So, “we” in the Fitness Industry are working hard every day to promote health and fitness. We teach, we train, we guide and we educate...................but

· What are we actually doing?
· What impression are we actually leaving on people ?
· What is our role in the way in which our participants and clients view what it means not only to BE healthy and well.......but what the road to it looks like.

I raise this discussion because I have been teaching for 30 years - yes this month I will start my 31st year in this business. And I have been observing our industry from the inside as well as looking at it from the outside. I have talked to hundreds of people and…..What I don't understand is :

· People coming out of a spinning classes looking like they have just been water boarded....what is the message there? I have even seen an instructor go through a room and remove the seats. Why? What's the point? How does that help the average person build up their fitness level? Why does the workout have to be so over the top. I would like to think that if a person could come in the room - sit on the bike and ride it for an hour to some nice music played at an audibble decible level that .......THAT would encourage them to come back...

· Personal Trainers who take every client ( no matter age weight goals etc) through the same workout. I have seen trainers that with EVERY client - when it is 20 minutes after the hour ( any hour) they are standing at the same machine.

· Instructors who have been drawn to pre-choreographed workouts - ditching the opportunity to mold a class and plan and nurture it depending on WHO is in the room

· The pushing of supplements, powders, shakes, drinks and all of these "non food" ways to control weight

Most people show up to join a Health club facility because of some feelings of inadequacy. Because of the media, or their husband or friends, they feel they need to lose weight, or have flatter abs…..bigger arms or whatever……it’s ultimately linked somehow to not feeling “good enough.”

People need to be nurtured, encouraged, made to feel important, worthy – like they are “somebody” right here and now…..not that they have to “become somebody” .

I ask all of us in the industry to take a deep breath and look at who is walking in the doors – (according to IHRSA it is only 17% of the population. )

· What can we do to increase that number?
· How can we encourage the most out-of-shape person on the planet to come back to see us time after time?
· How can we all serve as the voice in these people’s lives that is accepting them right as they are and guiding them on a path to reach their goals…whether training for a marathon or simply trying to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle.

We are in a powerful position. I know each and every one of us cares deeply about our work. I know we all strive to be motivational and truly help people. I know we get fulfillment from seeing people we are working with on a regular basis succeed with their goals.

Join me….let’s collectively do what we can to REACH more people not just TEACH them!

So – Put the seats back on the spin bikes. Write training programs that are specifically designed for each one of your clients. Develop your class based on who is there and what they are capable of doing NOT on the new CD you got or the new moves YOU want to do. Walk out in the gym and invite 1 “stranger” each week to a class, and KEEP them coming on a regular basis. That is 52 new people a year in your classes….. Nurture people, talk to them. Make them feel special , convince them that they are worth it and that by being with YOU their lives can change. We have an incredible job, a fun way to make a living and a great opportunity to impact the human spirit in a way that can be transformational.

Re-discovery

2009-09-06T20:33:00.000-07:00

The spa was just amazing!! Ojai is beautiful. The Oaks facility was just great…and the ladies that were there were spectacular!!!

I have been understandably occupied with Beaming™ these past 2 years. And although I have been teaching other types of classes – I have had my mind on that Beam!
Well at The Oaks these past 2 days. I rediscovered the joy of ALL of the things I can teach. Yes..Yes I taught Beaming™ and Beam-lates..OK I admit it. But I also taught the most incredible Aqua class I have taught in a long time. I used all Latin music…and we just had a ball!! The pool spectacular the weather divine and all of us in the pool just had a great time!! And then there was stretch at 9:15 am – the room was full and I created a great Mix…and just let myself flow and let go. I followed this with a barefoot cardio class to some GREAT music ( very ethnic from African to Egyptian) and we just let loose……I have not taught a class like this in probably 5 years…and it was awesome and I completely enjoyed every bit of it.
I rediscovered many things at The Oaks ……met some wonderful people – had EASY traffic free drives and all in all am just THRILLED I went. The joy of what I do for a living is beyond believe. I am blessed. I am excited. I am honored to have the opportunity to help people in any way I can. What a great weekend.
Labor Day - tomorrow – yes I will be LABORING over the web site. We are launching the new and improved site tomorrow

David

Oh......and have you seen these moons the last few nights..........Spectacular!!!

A word about words

2009-09-06T05:54:00.000-07:00

I Often wonder about words…….their origin…….their meaning.
Today I am looking at the words "reconnect", "revisit" and "relax".

In the first instance, "reconnect", the word, means to come together AGAIN...implying that once , 2 things or people were together in some way and then for some reason they separated only to discover themselves or join forces once again.

The second word, "revisit" is similar in that it implies that a subject or location has had prior presence or relevance and for whatever reason has become relevant once again. We "revisit" topics as well as physical places. But it is the third word that has me baffled. We use it all of the time. But I am not sure we really actually "do it"

I am up at The Oaks Spa in Ojai California. It is a beautiful place. I am here to teach a bit of Beaming but I am also here to "relax" There are about 35 women here along with me. It is a mother, daughter weekend and there is joy in witnessing the interaction of the generations. In some instances there are 3 generations sharing some quality and FUN time away from their busy lives. In any case, these women are here for many reasons.......but the top 3 I could come up with ( aside from losing weight) are "reconnect" "revisit" and "relax".

Reconnect. In today’s society many of us have grown up and moved away from our home towns. As I sat and had lunch and dinner with these women I learned a great deal. So many of them only have a chance to reconnect for set periods of time throughout the year and this weekend here at The Oaks, for many is a “reconnecting" weekend. They sit around and tell stories of times gone by - update one another on what's been going on in their lives and genuinely seem to take great pleasure in the act of reconnecting. There are hugs......kisses...smiles and laughter. It warms my heart to see all of this as I am an only child, both of my parents are gone and I (on this level) will never have the chance to reconnect.....ever again. But for this moment in time, I can live it through what I am witnessing before me - the human condition "live".

Revisit. I also learned that the majority of these women are returning customers, revisiting The Oaks at least once a year. It is like a little home coming to them. They have their favorite rooms.....they know the class schedule...the staff.....their surroundings. There is a sense of joy and peace for them... knowing that they are "revisiting" an old friend - "The Oaks" and that while they are here they will also be "reconnecting" with loved ones and friends alike. Revisiting does the soul good - it conjures up memories in the deepest sense of the word. Not only do we recall but at the same time when we revisit we are creating new memories to be cherished the very next time we revisit.

Relax. Here I am ...back to "relax" and it is this word I am struggling with. I know that when we put "re" in front of a word it simply means acting like or doing something that we have done in the past. But as I look around me.....listen.....and then check in with my own experience I question the meaning of the word "relax". The root of the word is "lax" which means to loosen up - to let go......and the "re" in front of it implies that we have done it in the past. My question is simply this - do any of us really know what it means ... or have we ever really done it. Think in your own life. Think of what YOU do to relax. If it means to loosen up and let go.......have you ever really done it?

We live in a culture that frowns upon this in so many ways.......we look at letting go or loosening up in some cases as being lazy...or weak....... OH COME ON GET SERIOUS WIL YA?? For we must always be in control and adult-like. OH GROW UP - YOU’RE AN ADULT NOW........... As I looked around the classes I taught I saw some women actually trying to hide the fact that they were letting go and "whooping it up." But I continued to encourage them to express themselves......"the joy of movement can help release tension and even though you are working out...the letting go of the tension is a form of relaxing the mind and spirit", I saw amazement in their eyes as they came back from massages and facials -moments they were able to actually "relax and let go." There was a certain glow a shift of energy……they actually looked relaxed!

I think we need to learn the "lax" part of "relax" so that we can actually begin to "relax" more often. I know for myself - the work-a-holic that I am THIS is a lesson I need to study more closely.

I hope to reconnect with some of these women at another place and time - perhaps I have made some new lifetime friends this weekend. I hope to revisit The Oaks as it is a wonderful Spa and I thoroughly enjoyed my stay.......and I hope that my observations this weekend have shed some light on the fact that relaxation in many ways is not as easy as it is said to be.

The take away from this, for me, is that I will spend 30 minutes a day from now on “relaxing” I am going to close off the world – the phone – the computer – all interaction and simply just “BE”. I hope the next time I come to The Oaks I can take the experience of all of those 30 minute session………and actually “Relax” for an entire weekend.

From Coast to Coast

2009-09-05T04:06:00.000-07:00

SO..... it was a whirl wind in August. The DCAC convention in Alexandria VA. was a big success. June, Lawrence and I taught to a packed house and all the session were so well received. Slowly but surely, one by one, we are gaining new “Beamers”.

Then it was off to IDEA World. . It was our 1st show where we were officially with SPRI Products. We could not have had a better location. When you walked into the expo hall the 1st booth you saw was SPRI. And the first person you saw was a Beamfit™ trainer in a Beamfit™ shirt holding a Beamfit™ Beam!!! We had such GREAT exposure THANKS TO SPRI!!!

In case you have not heard, June Kahn won instructor of the year and Debbie Pillarella won Business Person of the year. Linda, Fred, Lawrence, Nancy, Josie, Joy, Ken, Stacey. Kari, Laura, Norma and a host of other Beamfit™ trainers joined me and a packed auditorium in the celebration. It was very emotional (for me on a personal level) as June and I have been friends for 20 years - and not just friends……like brother and sister. The emotions ran further as Debbie took the stage to accept her award...... See, Back in 1990, Debbie invited me to her club in Indiana to give a Step workshop to her staff……it was THE VERY 1st time I had given any workshop in my life!!! Needless to say I go way back with these 2 well deserving ladies – CONGRATS TO YOU BOTH!!!

June and I taught 3 session at the show and all were filled with interested and intrigued faces. Among those faces were our trainers who were there…..THANK YOU for coming to the sessions and supporting our efforts!!!Lawrence came on stage in my last session and did the “rejuvenate and reframe” segment – showing his talent and providing the participants with a sneak peak of his program Sole-ful Soul-ful Synergy. Linda pitched in with an excellent wrap up statement that really hit home with the participants. Gin Miller ( The Creator of Step) and Tamilee Webb ( Buns of Steel) came and took the Foundational session on Sunday at 8am – and according to Gin “David…you have a winner here…..this IS the next big thing!” Tamilee added “"It's about time there is a program designed for all levels and one that will teach the fundamentals of body alignment. Strengthen your muscles, increase flexibility and relax your mind while you have fun trying to stay on the BEAM, and if you fall off it's only a few inches, no helmets and knee pads needed." In fact - Tamilee kept coming back to the booth over and over……bringing people and giving them mini-demo’s of what I did in class. And if that wasn’t enough Kathy Smith came by to congratulate us and say that she REALLY likes the Beam and thinks Beamfit™ will make an important contribution in the industry. Donna Cyrus from Crunch came with several of her regional managers to see what Beaming™ is all about – I gave them a demo and had them all on Beams…….We will be launching Beaming™ at Crunch in NYC this coming January!!!

It was the 20th anniversary of STEP and there was a special class. Gin Miller gave a brief speech and then called all of us (from the original team) to stand at her side and take a “bow” to a standing ovation. WOW 20 years ago…….I can’t believe that!!!

I went and took INDOROW with June by my side……Stacey was there in the row in front of us – you should have seen her go!!! The class was really GREAT!!! Josh Crosby (the creator) and Jay Blahnik taught and it was just a great presentation…………………..and THEN……there was Jakari over at Reebok (I probably spelled it wrong). It’s a new Reebok “program” which utilizes a swinging devise - a la Cirque. It was like a combination of TRK Suspension Training and swinging from rings in gymnastics. The instructor (Sarah) was as cute and YOUNG as she could be. There were June and I……swinging and swirling around……hanging on for dear life. Just like Beaming™ - it is something you need to experience – I just can’t describe it in words!!! – I hope that NOONE has photos or video of me doing this……BLACKMAIL for sure!!!!

Then there was the terrific cocktail party on Saturday night….dancing, socializing and great food!! ZUMBA had 2 amazing girls on stage rockin it out….and Stacey and I shook it up a bit and had a good laugh!!! OH and did I mention that Nancy and June had to give me a fashion show each night….”what shoes……what jewelry……..is this dress ok or should I wear jeans and this top……and it went on and on – I will send a bill for my consultation services!!!

I left this convention feeling like I was high. It was a year ago that we showed up at IDEA with our booth and our Beams……with our hopes and our dreams. It was a year ago that we stood there saying to the world The FUTURE of Fitness is here………...and well……… It is!!!

Happy New Year!! It's September!

2009-09-01T18:07:00.000-07:00

It’s funny how we celebrate (as a nation) the beginning of the New Year every January 1st. In the Jewish religion, the New Year comes in September and is called Rosh Hashanah (Rosh meaning head and Shonnah year) and more happens in this month than in January to create the “feel” of a new beginning.
As the leaves begin to change color and dance in the air as they fall to the ground and the flowers slowly fade away we celebrate THE BEGINNING in many ways as a result of THE END of many things. Labor Day ends the summer yet starts a new season. Vacations end and school starts, and people have the sense that with the sadness of all the ENDINGS there is joy in all the BEGINNINGS – a perfect balance …and it is that balance that makes the month of September so meaning full. There is a “feel” to September not shared by her other 11 siblings. On a personal note, September has meaning to me in that it was 15 years ago I met Perry, 8 years ago 911 happened, 2 years ago June and I were at my pool discussing my “idea” about a beam and just last year all of you were here in Palm Springs .
AS you walk through this month…….ask yourself this…….What NEW beginnings have you experienced in your life that could not have been discovered without the ending of something else. It could be as superficial as a car….or as deeply emotional as a transformation in relationship status with a loved one.
The next time you mourn a loss or miss a “thing”……look at the bigger picture that all that happens has meaning in our lives…..and that without the sequential occurrence of events in our lives…the story cannot continue to be written. In the end……it’s a balancing act!

David

Report from the class room

2009-08-25T04:55:00.000-07:00

So......I teach at "The Spa" here in Palm Springs California,. A wonderful benefit of teaching at "The Spa" is that.......I never know who may show up. Although there is a membership base - guest show up adding new dimensions to my regular class experience.

Yesterday at 7AM I taught Beaming with Strength - a class that combines the Beamfit Beam with weights and the Body Bar. A woman walked in ( Rose) and said "hi I am here visiting from New Haven ......what do I need for this class?" I assisted her , getting her a beam.....showing her where the weights are etc. I then introduced her to a member of the class....someone she could keep an eye on if she could not always see me.

I taught the class for the aloted time slot 7:00 - 8:30......glancing over at Rose quite often to see how she was doing......the look on her face - in an affort to keep a handle on how she was doing. I could not "read" her face. She was almost expressionless as she walked the beam - lifted the Body Bar and pushed the weights.

When it was all over she quietly walked over to me and said.......

"I have never seen this beam before....never taken a class like this before......I can't explain it. I have taken step, yoga, spinning......worked with weights ....taken stretch classes.......but I have never experienced anything like this. I can't explain how I feel. I feel like I worked out , I sweated and was challenged......but the feeling I have after your class....I have never felt before...it is almost as if I have been transformed. I feel taller - I feel stronger - but........well......I feel as though my attitude is different......... I feel like I took yoga "PLUS"...........

I smiled at her and simply said........."Rose......your BEAMING"!!! Her face lit up and she said "you know what.....that is the best way to describe it!" I smiled at her again , put my hand on her shoulder and said "I know."

Lesson from a loss

2009-07-07T14:36:00.001-07:00

As I sat and watched the memorial for Michael Jackson - I felt a hole in my heart and yet joy in my soul. I saw who was speaking....I heard what they were saying....and I felt their words touch me deeply. I never knew this man personally and yet I felt a loss, a true

I never realized how much I really am linked to Michael.
As he grew up - I grew up.
As he sang - I sang along with him.
As he wrote the words to his many songs ...I internalized many of those messages.
And as he danced - I stood by and watched as we all have done all these years...... in amazement.

Michael reminded us that we should all ask ourselves.... "Have you seen my childhood?" remembering to capture the joy and innocence of our early years.

Let's celebrate Michael's life in a small way by liberating our own inner child.

I think among the many lessons from today is for all of us to really :
"LOOK" at the MAN IN THE MIRROR.......
See how he can , in some way help to HEAL THE WORLD -...
and remember that, together, we can overcome almost anything if we just set our minds to BEAT IT.

HERE "wEGO" to the gym!!!

2009-06-07T20:20:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered what all of these Fitness activities are REALLY doing for us?? Is it really about strengthening our hearts and our bodies, maintaining weight and living in a flexible well balanced body full of endurance, power and agility? Or is there something else? .....something we don't dare admit to!

We Step, Spin and Dance...walk on Treadmills and climb Stair Climbing machines in the name of cardiovascular health - But - What if 1 calorie was not burned........would we still do it?

We lift weights and pull on rubber tubing in the name of muscular strength and endurance - but would we do it if our bodies did not tone and our muscles did not grow and show?

So I ask - If there was no OBVIOUS VISIBLE physical change to our bodies........would we even bother?

I have analyzed all of this “DEEPLY”, without emotion, but rather with logic. I have talked with people in the gym and bluntly asked them this very question… and have come to the conclusion that all of these Fitness activities are PRIMARILY providing us with a way of fueling, sustaining and stroking our EGO's
and have little to do with the health benefits associated with them.

YES .......there.....I said it.

Now, don't get me wrong, we are all thrilled to get the “health” benefits …. Keeping our hearts healthy, our minds clear and all of the other wonderful benefits exercising brings...............but at the end of the day it's all about what we look like to ourselves and how we look in comparison to others - YUP it’s the EGO!

And, when our efforts in the gym don’t quite satisfy the ego, we implant “things” , suck out “stuff” inject poison into our faces or in some other way see to it that the EGO is completely fueled, sustained and stroked!

· Breast implants - Chest implants - – Lipo-suction – Botox
· Teeth whitening, nail polish, make up, hair color
· Shaving – waxing – plucking
· Pedicures – manicures
· Even the clothes we buy and wear are linked to the EGO in some way - it’s about how we look to ourselves and how we compare ourselves with others……more importantly how we “feel” about ourselves based on all of this.

Of course we want to look and feel good. We want to “fit in”, be part of the “in crowd” – just remember this is all EGO based .I am not suggesting for one minute that we should just stop taking care of ourselves – but rather to be in check with the real psychological motivation behind it all.

See for yourself - Next time you are in the gym - watch people - closely watch them they are either peering at themselves in the mirror (some are even doing little muscle flexing poses) or they are checking out other people who are watching themselves. It’s one big EGO fest!!
“HOW DO I LOOK?”
“DO I LOOK BETTER THAN HIM or HER?”
“HOW MANY PEOPLE HERE ARE LOOKING AT ME OR ARE ATTRACTED TO ME?”

And after all of this – they walk out with the EGO whispering ….. “You’re not perfect enough”

Some of you reading may feel this is cynical…….some may relate on some level…….some are laughing because they have pondered the same question and have observed some of the behaviors I have described here.

I know for myself I struggle to suppress the ego every day and walk through my day doing things from my heart and soul and not out of complete self fulfillment – or EGO feeding. . I know that I want to look good “for me”, as we all say, and keep in mind all of the beautiful aspects of myself as a person – things that have nothing to do with “a six pack” or a waist measurement. I try to be mindful of WHO I am… ALL of me which is much greater than anything I can see in a mirror hanging on a wall.

If I can walk through my day and “show” people who I am rather than allowing them to “assume” who I am, as related to their perception based on what they see when they look at me ,then I have come closer to quieting the EGO and letting myself shine through.

How about YOU?

David

MY Pride and Joy

2009-06-05T20:26:00.000-07:00

On Mon Wed and Fri nights I teach a class that incorporates The Beamfit Beam and the Stability ball........but The Friday night class is of special mention. It is 1 1/2 hours instead of 1 hour and we actually "BEAM" for 45 min to an hour ( the standing workout) THIS is my favorite class and my Pride and Joy.

This group has been with me for Years.... YEArs... YEARS .....

This group has followed the Beaming process from the day I began to speak about it . They have been the 1st to know everything about Beaming , but more importantly, the 1st people on this planet to actually participate in and reap the benefits of Beaming. Did I mention - THIS is my favorite class and my Pride and Joy.

It is a mixed group - some Gay some straight - some male some female - some closer to 18 than I have been in more than 18 years - and some closer to .......well you get the idea. They are an amazing group - a diverse group...and did I mention my Pride and Joy.

I have nurtured them along on the beam step by step - slowly teaching them and guiding them through the workout experience. The shining beacons of joy that emanate from each of them fills the room with an aura of positive energy and a sense of "ONE-NESS" that I can't describe with the written word. They not only fill the room but they fill my heart with PRIDE AND JOY!!!

How blessed am I to have this group of people to teach. How blessed am I to receive all that they give to me. As an instructor we often focus on what WE GIVE to them - never stopping to recognize what we get in return.

So I say thank you to the students in my Friday night class.........thank you for all of your support, encouragement, love and sincerity. You truly are MY Pride and Joy!!

"STEP" RIGHT UP

2009-06-04T05:48:00.000-07:00

As a person who spent the majority of my career "STEPPING" across this nation I found myself in a situation I never thought I would - 18 months ago my ankle was SO bad, that in the in the middle of a Step Class - I had to just stop!!!

So for the last 18 months I have not "STEPPED" once. It was strange at 1st because at 1 point in time I was "STEPPING" 10 plus times a week. I was a Step Reebok Master trainer. I was "MR. STEP".

The key word there - "WAS" ......

Last night, I taught Step again for the 1st time in 18 months. I wrote out a routine - taught it and made it through just fine. My ankle held up and I will now be teaching Step every Wed eve at 6.

In many ways it was as it had always been - I found myself cuing and moving across the step as if I had been teaching it all along. But there was a difference last night.................I was not just teaching step to my class - I was teaching step to myself!!! My mind was operating a bit differently as I was not in the same frame of mind as I used to be. I was not as sure - I was not as intense - and it was nice.

I was able to teach and take the class simultaneously and it felt good. I was able to teach class and shed "WHAT WAS" and embrace "WHAT IS NOW"....and what is now is a DAVID who will be teaching Step with a new found appreciation and a new outlook. It's only once a week - NO PRESSSURE to come up with new material all the time. It's once a week - so I can look forward to working out WITH my class as opposed to just teaching them.

Perhaps the lesson here is that , at times, we need to STEP away from what is familiar and then return - embrassing it with a new outlook, a new appreciation and a new found love for an old friend.

Let's take a moment today and remember our friends

2009-05-27T04:57:00.000-07:00

Many people will walk in and out of your life. But only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.

STOP .....for just a minute as you read this and "feel" some of the footprints on your heart....no,....no.....not the obvious ones from those who are close to you every day........but some of those who you may not see often.

In many cases....those are the deepest ones.

YES!!! YOU MAY!!!

2009-05-04T15:28:00.000-07:00

May I?
Yes you May!

The word “May” is an interesting one in that it is the name of THIS month as well as a word which is used in everyday speech related to balance of action ……it eludes to both the asking…………… or taking of something …………….and the granting or giving of it.

Asking…… “May I have a cookie?” Granting ……. “Yes, you May!”

The word has power in that it Gives….and Takes.
As people, WE give and take.

Balance this out and you win every time.

“You have to spend money to make money”
“ It’s a give and take”

We hear these phrases all the time, phrases that suggested balance in the give and take of power or in creating fairness or some sense of equality. Take too much….you become over stuffed, heavy, and burdened. Give too much you become weak, exhausted, drained. We see in the news every day what TAKING too much leads to – greed and the role it played this financial crisis. We also see the starvation and suffering that results from not GIVING enough.

Join me this month “journaling” this month of “MAY”. Let’s explore our own ability to give and take…… ask for and grant. Are you the mom who always GIVES and takes little for herself? Are you the selfish child who always takes and does not share? Or are you balanced? As you journal and the pattern reveals itself….. Ask yourself …what can I do to make a shift in my own life to better balance the give and take. You “MAY” find a new way to conduct your life.

David

Celebrating the Beauty of Our Planet

2009-04-22T13:52:00.000-07:00

Today is Earth day......

take a moment today.......

STOP......l

ook all around you......

see the beauty of the planet ....the blue sky.......or the rain.....the trees or perhaps a lone bird sitting in a budding tree.

Beamfit is a company focused on Balance......not just physical balance but Balance in the broader sense of the word.

Our Planet Earth exists and continues on because of the delicate balance that exists between the species, the climate the rising of the sun and the appearance and "pull" of the moon.So today let's celebrate the Planet Earth...her mighty majesty who's future depends on our actions and our deeds - our ability to help her remain in perfect Balance

David

2009-04-12T10:20:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter to all!!!

If you have a chance.....................

1) Check out the Beamfit web site ( www.beamfit.com) it had a spring face lift

2) Check out http://www.marthastewart.com/article/fitness-tools?xsc=stf_MSLO-ARTICLE
you will See Beamfit there on the Martha Stewart Web site

3) Watch The Martha Stewart show Tomorrow Monday April 13th - she will be BEAMING....on the Beamfit beam..................and all of her studio audience members will receive a beam and a Foundational Bdeaming DVD

Plant good things .......and watch them grow

2009-03-16T04:21:00.000-07:00

What
I find
in my mind
is what
I put there.
So, I
Put good
things
in there.

Congratulations.......to yourself

2009-03-14T10:51:00.000-07:00

Although it may crown me Queen for a Day,
The world
cannot confer
the recognition that will make me feel fulfilled.
Only I can.

I will congratulate myself
upon
the completion
of each personal accomplishment

"Wear your shoes with PRIDE"

2009-03-13T04:15:00.000-07:00

To stand your ground
Is…….
To stand on holy ground.

"It's a good thing....."

2009-03-12T05:46:00.000-07:00

Today is a very special day in the world of Beamfit!

The weekend of Feb 26 - Mar 01, June Kahn and I were at the ECA convention in NYC. We were fortunate to have Martha Stewart's Personal Trainer as well as the Producer of The Martha show come and see June and I at the booth. We spent about an hour with them showing them the beam, the DVD's and providing them with a comprehensive demo ON the beam. In addition, they chose to participate in June's Beam-lates session. They were both VERY VERY impressed with all they experienced. I gave them 2 beams and both DVD's and off they went.

Wednesday March 4th I received an email from Martha's Trainer stating that she had been working with Martha on the beam every day..................and that Martha "really likes it". In fact, Martha likes it so much that she will be featuring it on The Martha Stewart Show!

So, TODAY Thursday March 12 , Martha and her trainer will be "BEAMING" on her show. The show will air April 13th. Beamfit is proud to have a place on the Martha show and is giving a FREE Beam to every audience member today.

I thought I was BEAMING before....................."THIS" is a wonderful beginning opportunity for Beamfit to get out to the consumer.

David:)

The Evolution of YOUR life

2009-03-12T03:25:00.000-07:00

Winter leads to spring.
Spring becomes the summer.
Summer surrenders to autumn....
and autumn brings forth the winter.

Change is but an evolution which
Helps to recreate what was,
Shape what will be
And define what is right now.
It is the way we create our own reality.

Measurement

2009-03-11T05:01:00.000-07:00

.....Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.......

Be Conscious of your actions

2009-03-10T06:16:00.000-07:00

A Life lived by choice
is a life of conscious action.
A life lived by chance
is a life of unconscious reaction.

2009-03-09T04:45:00.000-07:00

The whole point of life
is not to GET somewhere
but to pay close attention to where you are right now,
this moment…
and cherish that…
and experience it to its fullest

Today

2009-03-08T06:26:00.000-07:00

Today ........
Already IS a great day.........
You don’t have to try to “make” it one.............
Just go HAVE ONE!!!