Joyce Gavin -

Nutrition – the correct nutrition As a Wellness Coach – being able to offer well rounded advice is critical to the successful out comes for my clients – and this includes the best nutritional information I can offer. While training and competing as an International Athlete I lived mainly on a low carbohydrate  – high protein – low fat diet and coming up to competition time approx 12 weeks out – I would taper and  would reduce the carbohydrate  even further and for a few days no carbs at all These where not the most pleasant days for me or indeed anyone that around me at the time partner, friends, family or training partners Spaced out, cranky, moody – that was me !! Hormonal effects  That diet served me well over the years – even when those competitive days were over. My training activity was still high and so the diet suited me and made sense to me Until recently – that is – yes I am older but unlike some of my peer  group my training activity was still v

Breathing “Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor.”  ―  Thích Nhất Hạnh ,  Stepping into Freedom: Rules of Monastic Practice for Novices Hi folks yesterday I suggested we all take a ME time out and just breath  When I got home I was thinking about breathing -   not many of us consider breathing, we take it for granted and as a fact of life / living as without it well we don’t live. Breathing is a necessary function of life, it oxygenates the blood and improves circulation – but how many of us take a deep breath or indeed breath correctly! Positive effects of lateral breathing According to Aline Newton [in her article Stabilization The Core and Beyond] – ‘Whether we are running, singing, or sitting the respiratory diaphragm has to be free to follow the changing needs of respiration.’ Ok a point well made and point taken – but when we are  working we are in a fixed position at our desk or work station.

You can do this even at your desk.  Sit tall shoulders back and feet flat to the floor. As you mentally count to 3 inhale, as the non breath appears again mentally count to 3 and again as you exhale count to 3 and repeat that 3 count rhythm. Repeat the cycle 5-10 times, or as much as your schedule will allow.  Enjoy breathing. Namaste J 

I recently put together a blog for the Mayo Pink Ribbon Cycle [ installed on their web site]  and also some training tips for Cycle Against Suicide [ they will be inputting onto their web soon] In the training tips I include a Yin Yoga stretching session - Yin tissue - the deep connective tissues of the body, areas rarely touched by traditional training, Yin tissue includes ligaments, tendons, connective tissue that surrounds and support muscles and joints. Yang tissue - the more superficial tissues such as muscles  Silent / Still practice  It is commonly called 'A Silent Practice' or 'Still Practice' as you will hold each posture for approx 2 mins [you can hold for longer!] and with only a timer or some gentle tranquil music to keep you company - you use the two minutes to become in tune - at one with your body. Yin practice is passive by being focused on your self and allowing the mind and body to unite - you are both 'freeing the body and th

Well Happy Birthday to us - what a wonderful weekend of Celebrations here at the studio - thank you all for your wonderful support and kind comments Enjoy our special Birthday Offers and here's looking forward may each year be even more  fantastic as those that have gone by