SPRING INTO SHAPE!!

Ok, spring cleaning isn't just for your house! It's been a long winter, now's the time to reboot your body by being kind to it!
5 Quick Tips to be kind to your body from the inside out!

1. DRINK WARM WATER WITH LEMON! in the morning to aid in digestion, cleanse your system (it's a diuretic), boost your immune system, clear your skin and energize you mood!
2. THINK GREENS, VEGGIES, NUTS AND SEEDS! These are micronutrients - focus on them! Why?? Fruits build our immunity, help cure diseases, curb cravings, give us energy, keep us looking younger! Veggies are the BEST source of vitamins and minerals - they are packed with phyto-chemicals which help combat disease, they keep your skin and hair shiny and healthy and help fight inflammation plus they are full of fiber which helps with weight loss! Nuts and seeds may contain a few more calories than veggies and fruit, but help stabilize blood sugar levels, help reduce heart disease,  and are packed with omega-3s which also have inflammatory components and keeps your skin beautiful and eyesight clear! Nuts also help keep your heart healthy.
3. MIX UP YOUR WORKOUT! Cross-train and think jumping, really jumping! Ok take barre classes of course to really sculpt and shape your legs, seat, arms, back, shoulders....the small accessory muscles that often get missed with high intensity training. Barre, yoga, Pilates - that's your mindfully intense workout that not only amazingly shapes your body, but balances and stretches it with small isometric moves that go really deep into the muscle. Then hit the pavement for some jumping jacks, high knee runs, jump ropes, ladder runs and good old fashion plyometrics -that will jump start your body for spring and burn the calories to get you in bathing suit, tank top, short skirts shape! Combine barre and a few jumping exercises and you have a recipe for success! 
4. SLEEP! Yes sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your body! A good nights sleep benefits your heart, weight, mind and over all well-being. Sleep improves memory, helps you live longer, helps fight inflammation which causes heart disease, stroke, arthritis and premature aging,  and also will help improve your workout (yes squeezing tighter at the barre and jumping higher), grades and work performance, plus a whole lot more - so go get 9-10 hours of sleep and see how you do the next day!!
5. MEDITATE! Ok we all run around like crazy people all day long, but taking a moment for deep relaxation changes our bodies. Studies show that those that meditate have far more "disease-fighting genes" than those that do not. Meditation can actually change our bodies on a genetic level! A Harvard study showed that after two months of deep relaxation and meditation, those that did it showed new gene growth - those new genes  had amazing properties - they help fight inflammation, kill diseased cells and protect the body from cancer. Also those that practiced deep breathing and relaxation methods had stronger immunity, healthier hormone levels and lower blood pressure. PLUS it just opens up the mind, gets rid of blocks and helps us see clearer and be more creative and focused in our lives!!