In This Issue
:: Teacher News
:: Constantly Hungry? Mee, Too.
:: Tip of the Month
Dear Friends,
I am not certain about Punxsutawney Phil and the whole shadow thing. (I did, however enjoy the movie Groundhog Day starring Bill Murray). Apparently Phil did see his shadow which means Spring is on the way? So why is it that as I write this the sun and blue sky breaks away to a veritable blizzard and then back again? I think Double P (that's his new rap moniker) might need a better method of prediction. Perhaps he should take a meeting with Al Gore.
Moving right along, as we Spring Forward next week, we have many things to look forward to, such as a new season of America's Next Top Model.... |
Teacher News
The More, The Merrier
We seem to be getting into a good groove with the evening mat classes and most of you have sampled the styles of the various teachers.
The newest member of our growing family is Blair, who teaches the Tuesday evening mat classes. She is also available for private sessions so please do inquire about her availability - you won't regret it. I have been taking classes with her for the past few weeks and have been so pleased with how great I feel after our sessions
schedule
Constantly Hungry? Mee, Too.
When it's cold we all tend to want to eat more, and eat heavier food. I crave mac-n-cheese and mashed potatoes (not necessarily together. But possibly). I don't normally give in to those cravings because I don't have to. The BEST place for me to satisfy my substantial winter food requirements is Lassi.
Heather Carlucci-Rodriguez, a noted pastry chef turned mini-restauranteur(se?) is the genius behind Lassi (28 Greenwich Avenue 212. 675.2688). This is not your greasy 6th Street Indian food: whether you are a vegetarian or a carnivore (you can guess which one I am), she always has fresh and delicious Indian cuisine cooking in the back of her charming space. My personal faves are the chick pea stew (with the best rice!), the daikon paratha (a grilled flatbread which comes with a variety of fillings) and the cardamom lassi (a dreamy yogurt beverage). It's all tasty, healthy and filling. What more do you want?
You can call for delivery, but it would be a lot nicer to stop by to pick up your food. Heather is a friendly neighborhood presence, gives back to the community, and is rumored to have a vast record collection. Tell her I sent you.
find lassi |
Tip of the Month
A Pants Hangover
 We all want to combat the dreaded hangover, and I don't mean from the night before, but the extra stuff that might be hanging over the front of your waistband. The Double Straight Leg Stretch works double duty - it firms up those lower abs while it strengthens your lower back, supporting your body and giving you some very nice posture indeed.
- Lie down on the mat with your legs extended up to the ceiling, and your hands clasped behind your head. Raise your head and shoulders forward off the mat so you are looking right at the part you are working - the lower abs!
- Caution! If you have any lower back pain, place your hands underneath your sacrum to protect your back.
- With inner thighs squeezed together, inhale and lower the legs a couple of inches, then exhale as you bring them back up to the starting point. Remember that when you lower your legs, your back should remain on the mat. So if you feel your lower back start to lift, you've gone too far and it's time to go back home.
- Repeat 5-10x and do it every day. You will be ready for your Spring Break bikini sooner than you think.
- There is nothing wimpy about making this movement small and controlled. Starting small and then building up strength to perform bigger movements is the smart way to go. You will protect your lower back and will likely be surprised at how challenging this exercise can be, no matter how small,
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