Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects the ability to walk, talk, balance and move. Many recent studies on effective therapies for this incurable disease indicate that certain types of exercise, specifically intense “forced” exercise, can exert a neuroprotective influence and may actually slow progression. Over the past twelve years,… Read more »
When teaching my yoga classes, I often say, “Pay attention to the experience you’re creating in this moment.” I say this to encourage people to recognize what they are feeling as they undertake different poses, practice conscious breathing, or notice their thoughts. So often, we assume that the instructor is the person who will create… Read more »
When someone is in the midst of medical treatment for cancer, they may not have the strength or desire for vigorous exercise. But gentle forms of movement such as yoga, tai chi, and qigong can be extremely beneficial in a treatment plan that addresses spirit, mind and body. Gentle movement can also be beneficial post-treatment,… Read more »
The world is seeking wellness. Whether at home in our daily lives or traveling abroad, more and more people are making health a priority and propelling the global wellness industry to a $3.7 trillion market. Wellness is the “state of being in good health especially as an actively sought goal,” and the sectors that make… Read more »
Most Americans who experience day-to-day discomfort or pain will seek out a primary care physician who will run tests, administer a pain shot and/or write a prescription for temporary relief. Others will reach for over-the-counter pain gels, oils and creams which can reduce inflammation and pain and help with recovery; however, many don’t have long-lasting… Read more »
Some forms of exercise have deep historic roots; Pilates is one of them. With a rich background, this practice of movement touches a special place in one’s heart. In 1925, Joseph Pilates immigrated to the United States, founded a studio and coined his approach to exercise “contrology,” which later became known as Pilates. He taught… Read more »
The cycle is self-evident at this time of the year as many of us ask ourselves a familiar question: “What is my New Year’s resolution?” Is this the year that whatever has been sitting on my to-do list finally comes off the list and is manifested? We ring in the New Year often with… Read more »
Many regular gym goers find it irritating and disruptive to have to listen to, and put up with, power lifters slamming weights and making a lot of noise when under a tremendous amount of load. So is all that grunting necessary, or do these power athletes just like to be noticed? There has been much… Read more »
At 10 years old, most kids are setting their sights on what they’re going to do after school that day. August Perthus is setting his sights on the Olympics, and his silver medal-winning performance at the recent Southwest Pacific Regional Figure Skating Championships is his first step to getting there. August is a talented young… Read more »
It is not uncommon to hurt your knees when you bend down to pick up something or injure your back when bending forward. The squat is the most common movement pattern that we as do every day; however, it is the most abused movement in that most people don’t do it correctly and safely. As… Read more »
What if the inability to lose those unwanted pounds was all in your head? According to local fitness guru and Thrive Tribe leader, Jay Nixon, it is. Nixon, who has been implementing his theory of mind-over-matter for over twenty years, has transformed hundreds of lives. Now, through his new book, The Overweight Mind, he is… Read more »
The holiday season is upon us and for many, it’s a joyous time with family, friends, parties and celebration. For others, it can be overwhelming, stressful and can cause situational anxiety and depression. More than likely, everyone is going to experience a little bit of both. Expectation, grandeur, having too much (booze), having too little… Read more »
Once thought of only as the obscure practice of hippies and gurus, yoga is now being recognized by all as a healing modality for that which ails you. Whether you have physical, mental or spiritual deficiencies, yoga can – and will – enhance your wellbeing. Since the 2016 report in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings gave… Read more »
During the summer, trainers and athletic organizations across the country offer weekend speed camps aimed at teaching young athletes to run a faster 40, jump higher and be quicker. These camps are usually only two days and maybe six hours a day with emphasis on time spent on the track running and jumping. What many… Read more »
Yoga in a room at 105 degrees with 40 percent humidity? You may just wonder…why? Many people come to Bikram yoga to detoxify and lose weight – and they do – but the real benefit is what you can’t see. It’s on the inside. Bikram is a very specific sequence of yoga asanas (or poses)… Read more »
Two local teens from the First Tee® of the Coachella Valley were selected among hundreds of applicants to attend the organization’s national events. Dana Condon (17) of Palm Desert and Caroline Wales (14) of La Quinta will join more than 90 junior golfers (ages 14 – 17) from across the country at The First Tee®… Read more »
When we were kids, it seemed like there was nothing we couldn’t do, from climbing walls, to jumping off roofs, skateboarding on handrails, and even skiing down double black diamonds. Then it happens, age sets in; it’s twenty years later and while stepping down off a tall ladder, you miss a step and down you… Read more »
Over the past 30 years, many gimmicks have hit the golf market all promising to increase your swing speed and efficiency off the tee. Likewise, in the golf fitness industry, there have been many advances to get your body in great shape and reduce your chances of injury on the course. The problem has been… Read more »
Bikram Yoga Plus Coachella Valley is offering free chair yoga classes to low-income seniors, 65 years and older. Seniors seeking to increase their mobility and positive outlook on life are encouraged to attend classes at the Palm Desert studio. No prior yoga or exercise experience is necessary. Chair yoga classes are offered on Wednesdays and… Read more »
Many of us have taken steps to become a healthier, stronger version of ourselves this New Year by becoming more physically active. Some of us hit the weights, the yoga mat, the spin bike or the side walk, all of which are excellent options for getting in shape. For many of us, however, our workout… Read more »