Whole Foods vs Processed ones....the battle is on

 Apparently, there's a battle going on.

It seems like this wouldn't even be cause for conversation...but are wholesome, local, organic ingredients always better than processed ones? 

Apparently, there's some room for discussion. And the conversation is in part about being mindful of what you're truly eating (and how much) even though it may be 'wholesome.'

Check out this article from Shape Magazine and see which side you come out on. 

vs

One important lesson - just because the ingredients are wholesome doesn't mean the entire meal is. Good food for thought, if nothing else.

Get your zzzz's this weekend

It's the weekend and so ideally you actually have the time to get some extra sleep.
Sleep, no surprise, is ultra-important.

Not getting enough sleep can affect every single aspect of your life - your mood, your energy levels, your metabolism, your happiness and your relationships. It's essential to make it a priority each and every night. 

If you feel you're lacking enough of it and looking for some solutions, there's a great article out in the Mind & Body section of Shape Magazine this week which may provide some insight and ideas for you.

Many think they have the right solution - sleep aids, a glass of wine before bed, even watching television before you drift off. But you may find these are actually hindering your ability to get the best deep sleep possible. 

If nothing else, it's important to truly slow down the pace of your life so you're able to relax at night.

Sweet dreams.

BurnThis

 These days, everything is social. What you're eating, who you're out with, how you're feeling, what you're wishing for, who made you laugh and the things making you cry. So why not be social about your sweat too. At least, that's what a few self-described 'fitness aficionados' who created Burn This thought anyway.

But it's not really just about sharing the sweat. It's about motivating each other, to help fuel, inspire and connect people through fitness. And with our core values so closely aligned, we're thrilled to introduce them and brag a little about being highlighted on their site. 

Be sure to check out all the great articles and learn more about what helps others keep their commitment to health, fitness and happiness.

Announcements, thanks and a new schedule!

We want to thank all of you - clients, instructors, trainers and even our generous neighbors - for the magnificent encouragement, thoughtfulness and kindness from so many as we worked to re-open the group fitness studio this past weekend. The patience of so many of you was appreciated!

Before we draw the curtain on June and skip into July (flip flops and all) we want to congratulate everyone participating in our Dynamic You Fitness 60 Day Summer Challenge on their hard work and success! It's just about time for your mid-point measurements so be sure to watch for an email regarding scheduling.

Sometimes, when you start something (even with great excitement and anticipation) it's easy to forget the end goal. But we have a few clients who have far surpassed the minimum eight classes this month and they are giving everyone a run for their money! Keep working hard!

And two of our beloved Dynamic You Fitness instructors are headed off to do some exciting things. We wish Rosa, our Monday Zumba instructor, all the best as she prepares to head to graduate school this fall! 

And while Cassie isn't going anywhere geographically (and we hope to have her on the schedule from time to time) she will be pursuing other ventures (including continuing to teach private voice and music lessons!!) and we will miss her!

Please help us welcome Jannet back to the schedule on a more permanent basis this month!

You can catch her on Tuesdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 10 am for Zumba!

We hope you'll also join Sarah Ann for a new class on Monday evenings at 7:45 pm - Pilates + Interval Training! She's not messing around when it comes to strengthening your core and making you sweat. 

We hope you're ready for a hot month of classes designed to build stronger muscles, greater endurance and that great bikini body. 

We wish you safe celebrations on Thursday, July 4th as we close to allow our staff to celebrate the Fourth of July

And finally, the July schedule is up! So be sure to get signed up for your classes...

Snacks so good they're award-winning? Yes, please.

Snacks are a part of life, for most of us anyway. Whether your 'go-to' is chips, pretzels, popcorn or a variety of more nutritious options like carrots, celery and apples you're likely reaching for something at least once a day. 

But what if your snack was delicious and so nutritious it gained awards. We didn't know 'snack awards' existed either. But the 2013 Snack Awards have been presented by Shape Magazine so we're taking it seriously.

Whether it's something crunchy, salty, sweet or savory, we know you're looking for the best snack options and we hope there's a few things on this award-winning list to make you giddy next time you get the munchies.

Anti-aging secrets way beyond SPF

And perhaps the question should also be how old do you look compared to how old you are. In some cases, there's the good fortune (or perhaps, unfortunately, misfortune) of genetics. But there are so many ways to keep your skin looking young and fresh...and it's not all about SPF (though that matters a lot.)

How much time you spend befriending the sunshine does matter, and we recently shared some information with you about sunscreen.  But there's a lot more to the health of your skin than the amount of UVB and  UVA rays you soak up.  Shape Magazine recently shared an article about the best ways to fight signs of aging, and we encourage you to check it out. 

We firmly believe this...

But we also believe there are far more reasons than simple vanity to take good care of your skin.

Follow the editor of Cooking Light on his Cooking Light Food Lover’s Social Diet

It's not all that uncommon to hear a woman disclosing her weight loss goals, or hear her discussion about ways to drop the last pesky pounds or perhaps a considerable amount. And it, unfortunately, is never unusual to hear a woman talking about the latest diet. So to hear a man, especially a man who works for a healthy-cooking magazine, so publicly acknowledge his struggle with weight is both refreshing and slightly surprising.

But that's exactly what the editor of Cooking Light Magazine has undertaken - a weight loss goal of 20 lbs by November 1st. There's several reasons we think this blog is worth checking out and following - primarily because he will be undertaking his (very public) goal in a healthy way, and continuing to enjoy the foods he loves most in healthier portions. 

And let's be honest, knowing someone else (especially someone who is so closely associated with all the healthy tips and options available) is struggling and ready to commit to change is inspiring. 

LA's "Market"

With Farmers' Markets in abundance in Los Angeles, there's never a lack of fresh, organic, local produce at your fingertips. This afternoon, join Nancy - our Dynamic You Fitness Nutrition Program Manager - for a 'field trip' to the Motor Avenue Farmers' Market. 

Whether you can join Nancy this afternoon or you've already got plans, we'd love for you to make a habit of this kind of thing.  Farmers' Markets are one of the best ways to assure your nutrition is at the top of its' game. Farmers Markets vary in size, and generally represent the agricultural region. Farmers, or their representatives, sell directly to consumers the food and goods which they have produced themselves. 

What's even more impressive, according to a 2008 survey conducted by the Farmers Markets Today magazine, more than 85% of farmers' market vendors traveled fewer than 50 miles to sell at a farmers market - with more than half traveling less than ten miles to their market. 

Compare that to some regions where seven to fourteen days can go by between the time produce is picked and when it becomes available at a supermarket. Not to mention it can often travel 1,200 miles before reaching the final consumer.

Though Farmers' Markets like The Original Farmers' Market in Los Angeles (with a rich history at almost 79 years old) and the Santa Monica Farmers' Market are well-established and known to many, there are so many others throughout the week in and around our area. 

Sites like the USDA's Farmers Market Directory, Local Harvest, and EatWellGuide are just a few of the resources to help you locate the farmers' market best for you. 

Grab your cart or re-useable bags and go!

When the going gets tough...

Just kidding. Duct tape wouldn't have solved the problem this time.

We miss all of our wonderful Dynamic You Fitness clients and we can't wait to see you when we re-open tomorrow, Sunday, June 23rd!

We appreciate everyone's kind emails, voicemails, encouragement and support over the last couple of days. As we worked hard to assure the safety of our group fitness studio, we realize you missed your workouts. What we love most is that you missed them!!! 

Please be sure to grab your spot for Zumba with Jannet at 10 am or TRX + Kettle bells with Ann Taylor at 11 am tomorrow!

We know you're anxious to be active today too...so be sure to grab your bicycle and go for a ride...lace up those sneakers and join some friends for a run on the beach or local park...walk your dog (they'll be so excited)...or take your kids, family or friends to a local museum. 

We also want to invite you to check out Red Diamond Yoga, our new neighbors who are upstairs on the second floor of our complex (directly above the Group Fitness studio) They are running a great special - 10 consecutive days of Yoga classes for just $10! And once you're hooked (and we think you will be) be sure to let them know you're a Dynamic You Fitness client. They're giving all of our Dynamic You Fitness clients the family and friends special rate for unlimited classes each month!

Finally, don't miss the chance to check out the Motor Avenue Farmer's Market tomorrow afternoon with Nancy. 

She is excited to walk from the Dynamic You Fitness studios to Motor & National and show you how incorporating local, organic, fresh produce and other foods can help you get closer to your health and fitness goals! And Josh will drop by too, if you're interested in running to the farmer's market! Join Nancy and Josh at Dynamic You Fitness at 12:15 pm tomorrow, Sunday, June 23rd!

It's officially summer! We look forward to enjoying the sunshine with you. See you tomorrow!

Its HEEEERRREEE!!!

It's officially here! Enjoy the longest day of the year and the bright sunshine allll day long!

Heart Health reminders in light of heartbreak

When someone well-known and accomplished passes away, it's well-noted and spoken of for many reasons...and in the sad death of actor James Gandolfini the heart break is even greater due to both his age (51) and the young children and wife he leaves behind. Beyond the lights of Hollywood and the splash of this story, the truly important lesson here is to always remember the importance of heart health.

The leading cause of death for women is still heart disease (not cancer as many would believe) and Prevention Magazine is reminding us today the many risks, and reasons to care for your heart health. Fitness is a key element to keeping your heart rate, blood pressure and cholesterol down, and there are many other ways to stay heart healthy which we encourage you to take a look at.

Three cheers for Chipotle

No matter what side you come down on when it comes to what you're selecting from a menu or putting into your grocery cart, most agree it's nice to have all of (or as much as possible) the information necessary to make the best choice for your health and lifestyle goals. So we were excited to learn Chipotle Mexican Grill has become the first of all major food suppliers to voluntarily label and disclose all foods which contain GMO ingredients. 

So good job Chipotle. Cheers to you!