Here are some tips to help make whatever  you do for exercise more fun:

    First, see exercising as doing  something nice for yourself. Our bodies are made for  movement and doing moderate exercise makes anyone feel  better.

    Second, choose a place to  exercise that you are comfortable with. You might feel  that going to a big gym is just not your thing. Or, you  might not like the idea of taking a group class. In that  case you could try a small pilates, yoga, or personal  training studio and get private lessons, or you can do  your exercise at home.

    You  could also try working out with a friend rather than  alone. This can help make exercising more enjoyable, and  make any place more comfortable.

    Thirdly, schedule your exercise  time when you won't be too rushed. If you try to squeeze  in some exercise whenever you can, vs having it already  planned, it may just add stress to your day rather than  alleviate it.      

    Finally, don't worry  about it. Any continuous activity that involves moving  your whole body will improve your cardiovascular fitness  and stamina. That includes walking around the block,  shoveling snow, washing the car, climbing stairs,  playing with the kids, or dancing. The key is to get up  and move. Put on a music player and listen to music that  you like. Get your groove on. Whatever it is, do it for  at least 20 minutes three times a week and your  set.

Greetings,
Happy New Year! Hope you are off to a good start. It seems like resolutions are out this year, but I still like them. I'm resolved to be more tolerant, more appreciative, and less fearful. Stress is definitely increasing for most of us, but I believe I can reduce the effects by just counting to ten more often, complaining less, and stopping the negative reaction from controlling my nerves. Likewise, you can never be too thankful and expressing this feeling often to others, or to nobody in particular, just feels good. Lastly, why not make this the year you really try something new or do the project you had on hold. Even if you think you might fall on your face, don't worry and go for it.

Ok, enough inspiration for now. On a more practical level, did you see my article in this month's Pilates Style? It was about the importance of the breath in Pilates. Hope you can check it out.

2008 Upcoming  Workshops

Feb. 8-10 San Francisco - Yogilates Teacher Training Part II
For certified Pilates instructors with yoga experience, this course provides the basis of Jonathan's technique and is a pre-requisite for Part III and earning a certificate to teach Yogilates classes.
Workshop presented at Form Body Studio. See workshops for more information or email Kim Becker This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to register.
April 3-6 Berlin, Germany - Yogilates Teacher Training Part I
Jonathan's unique course, Pilates as a Yoga Practice, held in the great cultural center of Berlin. Includes comprehensive Pilates Matwork Teacher's Manual.
Workshop presented at Spirit Yoga West. See workshops for more information or visit www.spirityoga.de

April 10-12 Milan, Italy - Yogilates Refresher Course and Master Classes
Master classes are open to all and refresher course for certified Yogilates instructors. Presented at Studio Shanti. For more information please email Alessandra Moriggi [ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ]

May 3-4 Chicago, Illinois - Yogilates Master Classes and Pilates Workshops.
For all you mid-western people, this is a rare opportunity to experience Jonathan's teaching in your own backyard. Specialty workshops with the Flexband and free weights. See workshops for more information or visit www.fusionmindbody.com for registration.

More workshops added monthly. Please check website periodically for information regarding workshops in your area.

Got A Question?

Ask Jonathan
We are looking for topics to cover or issues to be discussed. Just send it via email and we will put it in the bin. Want to know when the best time to exercise, or what's the best way to lose weight? Maybe you have a nutrition question or would like to know if Pilates is good during pregnancy. Whatever, we would love to hear from you. Also, let us know if you have a suggestion about a Yogilates product. We appreciate it! Just email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Sincerely,

Jonathan Urla
Yogilates Integrative Fitness