Mid-day breath break.

Hello there readers,

I'm Kelly! I have the great honor of teaching yoga at 5focus. Yoga, in a nutshell, brings the brain, the body & the breath into divine union. If you have ever gone to a yoga class or practiced yoga at home, you may be familiar with the feelings of calm joy and alert presence that often accompany the practice. Too often, however, the feelings dissipate as we navigate traffic or manage a full schedule. It may seem impossible to imagine the feelings “joy” or “calm” accompanying you on a trip to the market after a long day at work, but adding moments of quiet into your day will put you on the path toward a calm, alert holiday season. Begin by taking 5 minutes for the following exercise during your lunch break or whenever you need a lift and work up to 20 minutes as you grow accustomed to “sitting” with your breath.

Part One: Lunar breath.

The lunar breath calms the mind in preparation for a few moments of quiet. This video demonstrates how to practice the lunar breath.

lunar breath. from kelly c on Vimeo.
Part Two: Experience your breath fully.

Use all of your senses, one at a time, to experience your breath.
Listen to the sound of the breath.
Feel the breath move the entire body.
Smell the air as it moves through the nose.
Taste the breath as it touches the back of the throat.

Try not to *think* about it too much. Let your senses guide you.
Practice this using all of your senses for a few minutes.

Part Three: Solar breath.

The solar breath energizes the body and brain, maximizing focus. The calm center you created through the lunar breath and sensory breath experience will stay with you as well, leaving you energized, yet peaceful. Sounds perfect, right?

solar breath. from kelly c on Vimeo.
Namaste.
{The light in me bows with respect to the light in you.}

Join us for yoga at 5focus on Monday nights and Friday over the lunch hour. Click here to view the schedule.

Kelly

This week Kelly is going to post. If you don't know who Kelly is. She is our 5Focus Yoga teacher. She also has hung her art here in Cafe Mae. I can't wait to see what she has to say. Check back this week to see what she has to say.

Worry

Do you worry about things that you know you shouldn't worry about? I do. ALL the time. My roommate is moving out at the end of the month and I'm trying to find a new one. My older sister is coming back into town in November.
I worry about not finding another roommate in time. What happens if I don’t? I might be living in the café……
I worry that my sister and I are going to get into a fight when she comes. We never really got along….
I worry that I'm doing bad at my job most days (so I may not be living at the café….).
I worry that I don't take enough time for myself. I feel like most the time I might be a victim. UGH.
And you know what? I know in my heart that everything will work out.
The trick would be to learn to live without worrying so much….or to not play the victim role….I know that I need to not take so much on, breathe and just let things happen. To let go and not have so much control. Like I said, it will all work out…..

Any tips on how to NOT worry so much or do you??? and what do you about it???

Stressed out???

So the past year of my life has easily been the craziest year of my life. I've been adjusting to my new responsibilities as a mother and also as a business owner. The "to do list" at times is overwhelming and I must confess, even with my background in health and wellness, that I lost track of balance in my life. Stress manifests in many ways... and we typically cope by not taking care of ourselves. Working harder isn't always the answer. I've learned the most important thing is to remember to breathe, to move, and to slow down. Breathing connects us to the present and helps us clear our body of toxins. We tend to hold our breath in times of stress, so it becomes that much more vital to breathe throughout the day. Movement is another vital component of a healthy lifestyle. Getting up, away from your computer, and walking around or stretching is one of the best things you can do to release the tension and stress which accumulates in your body. Workouts obviously help, but just moving brings great benefits. Lastly, slow down. Somehow the "to do list" always takes care of itself. I've found more peace in my life the past few months, remembering to breathe deeply, to get up and walk away, and to allow a pause or a break in my day. My life really hasn't become any less stressful, it's just my approach to it that has created more peace.

Today

Today you will hear Laura. If you don't know who Laura is, well she is one of the owners of 5Focus & Cafe Mae. She is the mother of Miss Mae. She is also a great friend.

If you ever feel stressed out?? Well, you’re not the only one!! Laura and has a few good tips about what to do when your stressed.

Simple time of life

This last weekend I got to spend time with Miss Mae. If you’re not around kids very often, you forget how much fun it is to hang out with them. I think she entertained me more then I entertained her. Just spending time with her took me back to a simple time of life. You’re free to just lie down on the floor and roll around because it’s fun and you just laugh all day long.

I think that most people might enjoy work a bit more if there was a specified nap hour (capped off with milk & cookies) and have free time to roll around on the floor and giggle.

I plan on doing some kids’ events here at 5focus over the next few months. If you have little ones please bring them! Our first event is October 29th with a fall theme.

what to blog.....?

Ok, so I work with Christina to blog every week...she writes it and then I edit...and now it's my turn and I have NO IDEA what to blog about...it's much easier to write without the pressure of having to....and the funny thing is that I just signed up to have a blog of my own for my coaching practice. GEESH.
It feels as if winter might have arrived...I'm not such a big fan. Normally I don't mind the change from summer to fall - the start of school, football season, pumpkins, and cooler weather...but it seems as if we didn't even really have summer! I have been trying to get up early every morning to run with my dog, but can't seem to get used to it being dark (and hence, don't get up)...finding the motivation can be challenging - I find myself negotiating in the dark - 10 more minutes of sleep and I'll run later...but often times that "later" never happens.
My motivation will come in the form of signing up for a race - then I'll have to train, right?
Any tips out there for me?? What motivates you??

Guest Bloggers

I was thinking about all the knowledgeable people around me. They teach me stuff every day (even when I’d rather not). I would like them to share their knowledge with you as well, so I’m going to have guest bloggers. My first guest is Beth!! She will be posting later this week. I can't wait to see what she has to say.

Boundaries

All right, so I’d like to start off by saying sorry to all for not writing in so long. So much has been going, on where do I start? July was crazy busy with work and birthdays and now it’s August and looks like we have summer. Before I know it it will be September….GEESH.

5Focus is very busy with lots of events and classes. If you have not heard we have a Happy hour party August 20 from 5- 7:30 (beer & wine included). For the record, that is 5 days before my birthday. Yes, I am one of those people that celebrates my birthday all month long. PARTY.

This month I’ve been working on a lot of stuff and not doing so well...My big struggle is setting boundaries. Family, work, friends. I am a people pleaser and I know it. I will let people walk all over me and smile the whole time. I'm working on using my voice and standing up for things. Even the little things. I find I let all of these things build up and end up breaking down. So if I yell at you while you’re ordering coffee, it’s ok. I’m letting you know what I think.
Let me know how you set your boundaries!!

Sunscreen

The sun is has been out in full force and let's hope it doesn't go away anytime soon!
Now, make sure you're using sunscreen! I don't want to have to mother you all, but come on! If you are out at the beach, laying around in the sun, or even if you're outside walking or running. Make sure you always put sunscreen on, and reapply if you're out for longer periods of time. However, when reapplying the sunscreen you must get out of the sun and drop your temperature down to about 97 degrees. If you don't drop your body temperature, the sunscreen doesn't work. You might consider keeping your sunscreen in a cooler too - if it's too hot it won't work as well!
In the off chance that you do burn, I find the best way to get rid of that burn is to use Noxzema cleansing cream. Put this on the burned skin and let it sit for about half hour to an hour and you will be feeling great in no time! You can also buy it in a travel size for the burn on the run.

Bad Luck!!

Ever have one of those weeks that's not so good, and you look forward to the next week - thinking it can only get better?? Well, I had two BAD weeks in a row......
So I'm driving to my little sister's graduation in Enumclaw - not feeling 100% (honestly, feeling about 20% - but she's my sister....I love her and want to see her graduate, so I buck up and go). I'm driving along I-5 and my car just stops. STOPS. Did you get that? STOPS. Ummmmm yeah. I'm no mechanic - what do I do??? Long story short - my roommate comes to get me. We follow the tow truck to the dealership - and run out of gas. HELLO?
Two days later, my car's still in the shop and so I got a ride to work. On the way in we got a flat tire. Again, not a mechanic people.
I finally got my car back over the weekend and I'm thinking this week is going to be MUCH better....However, driving my car home the other day the temperature gauge rocketed up. &$*&# - I was SO mad. I just got my car back!!! I called up the dealership and they recommended that I take it somewhere nearby. By this time, I'm done with spending money on my car. SERIOUSLY. So I pull out the big guns - I put on a low top, added a little more make up and went to the auto shop. I told the guy what happened and even cried a little.....He looked at my car and fixed it at no cost. I know that wasn't fair, and a total chick thing to do, but I really didn't want to have to pay for one more thing wrong with my car...and besides, if you got it - work it.
All I can be thankful for are the great people in my life that have helped me the last few weeks. If it wasn't for them I don't know where I would be.
Here's to a new week!!! (and a working car!)

Beauty Secrets

After working in the beauty industry for 6 years, I learned A LOT (and not just from people watching!). One thing that I enjoyed learning was what products work for all types of skin and ages. Oh, how I miss those free services and products. Free coffee is one thing, but doesn't quite compare to a free pedicure....or great lotion. One product I found that works great for everyone is Mario Badescu drying lotion. This lotion will heal and dry pimples quickly. It take cares of them literally over night! Most times there gone after the first use. It's like magic!! If anyone has any beauty questions please let me know - if I don't have an immediate answer, I'll find out!!

GEESH

Well, the sun came and went. Hello???
Last weekend I was in Madison having a few drinks with friends on a deck. The people watching was AMAZING. When it gets hot, the clothes start to come off. We saw loads of people walking around in barely nothing. As I’m sitting there, happily drinking my cocktail(s), I’m thinking: “Am I swimsuit ready?” - and the answer: HELL NO!! Kinesis classes here I come. I have slacked off the past month (or so….but who’s counting??). In addition, I paid a visit to my doctor this past month and found out that my cholesterol is high. GEESH. Looks like I’ll be taking some nutrition information home. It’s time to set some new goals. And speaking of Kinesis, where are all my gals that said they will take classes with me? Let’s go ladies. It’s time to ante up. Summer is right around the corner (believe it or not….).

Read ' em and weep!

Last week I was sick, I thought I might keel over……so I missed another week of Kinesis.
We did my measurements for the month even though I missed 3 WEEKS of working out. 3 weeks. HOLY COW.

Here are the numbers - Read ‘em and weep! (or perhaps I will….)

Waist 35.25
Hips 46
Thigh 26.50
Bust 40.50
Bicep 13.50

My hips and thighs stayed the same. Everything else dropped. I would have to say I wouldn't mind if my bust stayed the same or even stopped shrinking. Why is it always the girls that go first???? I’m convinced my bicep is just going to get more and more buff with all the coffee drinks. I need to find a way to get more and more people in so I can call that my workout on non-Kinesis days…hmmmmmmmm

Lastly, I would like to know where the SUN is? HELLO???? It’s May. MAY. One reason that I'm working out to it to get in shape so for the summer and skin baring clothes. If the sun doesn’t shine I'm going to have to turn on the heat in my apartment and walk around in my sun dresses and wear my swimsuit in the bath tub. The boys across the street will think I’ve lost my mind….and my spray tan is not going to last forever.
Come on now, I shouldn't have to wear my uggs in the middle of May.

Tough two weeks

I missed Kinesis two weeks in a row. The last two weeks have been tough and I didn't make the time for Kinesis or any other workout. Between my roommate and my own drama I let it go. I really wish I didn't let myself get so wrapped up with everything else - it would have helped if I made time for some kind of workout - ANY WORKOUT. I think sometimes I put my own needs last when helping someone else - and sometimes I let working out go first when I get down. It's the last thing I want do - yet, it's the one thing that might make me feel the best.

Here's another thing - I work in Cafe Mae. You would think that I would eat all day long. I have a small habit of drinking a bit too much coffee but eating - not so much. Most of the time I don't eat all day until I get home. HELLO? Shhh! Don't tell Laura!
I am trying to lose weight and I know this is not the way to do it. I eat a small breakfast, no lunch and then my dinner.
It's time for a change.

I see you!!!

I see you!!!
I work at Cafe Mae Monday - Friday. I'm the barista that see's it all.
If you have been in the Cafe you know there are 6 big windows you can look into to see us. Well, guess what?? I can see you too. I see you when you're walking by and it looks like you're talking to yourself but you're not, you're on the phone.
I see you when you check yourself out. :)
I also see you when you press your face up against the window and look in.
I see you the most when you walk by with a Starbucks cup in your hand.
Seriously??? Just once stop here first.
You will not only get a great organic coffee drink with some good tunes, but if you're game you might just get some good banter.

What is Kinesis?

I had a good question this past week: What is Kinesis?

The picture shown here is of the Kinesis wall - not to sure why they don't have shoes on....



hmmmmmmmm...well, Kinesis is made in Italy by Techogym. Kinesis burns 30% more calories than a traditional strength workout. It consists of unique grips, pulleys, and weight stacks that allows your body to move in three dimensions. You can do hundreds of different movements on Kinesis, working all of your muscles and especially, your core. Kinesis helps focuses on proper form and strength.



Classes at 5focus usually have 4 to 8 people, with 4 people on Kinesis at one time. You do intervals of various exercises with short breaks. It really kicks my butt! I love it!!

Next week look for an in-depth post into the life of Girl Friday.....

Hello!

I have read a lot of blogs over the last few weeks to get ideas for Christina's Corner. What I have noticed is most blogs say whatever they want. Here goes.....

I'm 26 years old and 5'4" tall. As most of you know, I have been doing Kinesis now for over a month. When I started I was not sure what it was, or if it even worked. After doing it a few times I began to notice changes in my body. Clothes started to fit differently. My friends were making comments. I decided to track my weight loss. In a month I have lost a full shirt size and have not changed my eating habits.



When we started (February 29) these were my circumference measurements:


waist: 37.5
hip: 46.5
bust: 41.25
thigh: 27.0
arm: 14.5



My measurements on April 1 were:

waist: 36.5
hip: 46.0
bust: 40.75
thigh: 26.5
arm: 13.75



I've gone down in every category. ROCK STAR!!!




My goals for doing this are to have more energy and make healthier choices. I bought a dress a few months ago and it fits. However, I know it could look even better if I tighten up my abs. I have given myself until May to fit into the dress the way I want to look in it.
Kinesis has really worked my whole body. I have noticed that I use what I learn in class at work. Watching how I grab for things and bending down. When I stand, I stand without my gut hanging out. I stand taller and with my shoulders back.



I've been trying to do Kinesis twice a week - come join me!