Tapas (the yoga concept, not the food)

In previous posts, I’ve mentioned that both yoga and Pilates are useful practices in conjunction with receiving the Rolf Method of Structural Integration. However, to experience thebenefits of either yoga or Pilates, one has to actually do the practice. Despite knowing that, on Saturday morning I was trying to decide whether going to yoga class would improve my day. I ended up going, had a good class and (not surprisingly) felt much better afterwards both physically and mentally.

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Barbara Jean Conti
Reading “Lean In”

When book club decided to read Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg, I was not that excited. However, I have actually found the book to be very interesting. She discusses research about workplace and home issues that affect everyone, especially women. She has simple and effective suggestions to change old patterns of behavior that hold us back. I would say the advice could apply not only to women but to introverts of both genders.

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Barbara Jean Conti
Strength training

I have heard more and more about strength training lately. While there seems to be no end of new information about the best type of and way to exercise, strength training is something to consider adding to your routine. New studies show it can benefit health in surprising ways. Along with an increase in strength, it can help reduce pain, improve both flexibility and balance and improve sleep.

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Barbara Jean Conti
Good & bad stress

I have seen more articles lately about the difference between “good” stress and “bad” stress. My initial question was how is stress ever good? It turns out that short-term stress, when coupled with sufficient periods of rest, can help us adapt to changes, learn new tasks, be more aware, and boost the immune system.

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Barbara Jean Conti
Green Smoothie

In an effort to increase my vegetable intake (and limit middle-age spread), I decided to incorporate green smoothies into my eating plan. However, many recipes were something like: 6 pieces of fruit and one leaf of kale. That is not enough veggies for me. Here is my current recipe. I upgraded my blender to a more powerful one so that the drink actually is smooth and not crunchy.

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Barbara Jean Conti
Help for tech neck

Do you spend a lot of time driving or using a computer, tablet or smartphone? If so, you may be familiar with a syndrome called tech neck or forward head posture. Reaching your head forward or bending your neck forward deeply can place a lot of strain on your muscles and joints.

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Barbara Jean Conti
Video: Ida Rolf talks about her method

This video shows Dr. Ida Rolf talking about the method and theory behind Structural Integration. It’s about 10.5 minutes. If that’s a little long for the time you have today, the first 3+ minutes contain a lot of useful information. There is a short break at that point and then the video resumes.

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Barbara Jean Conti