Lately, however, I have been practicing on my own at home. It’s not the same. I miss the energy of being in a class and among other practitioners. But because I can’t be in the studio much, I guess I have to make do. In my quest to recreate a nice flow, I decided to try creating a playlist to go along with the groove. One thing led to another and I discovered Garage Band in my Mac and though I have no idea what I’m doing,it seems like a fun thing to explore. And so I did what any techie wannabe does: I asked Google (even though I should be working on my thesis instead) how it works and what music software would be good to try and explore. One of those that came up was called the Mackie tracktion 3 . I’m still trying to read through the write ups (well, we know I’m no musician, right???) and if I figure it out, lets see if I can record something for me to use when I do my asanas.
Yeah, yeah, I know I have better things to do but I can’t help but do other things to keep me sane. Haha.

The verdict: I wanted more

Several times following that Sunday I found myself craving for green juice. Once I even surprised myself by turning down a couple margaritas. Prior to that you would have had to lock up my favorite pink fuzzy drinks in a mesa safe to keep me away from it! I guess my body was signaling me to make more positive changes, and it wasn’t just to lose weight, but more to get my body healthier.

HOWEVER, since that Sunday, I hadn’t had the chance to get more shakes. For one, the Sunday market is out of my way. Plus the delivery service of RAWlicious doesn’t cover my area. Plus even though a friend of mine was willing to make my shakes for me, I was tamad (lazy) to pick it up. And to make it myself…FORGET IT!!! For one, I thought I needed a super special blender to make it (although as I have learned there are some limitations to a regular blender and errr…something about enzymes and megablasting and what not that I haven’t understood haha). Secondly, it’s soooo hassle! Third….IM LAZY!

But for some reason, I woke up today with an intense craving for a green smoothie. I tried to settle with just buko juice but I still wanted green juice. And so I gave in and experimented. I threw in an apple, a banana, some spinach, some malunggay, and a couple lettuce leaves into my blender with coconut water and viola…

green juice It’s not as yummy as RAWlicious’s, and I’m sure there are better ways of making it, but this is a great start, if I may say so myself

Cheers

Anyway…I digress as always haha Like I said, I heard about Juju Cleanse and I really wanted to try but the cheapskate got the better of me. AND SO when I saw a link on FB for a little Valentine contest by Trip or Treats that has a cleanse up for grabs, I took it as a sign that maybe this is my chance to try it!

Check out the giveaway here. In the meantime, I have my fingers crossed that I win it!!!

Anyway, now that I am in the midst of the busy-ness of things and as we quickly approach the summer season, I want to make sure I not only drop the holiday fat, but also get in better shape. AND SO….

Although I have not yet blogged about any specific slimming supplement in this blog since it began, mainly because I never really tried any, I have decided to check out one of these products. Last December 1, I was invited to the relaunch of a dietary supplement by ATC Healthcare Corp. called RedoxFat. This dietary supplement is said to be 100% natural and has passed the quality control standards as set by the local Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD). It is made up of L-Carnitine and green tea extract. Compared to similar brands in the market. RedoxFat Slimming Capsules contain seven times more L-Carnitine, which aids in the breakdown of fat and in muscle development. Further, the green tea extract contains high levels of polyphenols and is a rich source of EGCG, an antioxidant, that fights free radicals and pro-oxidants, as well as helps lower cholesterol, boosts immune system, and assists in weight loss.

I do know, however, that this is not THE solution to losing weight, but that it is a SUPPLEMENT. As I recall from the press launch and conference that I attended, it was noted by one of the speakers, Coach Callanta, that “It is always best to create long-term health goals and programs composed of exercise routines, a menu of healthier food selection, the right mindset, and quality natural healthcare supplements to complement the three. One should have clear objectives and the commitment to be healthy. It is a lifestyle and taking RedoxFat can help jumpstart that.”

RedoxFat retails for about Php 12.95 per capsule and is available in all leading drugstores nationwide. Recommended usage is 2-3 capsules daily after meals.

In addition to RedoxFat Slimming Capsules, ATC has a comprehensive line of healthcare supplements in softgel form:  Aloe Vera, Calcium with Vitamin D, Coenzyme Q10, Fish oil, Evening Primrose, Garlic Oil, Ginkgo Biloba, Ginseng, Grape Seed, Lecithin, LiverMarin, Lycopene, Glutathione, Royal Jelly, and Spirulina. All of these can supplement one’s health needs if taken regularly. For more information about ATC Healthcare products, call 749-4542 or 743-5183, or visit www.atchealthcare.com.ph.

RedoxFat Slimming Capsule Relaunch and Contract Signing with the unveiling of its newest brand ambassador Iya Villania. In photo (L-R): ALV Talent Circuit Inc. Talent Manager Arnold Vegafria, RedoxFat Endorser Iya Villania, ATC Healthcare President Albert Chua, ATC Operations Manager Carmelo Espiritu, and ATC Marketing Manager Kathleen De los Santos.

According to their latest endorser,  Iya Villana, who was introduced to the press during the event I mentioned earlier, it has helped her lose weight and maintain her figure

As for me…let’s see what happens

At first I was hooked on all the super cheap vacations. Then the little services soon followed. Today, I keep finding myself drawn to all the restaurant deals. SAVE ME!!! Just last night I claimed three boxes of donuts from Cello’s, even though I don’t particularly like donuts, all because it was sooooo cheap. OH MY GOLLY NOT A GOOD SIGN! I swear. It all started with that one deal of a box of Beggin’ Strips for Bubba. I decided to avail of the deal because it was one of my christmas gifts for him and Joe. But soon I started clicking on deals for donuts, drinks, and all sorts of restaurants.

So…before this kills my diet, anyone want my other donut coupon???

I have always maintained that running will never be a sport that I would be interested in, and although I am not really “running” for exercise, I decided to get myself a pair of running shoes so I can be able to keep up with walk-slash-running with my two boys. It’s kinda hard to be in step with them in slippers all the time! Especially now that they’re so big! And although yoga will always be my love, I realized that I must admit this purchase was kind of a surprise for me because ordinarily, I would have splurged on something trivial, like maybe eyelash growth products or perhaps another bag that I don’t really need.  I guess this time, I realized I needed to invest in something better…. my health, for example Let’s see

I’m soooo happy I finally got to try out AntiGravity Yoga. From the moment I saw that orange hammock during the press launch of the practice a couple of weeks ago, I knew I wanted to try it but I was busy during the weekend that the creator, Christopher Harrison, was in town to do a teacher training program and several master classes at the Farm at San Benito. I wanted to try it so much that I played with the hammock during the launch and well, with no instructions, attempted to fly. Suffice it to say I fell flat on my face….literally!!!

Anyway, when I found out there was a weekend of flight coming up with the first AGY certified teacher in the Philippines, Anna Carbonell, I knew I had to do it! And lookit!!!

IT WAS LOVE AT FIRST FLIGHT

The practice is so much fun, I tell ya. And if you think you can’t do it (either you’re too fat, you’re too old, lack flexibility, yadiyadiya), believe me when I say ANYONE can actually do it. In class yesterday we had a good mix of yoginis, non-yoga practitioners, little kids, and even a 71 year old lady! And take a look at her!!!!

There are, of course, a few contraindications to the practice, such as pregnancy, hypertension, recent surgeries and the like. In general, however, the practice is quite safe. You also don’t need any special equipment or clothing when practicing, although as I understand it, it is advised that you don’t wear clothing with zippers, buttons, and any kind of jewelry (whether earrings, bracelets or jewelry beads) in order to not snag the cloth. Cap sleeved or long sleeved shirts and leggings or gym pants are also preferred.

One question that is often asked about AGY, especially with regards to the silk hammock that you hang on is whether it can actually hold your weight. I did feel a little skeptical at first, but as was explained during the briefing, the silk cloth is specially designed for flying and can hold the weight of a baby elephant (or 3400 pounds hehe). Amazing right? The cloth is no ordinary fabric, so don’t get any ideas about just hanging an old blanket and using that for flight Christopher emphasized that this special material specially designed for the practice, cannot be substituted with any similar fabric and can only be purchased from their supplier. Also, the beams or supports in which the hammocks will hang from have to be carefully scrutinized and approved of in order to ensure maximum safety. Another way they ensure the safety of practitioners is the fact the AGY partners are carefully selected because they aim to maintain high quality standards. Lastly, their teachers are trained and certified to teach the practice, which is why Beyond Yoga, the Philippine partner for AGY, is not yet offering it as of today but will wait till February to make sure they meet quality standards for us to practice here in Manila.

During the demo that Christopher did for some bloggers a few weeks ago, he demonstrated a quick flow in a typical class. Think sun salutations, only with a hammock.

When I got to try it yesterday, I did get to feel what he was saying about how the hammock really helps you with the proper alignment in the poses.

An added bonus is that with AGY, you can do compression free inversions. For the longest time I dreamt of doing inversions but I could never get myself on headstands and even shoulder stands are a struggle for me. Except for Viparita Karani (or legs up the wall pose), I can’t get myself to get my feet above my head. It isn’t really the fear, I must say, but it’s more like my shoulders aren’t strong enough for it yet. And so yesterday to hang upside down, OH MY GOD. Talk about PURE BLISS

This time with the careful guidance of Anna, I got it right She had such a reassuring and fun teaching style that the usual cautious me (who, as my readers know, is quite afraid of letting go!) just felt so sure and secure in letting go despite just hanging on a little strip of fabric. Yeah, she made it quite easy to just trust.

I have to offer up my greatest thanks to Beyond Yoga for bringing such a wonderful practice to the Philippines. I cannot wait till they officially open on February!!!

One day I will flip over the hammock and land in this pose, Anna! I promise!!!

my wonderfully fun AGY teacher, Anna Carbonell You were such a pure joy to be with. I am blessed

In the meantime, Beyond Yoga offers a wide array of different yoga and dance classes that I am excited to explore the week after Christmas

___________

Beyond Yoga is located at the 3F Il Terrazzo, Tomas Morato Avenue corner Scout Madrinian St., QC

Check out their website at www.igobeyondyoga.com or contact them via mobile at 0917-5BEYOND (0917-5239663). You can also follow them on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/IGoBeyondYoga) or like them on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/IGoBeyondYoga)

I’ve been feeling all bipolar-ish (yeah, yeah, I know that’s a made up word) these past few days and I can blame it only on one thing:  the weather.

This has been the craziest Christmas weather ever. One minute it feels like summer, the next it feels like there’s a storm. When I get up in the morning, it’s soooo super cold, so much so I wish I had worn one of those long sleeve thermal vests to sleep so I don’t feel all creaky and cranky when I get up. About an hour or so later, it’s soooo sunny and humid I can hardly breathe. I don’t get it. My body doesn’t get it either so I’ve been getting sick and all these past few days I wake up with terrible asthma attacks and well, my migraines have been acting up.

The weather is so bipolar it kinda feels like it has driven the joy of Christmas away, I tell ya. Earlier today a friend of mine and I were talking and we couldn’t help but point out that this craziness has truly gotten to us. On one hand I was kinda glad she felt the same way, that way it isn’t just me, but on the other, it’s kinda sad that we both feel this way, right? Anyway, let’s see how this weekends weather goes. There’s supposed to be a storm here in the Philippines….on Christmas, can you believe that?

Sigh…this bipolar weather has gotten me so crazy I can barely keep my thoughts straight. Send me some sunshine please.