Inversions are one of the most profound categories of postures in Yoga.  I hesitate to list all of benefits for fear the reader will be overwhelmed with this plethora of information so let’s leave it at this… Inversions improve the health of your cardiovascular, lymphatic, endocrine, hormonal, skeletal, soft tissue and nervous systems.  In other words, there’s not much inversions don’t have a positive effect on in the human body.  But, it’s difficult to invert without a device and many are spacious and expensive.  One great solution is the Gaiam Yogacise Body Lift… As a Yoga instructor I bought 12 of them in 2005 to use as an essential prop and my students loved them so much that I’ve continued to utilize them through the years and continually find innovative ways to create safe and effective postures for students ranging from beginner to advanced.  The Yoga Lift allows practitioners to invert without the years of preparation and muscular development that freestanding inversions require.  There ARE contraindications to inversions so please make sure to consult a qualified instructor prior to turning upside down.

If you’re trying to shed a few pounds but you’re plagued by the “munchy, crunchy, salty, bready” craving or the “sweet, sugary, chocolate, ice cream” craving, try supplementing with Chromium Picolinate. I was so pleased to see Dr. Oz do a segment on this effective remedy because my clients have had unbelievable success with this natural supplement with no adverse side effects. Take it in the morning and it will push a glycogen reset button for healthy cravings all day.

There’s nothing not to like about this innovative design and one year later I’m still coming up with new exercises and stretches to add to the basics.  It still amazes me that you can take a simple pushup, for example, and recreate it on the TRX to double the efficacy and core stability challenge.  I have two of the  TRX Pro Packs and one  TRX Force Kit.  They seem about the same to me but I like the earthy tone of the TRX Force.  I completely recommend purchasing one with a door anchor.  Oh… and by the way, once you have your TRX, check out the TRX 40/40 Challenge on youtube for added motivation!

The Chi Machine is a fantastic way to create subtle spinal adjustments as an alternative to expensive, time consuming and sometimes harsh chiropractic care.  Lying supine with your ankles cradled in this small, portable device, for 10-20 minutes, can relax your disc/vertebral joints to manifest a healthy spine.  In the process, you’ll also experience increased circulation, improved lymphatic flow, stress release, establish consistent sleep patterns, boost immunity and stimulate hormone production.  Two visits to the chiropractor will more than pay for your own Chi Machine.  My clients love it, especially the surprise element one experiences just after use…

If you’re looking for an affordable and efficient way to stay on track with your energy output and caloric intake, purchase a Fitbit Ultra. This little guy discreetly attaches to you and accurately tracks your daily steps, stairs climbed, distance, calories burned, and activity level via 3D motion sensor and altimeter technology.  It also measures how long and how well you sleep – just wear it on your wrist at night with a Fitbit wristband (included).  Then you just wirelessly upload the data on your computer to Fitbit.com to track your results.  And there’s no monthly fee!  I just love mine in that it provides me with a reality check so that I know I’m not taking in more calories than I’m burning and when I want to drop a few extra pounds it helps me create a caloric deficit.