cleansing your body 69
fi tness routines, with a combination of fast and slow rhythms that
tone and sculpt the body. Moving to a fusion of Latin and interna-
tional music makes a workout more fun than you can believe!
As you heal your body, you will also heal any previous thoughts
and beliefs that exercise can ’ t be fun.
Cross - Training for Better Health
On the second page of your Dieta Journal, record your daily exer-
cise. As noted, I ’ ve recommended that once you ’ re ready to move
beyond walking or add more dimensions to your workout, you
can increase the benefi ts of weight loss and health goals by cross-
training, which means adding strength training, stretching, and fl ex-
ibility exercises, as well as mind - body relaxation.
Strengthening : As you get older, it becomes absolutely essential
to keep your body strong. A natural effect of aging is the loss
of muscle and bone mass, so on your new road to health (and,
dare I say, longevity) you need to pay extra attention to both.
Lifting free weights and working out with Therabands (plastic
stretchy strips) at home are great ways to tone without much
cost or time spent commuting to a gym. And mixing this up
with Pilates, yoga, and a “ body pump ” class (a blend of cardio
and weight lifting that is fast and fun and makes your body
pump with energy!) can give you a variety of ways to enjoy
yourself — while strengthening your bones and muscles.
Flexibility and stretching : In order for your muscles and joints to
stay healthy and mobile, it ’ s important to stretch these areas of
your body. Yoga and Pilates incorporate all - over body and joint
stretches through their movements and asanas (yoga poses).
But there are many ways to stretch. Yoga balls and fi rm roll-
ers are a great home remedy for your fl exibility and stretching
needs; they are also invaluable in sustaining a healthy back
without weekly massage therapy sessions, which are wonder-
ful but costly.