Author: Irene Pastore

Hello! I am a Personal Trainer, Yoga and Pilates Instructor who specializes in fitness after 50. My service is Live Streaming. Connect with me from anywhere in the world. I look forward to helping you achieve your health and fitness goals.

Bosu Balance Trainer

October 25, 2012
BOSU BALANCE TRAINER

WHAT IS A BOSU BALANCE TRAINER?

The BOSU Balance Trainer is a versatile exerciser that looks like a stability ball cut in half. BOSU means “both sides up”, because it can be used on both sides.

With the dome side up, and flat side down, the BOSU remains stable.  Stepping onto to the dome, you can perform exercises on the unstable surface.  Turning the BOSU over, the platform becomes very unstable, for more advanced exercises. Continue reading “Bosu Balance Trainer”

Super Fit When You’re Super-Old

October 23, 2012

Johanna Quaas, 86 Year-Old Gymnast competes at Cottbus World Cup in Germany.

Gymnast Johanna Quaas has been active her entire life. She started competing at the age of 57, and has won 11 medals in senior gymnastics competitions.  There’s no secret here.  It’s just committment, dedication, and hard work.

Thankfully, Johanna Quaas defies the stereotype of what it’s like to be an 80 year-old woman.  She’s what’s possible if we stay active.

It’s safe to say that when asked, most people would like to  be in good shape as they age.  In June 2012, the Centers for Disease Control reported that more Americans are exercising, while obesity is rising.

Obesity interferes with normal range of motion, making exercise difficult. It also places more strain on the heart and lungs, causing them to work harder, than someone of normal weight.

Everyone should be concerned about aging.  Getting old doesn’t mean you’ll be on automatic deterioration mode. On the other hand, if you want to be dependent, frail, chronically ill, and medicated, when you get old, all you have to do is neglect your health.

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Copyright 2012 Irene Pastore and Blue Moon Personal Training

Biking New York City and Beyond

October 20, 2012

BIKING BRIDGES, GETAWAYS, AND LAWS

Bicycle Commuter Brooklyn Bridge

Get onto a bike, and get out and ride. New York City is going bike-friendly. The Big Apple’s newest public transportation system, Citi Bike, is coming in March 2013.  Citi Bike won’t use any taxpayer money, and is expected to create income for the city.

Citi Bike will bring durable bicycles and docking stations to provide convenient and inexpensive mobility 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.

Resources for riders, safety tips, bicycle laws, helmets, are free, and found at nyc.gov.  Click the link for free bicycle maps, and Ride The City.  RTC gives you quick bike route information, and is similar to Hopstop. Continue reading “Biking New York City and Beyond”

Apple Pie Without Added Sugar Recipe

October 18, 2012

In your quest to reduce, or eliminate added cane sugar, you’ve probably found out how difficult it, is to avoid buying packaged food that isn’t sweetened.  The same is true for recipes.  Here’s one I found at allrecipes.com, for No Sugar Apple Pie. 

INGREDIENTS

Yoga or Pilates: What’s The Difference?

October 16, 2012

Yoga Class In Downward Dog Pose

Yoga and Pilates share similarities, but their philosophies are not the same.

  • Yoga and Pilates are categorized as Mind/Body disciplines.
  • Shoes are not worn during Yoga or Pilates.
  • Yoga poses and Pilates exercises are performed on a mat.
  • Yoga and Pilates emphasize breathing.
  • Many of the Yoga poses and Pilates exercises look very similar. Continue reading “Yoga or Pilates: What’s The Difference?”

Pectoralis Minor And Rounded Shoulders

October 15, 2012

Pectoralis Minor  Muscle
Shoulder Blades (Scapulae)

Stand sideways in the mirror.  Do your shoulders look rounded?  Are your shoulder blades sticking out?  Your shoulder blades should lie flat on your rib cage, and shouldn’t be noticeable.

Do you exercise your chest more than your back?  Do you neglect chest stretches?  Do you usually sit with your shoulders slumped forward?  These are typical reasons your Pectoralis Minor tightens up.

Muscles work together, like an orchestra.  When one isn’t doing its job, it affects other muscles and bones. Continue reading “Pectoralis Minor And Rounded Shoulders”