And This Is What I Come Home To ….

… Yes, yes. I am blessed with a fabulous fiancé.

But I thought him even more fabulous when I arrived home tonight from an especially difficult Pilates session, and found this:

It was oh-so-fabulous.

I am so very happy that Dan just loves to cook. It keeps my tummy smiling. And look at the presentation! Beautiful, huh?

P.S. Stay tuned for the recipe — tomorrow!

Ch-Ch-Changes ….

As I promised earlier today, here is an update about the many changes that you will begin to see on Eat, Pray, Run over the next few days.

I have received several emails from readers expressing a need to see more exercises and get-your-booty-in-shape tools. Many have even requested I post examples of certain exercises and yoga poses that may help common ailments, such as the one we talked about in How Yoga May Help Me Pull the Knife Out of My Head. Other readers said they would also like to see more healthy recipes, and, of course, some of the not-so-good-for-you treats, too!

As a result, you will soon notice two new tabs at the top of the page — one that focuses on exercises taken from trained sources all around the globe (I am not an expert, but I know people who are!), and another that explains to you some of the many recipes that I (OK, my fiancé!) use every day to create healthy meals.

But, my question to you is (if you have not told me yet): What would you like to see on Eat, Pray, Run? What are your favorite aspects and what would you enjoy seeing more of? Some readers have already asked to see more examples of what I eat every day, similar to blogs like Eat Like Me or Kath Eats Real Food, and others just requested a continual emphasis on my life lessons.

I have put together this survey, and I would appreciate you taking a bit of time to fill it out. If you would prefer to send me an email, that is absolutely A-OK with me. I just want to hear from you!

Lastly, here are some housekeeping things that I want you to keep in mind:

• I read all of your comments. I often post responses, so make sure you check back — I love talking with you! In addition, feel free to write in the comments section located below a post any questions you may have, especially when it comes to foreign recipe contents, exercise concerns and so forth. If I don’t know the answer — for example, I am certified to teach Pilates, but not yoga — I know someone who does! So, rest assured, I can get those answers for you. Don’t forget you can also always email me at eatprayrun@hotmail.com.
• Remember to always check at the end of posts and below pictures, specifically ones at the end of a post, to find additional information, such as links to Web sites. For example, in Bald Head or Not, Just Act on It Anyway!, I posted a note about Bekah, a woman who, at age 23, is fighting her second battle with cancer; all of these links and side notes have great information to offer toward our purpose — building our best life!
• Make sure you check out the sidebar to the right of the site page — there are all kinds of little notes, and tools that make Eat, Pray, Run easier to navigate.

Thanks, readers! I cannot wait to hear from you.

Abs O’ Pilates Steel

Let me tell you — Pilates is some tough stuff. I did a workout two days ago, and my core, leg and everything muscles are still sore. In case you have been following along with my Pilates series for Her Active Life, I want to let you know the last two parts of the series are now available: a beginner’s workout, and then how to advance the exercises. These two offer up the good stuff — descriptions of the movements and how to achieve a long, lean Pilates body.

Enjoy, and Happy Friday!

Pilates – Take Two!

     If you enjoyed the first part of the Pilates series I am working on for Her Active Life, take a little time to check out Part II today! Pilates is an awesome form of exercise that has taught me so much about body awareness and understanding my core. The second part of my series will explain to you some of the fundamental exercises to get you started with understanding Pilates.

Enjoy!

Lean, Mean, Pilates Machine!

If you would like to follow a Pilates series I am working on for HerActiveLife.com, make sure you check out Part One of “Perfectly Pilates,” the top story on Her Active Life this morning!

And while you are at it, here are some awesome beginners Pilates resources that will get you looking long and lean in no time! :

*Classical Pilates Technique – The Complete Mat Workout Series — This DVD rocks my socks because it includes every level of the Pilates mat workout — all the way from fundamentals to advanced!

*The Pilates Body: The Ultimate At-Home Guide to Strengthening, Lengthening, and Toning Your Body — Without Machines by Brooke Siler — In this book, Siler, the owner of re:Ab Pilates studios, takes readers through each mat exercise, providing them with helpful tips and illustrations that make the movements easier to understand. Siler trained with Romana Kryzanowska, the oldest living protégé of Joseph Pilates.

*A Pilates’ Primer: The Millenium Edition — Return to Your Life Through Contrology and Your Health by Joseph Pilates and William J. Miller (with introduction by Judd Robbins) — An introduction to Pilates by the creator and master himself — Joseph Pilates! Need I say more?!