Each Month, Susan Hobson will examine various Health & Fitness issues in Envision Magazine & the Envision Wellness website.

First of all, I want to congratulate you all for embracing on the Envision experience!  Here at Envision, we encourage you to stretch your imagination further than ever before when exploring for ways to engage your mind, body and spirit in new and creative ways.  Today, I am going to help you cultivate new and exciting ways to engage what we in the physical activity realm refer to as "the core muscles."  

While we all are most likely quite aware of the importance of daily exercise, conventional methods of physical activity can seem quite dull and uninspiring, making it quite difficult to get up off the couch.  It is my personal goal to introduce to you a few unconventional ways to get active and have fun doing it!   The core muscles include not only your upper, middle, lower and oblique abdominal muscles, but also your hip flexors (the muscles that attach the legs to your hips) and your lower back muscles.  Most people think of sit-ups as the only way to work these muscles.  However, today I am going to show you a number of different ways to work your core muscles while performing everyday fun and easy activities.  

What most people do not realise is that your core muscles are engaged any time you are standing upright or sitting up straight.  Of course this alone will not give you the six-pack abs you dream of, but combined with moderate activity levels, you will be well on your way to a wash board stomach.  

First, you must consider your personal level of fitness.  In other words, how in shape are you?  If you are a beginner it is wise  start with lighter activities like a brisk walk, using your arms as much as is tolerable to get your heart pumping.  The act of pumping your arms will also increase the amount you are using your core muscles, which in turn will also help you burn more calories overall.  If you are on a treadmill or walking outdoors where you can find a hill or gradual incline, anything at a 2% grade incline will also help to engage more of your core muscles and up the calorie burn.  

If you already perform some type of physical activity every day, for at least thirty minutes or more, you are probably ready for some moderate core activities, such as jogging (hills are a bonus here too), swimming, tennis, the elliptical machine at the gym, Pilates, Yoga, weight training, and basketball.  The list of moderate sporting activities is endless in this category because you can play to your personal ability and endurance level.  In each one, the core is responsible for stabilizing you as your body moves, twists and turns in many different directions.  

For the experienced athlete or fitness guru, there are also a vast array of activities that will not only engage your core muscles but will also help burn more calories, which in turn will help you burn that layer of fat that can often mask the beautifully developed six pack muscles underneath.  Some of the best ways to exercise these core muscles intensely are running, squash, hockey, volleyball, stair-climber, skiing, kickboxing, cardio dance classes, etc.  Any sport or activity that makes it difficult to speak while engaged in the activity can be classified as intense and will give you optimal results in developing your core muscles.  

Whatever the activity or level, be sure that you are having fun and not over-exerting yourself.  Remember that if it is not fun and is too hard, you will be much less likely to continue on toward your goal, however big or small it may be. 

If you are having trouble finding the energy to begin an exercise regime, please refer to my website www.oxyfreshww.com/susan  where you will find many motivating ideas and products that have not only helped me reach my health and wellness goals but have helped many other people just like you!   Until, next time, Envision and Believe-there is no such thing as impossibility!  

*for a personal consultation, please email me at:

Reiki is a hands on healing method works with the oriental based system of meridian points located in the Body.

Reiki involves direct application of ki (energy) for the purpose of harmonizing and balancing your energy, it is not the channels energy you are receiving.

Reiki can bring you relief from pain, faster healing of injuries, emotional calming or release, restful sleep at night and better overall health. You do not need to have a specific illness to receive benefits from Reiki.

A full Reiki treatment lasts an hour sometimes longer, a short one about 30 min.

What people feel during a treatment is different for everyone. Many people will become very relaxed during and doze off on the table. People often feel a warmth or a tingling, or cool sensation where the channels hands are.

When done properly, all hand positions in Reiki are non intrusive. Should you feel any discomfort tell the channel who is working on you.

Reiki not linked to any specific religion. People of all ages and religions practice Reiki.

Reiki works without any conscious intervention by the Channel. It is simply the channel’s job to step aside and let Reiki do its work.

You can get Reiki as often as you feel the need for a tune up. If you are working on a specific area or issue, it is advisable to follow through with regular
treatments.

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