Tell all your friends that need to know about this!

Aston® Kinetics is a breakthrough system of bodywork, ergonomic analysis and movement coaching designed to restore natural alignment and dynamic well-being. Aston Kinetics® was created by bodywork and movement visionary Judith Aston.

This class will offer an overview of the components of this revolutionary method. Students will learn movement skills they can immediately put to use in their everyday life and get a sense of the scope of the work as a whole.

It is recommended for practitioners of healing modalities who are looking to expand their ability to help their clients most effectively. It will also be helpful to those who are considering experiencing Aston® Kinetics sessions to address their own physical challenges or pain. This class will prepare students for the problem-solving skills that are taught in the subsequent Aston® Techniques I & II classes.

Register at: https://aoma.edu/product/intro-to-aston-kinetics

I have studied martial art forms for many years including Kung-Fu, Tai Kwan Do and Karate among the more common forms as well as Kali, Arnis and Escrema among the uncommon ones.  Even though I am not currently practicing the hard forms beyond lightly sparring with my 9 year old boy which soon turns into a tickle fest (because he loves it). I really appreciate these ancient Arts.

I wanted to tell you about my friend Wayne Key, I have known him since our kids were in preschool. He has been practicing Martial Arts and Tai Chi for over 26 years and is teaching classes in central Austin.

WAR

Yes, we all would like to think we know what to do during times of extreme danger such as in war or when someone is attacking us. I know it is a scary thought, but I am especially interested in women knowing what to do if they are in a situation. Be not afraid!

My Friend Wayne Key,  has been practicing Martial Arts for over 26 years and is an advanced Black Belt Instructor so he knows self defense. He is teaching a very valuable workshop this weekend and wants you to know some essentials to protect yourself. Join me in learning more!

The Essentials of Self Defense

This Sunday May 5, 2013

Time: 2-5pm

Location: Center for Music Therapy

2700 West Anderson Lane

Suite 119

Austin, TX 78757

Register by calling: 512-471-5016

http://www.centerformusictherapy.com

Price: $40 two people for  $60 so bring a friend! I hope to see you there

 PEACE

Wayne’s instruction is mostly about peaceful practices these days (Except for the occasional Self Defense Seminar). Tai Chi is an ancient calming and focusing practice which improves your health by increasing your Chi. It is self defense for stress! If you practice Tai Chi, you will decrease your tendency to react to stress, improve your breath control, balance and health in many ways. Check out Wayne Key’s website for lots of articles. http://taichifitness.info/

 I like Tai Chi movement because of it’s gentle movements that get energy moving in the body (that is the Chi part)

Here is Wayne Key demonstrating a sample of the Yang 10 form.

http://youtu.be/-iE0zRacAyU

With more than 26 years of training and degrees in both Psychology and Philosophy, Wayne specializes in Tai Chi based fitness and renewal. He believes that the Yin and Yang approach of Tai Chi reflects the whole person. This perspective informs his approach to understanding our bodies and our lives.  Wayne’s perspective is neither Eastern nor Western but rather it is a fully rounded approach that incorporates both perspectives in the classes that he teaches so that your experience in wholeness and wellness as a result.

Wayne’s depth of knowledge about this form has extensive benefits referenced and listed on his website  (see below).  So if you ever were looking into Tai Chi for a restorative health practice, then check out Wayne Key and his classes.

May you always live in peace or know what to do in War!

Michelle

The “experts” are no longer recommending slogging through hours of cardio to see results. In fact, a recent study published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology found that 15 minutes of a circuit-style resistance training elevated metabolism for a full THREE days! And that’s only from 15 minutes!

Other studies have found similar results with interval style workouts as short as 4 minutes producing dramatically more fat loss than long, extended bouts of cardio. No more hours on the treadmill or elliptical or other fancy cardio equipment. If you love to run go for it, I am all about you feeling great, but if you are like me, I become easily bored on the treadmill. I like a work out that keeps changing and challenges me to stay engaged both physically and mentally.

Here are some examples of bodyweight, short-burst exercise routines that you can try today to boost your metabolism and your fat loss results:

“Old Classic” Workout [Repeat 4 times]

• Stretch and warm up
• 30 seconds of bodyweight squats
• 30 seconds of push ups OR plank
  (Start modified ie inclined on chair, couch our wall until your form is perfect and you can get through the 30 sec)
• 30 seconds jumping jacks ( you can do step outs if Jacks are too much pounding)
• 30-60sec rest between cycles. Repeat 4 times.

Sweat Lightning Workout 

• 100 Jumps (iumping jacks OR jump rope)
  
• 20 Squats
• 10 Burpees
  Modified Version: stand then place hands on ground or bench, step out to plank, then step up, come back to standing)
  Advanced Version: Standing to frog squat, jump to plank, jump back to squat and jump back to standing
• 10 Pushups
• 1min Plank

Look for my up-coming videos where I’ll demo these work-outs! You can sweat along with me. What do you have to lose? It’s only 5 min. Everyone has 5 min.

The Sugar Busters is a fantastic way to get a hold of your cravings and lose them for good. This simple process of keeping your Sugar levels even resets your metabolism! This really works! I am a sugar cravin’ sweetie if you ever saw one, but in my 40′s I have seen the ravages of my sweet tooth abuse.  So I have cleaned up the sugar in my diet and have lost pounds around the middle to show for it.  If you want to kick the sugar habit, I have the perfect tool and community for you!

Are you on board?

Interested in taking action today? Contact me to order your Jumpstart Kit. You need to order by this Thursday 3/22/13 to have what you need to push the reset button! You will be on your way to a more healthy you!

To sign up-Go here and sign up at the bottom of the page:  http://www.michellewald.com/services/sugar-buster/

Join me, Dr Deb And Dr Karen on the road to a new you without the sugar craving baggage to deal with. Get this free Guidebook and much more with the side benefit of looking great in your bathing suit too!  We will support your process on an online forum and teach you many ways to improve your lifestyle and health.

If you need more information-follow this link to Learn more about it here:

http://www.michellewald.com/services/sugar-buster/

I am grateful for all the information out there about breast cancer awareness. But what does that mean when we seem to focus only on finding breast cancer, not preventing it? Large health organizations aren’t doing a lot to promote prevention, but that doesn’t mean you can’t educate yourself.

Sunny Markham,  is a licensed massage therapist from Texas. Her great passion is helping women learn how to keep their breasts healthy and beautiful. Her product is a powerful oil formula from India, known as “Pomegranate Breast Toner,” that women have been self massaging their breasts with for centuries to keep them healthy and toned.

I asked her to write a guest post for my blog with advice on Preventative Breast Health.

……………………………………………………………………………

Experience Natural Breast Health and Beauty!
by Sunny Markham

The US has the largest rate of Breast Cancer in the world. I believe this is because the carcinogens in our environment are so pervasive that they are overloading our lymphatic systems.

Carcinogens are Everywhere in Our Culture.

Toxic substances began collecting in our bodies even before we are born.Our pregnant mothers ate and drank them, slept in a bed that was full of them, wore them as makeup, and breathed them daily. After we were born, they washed our little bottoms with them. Then, we ourselves added to the mix with a lifetime of pesticides, artificial hormones, preservatives, environmental poisons, etc.

Our Lymphatic Systems are Exhausted

Our lymphatic system is designed to cleanse toxic and cellular waste from our bodies, protect our cells, and supply nutrients and oxygen necessary for our healthy cell reproduction. But because most people’s bodies contain tremendous amounts of toxins, there is only so much cleansing our lymph can do before it gets overloaded. The surplus toxins migrate to our fat cells to be stored until they can be (hopefully) removed by the lymph.

With Our Lymph-nodes Overwhelmed, Our Breasts are Full of Toxins

Our breasts are essentially two envelopes of glandular tissue. By design, they are appendages that hang on our chest wall, consisting of approximately 80% fat. The excess toxins migrate to our breast fat, where they’re trapped by gravity, tight bras, and lack of movement. Because the natural lymphatic movement is suppressed, the cells, which are heavy laden with toxins, don’t get cleansed or nourished. Over the years, these toxins pool up and stagnate, thus increasing the risk of breast disease.

Now what can you do about it?

Lymphatic massage is a very effective in draining excess fluid and stuck substances that may increase inflammatory conditions. I teach this self care modality in addition to selling my therapeutic pomegranate breast oil. These practices have made a difference for me personally.  Consider this one self care regimin for your girls. Each bottle of Pomegranate Breast Oil comes with a self breast massage booklet with clear sequential instructions, so order yours today!

I’ve loved the healing science of Ayurveda for years, and decided to personally handcraft this remarkable oil in Austin after reading about the extensive recent scientific research that indicates pomegranate peel (or rind) may protect against breast cancer. I want to make the power of this healing solution available to women everywhere. I call my product “Earthsong Pomegranate Breast Oil” and brew it with great love and careful adherence to Ayurvedic tradition and the “Pomegranate Breast Toner” formula, using only certified organic pomegranate peel and certified mustard seed oil. After the brewing, I apply an aromatic chord of amber, frankincense, myrrh, sandalwood and cedarwood. The final product is an exquisite, non-staining, all natural massage oil with a healing power and energy your breasts will love.

Experience Natural Breast Health and Beauty!

“Our simple, all natural program can reduce your breast cancer risk. It can relieve breast pain and fibrocystic lumps. It can also lift sagging breasts and restore them to their natural beauty. Natural Breast Care is a joy to practice, and it works!”

– Sunny Markham, Breast Health Educator

Get yours today here: Website: Earthsong Pomegranate Breast Oil www.pomegranatebreastoil.com or you can get some from me at your next Aston-Patterning® session and I will walk you through the process.

Twitter: twitter.com/surayamarkham

Facebook : 

www.facebook.com/pages/Earthsong-Pomegranate-Breast-Oil

YOU ARE INVITED! 

Everyone is talking about functional fitness, but what is that really?  Is it about throwing tractor tires around or could it be about learning  how to move with ease and grace in your body.  I believe Aston® Fitness can give you both and so you are able to do all the things you wish to do.  Aston® Fitness concepts will enhance any fitness program and give you the tools for optimal form.  It is HOW you do it which makes the difference!

Attend a FREE Aston® Fitness class Monday, Feb 25, 6:30-7:30pm at AOMA-

Just show up and check it out! https://aoma.edu/calendar/event/1911/

If you have been waiting for this Aston ® Fitness class Starting Monday,  March 4, 6:30-7:30pm,

Register here : https://aoma.edu/product/aston-fitness-sp13

I  am co-teaching this class with Eve Chenu,  so you will have twice the attention to find your best body with Aston® Fitness techniques!

All levels welcome.

See you there!

Michelle Wald

Mostly I am thankful for my clients, for trusting me to help resolve your aches and pains using the Aston Kinetics system. You trust in the idea that your body has knowledge and you can participate in the healing process.

I appreciate your commitment to your health and well-being. In honor of that appreciation I wanted to give everyone, (even future clients) $20 off your next session! This coupon may not be combined with other offers and is valid until December 28, 2012.

This offer is for one session until the end of the year. You must bring this coupon with you to redeem your gift. If you think a friend may need my help, you may forward this info to them explaining how this work helped you and why you think they may benefit. I would be happy to give my usual free phone consultation.

I also wanted to remind you of your 50% off session for all current clients in honor of your birthday! Sign up here on my website and you may use it within your birthday month.

Blessings to you and your family, Have a wonderful holiday season and Happy New Year.

Michelle

To decrease the consequences of an injury, I recommend to move gently and frequently. Don’t stress or push your self, stay within the available range of motion. But don’t baby yourself either. Sitting on the couch or pampering yourself too much can make the injury worse. Add in small movements throughout the day after you have used the RICE method.  (This doesn’t apply to broken or torn injuries. If you have any doubt always consult a doctor).

Let’s say you have a back injury. You pulled your back out lifting up a heavy box or from an unexpected but loving jump into your arms from a child. First use RICE techniques to decreasing inflammation, and keep your back still for a day or so. Rest on your back with a pillow under knees, or on your side with a pillow between your knees to support the injury.  However, if you lay there for too long you may have a difficult time getting up.

If the injury is mild and you don’t need to go to the doctor, consider the following. Most people think resting is lying down on a comfy couch for days or weeks at a time. Resting is relative. For a back problem this is one of the worst things you could do. The slouchy couch poses a positional challenge at best, and creating more weakness and pain at worst. With back injuries in particular you should not be still too long, frequent movement within your tolerance is crucial to proper healing. Unless you are unable, getting up and walking around every hour or two for 5-10 min will actually loosen things up. as your muscles will have tightened up.  Plus for every week in bed  you will lose 1 muscle strength grade!

Because we normally sit for long periods of time we think it is normal to do so. Spines in particular do not like it much especially injured ones. Often it is not until the person gets up that they feel pain or consequence of sitting. Unfortunately people take this wrong, thinking that it is the getting up that is the problem and they sit back down and stay there. In reality the sitting is the problem.  This mismanagement of your back increases risk for delayed healing, disability and increase incidence of re-injury.

Bottom line, just because your injured doesn’t mean you need to stay down. You need to be proactive in your movement and care of your body! If your pain lasts more than a week, get some help. Sometimes you just need a good massage. Other times you need more skill, like a PT, a gentle chiropractor, or your friendly neighborhood Aston-Kinetics practitioner: info@michellewald.com. 

As a Physical Therapist and bodyworker for over 20 years I have learned a thing or two about what injured or inflamed tissue feels like under my hands. There are 2 kinds of inflammation. The first is acute inflammation, this is what happens when you trip on the sidewalk and stub your toe. Repsonding to heal your toe, your immune system jumps to attention. acute inflammation feels warm or even hot, becomes swollen, and you may become immobilized in the area for a while depending on the severity. With rest, ice, and elevation acute inflammation resolves within a day or two and then you are on your merry way. No real damage… maybe at worst you may lose a toenail.

The second type of Inflammation is chronic inflammation which is more widespread and systemic because the body is in a more overall state of inflammation over long periods of time. The immune system is generally “on alert” and perhaps even over-active. The body sort of over reacts, even a little increase activity is met with a smothering amount of response from your own body. There is more and more evidence that chronic inflammation is an underlying factor in most chronic diseases including Arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and Cancer.

There is a lot of individual variation of why people are in chronic inflammation and many complex systems at work, but there are things you can do to help with this underlying problem. A shift in life style with small consistent choices could make a huge difference in the amount of inflammation you experience.

5 things that you can do to decrease chronic inflammation:

1. A gentle Daily movement practice (Qi Gong, Thai Chi, Restorative Yoga, Walking)
2. Eat Lean and Green with minimally processed foods (Low Glycemic):
   Inflammation begins on the cellular level. One of the contributing factors many believe to chronic inflammation is oxidative stress. Oxidative stress happens when the body “over reacts” to a perceived injury or disease, and begins attacking itself- aging and damaging the cell. Part of helping your body recover from this cellular process starts with fueling it with proper nutrition and antioxidant supplements.Diets high in processed foods and sugar aggravate the oxidative stress response. Want to break your own carb cycle? Check out my The Sugar Roller Coaster  blog post  and Sugar Busters RESET Class
3. Supplement with high quality nutritionals to support your cellular function
4. Drink Water-lots
5. Decrease Stress (or your response to it! Breathe deep folks, meditate, pray) Massage can help your body feel better today by improving circulation, decreasing swelling and generally, dealing with adhered tissue. Gives you a sense of ease and well being in your body. Check out Why I Love Massage.

It is my mission to help as many people as possible to Age gracefully and active.

“We live too Short and die too long”- Dr Wentz

I hope this helps, Contact me if you have any questions or are interested in shifting your lifestyle or just want a massage to help you feel better today.

“The Rocking Step” is a small movement piece that can be a big change in your life. It translate the balance and ease of a standing yoga posture into  a simple act like walking down the street.

If you aren’t familiar with Aston Kinetics posture, please read my post on Posture From the Bottom Up and watch Judith’s video on Posture Symmetry  below. 

Watch this video on YouTube.

So how does understanding your body’s symmetry and posture help you move with ease? Aston Kinetics teaches us that even when still, our body isn’t static. Our bodies are built to be in motion. The Rocking Step  puts Aston Kinetics posture into practice by focusing on dynamic balance during motion.  It breaks walking down into its elemental parts, giving you a chance to focus on each part of your walk and train your muscles. This is a great exercise for anyone who feels off balance.

Stand in front of a mirror and try it out:

1) First, take a small step forward.

2) Now shift your body forward over your foot. The middle of your chest should be aligned with your front foot. Try NOT to lean sideways or rotate your chest.

3) You should feel yourself balancing on the front leg only. Try releasing your weight from the back leg. What happens? If you are in balance, your posture over your front leg should remain the same.

4) Once you find your balance, pause there for a moment. Feel into the balance and adjust. (Note: If you have poor balance, stand next to a chair or a wall for support)

5) Now shift your weight to the back foot.

That is one rocking step! Repeat several times on both sides. It may feel different on the left side versus the right side. That’s okay. Our bodies tend to have asymmetrical strength.

6) Once you feel confident with shifting your weight from the back to the front foot, try taking a full step forward. Because you are balanced on your front foot, the back foot should want to move forward. Allow the leg to swing forward and transfer your weight as the foot lands. Remain aware of your balance. Repeat until the movement feels smooth. Then do it in reverse.

This exercise may feel silly or even too subtle to be doing anything, but trust me it is. And the more you repeat this exercise, the more balance and muscle memory you gain!  Practicing the Rocking Step can improve agility for any exercise where you shift balance or change directions on your feet.

Try to find ease in your motions. Find your best balance.