Update: Where to find me now....(2/2014)

I've been asked to write a weekly column for "The Alternative Press of Randolph":

Fitness, Wellness & Health from Jodi's "Core"ner.

If you enjoyed my blog please look for my weekly column and stay healthy to the core!

Stay tuned...New Power2TheCore web page under construction!

Hi friends, hoping you are well 'to the core'!

Sorry for any inconvenience, but I have decided to phase out this blog and am in the process of designing a new web page that I hope to have ready by early Fall '13.

Please continue to follow me on my 

Facebook Page:

Power2TheCore 

(for daily fitness, health, wellness, motivational tips & information)

I will post both here & my Facebook page the new web-address once it's up & ready.

THANK YOU for your patience and support! 

Ahhhh summer...see you friends/blog followers in September! xo

Summer's here & as much as I enjoy blogging, I've decided a little more "me" time is healthier for my "core".

Big thanks for your support & for following me - I hope you'll continue to soon after I'm back sometime after Labor Day in September.  

Please note: you can also still find me on my Facebook page: Power2TheCore.

Please "like" it to receive Power2TheCore info or to contact me.

Here's to a healthy, safe & fun summer friends!! xo

Character!

When faced with challenges, learn how to "surf the waves"

This is very true friends.

When times get tough and you are faced with challenges. learn how to "surf the waves"!!

Failure...another direction...

I love this & wanted to share:

"Failure is life just trying to move us in another direction."

~ Oprah Winfrey '13

Healthy "to the Core" (...YES you CAN!!)

You have to believe to achieve!  As I've said in past posts but it's worth repeating: remember your core is not only keeping your body/center "physically fit", I believe to stay healthy to the core you also need to keep your "mind" fit!  You need to condition it just like you do your body.  You need to have a healthy mind and spirit in order to achieve your goals.  Nothing comes easy.  You must work for what you want.  So set a goal.  Stay positive, focused and believe in yourself!!  Your choice--choose wisely...YES you CAN!!

The cure for anything...

My favorite place to be is sitting at the edge of the sea...To me there truly is no better place to be!! 

(I do believe it is the cure for anything!)

THANK YOU to those that served/serve our country!

I wanted to say THANK YOU (especially on this Memorial Day weekend) to the men & women that serve &/or have served our country.  

Pictured below are a few of my family members that have served.

The 1st photo is my dearly missed maternal grandfather, Paul Bloom. 

The 2nd photo is my paternal uncle, Angelo Rozzo, whom I never met as he was lost at sea while serving.  

Thank you all for your courage & bravery!!!

Keep going!

(Photo courtesy: Jillian Michaels '13)

Stronger than the storm (--yes you/we are!!)

While I was on the treadmill this morning I had the tv on.  Mixed in with all the updates and sad news footage of devastated Oklahoma, a commercial for my home state of NJ came on.  It showed our beautiful beaches---where of course, just a few months ago we too had our own devastation thanks to hurricane Sandy.  It instantly reminded me that even though there was devastation, there was also "beauty" --people, often strangers, pulling together when it was needed the most.  Neighbors friends, complete strangers all supporting one another, all wanting to help one another get through the storms challenging, exhausting aftermath.

And seeing on tv the massive destruction in Oklahoma one has to wonder "where and how do they begin?"  

But this morning's commercial reminded me that we thought the same just months ago of our beloved & treasured shore region (hence the "Restore the Shore" campaign).  Of course it won't ever be the same (& sadly many of our fondest childhood memories have been taken from us so quickly) but as the commercial this morning brought to light "it's been fixed" and WILL be open for business & pleasure this summer. 

It will certainly take quite some time for Oklahoma to recover but I pray it "heals" as we here in NJ have...STRONGER THAN THE STORM!!

 

(Credits: Photos & slogans courtesy State of NJ "Resore the Shore" '12 & "Stronger Than the Storm '13)

Thoughts & prayers Oklahoma

Just the other day I posted on this blog a gorgeous photo of a butterfly on a big, bright, happy sunflower.  Days later I posted another of an amazing rainbow circling the sun in the afternoon sky....Yesterday a massive & ugly tornado torments Oklahoma.  It amazes me how Mother Nature can be so beautiful, yet so very destructive and how life can change so drastically in a blink. 

It certainly makes one realize that we should really enjoy & be thankful for what we have, when we have it!

Never take anything for granted.  

Stop & admire the bright sunflowers, smell the roses, love those around you, make peace with your past---it's absolutely worth the time!  

Thoughts & prayers to all those affected in Oklahoma.

Choose exercise over food when stressed!

This attached graphic is so true!!! 

Typically we reach for food when we need "comfort".  However exercise truly helps relieve stress and anxiety--trust me, it's been a HUGE help to me during some very difficult times! For me, I find a 45 minute run on the treadmill, along with some good music, incredibly lifts my spirits & clears my head--truly the best therapy ever!!  (There's a reason they call it "runner's high"!)

So the next time you need a "lift", don't turn to food as your pick-me-up.  Instead make the healthier choice---choose exercise...Both mind & body will be glad you did!!!

Good deeds

Rainbow AROUND the sun (Halo effect)

Wikipedia states:

A halo (from Greek ἅλως; also known as animbus, icebow or gloriole) is an optical phenomenon produced by ice crystals creating colored or white arcs and spots in the sky. Many are near the sun or moon but others are elsewhere and even in the opposite part of the sky. They can also form around artificial lights in very cold weather when ice crystals called diamond dust are floating in the nearby air.

Here are some pictures of the rainbow around the sun (taken with my iphone on 5/14/13).  Was awesome to see this in the sky and it lasted over an hour!!

You are what you eat!!

Next time you're about to pull into that fast food drive thru consider this:

The difference between 'interest' & 'commitment'

I find this true in many aspects of our  lives, not just fitness:

Happy Mother's Day (24/7)

It's the toughest, yet most rewarding & BEST job in the world--one I'm blessed to be lucky enough to have!  

Happy Mother's Day to all of you wonderful mom's!!!

Mother Nature's beautiful gifts: the sunflower & butterfly

My friend's friend took this gorgeous picture which is of 2 of my favorite "gifts" from Mother Nature: the sunflower & the butterfly.

Did you know that the Sunflower symbolizes: honesty, happiness, ambition, faith, longevity, good luck, confidence?

The butterfly symbolizes transformation & in the end the butterfly is glorious!

One of my favorite sayings was by Thoreau:

"Happiness is like a butterfly:  The more you chase it, the more it will elude you.  But if you turn your attention to other things it will come and sit softly on your shoulder."   

So this picture, which has captured both the sunflower & butterfly so beautifully, I wanted to share with you....hoping you too see & enjoy their combined beauty & important "hidden" meanings/messages.

Photo by Amanda Manley

Taken in Maryland 8/'12

Everyone you meet plays a role in your life....Who brings out the best in you?

When opportunity knocks-open the door and TAKE it!!

Yesterday I taped another television fitness segment, this time the topic: "fitness tips during pregnancy" (the host pictured here is 7 months pregnant). Surprisingly today a friend asked me "did you get paid?" My response "no".
Her next question "so why do it?" It took me off-guard that someone would even think this way---really? So I answered "when opportunity knocks, you TAKE it! Every opportunity can always lead to something more, possibly something even better!"

Case in point: this was the 4th TV show in less than 1 year that I have been asked to appear on as a fitness professional. If I had said "no" the 1st time for the other appearances, just because I wasn't getting paid, I can pretty much bet that the rest most likely would never have happened. Not only that, in addition to other things, they've helped me increase my business, as well as traffic on my blog!

Most importantly, the best "bonus" has been how it's benefited my kids.  They have seen mom do something that she has never done before and see that if you work hard enough you CAN make things happen! They have learned that when something is offered to you (even if you're not getting paid) it's important to look at it as an OPPORTUNITY--just go for it!  If you don't take them as they come you may never get a 2nd chance. And having my kids see & learn this life lesson early on in their lives is worth more than ANY dollar received! (Besides, they now think mom is "famous" lol and how can I not smile and be so proud of that?! Priceless!!)

Friends, remember that when opportunity knocks NEVER close the door...take it!!

Got Quac? Here's an easy, heart healthy recipe for today's Cinco deMayo celebration

                                
                                     Happy Cinco de Mayo! 
What Cinco de Mayo celebration would be complete without guacamole?
Did you know that avocados are a heart healthy treat? So what better way (& day!) to enjoy them?
Here's a simple guacamole recipe (note: although this recipe below doesn't include it, you can also add some diced tomato too to add to the "healthy" factor!)  CELEBREMOS!

"Inner Strength"

I love this graphic so I wanted to share it with you.  Often the only thing that truly clears my head is a great workout-one where I really sweat! 
And it always surprises me, the days I'm not 'in the mood' to go for a run/workout, somehow those turn out to be the days that I find it most gratifying...my inner strength is renewed & heightened. Those are especially the days I realize I do this for ME (like the graphic above states, not a dress size or losing some pounds...although that's definitely a plus!)
And it's nice to know that no matter what the rest of the day brings, no one can take that feeling from me---I earned it!

Next time you need that "inner strength" boost I suggest you go workout...even sweat a little (or a lot!)  Clear your head and find your inner strength.  I'll bet you'll feel exactly what I'm talking about! 

Rinse your produce!

Did you know, according to Government researchers, you should scrub fresh produce for
at least 30 seconds to remove the residue? If you aren't buying organic (which will minimize your pesticide exposure) you should rinse all of your fruits & veggies before eating them!

Fitness Magazine's May 2013 issue states: "The pesticide residue on them aren't only bad for your overall health, but can also keep your calorie-burning 'machine' from performing at its peak...in an International Journal of Obesity study, dieters with the highest levels of pollutants in their bodies had markers of slower metabolism than those with the lowest levels." The article goes on to say that according to lead author Angelo Tremblay, Ph.D., a professor of kinesiology at Laval University in Canada "Pesticides may affect your thyroid's ability to function and there's also evidence that they can harm the functioning of mitochondria, the parts of a cell that convert fuel into energy."

A good, homemade way to clean most of your produce:
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 cup of water
*Mix it all together & soak. Then give it a good rinse after.



Credit: Fitness Magazine, May 2013

Live while you're alive!!

Isn't this the truth?!? 

Think about it: days turn into weeks, weeks into months--but are you enjoying your life or letting time slip by and not really "alive"?

With all the distractions life brings us it's not easy, but we do need to try and enjoy each day & live our lives to the fullest--never regretting things that we should have done, could have done.  Try to carve out at least a little time during your busy week to enjoy the things that mean the most to you....Go live while you're alive!!

 

How fit are you?

Just how fit are you?

According to new research, an easy way to tell just how fit you are is as follows:
Sit on the floor and stand up WITHOUT using your hands.
Can you do it? (Yes, I am happy to say that I can!)

As stated by lead study author Claudio Gil Araujo, M.D., Ph.D. in Fitness Magazine's May 2013 issue: "non-aerobic fitness components, like flexibility, balance and muscle strength, help with performing everyday tasks". So it's not just about how fast you can bike or run or how many pull-ups you can do--the other components are just as important in judging your overall fitness!

Suggestions if you need to work on this "fitness test": plank!! As I've said it past posts, they're multi-taskers and really work that core strength. They work deep under your abs, into the hips & back as well as other areas ---so get planking! Also add in some squats & bridges. And don't forget your stretches-they too are important in your overall fitness routine!!
(PS: if you didn't pass the "stand test" give it a few weeks & try it again. Even if you can't make it all the way up, maybe you've improved week to week. Don't give up!)


Credit: Fitness Magazine, May 2013

Mother Nature's gym (Earth Day)

Love this one, so sharing:
"Mother Nature's got a beautiful gym...use it!!"
~ Jillian Michaels

7 days in the week.."someday" isn't 1!

It's Sunday-fresh start to the new week ahead. So make today THAT day-the day you start to turn that dream/vision into a reality! It won't just "happen"-YOU need to make it happen. And not just "someday"...make it TODAY!

Look how far you've gotten vs how far you have to go!

Is your fitness obstacle "TIME"?

 

"I just don't have the time to workout!"  Almost all of us have said this before so don't feel guilty, you're not alone.  When life is so busy (which whose isn't these days?!?) that's typically what we'll say and then ditch the workout. 

TIME is our most precious resource--we need to use it wisely!

It's not what we say that's a priority, but what we actually DO that's a priority!

Don't put everything else first then skip what is important, set your priorities and analyze where your precious time is going.  Your priorities, whether you say so or not, are where YOU choose to spend those hours.  YOU need to make the most of YOUR time!   When we minimize the things that really are not that important, we can make more room for those that are important!  So if you say "I want to workout, I just do not have the time" that tells me that exercising isn't your priority.  Here's a little homework: for a few days journal your "time" by writing down how much is spent on the computer, in front of the television, surfing the internet, reading a magazine, shopping, etc.  I bet you'll be very surprised at how you spend some of your 'valuable' time! 

 

How to overcome the "I don't have the time to workout" obstacle?  You don't need to spend a LOT of time actually exercising to get (or stay) fit.  Instead, find "pockets" of time each day.  According to Michelle Cleere, PhD., a psychologist in Oakland who specializes in sports performance "Too many people think that unless they go to the gym 7 days a week for an hour a day, they're not doing anything....that's not the case".

You need a PLAN and make every minute count!  I suggest you try working in "intervals".  Often referred to in the fitness industry as HIIT training (or High Intensity Interval Training).  Studies have shown that shorter workouts can be just as effective as longer ones if they include intervals, followed by short periods of recovery.  Therefore you are working harder in less time!

 

If you're not up to a high intensity type workout then try using the machines.  "The most effective calorie burners are machines that require you to move the majority of your weight yourself" says Pete McCall, an exercise psychologist with the American Council on Exercise.  An example: if you're on the treadmill, get it up to a challenging incline (try 5% -- or higher if that's too easy) vs. a flat walk or riding a stationary bike. 

 

When time is really difficult to wedge in here are some other basic suggestions (I've mentioned these before but worth repeating): take the stairs vs. the elevator, park your car further down in the lot and not close to the front doors, grab your pal and walk around the neighborhood vs. talking on the phone--you need to work in your workout! 

 

This is your valuable time you're using so be sure to use it wisely!  As I tell the folks that attend my group fitness classes "this may be the only time you actually give to yourself today (you're YOU time) so really make it count!" 

And remember: it's for your health, body, mind & spirit---so really, what better use of your precious time?! 

 

 

 

Have courage to lose sight of the shore...

I agree!

Peace.Love.Boston

Boston Marathon. What should have been a fun, positive event that ended up turning into such horrific tragedy saddens me, like everyone else, deeply.   I had several friends at the Marathon (all thankfully ok!)  Some were runners, training for many months and so excited for this "big" event!  Others were spectators, watching alongside friends, family & their children as they cheered the racers running by.  Others were volunteers and were eagerly standing by-waiting to hand out water, help sort out the medals, & hand out the runner loot bags to all those that were in the race. To hear their stories and experience yesterday saddens me. 

However, in the worst of circumstances we often find the best of mankind.  The "helpers".  Those that quickly, selflessly jump into action to aid otherwise strangers around them in a time of need-this always amazes me....Such beauty in such awful circumstances. 

Events like this make us realize that it is certainly a different world that we live in and that we must (sadly) always be "on guard".  Yet we must not live in fear.  PEACE to our world as we now know it.  Be kind to each other--one day that "stranger" may be your hero.   PEACE.....

Not sleeping well ? Here are some suggestions for a better night's sleep

Here's another reason to tone up your tummy, it may help you sleep better!

A recent John Hopkins University School of Medicine study looked at 77 overweight individuals with Type 2 Diabetes or pre-diabetes. The participants followed either a weight-loss diet or a supervised exercise routine for 6 months. At that time, the study showed that not only had they lost an average of 15% belly fat, but ALSO showed improved sleep quality!

According to the National Sleep Foundation: "just 10 minutes of exercise a day could make a difference in the duration and quality of sleep".

It's important to note that although "exercise reduces stress so its good for sleep, it also increases your body's core temperature, making it tough to drift off" says Robert Oexman, director of the Sleep to Live Institute in Joplin, MO.
A study presented to the American College of Sports Medicine found that 7am workouts improved sleep quality more than late-day exercise.  It's suggested that if you can only get a later workout in, try taking a steamy shower afterward which will cool your core down quicker, thus cuing your body that it's time to drift off.


Here are some other ways to improve your sleep:

*I'm sure you've heard this before: TURN OFF ALL GADGETS & ELECTRONICS at least 1 hour before your bedtime!  The glow of the screen is the real culprit. 
In fact, several sleep experts state "staring at the screen before bed could leave you lying awake.  That's because direct exposure to such abnormal light sources inhibits the body's secretion of melatonin."

*Avoid caffeine (including cola, chocolate, coffee, etc).  Caffeine lingers in your system for up to 12 hours!

*Avoid drinking too much liquid prior to bed as it will likely cause you to wake to use the bathroom in the middle of the night. 

*Did you know that aesthetics makes a difference?
Maybe it's time to upgrade your mattress, pillow, sheets &/or sleeping conditions.   And when you wake in the morning, just like your mom may have told you : "make your bed!"  According to the National Sleep Foundation: 44% of people who make their beds daily report snoozing more soundly than those who don't.  Further research shows that a messy room can make you feel more stressed and restless. 
So get straightening & catch some more zzz's!

*Studies suggest turning your thermostat to approx. 65F
(plus or minus 5 degrees).  According to Pete Bils, vice chair of the Better Sleep council "that's the range in which your body can stay comfortable without having to do anything, like shiver to heat itself up or perspire to cool down."  Makes sense right?!

*It's been said that the scent of lavender helps aid sleep.


So now you have some tips for a better night's sleep.  Try them and see if they help you any and here's wishing you a GOOD night's rest!

Don't complicate life!

These days our lives are so busy, so why complicate them more then they already are? Keep it simple! Also take a minute to stop & think about what is special to you & GO FOR IT! Say what you want to say to someone, do what you've always wanted to do-don't hold back today because no one knows what tomorrow will bring! Often we forget to live in the moment. We need to recognize that we have just 1 life, keep it simple & that we CAN make it very special!

Determination + the power of positive thinking = SUCCESS!

This is so true! In order to be successful, one must keep their eye on the prize. Stay determined, focus on what lies ahead and never give up the fight!
It may take time, but it WILL be worth it!!

Food for thought

Something to be mindful of when making food choices:

Ahhhh...Saturday!

Just do it!

So true---Just do it!!

I choose HAPPINESS!