Starr, Author at Grunts and Glam

Detroit is currently experiencing a resurgence, which is causing the area to attract a huge number of travelers to the comeback city. Whether business is what lures you or pleasure, consider taking a moment out to visit one of the local spas during your trip. Between shuffling between planes, and walking around–I found myself needing a few hours at the spa to relax and release stress. Nothing produces maximum productivity and clarity more than a good ole fashion massage and rub down. Find three Detroit spas to consider while visiting below:

The MGM Grand

The MGM Grand not only provides lodging and gambling at the in-house casino, they are also home to the Immerse Spa. Designed as an adult’s only spa, they promote peace and tranquility by eliminating cell phones in a smoke free environment. The Immerse Spa offer’s every service you can think of and as a bonus to hotel guest they also do in-room visits.

1777 Third Street Detroit, MI 48226

The Woodhouse Day Spa

The Woodhouse Day Spa, listed as being a “Wellness Sanctuary,” is a Detroit staple that creates an oasis that attacks stress and leaves you in a euphoric state of mind. As soon as you cross over the threshold your personal concierge comes out to greet you, then escorts you to your room for your choice of facials, massages, and body scrubs to name a few.

1447 Woodward Avenue Detroit, Michigan 48226

Tamara Spa

Our final location has been voted as the best spa in Michigan, and is frequented by traveling celebrities such as Anita Baker, Barbara Streisand, and Tim Allen to name a few. Tamara Spa has been serving the community of Detroit for over 15 years, and was named by Vogue Magazine as the best spa for body treatments. Their menu includes services that cover every inch of your body and soul.

32520 Northwestern Hwy, Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334

Whether you need to step away from the stress of work, want to have a day out with the girls, or a tourist needing a reprieve, Detroit Michigan aims to bring you back to Zen with one of their many spas. Once you’re done, be sure to check out one of their many restaurants and museums in the area. The comeback city of Detroit is a cultural center with many hidden gems just waiting for you to discover.

This article was written by Kitty Bradshaw | Website | Instagram | FaceBook | Twitter

Food

Good Gluten Free French Toast and Other Special Diet Deliciousness

ByStarr

Once upon a time ago I discovered that gluten sensitivity was causing many uncomfortable symptoms that initially made me believe that I had stomach cancer. Dramatic. I know; but it was that bad. I wrote all about that gluten intolerance drama for Ebony so read that saga when you get the chance but not before you hear me out here.

Many people, when they hear the phrase “gluten free,” self included, get disappointed as all the things they won’t be able to eat anymore starts flashing before their eyes. I have had some slip ups since making that discovery earlier this year because sometimes many times gluten free food tastes gluten free, which isn’t good. You get bread and pastries that crumbles to the touch, rendering them useless, there may be too much sodium used, too much butter, etc–all of which are obviously frustrating.

What I’ve discovered in my gluten free life is that everything you eat in that vein is trial and error. Some things will be really good substitutes, and others not so much. For a long time, I thought I’d have to give up bread because I hadn’t found a brand that I liked until a representative from Glutino contacted me about trying their products with no strings attached. That was one brand I hadn’t tried at the time so I decided to go for it.

I was sent pretzels, pancake mix, various types of crackers, cookies various types of bread and pancake mix. My favorites from that lot were the bread, the cookies and the crackers (cheddar and original premium rounds) but the bread was the real star of the show! I sampled their seeded bread, cinnamon raisin bread, white bread and multigrain bread. I liked each type but the seeded bread was my favorite. It’s enhanced with poppy, flax and sunflower seeds for more fiber and nutritional goodness, and it makes for a killer French toast, see the photo above.

I already make good French (not to brag but facts are facts lol) but going back to that crumbly bread problem that seems to plague gluten free products, it started to seem like something I’d have to give up cooking because, you know, you have to dip it in that milky/egg mix, but the Glutino bread that I sampled withstood the pressure and I rejoiced. Again, it also tastes really good. There’s something about eating a slice of bread that just makes you feel whole.

Like I said, the seeded bread is my favorite but it’s really just a matter of preference so I encourage you to try the brand.

Here’s a random sandwich made with the white bread, also yummy.

And then there were pancakes…

I had discovered another brand of gluten free pancakes that I actually enjoy even more than the standard pancakes that I used to eat, so I thought that I had found the end all be all with them and was skeptical about trying Glutino’s mix but I did it and again, I am pleased. They make it really simple. Everything you need is in the container so you just add water, shake and cook.

The verdict is that they turned out to be yummy and fluffy goodness. You can adjust the amount of liquid you add to suit your needs depending on your desired level of thickness. I like my pancakes somewhere in between thick and thin so that the edges come out crispy.

In related news, I got fancy with a couple of the pancakes by adding a scoop of powdered chocolate protein for an extra boost.

The downside to the pancake mix is that it doesn’t yield as much as the standard. It was fine for my husband and I and actually lasted us Saturday and Sunday, the only days of the week that we eat pancakes (once the mix is open you need to finish it within a couple of days). If you have a big family this might not be the most economical option but it’s definitely delicious. My husband, who doesn’t have to be gluten free, and won’t eat that way unless he has to, even enjoyed these products, especially the cookies, which he devoured most of while I was away on a business trip, but I digress.

Since trying and enjoying most of these samples, I have purchased items from the brand on my own including the brownie mix and breakfast bars, both of which I liked. The point is, this is a brand you may want to consider trying in your gluten free adventures.

Disclaimer: I was not compensated or even urged to write this post for Glutino.

Interviews

Grunty Crush of the Week: Tracy G of Sway in the Morning

ByStarr

These days you may know Tracy G as co-host of Sway in the Morning but in another life, she was a burgeoning writer at Vibe magazine, where we met. She is a feisty potty-mouthed Scorpio who is creative, unique, blunt, thoughtful and exceptionally cognizant of her actions, words and intentions (and I love her for being this way, unapologetically). She is also a fan of the fit life so I caught up with her to get a glimpse of how working out fits into her busy life and how she finds zen in a chaotic industry.

How and when did being active become an important part of your life?

The first time I ever gravitated towards fitness was in middle school when my mother gifted herself with some Tae Bo tapes. I wanted to be more than just a cheerleader for the madre so I joined her in the living room for fun, but then quickly became a Billy Blanks disciple! That led to Tae Bo sleepovers and by the time college hit I was leading Tae Bo Tuesdays and Thursdays in my dorm lounge. Weird I know. (Editor’s note: See what I’m saying about her uniqueness? Lol).

Honestly, working out appealed to me because I could be loud, aggressive, say weird things, listen to loud music, feel amazing, straighten out my life and look awesome all in on session. Of course I’ve fallen off at different periods of my life for different reasons, but to my close circle of friends, I’ve always been known as the go-to chick for questions about getting in shape so, the pressure’s sorta always on, which is a good and wack thing.

What are some of your primary ways of getting fit and why do they appeal to you?

Right now I am hella into boxing. Shout out to my friend and trainer Percell! I just like ninja activity man! I like physical activities that require a high level of concentration and I guess punching just comes natural to me.

But I also get bored easily so need a great amount of switch-ups and some fake competition. That’s why Crunch is my favorite gym, there’s just a flurry of awesome classes to choose from. Nike also offers super awesome free trainings.

What’s your diet like and how does it work for you?

Blah. I can’t wait ’til money allows me to roll into Whole Foods with a big cart whenever needed. My diet when I’m focused is usually yogurt or oatmeal in the morning, lots of tea, a mid-morning snack of like trail mix, lunch is a very diverse salad with no damn cheese (sadness) or actually I’ve been having low sodium butternut squash soup from Trader Joe’s with chicken, kale and chia seeds with a piece of Tuscan whole wheat bread a lot. And dinner I try to be completely carb free and load up on vegetables and protein. My diet works as long as I prep the night before and re-up on groceries in a timely fashion. If those things aren’t in place, it’s wrap city for me, especially during that time of the month when all I want to do is be massaged in Nutella.

The media business, especially in dealing with entertainment, can be negative and extremely draining, so how do you find you find your zen space and decompress from work?

Man is this not the darkest part of the truth! I do a lot to keep my sanity intact. Peace of mind is my biggest life priority.

Okay, so I’m not completely consistent with this, but fuck man I’m getting there… because I have to. So in the evening I try my absolute best to not fall asleep, but to go to sleep. These are two completely different things. Going to sleep means peacing out on my computer and phone at least one hour before bed to give my brain a chance to slow down. Our membrane gets confused by the LCD lighting wondering if it’s really evening or actually daytime.

So during my last hour I read something along the lines of personal development. Right now, Battlefield of the Mind by my main, Joyce Meyer is a first pick up. Then I really just talk aloud to God, show gratitude ask for security and listen to this 15min audio of affirmations for women while I detangle my weave and lotion my feet, stuff like that. Also, I’m very into aromatherapy so I light some candles marketed to the hella stressed and I drink some special chamomile tea.

In the morning, if my room is neat I will wake up extra early, if it’s a storm for some reason my body just wants to buried beneath it. Assuming the former however, my alarm clock goes off to Tony Robbins “Awaken The Giant Within” and I literally say out loud something to the effect of “Thank you God for this day, I will do my part in collaborating with you to make sure it’s the best it can be!” then I do some stretches and/or workout, meditate for like 15min, listen to my affirmations again, eat and be the fuck out.

If during the day I feel like crying, I let myself cry in private, but put a timer on it and I do a good amount of military breathing and talk God’s ear off. I also watch my beauty gurus on YouTube; makeup tutorials calm me all the way down for some reason.

This was all a lot right? I should’ve just said: candles, affirmations, prayer, reading, Tony Robbins, no technology before bed. Oh well. I enjoy scenic routes.

What are your intentions for your hashtag, #sweatwithTG?

Well I didn’t want snapshots of my workouts to be viewed as an exercise in narcissism and shallowness. The majority of folks on this planet are visual learners and so if repetition is the mother of learning… well damn Instagram is in the running for messiah of social networks. I really just wanted to create a hub within IG for folks to *join* me in building and sustaining an awesome lifestyle built on transferable energy, confidence and a nice ass. It also helps me with my own accountability lol.

What five songs do you currently turn to pump yourself up for or during a workout?

Awwww man! I feel endorphins rushing just off the thought these songs. Okay, here we go. In no particular order:

“About The Money” – T.I. ft. Young Thug
“Party Rock Anthem” – LMFAO
“Ass Drop” – Wiz Khalifa
“7/11” – Beyonce
“Go Hard” – Nicki Minaj

How do you plan to manifest the rest of your year?

Via prayer, meditation, vision boards, journaling, planning and most importantly motion.

Anything else you want to add?
For anyone who feels particularly discouraged and is dogging themselves like I sometimes do with internal conversations like “You should’ve never fallen off, now look at the work ahead of you.” Blah blah. Cut that shit out. You’re better than the version of you yesterday and you’re better than anyone whose favorite piece of equipment is a couch. Forgive yourself, then applaud yourself for getting back in the game and take the time to review what stopped your consistency in the past so you can turn a “losing” moment into a “learning” moment. And always remember, today’s challenge will one day be your warmup!

Keep up with Tracy G!

Instagram: itstracyg

Twitter: itstracyg

Sway in the Morning: M-F 8a-12p on Shade45

*All photos used with permission from Tracy G’s Instagram.

Misc

Under Armour Wants Women to Win

ByStarr

I’m super late posting this but I love Under Armour’s recent marketing campaign targeted toward women. Before I began noticing Under Armour ads featuring women like Misty Copeland, Lindsey Vonn, Gisele Bundchen, and more for its “I Will What I Want” campaign. The idea behind the campaign is that even when you are told no, you can make what you want to happen come to fruition. Copeland, for example, was rejected from a prominent ballet academy for “not having the ideal body type for ballet,” but look at her now. Each of these women in the campaign continued to work toward making their goals happen. Check out the nifty video below, where some of the company’s executive’s explain the vision behind targeting women:

Like I said, this is a late post as the campaign launched in the summer but I just had to do it. Speaking of Misty Copeland, I once got to interview her and she seems to have such an amazing spirit. You can read about that here.

Fit Life

#EmotionInMotion: How I Deal With Feeling Overwhelmed

ByStarr

I haven’t written about my emotions in a while, yet it’s therapeutic, so when I was asked to write this post either about feeling glamorous or overwhelmed for Bernadette Pleasant’s #EmotionInMotion Blog Tour along with other emotional and expressive women bloggers, I thought it would be a good idea. I am an empathic, compassionate, sensitive, highly intuitive and emotional Moon Child who knows a lot about feeling overwhelmed.

The picture you see above would be me, of course. I don’t remember much about that day, but I was about 9, it was Easter, and I was definitely overwhelmed by frustration about something. In that moment, I’m pretty sure that whatever it was that was bothering me was petty. I vaguely recall my mother telling me that I couldn’t do or have something and so, I made that face in an attempt to wish her into the cornfield. She sometimes took photos of me making that face in an effort to get me to stop. I still make that face today because I’m hard-headed, and I still get really overwhelmed by my emotions, and especially adulthood, but at least I now look at that photo and chuckle.

If I could go back in time and send that little girl a message based on what I know now, I’d tell her how much more disappointment she’d face and how much stronger she’d become because of it. I’d warn her about the anxiety and depression that she would be so easily overwhelmed by. I’d urge her to focus on things that feed her soul, especially when she’s feeling swamped by the weight of everything, and although this is cliche, I’d encourage her to not sweat the small stuff.

The grown woman that that little girl has become is still an empathic, compassionate, sensitive, highly intuitive and emotional Moon Child but it’s only now, several years later, that she is learning how to cope.

I work in media, a high pressure field that in the height of my depression in 2013, I had to take a break from because it made me want to either lash out or die, sometimes both at the same time. I was so overwhelmed by my desire to feel better and be better that I got stuck and very sick. I made no progress creatively or mentally and while I haven’t been literally suicidal, I’ve come close metaphorically. I have questioned whether I wanted to continue living. I found myself weighing the pros and cons of whether it would be worth it to get out of bed. I beat myself up about my career not going the way I had planned, or hoped. I wondered why a lot of the people I had encountered in my field were so shitty. I had grown accustomed to a culture of staff getting cursed out in meetings or being berated for looks, weight, not having enough Twitter followers and other arbitrary, trite things. I wondered why people in general were so crappy toward each other. It was a stifling phase I was in.

Eventually, tired of being deluged by so many negative feelings and tired of not wanting to participate in my life, I got therapy. I also started consistently pursuing hobbies that speak to my soul, like dance, and pole dance, being active in general, and writing for myself, not some magazine and not an audience. I’ve learned how to say no, how to prioritize, how to eliminate toxic people and environments from my life, how to stop beating myself up and how to get over being overwhelmed to the point where I’m not making progress, and I’m starting to feel better, one day at a time.

Emotions can be transformative as long as you allow yourself to feel, identify and understand. If you’re ready to further explore those feelings through movement, then keep reading to find out more about Bernadette Pleasant’s #EmotioninMotion tour.

Bernadette Pleasant, the creator of Emotion in Motion has developed a safe and sacred day-long journey that engages the mind, body and soul. Weaving together the use of music, percussions, meditation, and hands-on healing. Her January 4th workshop will create an impactful, life-changing experience for each participant! You can purchase tickets here or participate in her latest giveaway.

To enter the giveaway go to her website and leave a comment answering the following question, “When someone says you’re emotional, what does that mean to you?”

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Features

Grunty Crush of the Week: Ilov is a Sexy Beast

ByStarr

Ilov (pronounced “I love,” and yes, that is her real name) is a siren. She oozes and owns her sensuality, something I discovered the minute she started speaking. We met a couple of months ago at a Nomadness Travel Tribe meet up where she lead us wanderlusting ladies in a two hour session in Intro to Pole at S Factor. This was the most unique pole experience I had ever had because the focus wasn’t so much on doing spins and working toward tricks, it was about being present, aware of yourself and allowing the music to guide you as you moved with purpose on the floor, on the wall, on the pole–it was about taking up space and spreading your energy. I am someone who over-thinks and gets really self aware when it comes to dancing, and I have a hard time freestyling because of that. However, I left Ilov’s class feeling inspired to take more free dance type classes. It also helped that her music was amazing. Keep reading to find out how she went from a corporate job to the full time world of teaching movement.

What was your first introduction to pole dancing and how did you fall in love with it?
My introduction to pole dancing happened in 2007 when I took an intro class at Shelia Kelly’s S Factor New York and I was in love by the time the class was over. The experience of being in my body, the fun of the pole and the awesome dance demonstration by the teachers of where it all could lead had me hooked from the very beginning.

Explain how you shifted from the corporate world to teaching pole.
Initially I was doing both. I worked full time in the financial industry and taught one class a week. Then the company I worked for went under and I decided I’d had enough of the corporate world and picked up more classes. It was the best decision I ever made and I’ve never been happier in my work life.

How has pole dancing enhanced and/or changed your life?
The more obvious changes are physical. My body is more toned, more flexible and I’ve never been stronger. I also find it very difficult to ride the subway without succumbing to the urge to spin around on the poles instead of just holding on to them for support.

What makes S Factor different from other pole studios?
The biggest difference is that S Factor classes are without mirrors and the lighting is low. Slow movement is encouraged to get you out of your head and in to your body without judgement. The focus is placed on the emotional journey of your movement as well as learning pole tricks.

You mentioned that you weren’t flexible at all when you started pole dancing so how did you manage to improve?
My flexibility began to improve from just taking class once a week. I paid attention to my form and breathing into my stretch more than just trying to get through the challenging moves.

What else, if anything, do you do for conditioning and keeping yourself active?
I’m developing a yoga practice and just recently started going to the gym for cardio. While I know this will all benefit my movement, the main reason I started was to be more attentive to what my body needs in this stage of my life.

It’s obvious that you are not only a music collector, but you seem very intentional in putting together your playlist in order to invoke certain moods so, how do you find and curate your music for classes?
It feels like I get music from everywhere… movies, tv shows, students, cars blasting music on the street. Shazam is my best friend and there are a ton of forums for pole dancers to share music that works. I listen to music with my body more than with just my ears. If there’s something in the song that makes me want to move sensually then I know it’s a winner for class. When I’m making a playlist I think of it as a seduction. First I want to make you feel relaxed and comforted, then I want you to get lost in the sultriness of it all until you feel compelled to surrender to the seduction.

What are three of your favorite songs to freestyle to at the moment?
Right now I’m loving “Creeper” by The Acid; “OG Bobby Johnson” by Que–I just can’t get this song outta my system–and “Drive (Part 1)” by Ben Khan.

What’s your diet like and why does it work for you?
I don’t necessarily have a specific “diet” but I make healthy choices when I can. I’ll use raw honey instead of white sugar, drink water instead of soda, have a salad with my steak instead of fries. It all depends on my mood. I’m happier when I eat what I want so that’s what I do (in moderation). Sometimes chocolate cake is preferable to fruit.

What else are you working on (shows coming up, workshops, etc)?
Right now I’m working on the next installment to my lap dance workshop series. Lap dancing is my favorite element in sensual movement so I’m always playing with how to take it to the next level for myself and my students. Past installments were “Finding Your Comfort Zone” and “Master Moves”. The next one will involved chair to chair communication with specific intention and will launch in late January in time for Valentine’s Day.

What’s your latest pole victory whether it’s new trick or even landing a show?
I’m getting better acquainted with spinning pole. It’s been something I’ve always wanted to explore and now I’m learning to translate my static tricks and having a dizzy blast.

What’s your intention for the rest of the year?
I’m spending the rest of the year reflecting on all the blessings in my life and expressing my gratitude to those who’ve been instrumental in me receiving those blessings.

Want to take class with Ilov? Get in touch!

grate.ilov@gmail.com
FB: facebook.com/ilovgrate
Twitter: twitter.com/ilovgrate
ilovgrate.wordpress.com

Misc

Beyonce Teams up With Topshop to Release Athletic Gear

ByStarr

Beyonce teamed up with Topshop to release an athletic streetwear brand, and if the items look anything like I imagine I am excited. The brand is in the works but nothing has actually been created yet, and there aren’t many more details that what I just mentioned but check out Topshop’s CEO Sir Philip Green explaining why he chose King Bey.

I hope we see lots of sequins, because I sure would go to the gym, yoga and especially pole class (the latter is a given, though) in sequin shorts, a sweatshirt, sneakers, pants, whatever! Other imagery in my mind about what this collaboration could look like takes me back to Beyonce’s “Grown Woman” video, which was inspired by African dance and style.

Features

Grunty Crush of the Week: Nsa’s Instinctive Yoga Travels

ByStarr

Nsa Ntuk in the Nomadness Travel Tribe Group on Facebook. I posted a photo from my trip to Ghana, she commented and although what she said was simple, something about her seemed really cool and I got the urge to send her a friend request so I did. As it turns out, she’s a traveling yogini, an actress whose work spans the U.S. and Nigeria (and if you know me then you know how I feel about Nollywood), producer, founder of Proud Journey, a high consumer of raw vegan foods and much more. I caught up with the bi-coastal, internationally fly beauty to find out more about her passion for yoga and travel.

Where do you practice yoga?
I practice yoga on my mat. And I take my mat wherever I go as I travel but I try to practice outdoors as often as possible. There is something inspiring about fresh air! But I also say I’m on my own yoga tour – when I hit a new city I ask for studio suggestions or yelp to see the closest yoga studio and I go check it out. I like to create a sense of adventure so when I can pair yoga and hiking I know I am in the right place too.

What types of yoga do you practice, how long has it been and how did that become your go to method for fitness?
I generally do Vinyasa yoga for a faster moving class but I also love Yin yoga for a more meditative and deeper longer held stretches. I give myself permission to explore different styles even though I have practiced over 4 years. I’m not against hot yoga but I have accepted that Bikram is just not for me.

As for when I started doing yoga to be honest, I really don’t remember the first class I ever took but it was at least four years ago — I just know that I kept doing it cause it felt right. However I know I became very intentional about my yoga practice in 2011 because I wanted to be very grounded in my body as I went to meet my long lost family in Nigeria for the first time. I was a little intimidated by idea of a whole new culture and language and set of expectations and I didn’t want to be off a beat. I did a 30 day challenge (self challenge) before I left and I felt amazing and centered. I remember missing my mat as I traveled and that’s when I knew. Yoga has been my foundation since then.

How did you start leading an active lifestyle?

I have two older brothers so I grew up wanting to be like them playing soccer for age six to 12 and every other sport available to me at Catholic school (as the only Black kid in the class I think I tried to live up to athletic expectations too). So I played and excelled in basketball, volleyball, softball, heck I even tried flag football in middle school! I also danced in high school and loved the stretching and graceful movement of ballet.

But as a young adult I have had that fall off period where I was not as active or taking care of my body. It think it happens to a lot of us in college where your mind is getting all the attention so other things get ignored: your body and even your spirit. When I started perusing acting I looked for ways to stay in shape from the gym to Insanity to Zumba. But as a high energy person I found yoga was really the best to balance me out. In the craft of acting, staying relaxed and grounded in your body is so important – it was that double benefit that keeps me practicing.

Also after traveling to Nigeria and eating new foods like my aunties were cooking for me I would come back feeling a bit bloated A.K.A. 10 pounds heavier! So instead of trying to please everyone I took leadership over my body got more involved in my auntie’s kitchen and started taking my mat with me.

What benefits have you seen from yoga in your body and your life?

Yoga has transformed my body in the most effortless way. I tried Insanity and the hardcore workouts but it was not as well received by my body. My sister was even concerned that I looked too muscular after 90 days of jumping and getting yelled at by Shaun T LOL! I think I was absorbing more strain that way and with yoga I feel strong but a butterfly suppleness…like I said that effortless feeling.

Yoga has also really helped me in my personal growth and spiritual journey. I have a tendency to be really critical and hard on myself but through yoga I have cultivated a deeper sense of self acceptance. When I have some negative thoughts or moments of doubt I basically work it out on my yoga mat. I also think it is a statement of spiritual gratitude to use the body I was given — how better to appreciate it than to use it!

What’s your diet like and why does it work for you?
After trying lots of stuff from Herbalife shakes to Paleo and high protein diets Jillian Michaels recommends, I have taken a different approach. I have gone to nature — organic fresh foods and my rule of thumb. With that I have been really having fun eating/preparing raw vegan food lately! So it might scare some people but it’s really an au natural approach — eating plant based foods without meat or dairy. The key motivating factor is that food looses a lot of nutrients once heated over 118 degrees so I have embraced this type of eating for last three months and felt intense high energy and satisfied in an uncanny way. I also dropped about 10lbs without counting calories and eating more often than any other regimented diet full of chemicals that trick your body.

What started this was a film I watched on Netflix, Hungry for Change which talks about how diet food can actual train your body to depend on harmful chemicals. They encouraged adding in more green juices and I just started adding in more greens to the point I went all the way raw vegan cause it felt so good. The idea can be intimidating but think of it like this – it’s eating more salads, smoothies and fresh foods that don’t have the dangerous toxins of preservatives. I will be sharing some of the raw vegan recipes I used on my upcoming blog at www.ProudJourney.com

TahiniZoodles — Zucchini noodles with garlic tahini sauce with a giant “meatball” made of brazil nuts, sun dried tomatoes and mushrooms prepared by Nsa.

List three things you’ve learned about yourself from being more mindful of leading an active lifestyle?

I have learned so much from parallels of yoga…
I don’t have to be perfect. It’s a practice so it’s just trying new things never a big competitive event to display perfection.

When I fall down I can laugh it off and try again – on the mat and in life. So I learned how to enjoy the process with playful determination.

My body and breath are powerful together — as I try new challenging poses I get excited about what my body is capable of!

What are your fitness goals for the rest of the year?

My intention for the rest of the year is to continue with my daily yoga practice and eat raw vegan 80% of the time. I don’t count my calories or dress size I count is how I feel in my body.

As an avid traveler, have you been to a yoga retreat? Where would your recommend people go?

Yes I love to travel and mixing yoga with that has been my lifestyle in a solo way! As I mentioned I started going back to Nigeria and on my last and final trip I brought my mat and practiced almost daily in an environment where yoga studios were not accessible. So I have lead a sort of solo retreat but I have always wanted to go to one organized by someone else.

I envisioned going to Bali or somewhere exotic but I ended up being very spontaneously lead to a yoga and writing retreat while I was in New York. It was based in Vermont so I got to hike in the Appalachian mountains in addition to yoga twice a day!

So the good news is — I am working on some retreats for 2015 and listing retreats to check out! It’s part of my new yoga focused social enterprise Proud Journey – in addition to sharing colorful African Print yoga bags that empower women in Africa, the goal is to inspire an on-the-go yoga lifestyle with cool retreats included. To be in the know check out the early notification list at http://new.proudjourney.com.

Share some advice for people who might be interested in starting a yoga practice.

I like to strongly recommend going to a studio that has some positive reviews on yelp that is not heated first. An older yoga teacher helped me understand the difference between heated vs room temperature the best. She explained that a heated room will give you a false sense of flexibility so you have to careful not to overextend your body. Some people love the heat and I do too sometimes but get grounded in the heat your own body produces first as you learn proper alignment. If you are nervous about joining a class look at beginner yoga youtube videos to get an idea of what yoga can involve.

Once you have a place to practice try to approach it with an open heart. Explore teachers and styles until you find what works for you. It’s not always about the “yoga booty” you might envision – there are so many lessons on the way you won’t want to miss!
If visit Proud Journey to find out more about how you can get involved in Nsa’s community-based yoga work, and for more information on retreats reach out to her atNsa@proudjourney.com

You can also find out more about Nsa’s work as an actress and producer at her official website.

Misc

Grunty Workouts: The Low Down on Gyrotronic

ByStarr

The picture you see above is not a torture device although every time I look at it, my mind drifts to this classic Method Man skit. Now that that’s out of the way, what you’re seeing is my feet inside of a gyrotronic machine. What the heck is gyrotronic, you ask?

Gyrotronic is an exercise method that combines swimming motions with Pilates techniques and it’s pretty darn cool.

According to Gyrotronic.com, this is an exercise method developed by Juliu Horvath, a Hungarian professional dancer, that falls under the Gyrotronic Expansion System. Horvath suffered a series of debilitating injuries during his dance career, and began developing the Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis Methods as a way to heal himself and regain his strength and agility.

I’ve only taken one class with my friend (because we got Groupons) thus far but it was really cool and although my class was an intro to the system, I can tell that this is a method that is great for building strength, stretching and lengthening muscles and for preserving muscles and ligaments. I was extremely stiff and sore from pole the day that I tried gyrotronic and working myself out on these machines felt amazing. It’s not easy but you will get results if you’re consistent so I recommend giving it a shot. Keep in mind that you will feel absolutely awkward on these machines, but it’s because you’re a newbie and all newbies feel awkward when they start something. Plus, it’s not natural for your body to use machines so don’t panic.

I did my intro class at Body Evolutions on New York City’s Lower East Side. It is suggested that you take at least two intro classes before moving on the level one. Body Evolutions is a small studio that promotes a very zen like environment, which I love.

What are you waiting for? Grab your friends and go!

Fit Life

How to Stabilize Your Shoulder Joints [Video]

ByStarr

People who do a lot of lifting, whether the traditional way or via aerial arts like pole dancing, lyra and silks could definitely benefit from this video. This guy provides some helpful tips. Check it out:

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