Armchair Commentary

Celebrity Post: Desi Bartlett - For lasting fitness, take it slow

 For some of you, getting in to a regular fitness routine seems impossible but believe me it is manageable and it is worth it! I have almost 20 years experience in the fitness and yoga arenas; I'd like to share some basic tips and suggestions that will help you get started in the new year.

1. How do I burn the most calories? (long, low intensity; short, high intensity; intervals?)

Both! The more you mix it up, the less likely your body is to become completely accustomed to the intensity. Interval training helps to reduce weight loss plateaus. Try both types of intervals.

2. Does it matter what time of day I exercise? 

Some people say that working out first thing in the morning before you eat- will lead to greater weight loss. The idea is that you are more readily accessing fat stores as your fuel source. I say, anytime is a great time to exercise. Make it work for you and your schedule. Exercise adherence is more important than time of day.

3. Do you have any tips on staying motivated and sticking with an exercise regimen?

Recruit a friend or family member to join you. Even if they are not actually working out with you, you can have a designated check in day to talk about your results. It is amazing how knowing that you will be sharing your results with a friend can motivate you to work a little harder.

My first fitness love is yoga and I've created a yoga DVD called Yoga for Beginners. I think it's a great way to take your first step into fitness. And if you're already a fitness buff, it's a perfect introduction to the practice of yoga. So give it a try!

1. What are the benefits of yoga?

There are countless benefits of Yoga! Some of these include:
Increased strength and flexibility
Increased sense of inner calm
Greater core strength
Better Balance
Increased energy
Better digestion
Better posture

The list goes on and on! My favorite word in Sanskrit (the language of yoga) is Ananda. Ananda means bliss. Yoga brings forth our innate bliss. It just helps you to feel great!

2. What if I can't even touch my toes?! Can I do yoga?

I always remind people that you do not have to be flexible to do Yoga- Yoga makes you flexible! Maybe you can't touch your toes today, but give it 6 weeks, and you will definitely see an improvement. Yoga  and flexibility training, like any other training- yields results with practice. The more you do it, the easier it will get.

3. There are so many types of yoga! How are they all different?

Hatha Yoga is the grandmother of all Yoga styles in the West. 'Ha' means sun and 'tha,' means moon. There is an inherent sense of balance that is present in this philosophy. From there the next 3 major styles to evolve were; Iyengar (hallmarked by the use of props), Ashtanga (a  vigorous set sequence of postures), and Vinyasa (translated as flow)- this style incorporates fluidity and grace as well as a strong physical practice. My personal favorite is Vinyasa because there is so much freedom in the movement. I enjoy having a sense of grace and strength united in one practice.

4. Will yoga help me lose weight?

Yoga can help increase circulation, digestion, maintain balance in the body and strengthen your muscles. You probably will not see a huge weight loss from Yoga (mix it with cardio!), but it will definitely help to streamline your physique. Not only that but it will make your body feel great!

Take it slow and keep it up. You will soon begin to look better and feel better!

Love, Desi

Mix It Up to Max It Out!

Hi there! I'm Desi Bartlett. I'm a fitness and yoga instructor with over 20 years experience. I have a degree in Kinesiology, a minor in dance, master's degree in Corporate Fitness, and many advanced certifications in yoga, personal training, and group exercise. I am also fluent in Spanish so all of my DVD programs offer optional language tracks. Health and fitness are my life's passion and I want to share that with you! Here are a few FAQ's to help you on your path to a healthier you.

1. I'm trying to lose weight, and intend to get in a regular cardio workout. Is it really necessary for me to do strength training too?

Strength training increases your lean muscle mass while helping you to burn fat and calories at rest. It's true, if you are strength training, your body becomes more efficient at rest. Additionally, it gives you a longer, leaner, more toned look. If you want to look good and feel great, I highly recommend it. It also helps with daily activities like lifting your children!

2. Is it necessary to do all of my workout (cardio and weights) in one stretch of time or can I do half in the a.m. and half in the p.m.? Which is the most beneficial?

The best workout is the workout that works for your life. If you are more likely to get in both strength training and cardio that day by splitting them up, by all means do so. Staying consistent with exercise is the most important factor in long term results.

3. No matter what I do, my arms still look flabby! Help!

Increase the weight that you are using for tricep work. This area can be a natural fat deposit for many women. Help tighten up that area by strengthening the muscles. I would recommend 10-12 lbs (in each hand) for tricep work.

4. How important is flexibility? All I really want to do is lose weight...

Yes, it is important. Maintaining freedom in our joints is important at any age. Athletes will benefit from having greater range of motion for kicking, throwing, cycling, you name it. It will also help prevent overuse injuries. In those who might not exercise as regularly, it can help to maintain joint health and is a form of functional training. We all need to reach for things that are high in the cabinet, or low on the floor. Simple stretches will maintain these simple functions for your whole life. Additionally, there is a relaxation response that occurs and taking the time to stretch is associated with less muscular soreness. Simply put, it is great for your body!

Check out my fitness DVD from Acacia, 3-in-1 Total Body Fitness to cover all your bases of fitness: cardio, strength training, and flexibility!  And for those of you who want to mix up your cardio routine, I am a firm believer in the fun and effectiveness of dance! Dance and Be Fit: Latin Groove is available here on Amazon.

5. I can't dance! Can this DVD still work for me?

YES! We all can dance. Tapping your foot during your favorite song is dancing, walking with a little skip in your step because you are in a good mood is dancing, cranking up the music and letting loose in your living room is dancing! Listen to the music, hear the rhythm and have fun! Latin music starts from the ground up. The Merengue step is similar to walking. Literally, it is just left, right, left, right. Start there. Let the hips follow. You will be surprised how fun and easy dancing can be, and what an amazing workout it is too.

6. Where did the inspiration for these workouts come from?

A lot of it came from Mexico. I used to live in Cabo San Lucas and I learned so much about Latin culture and the amazing zest for life found in Hispanic culture. Dance is an expression of an inner sense of joy and passion. The movement rises up largely in response to the rhythn of the music. The drumbeat will guide the feeling whether it is strong and passionate or light and lyrical. I enjoy both and incorporated both in the DVD.

7. Do you think an interest in fitness is growing in the Latin community?

Absolutely! Fitness commercials, infomercials, news segments and magazine style shows are helping educate the Hispanic consumer on the benefits of fitness and wellness. Many Hispanic Americans are 2nd generation Americans. Many of these folks have grown up with fitness as an integral part of life--whether going to a gym, doing a fitness DVD or participating in group activities (sports, social dancing, etc.). Those who have not grown up with it are quickly learning about how fitness can help them feel great. Many Hispanic foods can be high in simple carbohydrates and fat. Not a good combination! Health care professionals are bringing more awareness into this community and the community is embracing this knowledge. Passion for life is an integral part of our culture. It makes sense that this passion would extend to passion for a long and healthy life!