Your Body Best: 2015 Highlights

As 2015 draws to a close, I can’t help but look back on this blog a bit–the ideas I had, the posts I wrote. In case you’re just joining me here, I’ve rounded up the 2015 highlights: my favorite posts from the last year. Which is your favorite?

How to Learn to Love Running (or Anything)

2015 highlights running

I didn’t always enjoy running, but because it’s something I can do with or without a gym and without any equipment, I took it upon myself to learn to love it. And now I do. It’s mostly about an attitude adjustment, so you can do this, too, and apply it to something you’re struggling with.

Remembering How to Breathe

Critically important, not just for yoga but in everyday life. We all breathe, yes, but we’re missing something when we do it unconsciously. We benefit when we breathe more deeply and with greater awareness.

Why I Don’t Listen to Music When I Run

I am very nearly alone in this, but there are reasons I’m passionate about it.

Understanding Your Abs

They’re more than just for looks, and they often go under-appreciated. They’re involved in pretty much every movement you make, and strong ones make daily and athletic life easier in more ways than one. It’s important to focus on strengthening them and stop worrying about seeing them.

Why Your Weight Loss Plan is Failing

2015 highlights weight loss

I’ve worked with so many people who have been trying to lose weight, and this is what I’ve noticed among those who don’t succeed.

What I’ve Learned About Chiropractic and How It’s Changed My Body

Chiropractic care is one of the greatest gifts I’ve given my body. But before I met my chiropractor boyfriend? I thought it was something I didn’t need. I always think of this any time I try to dismiss something before I’ve tried it.

Dad’s Best Fitness Advice

My fitness education started at a young age, and there are still a lot of tips Dad taught me that I still use today.

What I loved (and Didn’t Love) About Marathon Training

2015 highlights marathon

Running my first marathon this year was a huge deal for me. Marathon training was incredibly challenging, but I found a lot to love about it.

The Yoga Body: Letting Go of Both Envy and Judgment

I get tired of the “she’s so beautiful; I hate her” and “she’s so beautiful; I hate myself.” I get tired of other people loudly criticizing bodies they perceive to be imperfect and, just as bad, nitpicking at bodies they feel jealous of. It’s long past time to lay off the judgment, appreciate the bodies we have, and give everyone else the room to appreciate theirs.

How Traveling Taught Me to Love My Body

I actually wrote this for DoYouYoga.com, and you can see the full article there. Traveling has made me appreciate beauty in so many forms…how could this body NOT be beautiful?

What Happened to Me After I Started Doing Yoga

yoga poses for core strength side plank

There have been so many surprises along my yoga journey…and I know there are more to come.

The Difference Between Pain and Suffering

Yoga taught me this particular lesson, and I’ve experienced the control I have over my own suffering–which comes in handy during difficult workouts as well as in day-to-day life. I don’t do it perfectly all the time, but I practice it. I want people to know about this difference. It’s such a relief.

2016 Fitness Trends

I find it fascinating the way people change their minds about fitness and what they like to do to keep in shape. I’m the same way as I discover new activities or fitness classes. Every year, I’m eager to see what the survey says will be popular in the coming year. In this post, I also give my personal opinion on each of the 20 trends, which was a lot of fun for me! 🙂

The Big Ol’ Gift Guide for Fitness Lovers

I can’t help it! I spent a lot of time on this post hunting down the products I already have and love–and researching the ones I’d like. I take fitness and gift-giving pretty seriously. I love giving gifts, but it’s the best when I know the gift is something the recipient will really use and enjoy. From my own experience I can tell you, these gifts will be well-received by almost anyone who loves yoga, running, or healthy living in general.