Monthly Archives

February 2017

The 10 Hawaiian T(r)opics

by Monica Øien 28. February 2017

written by Monica Øien

This is my first trip to Hawaii. Ever. But I have dreamed of Hawaii ever since I heard that song “Happy Hawaii” .. Thanks to Abba and this song that my images grew, and my longing became a journey, not only a dream.

I wanted to avoid the most touristy places and I chose Kaua’i. My wish was to live the Island Life, explore the beaches and the wild nature, as far away out in the Pacific Ocean possible. Kaua´i is the oldest of the 8 islands, and probably the most powerful of them all. It magnetizes. People come here and they meet them selves, leaving with a greater knowledge and inner understanding.

Bildet er lånt fra www.wallup.net

I want to go back, and pretty soon I will share a blog about the special and wonderful energy on the Island. But first of all here are 10 things you have to do – WHEN – you go to Kauaì!!

1. Watch the Sunrise on the East side of the Island- every day!

So many seeking souls approach the ocean to see the beautiful sunrise in the morning, taking the time to meditate and enjoy this wonder, again and again..

2. Buy local Coconut

In front of my favourite Cafe- Hippie Cafe in Kapa´a!!

Healthy, tasty, what is better than follow the rhythm of the nature and climate when it comes to food… After all Coconut is a tropical food

They are all over the place, and you can even send your private postcard on a Coconut from Hawaii….

3. Beachcombing

The beach is covered by seaglass – it´s almost worth the trip….

My treasures from Glass Beach. They will be used in the bracelets and in dreamcatchers..

There´s not too much shells on these beaches, but if you do some research you will find some treasures in Kapaà… a holy moment, at least for me

4. Play golf by the Ocean

New Golf course by the Ocean, the ambience is a mixture of Hawaii and Japan. Ocean Course Hokuala

5. Yoga by the Beach

It´s easy to book classes through the “MindBody” app. This class was healing and , energising by the beach in front of the Marriot Hotel in Lihue

Opplevelsen ved bukten var fantastisk. Kjenn den magnetiske kraften fra Moder Jord.

6. Buy Lei (flowers)

They are between 10-15 dollar and smells fresh. They use many of the flowers to produce perfume and soaps. Use them as necklace and be a beach girl

Put your “lei” in the fridge during the night and they will last longer

It feels good to be a flower girl at Hawaii

7. Beach biking

On the Eastside of Kaua `i there are lots of biking trails either on the sand or on the promenades

Life is good by the sea!

8. Helicopter over the Island

Such an adventure to experience the Island from the sky and spot unreachable treasures

They call it “The Grand Canyon” and many Hollywood movies has been made here, one of them is Jurassic Park

9. Hiking

Lots of exciting trails, some of them takes you up to 3 days and you might end up on an exotic beach some where…

10. Watch Sunstes on the Southside of the Island

This sunset is from Beach House Restaurant in Poipu. Book table in advance if you want to join a dinner while watching the sun god down

I hope this gave you lots of good vibes and wishes to approach a different kind of holiday next time where you also feed your soul

Best wishes

Monica

Photo Golf course: http://www.prnewswire.com

Nature: http://www.kauaiexclusive.com

28. February 2017 0 comment

Spirituality workout

5 super buttlifters

by Monica Øien 25. February 2017

written by Monica Øien

After a week on Kaua’i I have had a true taste of the Island life. And like always when I am travelling I am visiting different studios to learn how they work in different cultures. My impression is that people in general work more on the spiritual journey here than in California. Some classes was intermediate, but for me most of them felt more like deep stretching and meditation. There might be a few reasons to this:

lots of senior tourists
Magnetic energy influence our senses
Tropical climate
More focus on movement than tough workout

I did several feelgood workout session on my own, swimming in the ocean, beach biking, hiking and of course my own body sculpting programs which I share with you.

If you haven’t tested the one ab-crunch that totally rock your body you can click here:

En mageøvelse gjør susen

I also did these 5 super exercises for the butt, it took me less then 10 minutes.

Do the serie first on one side (I started with the left leg as you can see) – do all moves 25 reps and try to add some pulses in the end. Then change leg and all on the other side also. If you have your ancleweights there I suggest you use them. I did not bring mine to Hawaii:

Move 1:

On your 4, hands under shoulders. Lift left leg straight out and reach. Put down and lift the right leg. Continue like this alternating the kegs. After 25 reps do 25 pulses only with your left leg.

først venstre så høyre, veksle jevnt

Move 2:

Continue on all 4. Bend elbows while keeping the arms close to your body. Your arms stay statically like this through the session focusing on shoulders and triceps. Now lift left leg up to 90 degrees and crunch it in under your belly. Repeat 25 times.

Move 3:

Now your are on straight arms and legs. Bring left knee towards belly and opposite (right) arm towards knee. Then straighten out leg and arm, continue this move 25 reps. This move challenges your balance and you might need to start moving only the leg in the beginning..

Move 4:

Sideplank on straight arm and knee to the ground. Grab your left foot with your leg. Then let go and straighten out in each direction arm and leg. Make sure your back is in a straight line. Repeat 25 times keeping the leg up high.

Move 5:

Hip to the ground, lean upper body forward bending both elbows. Keep your neck long and belly tight. Now stretch out upper leg in a line backwards. Hold it here and make lifts up and down. If its to heavy you can always bend your knee a bit. After 25 reps do small pulses.

Now change side and do alle the moves on your right leg!!

I hope these exercises will do you good!!

Best wish

Monica

Klær: @casalltraining

25. February 2017 0 comment

Health Food

Plant based Fast Food

by Monica Øien 18. February 2017

written by Monica Øien

I was in San Diego just a few weeks ago attending some Chakra Meditation classes and was actually very eager to visit a plant based fast food restaurant I had heard of. This was my first trip ever to San Diego and I was spending the weekend at Ocean Beach. A small, hippie relaxed beach town with tons of yoga studios and healthy restaurants. Well I guess there is no place on earth more updated and health focused then California. I get surprises and inspired every day. There is always something new to learn, taste and test.

mon sgtrand Luckily I got to meet the owner Jeff Harris who created this concept with a delicious menu. Chicken burgers, but no chicken. Meat burgers, but no meat. And even the most tasty milkshakes I have ever had, but no milk. Jeff even claims that most of their customers are meat eaters who are trying new things and want to make healthier choices. After the interview I will tell you about my experience with the food.

Tell me about the concept and what made you decide build up a healthier version of fast food?

I wanted to build up a plant-based healthier version of McDonalds or Burger King because most of the food available at those types of restaurants aren’t very good for our health. Many of us have driven down the street passing one fast food restaurant after another, wishing that there was something that was fast, healthy and delicious. That’s why we created Plant Power Fast Food. We’ve also been concerned about the devastating impact that animal agriculture is now understood to have on the environment and been painfully aware that the consumption of animal products creates unnecessary suffering for our animal friends. So, we thought that it would be interesting to turn the traditional unhealthy fast food model on it’s head and use it to bring natural, plant-based, GMO free food to a larger audience. Our menu ranges from the burgers, fries and shakes you’d expect to find at McDonalds, In and Out Burger or Jack in the Box, all the way to healthy wraps, smoothies, salads and raw items.

Yes, you serve chicken warps and burgers, but no meat. There’s a great variety of milkshakes but no milk? How do people respond to this?

We’re careful with signage in the restaurant and the use of quotes on our menu to make sure that everyone understands that the “chicken” or “beef” on the menu is in fact plant-based and contains no animal products. Omnivores wouldn’t feel too happy if they were “fooled” into eating vegan food and the vegans and vegetarians who frequent our restaurant need to be assured that the food they’re going to consume doesn’t contain any meat or dairy products. What we keep hearing from our customers is that they didn’t realize how delicious plant-based food can be.

What kind of ingredients are you using?

We use fresh, locally sourced produce and the majority of our products are now organic. Our “meat” type products are made from a combination of grains and vegetable ingredients. Some items, like our “Black Bean Patty” are made from legumes and vegetable products. More and more we’ve increasingly incorporated gluten-free options on our menu as well. All of our products are free of artificial sweeteners, colors and GMO’s.

Where do you get the food from?

Produce is all sourced from local farmers. Other items like bread products and the many ingredients we use to prepare our house-made sauces, deserts and patties are purchased from natural food distributors.

What is the nutrition in a general meal at Plant Power?

Because all of the food at our restaurant is plant-based, everything we serve is free from cholesterol and also from the antibiotics and chemicals which are frequently found in animal products. Also, all of our food is free of GMO’s, artificial ingredients and hydrogenated oils. While the meals are Plant Power Fast Food are much healthier that what you’d find at a traditional fast-food restaurant, some items (like French fries and “chicken” tenders) are not necessarily low calorie. Our burgers, fries and shakes are much healthier than what you’d find at other fast-food restaurants while other items like salads, wraps and raw items could be considered to be “very healthy”. Artificial colorings, sweeteners, preservatives and hydrogenated oils are now understood to be very detrimental to the body and we don’t serve items which contain these types of ingredients. Obviously, this is a big step forward for health and well being. Because it’s very expensive to get a full nutritional analysis for each item, we haven’t been able to do that yet however we hope to complete this in the near future.

Why did you open first in San Diego? (Is this a trendy spot for healthy news?)

Our San Diego location opened up at the end of January 2016 in an area called Ocean Beach. It’s an area where people come to surf, do yoga, run and generally lead healthy lifestyles. That may be part of the reason why our restaurant has been so enthusiastically embraced by the local community. However, I think that the trend towards healthy eating is really a nationwide phenomena. Although our second restaurant) opening in May 2017) is also near the beach, we look forward to building new locations in a variety of different communities.

How would you descibe the succes of your business so far?

We’re thrilled at the success of our first restaurant. From our first day of operation through the end of our first year, sales have far exceeded our expectations. I think that a lot of people have been looking for a healthier alternative to traditional fast food for a long time and that’s one of the reasons why we’ve done so well. We’re also proud to announce that as a business we’ve been profitable in our first year. Our investor group was pleasantly surprised to see us begin to disperse profits by our 2nd quarter of operation. This is extremely unusual for a new business. We’ve been receiving requests from people from all over the country and the world who have asked to franchise restaurants in their cities and towns. Right now we’re in the process of putting together a larger business structure that will enable us to begin expand more rapidly.

What do you believe are the health benefits of switching to a vegan lifestyle?

The consumption of animal products has now been conclusively linked to heart disease, diabetes, an increased risk of stroke, many forms of cancer and a variety of food allergies. Decreasing the amount of animal products in one’s diet is one of the most powerful changes that anyone can make to improve their overall health and increase their chance of longevity. While plant-based food is healthier than animal products, it’s still important to make healthy choices: A plant-based burger or salad is still a healthier choice than a vegan donut for example. And of course, exercise is always an important part of a healthy lifestyle. For anyone thinking about making a change, I suggest reading one of the many excellent books available on the topic or exploring a web site dedicated to plant-based choices. And remember, small changes add up. Some people may change to a vegan lifestyle right away as they understand the many benefits. For others, decreasing the consumption of animal products and increasing the consumption of plant-based food is a great first step.

Would you consider open a cafe in Norway and what would it take?

Well, the easy answer is YES! We do have a very big, global vision for Plant Power Fast Food. However, our first step is to build a new corporate structure which will support that type of expansion. We’ll focus on California for the next year or so but we hope to begin to expand nationally as quickly as possible after that. As I mentioned, we’re getting requests from people all over the world for one of our restaurants in their city, so we know that the need is there. Although we haven’t completed the foundation for our franchise structure yet, we do feel that we will be prepared to develop join venture locations by early to mid 2018. This might allow us to begin to slowly expand beyond the US and look at Norway or other countries where investors and consumers are expressing interest. Of course, I’d love to have a chance to visit my new friends in Norway!

So there you go Norway. If I had the time I would have loved to open a Plant Power back home. I mean I am still dreaming of the milkshakes with nutty and creamy and coffee -ish taste, and the chicken “amazingly yummy” burger. The texture was a blast. So I had lunch at Plant Power and ate a huge menu. Then I was off doing all sorts of things the whole weekend. But before I was going home – I had to drive back to Plant Power to bring a full take away menu in car… I mean I was thrilled. And those shakes…..

Best wishes

Monica

18. February 2017 0 comment

Spirituality workout

Vanity Fair at SoMe

by Monica Øien 11. February 2017

written by Monica Øien

There are many, myself included, who uses SoMe in order to spread a message, engage or even work with charities. I am really trying to be mindful about my posts not only beeing about only me, but rather about a subject or a cause. Obviously out of my business point of view I am here to sell something, after all I am a jewelry designer and a studio owner. But still, my wish is to be an inspirator and teacher, sometimes it works out well, other times I feel naked and responsive to whatever kind of critic they might arise. Welcome to the world of social media. I need to deal with it.

yoga mon The fitness/yoga/pilates/body has become a huge industry and we post pictures from beaches and mountaintops, yes we sell ourselves. Which reminds me to do some selfreflectional work and ask myself: How do I lead people? What am I leading with? What are my wishes? More followers? Or simply share from my own experience and wisdom? Perhaps something I learned lately? Is there some kind of surrender to it?

It´s a dualistic answer to this cause I want to do my job and share stories about bodywork, food and meditation.

I want to share from my heart and not from an ego place only expecting likes on the posts. The way I do this is that I spend some time reflecting about what to express and share, then I post it, and then I try to forget about out for the rest of the day.

I notice that the posts which are least ego driven tends to get more attention.

Instagram “fitness” is not about having a body, cause we all have a body. Its more about doing amazing things which inspire us to be present, curious and grateful. Without judging, without discriminating.

This is not my first yoga challenge to attend on instagram. But when these 3 girls Ingrid Loe Holand, Johanne Karbøl and Kari-Anne Bains from Global Yoga Trondheim contacted me and asked me to be a presenter and sponsor I responded positively on their cause. The theme is discrimination and the tool to get in touch with our ethical compass is using yin yoga poses.

How effective do you consider a Yoga challenge on instagram to be ?

We are able to share our message about social and human values through the challenge. The organisations get an extra attention and recognition for their work. And we can collect money which help them continue the great work they do. We are trying to reach out to many people in order to share as many posts as possible.

Global Yoga Trondheim connected with so many people on the instagram. We are also co-working with some famous people which helps us to spread the word.

For whom is this challenge?

Its for all to participate. Our goal is to be low key and easy to access. We want to include as many participants as possible. We focus on using yin yoga poses because we all need more balance in life inspiring to reflect upon nniversal life principles as acceptance, confidence, patience, no-juding attitude.

What is the ambition?

We want to rise awareness about discrimination, but also what discrimination is not. We are donating money to an organisation ” Skeiv Ungdom” (queer youth). We believe that all people are of equal worth. No matter.

What is discrimination?

Well, the opposite of discrimination is generosity, tolerance, kindness, acceptance, compassion, self-worth, equality, love to yourself and others. to be yourself. To have the space to be yourself, to have the courage.

If you want to read about earlier yoga challenges from Global Yoga Trondheim you can click here:

vær et medmenneske

How can yoga contribute to more peace and love in the world?

In yoga you work with yourself to find inner peace and the source to vitality. We would define this to be happiness or bliss. We all do have an ethical compass and yoga with all the elementary principles can help you find this instrument.

Why yin poses?

Yin yoga is for everybody. No pressure, expectations and not even yoga skills are needed. Its all about confidence, acceptance and patience. The poses are easy to do and follow.

Best wishes Monica

If you want to join this challenge, please follow these girls and @globalyoga.trondheim on instagram, they will guide you on a daily basis, all you have to do is share a photo using the tag #whydiscriminatewheyoucanyoga :

@karrings

@sunshine_yogini

@johanne.k

My clothes are from Casall Norge @casalltraining

11. February 2017 0 comment

Spirituality

Sound Healing on Salt

by Monica Øien 6. February 2017

written by Monica Øien

I might sometimes be to drawn to people who seems a bit on the cutting edge. I know. But I can’t help it. It’s a force within me who always is searching, exploring and wondering. I found this guy David on the Instagram. There’s really a world there of smart people with so many different approaches to life. I made hundreds of inspiring instafriends this last year. I am learning, growing, seeing and even listening! Thanks to you all. It seems like we are a big family of souls trying to ground and learn what life is all about. In different ways.

Last night I met David in the Salt Caves. One of my newest instagram friends. We of course connected imidiately on the phone.

David Kennet is a shamanic sound healer and this Journey is a sound voyage, a primal journey within. He is using voice, drum, flute, tibetan and crystal singing bowls, During the ceremony he offers a vibrational transmission that helps us reconnect with our Heart Center and melt away perceived limits and obstacles. During this special ceremony, you will receive a one-on-one customized personal sound healing. David will also be guiding us on practical ways to use sound in our everyday lives.

This last year I have been and still am studying the Chakras! There are many ways to learn about our inner processes. I use my way (will share soo much more later) – David is using his method. Sounds. He is group healing using sounds. Drums. Glasbowls. His Voice. Instruments. His divine Power. And the Chakras.

Teacher Training with my teacher Lani Reagan

We sat down on the mat. He gave us a short introduction. Then we made connecting vibration sounds through the seven chakras. And then we wrote down on a note a feeling or sensation we wanted less of in life. For instance fear, anxiety, insecurity etc. On another note we wrote down what we wanted more of. For example love, security, succes, faith etc.

Then the meditative session started. We are laying on our backs. The ground is covered by Himalayasalt in the cave. David starts his healing approaching each and everyone of us playing a personal healing sound.

Q: What is Soul Sounding?

Our Soul Sound is our authentic VOICE….the actual sound and tone of our voice is either connected to our Heart and Soul or completely disconnected. When our voice is aligned to our authentic self, it carries a tone of love and compassion. An “open voice” increases the vibration for all the trillions of cells, tissues and organs of our body.

What is a Shaman?

On a basic level, shamans (medicine men/women) have the ability to activate the healing potential in others, whether it be physical, mental or emotional. They help us remove limiting obstacles and see a new reality. I am not a formally trained shaman, yet shamans have indicated the work I do is shamanic. I devoted over 20 years of my life to a spiritual master, a musician/metaphysician who opened my voice and Heart. More than a sound shaman, I consider myself to be a facilitator. Its incredibly empowering to remember that each and every one of us is our own best healer. A gentle nudge or guidance in the correct direction is all it takes sometimes for us to remember how we can heal ourselves.

My body was vibrating. It could be compared with an internal massage. It felt pleasant and floating. Also relaxing. Some people fell asleep.

He healed the wounds. And then afterwards he energized whatever we could love to have more of. 90 minutes passed by so quickly and after three deep OM’s we got back to the real world.

Q: Why do people need therapy through sounds?

Sacred sound helps relax our nervous system, makes it easier to meditate, brings clarity to our immune system, reduces cortisol and increases endorphins. It can be used to help us let go of stuck emotions as well as help re-write the html code of subconscious programming so that we fully experience what we desire in life. Best of all sacred, intentional sound is completely safe and non-invasive.

Q: Who are you clients?

People come to me who have allergies or in need emotional/spiritual healing. Physical and emotional health for the most part is a pro-active decision based on taking responsibility for the lifestyle we live, the people with whom we surround ourselves, and the foods we eat. People come to me who understand that they are responsible for the life they are creating. Often times the subconscious mind (our internal computer program) stores beliefs and emotions that are not in alignment with what we desire in life. I offer tools that help the subconscious work FOR us, not against us.

Q: What kind of symptoms can you heal?

I don’t heal anyone….the body heals itself. I work with pet allergies, environmental allergies and all food allergies (including gluten, wheat, dairy and soy)

Q: Can you share a specific story of a happy person you have helped?

A woman came to me who suffered from a severe gluten allergy her entire life. After just one 45 minute session with me she was able to eat gluten and drink beer the next day. This was about 5 years ago and she remains symptom free. A man came to me with an addition to cigarettes. After 30 years of smoking, he decided to quit the next day.

Q: To be a therapist, what kind of skills do you need?

For the allergy work, its important to have some background in nutrition, a basic understanding of meridians and acupressure, be a massage therapist and have training in sound therapy.

David uses muscletesting in order to measure before and after energy. There was this lady. Her request for less was sugar addiction. She was very week when he tested before. And a lot stronger after.

Q: How did this happen?

The woman with the sugar addiction tested weak on “Sugar Addiction” before the Shamanic Sound Journey. Afterwards she re-tested as strong which indicated her body’s healing potential was awakened. People have reported to me that they have been able to reduce sugar intake and/or quit smoking after sound healing sessions.

So what did this healing do for me? Did I get any sensation or improvement? Did I feel more of what I wanted?

I was surprisingly calm afterwards. I could feel the medical effect the salt had on my lunges feeling the breath smooth and the body relaxed. I was thrilled after the exotic atmosphere in the cave. I felt like I had been on a journey. To different cultures. From Lapland to Inca. The sounds David expelled made me travel. I had a break. A mindful moment.

If you want to contact David check out his instagram here: @david_kennet

or his site: www.soul-sounding.com

Best wishes

Monica

6. February 2017 0 comment

Health Food Spirituality

Soul Food in Beverly Hills

by Monica Øien 5. February 2017

written by Monica Øien

I went online to see if I could find any upcoming courses with a woman I truly admire, Seane Corn. She is an internationally celebrated yoga teacher, known for her inspirational style of integrating the physical and mystical aspects of yoga practice. I had been doing her Awareness Yoga Training and found that she was lecturing this weekend in Beverly Hills for The first tuesday LA Epic Day. So this made my weekend!

The host for the event is the Holistic Psychotherapist& Humanitarian Visionary, Marcy Cole.

Seane Corn is one the speakers -here together with Marcy Cole

So, here I am in with a bunch of fantastic women at The Women`s Club in Beverly Hills. We are receiving sound healing and enjoying the beautiful spiritual sounds by Donna De Lory who traveled the globe for 20 years as an accompanying vocalist and dancer for Madonna. Donnas integration of sparkling pop savvy with deeply felt sense of spirituality has won her a strong fan base in the yoga community. We are all here feeling love & light gathered for a greater cause.

So happy to meet all these inspiring women. here together with Donna!!

We are a group of extraordinary women sitting at a round table. It´s interesting to learn while introducing ourselves that we also are a group of female force with so much energetic power in common.

Dr.Lisa M: Valle has meets her clients in a private setting at Oasis in Santa Monica

We are physicians, healers, coaches, spiritual teachers, yoga teachers, writers and educators. We are probably here at the same table for a reason.

Connecting and exchanging stories, vibes and love

So the first lecture coming up which attracted me is by relationship expert, lecturer and NY Times Best Selling Author of , “Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus.” Oh my, I remember this book like one of the top books inspiring me and serving me the truth about men and women. His Books have sold over 50 million copies in 50 different languages around the world.

When John Gray arrives suddenly the energy changes. We all know about him, have read his books and as the expectation arises the murmur among the girls calm down. John sets the agenda right away and we listen when he talks about women`s power with men. John said, “Women often feel that they are giving more then they are receiving, but it doesn’t have to be like that. The male side of us (which women also have) is the power to get things done. The female power (which men also have) is to get other people to do things for us. It´s fun being feminine, but to much makes us picky.” We listen in silence and can relate to this.

john2

John continues to teach and entertain us about the differences in men and women:

“Women pack everything they could possibly loose, men pack the day before.”

“Men like uniforms, find one suit that looks good, and the question is -“why change it?”

“The female energy is the feeling part of us. The male is the practical one. The women has a little GPS, they manage everything. <for example, their husbands travel and make them check in when the flight has landed.” And he is sharing his personal experiences from his 35 years of marriage. ” Sometimes I need to pretend that I am worrying about my wife.”

john1

John gives us a few advices, after all we are here to learn and make improvements in our lives:

“If a man could say to his tired wife after a day of work; you give so much to so many people, let me give you (massage, dinner..) now. ” What we need to pay attention to is what we actually feel when when we receive! Do we feel appreciation?

Usually when women are unhappy they are doing things for others and not doing enough for themselves.

“You need to have that awareness in order to balance it out. Man in general is better at delegating work and things. Women are better at doing it all, maybe even twice.”

Your female power is not to do more for your man, but respond more to him. He feels good when you think he is a hero.

“We have to understand why we need a man, we dont want another child to take care of. We want a grown up man. And we need to understand who that man is? It´s a man who doesn’t go over to his female side when you as a woman talk. We are under a constant wave of oestrogen and testosterone.”

The sofa

“What happens when a woman sits down on a sofa? Well, she says that she starts thinking about all the things she needs to do, or she would love to talk and connect. So what happens when a man sits down on a coach? Well, he relaxes, tune out and take a break.”

book

You can purchase John Grays Books here

John Gray´s new book ” Beyond Mars and Venus” is about how to strengthen your bond and grow in love together for lasting happiness and a fulfilling relationship. It´s about soulmate relationships which give support over time. Men detach themselves, women talk about emotions. It´s about “you time” and “me time” and her love needs and his love needs. Mars and Venus finally comes together.

I can´t wait to get a copy of his new book as it´s being released this coming week. John Gray is surely entertaining and smart, he is easy to follow and you don`t want to miss any of his reflections.

John Gray is a warm, wise & wonderful man.

I would love to, I can´t. (why can’t you, i need good reasons…)

We are ready for a lunch break. Vegan food is on the menu served with maccacino. We are excited about what we have learned so far, and it´s kind of unbelievable that there is so much more on the program. I can`t wait to share my experience with Seane Corn in the next blogpost! Stay tuned!

Best wishes,

Monica

5. February 2017 0 comment

Spirituality Video workout

Intuitive Bodywork

by Monica Øien 4. February 2017

written by Monica Øien

One of the first studios I visited here on the West Coast was at Chanda Fetters Core Sport. I was thrilled to find a studio who actually seemed a bit like my own back in Oslo. Not because I am longing home, but because I truly find this way of working out the best, for body, health and mood! Chanda is an experienced girl, pilates studio owner and instructor. As a former professional Ballet Dancer she knows how to choreograph classes with great tune, rhythm and challenge. She has been in fitness since 1991 and opened Core Sport in 2007.

I have tested all her classes, reformer, mathwork, Barre and Trx. I really enjoyed it all.

What can we expect at core sport?

Highly trained staff, creative workouts, great quality of instruction, a welcoming environment. We strive to offer everything you need in one space – Functional Fitness / Cardio / Strength & Flexibility

Why do you think TRX is such an effective tool to a stronger body?

Due to the leverage the ropes allow you. You can move in all planes of motion while adding additional equipment to encourage options for more or less challenge. In this program, it’s really hard to cheat so you tend to get more bang for your buck!

How do you build up the sequences?

I typically use a layering method. This allows for a longer set, modifications/challenges to be added in along the way. The result, you end up with more reps and ones that are most affective to your body and needs.

Where do you think the fitness trend is heading this year?

Hard to say, it seems to change so rapidly. I see a big gap between big box gyms and boutique studios. There definitely seems to be greater gains in a smaller environment, so the boutique studios are sure to stay! I see more sports focused programs being popular so will be interesting to see how equipment manufacturers follow!

What is a perfect workout week for you (maintain, health, energy)?

Since I train at my own studio my week consists of – 3/4 Cardio (Spins), 2 Reformer, 1 Circuit (for heavier weight and fast twitch conditioning), 1 Barre and 1 TRX. My body seems to never fully acclimate to one therefore giving me optimal results!

What are your workout values?

Train SMARTER not HARDER

So Chanda did a sequence with the TRX together with me which we actually filmed and YOU can practice at home, here you GO! Enjoy, I just love it!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyRH3x1VRGs

Best wishes,

Monica

4. February 2017 0 comment