SHAKTImagazine LIFE DEC2009/JAN2010
Your m away from Home Treasure Beach, Jamaica
ME
www.shaktihomeja.com
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10 Shakti Products - Granola, Sprays & Oils
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12 Staying in the Fitness Zone with Mighty Mike 13 Yoga Changed My Life
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15 Shakti Love Fest 2009
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19 An Athlete’s Self Discovery & Finding Wellbeing
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20 Shakti 2009 Events Photo Spread 25 Detox Your Home - 7 Tips for a Green Clean
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28 10 Stress Busting Reasons to Exercise
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30 Inspirational Weightloss
What’s Inside
Publisher: Shakti Mind Body Fitness
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Co-ordinator: Kinisha Correia Graphic Production & Design: Monique Grey Photographers: Sabriya Simon Brian Rosen Printed by: Mapco Printers Limited SHAKTI MIND BODY FITNESS 5 Bedford Park Avenue, Kingston 8 Jamaica, W.I. Tel 876.906-8403 www.shaktimindbodyfitness.com
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Sharon’s Note Shakti’s Best Kept Secrets 3-Day Detox Plan
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A Word From Sharon Dear Shakti Family: It is with great joy and pride that I present to you our compilation “souvenir edition” of Shakti LIFE 2009. As our gift to you, we wanted to share the memories of this remarkable year as a thank you for your support, your love and your dedication to total mind body fitness. As you can see, it was a year full of new ideas and new beginnings as we started our first e-magazine, kicked off our Shakt Boot Camps and of course, we launched the first ever Shakti LOVE Fest. It was a year of going out on a limb to follow dreams, as we put aside old ways of being and embraced new ways of looking at the world and the way we live. For many of us it was a challenging year—but we made it!! We made it because of our faith and trust in the Divine and because of our commitment to mind and body wellness. With a strong mind and a healthy body, we can face and overcome just about anything!!!
SHARON MCCONNELL-FEANNY CEO, Shakti Mind Body Fitness
As you will see, it was not just the big events that made this year special, but seeing each other day to day in the halls of Shakti –breathing together to in yoga, sweating in Spinning, groaning in sculpting, attending workshops and seminars and just hanging out in the lounge having a cup of coffee after classes that are the best memories. Shakti has truly become a community of likeminded people, growing together as one. I hope you enjoy our first real printed magazine and see the vision with us of one day producing a full on magazine so that we can really share the Shakti Life with the world!! Until then, we would so appreciate your feedback. Wishing you big love and big dreams for 2010. With all Shakti LOVE, Sharon, Nora May and the Shakti Family
UPCOMING 2010 EVENTS JAN: FEB: MAR: APR:
Yoga for Beginners Course Meditation for Beginners Course Shakti Yoga Retreat with Sharon at Good Hope Yoga Journal Conference in Boston
MAY/JUN: WSSC Miami + Summer Schedule Begins JUL/AUG: Shakti Kids Yoga and Art Summer Camp SEP: Shakti LOVE Fest 24-26th OCT: Yoga Retreat with Amrit Desai Swept Away NOV: Promise Yourself
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Shakti’s Best Kept Secrets
SHAKTI’S BEST KEPT SECRETS
I bet some of you do not know of these great services we offer at Shakti!! Part of total mind body fitness is taking care of YOU! Well, we are not longer keeping it a secret! Share this with friends and loved ones please and remember, the best gift that you can give someone is the Gift of Health. Why not give a Shakti Gift Certificate for any one of these services or for classes this year....it will be so appreciated and talk about stress-free giving for you!
LYNDALE
Massage Therapist Days of Service: Wednesdays
Services Offered: Therapeutic massage Deep tissue massage Shiatsu massage Sports massage Sweedish massage
ZONYA
Massage Therapist Days of Service: Mondays & Fridays
Services Offered:
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Deep Tissue Manipulation Reflexology Reiki Therapeutic Touch Somassage Hot Stone Therapy
SUMMER Physiotherapist
Days of Service: Mondays-Fridays
Summer Lopez, PT is a 2000 graduate of the Florida International School of Physical Therapy. As a young national competitor in swimming and triathlon Summer has always been inspired by wellness. Her love of movement has been integrated into her Physiotherapy practice on a rehabilitative and fitness level.
TERRY
ELIZABETH
Days of Service: Tuesdays & Thursdays
Days of Service: Mondays & Wednesdays
Services Offered:
Reiki healing is a pure energy form which is an accleration of light in the total fabric of the mind-body-soul connection.
Beauty Therapist
Waxing Tinting Eyebrow Shaping Ear Piercing
Reiki Specialist
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epicenters of intense jamaican beauty
jake’s
strawbery hill
geejam
the cave’s
goldeneye
villas
RESERVATIONS:
U.S. 1 800 OUTPOST . All other countries: 1-876-946-1958 . www.islandoutpost.com For the opportunity to own a residence at legendary, GoldenEye, please visit: www.goldeneyedevelopment.com
3 DAY Juice Cleanse by Takeyah Young www.CoreConnectionLifestyle.com What is a cleanse? A cleanse provides an opportunity to give the digestive organs a rest and clear toxins from the body. What are toxins? Toxicity occurs when you ingest more chemicals and unnatural substances than the body can utilize and eliminate. Toxins disturb the balance of our body. The over abundance of toxins can tax our bodies, our food choices and our ability to maintain balance. How often should I cleanse? Cleanse two to four times (seasonally) per year. Those with “clean” eating habits can do it less. How will I feel during the cleanse? As the body process and eliminates waste, some people may notice headaches, fatigue, irritability, mucous congestion or mild aches and pains. Others might feel none of those symptoms, but feel energized and light! Can I stay active? Of course! Listen to your body and adjust as necessary. The purpose of this cleanse is to give your digestive system rest and create a change in eating habits and give the body a rest. This is an ideal time to bring ourselves into a more focused period of nurturing. We will give to the one person we have to be with day in and day out, for the rest of our lives. What a great gift!
FIRST THREE DAYS Upon Rising. Two glasses of water (filtered). One with half a lemon squeezed into it. Breakfast. An all-fruit smoothie or vegetable juice made from fresh ingredients. Piece of fresh fruit (if desired) to awaken digestion. Chew well. Mid-morning snack (within the next two hours). Fresh vegetable juice. Lunch (Noon to 1pm). An all-fruit smoothie or vegetable juice made from fresh organic ingredients. Chew well. Afternoon snack (3pm). Fresh vegetable juice. Dinner. An all-fruit smoothie or vegetable juice made from fresh ingredients. Chew well. Before bed. Fresh vegetable juice.
DAY 4
• Can add protein to smoothies, like soy milk, protein powder or nut butter. • Steamed vegetables, plus light salads with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. • One or two servings of whole grains (brown rice, oatmeal, millet, quinoa). • One serving of light protein, like beans, peas or lentils. DAY 5 • Add whole grains, up to three or four servings. • Slowly reintroduce proteins back into diet with nuts and seeds. • If you eat animal products, you can add animal protein and dairy.
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SHAKTI PRODUCTS
SHAKTI BARS Homemade exquisite Granola Bars. Super healthy ingredients for a holistically healthy lifestyle! Choices: Cranberry, Prune & Chocolate Chip
SHAKTI OILS & SPRAYS Try our PEACE, LOVE & JOY Aromatherapy Oils & Sprays. Handmade with LOVE by Sharon herself! Plus, try our Clear the Air Spray to keep the cold & flu away! Custom blends also available upon request.
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Photography by: Sabriya Simon
SHAKTI SHIRTS Shakti Shirts are super beautiful, fun, sexy and sporty! They come in a variety of styles and are perfect for working out, doing yoga or just to wear around town!
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yoga changed my life: Racquel Swaby-Williams shares her yoga experience! Meet a member of our Shakti family who is transforming her life! Raquel Swaby-Williams has lost pounds and learned how to better manage her stress since she stepped into Shakti's doors and dedicated herself to a new way of life… Raquel is PURE INSPIRATION! Shakti: What brought you to Shakti and how long have you been practicing? Raquel: The challenges of motherhood, partnership and career became really difficult and affected my energy level and overall health. I decided to make a change in my life because I did not want to become sick. In May 2008 my journey to wellness began. Wellness to me meant a healthy balance of the mind-body and spirit that results in an overall feeling of well-being. Skakti had the right combination of services that would support me on this journey – yoga, body sculpting and nutritional counseling, just to name a few. However my journey to wellness could not be sustained without including yoga sessions into my schedule. I have always had an interest in yoga and was introduced to the practice over 10 years ago while I was a student on campus, since joining Shakti my interest in this wonderful healing practice has been renewed. Shakti: Tell us your yoga/exercise routine. How much weight have you lost, and what's your secret to your weight loss? Raquel: On my first visit to Shakti, Sharon handed me a chart which she said had inspired her programmes at Shakti.
The chart highlighted the fact that exercise not only helped you to look great but it also makes you stronger, both mentally and physically. This was what I definitely needed. It went on further to state that for a complete balanced exercise programme, you should do four things: • • • •
Clear your mind Exercise your heart Build up your muscles Take a break
The routine was simple and it was therefore my intention to incorporate all of the above into my new way of living. After trying the above routine for a while my weight loss was not much so I turned to Tiana for help. It was Tiana Douglas – Shakti’s fitness instructor who patiently listened to my challenges and carefully guided me on the right path. She made invaluable suggestions about the frequency of strength training and aerobic activity and reminded me that no matter how good an exercise plan is, if proper nutrition is not incorporated then I would have wasted my time. This prompted me to visit Franny Mafhood, Shakti’s nutritionist. Franny – is the secret behind my weight loss success story. I have tried numerous diet programmes plus visited many nutritionists in the past, but Franny has the secret formula. I will not divulge much but urge you to visit her. After a few visits and paying special attention to her diet programme in detail and incorporating sculpting and yoga
classes, the pounds melted away. To date I have lost 25 pounds and counting. I must again emphasize the importance of a proper nutrition plan. Shakti: People all over the world are full of anxiety and stress at the moment, due mostly to the global economic crisis. How has your yoga practice helped you deal with these stressful times? Raquel: The ultimate goal of yoga is to reach complete peacefulness of body and mind, helping you relax and manage stress and anxiety. Yoga has helped me to deal with stressful times because the practice incorporates several techniques used for stress reduction. Yoga reduces stress by encouraging deep, rhythmic breathing. It also promotes relaxation by increasing the flow of blood and oxygen to each part of the body. Yoga, with its quiet, precise movements can draw your focus away from your busy, chaotic day and more on the calming moment as you move your body through poses that require balance and concentration. On the days I practice yoga, I am able to make better choices, and these choices come naturally because I am calmer, more centered, and more fully in the present moment. Shakti: What, if any, changes have you seen in your life since practicing yoga? Raquel: Since I began my practice I have experienced numerous changes, the most significant and life-altering gift yoga can give you is a deep sense of yourself. Instead of fixating on solutions
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YOGA CHANGED MY LIFE outside of yourself, yoga turns your attention inwards. As I progressed with the physical yoga practice my ability to concentrate has improved. My will power has also increased. Yoga has helped with the toning and strengthening of my muscles and has allowed me to become much more flexible, therefore I will less likely injure myself in other physical endeavors or in my daily activities. Shakti: What do you like most about yoga classes at Shakti? Why has Shakti ended up being your home for yoga? Raquel: I like the variety of yoga classes and the numerous weekend retreats and workshops offered to members such
as the transformational and healing workshop with master teacher Gaia Budhai which included free lectures. The yoga instructors at Shakti are both qualified and experienced and the classes are challenging but suitable enough for beginners to follow through. Shakti’s current collection of books, DVDs and CD has enhanced my journey to wellness. Shakti has ended up being my home for yoga because its concept surrounds general health and well being. The diversity of the programmes offered are great and so too are the instructors and the warm and friendly service provided by the staff. Whenever I enter the door I
leave the world behind. Shakti: If you could send a message to the world about exercise, yoga and peace of mind, what would you say? Raquel: Physically, yoga fosters strength, stamina, good posture and alignment, and increased balance and flexibility. Mentally, yoga encourages a strong focus of concentration and steady attention, as well as provides tools to quiet the mind at will. Emotionally, yoga offers peace and relaxation, and the ability to connect with an inner still point that cultivates a calm attitude. Yoga is, more than anything, about learning to keep your moment-to-moment awareness here and now, with you, whenever you choose and this brings ultimate joy and peace of mind.
www.ShaktiLoveFest.com
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SHAKTI LOVE FEST 2009
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As a former Olympic Athlete and someone who has transitioned from being a serial world-class competitor to an Educator and Director of Spa, I confess that at the start of my athletic career I started out with a hard core sensibility to health and fitness. During those years, I felt the pressure to leave no stone unturned in the areas of training techniques, nutrition and equipment, while aggressively adopting the “latest and greatest” performance diets and strength routines. However, over t im e, I ca me to u n d e r sta n d th a t jumping on the newest hard-core regimen was not necessarily the best path to peak performance, and that, more importantly, this approach was not the path to lasting quality, health and longevity. The real key was to figure out my optimum balance of food and activity using common sense balanced with peace of mind.
The best thing I have done to improve my wellbeing is come to know myself and recognize my own patterns. Once I learned to carry this inner awareness within, it allowed me to realize that schedules and responsibilities can and will change. I no longer need to beat myself up if something has to give. Instead, I have learned to recognize signs of fatigue and listen to my inner voice. I am not alone in my discovery that
An Athlete’s Self Discovery & Finding Wellbeing tranquility and peace of mind, go handin-hand with eating well and good physical fitness. More and more people recognize that fitness is part of the relaxation and the rejuvenation that they seek when trying to escape the everyday. Whether it be an easy hike on a nature trail, a visit to the spa, a yoga class or even a more intensive fitness regime, taking time to discover the activities and methods of relaxation that suit your lifestyle will lead to the quality of life, health and performance that you seek.
Iona Wynter competed in the sport of Triathlon on the World Cup circuit leading up to qualification for the Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia, where she represented Jamaica in 2000. Afterwards, she worked as a teacher for several years as well as competing as a professional cyclist before accepting a new challenge Directeur Sportif for one of America's top professional women’s cycling teams. She has returned to Jamaica as the Director of Spa & Education at Goldeneye Villas & Spa, where she will work with guests to restore bodies, uplift minds and soothe spirits.
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SHAKTI 2009 EVENTS
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KIDS SUMMER ART CAMP 2009
SHAKTI 2009 EVENTS
SHAKTI GOES TO WSSC
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SHAKTI 2009 EVENTS
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SHAKTI AT JAKE’S TRIATHLON
SHAKTI 2009 EVENTS
HEART FOUNDATION CHARITY EVENT AT SHAKTI
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SHAKTI 2009 EVENTS
PROMISE YOURSELF YOGA IN THE GARDEN 24
Detox Your Home: 7 Tips for a Green Clean Contributed by ECCO Magazine
ONE. Use non-toxic cleaning solutions, such as vinegar and baking soda. Vinegar is perfect for cleaning countertops and microwaves and deodorizing drains. Baking Soda is an excellent scouring agent, can also be used to brush your teeth, and works to help control sweaty feet. TWO. Dust with a damp cloth or micro-fiber cloth to prevent household dust from being stirred back into the air as it may collect toxins. THREE. Take off your shoes when entering someone’s home. This is not only an Asian sign of respect but is also a way to prevent outdoor allergens and dirt from getting into your green home (if someone refuses see Baking Soda Tip#1). FOUR. Open a window or use an exhaust fan instead of using synthetic air fresheners to get rid of bad odors. Based on a research by the US
Environmental Protection Agency air fresheners emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can irritate your eyes and lead to headaches as well as other adverse health effects. FIVE. Toss the vinyl shower curtain and instead opt for nylon or cotton. Most vinyl shower curtains (including all liners) are polyvinyl chloride/PVC-based. Nylon and Cotton curtains can easily be machine washed and ready to use within minutes. SIX. Throw the wet sponge in the microwave after washing the dishes for about one minute. This helps kill bacteria and make sure it’s germ-free for the next time you use it.
excellent natural filters.
E.C.C.O. is Jamaica’s premier green lifestyle magazine, providing valuable and practical steps to a cleaner, healthier lifestyle for persons who are interested in making a difference, but don’t want to compromise their lifestyle. Our hopes at ECCO magazine are to demonstrate that there is a lot we can do as consumers and our attempts to go green will matter. Published on a quarterly basis E.C.C.O. is filled with information for the environmentally conscious consumer. Look out for December’s edition in stores soon.
SEVEN. Green your home the right way with natural plants. They help rid your home of air pollutant and toxins so trade in your plastic plants for the real thing. If not properly cared for, silk plants attract a lot of dust. Ferns, ivy and palms are
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10 Stress-Busting Reasons to Exercise
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Exercise WILL help you deal with stress. Here's how…
homeostasis faster and reduce the physical impact of psychosocial stress.
1. Detoxifying: During the stress response, nearly 1,500 biochemical reactions occur in the body. Neurotransmitters (also known as “brain signals”) are activated, hormones are released, and nutrients are metabolized. Some body systems, like the cardiovascular system, accelerate their functions while others, like the gastrointestinal system, slow down their operations in response to stress. This is commonly referred to as the fight or flight response, meaning that regular exercise allows the body to return to
2. Anger Management: Research has documented the important role that expression or repression of anger and hostility plays in disease progression. Physical activity can be a healthy catharsis for this most caustic of emotions. It can provide a socially acceptable means of physically releasing negative energy. No matter what you do, be it kickboxing or yoga; the physical release of energy appears to dissipate feelings of anger in a positive way. story continues on page 29
10 STRESS-BUSTING REASONS TO EXERCISE continuing from page 28
twenty minutes or more. Chemically similar to opiate compounds, this morphine-like substance has been shown to provide a pain relieving effect and promote a sense of euphoria – and it’s legal! The actual way endorphins work on the body is debated. Most of the controversy has to do with our inability to measure chemical changes that occur on the other side of the blood brain barrier. Regardless of the neuro-chemical reaction or 4. Introspection: Exercise can be a other mechanisms that initiate changes solitary escape from the daily toils and in emotional status, this phenomenon pressures of a stressful society. It can does seem to exist. The positive mood provide a mini vacation that allows one states associated with frequent exercise to recharge their energy levels to deal are so significant that some have with conflicts when they return. Others suggested that this is a more effective use this time to self reflect on issues of treatment for clinical depression than importance, or to stimulate creative either psychotherapy or the use anti-depression drugs. problem solving. 3. Moving Meditation: Certain exercises require a fairly consistent repetitive motion that can alter one's state of consciousness. Such as the Zen practice of walking meditation, the physiological effect is similar to what happens during meditation. Breathing and movement act as a mantra and may be responsible for the feelings of calmness and tranquility.
5. Reduction of Muscular Tension: During stress, muscles contract and lose their normal resting muscle tone. Bouts of physical activity allow muscles to work, thereby releasing stored energy and allowing muscle groups to return to their normal resting potential. This action also reduces discomfort associated with muscular tension, like tension headaches, arthritic joint pain, backaches, etc. 6. Endorphins: As stated before, endorphins have been shown to increase during physical activity of
7. Increased Awareness: Physically fit individuals tend to develop an increased sense of somatic awareness, meaning that they become more in tune with their bodies. Thus, they are able to detect subtle changes in their physiology that they were previously unaware of, such as breathing patterns, reactions to diet and exercise, quality of sleep, etc. This new awareness allows people to be able to circumvent the physiological process of stress before it can cause problems.
in one's life can be just as upsetting as too much stress. It is natural for humans to seek out stimulation and excitement. For some, the opportunity for physical challenges is the most interesting part of life. At the far end of the scale are those who practice highrisk activities such as extreme skiing, skydiving, and rock climbing. By constantly testing themselves, individuals learn how to take on higher and higher loads of stress. The learning that ensues transfers over to stress that is experienced in daily life. All exercise accomplishes this to some degree. 9. Improvement in Sleep: A symptom of stress overload can be the inability to get adequate rest. A fatigued individual is less able to perform at a high level. Exercise has been shown to be very effective in helping some people fall asleep easily and sleep more soundly. 10. Stronger Immune System: The better shape you’re in, the stronger your immune system will be. When fit people become ill or injured, they will demonstrate more stamina and greater resiliency to fighting the discomfort. They will also recover more quickly.
8. Decreased Boredom: Too little stress
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Inspirational Weight Loss with Debbie Dabdoub Meet one of Shakti's latest inspirations, Debbie Dabdoub‌ We call her our SHAKTI SPINNING QUEEN! Through her dedication to Shakti's spinning and weight training classes, plus modifications to her diet, Debbie has lost 36lbs. Needless to say, she looks absolutely AMAZING and feels great too! Let Debbie tell you how she did it AND inspire you to achieve your wellness dreams in 2010! What led you to Shakti? Debbie: I got bored of my same routine and decided to try Shakti. I found it exciting and different. I don't get bored at Shakti - everything is different, every time you come whether the atmosphere or the classes. Shakti's motto is "nothing changes unless something changes" so they are always doing something new to inspire you and motivate you! How did you lose and keep off the weight? Debbie: Lots of spinning and weights, and I changed how I ate - but I didn't go on a diet. I went to Shakti's nutritionist, Franny Mahfood who put me on a program that I modified to what worked best for me. I eat small portions at the right times, when I'm hungry. I haven't stopped eating anything that I love - but knowing what to eat, at what time, and portion control is what helped me.
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What's your Shakti routine like? Debbie: I do classes for an average of 1 - 1 1/2 hours a day, AT THE MOST up to 2 hours - Monday to Saturday alternating spinning and weights. Sometimes I do both on the same day. Recently, I have also tried special yoga classes with Sharon and I love the way they made me feel.
When you workout hard and there are no changes, you feel unmotivated. No. matter how much advice anyone gives, you have to find it within yourself in order to succeed. Shakti has helped me to stick to my program and understand that what I was doing was changing my lifestyle, not just the numbers on the scale.
What was it that finally made you commit to doing it? Debbie: My weight has always fluctuated, but I had gained the most I had ever gained. Someone passed a comment about my weight - someone who never notices or would usually say anything about it. That was my wake up call. It hit me
What have you learned most along the way? Debbie: You have to be happy about the way you look and about yourself. That comes with first loving yourself exactly as you are. From that place, you find the strength to achieve your goals.
What has been your greatest challenge along your weight loss journey? Debbie: Keeping myself motivated.
5 Bedford Park Avenue 876.906-8403 www.ShaktiMindBodyFitness.com