June 2010

e

06.10

lifestyle

HEALTH & FITNESS ISSUE CULTURE

DINING

ENTERTAINMENT

FASHION

FITNESS

NIGHTLIFE

VARIETY IS

EVERYTHING.

OF COURSE WE HAVE "THE BEST WINGS SOUTH OF BUFFALO" IN 33 DIFFERENT FLAVORS, BUT THERE'S A WHOLE LOT MORE AT THE WING AS WELL.

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It's filled with all of your favorites plus a bevy of new goodies you're gonna love. From our new Beef Brisket Sandwich on Texas Toast to our tasty Oriental Chicken Rice Bowl, you'll be blown away by the flavors, the variety and the value!

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publisher’s note Well I hope everyone had a great Memorial weekend -- it’s hard to believe it’s the first of June and only a couple weeks away from summer! It’s going to be a great one with so much going on. You can pick any night of the week and find something fun to do. Two of my favorites are Alive After 5 on Thursday nights at the EpiCentre and Fridays down at the N.C. Music Factory.

This month brings our Health and Fitness issue. If you have been looking for that special way to get -- or stay -- fit for the summer, we have what you’re looking for. From martial arts to Pilates and from outdoor activities to dancing, you’re sure to find something that will spark your interest. But if you’re looking for something a little closer to home, we offer you stay-at-home activities such as playing Wii, as well as holistic healing advice and tips on healthy eating and drinking.

So once you get that perfect body, you need to get out and show it off. Come join Elevate Lifestyle and Kiss 95.1 on Friday, June 18 for our Fourth Annual White Party at Suite in the EpiCentre. Guenn from the Ace and TJ Show as well as Jon Beason of the Panthers will be hosting the event. Proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society. Tickets can be purchased at www.

Bandtastic.com. Hope to see you there!

Til next month, Steve Caldwell

e team

President & Editor in Chief: Steve Caldwell steve@ElevateLifestyle.com Assistant Editor: Edy Hinson Creative Director: Greg Smith Design & Production: Greenspon Advertising Fashion Stylist: Craig Ross

Workin It!: Photography Spread: Scott Phillips and Marianne Phillips, Exposed Image Photography, Stylist: Craig Ross, Hair and Makeup: Elissa Clanton, Models: Alexandria Aparicio, Chad Guthrie, Hosanna Noble, Meredith Adler, Patrice DeRespinis, Robert Barret Lynch, Sarah Southard, Sarah Ward, Shayla Girardin, Shimel Draughon, Tessa M. Machen, Wardrobe: Asana Activewear, Location: Surreal Body Solutions, Owner Zeke Samples Advertising Sales Information: Steve Caldwell Contributing Writers: Culture Editor Laura Gainor, Dining Editor Ryan Self, Entertainment Editor Denise Gregory, Fashion Editor Debra Kennedy, Fitness Editor Monique Douglas; Christopher Goney, Ericka Foster, Heather Head, Lauren Nguyen, Sarah Coombes, Shannon Warren, Stephanie Pappas, and Steve Caldwell Event, Article, and Website Photography: Eun Park, Ken Thomas, Lazyday.com, and Steve Caldwell Interns: Christopher Goney, Heather Head, Stephanie Pappas, and Tyler Morris

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charlottehalfprice.com CharlotteHalfPrice.com Welcome Our New Partners:

CONTENTS 24 28 32 36 40 46

Culture: 8 Tips For Staying Fit Entertainment: Queen City Dancing Queen Dining: Black Bear Saloon Fashion: Glam Fitness 101 Fashion: 10 by 10 Lashes Fashion Spread: Workin’ It!

thursdays. $20.00 bottomless wine. we dare you.

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HEALTH & FITNESS 56 Who’s Your Master?

60 Weir Dancing 66 Pilates With A Twist 72 Touch Of A Button!

78 Holistic Healing 84 Wii Like To Get Fit 88 Going Green 92 Bikini Safe Cocktails 98 Summertime Burn Outdoors 102 Team In Training 108 Get Smart on Dumbells

culture

8 tips for staying fit with a busy schedule We’re living in a world where everything is moving a mile a minute. For me personally -- because I work in social media -- I have a tough time separating myself from my iPhone and allowing my brain to take a break from social media strategizing. So I recently decided it was high-time to make sure I’m giving myself some personal time, including at least 20 to 30 minutes a day of exercise.

As sad as this may sound, lately I have been finding it tough to squeeze those 20 minutes into my schedule. So I set out for some professional advice from my “virtual” fitness trainer in Charlotte, @FitnessChamp.

Ward Gibson, the real-life fitness champ behind @FitnessChamp, has become my go-to person for tips on how to make the most out of my short workout, and how to make sure I’m achieving proper posture and movement. I asked Ward to share some of his top fitness tips with me so that I could share them with you. So here they are: The busy-body’s guide to squeezing fitness into your schedule. #1 - Set a goal You don’t get in the car without knowing where you want to go. Whether you want to lose 10 pounds of fat, gain 10 pounds of muscle, or maintain your current shape and weight, your first task is to select a goal.

#2 - Diet is even MORE important than workouts Particularly for someone with a busy life and work schedule, eating right is paramount in fitness, body composition and overall health. Two great mottos to eat and live by are, “It’s impossible to out-train a bad diet,” and “Great abs are made in the kitchen.” #3 - Cut down on the junk Notice I didn’t say “eliminate the junk.” There is a place in life for treats once in a while; however, they need to take on a very reduced role in your weekly eating habits and grocery shopping. Starches (breads, pastas, white potatoes, milk) and sugars (desserts, candy, sodas) are the first place to look when trying to eliminate junk from your diet. When trying to figure out what to eat every day, increase your focus on fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, as well as lean proteins like fish, chicken and eggs. #4 - Tell a friend There is productive power in the positive reinforcement of a like-minded friend. Instead of keeping your goal a secret, tell someone else who might have a similar interest in finding ways to stay fit or slim down. Not only

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can you share ideas and motivation, but you may find a workout partner as well. #5 - Be creative There are dozens of examples of “lifestyle cardio” to substitute hitting the gym. Load up the iPod with music and go for a walk. Take the stairs everyday instead of the elevator. Park your car at the farthest end of the lot. Take the office stairs from the bottom floor to the top, and back down again once per hour during the work day. “Exercise” doesn’t have to be limited to the gym -- you can find a dozen ways to expend more energy every day if you get creative. #6 - Productive Distractions If you are alone, use your “lifestyle cardio” time to be mentally productive.

Besides listening to music, try listening to an audiobook; maybe walk the dog or put the kids in a stroller. Use your intermittent walking breaks from the work desk to break the monotony of the day, clear your thoughts, and increase blood flow to the legs. #7 - TV Commercial Training Instead of flipping through channels during television commercials, get off the couch and do some push-ups or jumping jacks. You can also do ab exercises like crunches, or lower body work like squats or lunges. #8 - Pre-shower Training Similar to training during TV commercials, carve out 10 minutes before you hit the shower and do a circuit of jumping jacks, squats, push-ups, lunges and ab work.

Thanks to @FitnessChamp for passing along these fitness training tips.

Now, even with the busiest schedule, you no longer have the “I just don’t have time to work out,” excuse. For tips like these and more, connect with @FitnessChamp on Twitter, and check out his blog at www.TheFitnessChamp.com.

Laura Gainor, Culture Editor

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Grab your swimsuit and join Kiss 95.1 Saturdays this summer on Anchor Island, Lake Norman’s official floating bar!

Kiss is THE #1 Summer Station for the Carolinas! www.kiss951.com

fitness

queen city dancing queen If you’re a freak for fitness but tired of the same old treadmill, pushup, lunges routine, then Queen City Dancing Queen might be just the place to put a little pep in your step. The new face of adult fitness in Charlotte, QCDC offers dance-inspired fitness classes that get you sweating without the drudge of a boring circuit routine.

Gym member Soko Gonsan said she absolutely can’t live without her post-work Zumba session.

“My personal experience working out with the Queen City Dancers has been awesome,” she said. I get off work each day and zoom across town to get to Zumba. However, they offer not only Zumba, but other dance-inspired aerobic classes like Dance-Out and Beginner Moves.” Gonsan described all the instructors as high-energy and encouraging. “They come out into the class and dance right beside you to motivate you and keep you up to speed,” she said.

Before opening Queen City Dancing Queen, Angie Acosta was an instructor at B-Risque, an alternative fitness studio here in Charlotte. Realizing that the dancers in her classes wanted more of the dance-oriented fitness she was offering, Acosta was inspired to launch QCDC. Acosta said her goal is to make exercise “something you want to do, not something you have to do,� according to her Web site. She said she discovered that many women were unsatisfied with the gyms they had contractual obligations to, and that what they wanted was a fun way to incorporate cardio and toning. And it was on this principal that Acosta founded QCDC. Plus, with satellite studios all over Charlotte, Acosta has made her unique workout regimen accessible to Charlotteans in any community.

Gonsan said that working out with the Queen City Dancers is entertaining and keeps her sociable. Far from the competitive, intimidating environments of some gyms, QCDC keeps things fun and casual, and allows all participants to go at their own pace, and feel comfortable doing so. You can try your first class with the Queen City Dancers for free by visiting their Web site at QueenCityDancingQueen.com and printing the free coupon. From there, you can decide if you want to pay for classes a la cart, in a multi-class package, or an unlimitedclass package that you pay for by the month. Prices range from $4 to $8 per class, depending on how many you purchase at one time.

So strap on your dancing shoes, shed your inhibitions and make excuses no more. The Queen City Dancing Queen allows for socializing and exercising all in one, and offers Charlotteans a new fun way to stay fit!

Denise Gregory, Entertainment Editor

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dining

black bear saloon The majority of bars in Charlotte follow one set path. They either are trendy nightclubs, or are more relaxed neighborhood hangouts. Often, it is the clientele that decide, regardless of the vibe the establishment was shooting for. In the case of the recently opened Black Bear Saloon, the latest hot spot to hit the N.C. Music Factory area, both the sports-watching bar fly and the crowd-watching socialite will fit right in.

“We’re a neighborhood pub first and foremost, but at night we like to have a little fun,” bartender James Fitzgerald said. The result is a multifaceted hangout that caters to nightclub wayfarers, but is not so snooty as to exclude the old standards: trivia night on Tuesdays, open stage karaoke on Wednesdays, and of course, an old fashioned, kick-ass live band on most weekends. Fitzgerald describes the typical crowd as 23 to 35 in age, although he says 70’s and 80’s cover bands draw plenty of the 40 and older crowd for a little nostalgic listening.

“We’re not a college crowd,” he said. “But we’re an everybody-else crowd, one that is growing every day.”

The Black Bear concept started eight years ago in New York. There are now nine locations, but most Charlotteans will still find it to be a new experience - the next closest location is in Hoboken, New Jersey.

The menu is what Fitzgerald calls “American bar food with a twist,” which means plenty of standards -- wings, sandwiches, burgers -- but with some house specialties as well. One example is the Kodiak: a deli turkey, slaw and French dressing creation that is their twist on the standard Reuben.

Burgers range from a lean turkey burger to the anti-lean: a two-patty monster known simply as the Belly Buster.

Like their clientele, you just never know what you’ll run into on the Black Bear menu. And like their clientele, the experience of finding out promises to be a great time. Each night of the week, you’re always guaranteed to find something going gone; whether it’s their great food or drink specials, or one of the nightly promotions.

Mondays: A brand new Service Industry Night at the Black Bear Saloon!

Guest DJ’s spinning all the hits every week, along with 2 for 1 appetizers, $2 drafts, $3 bombs and 50 percent off all bar tabs!

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Tuesdays: Trivia Night at The Bear! They offer Big Bear Appetizer Platters on special for $9.99, all drafts are $3, and prizes are given away all night long! Trivia starts at 9:30, so don’t be late!

Wednesdays: Pre- and PostConcert Party + BEARaoke = The Best Wednesday in Charlotte!

Head down to the Black Bear each and every Wednesday for BEARaoke, starting at 9:30. They have $2 domestic bottles, and $3 royal flushes and Washington apple shots.

Thursdays: 1-2-3-4-5 Thursdays, which include $1 sliders, $2 SoCo lime shots, $3 drafts, $4 well drinks and $5 drafts.

Fridays: Fridays at the Factory are the perfect time to grab a table on their huge patio and enjoy the sight and the sounds of the evening, or kick back with your friends and play some corn hole!

Parking is always free at Black Bear Saloon.

900 Seaboard Street, Charlotte / 704.716.2327 www.BlackBearSaloon.com Ryan Self, Dining Editor

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fitness

debra’s guide to glam fitness 101 Swimsuit season has arrived! And, unless you’re a nun, it’s time to show some skin. It is never too late to get your fitness routine going so that those flabby arms and legs are transformed into fabulous tone!

I once had a trainer who had two mottos that I have always remembered. (I did not say I always listen, but I do remember.) The first is, “If you have time to eat, you have time to exercise,” and the second is, “Eat fat, and you are fat!” Those fortunate people who love to exercise seem to maintain their weight without the roller coaster of losses and gains. Then, there are those unfortunate souls who torture themselves and struggle with the ups and downs of the many extra pounds, always vowing to get fit tomorrow. (Yes, I am in this group – Leader of the Yo-Yo Team.) But with fun, new ways to get your sweat on -- and outfits that keep you cool and cute while doing so -- you’ll be looking firm and fit before your buddies can say, “Cannonball!”

GET FIT CHARLOTTE There are several new and exciting ways to accomplish your goal of getting into shape that provide a little variety from normal, boring gym visits. A good friend of mine, Anna Kooiman of Fox News Rising, is really pumped up about getting Charlotte into shape. Her fitness segments on the morning show are motiva-

tional and inspiring, and she has a great Web site with recipes, meal and fitness ideas, and information on getting fit the right way. Find her online at GetFitCharlotte.com. Maybe I will run into you at her next boot camp!

PILATES WITH A TWIST Another amazing way to mix up the routine is Pilates With A Twist. Karen Yoder finds creative ways to keep you interested in your routine, and gets you the most results with the best equipped studio in the Southeast. Karen has a fun and energetic personality that keeps you working out with a smile on your face. You can visit her Web site at PilatesWithATwist.com.

ROCKIN’ FITNESS WEAR Now for the really important part: What to wear? What’s a girl to do if she has those few extra pounds? Wear the classic and uberpopular Lululemon Groove Pants to class -- and out afterward. All you need to do is change out of your jogging bra and tee into an over-sized sparkly top and high-heeled slings, and you’re ready to meet friends. Lululemon Pants are

37

a find. You can run errands in them after your favorite Saturday yoga class, or even head out to brunch with the girls, and your friends will be none the wiser. The pants have vertical seams on a diagonal line that, I swear, make your hips look narrower and your legs longer.

Are you exercising more outside now that the weather is warming up?

That lovely sunshine that doses out plenty of good-for-you Vitamin D can also wreak havoc on your skin, even through your clothing. Incidents of skin cancer are higher than ever before -- even for indoor office workers, and especially for young people! So be smart about UV rays, and protect yourself! To do so, I love the new line of workout clothing from Asics, which provides UPF protection (the clothing equivalent to SPF). The clothes are constructed of fibers that provide the equivalent of SPF 50+, and they never lose their protective powers in the wash. Pretty cool, and very fashionable.

So this summer, it’s really not about what you wear, but about getting your groove on and getting moving! Get that heart rate up, and you’ll be in shape -- and looking fit and fabulous -- before the first summer gettogether!

Until Next Time – Debra Bringing you the best in beauty from the outside in and the inside out.

Visit my Web site at debrakennedyshow.com or send me an e-mail debra@elevatelifestyle.com.

fashion

ten by ten lashes Interview: With Trish Upton, Master Esthetician and Advanced Lash Stylist Elevate: How exactly do you apply the eyelash extensions?

Trish Upton, Ten By Ten Lashes: Semi-permanent eyelash extensions are synthetic fibers replicated like a natural lash. They are individually applied to one natural hair at a time with adhesive used in facial surgery.

E: How often do you have spa parties, like Glam Girls’ Night Out, at Ten By Ten Lashes?

T: We have spa events six to ten times a year including networking events, lash demonstrations, and model calls.

E: What is an eyelash extension procedure like? What can someone expect?

T: Eyelash extension application is a one hour non-invasive cosmetic procedure. Typically our clients drift off to sleep.

E: Do you, Trish, perform all of the extensions yourself?

T: We have a total of six beauty professionals including Advanced Lash Stylist(s), Estheticians and medical professionals at all three of our locations - Maryland, Georgia and here in Charlotte.

E: On the Web site TenByTenLashes.com, there is a service of permanent make-up. What exactly does that entail?

T: All services start with a consultation including color and design choice. SofTap permanent cosmetics is a service where color is implanted into the skin. Similar to a tattoo, however we don’t use motorized units to apply the color rather a combination of soft taps.

E: What kind of experience do clients receive upon walking into Ten By Ten Lashes?

T: Ten By Ten Lashes is a very private experience. All of the stylists are very personable and genuinely interested in their clients and their desired service(s). The atmosphere is a very posh, relaxing and inviting.

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E: Will there be more Ten By Ten Lashes opening up in Charlotte or anywhere else soon?

T: The SouthPark location is the only location in Charlotte. Our future plans include a fourth location in Las Vegas.

E: You have gotten great press so far -- how has business been?

T: Eyelash extensions are fairly new to Charlotte. Our luxurious beauty treatment caters to a discriminating clientele; we have been well received in Charlotte.

E: Typically, how long is the recovery period for eyelash extensions?

T: There is no recovery time after your application of eyelash extensions. For the most ideal result, we recommend our clients keep their lashes free from moisture for 48 hours post application to ensure proper curing.

E: Do you do all of your services in-house?

T: Yes, all services are complete in-house: eyelash extensions, waxing, facials and make-up.

E: What are the benefits of getting eyelash extensions rather than wearing false eyelashes?

T: There are many benefits of wearing eyelash extensions including preserving the natural lash. While wearing strips of lashes (false eyelashes), there is a great deal of pulling and tugging at the lashes in the removal process which can and often time damages the natural lash. Eyelash extensions when 42

properly applied are virtually weightless and are removed with ease – no pulling or tugging.

Another benefit of wearing eyelash extensions rather than strips of lashes is in the point of attachment. With eyelash extensions the point of attachment is invisible whereas, with strips you can immediately see the lashes are “fake”, by the stiff platform of the strip.

E: Are there any products out there you would recommend that will make lashes look longer and thicker?

T: With extensive options in eyelash enhancement, nothing is more natural then semi-permanent eyelash extensions. Longer and thicker lashes can be enjoyed immediately worn as long as you’d like.

E: What separates Ten By Ten Lashes eyelash extensions treatments from any other spa around Charlotte?

T: Our education and experience.

E: How much does a typical eyelash extension cost?

Touch-ups?

T: The average cost for our application is $650, with an average of $150 in monthly maintenance.

E: How far in advance should someone schedule an appointment for any of the services offered?

T: We ask that you properly prepare when scheduling an appointment. For example, we like to see brides 5-6 weeks before the wedding to give her an opportunity to get used to wearing her extensions before her big day. Likewise, if you are headed to the beach, its best you prepare by having your extensions applied a few days before your trip to ensure proper curing time.

Stephanie Pappas 43

You can be K 104.7’s Green Office of the Week!

We celebrate the businesses that are environmentally conscious! Tell us how your company is green and lunch is on us!

Photography: Exposed Image Photography - Scott Phillips, Marianne Phillips Stylist: Craig Ross Makeup: Elissa Clanton Models: Alexandria Aparicio, Chad Guthrie, Hosanna Noble, Meredith Adler, Patrice DeRespinis, Robert Barret Lynch, Sarah Southard, Sarah Ward, Shayla Girardin, Shimel Draughon, Tessa M. Machen Wardrobe: Asana Activewear Location: Surreal Body Solutions, Zeke Samples - Owner

Multiple studios on-location Green Screen Studio Casting Studio Sound Recording Studio Warehouse Studio

Features / Amenities: ·Oversized “Green Screen” ·Separate control room (overlooking set) ·Private on-set dressing rooms ·Drive in Stage (warehouse studio) ·Set / Prep Area (Break room) ·Private studio entrance ·Wireless Internet ·Equipment rental available

fitness

who’s your master?

I am not afraid of trying new things: new foods, new activities, and the occasional attempt at new outfit colors are some examples. So when I got an email about Scott Shields’ Martial Arts Academy, my interest in a new workout option was peaked. My mind began wandering ... Bruce Lee, Kung Fu, Kill Bill ... could I be a part of all of this?

A community staple for 18 years now, Scott Shields’ Martial Arts Academy is a cutting edge facility that offers a variety of martial arts classes in beginner to advanced levels. So when Instructor Ashley Nee invited me to a Muay Thai class, I jumped at the opportunity!

A national sport of Thailand, Muay Thai began as a military art form, later developed into a sport, and is today widely known as a kickboxing art. Sometimes referred to as “The Science of Eight Limbs,” Muay Thai uniquely utilizes your arms, legs, elbows and knees, and is a great total-body workout. When I arrived for my class, I was met by a majority-male crowd, in a dance-studioesque type space, with Master Scott Sheilds facing the room with his back to the mirrored front wall. I sat on the floor next to Ashley, and observed with excitement and slight anxiety. Master Shields would explain the exercise, demonstrate it, then send us into pairs to practice it for two to three minutes at a time.

I paired up with Ashley, and we were given one pair of gloves and one pair of punch mits. The punch mitts are like mittens without a thumb separation, and are very padded with a slight curve in the palm area -- this helps to absorb some of the impact of the punches landing in the mitts. We would do the combination of punches and kicks that Master Shields had demonstrated for two to three minutes, then switch sides. It was a fun workout and definitely a tension-reliever!

I can see myself doing Muay Thai after a long day’s work to relieve stress and stay fit.

So after kicking some derriere, I sat down with Ashley and Master Shields to learn more about the academy, and Martial Arts as a whole. I learned that Master Shields has 17 Black Belts in different Martial Arts styles including Japanese Jiujitsu, Kempo Karate and Muay Thai, just to name a few. His academy has had several locations around the area, and is now on Matthews-Mint Hill Road in Charlotte. In 2007, Shields was inducted into the Martial Arts Masters Hall of Fame in Sacramento California, and his knowledge and credibility have garnered him the opportunity to train police officers, defensive tactics teams, the F.B.I, the Secret Service and even S.W.A.T teams!

Originally outlawed in the United States, Muay Thai is becoming more and more popular due to the UFC. Jeet Kun Do is another method of training that has started to surge in popularity in the United States, largely due to Bruce Lee’s pioneering of it. Jeet Kun Do is not the only style Lee practices, however.

“Cross-training” is when a fighter users multiple expressions of the martial arts.

Prior to Lee’s cross-training, fighters who used multiple expressions were considered “traitors” to their original style. However, nowadays, cross-training is simply a great way to relieve tension and stay fit, and it is offered on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and Shields’ academy.

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a good example of cross-training. It’s a mix of wrestling, Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiujitsu, and is considered much safer than boxing even though it was outlawed at one point. With boxing, there are 12 rounds and hundreds of punches being thrown over the course of the fight. This can take a serious toll on the body. With MMA, the gloves are smaller and you can “tap out” while still being honorable.

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Kids’ classes at Scott Shields’ Martial Arts Academy typically range from age four to 11, and are in Muay Thai. The instructors aim to instill discipline in the children, and bridge the gap between the values of traditional Martial Arts and current realistic fighting situations. Competitions are held year-round and though not many female competitors are seen, they are allowed to participate. Ashley competes herself, but said that female fighters are sometimes stuck fighting another female who is in a far different weight class, or may even be forced to fight a male if no other women are competing. If you are interested in learning more about Scott Shields’ Martial Arts Academy, their class offerings, rates and/or competitions, visit ScottShieldsMA.com or call 704-573-3830.

Master Kim’s USK Martial Arts School is another academy in the area offering Tang Soo Do, Haedong Kumdo, Hapkido and Brazilian Jiujitsu. A friend of mine, Anthony, is a trainer at the academy, but approached Martial Arts in a non-traditional way. Looking for an activity to keep him physically fit as well as intellectually sharp, Anthony opened up a phone book and discovered Master Kim’s USK Martial Arts, one of the oldest “dojang” (training facilities) in the city. Twelve years later, Anthony now teaches Tang Soo Do at Master Kim’s academy, and is an expert Martial Artist.

Tang Soo Do is an art form similar to Tae Kwon Do, but is more traditional and less sporty. Haedong Kumdo is a traditional sword style, and Hapkido is Korean selfdefense that utilizes pressure points and take-downs. Master Kim’s school accepts students age three to adult, but the majority of the classes are focused on kids, and the school hosts summer camps and after-school programs. In addition to their Charlotte location, Master Kim has now opened up another location in Fort Mill. For more information about either location, visit TangSoo.com or call 704-540-4224.

In my opinion, discovering and trying new things is a healthy way of living. The world has unfathomable knowledge and luckily, much of that information is available at the tips of our fingers, or at least at the click of a mouse. I’ve learned that in this everchanging city of Charlotte, there is an abundance of prominent Martial Arts Masters, academies and instructors (male and female) that are making a difference in our area.

Martial Arts is a fun and proven way to stay fit and maintain a healthy lifestyle. So if you haven’t already, get out and try something new like Martial Arts!

‘Til next time…

Monique Douglas, Fitness Editor

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fitness

let me see you 1, 2 step – carolina dance capital “I wanna dance with you, I’m sophisticated fun. I eat filet mignon and I’m nice and young -- best believe I’m number one.”

Carolina Dance Capital offers a new way of experiencing life to Charlotte’s young but sophisticated crowd. In its 10 years of having operated under the name Weir Dancin’, the studio has been recognized numerous times for its innovative and trendy approach to the latest dance styles. Now opening in Ballantyne on August 1, Carolina Dance Capital embraces the art of dance not only as a form of self-expression, but as a form of work, relaxation, recreation and exercise. So you can learn to dance while shedding pounds!

Carolina Dance Capital caters to adults looking to get fit in an upbeat and unique manner. The academy offers an array of dance styles including tap, lyrical, jazz and hip-hop. The instructor-guided movements and stretches in the classes can stand alone as a

workout, or compliment your traditional gym routine. Dancing not only promotes weight loss by burning calories, but is extremely beneficial in toning muscles and enhancing your flexibility. Depending on how exhaustive your dancing is, research has shown that individuals can burn up to 400 calories by dancing for 30 minutes. That’s a burn similar to what you would achieve walking, swimming or cycling.

The dancing at Carolina Dance Capital promotes physical, personal, and social benefits to all the young, sophisticated individuals who are looking for a method of exercising that allows for a great workout, while socializing and mingling. According to LifeMojo.com, a health and fitness Web site, some of the benefits of dancing for exercise are: Physical Benefits • Dancing is constant movement, and it covers everything from cardio and strength training to balance and control.

• Dancing aids in weight loss and it is a great way for people of all ages to get and stay in shape.

• Being an aerobic exercise, it benefits your heart, cardiovas cular system and increases your lung capacity. It also tones and tightens the major muscle groups of the body.

• Regular dancing can lead to a lower blood pressure and an improved cholesterol profile.

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• Most forms of dance require dancers to perform moves that require bending and stretching, thus increasing their flexibility.

• The constant and low impact movements of dancing al low your joints and bones to strengthen, reducing the risk of sprains, breaks and arthritis later in life. This also helps in the prevention of osteoporosis by slowing down loss of bone mass associated with the disease.

• The side-to-side movements of many dances strengthen your weight-bearing bones like the tibia, fibula and femur.

Personal and Social Benefits • Dancing helps you to relax, reducing stress and tension.

• It boosts self confidence.

• Dance elevates your mood by raising your endorphin levels and thus increases the sense of well-being.

• Dancing is a great way to meet new people and make new friends.

For both the young and the sophisticated dance enthusiasts alike, Carolina Dance Capital provides an atmosphere conducive to networking, meeting new friends, enjoying upbeat music and getting energized. Carolina Dance Capital promises to captivate you with the facility, as well as the faculty’s experience and knowledge.

Boasting more than 100 years of combined experience, the staff at Carolina Dance Capital is sure to impress you with their vast knowledge and skill-set. And to boot, they’re all still learning more: the instructors make yearly treks around the country in order to receive training on all the latest dance styles and trends. In addition to their fine reputation and critical accolades, Carolina Dance Capital was, in 2008, recognized as One of the Top 25 Studios in the United States by “The Fed62

eration of Dance Competitions,” and One of the Top 50 Dance Studios in the United States by “Dance Spirit Magazine.” And from our own city, the studio was awarded with Best of the City Search in 2009.

The new Ballantyne location is an 8,700 square-foot facility with six dance studios and “true injury prevention floors,” which are Marley-type floors (skid-resistant, vinyl floors that are popular for dance) with hundreds of compression foam blocks under the surface to absorb impact. The facility also has observation windows, a top-notch sound system, a spacious locker room, a student lounge and an inviting waiting area with wireless internet access.

So for the individuals eagerly waiting to embrace summer nights with their ideal body and trendy moves, Carolina Dance Capital provides you with a chance to do both. It offers you not only the benefits of dance like healthy weight, toned muscles and flexible ligaments, but also a chance to upgrade those outdated 1, 2 Steps with trendy moves from the latest dancing styles. So the next time you’re impressing your eye candy on the dance floor, remember, “Ladies and Gentlemen ... the beat is, automatic, supersonic, hypnotic, funky fresh, so work your body and let me see you 1, 2 step.”

Heather Head 63

fitness

pilates with a twist Interview: Karen Yoder, Owner and Instructor Elevate: We noticed a picture of you and Taylor Swift on your Web site. Are you her Pilates instructor?

Karen Yoder: I’m not her personal instructor, but I had the opportunity to work with her, her band and her back-up dancers, teaching them a basic Killer Karen Mat Class. She was amazing, you would want her to marry your brother or babysit your kids.

E: What sets you apart from other Pilates facilities in Charlotte?

K: Pilates with a Twist is athletic based rather than dance based.I have the most equipment in one location in the Southeast.

E: Tell us about your experience as an International Dragon Boat Competitor.

K: I lived in Hong Kong at the time and was a right-side rower for the Hong Kong Island Paddle Club. My experience competing internationally garnered me an invitation to help train local dragon boaters for the first competition on Lake Norman a couple of years ago.

E: How has your experience in the United States Army impacted the way you teach Pilates?

K: I was in the United States Army for five years and I wish I was in the same shape then as I am now.

I have been through military boot camp, and when I offer boot camps at the studio it is a real boot camp.

E: What experiences have motivated or ignited your passion for Pilates?

K: When my youngest son was three, we were riding around in the car when I noticed that my thighs looked deflated and flabby. At that moment, I realized that at 34 years old, I was too young to be neglecting myself and I needed to get in shape.

Within these past 18 years, I have achieved the best physical condition of my life, and that inspires others.

E: What prompted you to make a line of DVDs, and what will they focus on?

K: For years, my clients have been asking me to make a DVD that was unlike any other out there. Due to the economy, I wanted to make a DVD that used affordable equipment that is readily available. The DVD is three 30-minute segments that you can mix and match to create your own unique workout. When 67

we were shooting the DVD, we filmed nonstop for the entire segment so the viewers would receive the real experience at home. My clients were so supportive and ecstatic about the DVD that many pre-paid and donated money.

E: What does Bridal Boot Camp entail?

K: While [the studio isn’t offering] Bridal Boot Camp right now, there is a Bridal Boot Camp DVD coming soon. All the exercises ... can be performed indoors, so there are no excuses! The DVD will focus on getting everybody involved in the wedding camera ready.

E: What is your favorite piece of equipment to use and why?

K: I love toys, so I don’t have a favorite piece of equipment in particular. This first DVD uses the stability ball and the bosus both of which can be found at local sporting goods stores.

E: When are you expecting your DVD to be released?

K: The DVD will be released June 1. The next four are expected to be filmed in July. There will also be a DVD signing but the time and place are to be announced later on the Web site, which is www.PilatesWithATwist.net.

E: Will your clients receive the same experience from the DVD as they could in the studio?

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K: Since we filmed the DVD straight through, the viewer will be able to relate to the intensity and difficulty of the workout the same as if they were in the studio with me. The individuals in the DVD had never worked out with me before, so they are capable of making the same mistakes as someone viewing from home. These DVDs are not meant to look perfect and rehearsed, they are meant to be real.

E: What benefits does Pilates offer versus other forms of exercise?

K: Once again, Pilates With A Twist is an athletic-based Pilates workout. You will get the optimal workout in the most effective way for your body type through fitness assessment and hard work.

E: What motivates you daily, and do you have any tips to inspire others?

K: At 52 years old, I am strong enough to lead men and women half my age. I’m motivated to stay five steps ahead of my clients.

Stephanie Pappas and Heather Head 69

fitness

touch of a button!

Most dieters -- all of the successful ones -- know how important it is to monitor everything you eat. You would be hard pressed to find any weight-loss expert or dietician who wouldn’t tell you to keep track of your actions. Whether you want to gain pounds, lose pounds, or change the way you treat your body, “step one” is keeping record of what’s going on. Keeping this information on your phone or handheld device provides a no-excuse approach to managing your health.

This is a user-friendly guide to fitness and nutrition apps – whether you have a Blackberry, Droid, or an iPhone.

Blackberry TotalFitness: This software includes a database of 10,000 food items with their nutritional information. There is also a place to keep track of your workouts and health data such as weight, body fat, blood pressure, pulse and body measurements. This app costs $4.99 to download. Be aware that some users complain of poor customer support.

Sparkpeople: One of the most popular free online weight loss tools, Sparkpeople has now launched its own Blackberry application. You can download recipes and a diet tracker to your smartphone, as well as opt to view the mobile ver-

sion of the site. This free application works on all BlackberryÂŽs, except for the Storm.

Weight Loss Sense: The Sensei creates meal and workout plans for you based on your habits and preferences. The app for the Blackberry is actually free, but the program itself costs $9.99 to sign up, and then an additional $15 per month. This is for those people who are serious about losing weight, and who will heed the suggestions the Sensei recommends. This app is also available for the iPhone and the Droid, and is the only subscription-based application included today.

Droid FatSecret Calorie Counter: Is an online health tool and has a Blackberry app as well as the Droid app listed here. Free to download, this app includes a food diary, activity diary, weight chart and journal. The FatSecret Calorie Counter app is pretty popular with Blackberry and Droid users, although some are in a tiff because the newest version doesn’t include Weight Watchers points.

Beer Gut Fitness: This app is for those people who would rather drink their calories than eat them. As it counts your calories, the app keeps a running tally of how many drinks you can have within your allotted calories for the day. For $ .99, it is a small price to pay to avoid beer gut.

Cardiotrainer: This app is the perfect sidekick for people who like to burn calories outside. Those who love biking, hiking and running can access such features as Race Yourself, as well as music and voice integration.

And with a built-in GPS, you never have to worry about getting lost in the woods again!

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iPhone Eat This, Not That!: Eat This, Not That! is brought to you by Men’s Health. It doesn’t just provide a shortcut for healthy food substitutions, but it also lets you track your food and fitness choices to create a real plan. The application costs $4.99.

YogaRelax: This app walks you through yoga poses, complete with a soothing instructor and calm music. It is best for yoga beginners, and at $ .99, is affordable for all. iFitness: For $1.99, this app gives your personal trainer a run for her money. It includes 115 weight exercises complete with photos for visual learners, as well as text instructions for those who learn by reading. Keep in mind, however, that this is a fitness app, and does not keep track of nutrition.

FitnessBuilder: At $19.99, the first question you might ask is, “Why so much?” Well, with 400 workouts and 4,000 demos, this app makes exercising boredom-proof. You can choose whether you want male or female instructors for your demos, and if you’re on-the-go, you can search the area to find the workout facility that is closest to where you are at the time. This app is described as user-friendly and the worth the money.

Just like any diet or fitness routine, know what you want out of your app before you make a purchase. Decide what features are important to you, and the budget you’re working with, and use this list to pick an app (or two) that’s right for you!

Ericka Foster

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fitness

holistic healing: the alternative path to well-being Everyone is the author of their own health, and one of the best ways to compose one’s health is through holistic healing. Holistic healing encompasses mind, body and spiritual health, and refers to those practices that are outside of the narrowly defined limits of “conventional medicine.”

Holistic healing may include chiropractic, acupuncture, homeopathy, and traditional medicine practices. The focus of holistic healing is to achieve stability between one’s mind, body and soul, based on the principal that the physical and spiritual bodies are intertwined and greatly impact each other’s well-being. There are many ways to treat one’s mind, body and soul in order to achieve total well-being.

To calm, focus and cleanse one’s mentality, one of the best methods is meditation. Meditation is a method or training of attention. It has been referred to more broadly as a training of the mind, or as a way of understanding what is going on within the mind. Meditation involves stilling the mind, focusing mental energy, harmonizing body and mind, and discovering one’s true self. In truth, it is simply sitting quietly and doing nothing. But it is this very special kind of sitting quietly, and doing nothing, in which the mind is held clear and still, alert and watchful, and free from losing itself

to thinking. There are many versions of meditation such as Guided Meditation, Kundalini Meditation, Walking Meditation, and Full Moon Healing Meditation Circles.

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) focuses on finding energy disruptions in the human body in order to restore them back to normal.

This is based upon the theory that the cause of all negative emotions is a disruption in the body’s energy system. For instance, when you feel fear, phobias, anger, grief, anxiety, depression, traumatic memories, worry, guilt or other limiting emotions on a daily basis, they are all caused by a disruption of the energy flow in the stomach meridian. In other words, the energy imbalance is the actual cause of the emotional intensity, not the experience itself. Tapping under the eyes or at other meridian points sends pulses through the meridian and fixes the disruption.

Bach-Flower Essences is a set of 38 flower remedies that can help the human soul overcome fear, despair and confusion. Flower essences are exquisitely refined herbal infusions, acting as “nature’s liquid messengers” of inner health and harmony. They are highly

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effective, non-toxic herbal preparations that address core issues of wellness: emotions, stress, mental attitudes, spiritual values and life purpose. Other methods of helping to calm, focus and cleanse the mind include Emotional Healing, Colorpuncture, Complete Cellular Mind Body Alignment (CCMBA), Holistic Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Intuitive Counseling, and Neuro Emotional Technique (NET).

When strengthening, rebuilding, and cleansing the body, there are a few different techniques anyone can use. Reflexology (zone therapy) is an alternative medicine involving the practice of massaging or applying pressure to parts of the feet, hands or ears, with the goal of encouraging a beneficial effect on other parts of the body and to improve general health.

Color and Vibrational Therapy uses the vibrational energies of colors to change the altered function of the body and help return it to its original healthy patterns. Scientists everywhere agree that absolutely everything is vibration. Whether movement is visible or not, the vibration is there. All vibration creates sound.

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These vibrations and sounds affect our health, either for the good or bad. There is a harmonic frequency to which all life is attuned. The human body is made up of frequencies that form a harmonic and balanced whole when a person is healthy.

But the vibrations of the body easily go out of tune when a person is under physical or emotional stress.

Other methods include Massage, Herbal and Food based internal cleaning, Healing Touch, Tai Chi, Yoga, Hand Analysis, Visualization Therapy, Ear Candling, Raindrop Technique, Acudetox (Acupuncture Detox), Homeopathy, and Kinesiology.

Besides what is already done for the mind and body, there are also other methods used to help boost, develop and cleanse the soul.

Feng Shui focuses on changing or rearranging one’s environment to help remove unwanted negative spiritual energy (Qi/Chi) and help gain or keep positive spiritual energy. Experts of Feng Shui believe that spiritual energy is all around us and that everything (living and nonliving) produces, takes in, and releases spiritual energy. Being surrounded by and taking in positive spiritual energy helps all things to be balanced and healthy.

Holistic healing combined with fitness and proper nutrition can help one attain a level of wellness that is beyond normal physical wellbeing, and in fact, helps them perform at their true maximum level.

Health is not just absence of illness. Health is a philosophy of life, and a way of life. The way one lives their life -- their thoughts, their emotions -- that’s what shapes their health or their illness. The way one acts and thinks and lives their life can change their physical and spiritual well being for better or worse.

Christophe Goney 81

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fitness

wii like to get fit

For most of us, the idea of working out can seem more like a chore than an enjoyable habit ... At least, I know I feel that way. The first day of going to the gym feels great, but as the inevitable “Day Two” and “Day Three” approach, the enthusiasm tends to wane. But now we have the Wii, which can make fitness -- and the whole idea of working out -- a little more enjoyable. The new games allow us to exercise in the comfort of our homes, without the awkwardness of sweating alongside total strangers. And that’s not to mention the fact that there are no monthly membership fees spreading your wallet thin. Eager to get my game on, I spoke to the gaming experts to learn a little more about what the Wii has to offer.

Wii Fit and Wii Fit Plus While Uni from Game Stop and Daryl from Play N Trade work for different companies, there is one thing they could agree on: the Wii Fit is the most popular fitness game out there. The Wii Fit is split into four categories: strength, yoga, aerobics and balance. Then, each of these categories features various games

and exercises. From running to hula hooping and from push-ups to basic steps, there are many options from which to choose. When you start the game, Wii Fit gives you your weight and a fitness age, building your character up or down to match your weight. As you continue playing, the size of your Wii character changes to fit the progress you make -- which is a really good impetus to get you to lose the pounds! In addition, there’s now Wii Fit Plus, which, according to Daryl from Play N Trade, is more popular than its predecessor.

“It’s practically the same as Wii Fit, it just has three more training exercises,” he said. “Everyone traded in Wii Fit for the new version.” The bundle comes with the Wii Balance Board and the game. Game Stop $124.97 and Play N Trade $99.99 EA Sports Active According to Uni, EA Sports Active is second in popularity and effectiveness. Activities vary from tennis to boxing, track running and dancing.

There’s also the opportunity to do squats and lunges, along with other strength and toning exercises. Daryl at Play N Trade agreed that EA Sports is the second most popular. He explained that the game was originally intended to supplement the Wii Fit Balance Board, but that it kind of took on its own identity. One final difference that Daryl noted was that EA Sports Active is more leg-oriented than the Wii, and the game includes a leg strap and a resistance band.

Game Stop and Play N Trade $59.99 Your Shape featuring Jenny McCarthy (with camera) Okay, so usually I wouldn’t promote anything with a camera. After all, if working out at the gym can be awkward, where does that leave watching yourself on camera? But the Your Shape program for Wii scans your body

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and allows you to personalize the program to fit your needs and your time frame. So instead of going to the gym and trying to work on thinning your arms but doing the wrong exercises, you’re doing the right thing from the start. You don’t need a controller, instead, the camera monitors your movements and helps you correct your stance if you’re off balance. While Your Shape has yet to gain the notoriety of the Wii Fit, Daryl said it has a very low return rate, and is priced competitively. Game Stop and Play N Trade $49.99 The Biggest Loser Not only for the Wii, The Biggest Loser is made for the Nintendo DS as well. The game puts you up against the people who have been on the show, with options for four-, eight- or 12-week programs. You can make your own workout or follow one given by the game, with progress being monitored by a calendar. Perhaps the best feature of The Biggest Loser is its ability to monitor your food intake to best influence weight loss. In addition to the exercises, The Biggest Loser features an interactive calorie counter that monitors what players are eating, and recommends what they should be eating. It calculates recommended calorie intake based on goals input by the player. Game Stop and Play N Trade $39.99 I’ve mentioned four of the Wii fitness games out there, but there are many, many more. Some of the other games currently on the market include Jillian Michaels’ Fitness Ultimatum (2009 and 2010), Gold’s Gym Cardio Workout, Yoga: the First 100% Experience, and the ever classic Dance Dance Revolution (which, Daryl told me, will kick your behind). So if you’re looking for a new workout regime, why not try and get in the game?

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fitness

going green When people talk about “going green,” the first thing that usually comes to mind is conserving energy and recycling. But being green is so much more than just separating our paper and plastics: it’s a lifestyle. We as a society have embraced the ‘green movement’ in the way we live, but not entirely in the way we eat. Food is also a huge part of this new movement and the trend of eating in season, local, sustainable, organic foods is on the rise with the help of Trader Joe’s, Earth Fare, and our local Farmers’ Markets.

There are several questions that people tend to have about this way of eating: What foods are in season now? How will we know if they are in season? What does sustainable mean? How are foods classified as organic? These are all great questions and very easy to answer. There are multiple Web sites that have all the information about in-season fruits and veggies, sustainable local foods, and anything and everything organic. Some I recommend include NRDC. org, SustainableTable.org, EatWellGuide.org and EatingWell.com.

If you want to eat sustainable, organic food, it is important that you buy it locally. An important part of buying local is making an effort to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables when they are in season in your area. Although today’s global marketplace allows us to buy any food any time of the year, these options are not necessarily the most sustainable.

By purchasing local foods in-season, you eliminate the environmental damage caused by shipping foods thousands of miles. Your food dollar goes directly to the farmer, and your family will be able to enjoy the health benefits of eating fresh, unprocessed fruits and vegetables. Buying seasonal produce also provides an exciting opportunity to try new foods and experiment with seasonal recipes. Not to mention, it simply tastes better!

Eating organic and sustainable foods is not only good for your health, but also good for the environment. Sustainable agriculture revolves around providing food that is healthy for consumers and animals, does not harm the environment, is humane for workers, respects animals, provides a fair wage to the farmer, and supports and enhances rural communities.

Foods that come from local sustainable farms are fresher and mostly free of pesticides and harmful chemicals that industrial agricultural farms put on their food. The animals that come from sustainable farms are healthier, are treated more humanely, and provide higher-quality products than the factory-farmed animals of industrial agriculture.

As a guide, here are some fruits and veggies that are in season during the spring and summer in North and South Carolina: apricots, asparagus, rhubarb, strawberries, arugula, artichokes, leeks, new potatoes, peas, radishes, spinach, watercress, basil, bell peppers, berries, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, green beans, stone fruit, tomatoes, watermelon, zucchini and summer squash.

All of these fruits and veggies are available at any grocery store, but if you want to eat locally-grown produce, the farmers’ market is the way to go.

Farmers markets support a sustainable food system by offering regionallygrown produce. Small family farms stay in business, land is protected from development, and consumers receive fresh food that does not have to travel far. Many markets sell more than just fruits and vegetables, and

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include meats, wines, cheeses, flowers, herbs, baked goods, wool and hand-crafted items that are all 100 percent local and sustainable.

Eating this way is not hard. It takes a little effort and the desire to be more healthy and live a more sustainable life. By eating foods that come straight out of the ground 10 to 20 miles away, instead of 3,000 miles away, you not only reduce harmful gas emissions, but your food is fresher, tastes better and has ripened naturally. The same goes with all the proteins we eat as well. Cows that are able to graze on grass and move around are more tender, have better flavor, and are a lot healthier to eat than one that is stuck in a pen eating corn all day. If you break it down, it just makes sense to eat this way.

To find area restaurants that prepare organic, sustainable foods and local farmers markets and stores that carry sustainable, in-season food, visit EatWellGuide.org.

Eating local, organic, sustainable foods is a major part of the “green lifestyle� that has become not only popular, but critical for our society. By eating this way we not only help our bodies, but our environment too, which is what going green is all about.

Stephanie Pappas

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fitness

Bikini Safe Cocktails The weather has finally warmed up and it’s time to throw on your teeny bikini and head up to the nearest lake or pool. You’ve worked hard for months getting into “bikini shape” and nothing says ‘summer fun’ like sipping margaritas and fruity frozen drinks. But too many of those delightfully refreshing drinks can easily take their toll on your bikini body.

Not to worry -- I am here to let you know that all is not lost! You don’t have to give up your cocktails to fit into even your teeniest bikini … here are a few healthy cocktail recipes and tips to remember this summer.

Bacardi and Diet 2 oz. Bacardi Superior Rum 8 oz. Diet Coke Lime to garnish This concoction contains zero carbs and zero grams of sugar … easy and delicious!

Strawberry Citrus Cooler 1 ¾ oz. Skyy Infusions Citrus Vodka ¾ oz. lemon juice 2 strawberries 1 sprig of mint Soda In the bottom of a shaker, muddle* together mint and strawberries. Then add Skyy Citrus and lemon juice, and shake vigorously with ice for 15 seconds.

Pour contents of the shaker into a tall glass, fill with ice and top with soda. Yummy summer in a glass! *To muddle is to combine ingredients using a mortar and pestle; using the pestle, you press the herbs and sugar together in the mortar, extracting the juice and flavors. If you do not have a mortar and pestle, you can use a glass and the back of a large spoon to press all the flavors together.

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Poolside Berry Spritzer 1 ½ oz. Stoli Raspberry Vodka 2 oz. seltzer water 1 oz. cranberry juice Pour ingredients over ice and garnish with a lemon wedge. For a sweeter taste, use lemonlime soda in place of seltzer. And go ahead and throw in an umbrella to make it complete!

Light Margarita 1 ½ oz. 1800 Tequila (either Silver or Gold – your preference) ½ oz. Triple Sec 2 ½ oz. light lemonade ½ oz. lime juice Mix all ingredients in a shaker and shake vigorously. Pour over ice. For frozen beverages, combine all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth.

Strawberry Kiwi Lemonade Martini 1 oz. Pinnacle Strawberry Kiwi Vodka ½ oz. Triple Sec 2 ½ oz. light lemonade ½ oz. strawberry puree Blend Pinnacle Strawberry Kiwi Vodka, Triple Sec and lemonade to a frosty consistency.

Pour into a martini glass, then swirl in strawberry puree. *Strawberry puree can be bought or you can make it! To make at home, throw some fresh or frozen strawberries in the blender with a tablespoon of sugar, and voila!

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A FEW TIPS TO REMEMBER: • Remember, it’s not necessarily the alcohol that makes cocktails as calorie-heavy as a quarter-pounder -- be careful what mixers you use with your favorite liquor. Use club soda or seltzer instead of sprite and tonic to make them calorie-free.

• Try a dessert cocktail or after-dinner drink instead of having both dessert and a drink.

• Drink your veggies when you can. Many fresh vegetables are high in fiber and vitamins. Try a Hendricks Gin and Cucumber Tonic or a Bloody Mary.

• When making Bloody Marys, use real tomato/vegetable juice instead of Bloody Mary Mix. Many of the mixes contain high amounts of corn syrup and salt.

• Vodka Girl? Try drinking vodka and water and using Crystal Light singleserving drink packets to add some flavor. Get them at the grocery store and throw them in your purse before you head out!

• Sun tanning? Make sure to sip smart -- extreme heat and high temperatures tend to intensify alcohol’s effect on the body.

I have given you some recipes to keep those cocktails by your side without compromising your bikini body. Whether pool-side or lake-side, first and foremost, be responsible; but second of all, have fun and look good while doing it! I hope you have a chance to give these refreshing cocktails a try, and enjoy the sun!

Lauren Nguyen, Republic National Distributing Company Please feel free to contact Lauren with your comments and questions at Lauren.Nguyen@yahoo.com

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fitness

summertime burn outdoors Charlotte is finally in the heart of spring, which means warm temperatures, refreshing breezes, blissful skies, and pleasant scenic changes. From nature’s amiable enhancements to athletic men and women swapping their bland winter exercise routines for springtime “upgrades,” things are looking good around the Queen City.

So the question is, Why are so many people still relentlessly clinging onto winter’s mundane exercise routines instead of spicing up their activities with some spring time flavor? Spring is the perfect time to trade in the treadmill for jogging or doing laps in a pool. Take a breather from crowded gyms and breathe in the fresh air as the warmth of spring touches your shoulders and warms your muscles. So, here are some upgrades to the winter exercises that may prove to be visually appealing, exciting, and maybe just maybe, will increase your calorie burn.

Routine: Treadmill > Upgrade: Jogging Unless you have a TV screen in front of you, running on a treadmill can be quite repetitive. While it provides comfort during the winter, it seems to make time drag on and on during the spring and summer. So spice things up by taking

your running shoes outside. Charlotte is absolutely beautiful in the spring, so try jogging around your community, uptown Charlotte, or around one of Charlotte’s premier parks like Frazier or Freedom. In fact, taking the running routine out of the gym can increase the calorie burn around five to seven percent. How? The body must exert itself more when the elements of wind, varied terrain, and fluctuating temperatures are considered. So, lace up your running shoes and hit the pavement instead of the rubber. Go on and get out there!

Routine: Spinning > Upgrade: Outdoor Cycling Hopefully you enjoyed biking as a child, like the era of Leave it to Beaver.

You know, before the video game takeover, when kids embraced bicycles and simply rode for enjoyment ... yeah, it’s been a while since then. Cycling is just that: fun, and great for ensuring your overall health. Outdoor cycling helps to tone and trim muscles, while building stamina, controlling blood pressure levels, and boosting the metabolism; all the while being a leisure activity where stress is released, friendships are enhanced, and one’s appreciation for the environment grows. So, stop spinning it out to the gym’s outdated techno music and go find a “cycle buddy” or join a bicycle club and trek some uncharted terrain with your iPod and friends.

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Routine: Yoga > Upgrade: Outdoor Yoga Yoga is about being one with and part of nature, embracing and experiencing the elements of earth, wind, fire and water.

Spring is the perfect time to truly experience yoga as it was originally intended. So take a deep ujjay breath, leave behind your four-wall studios, mats, and time restraints and experience the boundless existence only offered by outdoor yoga. Awaken your senses, enhance your focus and let the outdoors be your first step toward achieving internal peace and harmony this spring.

Routine: Swimming > Upgrade: Water Skiing For the extreme sports lovers out there, water skiing is a few notches up from laps in a pool. It is an exhilarating experience that never registers as exercise as you glide across the water. Water skiing tones the entire body and is an excellent source of a cardiovascular workout because it strengthens the heart muscle. So leave behind the temperature-regulated gym pool and head to the nearest lake or river, strap on a life vest -- you’ll need it -- and dive in.

This spring, step outside for a while as you exercise and enjoy the benefits of the fresh air, cool breezes, nature’s changing colors, natural tans, and glistening summer bods. Use the tips you found here, then get out there to discover some more of your own. Be different this spring and experience some activities outside of the gym. So, tell your treadmill, spin bike, indoor pool, and yoga instructor, ‘See ya next season!’ Take my advice: all you need are allergy meds, sunscreen, a pair of shades, the latest tunes and an open mind. Then suddenly, exercising becomes an adventure.

Heather Head

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come to get fit, stay to make a difference Team In Training offers more than just a workout. If running was easy, we’d all be doing it. But most of us need a little extra motivation. According to Abby Miller, Team In Training Campaign Director for the Charlotte area, that extra motivation is what brings a lot of people to Team In Training.

“This program is geared toward beginners – people who want to run or walk a marathon or half marathon, complete a triathlon, or cycle 100 miles,” she said.

“Once people go through the program, and they see what it feels like to cross the finish line and make a difference in the lives of heroes living with blood cancers, they realize it’s about so much more than just getting in shape. It’s about giving back, about making a difference for people living right here in our state, friends and neighbors and family members who are battling blood cancers.”

Here’s how it works: you visit the Team In Training Web site at TeamInTraining. org/NC, and sign up for an information meeting in your area. You’ll hear about the program from three different perspectives: a staff member, a coach and a past participant, who are all there to answer any questions you might have. You will be provided a coaching and training schedule for your event, as well as gear, and nutrition and injury prevention clinics. The team gets together twice a

week to train as a group, with the goal of getting you across the finish line as safely as possible.

In addition to providing coaching, Team In Training covers teammates’ travel costs, lodging, two parties and the race entry fee. And to keep you going when it’s 90 degrees outside and you just want to chill on the couch but you need to do a 13-mile training run, you think about who you’re running for: not yourself, but for those people with blood cancers like leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Suddenly you realize how fortunate you are to be able to run 13 miles – to be able to run ONE mile – and you get outside and you run. That’s pretty good motivation.

So what’s the catch? There’s no catch, really. It’s an opportunity to give back and make a difference in the lives of people living with blood cancers.

The goal of Team In Training is to raise funds for the programs of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. At least 75 percent of money raised goes toward research for finding a cure, and for services for people living with blood cancers.

Team In Training provides all the tools to assist team members’ with raising money. From web pages that members can personalize, to letters that can be sent to friends and family members, to more innovative approach-

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es, the staff equips you with the necessary means to reach your goals. Teammates have done everything from Cornhole Tournaments to Gelato Tastings to yard sales to raise funds. And often, the fitness and fundraising goals go hand in hand.

“Most people who participate wake up on Monday and say, ‘This week I need to run 17 miles and raise $200’ … and they work toward both goals all week, keeping in mind the reason they’re working so hard,” Miller said.

Emily Maher, Team In Training participant since 2008, said the whole thing can seem daunting, but it is well worth the hard work and effort.

“The experience is amazing and worth every second,” she said. “It may seem scary at first but crossing that finish line or listening to a mother thank you for helping raise money to find a cure for her son’s cancer makes every mile worth it.”

And with the Nike Women’s Marathon coming up -- in which Emily reminded me that you receive a Tiffany’s necklace for crossing the finish line -- now is a great time to start training.

To sign up or request more information, visit TeamInTraining.org/NC or call Team In Training at 704-998-5012. Come on! We can do this!

Shannon Warren

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Friday’s at the Factory Every Friday in June NC Music Factory

fitness

get smart on dumbells THE BEST QUALITY DUMBBELLS FOR YOUR MONEY AND SPACE Dumbbells are an ideal workout equipment. They’re small and highly versatile, but there are so many brands on the market, it’s hard to know which is best for you. Here’s how to narrow your options according to your wallet and how much space you have.

YOU HAVE…LITTLE SPACE, PLENTY TO SPEND Get PowerBlocks. The dumbbells sit in the middle of a stack of weight plates. You flip a lever to load weight on and off. They can be stored on your floor and are perfect for making quick, minimally invasive weight changes during a workout. Keep in mind though that you will be limited to the top weight the set offers. $598 for a 90-pound @ powerblock.com

LOTS OF SPACE, BUT LITTLE MONEY Look for adjustable dumbbells with either screw-on or clip-on collars or fixed-weight dumbbells. To store adjustable dumbbells safely, you’ll need to invest in a dumbbell rack or just stack them against a wall on a rubber mat. Used dumbbells average around 35 cents a pound, so a pair of 60-pounders, for instance, will set you back just $42. (For good deals, look for local gyms that are going under or a sporting-goods resale shop.)

LITTLE SPACE AND LITTLE MONEY Get Powerblocks that go up to about 50 pounds ($350 on their site) and fixed or adjustable dumbbells for heavier weights.

This offers the best compromise between price and space.

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IN FOCUS photos by: lazyday.com

Suite Upscale Partying 05/18/10

IN FOCUS photos by: lazyday.com

EpiCentre Cage Fights III 05/07/10

IN FOCUS photos by: eun park

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