Exercising with the Ball

ASSI - I am still trying to understand how to properly use the exercise ball instead of coming with an instructional poster it should come with a trainer. I use it but wonder each time if I am using it correctly, I even question if there is adequate air in the ball. The Exercise Ball came with a pump that inflates and deflates and a measuring tape to prevent over inflating but the tape that is supposed to exactly measure the width of ball can wrap around the ball twice; therefore, it defeats the purpose of ensuring proper inflation. I am uncomfortable using the ball but I like the various exercises that can be done using the ball. I would enjoy it more if I knew that I was performing the exercises correctly. Nonetheless, I continue to use the ball three to four times a week for the last three to four weeks. My biggest problem is storing the ball it seems to be in the way with every move that I make. It was placed in the closet but each time I went into the close I had to remove the ball, it was in a corner designated as the exercise corner because it contains a weight bar, free weights, and the small ball weights but it often rolled out of place and into the walk space causing me to roll it back each time I walked towards the kitchen. I have a desire to deflate the ball after ever use but it took to long to inflate and then what will I do with a flat ball that resist being folded. I actually without tension on my back when I do sit-ups but feel like I am straining my neck.

A Day at Trendz

ASSI - One of my girlfriends recently loss her brother. I was unable to attend the funeral and did not send flowers or a card to the family. I did offer my condolesence but I really wanted to do something special for her. Therefore, I asked if she would be interested in going to the Spa, I was going to purchase a gift certificate when she suggested that we go together, which was a great idea. I phoned Soul Day Spa in Washington, DC and scheduled appointments and had to cancel the reservations because my friend wanted to actually make it girls day and go together, and Soul Day Spa was unable to accommodate the request. The search continued until I located a Day Spa that could accommodate her request. Google to the rescue. Trendz Day Spa lis a four-year-old establishment located in Silver Spring, MD that offers several Spa packages. I selected the Pamper for the day package that includes a thirty minute facial and message, manicure and padicure plus lunch. The atmosphere in Trendz is welcoming and inviting it is quant with candles, soothing colors, mirrors, and just enough room in the waiting area for four. There are three message rooms two singles and one double room for couples or friends. My friend and I were placed in a double room where she recieved a message while Giesel the Asthecian applied soothing facial creams, warm towels, steam, covered my eyes, and messaged my neck and shoulders when she was done I knew my skin looked better because it definitely felt better. Then it was Maku's turn to give me a message within two minutes I was softly moaning and groaning her hands and arms were stretching, pulling, and working all the kinks out of my back it was the quickest thirty minutes of my morning. I really could have used an entire hour; however, it was worth the thirty minutes that was more like a tease, but just enough to relax my entire body. Before Maku was done with me my friend was asleep on the next table while receiving her facial. Then it was time for the manicure and pedicure and April the technician did an outstanding job as well; however, she was the only technician who worked on both of us, one-at-a-time that took more time. After the manicure and pedicure we were escorted into a back room that was set-up for lunch it was intimate and tranquil just for two. Lunch was Chicken Caesar salad with garlic bread and a glass of water that was actually very appetizing we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and my girlfriend could not stop thanking me for the experience. The experience was worth having each month, I will definitely visit Trendz again, will give gift certificates, and I looking forward to have a couples message. Trendz offer Spa packages for men also. As I see it Trendz Day Spa receives 4.5 blinks.

Stay Fit with Wii Fitness

ASSI - The master minds behind Nintendo Wii have manage to create a fitness balance board that is appropriate for all ages. Most people dislike working-out but the end results: a nice tight body makes it worth the sweat, pain, and effort. The Wii fitness might seem like an amateur fitness work-out for full throttle enthusiast who are serious about their regimen and push themselves until the end with the Wii you pause between routines. If you enjoy Yoga, Strength building, and Aerobics you can tailor a work-out that is ideal for you without over exerting yourself the exercises are comprised of 1, 2, 3, 6, and 10 minute drills depending on the activity. The down side to the Wii fitness is the constant need to press the A button on the remote to continue from one exercise to the other and it walks you through a series of questions before starting, which can be rather nerve racking when you are anxious about starting your work-out, or when a child wants to do the balance exercises. There is no direct method of just getting to it so that you can do it without falling all the prompted questions. Patience is required, you must gather your emotions, and focus on the task at hand other wise frustration can set-in. The fitness balance board also seems to have a mind of its own and is linked to the television screen. I have noticed during the challenges that the board is unable to count the number of moves you make unless you are following the whistle prompts that are synced to a timer, which can through you off after all what's the point of challenging the trainer who comes with software if you must keep up with the trainer. However, you will manage to sweat and tone your body while doing the various yoga possess, strength training positions, jogging, hula-hoop, step aerobics, boxing, dodging soccer balls, skiing down slops and a number of other fun activities. I have been using the Wii fitness for 21 days and have yet to loose any weight but I do feel toner and stronger. I enjoy when new activities are revealed and it allows me to challenge myself to perform better than my last performance. There is also a rating system for each activity depending on your skill level you can receive a couch potato, novice, amateur and outstanding great job and rank you 1st to 10th place; therefore, if the entire family can compete against each other making the task more challenging within itself. As I see it the Wii fbalance board is a beneficial and entertaining exercise tool that is available for $80.00. I give it 3.5 blinks.

Health and Fitness Expo

ASSI - NBC 4 15th Annual Health and Fitness Free Expo was this weekend, January 11 - 13, 2008 at the Washington D.C., Convention Center. It was a perfect opportunity for people with and without health care to take advantage of health screenings such as eye exams, have blood pressure and cholesterol checked, and have an HIV/AIDS test. Channel NBC News 4 personalities were present for autographs and photo opts, the Washington Humane Society, Aetna Health Care, Howard University Hospital, Magic 102.3, and Huntington Learning Center are just a few of the hundred plus vendors that were present. Children were definitely having a good time there were many many interactive activities for children, and what an ideal time for them to receive a check up. There was line dancing, cheer leading competitions, batting cages, and a fire truck. As I see it if you were unable to attend this year, be on the look out next year, but go early to avoid the lines. Health and Fitness Expo receives 3.5 blinks.