Mary Papoulis - NIA

Mary Papoulis – Nia

     Mary Papoulis

     Mary Papoulis is the Concertmaster, and principal violinist with the Great Falls Symphony.  She has played the violin since she was nine years old. 

     Throughout life and her musical career, Mary has found many types of exercise.  As she puts it, she is now in a place of self- healing. 

     I do Nia and dance for an hour at home to work out the kinks.”

1.  Why Nia? How did you get started?

          I was at a women’s retreat in Boulder Hot Springs, Montana.  I took a class and loved it.  It spoke to my passion for yoga, martial arts, freedom of movement, body awareness; to be in touch with many parts of our body that we don’t normally reach.  Nobody was teaching Nia in Great Falls.  I got to know Pam Quinn, and she said, “you go and train.” I went to a one week (seven solid days) of training in Canada, and have done further training in Helena.  I am in my third year of teaching. 

       Nia, a sensory based movement, was started by Debbie Rosas in Portland, Oregon, in the 1980s.  Originally, Rosas wanted to bring together neuromuscular integrative action (Nia).  She was looking for something more than aerobics.  It became a philosophy of life: how to move, or the sensory awareness  to understand the body so we can move more than properly. The awareness brings more movement and the adrenaline flows. To self heal by getting in touch with our body.

2.  What is your weekly training routine?

        I get up with my kids and do Nia on my own every day.  I also teach one or two classes every week at the Yoga For Wellness Studio.  There are a variety of routines, and steps, but a large part is my own work.  I just turn on the music and take a break from the daily routine of things and move in ways that I need.  Nia is creative dance where choreography comes from a wonderful way to get ready to play the violin.

3.   What other activities do you do?

       I studied Pilates and yoga and the disciplines I have done before.  I have been a swimmer all my life.  I love to run, but Nia is much more fun and easy on my joints.  I enjoy the social energy of the people in the class.  That makes a difference.

4.   What keeps you motivated?

     My love of dancing. I enter into my life to stay in a healthy physical, emotional, and spiritual way.  That opens me up; a great way to start the day.  The “joy of movement,” the #1 principle behind Nia gets rid of the personal pain. Nia releases energy and frees you up.  It is a full body, healing place of needing to find that nothing else works in this way of commitment.

5.   Have you faced any setbacks or injuries with Nia?  How did you overcome them?

     I’ve had a variety of body work: rotator cuff issues, and some violin based conditions.  I’ve played tennis on again, off again, without warming up.   There were a few years where I was nursing an arm issue. I’ve have had hips that have been tight, and knee pain.  Nia frees it up.  No injuries in Nia.  You take body awareness and listen to the body.  That helps to heal.

6.  What tips do you have for someone who wants to get started in Nia?

       Nia is totally built for anybody at any level even in a wheel chair.  We can modify.  The smallest amount of movement, even a tiny bit, will help get started to heal.  Music is a big portion of Nia: the spirit drumming to get dynamism in the legs and arms.  The variety of movement in my body is extremely good for agility, mobility, flexibility, and stability.

7.  What health benefits have you seen?

       I have seen overall health benefit in my own flexibility. I play the violin better.  I am in touch with my own body, loose and free. The strength and Tae Kwon Do movements keep my upper body engaged, my muscles tight, but not too tight. Over the summer, I missed the class, and I totally could feel the difference.

8.  Do you have any warm-up or cool down tips?

     The flow of the class has that built into the routine.  When at different levels everybody gauges their exertion from the beginning.  We start with a slower warm-up and then cool down at the end.

9.  How do you incorporate nutrition into your workout routine?

     Heading into the holidays, moving into pleasure, through healing, feels good. The body awareness of food keeps me really in touch. So, when I’m eating that cookie, it must be all in moderation.  When you free the whole body with awareness, you gravitate toward what is good for the body.  Through pleasure and awareness, there is only one cookie.  Water hydration is always important. We must take breaks and have access to water.

10.   Is Nia hard to do?

        No.  Nia is a challenge for some people.  They need to be ready to go in with a little bit of caution.  Listen to your body. Nia feels good in ways you didn’t know you could do at your own level.  Fast or slow, as you want.

Nia Classes

6 week schedule” $60

Yoga for Wellness Studio

221 6 St. So.

Great Falls

Yogaforwellness.org

Monday 7:00 am; Thursday 7:00 pm (starts January)

Call: Pam Quinn: 452-9642 or Mary Papoulis: 727-8934

Free introduction to Nia and Yoga

Festival of Lights: Food, Spirits, Dance

December 20, 2013 @ 5:30 pm.

Yoga for Wellness Studio

           

Laughter Yoga

Laughter Yoga – Fitness for March from Polly

     It’s no joke.

     Laughter Yoga is good for you and your health.

     Consider finding yourself in a group of people laughing as an exercise.

     “We do it all the time in parks and public places in India,” says Mark Mehta, who grew up near Bombay, and now teaches Laughter Yoga sessions in Great Falls.

     Mehta’s philosophy is to stamp out the worries in our lives.  Get rid of the stress.  Not laughing is not good for our health.  You feel so light inside when you laugh.  We should use laughter and use it always.

     Looking throughout the room allows one to give a nod to his credo. “When you laugh, you let go of your ego and you make other people laugh.”

     Everyone is smiling and laughing having a good time with Laughter Yoga, the concept of which has been around for some time.

     In 1995, Dr. Madan Kataria was writing an article on the benefits of laughter on the human mind and body.  He decided to start a laughter club in his neighborhood park in Mumbai, India.  He started with a few people telling jokes and funny stories.  But, after two weeks, they reached a stalemate. They ran out of stories.   Dr. Kataria did some research and found that our body cannot differentiate between pretend and genuine laughter: both produce “happy chemistry.”  He took his thoughts to his group who were skeptical at first, but soon discovered that pretend laughter turned quickly into real laughter.  Dr. Kataria then took the elements of Pranayama yoga and incorporated them with laughter exercises.  The result: Laughter Yoga which blends breathing, stretching and laughter.

     Why should you love to laugh?

     According to Dan Buettner’s book, The Blue Zones, studies have found that a belly laugh a day may keep the doctor away. In 2005, researchers at the University of Maryland showed that laughter helped relax blood vessels linking it to healthier function and a possible decreased risk of heart attack.  Others have found that laughter may lower blood pressure and increase the amount of disease fighting cells found in the body. Laughter stimulates the diaphragm and activates the para-sympathetic nervous system which is the opposite of the stress arousal sympathetic system.

     Laughter Yoga sessions are led by a laughter leader or teacher who controls the laughter session, explains,  and gives the commands.  Laughter is simulated as a body exercise in a group with eye contact and childlike playfulness.  It soon turns into real and contagious laughter.

     Mehta first demonstrates silent laughter: a series of chants of “ho, ho, ha, ha, ho, ho, ha, ha, ha, ha.”

     With his direction, everyone silently smiles and nods to each other, with no words.

     Silent laughter is followed by medium laughter where the group looks at one another repeating the series of chants: ho, ho, ha, ha, ho, ho, ha, ha, ha, ha.”

     Next, comes the mountain laughter with intense arm movements along with the chants.  It is an effective catharsis that releases the positive emotional energy.

     Mountain laughter immediately turns into “one yard laughing” extending one arm up, and one arm down, diagonally, again repeating all the syllables even louder.

     Just when everyone is caught up in the mirth, along comes the “disco laughing.”  Now, the crowd is skipping around aggressively moving hands up and down, repeating the chant.

     The final call from Mehta is to make a funny face, anything like a child would do.

     And then, “laugh from your heart,” he calls, as the room moves to an eruption of earthquake proportions of laughter.

     “It’s not hard to laugh if you laugh every time,” declares Usha Mehta, Mark’s sister.

     “Every day, we laugh openly, like this,” she says.

     Laughter Yoga is the crème de la crème, the frosting on the cake.

     For Mehta, “It’s really like dessert.”

    It comes at the end of a yoga or zumba session.

     Mimi Wolf tried some of Mehta’s Laughter Yoga along with a zumba session.

     Wolf thought it was a great idea.   

     “Sometimes you have to choose to be happy.  Sometimes you need some biofeedback to achieve that.  The body movement, the smile, it all works together,” she explained.

      Also, Wolf found that when you are in a lighter mood, people reflect that back to you.  The willingness to laugh puts you into a positive frame of mind and helps you to open up. 

     Laughter Yoga helps you let go in a positive way.  It lets you go home with happy feelings.

     Mehta conducts Laughter Yoga sessions in his home and sometimes at the Peak Health and Wellness Center.  For more information on classes call:  Mark Mehta at:  788-2224.

    

     

           

       

Public Radio Volunteer DJs

KGPR volunteer disk jockeys – story from Polly K

     Have you ever wondered what’s behind the voice of public radio?  As you tune in you marvel at the sweet diction, that’s delightfully a wee bit British; the vocals that sound like your caring veterinarian; or perhaps the expressions of a brawny basketball coach.

      What’s coming from the mike over the air waves are the local heroes of KGPR, who move from day jobs and professions to “on the air” production. They have a passion for music, play their favorites, and slip into the disk jockeying chair for memory moments of their own volunteer creative shows.  Before they beam on, they have trained for six weeks learning how to speak into the mike, right diction, proper procedure from the logs, FCC requirements, transmitter tests, Emergency alert Tests, and how to fill out play lists.

     “We’re all great DJs at KGPR, like one big family,” says Matt Donnelly, a six year veteran, who loves “making the magic, and having a show.”

     Whatever you’ve wanted to know about becoming a DJ is taught in the twice a year training class at MSU-COT, the culmination of which is making a mock show, and your own CD.

     “It’s a gem for the communicator,” echoes Tom Halverson, who started out as a DJ eleven years ago and now, is in his sixth year as station manager. “Some DJs have gone on to Sirius radio and positions in other states.” 

     KGPR has been here for 27 years.  Halvorsen indicates it started in response to local people who always listened to Missoula Public Radio.  It began with a small block of time: Saturday afternoon classical music and has grown to numerous DJs providing 40 hours of local content per week.

    Jean Curtis spent many years admiring public radio growing up in England.  When she and her military husband retired in Cascade, she was a “little at a loss.”  However, eleven years ago, she read a Tribune article about the DJ training.  Once trained, she began spinning her Celtic, folk, and light classical music on her Wednesday morning show. Many of her favorites came from a boarding school teacher’s gramophone back home.  Now in her mid-seventies, she continues to enjoy her cup of tea while creating her show.  

     Tune in on Friday nights from 7:30 – 9:00 pm and you will get a taste of Blue grass, folk, blues, western, Americana, and acoustic genres of music, all coming from Tim Hodges, the Data Network Supervisor for Three Rivers Communication in Fairfield. Hodges has been doing radio for three years.  He also plays the mandolin and may be heard occasionally on Thursday nights at the open forum at Bert & Ernies.  Hodges refers to well known Bluegrass DJ, Ray Davis, in Baltimore, Maryland, for enlightenment.

     Dr. Elizabeth Jennings started doing the KGPR Pet Report at the invitation of Halvorsen who brought his dog into her veterinary clinic.  Now, she also has her own “theme” show every Monday morning.  Jennings provides a real variety of Americana, Bluegrass, folk, and alternative pop, for her listening audience. 

     “I’m very eclectic,” she explains, drawing on her own CD collection for three to four hours to prepare for a show.  Her inspiration comes from folklorist, Nick Spitzer, producer and host of American Routes, and her brother who made mixed tapes for her when she was in college. 

     University of Great Falls adjunct professor, and Great Falls Central Catholic High School boys basketball coach, Chris Kelly, gets the late, late, crowd. The Chris Kelly Comedy Hour airs Saturday morning at 1:00 am.  Kelly writes her own stuff, plays comedy songs, and does a whole range of funny things.  Her funny man mentor is Dr. DiMento who does a weekly nationally renowned radio festival of mad music and crazy comedy.  She also notes, “I own Kelly Signs.”

     Matt Donnelly can be heard Thursday morning, and afternoon, doing a mid day show with a variety of music from ragtime to jazz.  On Saturday afternoons, he takes listeners on classical journeys with tidbits about the music and composers.

     “I specialize in classical, jazz, film music; what you don’t hear on main stream radio, he says.

     It is not unusual for Donnelly to view his volunteer position as a job.  He is able to do a free form new age alternative for the station which allows him a lot of time on the air.  KGPR helps him get his feet wet as he pursues a career in radio.  In May, he will graduate from the University of Great Falls achieving a Bachelor’s degree in History with a minor in communications.

     Teresa Lang-Court has been a dedicated DJ since 2005 when she lived in Bozeman but drove to Great Falls to share her world music: folk, rock, and contemporary. Lang-Court now resides here and presents a Tuesday afternoon show, a Friday morning show, and fills in whenever needed.  She tries not to duplicate songs, as the studio has a gallery of 5000 CDs and her daughter’s old closet is full of music.  She still remembers her first time on the air: “very nervous, hitting the wrong buttons, and a very shaky voice.”

     In the last six months, Lang-Court has become the KGPR music director.  In that capacity, she keeps in contact with the record companies and promoters that send music; she schedules interviews, with recording artists, does an open mike show, voiceovers, and recently took over for now retired, Kerry Callahan. 

     The roster of volunteer DJs also includes: Dave Campbell, Ian Court, Pat Douglas, Tom Dubay, Erik Evjen, Tom Hazen, T.C. Hirsch, Gordon Johnson, Jill Kanewischer, Rodger McConnell, Janelle Munson, and Rick Tryon.

     KGPR creates multiple programming for a variety of listeners from Lewistown, Helena, Fort Benton, and as far as Glacier Park.   

     “Within all those hours think about the variety of music, interviews, American cultural affairs show, classical reggae, Broadway, Bluegrass, comedy; plus, outside of the studio we will go tape events,” says Halvorsen, adding, we are now, heading in a direction of doing live remotes, and would like to stream where you could pick us up on the internet.”

     Many “thank yous” go out to the volunteer DJs.  Halvorsen passes tickets on to them for concerts and has two parties annually: a fall dinner and a summer party, to tell them how much they are appreciated.

Kathy Casey National Figure Skating Coach

Travel Story – Figure Skating and Kathy Casey

     Just eighteen days before the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, Spokane, Washington hosted the National Figure Skating Championships.  The last two weeks of January filled the hospitable city with elite skaters, and coaches.

      Skaters focused on dizzying spins, triple Axels, twizzles, and a few quad jumps, while thousands of fans looked on in awe at what a pair of figure skates can do on ice.

     That said, the results of the training and discipline that becomes the lifestyle of a skater is known all too well to coaches like Kathy Casey.

     Casey, a world-renown coach and past president of the United States Figure Skating Professionals, has served on the board of Directors of the United States Figure Skating Association and on the U.S. Olympic Coaches Committee.  She has been the official figure skating coach for three Olympic Games. She conducts Kathy Casey seminars all over the world and she does consulting work at the World Arena in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

     Catching Casey between commitments in Spokane, as Director of Performance Enhancement for the USFSA, Casey reminisced about her early days in Great Falls and her first moments on ice, “kind of, she said.”

     “The Sieben family took Terry (her brother) and I to a public session on rental skates.”

     She was hooked from the first wobbly glide and came home to tell her mother that she wanted to take lessons.   

     At the time, she was twelve, “already, over the hill,” she claims.

      Yet, she did some competing, even making it to a sectional competition.

     But what she aspired to do, was, to become a coach.

      And, it wasn’t long before her dream came true.

     The opportunity came in 1962, when she became the assistant coach at the Lakewood Winter Club in Tacoma, Washington.  

     Then, in 1990, she was offered the position of Director of Skating for the Broadmoor Skating club in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  She made the move and directed that program until 2000.

     Throughout her years in Tacoma and Colorado Springs, Casey has coached and worked with many famous skaters: Great Falls’ own, Scott Davis, a United States National Figure Skating Champion; World Figure skating Champion and Olympic Silver Medalist, Rosalynn Sumners, Nicole Bobek, Scott Hamilton, and the reigning US Senior Ladies Gold Medalist, Rachel Flatt.

     Admittedly, at the time she taught Davis, it was through trial and error.

     Casey could see where other countries were way ahead of the US then, through weight training and exercise.

     “But, bulking up doesn’t help us in skating,” she said.

     Casey also, had no information on the biomechanics of jumping. So, she went to the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs and enlisted their help. Collaborating with the research team (they rewrote how to do a triple Axel eighteen times), they came up with excellent results.  Her studies led to her receiving the 2005 U.S. Olympic Committee Sports Science Coach of the Year.  She received the honor for the work she had done on the biomechanical studies of figure skating jumps. Today, skaters learn to jump through a Pole Harness, a pole with a contraption that wraps around the skater.  The coach, holding the pole, skates along with skater preventing any serious falls as the skater attempts a jump.  Another innovation, the “Dart Fish,” a machine like video camera replays the skater’s jump detailing how long you have to be in the air to succeed the multiple revolutions.

     What was once a guessing game has evolved into technical teaching tools that make the spectator wonder, just how many revolutions in the air will skaters be able to execute?

     Without hesitation, Casey adds that “we will need something done to our boots and blades to do five rotations.”

     Casey has built a long career in coaching.

     She has been recognized not only for her tenure, but also for her major contributions to the sport of figure skating by her coaching colleagues who nominated her for the 2009 Sonja Henie Award.

     The honor was presented to Casey at a dinner in Orlando, Florida. As her name was announced, no one recognized her as she came down the aisle dressed as the legendary Norwegian figure skating champion in high top skates, muff, and costume.

     Ever one to eschew any skating sophistication, Casey’s dream of coaching has brought her many rewards.  But, she still thrives on giving youngsters the opportunity to learn to skate.

     Today, after some thirty-five years as a successful coach, Casey travels conducting skating seminars in Canada, Sweden, Great Britain, Norway, Scotland, Switzerland, Australia, and the US.  She has given presentations for the International Skating Union and conducted developmental ice skating camps in Finland, Slovenia, and China.

     This year in Vancouver, she will have no official duties at the Olympics. 

     However, she will be there on the sidelines cheering on the skaters that she knows so well through her legendary years in coaching figure skating.

     When not traveling the world, Casey slips in to her hometown (Great Falls) often, to visit and help her ninety-eight year-old mother, Muggins.       

   

Kathleen Moon - Laughing Horse Lodge, Swan Lake, MT

     For years in the corporate world, Kathleen Moon traveled worldwide.  Ultimately, she would break out of the work a day and enjoy the cuisine around the globe finding magic in restaurant kitchens.  Food was all about the culture around you and a way to savor life to its fullest.  Little did she realize her culinary experiences would take her into a second career as the owner/chef of the Laughing Horse Lodge in Swan Lake, Montana.

     Since May 2000, food has provided endless inspiration for Moon from everyday lunches to Saturday night dinners at the lodge.  The allure of her excellent dining has brought her recognition throughout the  Flathead Valley and beyond.  On Saturday, May 14, Moon will bring her gourmet skills to the University of Great Falls as the Executive Chef for the Taste of Montana evening.

     As she looks forward to bringing new ideas from her kitchen to the table, Moon prepares to cater the fourth annual event at UGF.  Admittedly, she plans to start the sumptuous meal with a cabernet poached pear salad she “stole from a five star chef.”  That will lead into a slow braised pork tenderloin entree sitting on top of a stone ground mustard Jack Daniels whiskey sauce. Her grand finale will be an exquisite huckleberry dessert.

     Sprinkled here and there throughout the courses, Moon may insert some specialties from her winter experience.  Having just returned from Panama, she gushes about her travels with a ceaseless sense of food discovery.

     “Wherever I go, cooking is involved,” she says.

       As the season slows down, Moon closes the lodge and spends the winter away.  Each year, she travels to a different spot.  This winter, in Panama, she used her Spanish language, volunteered at a resort, taught health safety to the kitchen staff, and sometimes, she relieved the chef.

      Drawn to Montana by a guy she fell in love with at the age of 38, there was no second guessing, he wanted to move to Big Sky country.  After two years in San Diego, they came and stayed at the old Alpine Lodge in Swan Lake. In need of much repair, it had been closed for some time.  When the owners  dropped the price twenty-five per cent, Moon and her partner bought it. She continued with her corporate job, until the CEO closed the entire operation.

     “At age 42, I started to laugh,” she says, “I’m going to Montana to become a cook.”  “This was not a play, it was serendipidous!”

     After months of renovation, the lodge reopened as a small restaurant and Bed and Breakfast.  She describes the place like a European road house.  “Enter as a stranger, and in five minutes, you know everybody.  Guests discover that one to two nights here is like a week anywhere else; a welcome place to have a glass of wine, and decompress. “

     Located along Highway 83, in the woodsy town of Swan Lake, The Laughing Horse Lodge is ranked #1 by tripadvisor.com.  Locals, tourists and many regulars enjoy the cozy environment one feels upon entering the establishment.  You can’t help but notice the hanging picture of “Jake,” Moon’s old cowboy ranch horse who she claims would roll around the paddock laughing when she told him he was ugly as sin.  Sure enough, there he is on his back with that farcical look.

     Moon has a passion for food with style and rules. 

     “You have to love what you cook.  That allows me to be really creative.  Never cook something you wouldn’t eat yourself.”

     Moon strives to serve what is fresh: from farm to table.

      Her eclectic staff contribute food ideas, too: Eastern Europe, South America, Sicily, Turkey Argentina, Polynesia, Tasmania.  Every Tuesday she features a different region bringing history and customs of the country to her clientele.

    Guests are never disappointed, returning frequently to enjoy the never ending food options.

     Some of the finest flavors you’ll ever taste are echoed by Shirley Wilson who frequents the Laughing Horse dining room every summer.

     “The food, it’s incredible,” says Wilson, “probably one of the best restaurants in the state.”

“I like everything there, but my favorite is the Mango Ahi Steak.”

     Laughing Horse Lodge is open Wednesday – Sunday for lunch and dinner.  Call: 406-886-2080, www.laughinghorselodge.com. Reservations please.

     The Taste of Montana evening at the University of Great Falls includes the gourmet dinner with wine pairings.  Tickets are $100 per person and seating is limited.  For more information or to reserve your tickets, call: 791-5290.

Photo Op:  I am forwarding pictures of Kathleen Moon which she sent to me.       

Joslyn Tinkle - Ask an Athlete

Joslyn Tinkle:  Ask an Athlete

     As a senior playing for the Stanford University Cardinals Women’s basketball team, much of Joslyn Tinkle’s life has centered around basketball.   She has been a two time Montana Gatorade Player of the Year and McDonald’s All-American in high school at Big Sky High School in Missoula, Montana. Her father, Wayne Tinkle, is the head men’s basketball coach at the University of Montana.  Growing up in Great Falls, mom, Lisa (McLeod) played basketball for C.M. Russell High School, and later, was a standout for the Lady Griz.  Sister, Elle, plays for the Gonzaga Bulldogs women’s basketball team.  Brother, Tres, plays for Hellgate High School in Missoula.

     “We get into it,” said Tinkle, “the driveway basketball- that can really go bad at the Tinkle household.”

1.  Why basketball?  How did you get started? 

Growing up I never had that “dream school” that most people have when they know they want to pursue a particular sport. So when I was getting recruited out of high school my options were pretty wide open and I was interested in looking at as many schools as possible.  Stanford happened to be my last official visit and I fell in love with it as soon as I was driving down the famous “Palm Drive.” The girls on the team were great, as well as the coaches…not to mention it is the most beautiful campus I have ever seen.  I loved that it challenged me academically and I would leave here with a great education.

I have had a great experience here and would love to pursue playing basketball after Stanford.

I have been playing basketball since as long as I can remember.  I was lucky because both my parents were stud basketball players and I grew up having two great coaches.  Growing up I got to watch my dad play professionally overseas and I fell in love with the game at a very young age. I think I started playing competitively in 2^nd grade.

2.  What is your weekly training routine?

I spend LOTS of time training for basketball each week.  We practice 6 days a week for about 3.5 hours each day.  Then we lift weights a couple times week, which usually lasts another hour.

3.  What other activities do you do?

 When I’m not busy with basketball or studying, I enjoy hanging with friends, skyping my family, going shopping, getting my nails done, and I LOVE going to movies.

4.  What keeps you motivated?

I am very self-motivated person and try to push myself each and every day to be better.  However, I believe a lot of that motivation comes from my background.  I grew up having both my parents always supporting me in everything I do, so I guess a lot of my motivation comes from wanting to make my family proud. 

5.  Have you faced any setbacks?  How did you overcome them?

Every athlete faces obstacles and goes through hardships.  Fortunately for me I have never had any serious kind of injury or setback, but I have definitely had my share of tough times.  I try to be a very positive/happy person, so when I am having a hard time with something I turn to my family and faith to help get me through it.  I know that everything will be ok and I do my best to keep focused and continue to work hard.

6.  What tips do you have for someone who wants to get started in basketball?

My advice for any young person wanting to start playing basketball is to first enjoy playing the game.  It is important to do something you like to do, and not because someone else wants you to do it.  Be disciplined, committed, and work harder than anyone else.

7.  What health benefits have you seen?

Basketball has helped me maintain a very healthy lifestyle.  I am constantly active, and because playing basketball requires a lot of work, sweat, and energy, it is important to fuel your body with healthy foods and lots of water!

8.  Do you have any warm-up and cool-down tips?

When I am getting ready to play basketball I always make sure I stretch and get a good warm up in before I go 100%.  I drink lots of water and fluids to help keep me hydrated.  After my work out I make sure I have a healthy snack right away.  It is important to take care of your body; therefore I sometimes ice my body, stretch, and definitely get rest!

9.  How do you incorporate nutrition into your workout routine?

Nutrition is so important for any athlete, and I have learned so much about nutrition and what works for my body since being at Stanford.  Don’t get me wrong, I love my sweets and candy, but I make sure I limit those when games are near.  I don’t ever drink pop, usually just water or Gatorade.  Because I burn off a lot of calories during practice, I always make sure I eat a good meal directly after my work out. I eat lots of protein, fruits and veggies…and occasionally a candy bar every now and then.

Photo Op: 

Jack LaLanne

Fitness for January:  Jack LaLanne from Polly

     Jack LaLanne has muscled his way though life.

     At age, 95, he’s still at it, lifting weights, swimming, and screaming for better fitness and nutrition in Americans lives.

     The message reverberates loud and clear via a telephone interview from the San Francisco Bay Area where he continues to deliver mankind from its bad habits.

     “Get it out,” he declares, referring to cakes, pies, and the evil junk food that spells out our earthly demise.

     And well, he should know.

     As a teenager, he was addicted to sugar, sickly, and depressed.  Then, his mother took him to a lecture given by fitness advocate, Paul Bragg, and LaLanne turned his back on sweets. He became a football star and a wrestling champ, and at age 22, he opened the Jack LaLanne Physical Culture Studio in Oakland, California.  A culture studio?  Well, nobody had heard of an exercising gym in 1936. But LaLanne studied the anatomy of the human body and concentrated on body building and weight lifting, something that was totally new then.

     “I was the first one to have women, the elderly, and athletes working out with weights; at the time all we had were solid dumb bells,” he says, reminding this interviewer that he was also the first to put exercise machines into motion.   

     Look around the health clubs.  Those leg extension machines, pulley machines using cables, and weight selectors, were some of his first innovations.

     And, co-incidentally, he started the workout organizations.  In the 1980s, LaLanne’s European Health Spas numbered over two-hundred.

     If he couldn’t get people to run with his ideas, he went out and helped them.  He trained policemen, firefighters, and recruited in high schools.

     News of his physical prowess led him to host a daily show in 1951 that captured an audience for thirty-four years, the longest running exercise show in television history.  Back then, TV viewers tuned in to workout with Jack LaLanne.  At first, many thought it was entertaining, they had never seen anything like it before, but soon they were doing “jumping jacks” and “push-ups” in America’s living rooms.

     He became a fitness institution completing legendary endurance tests.

     When he was 40, he swam from Alcatraz to the San Francisco shore, handcuffed.  Twenty years later, he towed a boat across the same waters loaded with weights.

     How did he do it?

     “You work at it, nothing is easy,” he replies, adding that “dying is easy, living is tough.”

     His toughness continues to bear him out.  He still works out on a daily basis, lifting weights for an hour and swimming for half an hour at his home on the central coast of California.                                    

     “I hate it, but, I like the results,” he admits.

     And it shows.  Even at his age, he can flex with the best of them.

     And he will remind you of that, championing the cause.

     “My father wouldn’t listen to me; he died in his fifties.”

       If only he could have gotten his message to him.  He has been a firm believer in weight training and good nutrition in all phases of life.  And, that’s not just something physical.  It goes right to the brain and makes us feel better mentally.  He has developed this healthy life style for himself and devoted his life to helping other people do the same. 

      Overall, he believes we have too much of everything in our country.

      He is alarmed by the rising numbers of obesity.

     “If you get out of condition and I get out of condition, then, America is sick,” he declares.

     His philosophy on eating is short and sweet: he doesn’t eat between meals, and his diet consists mainly of whole fruits and vegetables.

     LaLanne has no plans to retire.

     When reached for this interview, he had just returned from New York after appearing on several morning television talk shows.

     He is celebrating his 95^th year by promoting his fifth book: “Live Young Forever: 12 Steps to Optimum Health, Fitness, and Longevity.”

     According to him, this book has everything.  He has been in the business for eighty years, and it is a combination of everything that he has learned.

     If he had his life to live over, would he do anything differently?

     Not a thing. 

     LaLanne is adamant.  Every day is a face- off with fitness and calories.

     “Exercise is king; nutrition is queen; put them together, and you’ll have a good life.”

  

Photo Op:  I am emailing a picture that Jack sent to me.