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Walking Meditation

 

Walking Meditation

 

Walking Meditation DVD/CD/Book Set, November 26, 2006

"Walking meditation is meditation while walking. We walk slowly, in a relaxed way, keeping a light smile on our lips. When we practice this way, we feel deeply at ease, and our steps are those of the most secure person on Earth. All our sorrows and anxieties drop away, and peace and joy fill our hearts. Anyone can do it. It takes only a little time, a little mindfulness, and the wish to be happy." ~Thich Nhat Hanh

Thich Nhat Hanh teaches the importance of mindfulness and believes walking is not just a way to get from one place to another, "it is a time to live." Enjoying every step you make is more important than arriving at your new destination. Walking with a sense of peace and joy is explained more on the DVD as he demonstrates how to walk with a sense of joy.

He introduces the concepts of:

Walking in the present moment
The three basic elements of walking meditation
Where to practice walking meditation
Practicing walking meditation
The fourth element of walking meditation: Smiling

"Peace is every step
the shining red sun is my heart.
Each flower smiles with me.
How green, how fresh all that grows.
How cool the wind blows.
Peace is every step.
It turns the endless path to joy.
~Tinh Thury

The CD introduces:

Conscious Breathing Meditation
Slow Walking Meditation
Walking Meditation in Nature
Walking Meditation in Public Places
Walking Meditation to Embrace Your Emotions

If you are looking for ways to exercise your soul as much as your body, then Walking Meditations can bring you more peace and give you new reasons to walk in nature.

Nguyen Anh-Huong's beautiful voice also leads you through a meditation where you learn to breathe more deeply and imagine yourself as a tree, with roots deep in the earth. The last three sections show you how to breathe and walk with purpose and joy.

Anyone who enjoys Yoga will also enjoy the meditations as they add new creative dimensions. This book is filled with poetic thoughts, new reasons to enjoy life and a embraces a nurturing place for your soul to grow.

"May flowers bloom beneath your feet." ~ pg. 53

~The Rebecca Review

 

 

Low Impact Aerobic Sidestepper

Takes Getting Used To..., March 8, 2006

After months of consideration, this was the final choice. Not only does this work differently than most steppers, it looked like it would increase side-to-side balance and give a good workout that was fluid and purposeful.

Once you start working out, both sides become very fluid as the hydraulic cylinders work to precisely allow motion that is never jarring. In fact, it takes a few days to get the hang of the stepping because it is so easy to do and you have to achieve a certain balance to keep both sides in harmony. Once you find that place of balance, it is easier and easier to accomplish a good workout.

Almost immediately I noticed areas of my legs firming up, areas that my bike was not addressing. I also immediately noticed muscles around my knees being used, perhaps that had not been exercised in this way for quite a few years.

So, overall, this will balance out your exercise routine, giving you a quick way to burn
a few calories here and there throughout the day. Want to watch a quick show on TV, then you can easily pull this out from the corner and get a little exercise while you are entertained. It is also quiet enough to use while others are watching TV. In fact, now and then I'll go and spend more time with my husband while he is watching TV because my stepper and bike are in the TV room. He seems to like the fact that I'm working out and spending time with him.

Last but not least, the little display shows the calories you have burned and that is very satisfying. I noticed you burn quite a few calories even in a short session. You are totally in charge of the intensity, speed and time. Once you set up the stepper, you can also adjust it to your preference. The steps can be adjusted closer or further apart. This is perfect for short bursts of exercise throughout the day. It took a few days to get used to, but now it is really fun to exercise on a balance stepper.

~The Rebecca Review

 

 

Super Quiet Recumbent Bike, March 8, 2006

If you want to exercise any time of the day without disturbing either the neighbors or your family in the next room, then the Stamina Silent Magnetic Resistance Bike is the perfect solution. Not only is the quiet, it is comfortable and easy to assemble. While riding the bike, you can also see the TV since there is nothing in front of your face to look around. The main display panel is low enough and the seat is high enough to accommodate TV viewing. Most of the bike has been pre-assembled so it only takes a short time to finish the assembly.

The LCD Display area shows Time, Speed, Distance, Calories, Program and Pulse. A little bike runs around the edge of the screen. Programs to choose from:

Fat Burn
Max Fat Burn
Aerobic
Hill
Interval
Mountain

The pedals are comfortable to push and the position you are sitting in seems ideal if you are worried about your knees being uncomfortable. Some bikes I've tried are too uncomfortable to use, so this one was a nice surprise.

The way this bike is made makes it easy to move. There are "wheels" or at least leveling caps that make the bike easier to move if you have to slide this back and forth on the carpet. Everything is included for assembly and once you get this bike all put together, it is very easy to use and quite convenient. Since it is so quiet, you can even use this bike in the middle of the night or while other people are sleeping.

~The Rebecca Review

 

 

Silent Magnetic Resistance Recumbent Bike

 

 

Backpacking & Hiking

 

Helpful Guide for Adventurous Exploration, May 26, 2006

Hiking helps you escape from a fast-paced, complex, and often stressful world. Some hikers enjoy a slow, relaxed walk, taking in the scenery, while others like to take on nature and push themselves to the limit. However you choose to hike, it should be a safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable experience. ~Karen Berger

Karen Berger has enjoyed walking over 17,000 miles through a wide variety of landscapes on six continents. Her outdoor expertise is especially evident in the Eyewitness Companions Backpacking & Hiking guide. The chapters include:

Choosing a Destination
Clothing and Equipment
Organizing a Hike
On the Trail
Camping
Overcoming Challenges
First Aid

The global hikes featured range from the Pacific Crest Trail from California to Washington to the Inca Trail in The Andes, Peru. Distance, Average Time to Complete, Accessibility and Resources are included along with Karen Berger's observations about the areas to explore.

"The trail passes through lowland temperate rainforest and climbs an exposed alpine pass, then descends to sea level." ~ pg. 27

While the beginning of the book explores a more global hiking lifestyle, the rest of the book is still practical for general hiking information that can be used when you are hiking closer to home or on a vacation. There is a wealth of information on surviving temperature changes and layering and fabrics are discussed in detail. The section on footwear will help you select the right socks and shoes for a variety of weather conditions. The "Packing Your Backpack" section shows exactly how to arrange items so you avoid discomfort.

 

Super Deluxe Backpacking Picnic for Four



What to take with you? There are many chapters on essential equipment. Everything from water bottles to specialist equipment like insulating socks or traction devices for shoes. GPS systems are analyzed and there are a number of checklists to make sure nothing is forgotten, including how much food to take. A variety of foods are discussed and may I say the Clif Bars are a tasty idea. Navigation and map reading is discussed in detail and interesting details like observing plants and the stars to find your way makes the experience even more natural and challenging.

Predicting weather is a section that helps you stay safe and additional safety advice (common ailments and medical emergencies) explains when you should turn around and go back due to extreme conditions or how to deal with medical problems. Overall, this is one of the most helpful guides to hiking you may ever find. It is detailed, thoughtful and the pictures are inspirational.

~The Rebecca Review

 

 

 

Walk Away the Pounds

 

=    1, 2, 3 Walk away the Pounds

Reviewer: The Rebecca Review.com

Leslie is the “Queen of In-Home Walking.” This is different than walking on a treadmill, but seems equally effective. You can also walk any day of the year, rain or shine, day or night. There are no limits.

Leslie travels all over the world promoting fitness and holds six certificates from the American College of Sports Medicine. She also owns Club Fitness and makes appearances on the QVC Home Shopping Channel.

After trying a few of Leslie Sansone’s workouts, this has been my favorite workout set. I like the way you can choose between walking 1, 2 or 3 miles. If you start with the 1 mile walk, you know you can do the second and then the third video.

The Three Videos:

Get Up and Get Started – 1 Mile. This video shows you all the basics for a brisk walk. You start slow and work up to a nice pace, then there is a cool-down and stretch.

High Calorie Burn – 2 Miles. You will be so proud of yourself when you make it to the second mile. This workout has a new level of intensity to incinerate those calories. There is a warm-up and cool-down section. This workout helps you create a smaller, tighter waistline, builds strong muscles and bones, intensifies weight loss and works the legs, chest, back and arms. (30 minutes)

Super Fat Burning – 3 Mile. I loved this workout. It took me to new places because after this workout, I really saw some good results in the stomach area. I had to keep looking in the mirror to make sure it was true. This workout firms the upper and lower body, improves coordination and balance and boosts cardio strength. (47 minutes)

Since I’m not the queen of coordination, these workouts are nice and easy although let me tell you, the third video is going to really work you out! If you can stand in one place and move forward, back and put your arms up and down, you can do this! Therefore, this is really for anyone!

I highly recommend this set to anyone starting a new workout program or for anyone who just wants to have a little fun with their workouts. You just become one of the group and Leslie creates a very friendly, accepting environment.

The use of weights really takes these videos to a new level.

At first I thought Leslie was just a little ball of energy and her happiness level was pretty intense. But the more I did the videos the more I realized how good it made me feel to be in the presence of some positive energy, plus it gave me an added boost of “I can do this.” The music also just keeps you moving!

If you have a 5 x 7 space anywhere near a TV, these are perfect. You don’t need a lot of room like many aerobic videos require.
Once you get used to the two and three mile workouts, you can pass along the one mile to a friend and get them interested in workout out too. I just send the one-mile workout to my aunt.

After using these tapes, I lost two pounds in the last week and my husband thought I lost 10. Thank you Leslie! These workouts really do tighten and tone you all over.

Workouts that add a smiley burst of energy to your day.

If you are on your couch, you better be looking out for Leslie Sansone cause she is going to “come over and get you” off that couch! At least that is what she says in the video! ;)

 

Deluxe Walk

 

 

Leslie Sansone Firm Up Fast Exercises

 

Invigorating Challenge, April 4, 2007

Leslie Sansone's Firm Up Fast Walk begins with a short walking warm-up and then moves quickly into an invigorating series of standing exercises that focus on the thighs and arms. The routine then moves into a mat workout where you test your endurance with leg lifts to workout the inner and outer thighs.

Leslie's teaching style is very professional and she keeps you on track with precise movements to encourage faster results in the least amount of time. Overall, this is an excellent workout with adequate warm-up time if you are used to working out or lead a fairly active lifestyle or you have been walking around during the day. If you go right into this workout from sitting at the computer, you may want to do 10 minutes of walking or just start walking while Leslie talks you through the first section of the explanations. What I like most about this DVD is the fact that Leslie keeps you focused and also gives you enough repetitions to really workout your abs, thighs and arms. Instead of just walking, you are using weights and your own body weight to increase muscle tone and that helps you burn more calories over time.

If you enjoy this workout, you may want to look into the Leslie Sansone "You Can Do" Yoga, Pilates and Abs workouts. I think you will enjoy her teaching style on all of these DVDs. If you are new to Leslie's workouts, she has them set up so you can start at 1 mile and work your way to a 4-mile challenge. 

~The Rebecca Review

 

 

Gaiam Get Moving Walking for Weight Loss

Energizing Fitness Walk, March 11, 2007

Madeleine Lewis presents three ten-minute segments of walking/strength training and one ten-minute segment of stretching. The walking is creative enough to keep your attention and the choreography is fairly easy to learn. The workout is designed to take you from a warm-up to a fast-paced walk to a relaxing cool-down.

The entire forty minutes works well as a complete workout where you don't need to walk or bike before beginning the exercises. This is fairly low impact and even the reverse lunges are interesting because they are not static, but free flowing and energizing.

Madeleine Lewis' professional style and motivational cueing makes this highly enjoyable. There are also three levels to choose, so you can follow Madeleine or try some of the more advanced moves like jumping instead of just walking during various segments.

You can add weights to increase the challenge while doing lower body exercises. There are a few upper body exercises, but mostly this focuses on low-impact aerobics and lower body strength training.

~The Rebecca Review

 

 

 

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