I’m a list person. I can make a list for pretty much anything; chores, groceries, people to call back, you name it. So making my list of New Year’s resolutions is a natural undertaking for me.  In fact, it has become an annual tradition. I can’t remember a year when I didn’t make a list of New Year’s resolutions, or multiple lists for that matter.  Sometimes I keep them, sometimes I don’t. I guess that’s the way it goes when it comes to resolutions.

What I’ve realized in my years of lists is that resolutions are about change, but true resolutions are about persistence. Real change happens in small persistent steps more often than in big dramatic ones. So this year, for the first time, I’ve decided not to make a list. No grandiose promises or unrealistic expectations. Instead, I’m just going to resolve to continue doing what I’m doing –  trying my best, messing up, recovering, evolving and enjoying the ride along the way. This way I can make small changes to improve myself without worrying about crossing big changes off my list.

Happy 2010 everyone.

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When the seasons change and holiday time arrives, it always seems like a challenge to stay grounded in our body and daily lives.  These times, as always, are a great opportunity to practice vrksasana, the tree pose. To do so, just follow these steps:

• First, stand upright while grounding down equally through your right and left foot.
• Balance both feet. Try to avoid leaning forward, back, left or right
• Engage all the muscles of your left leg.  Feel them wrap around the bones.
• Lift and place your right foot onto the top of your left inner thigh with your toes pointing down.
• Hands move to heart center in prayer and then rise towards the sky.
• Hold this pose for several breathes. Remember trees bend and sway. Enjoy the subtle movements.
• Switch sides and repeat the steps.

Practice this pose in the morning for a few moments or whenever you are feeling a little off center. Most importantly, take time during your busy day to be still and strong.  This pose will help strengthen your legs and keep your mind and body steady.

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Over the course of the past 6 months, I have been rehabing a broken patella… by climbing stairs. Yep, that’s right… stairs.

Stairmasters, stadium facilities and even the famous Santa Monica stairs have all been outlets for my cardio and rehab.  The low impact, high intensity nature of the workout allows me to move safely and protect my joints all while elevating my heart rate and the results have been fantastic.

If you want to tone your glutes, strengthen your thighs and increase calorie burn, then take it to the stairs….any stairs. Try to hustle on the way up where the main effects occur and take it slow on the way down to reduce impact.  You’ll be amazed at how winded you get and how strong you’ll feel shortly after. Get climbing!

- Christina Malizia

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