Taking Action
By Patricia Moreno

As we enter into our fourth month of 2010, it's a good time to stop and ask yourself: How am I doing? I declared 2010 to be the year we say "If not now, when?" What did you declare you would finally do this year that you haven't done in the past? Do you remember what you declared, or did you let it go already?

This month I want to remind you to stop and pay attention to the direction your year is going in so far. Remember that it will continue to go in the same direction it has already been going unless you make the effort to change. When we say we want to make a change or improve our life situation in some way, we have to be willing to give something up in order for that change to occur. It's not just an old habit you are giving up, you are giving up a way of being or a lifestyle that no longer suites you, that you have outgrown, or no longer feels good to you.

Whether it's your health, your weight, your love life, or your career that you want to improve, you must be willing to give up the old for the new - and that includes giving up thoughts that you can't do it, you're not good enough, or that it's too hard. Have you ever declared you were ready to make a change and then in the next breath say "but it will be too hard, I can't do it"? In those cases, I say you are arguing for your limitations instead of your excellence.

Is it really that hard? Isn't it harder to settle for living a life where you are numbing yourself to the point that you no longer feel any passion, joy, inspiration or love? The practice of IntenSati isn't about attaining or acquiring things, it's about awakening yourself to the magic of life, to the beauty of the creative process, and being a participant in creating a life that reflects your true nature and your true self. When we choose to evolve, we challenge ourselves to break free of old conditioning, old thoughts, old habits, and a robotic and reactive state of mind. We then open ourselves up to consciously choose to try something new, challenge the lies we tell ourselves. We wake up. We become more conscious, more alive, and become our true selves.

Want to read more of Patricia's inspiring story? Click here to learn more.

Conference Highlights

ECA/OBOW 2010 NYC

Thanks to everyone who attended the ECA/ OBOW NYC 2010 Convention! We had a great time and the energy was palpable. Congratulations to those who were nominated for this year's ECA/OBOW Awards! Each one of you is truly inspirational and making waves in our industry.

Here's a list of the 2010 ECA/OBOW Awards Winners:
Best Male Presenter: Lawrence Biscontini
Best Female Presenter: Ilaria Montagnani
Best Rising Star: Benjamin Black
Best International Presenter: Carrie Ekins
Most Creative and Innovative Programming: Carrie Ekins for Drums Alive
Entrepreneur of the Year: Robert Steinbacher
Instructor's Choice Award: Petra Kolber
Community Activist and Mentor Award: Angie Bunch

Grapevine Featured Product:



OBOW Monthly Green Tip

April 22, 2010 marks the fortieth anniversary of the first Earth Day and the world is in greater peril than ever. While climate change is the greatest challenge of our time, it also presents the greatest opportunity - an unprecedented opportunity to build a healthy, prosperous, clean energy economy now and for the future.

Earth Day 2010 can be a turning point to advance climate policy, energy efficiency, renewable energy and green jobs. Earth Day Network is galvanizing millions who make personal commitments to sustainability. This is a pivotal opportunity for individuals, corporations and governments to join together and create a global green economy. Join the more than one billion people in 190 countries, including a new initiative; Athletes for the Earth™, that are taking action for Earth Day. Become a part of the change here: http://www.earthday.net/earthday2010

Did you know?



The tomato is the world's most popular fruit, even though it's identity is often mistaken for a vegetable. More than 60 million tons of tomatoes are produced per year, 16 million tons more than the second most popular fruit, the banana.

Tomatoes were first cultivated in 700 AD by the Aztecs and Incas. Explorers returning from Mexico introduced the tomato into Europe, where it was first mentioned in 1556. The French called it "the apple of love," the Germans "the apple of paradise."

Tomatoes are rich in vitamins A and C and fiber and are cholesterol free. An average size tomato (about 5 oz) is only 35 calories. Furthermore, new medical research suggests that the consumption of lycopene - the stuff that makes tomatoes red - may prevent cancer. Lycopene is part of the family of pigments called carotenoids, which are natural compounds that create the colors of fruits and vegetables.


There are more than 10,000 varieties of tomatoes and they are used in many food products including, tomato sauce (ketchup), pasta and pizza. According to a Steel Packing Council survey of 1997, 68% of chefs use canned tomatoes for convenience, quality and flavoring. Want to know more? Learn more tomato facts at: http://didyouknow.org/category/food/

Financial Fitness

with Joseph Esposito

Q: I was thinking of getting Life Insurance. I was offered term or permanent. I don't know which one to get and how much insurance I need. How do I decide which one is right for me?

A: There is not a simple answer to this question. There are many variables that factor into deciding the correct coverage. The first is to recognize the reason. It could be to pay off a mortgage, college expenses, income replacement or estate planning. Also, your age and health play an important role in this decision. Lastly, your budget will help determine how much you may want to consider. You may need a large death benefit but you may not be able to afford it. It is extremely important that you meet with a Financial Advisor who can help you determine which type, how much and figure out how to afford Life Insurance. I can't emphasize enough how important it is to protect your family. I have seen too many families thrown into debt due to poor or insufficient planning. Please feel free to call me to discuss this further.

For More Financial Tips and Advice
Contact Joseph Esposito at joseph.esposito@lpl.com or visit PinnacleInvestmentConsultants.com

All-In-One Yoga Pose
by: Jill Miller

I have been teaching yoga for 18 years, and one of the most frequent complaints I hear from students and yoga-phobes alike is that they don't have enough time for practice, so they avoid it altogether.

Avoiding a regular practice of stretching will never get you the healing benefits that come with the work. Even if you only do one pose a day, you will make a huge difference in your body, brain and well-being.

So I want to entice you to try ONE pose. Just one. It doesn't require memorizing a sequence; you won't even need a lot of space or props. This pose can be done every single day, and it will decompress your back and lengthen your hamstrings, IT band and calves. It also strengthens your abdominals and back while stretching the chest, and for an added bonus, massages your internal organs.

This too-good-to-be-true pose is my absolute favorite pose, and I have yet to meet a student in my Yoga Tune Up® classes, privates or workshops who doesn't exclaim a deep primal "Ohhggmmmnnuugghaaah!" when they do this pose correctly. Ladies and gentlemen, behold the wondrous powers of Leg Stretch #3.

How to do the all-in-one yoga pose

To get the maximum benefit out of this pose, attempt to follow the directions precisely. The better your alignment, the better the results! Position yourself on your back, in a corner by two walls. You will need to have a yoga brick (which can be substituted with a book or even a water bottle).

  • Lay on your right side facing wall No. 1 with your outstretched right arm plus the brick touching wall No. 1. Both feet are planted on wall No. 2.
  • Cross the left leg to firmly anchor into wall No. 1, and press right arm and brick into wall No. 1 as well.
  • The sole of the right foot still presses against wall No. 2.
  • The left arm and torso rotate away from wall No. 1 to induce a deep spinal twist.
  • Increase the stretch in the outer left buttocks, hamstrings and IT band by shifting the left sit bone and buttock toward wall No. 2.
  • Increase the stretch through the upper back and chest by firmly pressing your right arm into the brick, and feel the stretch thread through the collar bones as you increase your twist.
  • Occasionally emphasize the twist by compressing the abdominals.
  • Be patient and breathe deeply into the abdomen and lower back.
  • Do not tense the jaw or eyes. Do not be aggressive or put your leg into intolerable pain. Move progressively and with awareness.
  • After 90 seconds to two minutes, switch sides

    • Historically, being put in a corner means =93time out.=94 After practicing this pose once or twice, you will be running to a corner giving yourself a time-out. Practice your new all-in-one-pose yoga practice and feel the instant transformation.

    For another variation of this pose on video, view here.



    Calendar of Events:

    April

    THE GROOVE METHOD™ FACILITATOR CERTIFICATION
    w/ Misty Tripoli. When: April 10 -11 Where: Toronto, ON, CANADA. For more info or to register: misty@mistytripoli.com

    C.H.E.K. GOLF BIOMECHANIC When: April 10 -16 Where: Toronto, ON, CANADA. For more info or to register :760-477-2620 or teamchek@chekinstitute.com

    willPower & grace™ Phase I Instructor Training. When: April 11 Where: New York City, NY. For more info or to register: www.willpowerfit.com

    FOUNDATIONAL BEAMING™
    When: April 11 12pm - 8:00pm $299.00 Includes a BEAM, 82 page Manual and DVD. Where: Coreworks Fitness, Columbia MD 21045 For more information: 410-772-0600 (for directions only) To register: Call 877.808.BEAM (2326) ext 1.

    BORNCLEAR CHILDBIRTH PREP CLASS
    When: April 11 10am- 5pm $475. Where: Equinox Fitness Club 43rd St and 5th Ave. For more information and to register : 631-889-1423 OR Kristen@betterbirthbook.com

    C.H.E.K. PRACTITIONER LEVEL 1
    w/ Josh Rubin. When: April 14 -18 Where: Natural High Crossfit, Okotoks, AB, CANADA. For more info or to register: 760-477-2620 or teamchek@chekinstitute.com

    THE GROOVE METHOD™ FACILITATOR CERTIFICATION
    w/ Misty Tripoli. When: April 17 -18 Where: NYC, NY. For more info or to register: misty@mistytripoli.com

    FUSION FITNESS TRAINING When: April 17 -18 Where: Baniff Center for Recreation, Banff, AB, Canada. For more information: www.balletone.com

    CH.E.K. EXERCISE COACH COURSEw/ Dan Hellman. When: April 21- 25 Where: Progressive Fitness, Charleston, SC. For more info or to register :760-477-2620 or teamchek@chekinstitute.com

    C.H.E.K. EXERCISE COACH COURSE w/ Robert Yang. When: April 23 -27 Where: C.H.E.K. Institute, Vista CA. For more info or to register: 760-477-2620 or teamchek@chekinstitute.com

    FUSION FITNESS TRAINING: PILATES INFUSED CORE.
    When: April 23-25 Where: Heavens Fitness Calgary, AB Canada. For more information: www.balletone.com

    GROOVE METHOD CERTIFICATION.
    When: April 24 -25 Where: Your Neighborhood Studio, Los Angeles, CA. To register: www.TheGrooveMethod.com

    GROOVING WITH KIDS CERTIFICATION. When: April 24 Where: Toronto, ON, CANADA. For more info or to register: misty@mistytripoli.com

    GLIDING BASIC TRAINING.
    When: April 24th Where: Reuter Family YMCA, Asheville, NC. For more information: www.elevate-education.com for more information

    PATRICIA MORENO MASTER CLASS
    When: April 24-25 Where: World Gym, Wantagh,NY For more info or to register, please call Barbara Larrea at 516-826-5555

    WILLPOWER & GRACE
    Phase I Instructor Training. When: April 25 Where: San Juan, PR. For more info or to register: www.willpowerfit.com

    FUSION FITNESS TRAINING BLENDED PROGRAM.
    When: April 25 Where: Shepherd University Wellness Center, Shepherdstown, WV for more information: www.balletone.com

    On The Horizon

    THE GROOVE METHOD™ FACILITATOR CERTIFICATION. When: May 1 -2 Where: Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Info at www.TheGrooveMethod.com

    GROOVING WITH KIDS CERTIFICATION.
    When: May 2 Where : Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. For more info or to register: misty@mistytripoli.com

    FOUNDATIONAL BEAMING™.
    When: May 2 9 - 6pm Where: Huntington YMCA, Huntington, NY. For more information: 631-421-4242 (for directions only). To register call 877-808-BEAM (2326) ext 1. Cost: $299.00 (Includes a BEAM, 82 page Manual and DVD)

    ISCA BOXING CERTIFICATION.
    When: May 9 Where: BSC, Government Center, Boston, MA. For information: 601-372-8601

    MELT INSTRUCTOR TRAINING (50 hour) w/ Sue Hitzmann. When: May 13 -16 Where: Pearl Studios, NYC, NY For more info or to register : www.meltmethod.com

    BALLETONE SOLE SYNTHESIS TRAINING When: May 15 Where: JCC San Francisco, San Francisco, CA For more information: www.balletone.com

    THE GROOVE METHOD™ FACILITATOR CERTIFICATION. May 15-16 Where: New York, NY. For more info: www.TheGrooveMethod.com

    THE GROOVE METHOD™ FACILITATOR CERTIFICATION
    w/ Misty Tripoli. Where: April 10-11 Where: Toronto, ON, CANADA. For more info or to register: misty@mistytripoli.com

    ISCA BOXING CERTIFICATION.
    When: May 16 Where: WSC, 1211 Conn. Ave, Washington, DC. For information: 601-372-8601

    ISCA KICKBOXING Round Two Certification. When: May 16 9:00am - 5:00pm Where: BSC, Government Center, Boston, MA. For information: 601-372-8601

    WILLPOWER & GRACE Phase I Instructor Training.
    When: May 16 Where: Broomfield, CO. For more info or to register: www.willpowerfit.com

    BOSU COMPLETE TRAINING.
    When: May 16 Where: JCC San Francisco, San Francisco, CA For more information: www.elevate-education.com

    If you have events / workshops or products to be listed: Please forward the following information to Carol Scott at: carol@ecaworldfitness.com or lilli@ecaworldfitness.com, include: Date, city, state, title of event, event sponsor, and contact information including website, and / or phone number.

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