Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Why, today, I just can't stop smiling!!

So, today, while I was working out with my great friend and totally ass-kicking trainer, Blair Brodar, I couldn't stop smiling. It was ridiculous - between sets of single-leg squats and sprinting while attached to a 20-lb cable (yes, it was hard!) I was absolutely grinning ear to ear.

Why?

Because in 21 days, I will be in Mexico with three of my all-time favorite people, for the sole (or soul, if you prefer!) purpose of connecting to my heart, growing in an incredibly safe environment with remarkable people, and having an amazing time doing it. I know from the work I do with Jana that this retreat will be nothing less than absolutely LIFE-CHANGING. I can't freakin' wait, and I so want you all to come with me, so I'm going to take this opportunity to tell you all about it. As you read this, ask yourself, "when was the last time I did something totally for myself, my soul, and my heart?"

First of all, meet Miranda and Jana Saunders.

I already blogged about them and the life-changing work they do last week, but let me just say that they are two of the most intensely brilliant, kind, wise, fun people you could imagine. They are leading a retreat to "guide people to connect to their authentic selves so that they can live lives they passionately love. They help them connect with the deepest parts of who they are and their core values, release the subconscious blocks that keep them limited, and discover the true purpose for why they are here on the planet. People leave feeling clear, aligned, and empowered to create lives that match their hearts and souls." Sounds pretty sweet, right?

Next, meet Jennifer Pastiloff, expert yoga teacher.

Jen will be teaching 9 yoga classes in seven days on this trip, and let me tell you, her classes are incredible. They are pure joy, life-affirming, and as challenging as you want to make them. Plus, she herself is a spectacular human being who lights up any room she walks into.

Ok, so, those are the people leading this incredibly intimate, 10 person maximum retreat.
Now, let's talk about the place.
Here's the place.

Yeah, that's a view from one of the bedrooms. Not bad, right? The retreat is held in Sayulita, Mexico, a gorgeous town that has both all the luxuries you could want as a tourist as well as the the delights of a quaint, uncommercial Mexican village.
The retreat includes 17 delicious meals, prepared by a wonderful chef who owns two local restaurants. As someone who doesn't eat wheat, sugar, most dairy, or meat (that's a whole other blog post) I felt a bit concerned, but after talking to Miranda about it, I learned that the chef loves to take care of individual needs. It sounds like a small thing, but it's so lovely to go somewhere where I will not have to worry that there will be food for me. You stay in a beautiful room right near a gorgeous pool that overlooks the ocean. (I never thought that "in what body of water shall I swim in today" would be a tough choice! Answer: both!) It also includes a full-body massage, and (read this, New Yorkers!!!) time each day to relax, breathe, shop, create...and do anything your heart tells you.

This retreat is one of those opportunities to stop, look at your life, and find out how to live each day in joy and love, connecting to what you want and letting go of what you don't. When I first heard that, I thought it sounded fictional. Now I know it's completely true. My life, thanks entirely to the work that I do with these people, is a magical adventure today and every day, and I so want EVERYONE to be able to experience that.

There is still some space left on the retreat, and I so want you all to come. Please, check out the website, discoversoulspa.com, which has a lot more information. Also, feel free to call Jana and Miranda, at 818-487-8882 - you'll get a sense pretty darn quick why you will want to spend 7 days learning, growing and playing with them.
Finally, as a last bonus, for all NYC based people who sign up for the retreat, I am offering TWO FREE PERSONAL TRAINING SESSIONS (a $150 value!!) You can either come to my private, upper east side gym, or I will come and we will work in the comfort of your home. Because, hey, who doesn't want to look great in their bikini in MEXICO?
Below are some testimonials from past retreat participants.
So there. Now you know why I can't stop smiling.

I hope some of you will join me on this amazing adventure, and until then,
Live radiantly!
Katharine

"Jana and Miranda guided me on an adventure into my soul, where I cleansed my old habits and beliefs and emerged clearly knowing who I am and what I truly need. I'm now living the life of my fullest potential."
Amy Jo Johnson - actor and writer
TV series leads: Flashpoint, The Division, Felicity

"I spoke with a friend about whether or not I could afford the retreat.
She responded, 'Well, it depends on how much you value your life.' I hung up and booked my flight."
Karine Plantadit - dancer, actor, life coach
Broadway leads: Come Fly With Me, Moving Out

"I want to shout from the mountaintops: EVERYONE NEEDS TO DO THIS RETREAT! It is the best thing I've ever done, and I can't believe I almost kept myself from doing it. It has absolutely and positively changed my life in the most practical and profound ways possible. I am taking actions and risks that I would have never thought possible, and the results are showing up in all areas of my life! The retreat is nothing less than extraordinary; a gift in its highest, purest form."
Erica Roman Levy, director and screenwriter

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Finding Rest in the City that...rarely dozes? For LA folks, too!

Hi everyone,
Sorry it's taken me a bit of time to update the blog. I've been going through a pretty significant life change in the past few weeks that is all of terrifying, deeply depressing, and exhilarating. It's the kind of life change that makes getting out of bed a challenge. I still have responsibilities, and I still have to keep living my life, I know that well. That said, when you go through a life shift, it takes the brain some time to catch up, and in my experience, a great deal of rest and relaxation is required to adapt. Old habits have to die and new ones be created, which takes a great deal of neural energy. New York City is not necessarily where I would recommend to travel for rejuvenating the spirit, but if you're here, and find yourself needing the space to breathe and listen to your own heart, here are some wonderful classes and places to go. Most of the classes are at the JCC, since I work and train there. Please comment below if you have other suggestions - I am always looking for new things to explore and discover!

Meditative Yoga with Richard Allon Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Jewish Community Center, 5:45-7:00pm, 334 Amsterdam Ave.
A true mental oasis, this hour and a quarter class not only releases tension, strengthens and stretches the body, but is taught in such an elegant and lovely way as to give you space to truly be with yourself. Richard, a long time yogi and meditator, brings a great deal of quiet, warm energy to the class, which becomes (unlike so many other yoga classes in this town, which seem far more competitive than uplifting) a twice weekly opportunity for self-discovery. He makes it a truly safe space, where it is absolutely acceptable to laugh hysterically, cry heartily, and "see what you see, hear what you hear, and feel what you feel" without judgement or criticism. It is always clear that it is "your class" and that it is fine to do your own thing, explore in your own way, sit when you want to, etc. This makes it an excellent class for all levels, and particularly beginners who want to experience yoga in a safe, deeply friendly environment.

Low Flying Trapeze with Julie Ludwick JCC Sundays at 1:30-2:45
While you wouldn't necessarily expect a trapeze class to be a place to go for rest and rejuvenation, Julie Ludwick's masterful teaching style makes this class the perfect place to reconnect with your soul while soaring (ok, well, for me, usually sliding) over the ground. A master teacher of Skinner Releasing Technique and an extraordinary artist and dancer, Julie makes this class an exercise in releasing your tension and habitual patterns, as well as an amazing way to learn tricks and skills on the trapeze. She has helped me find so much freedom in myself and my body, as well as given me the play-space to find I can do things I never thought I could. Like the yoga class above, this class is incredibly open and fun for all levels, from the absolute beginner to the experienced dancer. The releasing work is incredibly relaxing, and Julie constantly reminds you to be aware of what you can let go of in your body, and how you can relax into yourself. Julie is delightfully non-judgemental, and is very attuned to the individual needs of her students. (Last week, in the height of my rough time, she had me stop trapezing and lie down on a yoga mat for 20 minutes. As it turned out, this is exactly what I needed, and helped me enjoy the rest of the class so much more.) I highly recommend studying with her, especially if you never thought you could ever do trapeze. Trust me, if I can do it, anyone can, and you will get such a boost in confidence and joy when you realize that you too can fly! (Plus, it's an insane strength work-out - even after years of swimming, my shoulders have never looked more gorgeous!)

Alexander Technique with Hope Martin multiple locations, www.hopemartinstudio.com for details
Alexander Technique is less of a postural tool than a way of living in your body and finding its deepest potential for movement in ease and curiosity. There is no one I would rather study it with than Hope, a master Alexander and Buddhist meditation teacher. In each class, she brings such a delightfully curious spirit to the practice, and allows each student to connect to their own bodies and needs in their own way. She brings the deep Buddhist curiosity about the self to the class, and encourages each student to qualitatively connect to their habits and patterns without judgement or a need to change, simply encouraging awareness and consciousness. When it comes to relaxation and rejuvenation, not only is the technique all about relaxing into your self as it's supposed to be, but she teaches a miraculous tool that you can use every day to connect to your body, mind and spirit. I won't describe it, as I so deeply encourage learning it with Hope, but suffice it to say that I use it with many of my personal training clients, and those who actually take it on as a practice (myself included) have reported feeling a deeper sense of calm, awareness and happiness throughout their daily lives.


The Ramble, Central Park 73rd to 79th streets
The Ramble is one of those delicious secrets of the New York City park that if you are lucky to stumble upon, you will continue to come back for the rest of your life. A hidden gem of artfully overgrown trees, paths, and hiding places, the Ramble truly makes you feel as if you have left the city in favor of a day in the country side. You can wander there for hours, finding a hidden spot to rest, cry, breathe and rejuvenate your spirit. This area has a fascinating history, and is a truly precious spot to be with yourself for a while. The most fascinating part is arriving to a break in the trees, looking out over the lake, and realizing that you are only ever a few minutes walk from the one of the busiest metropolises on the planet.

Jennifer Pastiloff, Los Angeles based expert yoga teacher www.jenniferpastiloff.com
In interest of total honesty, I confess that I have never taken Jen's gentle yoga class, which I am absolutely positive would be a blissful way to connect to yourself and your spirit. However, I have taken her power yoga class, and while it wasn't what I'd describe as a restful class (I sweat more there then I ever have during a triathlon!) I found it to be one of the more rejuvenating experiences of my life. Jen is one of those rare teachers who you truly believe when she says "it doesn't matter how flexible you are, this class is all about finding out who you are right now." Her energy is unlike any you will probably encounter - she is warmth and joy embodied in a human form. The class is deeply laughter based, has amazing music, and is a wonderful and challenging way to forget what you are and find out who you can become. I highly recommend trying her class if you are LA based or in the area - she teaches at Equinox, at YogaCo (an incredibly cool donation based studio on the 3rd street promenade) and privately.

Finally, I am also going to use this opportunity to tell you about two more extraordinary teachers, who are LA based and do work over the phone. If you are in a place where you truly want to change your life, find your own sense of power and choice, connect to the things you want and let go of what you don't, there is no one I would recommend more highly than...
Jana and Miranda Saunders.
Jana and Miranda, a married team of transformational teachers, have the capacity to help you learn how to release subconscious patterns that define and control your life, allow you to connect to what you really need and want to live a happy and successful life, and help you find the tools to carry it out. I work with Jana privately, and since starting to work with him regularly about six months ago, I have gotten a job that I never would have dreamed of trying and am loving it, feel more confident and able to have a career as a theatre director than I could have imagined and am making strides that six months ago would have been unheard of, and have made unbelievable improvements in the major relationships in my life to the point that many are unrecognizable. Most importantly, I wake up almost every day feeling so excited to take on the world, feel so connected to who I really am, and I feel confident that I have everything I need to get what I want. On a level so profoundly basic it may sound trite, Jana actually taught me how to feel my feelings. While I have yet to work with Miranda, she is one of those people that the moment you talk to or meet her, you can feel what an incredible and wise being she is. I wouldn't hesitate to to recommend her to work with my closest friends and family, and I am positive that she is an absolute world changer.
If you feel like you really want to change your life, but don't know how to start, Jana and Miranda have the tools to get you on your path. I so highly recommend calling them or checking out their website for more information - they also lead transformational retreats to Mexico (the next one being May 1st through the 8th, which I will be attending and blogging about - I would so love you all to join me there! WOOHOO!)
www.discoversoulspa.com

I hope this list gives you some options to find what you need in these crazy towns. Until we meet again, may you find joy and live your radiance!

Katharine

Sunday, March 21, 2010

ECA Conference


I had quite the adventure this past weekend at the ECA/OBOW convention in New York City (aka, 40 blocks from my home.) This was my first time attending this massive educational convention, with classes and lectures in everything from yoga, pilates, step and boot camp to fetal development and postural clinics. I had an absolute blast here, and I'd love to share some of the highlights with you.

TRX: Basic and Core Performance classes
This was by far the most enjoyable class I took - so much so that I ended up investing in a TRX for myself and my clients! The TRX is a double-strap suspension training aparatus that looks something like this:

It is a fantastic tool used for all ages, levels and abilities that is portable, low impact and incredibly fun. The focus is on motion rather than musculature, so it's an excellent tool to perfect form in push-ups, rows, lunges and planks. It can be used for balance, stability, cardio, strength and core training, as well as a tool for countless other sports and injury rehabilitation. The teacher, Fraser Quelch, was wonderful and highly informative. While I had used the TRX before, Fraser really showed me how incredibly versatile this tool can be.
Paul Chek: Through the Looking Glass
This was my first class with Paul Chek, the infamous and controversial founder of the CHEK institute for holistic training. This was basically an introduction to his diagnostic practices, which involve looking at all areas of the person's life, from their nutrition and exercise to their chakral balance and meditation practices. While he is certainly out there, he just as certainly has genius qualities. I deeply enjoyed hearing about his usage of Shamanism, drumming and art therapy as tools to heal this woman. It is really refreshing to hear about people who use all the tools at their disposal to connect to clients as whole beings rather than simply bodies with minds attached.
Stand Up Straight! Posture Clinic with Mark Stone
By far the most useful and informative class I have ever taken. I learned so much in two hours about postural assessments, and learned a bunch of new tools to work with clients on their posture and assessing their needs and challenges. If you ever have the opportunity to take a class with him, do it. His wealth of information is extraordinary.

These are just a few of the incredible classes I took this weekend. I now have information overload, but had so much fun, and did far too many workouts! (Boy, is my core sore!)
Till next time, be well and live vibrantly!

Welcome to Fitness Coaching Blog!

This is the official blog for Live Your Radiance fitness coaching. I am so excited to share my experience, information, and adventures with you. Feel free to comment with any questions or comments, and I will do my best to respond and guide!

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Back from Israel

I had a mind-boggling trip to Israel, which was truly life changing. I had so many phenomenal experiences, met incredible people, and learned so much about myself as a Jew and a human being. I am trying to find out how to balance all the parts of my life, and it's incredibly difficult - Jew, triathlete, director, girlfriend, etc.
Back, have to get back to training now, after basically two weeks of just walking all day...oy.

Sunday, June 14, 2009

First Half Marathon!


I did my first half marathon today. If I can forget that I did it at a 13:13 pace (AHHH!!!!) I can be really happy, joyful and free. I worked hard at Bonelli last week, have not been taking the greatest care of my legs (or the rest of me,
for that matter) this week, and honestly have just not been focusing on this race AT ALL. I haven't done much by way of hill running or distance running, as Bonelli was our focus (and would have been a second place AG finish, had it not been for mechanical difficulties, so it was certainly worth it!) But this race HURT.
Maybe because this was the elevation profile...
Also known as, 1716 feet of climbing. Also known as, freakin' hilly. I also felt rather ambivalent going into this race, and I only just figured out why...in my heart, I'm just a solid triathlete. While run races, swims, etc., certainly are fun (and can deeply improve my fitness, endurance, etc. without the physical hardship of a triathlon) my soul just isn't in them the way I am into triathlons. I get giddy coming out of the water. I love being soaking wet and freezing on a bike. I love being tired and still having a 5k/10k/20k left to run, and putting on my shoes and going for it. While this race certainly was fun, I just didn't have the emotional investment in it as I did even at Bonelli, which was a vastly easier race.
Speaking of, here is a pic of me coming out of the water at Bonelli - 'sexy', no?

I decidedly look like an alien.
Also, I am so inspired and proud of my coach, who raced ESCAPE FROM ALCATRAZ with possibly broken ribs and a head cold, and still placed 169 out of 1600+. Talk about drive!

I am leaving for Israel tomorrow, so probably won't be able to update for a few weeks.
I'm sure I'll have plenty to say after that!
Kate