So, my sister Ashleigh is looking ultra toned and buff lately. Very cut. I learned her new physique is a result of her current (and I think long-term) obsession with "aerial yoga." In essence, it's an art that combines traditional yoga poses in the air using a soft fabric trapeze.

My sis, Ash, flying high














Instead of me trying to explain the details of aerial yoga, I asked Ashleigh to do a little Q&A with Micha Adams, a woman at the forefront of the Aerial acrobat movement and owner of the Detroit Flyhouse--one of the premier aerial yoga studios in the northeast.

ASHLEIGH: Please tell us a little bit about your personal description of The Detroit Flyhouse?
MICHA: It's adult recess!! It was our dream to create a safe space for adults and children alike to take healthy risks in a totally supportive, non-competitive environment. The Flyhouse is about creating community and we've done just that. You leave with tired arms, a big smile on your face and lots of new friends.

Micha instructing during a workshop: Photo courtesy of Spilt Sugar


















Private advanced lesson. Photo courtesy of Spilt Sugar


















ASHLEIGH: How would you describe aerial yoga to the layperson that has never experienced it? Please enlighten us!
MICHA: It's another word for trapeze or tissue... anything done in the air. Many of the poses mirror traditional yoga poses done on the ground. There is a bit of climbing, a LOT of hanging out upside down and lots of laughing.

Cirque workshop: photo courtesy of Spilt Sugar


















ASHLEIGH: How did you fall (um... ascend) into loving aerial yoga?
MICHA: Well, I taught yoga for about five years then decided I wanted to expand my practice and started learning from aerial circus performance instructors.

ASHLEIGH: What do women need to do to get started in Aerial yoga? Do you have to have a certain type of body to perform?
MICHA: It's for everyone. We pride ourselves on making this practice accessible to everyone. Showing up that first time is probably the most difficult part. The practice meets you exactly where your physical ability is at and then you grow "or fly" from there.

ASHLEIGH: Being the creator of The Detroit Flyhouse must be an incredible experience. What are some of the challenges that come with owning your own studio?
MICHA: I have found the Flyhouse to be an incredible and unique vehicle for my own, personal transformation. I have become better at setting healthy boundaries around time and energy. I have so many opportunities to show and share my love with the people who come through our doors. I love the fact that this studio challenges me to constantly find new ways of inspiring students and myself both physically and emotionally.

ASHLEIGH: You are very fit and perform with such ease. What do you do to stay healthy on a daily basis?
MICHA: Ha! I do everything! I do circuit training. I bike, swim and stretch. Of course I train on the aerial apparatus. I also have learned the value of sweet rest.

ASHLEIGH: If you could pinpoint it, what do you feel is the best health advice to give the average person?
MICHA: Keep moving!

If you would like to learn more about aerial yoga (I'm definitely taking a class next time I go back to Michigan), please visit www.detroitflyhouse.com or email micha@detroitflyhouse.com. As always, keep counting.

Labels: aerial yoga, count me healthy jewelry, countessess, fitness, fitness tips, healthy living, Micha Adams

So, it's officially the weekend and as I'm writing this I'm shoving an apple cinnamon rice cake in my mouth. Problem is, it's my fourth and there are "ecstasy amounts" of carbs in each one. Um... and I've already had two bowls of cereal. BUT IT'S THE WEEKEND!








"BUT IT'S THE WEEKEND" is the lamest and most used excuse for today's women! I say this because I use it almost every weekend--so I'm just taking a stab in the dark that it applies to a large percentage of America's female population. I say "America's" because I just can't see a French woman or Tokyo native using this excuse as often as we do. If you can prove me wrong, please let me know.

Why do we use this excuse time after time? I think it all comes down to 1) a lack of moderation and 2) stress. We read so many articles about "how to lose those last 10 pounds" that deprivation gets the better of us and we cave. At least I do.

So I'm making a vow to try a different angle for next weekend. Instead of saying "BUT IT'S THE WEEKEND" and so having another drink or falling off of the clean-eating wagon, I need to take that "split-second" moment before the backslide happens and say "No." I think the weekends are for rewarding one's self, but not so much that it undoes all of our hard work throughout the week.

As I mention often, a lot of damage can be prevented by having a sense of moderation and stress management. I'm trying to make daily efforts to work on both of these points.

Instead of... "BUT IT'S THE WEEKEND," so... :

-I'll have a snack MARATHON. Let me lace up my tennis!
- I'll chill on the couch all day
- I won't do my ab exercises
- I can abandon my healthy lifestyle
- I'll drink what I want, when I want
- I'll party like it's 1999

Let's try... "BUT IT'S THE WEEKEND" so:

- I'll eat healthy snacks so I'm ready to hit the ground running come Monday
- I'll get in some "active rest" like taking the dog for a walk or cleaning the house
- I'll do my ab exercises because I'm on a constant "Abs like Alba" quest
- I cannot abandon my healthy lifestyle
- I will curb my drinking somewhat
- I'll reach out to the people I can't catch up with during the week due to "strestic mode." ("Strestic" is a made up word combo of "hectic" and "stressed" that shouldn't be used when talking in certain circles, such as the educated).

Come next week I will be brutally honest and blog about how it turned out. Regardless, making a plan is always the first step. Count Me Healthy helps to prevent weekend slips. Look down at it. It's on your wrist for motivation. Count your glasses of wine, snacks, or just move a bead over when you've had a "clean eating" weekend day. It will keep you motivated to move over that next "clean-eating day" bead. As always, keep counting.

Labels: chelsea gossett, count me healthy, count me healthy jewelry, eating healthy, fitness, fitness tips

For a while, I tried to fight watching reality television. This was due to the instant, undeserving fame these people get from the tabloids (Speidi, anyone)? Bad memories of Omarosa making the front cover of one of the weeklies because it was her "implant tell all" kept coming to mind. Alas, I gave in and tuned in, but I'm doing it for a good cause. I tape the episodes the night before and then watch them to help me through my morning cardio. Nothing gets me more motivated than a mental breakdown over tulle on Project Runway or the philandering of the ex-porn star who stole the rest of the contestants dirty socks to stuff her bra on Rock of Love Bus (yes, I watched Rock of Love, all three seasons.) I'm loving The Bachelorette, Bachelor, and I even liked More to Love, although there was something missing... oh yes--construction paper cards asking if he/she would like to spend the night with he/she in the honeymoon suite. (As a side note, I thought Tali was genuine and gorgeous on More to Love.) I'm also psyched about the new season of Dancing With the Stars. I watched the premiere and I just don't see the talent I saw last year, but then I remind myself I'm not an expert. Of course, the most motivational, wellness-wise, is the Biggest Loser, hands down. I do tire of the show's blatant, product promotions (i.e, trainer Jillian, "When you're fighting a craving, the best thing to do is chew Winterfresh sugarless gum from Carefree.") I do understand that Wrigley's or Carefree shelled out an amazing amount of money for the trainers to whip out the pack during opportune times--then followed by a commercial break featuring the product. Hey, I understand the game... in fact, I may have just purchased a pack on my way home yesterday!

They say spending countless hours in front of the flat screen is bad for you, but I really think it can be a good thing as long as you are moving while you're watching. Do you have any suggestions on other "must see" television? What show gets you through your workout rut? It can be drama, comedy, even sci-fi (within reason). I'd love to hear from you and will test watch whatever must-see you mention. And as always, keep counting.

Labels: count me healthy, count me healthy jewelry, fitness, fitness tips, health tips, reality tv