Listen: Thrive! – The Living Well Show – move it or lose it

Listen: Thrive! – The Living Well Show – move it or lose it

Today’s show focused on alternative fitness modalities for those who can’t do conventional fitness – those with limited mobility; whether that be because they are senior, they haven’t exercised in a while, they are living with injuries, or because of a disability. Living with limited mobility is difficult and whilst some things, like an accessible bathroom (visit the Absolute Mobility for more information) are a necessity, exercise if often not seen the same. This means that these people aren’t getting the exercise they require, which has a negative impact on their health. Mai Jara, Director of Adapted Aquatics at Cal State Northridge (CSUN), spoke about what adapted aquatics are, who benefits from them, and the marvelous resources available to the public at CSUN. She also talked about where else to find services, and how the programs at CSUN are training others to teach adapted aquatics.

Exercise is important for all of us. However, exercise doesn’t have to be extremely active, as long as the correct muscles are being exercised, people should be fine. For seniors and those with limited mobility, it can seem like exercise is out of the question. However, it isn’t. There are multiple ways for these people to have a more active lifestyle without putting too much pressure on themselves. By contacting a local physical therapist, like those at Luna (https://www.getluna.com/locations/palo-alto-physical-therapy), these people can learn how to relieve any pain that they might be experiencing, allowing them to have a more active life. It’s important to contact a physical therapist if you’re experiencing some pain, it’s not worth making any existing pain worse. Once pain is cleared, seniors and those with limited mobility can start looking into simple exercise techniques.

Susan Winter Ward, an internationally acclaimed yoga instructor who offers resources for seniors, boomers, and new beginners, spoke about “seated chair yoga”. Susan conducted several yoga exercises that listeners can do at work, when in front of the computer, or if they are limited to a chair. Susan offers award-winning DVDs and MP3’s through her company, “Sitting Fit” – if you’re interested she’s offering a 20% discount when you enter the code KPCRADIO in the discount code box. Super cool!

If you would like more information about the people or programs on this show please visit:

CSUN’s Center for Achievement

Yoga for the Young at Heart – Sitting Fit

Receive a 20% DISCOUNT on Sitting Fit products because you are a KPCRadio.com listener! Just enter KPCRADIO when you check out!

Listen: Thrive! – The Living Well Show – Meditation 101

Listen: Thrive! – The Living Well Show – Meditation 101

Meditation is one method to help offset the adverse effects of stress. Today, on Thrive! – The Living Well Show, Trudy Goodman, founder of InsightLA, discussed Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and the benefits of meditating. David Pohlman PhD, Co-Director of the Los Angeles Transcendental Meditation (TM) Program, explained the difference between TM and MBSR, and Diana Winston, Director of Mindfulness Education at the Mindful Awareness Research Center (MARC) shared information about research findings related to mindfulness meditation. All three guests discussed different ways to meditate and the benefits of each.

For more information about meditation or the programs mentioned in the program visit:

InsightLA – http://www.insightla.org

MARC – http://www.marc.ucla.edu

Transcendental Mediation – http://www.losangelestm.com

Mindful Valley – http://www.mindfulvalley.org

Labyrinth walks (walking meditation) take place on solstices and equinoxes at the Holy Spirit Retreat Center in Encino – http://www.hsrcenter.com

Listen: Thrive! – The Living Well Show – tai chi – did someone say chai tea? no! tai chi!

Listen: Thrive! – The Living Well Show – tai chi – did someone say chai tea? no! tai chi!

Today on Thrive! – The Living Well Show we discussed tai chi chuan and qigong – two forms of moving meditation. Steve Barker, professor of tai chi at Pierce College and owner of Be The Change Energy Center in Woodland Hills, explained tai chi and qigong – several of Steve’s students were interviewed about their experience. Dr. Tan, an 8th generation acupuncturist from China and owner of the Art of Wellness in Santa Monica, shared the health benefits associated with  tai chi and qigong. Dr. Tan also explained “chi”. Sharon Sullivan, a long time San Fernando Valley resident who has been practicing tai chi chuan for the last several years at the Porter Ranch YMCA, shared her experience with us.

For more information about Tai Chi or the organizations you heard about today visit:

Be The Change Energy Center

Art of Wellness

Porter Ranch YMCA

Happy Hour: Martial arts and happiness

Happy Hour: May 11, 2010

Tuesday, host Victor Kamont asked local martial artists what made them happy. His guests were Gokar Chivihyan, world champion in combat Grappling and Judo. Chivihyan was also the student of the father of mixed martial arts, Gene LeBell, for 14 years. Also on Happy Hour: Santos Flaniken, a Kyoshi-Master as a seventh-degree Judo, black-belt recipient.