I've never been as happy or healthy in my life as when I was taking basic ballet classes. Of course, the perfect exercise actually is swimming (rather than ballet), because it provides such a balanced workout with essentially no stress on the joints. You already knew that, though, and this is all about the hidden gems. Also, swimming requires access to a pool, and that is a limiting factor for some people, like me. I need something I can squeeze in just about anywhere, anytime, without extensive preparation or special clothing, and ballet fits the bill.
"Barre work" offers strength and flexibility training as well as a nice cardio workout. Joint stress is minimized by avoiding leaps and hyperextended positions. Any good stabilization point (formal barre, sturdy chair, windowsill) and comfortable clothing is really all you need, although the experience is made even better with a tape for rhythm and pacing.
Ballet improves balance, is great for toning without bulk, and -- for some -- is an excellent meditative experience as well. Auditing a class at university would be a great way to start, as having an instructor correct form and help with technique really is a must for the beginner. However, once you've got it, you can continue alone, and overhead is pretty much nil. A lot of bang for very little buck.
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Number 7: Unusually Useful Personal Hygiene Product
It's the line of Dr. Bronner soap products, baby. If you know them, you love them. If you pick them up for the first time, you immediately realize that yes, this man is crazy.
But he makes great liquid soaps! And they last forever. Great cheap aromatherapy and really kickin reading material on the labels ( ), although I would caution to take some of the suggestions with a grain of salt. Peppermint soap as a spermicide has not been adequately tested, AFAIK, although it is more pleasant a product than the alternatives -- just don't throw away that crib from two years ago if you're going to try it.
The peppermint scent is fresh, invigorating, and cuts through any offensive odor (even cadaver juice, making it a real hit among medical students). Lavender scent is wonderful for kitchen and bathroom cleaning, leaving a fresh crisp flavor to the air. Almond, eucalyptus, camomille, tea tree -- all are liquid soaps of the highest quality with strong, clear fragrances, but they are sold at a fraction of the cost of major national brands.
Look for Dr. Bronner's unmistakable labels at your local natural and health foods stores, or order online through his site.
Posts: 14017 | Registered: May 2000
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:bump: Thought folks might like to see this. Yeah, we use Dr. Bronner's to sanitize my husband's massage table between clients. No one's head has spun all the way around as a result, that I am aware of.
Posts: 383 | Registered: Nov 2003
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CT, I ordered one 8 oz. bottle of each flavor! I read the article about the good Doctor. I can't wait for the full manifesto on the labels themselves. I just love that there are people like this.
Posts: 5509 | Registered: May 1999
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Oh, that is so great! You'll love the castille soaps, Anne Kate, but you will love the labels even moreso. They make me happy whenever I see them. A long pepperminty bath with a good Dr Bronner read does wonders for the spirit. And the print on the labels is so small, the reading lasts for a good bit of bath.
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![[Smile]](smile.gif)
If you know them, you love them. If you pick them up for the first time, you immediately realize that yes, this man is ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
), although I would caution to take some of the suggestions with a grain of salt. Peppermint soap as a spermicide has not been adequately tested, AFAIK, although it is more pleasant a product than the alternatives -- just don't throw away that crib from two years ago if you're going to try it.![[Eek!]](eek.gif)
