The "BEST BREATHING EXERCISES" Health, Fitness & Personal Power Blog

How To Boost Your Brain Power

The ancient Greeks were some of the first peoples clued into the mind-body
connection.

One of their mottos was a "healthy mind in a healthy body." They knew
intuitively that a healthy, agile mind was dependent on a healthy, agile body.
And they proved this to themselves over and over again in real life.

Their emphasis on a balanced life - work, physical activity and exercise coupled
with mental activity, scholastics and music - is a very useful paradigm for
us to follow today.

And they were on to something which science is just now beginning to actually
prove and quantify:

Exercise and regular physical activity can actually make you smarter.

Yes, how active you are actually affects how well you can think.

Recent studies have shown that putting people on an exercise program, for
as little as three months, actually causes the brain to grow new nerve cells.

This is great news for those of us who may have killed a few too many brain
cells through all the partying we did when we were younger. 

Other studies have found that vigorous exercise can cause older nerve cells
to form more dense connections to each other. So the brain runs faster
and more efficiently.

Of course, you don't need studies to tell you this, do you. Hopefully your
mom or grandma clued you into this phenomenon. They are the ones who
always told us to go outside and play in the fresh air and sunshine.

In retrospect, my mom may have had it backwards. We always had to
finish our homework first, before we could go out and play.

If we had played first, we probably could have blitzed through our homework
in no time. Our brains would have been firing on all 8 cylinders.

So, next time you are looking for motivation to exercise, remind yourself
that 15 to 30 minutes of physical activity can pay you back immensely in
improved brain power.

Some people say you get back two hours of productive work time for
every 30 minutes to an hour you devote to exercise.

I know this is the case for me. I really notice a difference on the days
when I am able to do my workout in the morning, versus having to wait
until later in the day.

I get more things done, more quickly, when I have aired it out in the a.m.
Even something as simple as a walk through the trails near my home
energizes and focuses me.

You can always do something to air things out and work up a sweat.
Even if it's as simple as doing the exercises from the Secret Power of
Dynamic Energy Exercise Course, Volume II -
http://www.bestbreathingexercises.com/dynamic_energy2.html.

In fact, the deep breathing and movement from these exercises gives
you the benefits of an aerobic type workout - including more oxygen,
improved detoxification, and improved lung condition - without all the
huffing and puffing.

Or, if you need to blast some blubber off your backside or belly, you
can go for the exercises (and companion nutrition recommendations)
in the "Fire Up Your Metabolism" Program -
http://www.bestbreathingexercises.com/metabolism.html.

I know for a lot of people, they feel they are so out of shape, or have some
sort of medical condition that limits them. So they give up on exercise.

But you don't have to kill yourself in the gym or on the road to reap the most
important benefits of exercise. And all of the Best Breathing programs
are accessible to you, no matter what your current physical condition.

OK, I'm off to work out. More good stuff tomorrow.

You Can Do It!

Karen Van Ness
http://www.BestBreathingExercises.com

P.S. Your brain doesn't need any so-called "brain boosting" supplements or
medicines. What your brain - and body - crave is exercise. Boost your brain
power - and lung power - in only 15 minutes a day with the dynamic energy
exercises in the Secret Power of Dynamic Energy Exercise Course, Volume II.
For more information, or to order your own copy of the program, head over to
http://www.bestbreathingexercises.com/dynamic_energy2.html.

Copyright, KVN Enterprises, Inc. 2007

**The contents of this daily email are not to be considered as medical
advice. Always consult a physician before beginning or changing any
health or fitness regimen.**

The "Obesity Disease" and How To Avoid It

Is your lifestyle making your health worse.

Specifically, are your eating habits making your health worse.

I know mine did, for many years. I've spoken often of my sweet tooth and how I
wasn't always very careful about what I ate.

As long as I was fit and had energy, I didn't think twice about what I ate.

As I got older and, theoretically, wiser I realized that my body just couldn't take
some of the crap that I continued to eat.

Boy, if I had known then what I know now. More precisely, if I had cared to
listen then to what I listen to now.

As Hans and Franz used to say on Saturday Night Live, "Listen to me now and
believe me later!" If you aren't already paying attention to your diet as part of
your fitness and health program, then get started ahora mismo (that's right now)!

Here's a great place to start: cut down on your intake of white sugar, white flour
and highly refined carbohydrates.

This eliminates most of the processed foods available in the aisles of your
supermarket. It means you will have to hug the perimeter of your favorite grocery
store and hang out where the fresh food resides.

A diet of highly refined carbs and sugars is bad for two reasons: it can make
you pre-diabetic, and eventually lead to diabetes. And these types of foods
make your efforts to maintain or reach a healthy weight much more difficult -
no matter how low on calories you are going.

First, about the diabetes. A diet high in sugar and white flour foods leads to
rapid rises in blood sugar and then an increase in insulin, the hormone that
controls metabolism of carbohydrates.

Over time, this can lead to insulin resistance, which is a major cause of
weight gain (especially around the abdomen), heart disease, cancer and
dementia.

Not to mention the horrible mood and energy swings, chronic fatigue, and
loss of productivity that this type of diet causes.

Insulin resistance is called "the Obesity Disease" because it is highly
correlated with being obese -- or being overweight and on your way to
becoming obese.

It makes your efforts to lose weight even more difficult.

Insulin resistance also causes major inflammation in your body. And
inflammation is one of the root causes of many chronic conditions, including
asthma, allergies, arthritis, joint problems and pain, and heart disease.

Inflammation damages our bodies at the cellular levels. It even increases
how fast you age.

Of course, you may be thinking that all that is in the future, and that you
still have time to change your ways and eat healthy.

Please don't think that way. Don't be an idiot like I was for so many years.

Keep in mind that, when you are filling up on junk, you are not getting enough
of the healthy, unprocessed, water-rich foods that can help improve your
health and energy levels.

We're talking about eating more fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds,
quality animal source proteins, healthy fats, and moderate amounts of whole
grain products (go lighter on the bread and pasta if you are trying to lose weight).

Within about a week of eating more of these foods, you will feel a difference
in your energy levels, and even in your mood.

This type of eating on a consistent basis will actually "turn off" the genes
that promote insulin resistance, obesity and inflammation -- and turn on
the genes that restore normal weight and metabolism for most people.

You Can Do It!

Karen Van Ness
http://www.BestBreathingExercises.com

P.S. The perfect complement to improving your diet is to get your booty moving
and breathe more deeply. In the "Fire Up Your Metobolism" Program, you'll
discover a series of exercises that combine deep breathing with dynamic tension
and movements that work the large muscles of your body. Put together, these
elements provide you with a powerhouse program designed to torch the blubber off
your body and send your energy levels through the roof.

The Program is currently being offered at a special price. Be sure to pick up your
copy today at http://www.bestbreathingexercises.com/metabolism.html.

Copyright, KVN Enterprises, Inc. 2007

**The contents of this daily email are not to be considered as medical
advice. Always consult a physician before beginning or changing any
health or fitness regimen.**

Should You Avoid Or Embrace It?

Well, spring has finally sprung around here. Seems like the cold weather is
history.

This morning, I sat out on my back deck to finish up some work and take care
of some personal admin type stuff. It was so nice to sit outside and get some
fresh air.

I couldn't help but pause several times though, to listen to the birds. In my
neighborhood, we have a lot of woods surrounding us, and plenty of mature
trees in the yards.

So the birds can make quite a racket.

But their sound is a soothing one. To me, it's just as effective as listening to
one of those waterfalls or rock falls.

Listening to the birds transported me back a few years, to a time when I was
experiencing a lot of stress in my life.

Some personal things were going on. But mainly, I was so busy with work.
Long hours, lots of travel. I felt like I could never quite catch up on anything.

Some friends called me about a trip they were planning to the Florida Keys.
It was kind of early in the season, but they were determined to go, and
wanted me to meet them there.

At first I said no, I can't break away from work right now. But the thought of
getting away and doing some diving kept nagging at me.

So, after a few more weeks of craziness, I gave in to my inner urging. I
called my friend Steve, who is a very experienced diver, and invited him to
come along.

We flew to Miami and road tripped down to Big Pine Key, which is almost
all the way to Key West. What a fun drive. Driving down (and up) the Keys
is my favorite road trip.

We had a fun time. The diving was good. We went down to Key West a couple
times to party.

Probably the most memorable part of this trip was the place we stayed at.
It was nothing fancy. In fact, it was pretty sparse.

But every morning, we ate our breakfast outside in an adorable little garden.
The garden was full of beautiful flowers and orchids. And there were so many
birds.

The combination of the birds singing, the breeze blowing, the floral surroundings,
and the view of the water....well, let me just say it was so peaceful and
relaxing. I almost hated to leave every morning to head out in the dive boat.

I find that, even to this day, whenever I am beginning to feel a little too busy
or stressed out...I transport myself back to that little garden and listen to
the birds sing.

It's amazing how quickly just thinking about this spot can help me relax
and get back on track.

And now that I can sit out on my deck or porch and listen to real birds, I am
really feeling good!

In this month's issue of the Dynamic Fitness & Health Letter, I discuss the
importance of embracing stress, rather than trying to minimize or avoid it.

Let's face it, stress is a fact of life. And it's an important catalyst for growth,
learning and change.

But you also have to make time to de-stress and de-compress too. Even if
it's simply taking a few moments to breathe deeply and listen to the birds,
whether imaginary or real.

Here's another important thing to consider:

If you can't avoid stress, you may as well embrace it and learn how to increase
your capacity for it. And I share with you the quickest, easiest way to do
just that in this month's issue.

You still have time to become a member and receive the March issue. I have
had a few extra copies made. But you have to act fast. Visit
http://www.bestbreathingexercises.com/NLInfo.html for more information or
to sign up now.

You Can Do It!

Karen Van Ness
http://www.BestBreathingExercises.com

P.S. In the Dynamic Fitness & Health Letter, I reveal a continuous array of
powerful, life-transforming  fitness and health secrets and strategies...that will
guide you on your path to optimal health and vitality.

To get your own copy of the current issue, as well as other member benefits,
go to http://www.bestbreathingexercises.com/NLInfo.html and become a member
today!

Copyright, KVN Enterprises, Inc. 2007

**The contents of this daily email are not to be considered as medical
advice. Always consult a physician before beginning or changing any
health or fitness regimen.**

Give Yourself A Jumpstart

Staying active and exercising on a regular basis is one of the keys to maintaining,
even enhancing, your energy levels.

It also helps you be more productive. The time you take for exercise, even if only
20 to 30 minutes, can return as much as two additional hours of productivity to your
day.

As you get older, you have to continually work on building and maintaining your vital
capacity, the ability of your lungs, heart, and muscles to do their jobs efficiently and
effectively.

Vital capacity naturally diminishes as you get older, unless you do something
about it. If you've been inactive for any length of time, you have even more incentive
to build yourself up, because you're starting from a lower level.

From my experience training clients, I've found that many people shy away from
conventional exercise programs. They think they are in such bad shape that they
will injure themselves, or not be able to perform at a decent level.

They also sometimes dread the thought of working out at a gym. They think everyone
else will be in shape. They worry that they will not know which exercises to do
or how to use the machines or weights.

For many, the issue of time is paramount. They just aren't sure they can fit regular
exercise into their schedules.

If you think you're not yet capable of conventional exercise...OR if you are intelligent
enough to know you should start out slow....you can get started today with any of the
Best Breathing Exercises programs.

For example, the exercises in the Secret Power of Dynamic Energy Exercise Course,
Volume 1 - http://www.bestbreathingexercises.com/dynamic_energy1.html - open up
the breathing spaces of the body.

They stretch, extend and work out all the kinks along your entire spine, a critical source
of energy. And they help you easily and effortlessly loosen up your body, from calf to
neck.

If you need to lose some weight, particularly some blubber, then the "Fire Up Your
Metabolism" Program is an excellent choice -
http://www.bestbreathingexercises.com/metabolism.html.

This is a program that helps you lose weight without hardcore workouts or diet and
deprivation.

At the heart of the program is a series of exercises that combine breathing, dynamic
tension, and movements that work the large muscles of your body. I purposely designed
it to be accessible to virtually anyone - no matter how much weight you have to lose, or
how out of shape you may be right now.

It's just the ticket if you are looking for a way to jumpstart your efforts to lose weight and
get more fit.

Many people dislike exercise, and don't make the time for it. Usually because they see
it as tedious or unenjoyable. Or they feel they are limited in some way, and conventional
exercise is not accessible to them.

Learning how to breathe properly - and weaving proper breathing into your activities - is
one of the most powerful things you can do for your fitness and health.

It can truly make all the difference in the world, and transform something that currently
seems daunting or unenjoyable...into something you look forward to doing each and
every day.

Here's something else to consider:

If you're feeling tired, often worn out, or chronically fatigued, you have some sort
of block on your internal energy.

Imagine what a profound change will occur in your body when all circuits are open and
your energy is flowing. Which is precisely why I emphasize breathing, and teach you
specific techniques and approaches to breathing in every one of my programs.

Whatever you do, the important thing is to get moving, even if it's only for 15 or
20 minutes each day. Build some type of activity into your daily routine. Make sure
you incorporate deep breathing into whatever you are doing.

Within a few days, you'll feel better, have more energy, and enjoy a more positive
outlook.

You Can Do It!

Karen Van Ness
http://www.BestBreathingExercises.com

P.S. Remember Newton's Law: "A body in motion tends to stay in motion. A body
at rest tends to stay at rest." If you take the first few steps, you'll be amazed
at how quickly you can overcome inertia and re-introduce vital, positive energy into
your body and life. The Best Breathing programs can help you with this. For more
information, head over to http://www.bestbreathingexercises.com/productspage.html.

Copyright, KVN Enterprises, Inc. 2007

**The contents of this daily email are not to be considered as medical
advice. Always consult a physician before beginning or changing any
health or fitness regimen.**

How To Use This Powerful Health Practice

Hey, did you know it's New Year's Eve tonight?

Yes, it's actually New Years all over again for quite a few people on this planet.

My neighbor and her family, who take care of my son during the day for me, are
originally from Iran. And their New Year is tied to the vernal equinox.

I told her that I actually like the timing of her New Year better than the commonly
celebrated one on December 31st.

It seems fitting to tie the New Year to the cusp of spring, when the earth is preparing
to be reborn.

And it gives all of us one more chance to start fresh.

If your 2007 hasn't gotten off to quite the start you had anticipated...well, you can
begin anew and start fresh yourself!

I mentioned yesterday the power of humor in helping us heal, both mentally
and emotionally.

As an example, my best friend's marriage went down hill in a hurry. And the
number one thing that was lacking, and caused it to go downhill, was when she
and her husband could no longer laugh together.

As I mentioned yesterday, they are getting counseling, and we all hope they
will work things out and get back together.

One positive sign she shared with me this weekend: they are laughing together
again. Things are looking up!

Humor and laughter are also important for your physical wellbeing.

In fact, a good laugh is a powerful biochemical event. So many things happen
to your body when you laugh. Your heart rate changes, your blood pressure
goes up briefly, then reduces to below normal.

Your brain wave activity changes. Powerful "feel good" hormones are released.

In other words, laughter is good medicine for both body and mind.

A good sense of humor can carry you through the tough times. For example,
I've experienced a few bad times in my life. Whether due to health, relationship,
or business / career issues, tough times can make you feel limited and
sometimes helpless.

You often find yourself getting frustrated and losing confidence too.

When I take a step back and find some humor in the situation, I always feel
better. And act more constructively.

For me, it's often easier at first to find the humor, rather than try to find the
positive. Finding the positive in a bad situation is useful. But I think it is way
overrated.

You have to wallow, for just a bit, in the negative, in the part that really stinks,
about the bad situation. I think this gives you more impetus and motivation to
begin taking the actions - both physical and mental - to change the situation.

Anyways, back to laughter.

Did you know the average number of laughs each day for adults is 25. I would
say this is high for a few people I know.

On the other hand, the average number of times a child laughs is 400!

What the heck happens to us between childhood and adulthood?

One thing is we learn to think of life as serious business. Buckle down, straighten
up, get busy, blah blah blah.

I think we could each benefit from "lightening up" once in a while.

So, here are some ways you can introduce more humor into your life, and harness
this powerful tool for better health:

-Laugh more often. Shoot for at least 50 times a day, or double the "average" for
us sourpuss adults. (If you are a kid reading this, keep up the good work.)

-One of the keys to using humor, and accessing it as a powerful biochemical
tool for health and wellbeing, is learning how to laugh yourself. Look for and
find humor in daily happenings. You don't have to wait for someone else to
make you laugh.

-Learn to laugh AT yourself too. Don't take yourself too seriously. The ability to
laugh at yourself, even in times of great stress, is a life-saving skill. It puts
you in control of how you react to life's happenings. And your perception of
the world around you is 90 percent of the battle.

-Resist negative humor. Making jokes at other peoples' expense, or using
humor to put yourself down, is a sign of insecurity. There is a big difference
between self-deprecating humor, which shows confidence, and making fun
of yourself and others.

-Lastly, place pictures and funny stories, cartoons or jokes where you can
see them. For example, I rotate some of my favorite pictures of my son as
screen savers on my laptops.

In the spirit of giving you a little laugh today, I will share one of these pix with
you. Go to http://www.bestbreathingexercises.com/humor.html to take a look.

Just to give you an idea of this picture:

My son Miguel is wearing his favorite dinosaur pajamas. He's also wearing
Grandpa's shoes. He's holding an eyeball in one hand, and a credit card in
the other.

Why the credit card? Because Mommy and Granma mentioned they were
going out to do some shopping. So Miguel put on some shoes and grabbed
the credit card, so he could come too.

You Can Do It!

Karen Van Ness
http://www.BestBreathingExercises.com

P.S. Deep breathing produces many of the same biochemical reactions in
your body as does a deep laugh. Plus it helps calm and relax you mentally
and physically, so you can perform at a higher level.

Learn how to tap into this power yourself with the Secret Power of Dynamic
Energy Exercise, Volume I. For more info or to order a copy, visit
http://www.bestbreathingexercises.com/dynamic_energy1.html.

Copyright, KVN Enterprises, Inc. 2007

**The contents of this daily email are not to be considered as medical
advice. Always consult a physician before beginning or changing any
health or fitness regimen.**

Irish Eyes Aren't Smilin

Hope you had as fun of a weekend as I did.

Yes, the birthday celebration continued...and morphed into a St. Patrick's Day
celebration.

Although I am back at work today - crackin' the whip, "manos a la obra", and
all that good stuff - I am still in a celebratory mood.

And lots of you have been celebrating with me by participating in my
Birthday Special.

So I am extending the special through the end of today. If you haven't already,
visit http://www.bestbreathingexercises.com/birthdaycombo.html and check out
the Birthday Combo that is featured.

As I discussed last week, the Birthday Combo includes two programs I do
first thing in the morning as part of my regular "routine":

The Secret Power of Dynamic Energy Exercise Course, Volume II -
http://www.bestbreathingexercises.com/dynamic_energy2.html...

AND the dynamic stretching series from Dynamic Flexibility: The Secret To
Healthy, Pain-Free Joints, Limber Muscles and Maximum Mobility -

http://www.bestbreathingexercises.com/dynamic_flex.html.

This series gets the blood flowing and the joints and muscles nice and loose.
And it "sets" them for the rest of the day. So, whether I am working out later...
or just plain working...I feel loose, limber and relaxed.

I do these two routines first thing in the morning, just about every morning. (I
usually sleep in a little on Sundays.)

I find this combination of breathing and energy exercises is just the thing to
get me off to a great start. I am fully awake and alive, and I feel positive and
confident about the day ahead.

So, I am happy to share this with you via the Birthday Combo Special. I have
also posted other programs at special savings as well.

That link again is http://www.bestbreathingexercises.com/birthdaycombo.html.
But you to need to hop over there today, because the special ends tonight.

Now, on we go.

One of the most significant relationships of my entire life is the one I have with
my best buddy. Earlier this year, we realized that in a couple of months, we
will have known each other - and been good friends - for 20 years.

Twenty years! Heck, that's twice as long as my first marriage lasted. And I
have to say, twice as much fun and rewarding too.

Not that I am down on marriage. I do hope to get married again someday.

But, as my friends are fond of pointing out, I can't seem to settle on just one
guy. Am I still gun shy from the failed marriage? And I simply afraid of
commitment?

I don't think so. I've simply chosen to focus my energies elsewhere. And the
main man in my life now is my son. As you can imagine, I am very protective
about who I expose him to.

Well, back to my friend.

Until last year, I would have said she had the model marriage. I love her husband,
think he is a great guy. Like any couple, they have had their share of problems.
But overall, I would say they were doing great.

Unfortunately, they separated this past fall, right before the holidays.

Fortunately, they are getting counseling and may, ultimately, get back
together.

As her friend, I am trying to support my buddy either way. Unlike certain other
friends, I have not trashed her husband - although of course I take my girlfriend's
side on everything!

We gals got to stick together!

Yet, I truly believe they can work things out and get back together.

The one key thing they always shared was a sense of humor. And that is
the most glaring thing I see lacking in my friend right now.

Those Irish eyes are smiling some...but they don't have that same twinkle
in them.

Why is a sense of humor so critical? Not just to marriage or significant
relationships, but to your health too?

I'll explore this some more in my next tip.

You Can Do It!

Karen Van Ness
http://www.BestBreathingExercises.com

Copyright, KVN Enterprises, Inc. 2007

**The contents of this daily email are not to be considered as medical
advice. Always consult a physician before beginning or changing any
health or fitness regimen.**

Start off On The Right Foot

How is your day going? Good? Great?

Or not so good?

My day is going great! One reason: it's my birthday!

Yes, I was born on the Ides of March....immortalized in Shakespeare's play,
"Julius Caesar". Today is the day Julius Caesar was assassinated.

Okay, so not the most inspirational or uplifting correlation there.

But it has actually worked in my favor over the years, because everyone remembers
the Ides of March! Gives them an easy mnemonic device with which to remember
my birthday.

So, let's get back to you and your day.

Despite what many people think, you actually have quite a lot of control over how
each day goes...no matter how hectic or challenging it may get.

It's a fact that what matters is not so much what happens to you. What really
matters is how you react to what happens to you.

And if you start the day off on the right foot or right note, you will better prepare
yourself to not only react more positively, but also be proactive and make
things happen - the things you want to have happen.

You probably have a routine or habitual way of starting each morning. You may
not have formulated this routine with any sort of planning or reasoning. It just
kinda developed over time.

A lot of people I know like to sleep to the latest possible moment...then rush
around getting ready. They feel like they need the extra sleep more than they
need a nice, calm start to their morning.

I used to be that way too. I would set the alarm...then hit cruise control (the
snooze button) at least three or four times.

I would rather feel pressured and hurried than give up my sleep.

Over time, though, I have changed. I now get up a lot earlier than I used to.

Having kids often forces this on people. It's pretty hard to rush in the morning
with little ones. They want to play, they need time for breakfast. They always
seem to have a poopy diaper right as you are about to head out the door.

I think having kids also increases your enthusiastiasm about - and commitment
to - carving a little time out for yourself.

I have found my best bet for uninterrupted, quality time with myself is in the
morning, before anyone else is awake.

Today, for example, I woke up around 6:00am, like I usually do. I did my breathing
exercises - I often follow all or part of the series I teach in the Secret Power
of Dynamic Energy Exercise Course, Volume II -
http://www.bestbreathingexercises.com/dynamic_energy2.html. I often include
other exercises too.

Then I do some dynamic stretching - the same exact series I show you in
Dynamic Flexibility: The Secret To Healthy, Pain-Free Joints, Limber Muscles
and Maximum Mobility - http://www.bestbreathingexercises.com/dynamic_flex.html.

This series gets the blood flowing and the joints and muscles nice and loose.
And it "sets" them for the rest of the day. So, whether I am working out later...
or just plain working...I feel loose, limber and relaxed.

I find this combination of breathing and energy exercises is just the thing to
get me off to a great start. I am fully awake and alive, and I feel positive and
confident about the day ahead.

I use the rest of my morning time to read or work on something important.
I usually get about 45 minutes of concentrated reading, study or writing in at
this time.

And I tell you, I get so much done in that 45 minutes. It's probably the most
productive time of the day!

Even if the rest of the day goes to you-know-what, I have still accomplished
some important stuff.

This is also a wonderful time for reflection, prayer or meditation...or simply
sitting on your porch, deck or balcony with a nice hot cup of coffee or tea,
reveling in nature's beauty and the fresh start she gives us each day.

I highly encourage you to experiment with your own morning routine. Try
getting up a little earlier and enjoy some quality time with yourself - before
the tugs of family, work and other responsibilities take over.

You Can Do It!

Karen Van Ness
http://www.BestBreathingExercises.com

P.S. How would you like to join me in getting off to an awesome start each day?
Once you try my routine for a couple of days, and see how relaxed, confident
and productive you feel, you will be hooked.

To help you out - and to celebrate my birthday - I am combining the Secret
Power of Dynamic Energy Exercise Course, Volume II, AND Dynamic Flexibility:
The Secret To Healthy, Pain-Free Joints, Limber Muscles and Maximum Mobility -
into one special birthday package...at one special price.

To access this wonderful combination of breathing, energy and whole
body flexibility, go to http://www.bestbreathingexercises.com/birthdaycombo.html.

Not sure how long I will keep this special going, so be sure to check this
out today. Again, that link is
http://www.bestbreathingexercises.com/birthdaycombo.html. Enjoy!

Copyright, KVN Enterprises, Inc. 2007

**The contents of this daily email are not to be considered as medical
advice. Always consult a physician before beginning or changing any
health or fitness regimen.**

How To Get More Energy Instantly

How would you like an instant energy fix? Without having to do much of anything?

Well, if you simply sit or stand up straight, you will immediately enhance your
energy and state of mind.

As I discussed yesterday, your posture can affect so much in terms of your
physical and mental state.

It affects your breathing of course. And your digestion.

But it also affects the major nerve and energy center of your body: your
spine.

When you slouch in either a seated or standing position, the vertebrae of your
spinal cord are bent over. This compresses spinal nerves which means
decreased nervous activity to the brain.

Did you know that the angle of your spine while you are sitting can actually
affect your ability to retain information and think logically? The greater the
curve in your spine, the less you are able to process information.

On the other hand, good posture results in natural, proper alignment of
your spinal column. Nervous energy flows unimpeded to and from your brain,
and all along this vital energy center.

You think better. You also experience your world more fully.

Here's one example from martial arts:

One of the styles of Karate I have studied makes heavy use of a stance called
sanchin. This is a very powerful yet mobile stance. One of its purposes - and
the way we train - is to enable you to alternately tense and relax your entire
body.

You tense in order to be more powerful and resist blows. You relax to move
and throw your own strikes quickly and with focus.

One of the most common challenges with doing the stance correctly is the
tendency to want to slouch forward as you contract your arm, torso and
leg muscles.

Since part of the training involves someone punching or kicking you in these
areas, I guess it's understandable to want to tense as hard as possible.

Problem is, when you slouch like this, you are not as aware and responsive
to what is going on. Not to mention, you can't move very well.

So, if you try to use this same position when sparring or, heaven forbid, in a
real fight or self-defense situation, you would be slow, unresponsive, and most
likely get your head handed to you.

One of my instructors used to make us overcompensate the other way. He
would tilt me back until I felt like I was too far back. This was his way of
emphasizing a straight spine.

This is a useful exercise for you to do too. You don't have to practice sanchin.
But next time you have been sitting for awhile, either eating, reading or
working at the computer, take a few moments to stand up.

Stand up as straight as you can. Now picture a string hanging from the ceiling,
connected to the top of your head.

Pretend you are a puppet and the pupper master in the ceiling is pulling your
string straight up. It's a gentle tug, a small movement. But feel your head
pull up and your neck elongate.

Experiment with this when standing and sitting. See if you can get to a point
where your head and body are straight and in alignment.

If you are successful, you will get rid of that "head forward" look so many of
us corporate warriors have. And you will feel like your head is actually
floating, rather than being supported by tired neck and upper back muscles.

In this naturally aligned position, you automatically deepen your breathing.
Your circulation becomes more free. Your metabolism even increases.

So, not only will you burn more calories and fat. You will also feel more
energetic and mentally alert.

How 'bout that! Good posture as a weight loss and productivity tool.

Whether you are intent on improving your asthma and breathing fully and freely,
perhaps for the first time in a long time...or you are focused on burning off
some extra lard and getting in great shape...learning the optimal posture and
alignment for your body is absolutely critical.

Posture is an important part of the energy exercises I teach you in the two
volumes of the Secret Power of Dynamic Energy Exercise Course.

These exercises gently "force" you to stand properly, in order to do the breathing.
And they help build up and strengthen the muscles and structures that support
good posture and healthy breathing.

Right now, you can pick up both volumes of the course for one special price. For
more information, or to get your own copy, go to
http://www.bestbreathingexercises.com/dynamic_energy2.html.

You Can Do It!

Karen Van Ness
http://www.BestBreathingExercises.com

Copyright, KVN Enterprises, Inc. 2007

**The contents of this daily email are not to be considered as medical
advice. Always consult a physician before beginning or changing any
health or fitness regimen.**

Natural Alignment

What is one of the most basic, yet  important things you can do to breathe
better and more easily - all day long?

It's attending to your posture.

Yes, your mom, dad or grandparents were right when they told you to "stand
up straight" or "sit up straight". They weren't just saying that to bug you.

Standing or sitting with your body in proper alignment can make a huge
difference in how well you are able to breathe.

Most people stand or sit slightly hunched over. I see this a lot in people with
asthma, as well as other chronic conditions.

The sunken chest and hunched shoulders are caused by two things,
primarily.

One is the extra work the muscles surrounding our chest and rib cage have
to do to simply breathe.

Most people do not breathe fully and properly. We do when we are infants
and young children. Unfortunately, we lose this natural ability as we get
older and, in many cases, less active.

When you breathe in a shallow manner, you tend to focus your breathing
in the upper chest and clavicle area. So you are using the upper torso
muscles in the front and back to help you breathe.

This causes a tightening of those same muscles, especially in the traps,
shoulders and intercostals.

The other primary cause of hunching is that it is a protective posture. It
demonstrates a subconscious desire to close up and protect the body.

This posture also indicates a desire - either conscious or unconscious -
to protect our inner selves. When you feel vulnerable, you tend to close
up to people or ideas that seem different or perhaps threatening.

Next time you are in a situation in which you are skeptical about the
person talking to you, or that you are listening to, check out your body
language

Are your arms open and at your sides? Are your hands open? Are you
sitting or standing up straight, head up, looking directly at the person?

Or are your arms and legs crossed? Are you hunched over? Do you
have a slight scowl or frown on your face?

I try to pay attention to how I am sitting or standing, especially when I
am listening to or interacting with someone I do not necessarily agree
with, or am not sure about.

I have found that being open with my posture helps me be more open
mentally. I still may not agree with the person, but I find that I can better
understand their position and where they are coming from.

And I usually pick up one or more ideas I can use, either now or in the
future.

Now, back to the physical aspects of good body alignment.

When it comes to breathing, a slouched position inhibits respiration. The
trachea (windpipe) becomes pinched, so less air reaches the lungs.

Which means you are getting less oxygen...which means less energy,
lower metabolism, less vitality.

Not to mention, a slouched position, especially when sitting, means
you are compressing your midsection. This disturbs your organs. They
push against each other in an unnatural way, causing decreased blood
flow and diminished digestion.

So, whether you are intent on "re-learning" how to breathe fully and freely,
perhaps for the first time in a long time...or you are focused on getting in
better shape and improving your health... learning the optimal posture and
alignment for your body is absolutely critical.

I discuss posture in both volumes of the Secret Power of Dynamic Energy
Exercise Course -
http://www.bestbreathingexercises.com/dynamic_energy2.html.

These exercises gently "force" you to stand properly, in order to do the
breathing. And they help build up and strengthen the muscles and structures
that support good posture and healthy breathing.

You Can Do It!

Karen Van Ness
http://www.BestBreathingExercises.com

P.S. There are other ways your posture can affect you, both physically
and mentally. I'll have more on that in your next tip. In the meantime, if
you are interested in improving in this area - as well as tapping into a
treasure box of energy and vitality - invest in a copy of the Secret Power
of Dynamic Energy Exercise Course. You can learn more about it at
http://www.bestbreathingexercises.com/dynamic_energy2.html.

Copyright, KVN Enterprises, Inc. 2007

**The contents of this daily email are not to be considered as medical
advice. Always consult a physician before beginning or changing any
health or fitness regimen.**

A Healthy Alternative That May Surprise You

I've mentioned before that I visited Australia in 2000 for the Olympics.

What a trip! One of the best times I've ever had in my life. Aussies rule!

They're also good sports. At one Olympic event I attended, womens' basketball,
the U.S. and the A.U.S. played. What a great game! One of my favorite events
from those games.

Some of the most amazing action was in the stands. I was sitting with a group of
Americans all dressed up in Red White and Blue. Old Glory was flying everywhere.

Of course, we were shouting "U.S.A.! U.S.A.!" at the top of our lungs.

Funny, no matter how many cold containers of liquid refreshment you have had,
you can still manage to do that cheer.

We were surrounded - indeed, outnumbered - by Aussie fans who were rooting for
their team. Their main cheer was, "Aussie Aussie Aussie! Oy Oy Oy!". I heard that
a lot at the Games.

The US women ended up kicking butt. But the Australian women played an
excellent game.

And despite all the cheering and emotions that were evident amongst the fans...at the
end of the game, the Aussie fans around us - whom we had grown to know and love -
very cheerfully congratulated us.

Hugs and smiles all around. I was very impressed.

I've been to Sydney briefly one time since then, for business....but I am looking
forward to going back for a longer visit at some point.

Anyhoo, back to the subject of healthy alternatives to store-bought milk. Here's
another option you may not have thought of, or been aware of.

I had the chance to try raw goat's milk when I was in Australia. Since goat's milk is
not as readily available in the U.S., I haven't sought it out here.

Also, I have to admit that, prior to trying it, I thought of goats as dirty animals,
always rooting around in the trash.

Fact is, this is not the case. Goats are actually pretty clean. And because
they do not do well in confinement, they are best raised in pastures, eating
green grass and moving about, like God intended.

Goat's milk is a wonderful alternative to cow's milk, and a very healthy food. The
taste is slightly different than cow's milk, but still pretty good.

Sarah A. from Port Macquarie, Australia was nice enough to send me this excellent
information on goat's milk. (Thanks Sarah!)

"Goat milk is consumed by more people in the world than any other single type of
milk.  As well as those countries where it has been  part of the diet for hundreds
and even thousands of years, an increasing number of western countries are
recognising its health benefits.

Although good goat milk is very close to cow's milk in flavour, it has a different
composition. Many people with an intolerance to cow's milk are able to drink goat
milk because of the different combination of proteins and lactose.

Goat milk is higher in calcium, and has smaller fat particles which are easier to
digest. For all these reasons goat milk is of benefit to many infants and people
with ill health.

Goat milk is permitted to be sold unpasteurised because unlike cow's milk it has
no history of diseases (such as brucellosis) which require pasteurisation.  To
protect your health the milk is chilled within seconds of leaving the goat and then
bottled and frozen without any other processing."

So there you go.

Bottom line: you don't have to fear dairy.

If you have allergies or sensitivities to milk, you might want to give raw milk a try.
Many people find they do just fine with "real" milk - milk that is unprocessed and
intact, the way nature made it.

Even if you avoid milk, you still have plenty of healthy options available to you.
Organic yogurt, kefir, cottage cheese, and eggs - if you are interested in optimal
health, these should be a regular part of your diet.

You Can Do It!

Karen Van Ness
http://www.BestBreathingExercises.com

P.S. When you combine good nutrition with dynamic breathing, you create a
groundswell of energy and enhance your metabolism. In the "Fire Up Your Metabolism"
Program, not only do I give you a set of fat-burning, metabolism boosting exercises
that virtually anyone can do....I also give you a simple but effective dietary plan that
helps you eat healthy and feel great.

You can get your own copy of the program today at a special price! All you have to
do is visit http://www.bestbreathingexercises.com/metabolism.html.

Copyright, KVN Enterprises, Inc. 2007

**The contents of this daily email are not to be considered as medical
advice. Always consult a physician before beginning or changing any
health or fitness regimen.**