My belief

I am reminded that we are more powerful than we realize.  Watch your thoughts and surround yourself with positive people as you try to change your thoughts.  Watch as your dreams come true!


Danette Allen Fitness www.danetteallenfitness.com Body Heart Mind Soul Health & Fitness Retreats, Exercise Workouts, Nutrition, Visualization & More

Amazing Race Shout Out! My ultimate Dream!

I am posting this fun clip I took while climbing, hiking and running in Zions National Park!  For the past 6 years it has been my most ultimate dream to be on the Amazing Race.  At first it started out with a quest to win the million dollars, but has turned into a desire to do what I dare and to dream big dreams.  Nothing sounds more fun to me than traveling to new countries, trying different challenges that revolve around the culture, and competing against others for the title of winner and a cash prize of $1,000,000.  I have had many people tell me to stop applying (I have applied like 7 times) because I travel already to new countries and places about 9times out of the year.  They say give up on the dream, but my heart says "No!"  It isn't only about traveling and money...it is about sticking with a dream.  It is about the joy of competing and trying new challenges and obstacles that you wouldn't normally do. 

Life is so much like the Amazing Race!  You have times of joy and excitement, but there are also many days you feel like you have no control and you lose your cool and yell at your best friend, lover, or family member.  Life's about the journey...not just the great times, but also the long rolling vistas in between when things can be tough.  I believe if you can get through the process of applying against all odds, get on the race and compete well, then you are setting yourself up for a pretty dang good life!  So hears to continual applications and the dream that I will get a phone call that says, "Hello Danette, this is ______from the Amazing Race and we would love to set up a time to meet you.  When can you fly to LA?"

Get Slim Without the Gym...3 minutes to flat ABS!

Most of us want to maximize our time when it comes to getting lean and fit. Part of the battle is finding time and money to get the body of our dreams. Either we run out of time to go to the gym or we don't have the resources to pay for the gym membership.

What if I told you there were four exercises that engaged every muscle group that you could do that required no equipment and would save you time and money!

These four exercises are called the ‘No Gym Workout.' These exercises encompass the use of your own body weight. Essentially your body becomes your machine which ultimately burns more calories and shapes all your major muscle groups creating a long lean sculpted body.

1. Plank w/ knee twist: Place your body in a plank form and then pull your knee to the opposite elbow, rotating on each side. 16 repetitions total.

Muscles engaged: core, transverse abdominals, deep pelvic floor muscles, shoulders, back, triceps, and obliques

2. One Leg squat w/ upper body extension: Standing on one foot, squat back through your glutes, and then power up through the heal of your foot. Once leg is straight extend forward. 10 on each leg

Muscles engaged: core, quadriceps, glutes, stability muscles, and increases cardiovascular output

3. Squat jumps reaching for the sky: Start squatting very low, then power up through your legs as your arms extend reaching for the sky. 15 total

Muscles engaged: Max calories burned, all leg muscles, core, arms

4. Plank w/ push-up/alternating arm extension: Push up, then reach arm straight for the sky, alternating on each side: 12 total

Muscles engaged: core, chest, abdominal muscles, shoulders, triceps, biceps, and rotator cuff.

Pilates Potion

Pilates is one of the most popular exercise systems in the country. It is an innovative system of mind-body exercise evolved from the principles of Joseph Pilates.

Pilates dramatically transforms the way your body looks, feels and performs. It builds strength without excess bulk, creating a sleek, toned body with slender thighs and a flat abdomen.

It teaches body awareness, good posture and easy, graceful movement. Pilates improves flexibility, agility and economy of motion. It can even help alleviate back pain.

Professional dancers have known the benefits of Pilates for decades. Top athletes use it for strength, flexibility, and injury prevention. Hollywood celebrities and supermodels use it to maintain beautiful physiques.

Core strength is the foundation of Pilates exercise. The core muscles are the deep, internal muscles of the abdomen and back. When the core muscles are strong and doing their job, as they are trained to do in Pilates, they work in tandem with the more superficial muscles of the trunk to support the spine and movement.

As you develop your core strength you develop stability throughout your entire torso. This is one of the ways Pilates helps people overcome back pain. As the trunk is properly stabilized, pressure on the back is relieved and the body is able to move freely and efficiently.

A miracle? Not really. Pilates is a safe, sensible exercise system using a floor mat or equipment, that will help you look and feel your very best. No matter what your age or condition, it will work for you. Here are 5 effective moves that will help you slim down in your midsection and help with lower back pain.

1. Half roll back: feet placed on floor, pull in your midsection, create a C curve with your spine and roll back until your feet want to leave the floor, gently roll back up) 

2. Half roll back w/ oblique twist: roll back and then maintain position as you extend your hand back, repeat on other side. 

3. Roll up: body flat, gently roll up, sucking in midsection and reach over toes. Gently roll down, laying your spine down vertebra by vertebra. 

4. Roll over: Reach your legs over your head, then gently place them down using your abdominal muscles. 

5. Plank w/ knee extension: elbows down, body in plank position, hold abdominals in towards spine. Pull your knee in towards your elbow. Repeat on other side.