Archive for the ‘Healthy Living’ Category

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100 Days of Yoga: Yolanda’s Inspiring Journey

Friday, January 18th, 2013

The Zobha Team first met Yolanda at our Yoga In The Square event to celebrate the Mill Valley store opening. She had just begun her long journey to complete 100 days of yoga. Today marks her 100th day and we were able to take her final class with her, which proved to be emotional for all of us!

Below is Yolanda’s inspiring story that reminds us to never give up, and always aim higher!

 

“100 Straight days of Yoga”

Hello,

My name is Yolanda Bradby. I am a childcare provider living in downtown Mill Valley. I have been a resident for Thirty years. In March I will be 58 years old!

A year ago I was overweight and depressed. I felt as if I had lost real purpose in my life and I didn’t know which way to go, but in reality I was sinking!

Thanks to friends and family, I am climbing my way up the ladder through yoga and meditation. A very good friend had told me about this amazing yoga teacher and the powerful benefits of power yoga practiced in a heated room. So I did it for the first time and so far I haven’t stopped!

My brother mentioned to me once that if you do something for 100 days it becomes ingrained in your mind and body. It takes less of an effort and it becomes habitual. What a magnificent habit to have!

So here I go! I’m on an amazing journey of yoga practices that’s opening doors for me inside and out! I do not weigh myself, but I have gone from a size 12 to a size 8! Most of all, I’m happier, more peaceful, and I see a very bright future in 2013 and beyond.

I cannot thank my wonderful yoga teacher (Susan Hauser), and my new found friends at Zobha for their love and support. I am eternally grateful! 100 days of yoga! :)

- Yolanda Bradby

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Meet Alena – Our Zobha Guru!

Saturday, January 5th, 2013

Hi there,

My name is Alena and I work in the Zobha Corporate office as the Brand Sales Coordinator.  I am a fitness enthusiast and a true gym rat at heart.  I exercise 7 days/week and enjoy weight training, running, biking and tennis.  Over the course of a year, I have been privileged to wear many hats around the Zobha office and I’ve been recently dubbed the Zobha Guru.  My daily responsibilities include everything from Customer Service, to IT, to fit model and offering design input.  I’m excited to be a new contributor to the Zobha blog, so be sure to check back to hear more about what goes on behind the scenes at Zobha!

Whether I’m at the gym, in my pilates class, or on my Saturday morning hike to the coffee shop, I believe it is essential to look good and feel great while exercising.  I worship the Zobha Performance Tech Collection, and I am always sporting my Compression Capris.  The Endurance Jacket is also one of my top favorites and the Yoga Panties of course!  (PS. The panties are being offered in a new color this Spring so be on the lookout!)

Currently, I am training for the Napa Valley Marathon which takes place on March 3rd.  This will be my first marathon.  Outfit wise, I am planning on wearing our Zobha Hot Short and the famous Double Strap Tank.  But, we do have a new running short coming out very soon, so my selections are not finalized.  Decisions, decisions!

The new Zobha Spring Collection launches in less than two weeks and I cannot wait.  The color palette for spring is fresh and vibrant with a combination of cool and warm colors, and several new moisture-wicking fabrics for those drizzly Spring days.

This upcoming Spring Collection offers something for every fitness enthusiast and it was designed with our fellow cross-fit, tennis and running enthusiasts in mind, while maintaining its fundamentals in yoga and pilates.  You’ll see new fabric combinations and the incorporation of mesh in many products which sets the 2013 Spring collection apart from previous ones.

Check out Zobha.com around January 15th to be the first Spring shopper!  And visit our Zobha Blog around March 4th to gain the inside scoop on my first marathon, and what Zobha pieces I chose to wear :)

It’s been a pleasure sharing with you,

Alena

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We Can’t Look Back Without Looking Ahead: Hopes & Goals for 2013

Sunday, December 30th, 2012

Every year the week leading up to January 1st seems to have a similar tone to it – we take a deep breath to mark that the holidays are behind us, we make plans for ringing in the new year, we remember highlights from the year that’s coming to a close and talk about what we want to accomplish in the year ahead. Maybe it’s just me but this year feels a little different. I was never really fearful that the world would end with the Mayan calendar on December 21, 2012, but the fact that it didn’t really excites me – it’s like a new lease on life!

I hear a lot of media and people a-buzz talking about what they want to change about themselves or their lives in 2013; the theme “New Year, New You” seems to pop up every year. For the team at Zobha though, it’s not about reinvention, it’s about continuing to grow, evolve, and challenge ourselves in new ways. 2012 was a big year for so many people and as we sat around the office talking about the good, the bad, and the ugly, it became apparent that we can’t look back at all that we’ve accomplished without looking ahead at everything on the horizon – both personally and professionally. In talking to the team I realized that while not everyone sets a “new year’s resolution” per se, everyone has goals, dreams, hopes for the future and I felt compelled to capture some of the most popular themes amongst our team:

  • Spend more time with loved ones. Some people have specific things they want to do with children, spouses, parents, friends, etc., and some people just generally spoke about being more connected to the ones they love, but the theme of spending more time with loved ones was a popular one.
  • Volunteer for a charity or organization that speaks to you. At Zobha we are always looking for ways to give back and many of us want to take it one step further and build that dedication into our personal lives as well.
  • Enjoy what we have. Take time to read a book purely for pleasure, enjoy the great outdoors more, appreciate your surroundings – we work so hard for all that we have, but like Ferris Bueller once said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
  • Be healthier. Setting new workout and fitness goals, holding ourselves to a higher nutritional standard, and working to limit the stresses of every day life.

From our family to yours, we want to thank you for all your support over the years for helping to make this brand more than a clothing brand, but a community of people that want to make a positive impact on ourselves, our community and our loved ones.

Have a Happy & Healthy New Year!
Jen & The Zobha Family

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The Skinny on The Latest Diet Fads

Monday, December 24th, 2012

The holiday season is a time for giving thanks, being merry, and spending time with our friends and family, but let’s face it, it’s also a time of great temptation and stress. We’ve been talking a lot about ways to battle the pounds between holiday parties and family feasts. There’s lots of interest today in fad diets like cleanses and juice diets. There’s no blanket solution to fighting the inevitable holiday weight gain, but we explored some of the latest crazes and gathered our findings here to help determine what solution is best for you:

 

  • Cleansing: Cleanse diets gained a lot of attention when Beyonce used the Master Cleanse to drop pounds for the filming of Dream Girls. The Master Cleanse is just one of many cleanses on the market but here are a few important things to keep in mind:
    • While a cleanse is not a long-term diet solution, it is a great way to reboot your normal workout and diet regimen, especially after a period of social eating and added stress like the holidays.
    • Look for cleanses that have the best nutritional make-up; cleanses made up of pressed juices versus pasteurized are best. The Zobha Team found Blue Print and Evolution to be good options.
  • Juicing: Juice diets vary from being structured like cleanses, to a lifestyle change where healthy juice blends are substituted for meals. When doing a juice diet the first question is whether to juice or to blend. If you’re a novice to juicing, here are some tips for figuring out which is best for you:
    • Smoothies are pulverized fruit and vegetables into liquid form, which maintains the nutrients and vitamins. Juice is made by separating the liquid and most of the nutrients from the pulp, which fanatics of juicing claim speeds up the process of getting vitamins and nutrients to your body.

These are a few ways to keep your system clean and functioning at its best, but holiday weight gain isn’t just about over eating, stress is a big factor for many people. It’s important to take time, even if its just 20 minutes a day, to do something for yourself. A brisk walk or run, a yoga class, or a good hike are a few ways to free your mind and distress. A little bit goes a long way!

Before making any drastic changes to your diet you should consult your doctor. This information is what we found helpful, but there is a plethora of information out there and in the end you and your physician can determine what’s best for you and your body.

 

Cheers to a happy & healthy new year!

The Zobha Team

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3 Tips to Finding a Workout Class That Suits You

Saturday, December 8th, 2012

Hello Friends of Zobha,

If you’re anything like me, you know how hard it can be to find a workout class that motivates you and keeps you coming back for more. I have tried a ton of different classes but even after I find the type of workout I want to do, I wind up trying a number of different instructors before landing on the one that’s right for me. As a result I have found myself getting in a rut and not trying new workouts. To keep myself going I have put together a short list of to-do’s before I sign up for a new class! Hopefully these can help others experiencing the same struggle:

  1. Prior to signing up, research your options online or on Yelp. This way you can get a gist of what students have experienced in the past including the good, the bad, and the ugly.
  2. Make sure to look into whether or not there’s any prep work needed upon arrival. For example, if they prefer you to show up to class 10 minutes early, this would be the perfect time to call ahead and check!
  3. Last but not least, make sure to pick a class that suits your fitness level. From yoga classes to boot camps, this ensures you know what you’re getting yourself into!

Hopefully these tips will help end your tiring and strenuous search for the perfect class.  As for now, what’s the latest workout class you’ve taken?  We want to know!

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Staying Fit Over the Holidays

Saturday, November 17th, 2012

Hello Zobha Community-

With the holidays approaching a lot of people are on the go visiting friends and family, which usually means lots of food and a departure from your regular workout routine. Thankfully, I have a few simple workout tips that you can do in the comfort of your home, or your in-law’s guest room, to help burn some of those extra calories coming your way!

Head back to basics with floor exercises. This can include anything from push-ups and lunges, to yoga sequences and stretches.  Whether or not these moves are old news, the results never fail!

Here are a few of my favorites:

  • Planks. These are great for strengthening your arms while also sculpting your abs. Try holding this for a minimum of 30 seconds, then work your way up to a minute.
  • Squats. When all else fails, squats are always my go-to exercise. If you’re looking to spice things up, grab a soup can or two to add some weight and resistance. Before you know it, you’ll have gorgeous lean legs in no time!
  •  Vinyasa. This basic yoga sequence is the perfect exercise if you want to tone your arms without using weights. Lay out your yoga mat, turn on some music, and enjoy some time to yourself.

With these simple tips you can enjoy family time while still keeping yourself active.

Happy Holidays!

Michelle Lovitt

 

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Wine Country Marathon

Friday, November 9th, 2012

Today’s blog post comes from one of our Circle of Grace members, Tammy Scott. Tammy has been in the fitness industry since she was 17 and has maintained her commitment to health and exercise over the years in various capacities. We’re thrilled to share one of her latest accomplishments with our Zobha community and hope it inspires you to take on a new challenge as well!

 

Hello Zobha Community-

As an active runner, cyclist and mom, Zobha is my daily go-to apparel.  Most recently I ran the Wine Country Marathon in Healdsburg, CA on October 27.  It’s imperative to have the right gear when running a race of that distance which is why I chose my Zobha performance tech infinity bra and the performance hot short.  I felt well supported and both pieces kept everything in place throughout the entire 4 hours and 24 minutes of my race.   The fabric has great breathability and wicks moisture very well, i.e. no chafing!  It’s hard to find active wear that has it all, comfort, style and is still technical enough to get the job done.

Tammy Scott, Zobha Brand Ambassador

 

Tell us about your recent accomplishments! Leave a note in the comments section so your story can inspire others to challenge themselves in new ways.

 

- The Zobha Team

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5 Fitness Essentials

Tuesday, September 11th, 2012

Hello Zobha Community-

As a team we are always asked by friends, family and even the people we interact with on a daily basis what are some of our work out must haves. We did an office round-up and found that many of us had some of the same requirements for our work out regimen, whether it was for Yoga, Kickboxing, going for a run or just using our favorite machines at the gym – it was pretty much the same and thought it would  be great to share it with you! Here are our top 5 fitness essentials:

1.     Water bottle: Before beginning any physical activity, always make sure you have a water bottle on hand. It’s very important to stay hydrated!

2.      Music: Having an exercise playlist sets the tone for your workout and makes it that much more fun! Try something with a great beat as you warm up, and something more relaxed as you cool down. With cool new sites like Spotify, you can sample your favorite celebs playlists or playlists that are similar to yours or try a completely new genre.

3.     Small weights: Bigger doesn’t always mean better! Small weights are easy and effective to incorporate into your daily routine. Try some reps to tone your arms while you relax in front of the TV or strap add some to your ankles to add some intensity to your walk or run.

4.      Shoes: To some, this may mean a new pair of Jimmy Choos. But that’s not the case for us. It’s important to invest in a well-fitting sneaker before starting any work out.

5.      Gear: Working out is about feeling good and it starts with having the right gear! Whether it’s a top that will prevent spillage or clothing that keep you dry – it’s an important part of our work out.

 With these 5 fitness essentials you’ll be ready for any work out, anytime! What do you view as your most important fitness essential?

-          The Zobha Team

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Posted in Community, group exercise, Healthy Living, Inspiration, Staff Picks, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

How to get a body like Jason Statham

Tuesday, September 4th, 2012

Hello Zobha Community-

As a celebrity trainer, I get to work alongside some of Hollywood’s top stars. Specifically, I get to train even some of the top tough guys in the industry, including Jason Statham. Like women, men often have inspiration on who they would like to look like, even if they don’t like to admit it. Many times, Jason Statham tops that list.

Along with good genetics, Jason always works hard in the gym. Something that people may not know about him is that he was an Olympic diver before his acting career. He naturally trains like an athlete, doing everything with intensity. Here is an inside look at what it takes to get a body like Jason.

First, start out warming up with dynamic flexibility which means stretching while moving. I then incorporate ladder drills to get his feet moving fast without the need to look. In Jason’s case, he does a great deal of stunt work so working on his lateral speed and agility is important.

Next, I would incorporate boxing and kickboxing moves to work on the lower abs and back. A lot of times we would do workouts that had a lot to do with what he was performing in a scene. This is something Jason refers to as “functional fitness.”

For example, when doing squats we would implement punches which would also increase intensity. A healthy diet is key. Eating lean will provide a better workout and allow you to build muscle. No matter how hard you exercise, it’s imperative to maintain a health diet. 

Also, keep in mind when preparing to do any workout, clothing is important – many of the workouts Jason and I have done will leave you swimming in sweat! But not if you’re wearing gear that offers moisture wicking technology.

Hope some of these tips work for you, tell us who your celeb inspiration is and what are you currently doing to get that physique?

-Michelle Lovitt, celebrity trainer and Zobha Brand Ambassador

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From my bookshelf:

Tuesday, August 21st, 2012

There are little gems of books I keep copies of on my bedside table and in our office library.  The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz is one of my favorites.  I like to reread it at least once a year.  I keep it handy and often pick a passage to read at random.  The message in the book is so simple, yet so powerful at the same time.

Here is an excerpt from the inside front cover:

The Four Agreements

BE IMPECCABLE WITH YOUR WORD

Speak with integrity.  Say only what you mean.  Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others.  Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

DON’T TAKE ANYTHING PERSONALLY

Nothing others do is because of you.  What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream.  When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.

DON’T MAKE ASSUMPTIONS

Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want.  Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama.  With just the one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

ALWAYS DO YOUR BEST

Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick.  Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.

-Jamie Hanna

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