Leeann Carey has been practicing yoga for over 20 years. Launching her own studio in the 80s, Leeann now hosts workshops, leads classes and helps some of the world’s premier athletes, like L.A. Laker Luke Walton, work on their game by improving their practice.
As part of our New Year, Better You event, we talked to the owner of Leeann Carey Yoga about how to get in shape this year and stay on track.
1) What tips do you have for sticking to new resolutions to create and maintain a healthy lifestyle?
The tips I use for sticking to a healthy lifestyle are maintaining a yoga practice, journaling, and weekend fun.
A yoga practice helps me to listen to my body.
Journaling a short bit about my day helps me stay in tune to what is and isn’t working, and it reveals both healthy and unhealthy habits.
Having some weekend fun means that I allow myself to eat something that I ordinarily wouldn’t eat every day.
2) What is the single worst habit you see people do that sabotages their exercise and diet program?
Restrictive living!
Moderation is key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Living in constant deprivation or pushing unrealistic goals can lead to poor habits and decision-making.
3) What kind of things can our readers do at home for those times they can’t make it outside or to the gym?
When I can’t get out of the house to exercise, I love the Jillian Michaels’ Burning Fat DVD, followed by my own yoga program. I just roll out my yoga mat; all I need is six feet of space in any room in my house. It’s the perfect combination for a balanced workout.
I feel great afterward!
4) What are some ideas for healthy snacks throughout the day to keep from ‘slipping?’
The healthy snacks I recommend clients eat throughout the day to stay on track with their goal weight are items like 1/4 cup raw, salt-free almonds, 1 stick non-fat string cheese, 1 apple with 1/8 cup organic almond or peanut butter.
Eat mindfully, slowly, and drink lots of water.
5) You’ve been doing yoga for over 20 years, what are the biggest benefits to the practice?
The biggest benefits to the practice is a balance of physical strength and flexibility, mental steadiness, and spiritual awareness.
The physical strength and flexibility are gained through the yoga postures, mental steadiness and alertness come from focusing on my breathing, and spiritual awareness is developed by paying attention to what is happening now.
