Claudia Fountain Fitness + Yoga

MID-SUMMER TIDBITS

July 19, 2022 by Claudia Fountain, posted in newsletter, Uncategorized

“I love how summer just wraps its arms around you like a warm blanket.”
— Kellie Elmore

I’m keeping it short and savory this July. I’ve just returned from an eight day trip to visit my best friend in my old home town. The road was long, the visit was relaxing, and the temps were just perfect for mid-summer. I think I will always find summer in the high-desert to be comforting. Summers for me, when I was growing up, were all about basking in the sunshine, jumping into sparkling swimming pools, and spending time in cool, cool libraries filled with amazing stories that I would get lost in.

But, I digress! The last half of July will be focused on slow and steady vinyasa flows, cooling breath practices, and a few of my go-to somatic releases for tension in the neck, shoulders, and upper back.

This month’s delicious recipe is a tasty spin on chicken tacos, that gets its inspiration from the heart and brain healthy Mediterranean Diet. And, finally, I’ve put together some fun facts about the birthstone for the month of July. Find them HERE. I had a lot of fun creating some ruby pieces for my little shop–MadeWithMantra!

If you ever have any questions about my classes, wellness coaching, private sessions, or anything gemstone or mala related 😃, drop me an email: claudia@physiquebyfountain.com.

MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN TACOS

The Mediterranean diet has long been praised for its heart healthy benefits. Think of it as the gold-standard for all diets. This plant and whole-food based diet has been shown in a new batch of 2020 studies, to lower the risk of impaired cognitive function by 45-50%. The Mediterranean diet is big on fruit, veggies, whole grains, legumes, nuts and olive oil. Moderate amounts of dairy, poultry, eggs, and seafood are included. Enjoy a Mediterranean spin on chicken tacos!

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thigh
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup diced cucumber
1/2 cup diced red onion
1/3 cup sliced kalamata olives
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped
1 tbs balsamic vinegar
2 tbs tahini
2 tbs extra-virgin olive oil
juice of 1/2 lemon
1/2 tsp cumin powder
1 garlic clove, grated or minced
3/4 cup prepared hummus
8 tortillas, warmed
1/2 cup crumbled feta
1/3 cup chopped parsley

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Stir together Italian seasoning, salt and black pepper. Rub mixture onto chicken. Place chicken on a greased baking sheet and roast until meat reaches an internal temperature of 165 F, about 20 minutes. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes and then slice. In a bowl, toss together tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives and jalapeno. Stir in balsamic vinegar. In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, olive oil, lemon juice and garlic. To serve, spread hummus on tortillas and top with chicken and tomato mixture. Drizzle on tahini sauce. Sprinkle on feta and parsley.

Got that fresh Spring feeling….

June 16, 2022June 28, 2022 by Claudia Fountain, posted in Uncategorized

It’s been raining here in central Oregon, off and on over the last two weeks. Listening to rainfall has to be one of my most favorite ways to meditate, unwind, and just be. Really, anything that involves water in its many forms will move me, speaks to me. The grasses are green, the trees chartreuse, flowers a kaleidoscope of candy colors. Birds are nesting over the garage door, and frogs are singing the songs of their people in the pond. It’s fresh, new, and so energizing.

“We are living in what writer and cultural critic Daniel Quinn calls the Great Forgetting. Many of us have forgotten that we’re a part of an ecosystem, a watershed. We’ve forgotten that we’re kin to all the other animals. We’ve forgotten that we need each other. We have forgotten what I call the “commons of the soul.” –Francis Weller

Let Spring remind you that we are all part of an ecosystem of connection, gathering around the fire or table, sharing meals, dreams, and fears with those close to us. Go walking in the rain, let it soften you, drench you. Dare to open up like a flower budding in the sunlight.

This month I invite you to connect with me on my new teaching platform–Arketa. I continue to offer two yoga classes a week; and, if you are looking to jumpstart a summer of better wellness, I also offer online coaching sessions. Drop me an email, and we can discuss options!

Meanwhile, in this month’s newsletter I am offering a zesty fresh gazpacho recipe, and the newest exercise video of the month–Bridge to Leg Curl using a stability ball. Scroll down for recipe. 👇🏿👇🏾👇🏽👇🏼👇🏼👇🏻👇

“Despite the forecast, live like it’s spring.”
–Lilly Pulitzer
🙏🏼🙏🏻🙏🙏🏽🙏🏾🙏🏿

CHILI-PEACH GAZPACHO

Researchers at the Cleveland Clinic’s Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute in Cleveland found that people who regularly eat chili peppers may be 26% less likely to die of heart disease and 23% less likely to die of cancer than everyone else. It’s thought that capsaicin–the compound that gives peppers their heat–can lower inflammation in the body. This Chili-Peach Gazpacho recipe is a good hit for your heart!

2/3 cups water
1 lb peaches, pitted & quartered
1 orange bell pepper, seeded & quartered
1/2 English cucumber, peeled & chopped
2 scallions (green onions), sliced
1 jalapeño pepper, chopped (de-seed to cool it down)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint or basil
2 Tbs red wine vinegar
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 Tbs extra virgin olive oil

Add the first 11 ingredients (thru black pepper) to a food processor or blender container. Blend together until well combined. With the machine running at low speed, slowly pour in the olive oil through the top feed tube. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. Makes 4 servings.

Change Is The One Constant

May 10, 2022May 10, 2022 by Claudia Fountain, posted in newsletter, Online Offerings

“There is nothing permanent except change.” -Heraclitus

Oh April! How challenging you were!

Back at the beginning of April–just as I was beginning to put together my monthly newsletter–I received news that the streaming service I was using to teach my virtual classes and host my VOD library, was shutting down at the end of the month. To say that this came as an unfortunate surprise is an understatement to a large degree. 😱

The rest of the month was filled with decision making (deciding to switch to the new platform–they partnered with my old one and offered a full-service “white glove” transfer), learning all the ins and outs (several “on-boarding” virtual sessions) of the new platform, setting up my new account and dashboard, letting my clients know, answering their questions, and so much more.

The beginning of this month has included ironing out some kinks, leaning heavily on the “help advisors”, honing my ability to shift my outlook, and the continuous (it never stops 😅) practice of adapting to change.

So! On to the big news this month… My virtual classes (using the ZOOM platform) and VOD library are now integrated and hosted by Arketa! We haven’t figured out how to get my scheduled embedded on my website–yet. But, I have a simple landing page that has all the basics: schedule of classes, drop-in pricing, subscriptions for class packs and VOD. Find it HERE. I hope to “see” you virtually soon!

Also in this month’s newsletter, you will find my latest Exercise Video of the Month (my Favorite Restorative Pose); and a quick, heart-healthy, and delicious Mediterranean inspired recipe for a Strawberry Basil Vinaigrette. 😋

In closing, I will leave you with some words from one of my favorite poets – Tyler Knott Gregson:

Perhaps there is nothing more divine, nothing
more holy, than the love we carry for the life
we live. When you walk in constant wonder
through this world, every place becomes a
cathedral, every breath, a prayer.

1 C fresh or frozen (thawed) strawberries
1/3 C fresh basil
1/4 C olive oil
2 T red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar
1/4 t red chili flakes
1/4 t salt
1/4 t black pepper

Place all of the ingredients in a blender container and blend until smooth. Makes enough for 6 salads.

Love Actually

February 14, 2022 by Claudia Fountain, posted in newsletter, Uncategorized

“How you love yourself, is how you teach others to love you.” –RUPI KAUR

So treat yourself well in word, thought, and deed–especially in thought. This is where I fail to love on myself the most. Critical, judgmental thoughts I would never say to anyone else! Why is it that we are sometimes our own harshest critics? It’s a complex issue that includes playing the comparison game, thinking that failure in any way dooms us, and believing every thought our mind churns out as real and true–especially those thoughts that keep us up at 2:00am (hint: thoughts are just thoughts–noise, like the TV on in the background).

Here are some ways to be more kind–and loving–to yourself:

Acknowledge negative or critical thoughts, and realize that their source is from early painful experiences. Turn the ‘inner critic’ into a villain, someone that makes you smile and shake your head.
Allow yourself to make mistakes. It’s okay to make mistakes, which are opportunities for learning in disguise.
Stop comparing comparing yourself to others. It’s natural and part of being human Now, shift that energy, make it productive by focusing on yourself and your journey.
Learn to face your fears. Instead of pushing them away, try to understand them. Tame the roaring lion into a kitten.
See beauty in the simple, every day, experiences and things around you. Try to notice one each day, and feel grateful for it. 🙏🏼

Make every day a love note to yourself by fueling your body well, moving it daily, and treating yourself as though you are worthy of love–because you are!

LOKAH SAMASTAH SUKHINO BHAVANTU

What’s new this month:

Leg strengthener – Exercise Video of the Month: Chair Hover
Good nutrition – PB&J Oatmeal Recipe
Everything you would like to know about the gemstone AMETHYST – February Birthstone

FINAL NOTE: IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN SUBSCRIBING TO MY LIBRARY OF YOGA CLASSES (90+) AT THE INTRODUCTORY RATE OF $18/MO — PLEASE DROP ME AN EMAIL FOR THE PRIVATE LINK!

HEADING INTO 2022 LIKE…

January 12, 2022 by Claudia Fountain, posted in Flexibility, Ganesha, Meditation, New Beginnings, newsletter, Nutrition, Yoga, Yoga Nidra

we have everything to gain–more peace, equanimity, strength, flexibility, adaptability, and increased wellness!

I’ve put together a set of tools this month to help move us along these goals, beginning with a 10 DAY YOGA CHALLENGE. If you’ve been waiting for the right opportunity to begin a regular yoga routine, this might be it! You will have 12 days to sample a variety of yogic practices from meditation and mindfulness, to guided breath practices and yin yoga. [FIND MORE INFO AND THE LINK HERE.] January also delivers a new exercise video that focuses on hip mobility, specifically targeting the hip adductors (inner thigh). [FIND THE VIDEO HERE.] And finally, if you have not tried Yoga Nidra yet, set aside 30 minutes for some deep rest. Find the guided Yoga Nidra For Deep Rest HERE. 🙏🏼

Please also find my teaching schedule HERE. I continue to teach weekly Livestream Yin and Vinyasa classes. My VOD library of 90+ classes will be moving to a PRIVATE LINK very shortly. The price will remain the same ($18), and I add videos weekly. If you are interested in subscribing, please drop me an email request!

In closing, I leave you with the mantra to GANESH. May he remove obstacles on your spiritual path, and ensure success in any new endeavors.

OM GUM GANAPATAYEI NAMAHA!

P.S. This month’s healthy recipe:

BRUSSELS SPROUTS HAZELNUT SLAW

Cruciferous vegetables (think Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale, broccoli, bok choy) contain consistently high amounts of vitamin K. Vitamin K may be involved in inhibiting narrowing (calcification process) of blood vessels. A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition discovered that higher intakes of cruciferous vegetables (at least 45 grams daily) can decrease buildup of deposits on artery walls in older women.

3/4 lb Brussels sprouts, shredded
2 medium carrots, shredded
1 pear, thinly sliced
2 scallions (green onion), thinly sliced
3 oz prosciutto, chopped
1/2 C pomegranate seeds or 1/3 C dried cherries
3 T extra-virgin olive oil
juice of 1/2 orange
2 T maple syrup
1/4 C hazelnuts
2 t Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced

In a large bowl, toss together Brussels sprouts, carrot, pear, scallion, prosciutto, and pomegranate seeds or dried cherries. Place olive oil, orange juice, maple syrup, hazelnuts, mustard, garlic, and a couple of pinches each of salt and pepper in a blender container and blend until slightly chunky. Toss dressing with slaw. Makes six servings.
**Source: IdeaFit.com**

thanks-giving

November 11, 2021 by Claudia Fountain, posted in newsletter, Uncategorized

Ah, November. The month that doesn’t contain Halloween, or Christmas/New Years. November can often feel like it’s just an extension of the holiday season, kind of run over by the semi-truck that is Christmas! But for me, November is about appreciating all the small and big things in my life like the love of family and friends, a warm home, and purring cats. It’s a reminder to me to give thanks, to express gratitude, to gather around a bountiful table, and share what I have with others.

SMALL ACTS OF THANKS-GIVING
🤲🏼 Tell someone you’re thankful for them.
📦 Give a care package.
🙌🏼 Offer a compliment.
🦃 Give a turkey to a family in need.
🛒 Help someone with their groceries.
🍪 Bake cookies for someone.

This month is also a smart time to make sure that you have a good handle on your stress levels, or have a plan for good self-care and managing your mental health (this includes stress, depression, and problems with emotion)–before the holidays take their toll.

The really good news is that there are very accessible things we can do to that help. Getting good rest, having a regular meditation practice (as little as 10 minutes a day is very impactful), and exercising 3-5x per week. In a large 2018 study**, an analysis of 852,068 adults (out of 1.2 million surveyed) associated exercisers with 43.2% fewer self-reported mental health burdens per month than non-exercisers. All types of exercise were impactful. Mindful exercises such as yoga were associated with a 22.9% reduction in mental health issues. The optimal amount of sessions per week were 3-5x, and vigorous exercise was more favorable than light or moderate.

In closing, I invite you to try a yoga session with me (virtual yoga classes – HERE). If you haven’t tried the Insight Timer platform (it’s free and filled with thousands of short to long guided meditations). I have two offerings available, with more to come. Find them HERE. This month’s EXERCISE VIDEO OF THE MONTH: ‘SWIMMING’ is up and ready for you try. And, last but not least, The Giving Sale is now live in my shop–25% off (almost) storewide!).

In Peace,
Claudia

**(Chekroud, S.R., et al. 2018. Association between physical exercise and mental health in 1.2 million individuals in the USA between 2011 and 2015: A cross-sectional study. Lancet Psychiatry, 5 (9), 739–46.)

Let the leaves fall…

October 12, 2021 by Claudia Fountain, posted in newsletter, Online Offerings, Seasonal Yoga

Let’s imagine…”What if”….you sat down one day–effortlessly, comfortably–as though you were in a magical time bubble. You sat and simply watched nature in all Her mystery do what She does best? Seasons shifting, birth, growth, life, death. Sunsets and sunrises. Full moon to new moon. What might you learn or discover?

As we move through Autumn in all its glorious colors and crisp temps, we may notice the subtle shifts from within to start letting things go. Trees cloak themselves in a riot of reds, golds, and oranges, and then let the leaves fall. Instead of trying to hold onto them, they know that after a period of rest something new will appear.

It’s like keeping your closet filled with only those things you wear on a regular basis. If you never get rid of old clothes, you will run out of space for new clothes.

“Be like a tree, and let the dead leaves drop.” ~Rumi

Consider some of the following ways to lighten the load:

Let go of one, two, or more of your insecurities. Replace them with affirmations.
Let go of grudges.
Forgive someone.
Forgive yourself.
Simplify your schedule. Re-prioritize, and prune to the essentials.
Stop trying to people-please.
Clean out one drawer a week.
Pranayama practice: Exhale for at least 2 counts longer than the inhale. Practice for 10 rounds.

This month in class, we are focusing on releasing 🤲🏼 in order to manifest, grounding 🌍 so that we feel safe to let go, and soothing pranayama 🫁 breath work. If you haven’t tried one of my classes on MOXIE yet, I’m dropping you a FREE CLASS PASS!

The newest exercise video is out! Opposite arm/leg raise–sometimes called ‘bird dog’–a simple and very effective core strengthening exercise. Please find it HERE.

In closing, may you find satisfaction in letting go of something, enjoy some good walks in the fresh crisp air of fall, and some some delicious pumpkin spice!

In peace,
Claudia

End Of Summer Shift

September 14, 2021September 14, 2021 by Claudia Fountain, posted in newsletter

“To say it was a beautiful day would not begin to explain it. It was that day when the end of summer intersects perfectly with the start of fall.”
–Ann Patchett

Here in the Pacific Northwest, nights have begun a slow descent into the cooler, crisp temps of fall. Soon, very soon, I’ll need to pull the lily and hyacinth plants from the pond, and set them up to over-winter in the laundry room (there are grow 🌱☀️lights!). This shift to cooler, drier air signals that we are entering the vata season. Think of vata energy as cold, dry, light, windy, and rough energy. It’s the type of energy that makes us want to try new things, or to make changes in our lives. In contrast, it can also show up as depression and anxiety. So, as we transition into the new season, it’s beneficial and necessary to keep this energy balanced.

Here are a few tips for balancing vata energy:

Eat warm, moist, cooked meals such as curries, soups, steamed greens, spiced vegetables, cooked fruit, hot cereals, quinoa, or baked sweet potatoes. Spices to try: cumin, turmeric, coriander, and ginger.
Sleep more. Getting enough rest helps the body repair and replenish. Limit the amount of personal energy draw from your devices by turning them off a half hour before going to bed.
Hydrate and soothe dry, irritated nasal passages with a few drops of nasya oil before going to bed. Tip: tilt your head back slightly when applying the drops.
Try drinking hot water with cinnamon, or hot water with ginger and lemon juice, first thing in the morning. Warm liquids stimulate your agni (digestive fire) by increasing blood circulation in your gastrointestinal system.
A yoga practice that is slow and steady. Move through Sun Salutations very slowly, focus on grounding in standing/balancing poses, and spend extra time in deep asanas.
Pranayama (breath) practice: Nadi shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) – inhale right nostril/exhale left nostril in the morning for warmth and energy; inhale left nostril/exhale right nostril in the evening for calming and to promote sleep.

SEPTEMBER EXERCISE VIDEO DROP! Find it here: Glutes + Hamstrings: Strength + Stability. Perform this exercise slowly, steadily, with focus and control!

“I love how summer just wraps its arms around you like a warm blanket.”— Kellie Elmore