anne - Fluid Movement + Massage

Drink This Health Tonic And Prevent Colds And Flu

October 4, 2013October 4, 2013anne

Anybody have sick kids? After just one week back to school several of my parents reported children (and sometimes adults) coming home with pink eye, colds, the flu, and strep throat. Your exposure to germs goes up when you are surrounded by large groups of people – schools, airports, hospitals – but why is it that some people are more prone to sickness than others?

Louis Pasteur allegedly stated on his deathbed: “The microbe is nothing, the terrain is everything.”

By strengthening your immune system you are less likely to catch what is going around this season. My healthy winter plan includes frequent hand washing, daily physical activity, drinking bone broth, eating loads of fresh fruits and vegetables, drinking lots of water, using a neti pot, and staying away from sick people.

Speaking of sick people…I do appreciate your wanting to keep your scheduled appointment with me however if you are running a fever, vomiting, or are in the first 48 hours of a contagious disease like a cold or the flu please stay home and rest (or call your medical professional). We will reschedule your appointment for when you are feeling better.

I just made a batch of this health tonic and once it is “cooked” will be taking a few spoonfuls a day. What are your winter health strategies?

Master Tonic Recipe

Things you will need:

garlic
white onion
jalapeno pepper
serrano pepper
ginger root
horseradish
32 oz apple cider vinegar
honey
large jar with lid

Peel (if needed) and chop equal parts garlic, onion, jalapeno and serrano peppers, ginger root, and horseradish. I used my food processor for this.

Place the chopped veggies in a large jar and fill with apple cider vinegar. Cap it and place it in a dark place (or in a brown bag on your kitchen counter). Once a day give it a shake. After 10 – 14 days open it, strain the liquid (the veggies can be used in a stir fry, salad dressing, or soup) and add honey to your liking. Take a few spoonfuls every day. If you do feel a cold coming on take a few spoonfuls every couple of hours.

*please use caution when handling raw peppers, wear gloves if you have sensitive skin and for God’s sake do not touch your eyes or any other body part after chopping these hot things!

Anne McCranie owner of Fluid Movement + Massage LLC is a personal trainer and licensed massage therapist living and working in Sellwood (Portland, Oregon). This recipe is intended to spark your interest in natural health remedies. Please see your health care provider for specific dietary or medical advice.

Anne can be reached at (503) 705-4762

Yoga “Camel” Pose – Back Strength And Flexibility

September 27, 2013July 2, 2025anne

We took advantage of the end of summer weather this month with outdoor yoga! Here Betsy demonstrates one of our September Five – Camel Pose.

This is a lovely back bend that when executed correctly feels like a wonderful stretch for your back, neck, quads, abs, almost your entire body. I like to cue my clients with the “Fosbury Flop” image, or feeling as if you are clearing a high jump bar by lifting up and out through your chest (rather than hunkering down).

As with all of these exercises you should not feel pain in your back, neck or knees. If you do feel pain, modify this move so that you can hold this position and breathe.

Anne McCranie, owner of Fluid Movement + Massage in Sellwood (Portland, Oregon) is a licensed massage therapist and ACE certified personal trainer. She loves to help her clients find pain relief by incorporating movement and massage into their self care program. Please see your health care professional for specific medical advice before beginning a new exercise program.

Bridge – One of Fluid’s August Five

August 24, 2013August 24, 2013anne

How lucky are we to have such lovely summer weather? I have been taking my Pilates and yoga classes outdoors this month.

Here Kate demonstrates Bridge – one of our August Five.

Start with knees and feet hip distance apart. Relax your back.

Press into your feet to lift your spine one vertebra at a time. Think of stretching the whole front side of your body.

In the Pilates variation you continue rolling up and down, breathing and relaxing your back. The yoga version you hold for five breaths then slowly come down. Take your pick and see if you can do this move once a day for one minute.

Pilates Helps Golfer Develop Muscular Strength And Power

August 20, 2013July 2, 2025anne

This week in Pilates class one of my ladies mentioned how Pilates has helped improve her golf swing.

She has been doing Pilates and strength training with me for five years and has noticed improved core strength as a result. A competitive athlete, she plays soccer here in Portland. Her recent vacations have included hiking and camping in a remote Hawaiian jungle and ascending a snowy mountaintop.

This month her vacation included daily rounds of golf, in fact she often played 36 holes each day. She felt strong and relaxed while playing throughout the week and attributed her new found strength to the Pilates core exercises. Her internal dialogue used to be “ground your feet to the earth”. Now she has added “pull your belly button in” to activate her core while playing. I have noticed that she has developed a new awareness of her breath and greater muscular control.

Would you like to be a Pilates success story? Contact Anne to set up your initial consultation and see if a class, duo, or private session is the best place for you to start. (503) 705-4762

Anne McCranie is a Portland, Oregon based personal trainer and licensed massage therapist. She offers Pilates, Yoga and Taijifit classes, and private training sessions at her studio in Sellwood. To view Fluid’s current class schedule click here.

Client Testimonial – Pilates

July 23, 2013July 1, 2025anne

Client Testimonial – Pilates

I received this email from a Pilates client recently…

Anne,

I’m traveling this week. You’d be happy to know I took a hike this morning, and also did some Pilates in the hotel room! Thought of you today – and I’m so thankful you are in my life keeping me strong and healthy every week. I’m grateful that you have encouraged me to maintain my strength and conditioning – pushups! planks! rollovers! etc! You have found your calling and we all love you so much!

xoxoxoxo