Brain Matters

10/24/2025

A healthy lifestyle is the best and most effective way we have to reduce our risk of cognitive decline. The importance of sleep, physical activity, stress management and a healthy diet can't be overstated.

Mahalo to Hawaii Dementia Initiative for featuring me in their campaign!

10/03/2025

These kupuna just completed a six part brain health hui where they learned all about the lifestyle habits that will help prevent dementia, and help slow the progression of the disease if they already have a diagnosis.

We learned from each other, laughed, moved our bodies, created SMART goals, and encouraged and motivated each other to adopt healthy habits. Today was the end of the hui, but the beginning of a brain healthier lifestyle. 🧠💪

If you’re interested in starting a brain health hui at your organization, church, etc, reach out to us for info.

03/11/2024

Is it just brain fog or something more worrisome? Check out my latest newsletter and blog post about how to tell the difference between normal forgetfulness and signs and symptoms of cognitive decline.

Move with a View Newsletter

03/01/2024

We had perfect weather and a fun and fabulous group for this morning's Pilates in the Park. This was the last one of the season, but watch this space for more to come later in the year.

02/10/2024

We received a Hawaiian blessing in the form of rain at the start of our Pilates in the Park session, but that didn’t stop these people! Join us next Friday at 9am at Kamole Park! 🌈🌸

01/22/2024

If you're in the Honolulu area, join me for Pilates in the Park at 9am on Fridays beginning February 9. Free, but be sure to RSVP to the email below. Hope to see you there!

12/13/2023

You're never too old to get strong! I started strength training at 50, but a recent study found that people over 85 can still add strength and muscle by training just 3x per week. But the sooner you start, the more you benefit you'll see, such as combating the effects of aging and reducing the risk of heart disease, cancer, obesity and various other diseases. And, training just once or twice per week reduces mortality risk by 40 percent compared to people who don't strength train. Lift heavy sh*t FTW!

11/01/2023

It's holiday season already?!?!? For most people this is the busiest time of year and any type of structured exercise falls way down on the priority list. The good news is that you don't need hour-long bouts at the gym to get your fit on. Just move your body for short bursts of time throughout the day to elevate your heart rate. Cumulatively, these exercise 'snacks' are just as effective - if not more so - than one long session at the gym. Go for a quick, brisk walk after a meal, do a set of squats or lunges while watching TV or waiting for your coffee to brew, dance to a favorite song. It all counts. And, it's all in my latest blog post here:

The holiday season is upon us, and that means more time spent shopping for gifts, engaging in social activities, baking, traveling, eating, drinking...and generally less time for fitness. The good news is that maintaining a healthy lifestyle doesn't always require a substantial time commitment. One....

10/30/2023

I had every intention of doing my usual heavy lifting and plyometric (jumping) routine today. But after two nights of terrible sleep, my body said, “No way!” Instead, I walked my dogs on the beach and will do some gentle stretching and mobility exercises to try to switch on my parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest) and tell my sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight) to chill the F out.

This is a reminder to all of us to listen to our bodies and work with them instead of against them. Doing that will actually help you achieve your health and fitness goals faster. Most of us have spent a lifetime ignoring our body’s signaling and powering through whatever it was we wanted to do. That is actually counterproductive and will inevitably result in sickness, injury, or worse. Take some time for yourself when you need it. Your body will thank you, and you’ll be healthier and happier for it.

10/04/2023

Our bodies were designed to move, not to sit all day. Don't overthink exercise. Go for a walk, play with your kids, grandkids or pets. Get up from your chair and stretch your spine in every way possible. Then sprinkle these movements in throughout the day. You don't need large chunks of time to exercise. Studies show that exercise 'snacks' of 5-10 minutes throughout the day where you increase your heart rate above baseline can actually be more effective than a full hour of exercise that is followed by sitting all day. That's snacking you can feel good about!