Qigong and Scoliosis – The Perfect Workout Regional Presentation

It was an honor to be invited to lead this presentation on Qigong and Scoliosis. My Virtual company, The Perfect Workout, hosts a Regional meeting once a month. I led a short Keynote presentation along with a demo of a few Qigong exercises from the Wudang Five Animals series.

Some of the materials that I shared were from my Zoom teaching research study that I conducted one year ago! Knowing that some of my colleagues also have scoliosis, I discussed how Qigong has helped me with reducing back pain.

After providing a short overview of my background and the key vocabulary, I talked about the history, theory, and philosophy of Qigong. I also explained how Qigong is similar to Slow Motion Strength Training.

In explaining the causes and effects of scoliosis, I discussed the results of two studies that demonstrate how Qigong is more effective than surgery. I gave a short overview of two traditional exercises for spinal traction that form the basis of the Five Animals techniques.

Despite being a little pressed for time, and also trying my best to capture my audience’s attention (at the end of a 3 hour meeting), the presentation was a success. Thankfully, I was able to finish in exactly twenty-five minutes (timing is absolutely essential at TPW).

In the final Q&A I asked the trainers to share their feedback. One trainer who also has scoliosis said that her spine cracked in a way that was identical to receiving a chiropractic adjustment.

One of my dreams is to do more research on Qigong for back pain! In the meantime I am incorporating these techniques into my Virtual training sessions.

Please feel free to contact me if you would like more information or to experience the benefits of these ancient techniques.

FitLife Exercise Resistance Bands Set

This post contains an affiliate link. If you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

The FitLife Resistance Bands Set is an excellent addition to your home and mobile gym equipment. As a Perfect Workout Virtual Trainer, I highly recommend this product to my clients for its versatility and ease of use.

Resistance band training is extremely effective at burning fat and increasing muscle strength. It also helps to increase coordination, stamina, flexibility, and range of motion.

This is an excellent starter set for adults and teens. Each set contains a lightweight carrying bag, a sturdy door anchor, a pair of larger straps, two handles, and five bands.

The anti-snap bands range from 10 – 50lbs and are made of a natural latex that is non-irritating and odorless. You can use them individually or combine them to increase intensity (up to 150lbs).

The sweat-proof and skid-proof handles consist of strong fabric and steel D buckles to ensure maximum life and safety during use.

This FitLife set fits easily in a suitcase or your car, which makes it perfect for hotel use or lunch break workouts. You can set it up in just a few minutes and start training right away. This is an affordable and space-saving alternative to bulky pieces of home gym equipment.

FitLife sells these sets exclusively through Amazon, and right now they are offering a 10% coupon for additional savings.

I would love to show you how this works! Contact me to schedule an initial consultation or book a FREE Intro Session

The Perfect Workout: 1-on-1 Slow-Motion Strength Training

Since graduating in December, I’ve started working as a Virtual Trainer with a company called The Perfect Workout. They have been in business since 1999 all across the US and have been offering Virtual Training since March of 2020.

The first time I tried the Super Slow method I knew that this was the missing piece of my fitness regimen! This science-backed system is based on a study by the University of Florida to help post-menopausal women create bone density.

Not only is The Perfect Workout safe and highly effective for seniors, it’s incredibly challenging for adults of all ages and ability levels.

Since I became a Perfect Workout Trainer, I’ve been learning all about why people LOVE the Super Slow method and Virtual Training. This is just a snapshot of what so many clients have shared with me:


“I love the convenience of Virtual Training. I save myself an hour by not having to drive back and forth to the studio!”


“The Perfect Workout has completely changed the way that I look at exercise.”


“Virtual Training is harder than the studio workouts!”

Many of you know that I’ve been a Slow Philosophy advocate for a very long time. I am delighted to be able to incorporate my training background with this brilliant system. And I would love to share the many benefits of The Perfect Workout with you.

Sign up for my VIP Newsletter to receive a FREE 1-hour Intro Session (normally $75). Offer expires March 19th.

To learn more about this revolutionary form of exercise visit: Is Virtual Personal Training Worth It?

Yoga WOW

Emily Seymour Yoga WOW

Long-term consistency trumps short term intensity. – Bruce Lee

Have you ever wanted to try a yoga class but wasn’t sure if you’d like it? Or maybe you held back in a challenging vinyasa class because you didn’t want to burn out? Ever wish you could take a yoga class that gave you a road map to follow?

Enter the WOW. I’m pleased to announce that I’m rolling out a brand new class series this summer. The Yoga WOW (Workout of the Week) is a customized class that I’ve designed for Integrate CrossFit in Salida, Colorado. Inspired by the CrossFit WOD model, this class is great for yogis and CrossFitters alike.

Yoga WOW is not a typical gym-yoga class. If you’ve ever seen a CrossFit facility you know that it isn’t an average gym. While gym-yoga classes tend to be promoted as a supplement to other exercise routines, Yoga WOW is designed to support you with creating your own yoga practice!

What happens in a Yoga WOW? Each class is one hour long. Students arrive a little before the class starts and begin warming themselves up. We’ll chat for a few minutes about the WOW list of exercises. The list is posted in the gym and on my Facebook and Twitter accounts for students who want to do their own Home WOW. Each month has its own theme that focuses on a primary category of poses. There’s no one-size-fits-all method when it comes to yoga, so this class includes plenty of variations to choose from. The general class structure includes:

  • 5 mins Warm ups/Introductions
  • 5 mins breathing
  • 15 mins sun salutations
  • 15 mins WOW poses
    • Peak Pose of the Week
  • 5 mins cool down
  • 5 mins corpse pose
  • 5 mins meditation

The goal of Yoga WOW is to give students a basic outline of a personal practice. Once they get familiar with the format they can start playing with variations and designing their own sequences. Over time a personal practice becomes a choose your own adventure experience!

Want to learn more about designing your own Yoga WOW? Book a FREE no-obligation consultation today. 

Raw Chocolate Peanut Butter Truffles

I’ve had raw truffles on the brain lately so I figured that was my body’s way of telling me to make some.

You should ALWAYS make your own raw truffles. You don’t need a food processor or a high powered blender. Most health food stores carry the specialty ingredients (or you could order them online).

Store bought raw truffles are ridiculously expensive – I’ve seen them sold for as much as $8 for a four pack.

The best part about making your own raw truffles is that you can use any ingredients you want. For instance, most raw dessert recipes call for agave but I prefer maple syrup or honey.

Raw honey provides a great pre-workout energy boost. It’s a powerful antioxidant that promotes digestive health, strengthens the immune system, eliminates allergies, calms the nervous system and can help stabilize blood sugar levels.

If you’re going to eat dessert then make it count.

I use raw cacao in no-bake chocolate desserts because of the incredible nutrient content. Cacao is one of the most antioxidant-rich foods on the planet. It’s high in fiber, magnesium and iron. It contains the alkaloids theobromine, phenylethylamine and anandamine – three natural mood enhancers which make you feel like you’re in love.

Like raw honey, raw cacao is considered to be the food of the gods.

I used peanut butter but you could use any nut butter – almond, hazelnut, or sunflower seed (if you’re allergic to nuts).

Virgin organic coconut oil is yet another amazing superfood. Coconut oil has been getting a lot of bad press lately, but I just ignore it (remember when butter was supposed to be bad for you?)

Tip: If you have a little extra coconut oil on your measuring spoon give your sun-kissed skin a treat while you’re making these.

Raw Chocolate Peanut Butter Truffles

Makes 20

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup organic raw cacao powder
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup sweetened condensed coconut milk
  • 3 Tbsp raw honey (optional)
  • 1 Tbsp organic virgin coconut oil, melted
  • 2 tsp vanilla
  • 1/2 tsp Himalayan salt
  • Chopped toasted nuts for coating

Directions:

  1. Place all ingredients except for the chopped toasted nuts into a medium bowl. Blend with a wooden spoon until combined.
  2. Transfer to a glass tupperware container and chill for at least an hour.
  3. Place chopped nuts in a small bowl.
  4. Using your hands, roll truffle mixture into large marble-sized balls. Roll truffles in the chopped nuts, applying gentle pressure.
  5. Store unused truffles in the fridge.
  6. Bring truffles to room temperature before consuming. Savor, enjoy, and share the love…

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Superfood Peanut Zucchini Noodles

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