Escape to Shape | Travel

We at Misha Patel Studio love the idea of escaping to shape! But, we have a feeling that none of you Escapers want to deal with the ever-so exhausting reality of jet-lag.

For those in a set routine, jet lag can be additionally jarring- as the developed internal clock will resist transitioning to a new sleeping and eating schedule. Studies have shown that travelers going from west to east have a more difficult time adjusting, as they feel they have lost time rather than gained.

No matter which way you’re headed, here are some tips to prevent jet-lag and deplane with more energy for what’s ahead. We have a feeling you’ll want it through the beautifully-backdropped bootcamps in Bali!

How to prepare:

1. You can start the day you book! How is that for planning ahead? We opt for
overnights, as you will be more likely to eat dinner at a regular time and sleep
through the flight. The more sleep you can get, the more well rested you’ll feel upon arrival.

2. What to wear. Though we love the old-fashioned notion of dressing up for the
airport, we’d suggest baggy over tight-fitting clothing and shoes. The body (especially ankles) tends to swell under cabin pressure. You’ll thank us for the advice to skip the strapped heels on the trek to baggage claim

3. Fuel yourself right. Try to avoid the mocha that’s calling your name post-security check. Instead, hydrate with plenty of good old H20 and bring along snacks like freeze-dried fruits and nuts. It will be easier to fall asleep and resist the sodium-richsnacks they serve on flight.

In-Flight

4. Limit alcohol. The effects of alcohol are magnified at a higher altitude, so one glass of wine can translate to 2-3. Just imagine combining all of the symptoms of jet lag with a hangover. Not pretty. If you feel a glass of wine will help ease you to sleep, and
you’d prefer to avoid sleep aids, we’re not stopping you! Which brings us to…

5. Sleeping aids. Many readings you will see report sleeping pills as a useful option, but at MPS, we always believe in playing it safe and staying au naturel. Achieve the same results without the risk of any unwanted side effects by using aromatherapy oils like: lavender, jasmine, ylang ylang, and sandalwood. You can also try using an eye mask
as well as noise canceling earphones to drown out distractions.

6. Stretch it out. You’ll have to take a trip to the restroom or two if you followed tip #3, so take advantage of the “free to walk around cabin” signal. Clasp your hands behind your back and take a forward folding stretch to open the shoulders and stretch the hamstrings. Take a few lunges while you wait near the restroom, as well as quad stretches by bending the knee behind you and grabbing for the ankle. In your seat, be sure to do some isometrics like: knee up to chest stretches, contract the thigh muscles and march in place, and ankle rolls. Roll out through the neck frequently and stretch the spine by arching back and reaching the arms up and behind you.

Once you land:

7. Freshen up with a carry-on package of lotion, chapstick, and maybe even a hydrating face mister. Your skin will soak it in after being exposed to the ultra-dry cabin air.

8. Get warm! Some new research on neurophysiology has shown that raising your temperature may help reset your circadian rhythms (natural clock). Exercising, finding a sauna, or taking a warm bath may help ward off jet lag.

Try as best you can to get on “normal time” and do as the Romans do. Try to eat the meal locals are eating after you have arrived, as well as fall asleep around the same time of night. However, don’t stress if it doesn’t happen right away. Jet lag is a natural result of travel, so don’t let the pre-emptive measures of avoiding it hinder your excitement of what’s ahead!

Bon Voyage,
MPS
www.mishapatelstudio.com

Misha is the owner and founder of Misha Patel Studio, a boutique wellness studio in San Jose, California. She is a fully certified Stott Pilates and TRX Suspension and Rip Training instructor with an emphasis on injuries and special populations. Misha’s teachings are heavily influenced by her understanding of human anatomy and kinesiology, which enables her to aid each of her clients in achieving his or her individual goals in a healthy, appropriate, and proactive manner. As an accomplished dancer, figure skater, and choreographer, Misha has spoken at several national and international conventions about injury prevention and the importance of strength and flexibility. Misha is a senior ambassador for Lululemon who holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theater Arts, Dance and a Bachelor of Science in Commerce, Marketing from Santa Clara University. She understands a healthy body is not merely a fit body, and that a goal-oriented and mindful approach to wellbeing is essential.

To get more first hand tips & body-changing work outs from Misha, Escape with us to Puglia, Italy June 23-30, 2012. Mention Misha and receive a special discount.

The winter chill here on the West Coast has us dreaming more and more about blissful Bali. This glorious island is rich in culture, spirituality, natural beauty, sunshine, warmth AND fresh fruits & vegetables. And while we always start our mornings with fresh baby coconut water this raw avocado smoothie is also a daily treat- the perfect protein & fiber packed boost before yoga or treks through the vibrant green rice fields… and a great way to replenish after ‘wiping out’ on the waves….

Ingredients:

• 1 avocado pitted and scooped out
• 1/2 cup raw almonds
• 2 cups filtered water
• OR 1/2 cup coconut milk instead of raw almonds and water (if allergic to almonds)
• 1 tsp natural vanilla extract
• 1-2 Tbsp agave nectar or 6 pitted dates for sweetness
• a pinch of sea salt
• 5-6 ice cubes

Directions:

1. Blend  the almonds and water for a quick & easy ‘rustic’ almond milk.
2. Add in the other ingredients and blend until rich and creamy.
3. This mixture fills two large 8oz glasses.
4. You might want to add in more agave/dates to taste.

Guilt-free Goodness….. Enjoy!

We recently had the pleasure of having Beth Furman, MALS, E-RYT, guest teach with us in Cartagena. Beth has studied yoga, dance, and many other forms of movement, including hip-hop and African dance, for over 30 years. Beth integrates all her movement training and experiences into her yoga teaching and practice. She couples a unique, vinyasa-based style with eclectic music to create classes that are vibrant, fun, spontaneous and intelligent, and that enable people of all ages and abilities to experience a full, “pranafied” practice in a supportive environment. A certified 500-hour yoga teacher, Beth has studied with many wonderful teachers including Shiva Rea and Mitchel Bleier, from whom she received her certifications. She earned her Masters degree from Wesleyan University, concentrating in dance/movement studies. Beth currently teaches yoga to adults and children, integrating hip hop and other forms of dance and cultural expression into the practice. She regularly has hip-hop/yoga parties at home with her kids. Here, Beth shares traveling yogini tips from her most recent Escape to Cartagena…

I am a yogini, dancer, brownie baker and musically obsessed mother of three rocker children. Life is great, and with work and kids, there is a lot going on. A recent trip to Cartagena put some of the groove back into my life and showed me the yoga of travel.

Yoga means union, so the “yoga of travel” is the union of vacation and the real world. In Cartagena, having the luxury of teaching and vacationing at the same time helped me see how doable it is to fully enjoy your vacation and bring it home with you, much the same way your yoga practice can be taken off the mat and into your life.

As part of a good friend’s 40^th birthday celebration, I was honored to teach, play and dance with a fantastic group of women.  AND I was in the company of traveling hostess extraordinaire, Erica Gragg. Erica and her partner Francesco, are amazing river guides, providing healthy and relaxing experiences in exotic places. All in all, incredibly juicy adventures.

But re-entry into real life can be tough and the initial transition can be too, with an unfamiliar place, new foods, and different time zones in some cases. Adjustment to a new experience can actually mess you up a little and yet, it is very exciting at the same time. On the other end, getting back into real life, with real time and obligations has its own challenges.

Here are some quick tips for enjoying yourself while away and keeping that vibe going once you get home.

1)    Breathe. Notice the temperature, the feel, the smell of the adventure. When you get home, let the familiarity of home ground you and bring you back.

2)Stand in Mountain pose, tadasana. Where you are, is where you can stand tall. Whether you are “standing” in a Volcanic mud bath in Cartagena, or standing in line in the ‘burbs at the market.

Note: To practice tadasana, stand tall on two feet. Evenly distribute the weight of your feet on the ground and as you press down into your feet, lift your arches slightly to feel a rise of energy all the way up the inner leg. Let your sitting bones descend, then tone your low belly slightly to lift the front of the hips. Soften your front ribs into your body, slide the shoulder blades down your back as you lift your heart and sternum. Tip your chin slightly forward to lengthen the back of your neck, and take the tip of your tongue to the top of the palate. Open your eyes and look at the tip of your nose, or if your eyes are closed, the inner Gaze can be up toward your third eye, right above and center of the brows. Arms extend toward the earth with palms facing forward.

3)Call in the drums. This was a particularly powerful tool for me, while away. Listen and feel the rhythm of the place.  Also, notice the music being played while you are out and about. Being aware of the sounds, the feel and the rhythm of your surroundings helps you stay in the flow of the place you are in, which ultimately helps you stay attuned to what is going on. It also helps you embrace the life you live on a daily basis. Is the place fast paced, or more low key? Do you become energized by a faster pace, or do you build your reserves through moving more methodically? Maybe a little of both. Explore this and then notice, when you get home, how you can ride the wave of faster and slower paced days to keep you balanced energetically.

4)Invoke your inner goddess (even if you are a dude). In other words, this is another way to get grounded. But it is also a way to feel a very strong presence within you. Acknowledge those ways in your life that you feel really empowered. Enjoy them while away, and then bring it all home with you.

To practice Goddess pose: Take a wide stance. Knees turn out, cactus arms. Sit down in your hips. Visualize a strong cord running from your hips into the center of the earth. Activating a connection to your grounding cord helps you stay in the flow, wherever you are: whether you are in New York City or Marrakesh high on a mountain. Do this any time you need to cultivate grounding energy.

5) Try something new while away. For example, I started drinking fresh juices for breakfast while I was away.  I am currently in the market for a juicer so I can invite that experience into my life now that I am home. Or maybe a new practice for you centers around something broader, like your perception of time and how much of it you feel you have.  When on vacation, time can take on a very different meaning than when you are at home, living a more scheduled life. As a practice, when you get home, create bigger and more open spaces for yourself, timewise, even if they are new 10 minute spots that you provide for yourself to sit and day dream. This way, you can still stay in that spacious feeling that you have on vacation, even with a busy schedule.

Bringing a new practice into your life each time you go away helps you  keep the energy of the trip alive in you for a long time.

Most important: really live the moments you are away FULLY, and use that practice to enjoy life when you are home. If the travel bug bites, follow it and know that both travel and home life in balance give us a healthy perspective on what is real and important in life.

This is a low – fat version of the classic Guatemalan favorite. Quick, easy and a delicious side dish for fish or chicken, the plantain is one of the healthiest foods in the world in terms of nutritional value. Rich in low GI carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins & minerals, the plantain packs even more nutritional punch than its close relative, the banana. Enjoy this quick, easy & healthy treat!

Ingredients:

• 4 very ripe plantains (when the skin is yellow with spots of black they’re perfect)
• cooking spray

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 450°F.
2. Coat a nonstick cookie sheet with cooking spray.
3. Cut the ends off of the plantains and peel.
4. Cut each plantain on the diagonal into 1/2 inch slices.
5. Arrange in single layer and coat tops with cooking spray.
6. Bake, turning occasionally, for 10-15 minutes, until plantains are golden brown and very tender.
   ENJOY!

Well known for it’s pristine beaches  and magnificent setting where the Adriatic and Ionian Sea’s meet , Puglia is one of  Southern Italy’s most prized treasures.  It’s old World charm and landscape make for a popular backdrop and setting for a variety of novels and films.

Films

The Passion of the Christ

The Omen

The Nativity Story

La Lupa

The Star Maker

Novels

Christo si e fermato a Eboli by Carlo Levi

Head Over Heel by Chris Harrison

Casa Rossa by Francesca Marciano

Blood, Bones and Butter” by Gabrielle Hamilton – Gabrielle is the chef and owner of Prune in NY….part of the book revolves around her experiences and influences of being at her husbands family villa in Puglia

The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco- Part of this intellectual mystery is set in a castle in Puglia _also made into a movie starring Sean Connery and Christian Slater

It is that time of year again, when Escape To Shape packs it up and heads out to one of their all-time favorite locations, Marrakech. From the majestic beauty of the Atlas Mountains to the exotic Medina and the sensory-rich souks, Marrakech always delights!

This quick & easy Moroccan Blood Orange Salad is sure to satisfy- plus, it adds color to any spring or summer plate!  The blood oranges, cumin & mint give the salad a distinct & delicious Moroccan flavor. Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 3 blood oranges, peeled and thinly sliced
• 3 oranges, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onion
• 2 tablespoons wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• Lettuce leaves
• 2 tablespoons snipped fresh mint

Directions

1. Place blood oranges, oranges and green onion in a shallow serving dish. Sprinkle with vinegar, olive oil, oregano, cumin, dash salt, and dash pepper; toss gently. Let marinate 30 to 60 minutes at room temperature. To serve, arrange mixture on lettuce-lined plates; sprinkle with snipped mint or parsley. Makes 6 side-dish servings.

The area just outside of Merida serves as a remarkable example of the history and culture of this vast county called Mexico. Evidence of the deeply rooted Mayan traditions and history can be seen everywhere, from the pyramids to the people and the flavorful cuisine. Add to this the exquisite natural beauty of a region long known for it’s lush jungles and hidden cenotes and top it off with a Spanish colonial flavor- from the architecture and the narrow streets to the palatial haciendas to the festive music. Step back in time…

TO READ

Escape To Mexico- An Anthology of Great Fiction, Edited by Sara Nickles

Like Water For Chocolate by Laura Esquivel

The Lacuna: A Novel by Barbara Kingsolver

Mayan Cuisine-  Recipes From The Yucatan Region by Daniel Hoyer

Foods of the Maya: A Taste of the Yucatan  by Nancy Gerlach

Mayan Cooking: Recipes From the Sun Kingdoms of Mexico by Cherry Hamman

A Forest of Kings: The Untold Story of the Ancient Maya by Linda Schele

Star Gods of the Maya; Astronomy in Art, Folklore, and Calendars by Susan Milbrath

The Fall of the Ancient Maya; Solving the Mystery of the Maya Collapse by David L. Webster

Chronicle of the Maya Kinds and Queens; Deciphering the Dynasties of the Ancient Maya by Simon Martin

Maya Cosmogenesis 2012: The True Meaning of the Maya Calendar End-Date by John Major

TO SEE

Apocalypto- Mel Gibson’s take on the fall of the Mayan Civilization

Frida- starring Salma Hayek, Alfred Molina & Antonio Banderas. Directed by Julie Taymor

Like Water For Chocolate, based on the best selling novel of the same name. Critically acclaimed example of Mexican storytelling at it finest.

By request, here is the playlist from the last yoga class I taught in Marrakech. May it serve as an inspiration to some and a reminder to others. Enjoy & namaste…

Be Thankful For What You Got by Massive Attack

Crash Into Me by Dave Matthews

Ventura Highway by America

Just Breathe by Pearl Jam

Life In A Northern Town by Sugarland, Little Big Town & Jake Owen

Why Does My Heart by Moby

All Good Things Come To An End by Nelly Furtado

Silencio by Nelly Furtado & Josh Groban

Sober by Pink

Empire State Of Mind by Jay Z & Alicia Keys

Where Is The Love? by Black Eyed Peas

Halo by Beyonce

Dance Me To The End Of Love by Leonard Cohen

Drums In The Jungle by African Tribal Orchestra

Sweet Thing by Van Morrison

Thank You by  Natalie Merchant

Dr Frankenstein by Jack Savoretti

Long Time Traveller by The Wallin’ Jennys

Songbird by Eva Cassidy

Wendeyaho by Sudha