Lighten. Up. It’s a Workout, a Philosophy–and a New Video (Check It Out!)

February 22, 2011

Lighten. Up. It's a Workout, a Philosophy--and a New Video (Check It Out!)

Posted by Terri Trespicio

The March issue of Whole Living is dedicated to happiness, in all its myriad shapes and forms. And while happiness may surprise you in the strangest places (see "The Secret to Happiness," pg. 69), there's one fail-safe method for accessing it.

Here's a hint: It's the opposite of standing still.

For the story "Lighten Up" Whole Living contributor Kate Hanley and I worked with our team of artists and experts to figure out what kind of exercise would be sure to turn a bad day around. And we found out that if you want levity, you have to jump. So as you'll see in this video, we designed a workout entirely around jumping, kicking, punching--all of which get your endorphins flowing bigtime.

We had some help from Michael Olajide, Jr., former boxer and co-founder of Aerospace NYC, a boxing-fusion type gym in Manhattan. We also consulted with Tim Haft, owner of New York City-based Punk Rope, which looks like a ton of fun for kids and adults alike.

To really bring it to life, we hired the Martha Graham dancers to come in and perform the workout--which they did with great spirit and aplomb.

(If you're having trouble viewing the whole video above, click here for the link and then click the thumbnail for the video.)

We also think this fun backstage/making-of video does more than just showcase this one story--we think it sort of captures what a page and a blog entry can't: A moving, breathing, living image of what the Whole Living lifestyle is all about. And it's not just about what you should do (you "should" exercise, you "should eat your vegetables") but what you want to do--feel younger, happier, lighter than ever.

Check out the story here!

Terri Trespicio is senior features editor at Whole Living magazine and the host of "Whole Living" on Martha Stewart Living Radio, which airs every day at 10a East / 7a West on Sirius 112 / XM 157. Follow her on twitter @TerriT or subscribe to her videos on youtube at TerriT73.