Play kickball in Kansas City

I just learned that in the Kansas City metro area, there is one of the largest adult kickball leagues in the midwest.  The league is called Kansas City BIG BALLS Kickball and they look like A LOT of fun.  They play on Sundays in the spring, summer and fall.  In fact, the summer league just recently began and it’s not too late to join.  They’ve always got room for more players.  It’ really looks like a great way to get out the house, hang with some friends and even get a little excercise.

I checked out their website and it looks like most of the games are played at the Blue Ridge Soccer Complex (128th & Blue Ridge Boulevard, Jackson County).  You can also call 314-565-9441 for more info.

As a kid, kickball was that one game that everyone had fun playing.  It’ s like a combination of softball and soccer.  Well, if you liked it as a kid, you’ll probably love it as an adult.  Just now after a game a when you’re all sweaty, instead of heading to fourth period math class, you can head to the bar to grab a few beers with your teammates!

(Photo Credit: Joe Marinaro)

One Minute Meditation

Who out there in Hampton Woods is busy? Raise your right hand. Who’s stressed? Raise your left hand. Now stretch your arms up above your head as far as you can stretch them and take a deep breath through your nostrils, feeling your abdomen extend. Now take another. And another. While you are stretching your arms up think about how the breath feels coming in through your nose, going down into your lungs and then being exhaled.

Now repeat.

Congrats! You just completed a one minute meditation. You feel at least a little bit better, don’t you? Your mind should be a tad bit clearer and you should feel slighty more focused. While some may argue that this isn’t a real meditation, but you can certainly enjoy the benefits of this stress relieveing technique. Everthing doesn’t have to be difficult or complex to be valuable. You have to take time for you. If you don’t you’ll make yourself nuts, stress out your heart and your immune system. And really folks, who needs that? Instead, just sit and be quiet for a second and be present in your own thoughts. It really works!

In-Season Produce: Markets near Hampton Woods

Do you shop for your fresh food and produce locally? If not, you may want to give it some serious consideration. Although today’s global market allows us to buy foods grown almost anywhere in the world at any given time, this option is not the most sustainable.

Buying in-season fruits and vegetables that are locally grown helps to eliminate the environmental damage caused by shipping foods across the country – and in some cases – the world. Not only does your food dollar go directly to the farmers, but you’re able to enjoy the health benefits of eating fresh, better tasting, unprocessed produce. According to the National Resources Defense Council, in-season foods for the state of Missouri (and surrouning areas) include:

Here is a short list of markets that sell fresh locally grown foods near the Hampton Woods area. If you can suggest any other markets, leave a comment and let the community know!

Markets near Hampton Woods

Going Green: Invigorate your hair

Check out this easy Do it Yourself recipe courtesy of The Daily Green…

Revitalizing Avocado Hair Treatment

• 1 medium avocado — peeled and stoned
• 2 tablespoons honey

Mash together the ingredients in a small bowl.  Massage into hair.  Leave for 20-30 minutes.  Wash hair as usual.  Makes 1 application.

Fogelman Management Group is focused on spreading the word about Going Green, a term that signifies the social movement towards environmental conservation, protection and improvement. It’s all about making simple lifestyle choices that will lessen our negative impact on the Earth. Making and using home products with organic materials is just one way to we can make a difference.

Stay tuned to the Hampton Woods blog throughout the month of April for more tips on how you can play your part.

Gym Classes: Yoga vs. Pilates

I’ve been hitting the gym pretty regularly lately and I’ve noticed that a lot more people are coming in and joining the fitness classes that are offered.  Let’s face it, in a down economy; spending money on a personal trainer is probably not very high on most people’s priority lists.  But fitness is important no matter what your income statement looks like so it’s easy to see why a group class is an attractive option.

Two of the most popular classes I’ve seen both men and women participating in are Yoga and Pilates.  While the two are very similar ways of exercising, they have some differences.

Pilates emphasizes the balanced development of the body through core strength, flexibility, and awareness.  The method was actually invented by circus performer/professional boxer Joseph Pilates.

Yoga, a Sanskrit word for “union”, while very similar to Pilates, essentially focuses more on stretching the muscles.  Yoga also works to integrate mental and spiritual well-being with physical activity, thereby creating a union of body forces.

I suggest getting with a friend and trying out one of these classes.  They may be just what your body is looking for.  Check out Gold’s Gym at 6501 South Frontage Rd. if you’re interested.  They offer both classes throughout the week.

A Cherry Bed Time Story

Did you know that eating cherries before you go to bed can help you sleep better? According to studies it’s true. Apparently cherries are filled with melatonin, which is the same hormone created by our bodies to regulate sleep patterns. Hmm, who knew?

How about a Cup of Warm Tea?

While I love lemonade, I’m not so sure it’s the best thing to drink in the winter time. How about a cup of warm tea instead? Drinking something warm can help your body adjust to the colder temperatures and can also help with your vitality. For more winter health tips click here.