Saylor Storm

The Tabata method is a form of HIIT (high intensity interval training) exercise training developed by Japanese scientist, Dr. Izumi Tabata, at the National Institute of Fitness and Sports in Tokyo.

In the 1990’s Dr. Tabata conducted research on 2 groups of athletes. The first group was asked to exercise moderately for 1 hour a day, 5 days a week, for 6 weeks. The second group was instructed to exercise for 4 minutes a day (20 seconds at high intensity with 10 seconds of rest for 8 rounds), 4 days a week, for 6 weeks.

At the end of the study Tabata and his team found that the first group had improved their cardiovascular capacity but not their anaerobic fitness. The second group had improved their cardiovascular system more than the first group (by 14%) plus they had increased their anaerobic fitness by 28%.

Benefits of Tabata training include:

• Time saver
• Fat burner
• Increased metabolism long after exercise
• Builds muscle (unlike endurance exercise which can tear muscle down)
• No equipment needed
• Burns 13 calories per minute

Cons of Tabata training include:

• Not for beginners
• Uncomfortable due to intensity
• High impact – risk of injury
• Monotonous

Tabata training can be done in a class or at home with no special equipment. Training can incorporate a wide range of exercises from pushups, squats, and, burpess to kettlebell swings, single barbell exercises, and cycling. A typical workout would include 4 sets of exercises done at 4 minutes for each set. For example; 1 set of pushups for 4 minutes (20 seconds on with a 10 second rest), 1 set of squats for 4 minutes, 1 set of burpees for 4 minutes, and 1 set of mountain climbers for 4 minutes. The total workout time is under 20 minutes and should not be repeated more than twice a week.

There are numerous Tabata videos on YouTube with specific Tabata music for timing and inspiration such as the one below:

Derma rolling, also known as micro needling, was first used by German dermatologist, Ernst Kromayer, to treat scars, birthmarks and hyperpigmentation. Today micro needling can easily be done at home or in the dermatologist’s office.

Derma rolling benefits include:

  -Reduces scars

  -Reduces wrinkles

  -Reduces stretch marks

  -Increases skin thickness

  -Enhances product absorption

  -Reduces acne scarring

  -Reduces skin discoloration

  -Improves hair growth

  -Promotes collagen production

  -Improves skin elasticity

It is best to start with a small (.25mm) needle and slowly work your way up to .5mm, 1mm and 1.5mm size. Anything over 1.5mm should be done in a doctor’s office. If your skin is sensitive you can prepare your skin with lidocaine cream prior to rolling. Make sure your face and hands are washed, and the roller is disinfected with alcohol.

The .25mm roller can be used every other day; the .5mm 1-3 times per week, the 1mm every 10-14 days, and the 1.5mm every 3-4 weeks. After treatment the skin will readily absorb any skin care product. Vitamin C serums, niacinamide creams, epidermal growth factors and hyaluronic acid are the most recommended after treatment products.

https://amzn.to/35Ma894 Here is an affiliate link to my favorite .5mm roller by Koi Beauty.

To learn how to derma roll, watch this short demonstration video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWTQ5_vG8zY

In 1987, David Kibbe, a New York based image professional published a book called, Metamorphasis, which illustrates his own body typing system. Kibbe’s book is detailed and comprehensive, breaking the body types into 5 main categories:

  -Dramatic (yin)

  -Natural

  -Classic

  -Gamine

  -Romantic (yang)

Kibbe’s typing is broken down by bone structure, basically starting with yin lines (rounded, soft, curvy, feminine), and at the opposite end is yang (sharp, angular, masculine, and prominent features). Think Marilyn Monroe as the yin, rounded type and model, Tilda Swinton, on the opposite end of the spectrum as the yang or sharp type.

All other body types fall somewhere in between the two extremes of yin and yang. Between the dramatic and romantic types there are mixtures of types; classic, which is an even balance of the two, not too rounded and not too sharp. Think grace Kelly on this one. Then there’s the gamine, which is also a mixture of round and sharp, but containing both sharp and rounded lines, not a blend of the two mixed together. Halle Berry is an example of a gamine. Lastly, there is the natural body type, which falls between the classic and dramatic types, having very few yin features. Blake lively is a good example of a natural type.

Kibbe breaks each of the 5 types further ending with 13 sub-types as follows:

• Dramatic
• Soft Dramatic
• Natural
• Flamboyant Natural
• Soft Natural
• Classic
• Dramatic Classic
• Soft Classic
• Gamine
• Flamboyant Gamine
• Soft Gamine
• Romantic
• Theatrical Romantic

Each of the basic five types are broken down into softer or more angular versions of that type.

This may all seem confusing and overwhelming but there are tests online you can take to determine your type as well as a ton of information on the Internet. Kibbe takes into account your overall bone structure, face structure, the shape of your hands, the length of your limbs, etc. Your body type will not change with age or with weight gain and the guidelines will work for men as well as women. Kibbe’s goal is not to change or bring balance to your body type but rather to work with your natural body lines. By wearing the correct clothing, jewelry, and hair for your body type you will look your best. Imagine Grace Kelly with long, tousled hair and loosely fitting bohemian style clothing, it just doesn’t work with her classic body type.

For a comprehensive guide to the Kibbe body types, click here:

For further information, check out this video by Aly Art:

The evidence of beetroot dates back to Neolithic civilizations in both Egypt and the Netherlands. Ancient Greeks cultivated beetroot in 300 B.C. and only ate the leaves; they used it for both binding and dressing wounds. They ate it for a longer life and considered it to be worth its weight in silver. The Romans used it as a laxative and to cure a fever.

Beetroot powder is loaded with nutrients, including:

• Protein
• Fiber
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin B6
• Folate
• Magnesium
• Potassium
• Manganese
• Iron

Beetroot powder is high in nitrates and coverts to nitric oxide in the body. Its many health benefits include:

• Protects cells from damage.
• Relaxes blood vessels.
• Improves circulation.
• Decreases blood pressure.
• Strengthens the heart.
• Increases endurance.
• Helps you to power through high-intensity workouts.
• Reduces recovery time.
• Boosts brain health.
• Fights inflammation.
• Supports liver health.
• Encourages weight loss.
• Helps erectile dysfunction (by increasing nitric oxide just as Viagra does).

Below is a link to my favorite beetroot powder. One word of caution; do not be alarmed by any pink or red-hued urine or feces after consuming the powder.

https://amzn.to/2Z1VXse

If you are interested in learning more, check out the video below: