Riding the Wave of Change
By Edwige Gilbert

Today more than ever, people are experiencing serious anxiety problems and a growing sense of impending doom. Between the U.S. economy in freefall, a new presidency and the deluge of breaking news and electronic communications, there is no reprieve from being bombarded 24/7. In the private realm, we are surely setting new record highs in our stress levels: deadlines, money worries and job concerns create even more family conflicts with difficult decisions to make on a daily basis. It's no surprise that many of us seek solace in unhealthy behaviors such as overindulging in comfort foods, drinking, smoking, gambling and holding endless =93Why me?=94 pity parties, even if just in the privacy of our own minds. All of this creates the perfect environment for the killer stress to breed and fester.

So let me ask you, do you believe we are doomed to live in this roller coaster ride of anxious changes or can we find a way to get back on track and reconnect to our joyful spirit?
Read more at the ECA Website!

Conference Highlights

ECA/OBOW 2010 NYC

Want to showcase your amazing new product? Put your products in the spotlight and in the hands of the fitness industry's experts and innovators. Register to become a presenting partner or exhibitor at ECA/OBOW 2010 in New York City!

OBOW Monthly Green Tip

Catch up on Cop15 Climate Negotiations at the official website to find out who was there, what happened and what climate change initiatives have been set forth. Act now or it will cost you later! A recent study on climate change shows that if global warming emissions continue at their current rate factors such as sea-level rise and real estate losses from severe weather will reach 1.4% of the GDP by 2025. (Ackerman and Stanton 2008). Read how the rising cost of climate change could effect your individual state at the Union of Concerned Scientist website.

Did you know?

Did you know hot chocolate is packed with anti-oxidants and is actually better for you than green tea? Check out this fun recipe to warm you up this winter!

Fun Feature

Don't let the cold and snow dampen your outdoor workout routine. The winter weather is not an excuse to stay on the couch. So get up, put on your winter gear and get outside! When embarking upon an outdoor winter workout, keep these tips in mind.

• Wear multiple layers and protect your hands, feet and extremities.
• Drink fluids, the cold won't keep you from dehydration.
• End your workout with the wind at your back to decrease the chances of catching a chill when you've been sweating.
• Use sunscreen to protect your face from the reflection of snow and ice.
• Educate yourself! If you have concerns about the effects of cold on your outdoor workout, check with your doctor and do some research to find the best ways to beat the cold this winter.

For more winter workout tips, visit the Mayo Clinic website.

Slow Down for Slow Food?
By Scott Josephson

Carlo Petrini founded the Slow Food Movement in 1989 in Italy. Since then, the Slow Food movement has flourished in 122 countries around the globe.

Slow Food USA is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to supporting and celebrating the food traditions of North America through programs and activities dedicated to taste education, defending bio-diversity and building food communities. Sounds a bit like a confusing mission statement, but here's what it really means. Slow Food USA believes that the pleasure and the quality of life is greatly increased when we make time to cook and share meals with family and friends using ingredients that honor our traditions and our land. Okay, that's not a bad idea! On the other hand, America is a fast food nation based on convenience and statistics show that American's have the highest BMI on the planet along with a very high rate of obesity.

Learn more about the Slow Food Movement by reading the complete article in the Winter Issue of ECA News!
SUBSCRIBE HERE

Financial Fitness
with Joseph Esposito

Q: What should businesses be expecting in 2010 and how can they prepare?

A: The global economy seems to be strengthening. China recently released news that their manufacturing industry expanded last month at the fasted rate in 20 months, which is great news considering China is seen as the growth engine of the global economy. Although, the global economy may be recovering, we still face many headwinds in the United States. Unemployment is still at an unacceptable level and it will be difficult to have a true economic recovery with such a large amount of people unemployed. Also, we do not know how the latest reforms in healthcare will affect our insurance costs. In addition, the repeal of the Bush tax cuts will take effect on December 31st 2010 and such a significant tax increase can delay a recovery.

These issues are significant and can adversely impact the business climate in 2010 and years ahead. As business owners, we need to plan accordingly. The issues stated above are somewhat out of our control but there are aspects of our business that we can control. We should carefully review our expenses, cut waste, and review our benefit plans, i.e heath and retirement plans. Every business owner should have a business plan in place. Business owners should also meet with their financial advisor and health insurance agent to review the costs and benefits of their plans. I am confident that we will forge through these issues and emerge as a strong robust economy. There are many signs that we are on the path to recovery, but we still need to run our businesses as efficiently as possible to build reserves to get us through challenging times.

For More Financial Tips and Advice
Contact Joseph Esposito at joseph.esposito@lpl.com or visit PinnacleInvestmentConsultants.com

Featured Events

Every Thurs. in NYC
Organic New York City Style Hip Hop at the Ailey Extension, 405 West 55th Street, at 9th Avenue. Advanced/Beginner/Intermediate. $16.00 per class. For more information, email snapoplock@aol.com or call 212-405-9000.

Every Sat. in NYC
Organic New York City Style Hip Hop at the Ailey Extension, 405 West 55th Street, at 9th Avenue. Absolute Beginner Class. $16.00 per class. For more information, email snapoplock@aol.com or call 212-405-9000.

Each Sat. night in NYC
Take a class at the JCC in Manhattan for FREE and bring friends, from 7:15 - 8:15pm. Non-members try a class free! For more information contact or call 646-505-5716.

January

Powerstrike ™ Certification
January 29 and March 5, 2010

Powerstrike ™ Intensive
When: Jan 29 9:30am to 5:00pm; Where: Equinox Columbus Circle - 60th Street and Broadway at Columbus Circle

Powerstrike ™ Instructor
When: March 5 10:00am to 5:00pm; Where: Equinox Columbus Circle

FORZA CERTIFICATION
Jan 15 and Feb 12, 2010

FORZA INTENSIVE
When: Jan 15 9:30am to 5:00pm; Where: Equinox Columbus Circle - 60th Street and Broadway at Columbus Circle

FORZA INSTRUCTOR
When: Feb 12 10:00am to 5:00pm; Where: Equinox Columbus Circle

For detailed information about these events please email us at Info@powerstrike.com

YEE YOGA
When: March 15-20 Where: Blue Spirit Retreat, Nosara, Costa Rica; Sign up: For more detailed information and to register, please contact Lisa Stewart at lisas@yeeyoga.com or 575-770-2379

ISCA
Calendar of Events January 2010 thru June 2010. For detailed information on events please call: 305-778-0061

MELT ™
New Year class schedule, private and semi-private lessons, and special events. Where: Melbourne, Florida. For more information, please contact Christine: 914-497-4375 or 321-951-8000, cpurdy45@aol.com, www.Customfitofbrevard.com

On The Horizon

March 18-21
New York, NY. ECA / OBOW Fitness Conference and Trade Show. This exciting event takes place in Times Square, in the heart of the theater district in New York City! ECA brings you the most creative and thought provoking programming along with the tools you need as fitness professionals to excel. Trade Show, networking opportunities, meet and greet people and presenters from around the world! Visitwww.ecaworldfitness.com for more information.

If you have events / workshops to be listed: Please forward the following information to SusanVKasper@optonline.net. Date, city, state, title of event, event sponsor, and contact information including website, and / or phone number.