Biking. In heels. 8 months pregnant.

Every summer I usually take part in Recess' Health Immersion Program, which is a total blast and the highlight of my summer. I always make new friends and really enjoy the companionship and commitment the group inspires. Oh, and did I mention my arms always look totally cut by the time camp is done?

I also learned how to surf one year when all of the campers did a surf camp at the end of the program. As proof see one of my buddies to the left there. Well this year camp starts on July 1 and I could be giving birth at any time, so I am missing camp this year. WAAHHHHHHHHHH!

So, how have I managed to at least keep my heart rate up and my body feeling healthy under the strange pressures of pregnancy? My bike. That's right. My number one form of transportation is still a reliable standby and allows me to get out, get fresh air and move my body in a low impact way. So far so good. I have continued to enjoy the summer in Portland and in the meantime my primary mode of transportation is also keeping me fit.

True, it's more cardio vascular than muscular (no cut arms for me this summer) and I might not look like a runway model but my pregnancy has been really healthy and I feel I have regular exercise to thank for it!

Recess 2009 Portland Health Immersion (Formerly Boot Camp)

Enroll in the Next Two Weeks for a Chance to Win!

Free classes galore, and a yoga mat to boot A big hello and a giant thank you to those of you who have gotten in touch with us about this year's Health Immersion. If you've been thinking about signing up, the time to act is now! Thanks to our wonderful sponsors, we've got a killer package of free classes and goodies to give to one fun lovin', wellness-embracin', future Recess Health Immersion participant. If you sign up in the next two weeks, that's by Tuesday, June 9th, you'll be automatically entered in a drawing to win... One month of free membership at Alameda Fitness Center Two weeks of free classes at Studio Nia One free class at NW Pilates One free class at Yoga Pearl A yoga mat A lucy activewear water bottle A Bob's Red Mill cookie Scroll down to sign up, and have a chance to check out some of Portland's coolest wellness studios!

The Essential Info

Dates, Times, Location, Workouts, and Goodie Bags! For this year's health immersion (formerly boot camp), we'll have two groups--one that meets Mon/Wed and one that meets Tues/Thurs. The groups will meet together on Saturdays. Dates: 2009 Health Immersion runs from 7/1-8/29. Mon & Wed, 6:15-7:30 p.m. Sat 10-11 a.m. or Tues & Thurs, 6:15-7:30 p.m. Sat 10-11 a.m. *Must enroll by June 24th* Location: Duniway Park - SW Portland - easily accessible by bike and close to every major roadway (26, 405, 5). Certain activities may meet at other easy-to-reach locations. The camp includes: * Pre and post body composition/fitness assessment * All of our personalized reports * Seminars on nutrition, cooking, exercise and integrative arts like yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, Budokon, etc. * A cool group of "campers" and Recess instructors * Participant-only web portal access * Goodie bags and prizes worth over $200 Cost: $250 a month More questions? Email Kaitlin at kaitlin@recesswellness.com SIGN UP ONLINE TODAY>>

Dear god, it's nice outside.

Do you have a yard? No?

Do you have a porch? No? Hmmm.....

Do you have a park nearby? Far away?

Whatever options you have, put on some walking shoes, grab a blanket, pack some fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil and a little balsamic, oil and bread and have a picnic. Seriously. Just get outside. Even if it's over lunch and you are eating some awful egg salad sandwich from the 7-11.

I am so in love with Portland summer this year and so happy that I decided to actually participate in the Health Immersion. It is forcing me to leave work early, get out of the house and enjoy the long, mild summer evenings.



At the Health Immersion (formerly bootcamp) we've been doing Pilates in a cute, shady park with big leafy trees. Some days it feels like I literally have to scrape my butt off of the office chair and force myself to go. Afterwards I can hardly believe I seriously considered not going.

For starters, Health Immersion is like summer camp for grownups. I love all of the people in the program. They are mature, fun, and really supportive of one another. Just spending time around a bunch of people focused on living healthier lives is really uplifting for me.

I love the way my towel smells. I just can't get the smell of sunscreen out of it no matter how many times I wash it. And I just don't care. My yoga mat is currently out on loan, but doing Pilates in the grass means a towel works just fine and there is nothing that smells quite as good as the fading aroma of some coconutty sunscreen as you relax after your fourth seal pose (or whatever they call it in Pilates).

The river is just a shot little jog over from the park where the program meets. Last night I sat by the river with two friends, checking out the lights winking on the water, eating warm bread with cheese and oysters and feeling really grateful for all of this time I've been spending outside.

Celebrate Summer with Yoga

Last week I got to experience yoga outside for the first time - and it was amazing! I felt so lucky to be able to share a perfect sunny evening with all the lovely ladies - and one gentleman - in our bootcamp! The sun was just perfect and the calming voice of our instructor - Taya Gunsul - drowned out the passing cars.

This Wednesday evening I may try and join The Bhaktishop as they take a special bike ride around Portland and check out some of the best places to do yoga outside and celebrate Portland's month long bike celebration - Pedalpalooza. Meet the group at the top of Mt Tabor and finish at their new studio to close the evening with a yoga practice. I don't know about you but I am ready to celebrate summer now that it is finally here!