We asked Marc Lewis, a highly accomplished yoga instructor, his favorite fitness and nutrition tips. He shares some of his simple, yet effective, suggestions here:
1. How do you stick to healthy, fresh food options? I like to cook as much as possible with organic and fresh foods. I usually start the day with energizing fruits like pineapple, banana, blueberries, and some almond milk. On occasion, I make a delicious smoothie with almond milk and a frozen berry medley. For lunch I usually take some leftovers from the previous night’s dinner with me so I always have nutrition wherever I go, not a mystery meal from a restaurant. My dinners consist of nutritious vegetables and a source of protein like lean red meat, fish, or chicken.
2. What are your favorite pre- and post-workout foods, for energy and recovery, respectively? Depending on the activity, I try to eat accordingly. If I’m doing Yoga, a light meal 2-3 hours before I practice is where I start. I stick to easily digestible foods like veggies, fruits and fish. For more sustainable energy, like a 3-4 hour bike ride, I will take in a good amount of carbohydrates, like yams or sweet potatoes, fruits, and lean red meat. After the workout I usually have somewhat of the same as before and I also have some highly concentrated form of protein to help muscle recovery.
3. Spill your secrets—what’s the top fitness “secret” that really enhances your fitness experience? My top secret for stimulation follows the same principles as my diet: eat little and often, and train as many times as you have time for. A good schedule is once in the am, and once in the pm. This routine gets the metabolism going and you really have to change things up so you won’t get bored, which will also stimulate more muscle fibers and help you find a higher level of fitness. I like to swim, cycle, run, lift weights, and train like a mixed martial artist, but it doesn’t all come together without the most crucial part, Yoga.
4. What is your favorite fitness spot? My favorite place to train would be the right place for that particular type of training. Nothing beats the open road for cycling (a stationary is just too confining) however, I see its benefits while in the gym also. I really like the beach too; I use resistance bands and run on the soft sand to help stimulate different parts of the body. And of course I think Santa Monica Power Yoga Studio has some of the most eclectic teachers and classes to get whatever type of Yoga class you are looking for.
5. What’s your best stress-reducing strategy? My best stress reducing therapy is, without a doubt, Yoga. This is usually a Hatha style flow class, but on occasion a period of simply sitting and meditating at the waters edge or in a secure quite space will do the trick.
For more info or helpful advice from Marc, please contact him at MarcFrancisLewis@yahoo.com
