The Journey for a Healthier and More Active Lifestyle

Posted on by under Health and Fitness, Travel

Health and Wellness

If you’re like me, right now, you’re starting off the New Year with the resolution that has been #1 on everyone’s agenda and that is to lose weight and stay active.  So, over the course of 2013, I have decided to do some restructuring of my life and get a handle on how to keep myself size active.  When I say size active, I mean a size where I am at my most comfortable and where I’m feeling good about myself.  Striving to look like a supermodel or six-pack abs is not necessary, but if it does happen, then I’m all for it.

2012 started off with me becoming a dance workout instructor.  I teach a workout called LATIN JAM WORKOUT.

Latin Jam Workout

It’s a mix of Latin-infused music with cardio and it’s at a higher impact than ZUMBA where it’s easy to follow all the while having fun.  I teach in now FOUR locations in Los Angeles all the while keeping my normal day job and doing a side gig as an independent consultant for my upcoming business (which I will incorporate in this blog as it does deal with health and wellness).

One of the things that I HIGHLY stress before doing any kind of workout regime, body cleanses or dieting is that you consult your physician.  I can’t stress that enough because the one thing you want to do is once you lose the weight or alter your lifestyle, you want it to easily be a part of your life and not just a constant yo-yo struggle.  Your physician is your key and if he/she tells you what you need to do to be healthy, by all means:  LISTEN!  Your life could depend on it.  Ask all the major questions you need to ask including all of the products that you have on your product list that you are interested in trying.  Once they give you the okay, then start mapping out your blueprint.

Now that I have settled down and back from my whirlwind trip to India for a friend’s wedding, I have been mapping out my blueprint.  It’s amazing what one can do while lying in bed recovering from jet lag and insomnia.  The ideas start to flow.  This past December, I recently became an independent consultant for a health and wellness company called Arbonne.

Arbonne International

This company has been around for 30+ years now and I’ve done quite the research on their products as they stress that they are non-toxic, vegan and all natural.  Let’s just say (long story short), the products are actually wonderful.  They have a little bit of everything for your face, body, cleanses, vitamins, makeup and so much more.  Those of you know that when I feel passionate about something, chances are it’s the real thing.  I even had a friend try their face products for three days and she even fell in love with their products and this is coming from a person who uses all natural items like oatmeal, avocado and mayonnaise as her beauty items.  So, in my quest to get healthy, I’m going to combine the health and wellness products of Arbonne into my regular schedule and document my journey.  If you are ever interested in any of the products on the website, feel free to hit me up and I’ll give you the 411.

This year will mark a milestone for me.  My 40th.  So, I plan on getting a lot done in 2013.  Traveling overseas was the start and now getting healthy and active is the other.  Will you join me on the quest for a healthier and more active lifestyle?

Michael Clarke Duncan, 'Green Mile' Oscar nominee, dies at 54

Posted on by under Entertainment

Reblogged from Inside Movies:

Michael Clarke Duncan, who received an Academy Award nomination as Best Supporting Actor for his role in 1999's The Green Mile, has died, EW confirms. He was 54.

The actor, who most recently played Leo Nox on Fox's Bones spin-off The Finder, suffered a heart attack in July that kept him in the intensive care unit for over a month…

Read more… 174 more words

Such an extraordinary talent. Definitely gone too soon. His performance in THE GREEN MILE will live on in my mind. R.I.P. Michael Clarke Duncan. Gentle Giant.

It’s A Cardio Fusion December

Posted on by under Health and Fitness, Uncategorized

Four exciting workout genres collide together this Sunday, December 18th at 10:30AM at The Los Angeles Dance Center (342 1/2 N. Ford Street) to bring to you an intense workout session guaranteed to make you sweat and burn off those holiday calories.  This 90-Minute Workout promises to bring you the very best in Zumba, CardioMax, Latin Jam, Hip Hop Groove and much, much more.

Ruby Patino of NO LIMITS FITNESS will bring to you her brand of fitness that has been a staple for THE LOS ANGELES DANCE CENTER’S weekly schedule.  Ruby’s very active in the community and has been an active supporter of CSOAF (Community School of Arts Foundation) which does their yearly ZUMBATHON and is prominent in promoting health and fitness such as the yearly Get Up! Get Moving event.  Ruby Patino will also feature her NO LIMITS STUDENTS Yessenya and Jovita.

Angela Correa, who is a four-time participant in the monthly fusion events will bring her exciting style of Zumba that has brought her a tremendous following of loyal supporters.  Angela teaches at 24 Hour Fitness in Mid-Wilshire and Groupx 24 Hour Fitness in Downtown and is very active in community events and awareness and most recently appeared alongside Ruby Patino in this year’s ZUMBATHON for CSOAF.

Jerod Williams and Candice Vega (first time participants in this event) will bring an intense style of Latin Jam which combines the latest in Latin Music, Hip Hop and Reggaeton with Cardio.  This high impact workout class is featured every Saturday morning at THE LOS ANGELES DANCE CENTER.  Jerod (along with his co-partner Candice Vega) recently participated in the Get Up! Get Moving event and have been actively promoting JP Santana’s Latin Jam Workout brand for the past two years and evolved from being students to first-time instructors.

There you have it, folks.  Exciting Instructors, FOUR Amazing Workouts and TWO Dance Stages.  The holidays are upon us and while you are making that Christmas List and checking it twice why not do your body right by giving it a proper workout all the while having fun and meeting some cool and fun people.

TICKETS for the event are $12.00.

RSVP on this event’s FACEBOOK PAGE

LIKE OUR LOS ANGELES DANCE CENTER FACEBOOK FAN PAGE BY CLICKING HERE

Ruby Patino, Angela Correa, Candice Vega and Jerod Williams will be selling tickets as well.  Feel free to hit them up for your pre-sale ticket.

See you on the dance floor!

Scenery Behold

Posted on by under Travel, Uncategorized

A friend once told me “Life is full of beauty.  Stop for a moment and start noticing.”  Often I go from Point A to Point B, go from destination to destination and not even notice my
surroundings.  I’m usually concerned about getting to this place on time or wonder how long can I be at this place before I need to run to the next destination.  Time constraints, ugh!  I never get to notice my surroundings.  I’ve lived in California for the better part of 11 years of my life and it wasn’t until 5 years ago, I started to really sit down and take a look around and noticed.  I said to myself, “Self, you live in a beautiful city.  Start living your life.  You deserve it.”

For those of you who know me know that I am a sucker for great scenery.  I have developed a deep appreciation for my surroundings so wherever I go, I always pay attention to my environment because you never know what exciting visuals could take your breath away.  Lucky for me, I haven’t had to go too far in my travels to appreciate what’s around me.  By the way, these photos are ALL MY PHOTOGRAPHY.

Downtown Los Angeles

Downtown Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA. Young Professionals and Exciting Hotspots

Downtown Los Angeles is where I spend a majority of my time due to my job.
Architecturally, Downtown L.A. has by far one of the most beautifully structured buildings I’ve seen.  The way the city lights up at night is absolutely amazing.  There are times I catch myself after I get off from work looking at the sun setting over the horizon.

Maui (Hawaii)

Escape to Paradise: The Island of Maui has the most amazing landscapes

About four years ago, I went with friends to the Island of Maui and I have to admit, that trip changed my perception on life and taught me how to enjoy all the beauty around me.  There were a lot of firsts for me on this trip.  First time on an island, first time parasailing and first time letting the burlap on my head down and just relaxing for a change.  Being in the Botannical Gardens made me feel like I was on top of the world.

Mammoth Lakes, CA

Just six hours away from Los Angeles, Mammoth Lakes is the best place for skiing and snowboarding aficionados

I was introduced to Mammoth Lakes, CA by a few co-workers who have a penchant for skiing and snowboarding.  I have to admit I had no desire at first to do anything involving the cold, but once I strapped myself onto my first snowboard, I was immediately hooked and had such a blast learning how to maneuver through snow and graduated from the bunny slopes up to the intermediate slopes.  I will conquer the advanced slopes one day.  The beauty of this place is that it is six hours or so away from Los Angeles.

Point Mugu, Malibu

Point Mugu is a perfect place to go beach camping and listen to the surf over a late night campfire

Recently, I went beach camping with friends at a place just 30 minutes outside of L.A. called Point Mugu in Malibu.  What makes this place magical is being able to pitch a tent on a cool, breezy night while listening to the surf.  This place is peaceful and you tend to get lost in the moment.

Marshall, TX Courthouse Square - Christmas Time

During Christmas Time, the Courthouse Square in this sleepy town is lit up every year

And last, but not least, Marshall, Texas during Christmas time.  Even though this is a sleepy town with absolutely nothing to do, the town lights up when Christmas time is around.  Every year as I go back home to visit family and friends, I look forward to seeing the courthouse square lit up and the Christmas tunes playing throughout the town.  There’s even a local ice-skating rink.  May not be much, but it does put a smile on my face during that time of the year.  Never forget where you come from.

The moral of this blog is to appreciate what’s around you, stop to smell the roses and be thankful for this wonderful gift of life no matter if you are in an exotic locale or in a small town.  There’s beauty everywhere.  One love!

(All photography by Jerod Williams)

A Little Bit Of An Announcement From Me To You

Posted on by under Health and Fitness, Uncategorized

Dear Friends:

I know it’s been a LONG while since I’ve posted on my personal website.  With the entire summer completely booked taking exercise classes, achieving personal goals and writing my screenplay, there really wasn’t enough time to BLOG as I was B-U-S-Y.  But now, I’m back in action and ready to write to my heart’s content again.

I wanted to personally announce to everyone that myself and my Latin Jam Workout colleague and partner-in-crime, Candice Vega, will be teaching LATIN JAM WORKOUT at THE LOS ANGELES DANCE CENTER every Saturday morning at 10:30AM.  We want to invite you to come out and jam with us.

The Los Angeles Dance Center

Established in 1928, The Los Angeles Dance Center stands as one of the LARGEST dance spaces in Los Angeles and is home to many cutting edge exercises such as No Limits Fitness and Latin Jam Workout

I can’t even begin to tell you how passionate I feel about teaching at THE LOS ANGELES DANCE CENTER.  It’s a dance space that has sentimental value for the Saturday Morning Latin Jam Crew and we would love to share it with all of you.

The space has a wonderful and historic background and it’s one of THE LARGEST dance spaces in the Los Angeles area where many dance and workout events have been hosted in.  The journey to get to this point has been a wonderful one and the learning process for me as well as Candice is still ongoing.  Both Candice and I are grateful to have the experience of growing as instructors as well as good friends and we, in turn, would like to give back and share this wonderful workout with you guys where not only we have achieved teaching certification status, but also achieved weight loss goals and living an overall healthy lifestyle through fitness.

Latin Jam Instructors Candice Vega and Jerod Williams teach every Saturday Morning at the Los Angeles Dance Center at 342 1/2 N. Ford Street.

We’ll be teaching here every Saturday morning at 10:30AM, so feel free to drop on by and come sweat with us.  We are right next to Party Planet Supplies and LaFarfala Cafe on N. Ford St. just south of Cesar Chavez.  Classes are $5 and we have a class package available at (4 Classes for $20 with your fifth class FREE).

The address of THE LOS ANGELES DANCE CENTER is 342 1/2 North Ford Street, Los Angeles, CA  90022 (right off the 60 and 710 Freeway).

The Los Angeles Dance Center

We are to the far right entrance right next to Party Planet Supplies on 342 1/2 N. Ford Street. Street parking is right across the street

Ruby Patino
NO LIMITS FITNESS instructor Ruby Patino has a weekly class schedule of Zumba, Body Sculpting and Step Aerobics all at The Los Angeles Dance Center

We have also started a Facebook Fan Page for THE LOS ANGELES DANCE CENTER that we urge you to LIKE so that you can be informed about not only our class, but also another exciting instructor, Ruby Patino and her NO LIMITS FITNESS weekly classes.  Again, come out and work out with us in this historic dance space which stands at the heart of East Los Angeles.  One love!