Beverage Pick: Rishi White Ginseng Detox (organic loose leaf herbal tea)

Rishi White Ginseng Detox organic loose leaf tea is a tea that I have tried recently. First and foremost, it tastes good. Secondly, at this time of year of possible overindulgence, having a cup of tea that may give you a little boost seems like a good idea. Rishi tea is available online at http://www.rishi-tea.com/ or retail at Whole Foods.

Equipment Pick: Half Moon Yoga Bolster

A half moon yoga bolster is a piece of equipment that is indispensable for general relaxation purposes and for the practice of restorative yoga at home or at the studio. Restorative yoga is incredibly relaxing and helps to restore balance to the nervous system and general well being. With the high stress levels that most of us experience, restorative yoga is a great idea. Look for and try a restorative yoga class at a studio near you.

https://www.shophalfmoon.com/

Equipment Pick: Jumpsport Fitness Trampoline

The Jumpsport fitness trampoline is a piece of equipment I was dying to own when I first tried it in 2010 at a fitness trade show. I have loved jumping on bouncy things since childhood and I have not outgrown this. The trampolines were for sale in 2011 and I did buy one for home use. I will admit that I like to hop on and jump around just for fun. However, there is a great list of benefits with fun being the last item:

http://www.jumpsport.com/pr-jt-info.htm

This is a great piece of equipment to have at home that does not require much space and brings joy to getting a little physical activity. Enjoy!

Class Pick: ShockWave by IndoRow

Shockwave by IndoRow is a new group exercise class I tried in August. I loved it. I felt the class was the perfect blend of intensity, overall conditioning and most of all fun. This workout is getting lots of media attention:

http://healthland.time.com/2012/09/24/we-tried-this-shockwave-rowing-workout/

Try the workout if you get a chance. This class is a great embodiment of a general trend in fitness where workouts deliver a lot of benefits in a minimal amount of time.

Equipment Pick: Foam Roller

A 48 inch foam roller is a piece of equipment I suggest that many clients and friends purchase. In fact, I will be purchasing several this weekend at a fitness conference and tradeshow. I recommend the foam roller mainly for the purpose of lying on top of it to relax and open up the chest area. The vast majority of people I have introduced this exercise to find it relaxing and enjoyable. The best part is it helps to bring a person's postural alignment into a more ideal position. Foam rollers are readily available at a fitness equipment retailer near you.

Nairn's Oat Cookies

As an active person, I'm always on the lookout for snacks and treats that provide steady energy and nutrition at the same time. Good taste is also a requirement, so this can be a tall order. Nairn's stem ginger oat cookies are energizing and tasty at the same time, with only 2 grams of sugar per cookie. These cookies are wheat free and taste like a hearty gingersnap as they are made with oats.

http://www.nairns-oatcakes.com/oat-biscuits-stem-ginger

Dessert Pick: XocoCava Chocolate Walnut Macaroon

The chocolate walnut macaroon at XocoCava is a wheat free, gluten free treat I indulge in on a regular basis. I have found that consuming less wheat products has helped me in shedding body fat. However, I still enjoy a sweet treat and I have been spotted on many occasions enjoying one of these macaroons, so it must become a Trainer's Pick.

Chef Doug Penfold of Cava let me know that the chocolate walnut macaroon is one of their original recipes and it is absolutely delicious. It has a rich chocolate flavour that blends well with the walnuts and a really pleasing texture and chew that is brownie like.
Enjoy a XocoCava chocolate macaroon as a delicious dessert or share with a friend at 1560 Yonge Street, Toronto

September 30, 2013 note: Xococava has closed for now. However, I still highly recommend a flourless chocolate cookie where you can find one.