But what about the less experienced traveler who wants to experience the wilderness, but isn’t qualified to do it on their own? In my opinion, these are the good folks the well-meaning author of the NY Times article had in mind. And I agree with him that these are the people who can benefit by finding an expert guide to take them there and show them the ropes of staying safe in the wilderness. The U.S. government issues and regulates commercial permits to the most qualified guides. The newbie explorer can  experience all the wonders and solitude of the outdoors under the sound instruction of someone who is passionate about teaching the skills and sharing the lifestyle.

Sol Fitness Adventures guides explorations that connect travelers with the outdoors. Sol’s guides are wildlife biologists, adventure racers and personal fitness trainers by trade; but above all else, we are lovers of wilderness and life, passionate about lending our expertise to assure that our guests have the experience of a lifetime. If you’re thinking about an adventure trip to Machu Picchu, Peru, backpacking Utah’s redrock desert, or vacationing near Park City, Utah, do it with Sol. And if you want to explore the Zion area’s backcountry safely, we’re the only one’s permitted by the U.S. Federal government to take you there. Call us to plan your trip today!

I just had my fourth lesson today and I’m hooked, line and sinker. The capoeira music, the movements, the partnership, the psychological challenge – all of it combining to give me something to completely get lost in during that 1.5 hour lesson. Once again I am visualizing my performance, seeing and feeling the movements in my head.  I have found my new physical passion at last. The feeling that my calves have been bludgeoned and the taped up blisters on my toes  – my teachers promise me the pain will all be over soon. But to be as good as these guys, I think I’m looking at 20 more years in the roda!

My introductory lesson in Capoeira, a Brazilian Martial Art, was the highlight of my entire week. Professor Chin masterfully shared his trade with a dynamic warm up, the basic movements of Capoeira, and a completely non-threatening sparring session to close. I’d seen a friend practice capoeira many times before, the perfect packaging of his strength and agility with the graceful movements was mesmerizing to watch. As a personal trainer and athlete, I was every bit as captivated learning the movements myself. The beat of the afro-brazilian music made the movements feel more like a beautiful dance than a preparation to fight. I noticed that I had a smile on my face the entire time, even though trying to do a cartwheel after 20 years was a huge challenge.

Thank you Professor Chin; I can’t wait to do it again!

I stumbled upon a mountain metaphor from Clarissa Pinkola Estes, Ph.D., author of one of my favorite books, Women Who Run With the Wolves, Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype. She says,

“In mythos, a mountain is sometimes understood as a symbol describing the levels of mastery one must attain before one can ascend to the next level. The lowest part of the mountain, the foothills, often represents the urge toward consciousness. All that occurs in the foothills is thought of in terms of maturing consciousness.

The middle part of the mountain is often thought of as the steeping part of the process, the part that tests the knowledge learned at lower levels.

The higher mountain represents intensified learning: the air is thin there, it takes endurance and determination to stay at the tasks.

The peak of the mountain represents confrontation with the ultimate wisdom.”

After spending the past few years ascending a number of peaks, both real and figurative, I’m enjoying this brief respite near the ocean, where the air is heavy and saturated. It gives me a place to test this new found consciousness. Until the time comes when I must ascend again.

How often have you met someone who signed up for an incredible outdoor adventure trip thinking they would have plenty of time to train and prepare? Before they know it, the trip is 4 weeks away, life has gotten busy, and they aren’t ready. There are two choices at this point – 1. Go anyway and hope for the best; or 2. Blitzkrieg the sport-specific training and find an expert to coach you along the way.

This is the kind of fitness training that gets the outdoor adventure guide/personal trainer/gear head in me so excited that my energy overflows as I coach my clients toward their fitness goals. To summit a mountain, spend a week in the desert, or be on your game in the Big Apple requires much more than simply ‘showing up.’ As your fitness adventure coach, I will help you develop a strategic plan, research the physical demands of the destination, select the right outdoor equipment, and prepare you mentally and physically for the challenges ahead. Preparation becomes part of the experience, the trip itself is the climax, one which will exceed your expectations because you invested the time and energy to achieve it.

So plan that adventure trip! Live the life. Tap into your fullest potential. Accomplish your fitness goals with Melanie Webb of Sol Fitness Adventures.

Because fitness is more than a gym workout – it’s a way of life!

Being fit involves more than bicep curls and crunches. Don’t forget the healing side. The local experts on this page will help you accomplish your fitness goals; soothe sore muscles; make spinal adjustments when necessary; and guide you to overcoming substance abuse or behavioral obstacles. Your local Santa Barbara mind body experts are here:

• Make the connection between mind and body with expert personal trainer and outdoor adventure guide Melanie Webb. (805) 722 – 4599 or soladventure.com
• Soothe sore muscles with the healing touch of massage therapist Yolanda Chasteen at Spa Escape. Find Yolanda at (805) 456 – 9208 or spaescapesb.com
• Receive rapid relief with the expert methods of Dr. Kara Gochnour. (805) 687 – 0533  or DrKaraGochnour.com
• Kick those nasty habits with the assistance of Dr. Adina McGarr. (818) 518-6775 or mysantabarbaratherapy.com

Fitness is more than a gym workout – it’s a way of life!

So join Sol Fitness Adventures Melanie Webb and the other 10 humble hotties at the CycleMAYnia Bachelors on Bikes Auction this Thursday, May 27th, at 6:30 pm at the Santa Barbara Natural History Museum. Winners get an all expenses-paid date on a tandem bicycle to an exciting local event.

Check out the details on Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=124932344186355&ref=mf

By the way, are you a fan of Sol Fitness Adventures on Facebook yet? Help me grow a community of people who believe fitness is more than just a gym workout – it’s a way of life!

My new SUP is shorter than most boards – 10’6″ and the guys in the shop told me it would feel squirly at first. I wanted to test my skills on easy water. The water was as smooth as glass. Perfect!

My best college friend Heather joined me on her surfboard for moral support. With virtually no waves to speak of, we couldn’t ask for better conditions (remember, I’m not a fully-fledged surfer chic yet!).  I managed to stand right up and paddle away. We paddled through the quiet morning to nothing but the sound of the birds and the faint music from a sailboat in the distance.

I achieve a Zen state of mind stand up paddling. The sport requires focus at first, and clears the mind of all the muck and noise that clamor for my attention. The fear of falling naturally results in 100% focus as balance gets tested, strength develops, and learning a new sport creates new cross bridges in the brain. Add the sheer fun of play, marine wildlife like seals and pelicans, and the occasional ballsy swimmer, and the end result is one fantastic sport.

Without the necessary muscles, stand up paddling can be an uncoordinated and frustrating experience. As a personal fitness trainer, I’m combining strength workouts with stand up paddling for my adventurous clients. The ground workout strengthens the abs, back, butt, and arms, and the sport specific exercises translate directly to peak performance on the board.

Contact us to arrange your combined strength workout and stand up paddling session today!

Thanks to my new friends Barney and Chris at Blueline Stand Up Paddle Surf in Santa Barbara for outfitting me with my latest gearhead indulgence. The appetite has been satisfied. Now, waiting for the wind and white caps to die down so I can get out on the water and go for a paddle!

Who’s up for a paddle?

Dr. Adina McGarr offers Santa Barbara counseling and Santa Barbara psychology services. For over 10 years Dr. Adina has been studying eating disorders, prescription drug addiction treatment, alcoholism and addiction, drug addiction relapse, and self injurious behaviors. If you are seeking a Santa Barbara therapist who goes beyond traditional addiction treatment methods, you may consider this Santa Barbara counseling expert.

For more information call Dr. Adina McGarr at (818) 518-6775 or visit http://www.mysantabarbaratherapy.com/