So I think most of you know at this point that I live in New York City. One of the things I love most of the city is that its energy seems to put you right where you need to be. Synchronicity has blessed me often. So, "The Locker: Unlocked", is a true story about just that. 

I had some time to myself in the middle of Manhattan. I have been battling a virus that has stiffened my chest and had been craving a steam bath, so I was on the lookout for a day pass to a gym. I found my sauna but didn't have a lock for my locker. The locker I put my belongings in was right outside the sauna room, and my intuition said it would be o.k. There were also plenty of women around. I blessed my locker with safety ;) and left it behind. I came out of the steam room to "check" on my belongings and there was a women sitting directly in front of my locker on the bench, leaning on my locker. I asked her to excuse me while I peeked inside. She politely moved, smiled, and then resumed her position with my locker door as her post (while texting on her cell phone).  After a few more minutes in the sauna, I walked back to my locker and looked at this woman again leaning up against my locker. I KNEW HER! She knew me! We were completely taken back by the coincidence. Out of the whole locker room (which was huge) there she sat in front of MY locker! What are the odds? I believe people are put in our paths for a reason and reappear just when you need. :) My locker, unlocked, was protected. Trust your intuitions ladies. It may just keep you safe and reconnect you with old friends! NYC LOVE!  
***Disclaimer: It is always best to lock your locker. Do not try this without your intuition!***

My most resistant area to shape up on my body are my thighs! Being a sprinter and basketball player for a good chunk of my life, I knew I would always have muscle in this area but keeping it toned was another story. I have found specific exercises to target the muscles on the outer thigh, inner thigh, and buttocks that are very effective. In addition to at least 20 minutes of cardiovascular exercise 5 times a week, these are the exercises that help me stay toned:
1.  Side jumps: Jump back and forth laterally with your feet together for 1 minute. Soft knees and easy landing. Repeat twice.
2.  Lateral leg raises. Standing, raise your leg laterally. Hold at the top and lower slowly. 20 reps. Switch legs. Repeat 1-2 times.
3.  Leg circles. Lay on your back. Raise one leg into the air and trace a small circle with your foot. Clockwise for 10 reps then repeat counterclockwise for 10. Switch to the other leg. Repeat 1-2 times.  
4.  Squats. I think you know what these are. Make sure to stick your rear out to keep your back flat and push up through your heels. This will target the back of the leg and buttocks most effectively. 12 reps. Repeat 3 times.
5.  Reverse Lunges.  Stand with feet shoulder width apart. Step back with one foot and and lunge into the front leg. Keep you knee over your foot and practice good technique as to not pressure the knee. 12 reps. Switch legs. Repeat 1-2 times.

Toning is an essential part of a physical regimen. We each have that area on our bodies where fat is more readily stored depending upon your body type. Recognize this and target toning exercises to work this area a little more than the rest. Know your body to best take care of it. For women, it is healthy and natural to store added fat on the thighs;  Much more than on the stomach. Added cushion at the thigh area is often a sign of balanced hormones for a woman. Embrace your body and know where to target just a little bit more than the rest. Hope this helps! Empowered, Individualized Choices...To your health!