I’d like to introduce to you a dear friend and client and Maui photographer, Simone Reddingius. Simone is a wonderful athlete who is passionate about surfing and cycling. Simone trains with me and we work on upper body conditioning for surfing, and balance training for carving strength. I like to challenge her on the new INDO Board Gigante and recenly she hopped on the super fast Vew Do Board.
She is also a very strong cyclist who has conquered Maui’s prestigious race, Cycle to the Sun. Her best, last race time was to the crater was 4:33:50, second place in her age div. which was 40-49 year-2004
She can also be seen hang’n ten on the nose at our local breaks. Her best surf contest wins were: Malibu 2001, Malibu 2005, Malibu 2006 all Masters division
Ripp’n at Lane’s
Simone is focused in the gym and it sure shows on the water. Surfing with Simone is a blast but I wouldn’t want to compete against her. She has drive and gets in the zone. I’ve seen her climb the crater and drop in on some good size swells.
I think surfers who cross train with road biking have a huge advantage. Strong legs will last longer and help on heavy wave days. Cycling of course helps build great cardio and body endurance.
Look down the line here on the N. Shore, or behind you next time you ride up the crater, Simone might just happen to be there!
Simone is also a talented photographer and designs jewelry. Check out her beautiful and action packed photos at :
Aloha,The Today Show recently aired this segment and I have worked with this before with my clients. It’s quite and eye opener and reveals some of the truths of our eating behaviors and how certain social groups/friends and family in our life can influence how much we really eat. Take a few minutes and see for yourself. For example, women who eat with other women tend to eat more and are less self conscious vs if say you were on a hot date!
I’ve often suggested to people that if really can’t say no, to maybe change friends just for awhile until you can manage your eating habits so you won’t pack on the extra “social” pounds. Don’t be afraid to say “no thank you, I’m full”. Or “you know I’m sure it’s delicious but I’m good for now, you enjoy.” Also, if consuming more cocktails or other alcoholic beverages, you may become less uninhibited and could invite unwelcome additional calories. Tip: Before you bite, take a drink of water, bite, water! Slow down and take your time. Or use chop sticks!
I hope you found this information helpful. Call me if I can help you get your eating habits in shape!
As you can see from some of my posts, I think using the Indo Board in my training sessions with people is really fun, challenging and raises a person’s confidence on and off the water. You don’t have to surf to enjoy the benefits of this great training tool. For years, I’ve put clients on the Indo Board post op bilateral hip and knee replacements, and those reentering fitness; to help improve their reaction skills and of course balance skills too. It’s also great for toning your legs.
It’s so fun to see their big smiles and looks of focus and determination. I often will time people to the point of fatigue or failure. Then we hop on again for more endurance drills. Putting a couple of dumbbells in your hands or kettle bells definitely add to the burn and fatigue AND challenge. I’m using a 10lb kettle bell in these photos.
You can easily modify in many different ways, the ways in which you progress yourself to more advanced moves. Always take caution as to the type of surface you perform on. For beginners, I’ll throw a yoga mat underneath the drum to slow it down a bit. Or, simply put the board on a disc for my more elderly clients, and then have them hold onto me or a very stable object.
It really makes a difference when you carve and as you push the rails or even on a windsurfer, or stand up paddle board. I can notice a huge transfer of control in strong or light winds and strength when I jibe into a turn, and when stand up paddling while trying to catch waves. I love it!
Hi, I recently posted the intermediate version of this, but wanted to take you outside to show you the advanced version! These push ups will promote better surfing endurance and shoulder, chest and tricep strength for quick action. Often times, if you are out of surf shape, your arms burn out fast. It’s a real bummer when the surf is pump’n and your not! Even if you don’t surf, give these a try and you really be challenged. These are probably my most favorite exercises. Have fun! Suzie
Difficulty Level: Advanced
Muscle Group(s): Triceps, shoulder and chest, core. Challenges the upper body and core while increasing strength and endurance, and mimics board movement on the water.
Progression: Raise one leg off the ground, or place feet on a BOSU dome or another inflated disc.
Preparation: Assume the push up position. If you are a beginner, you can bend your knees. Make sure the disc is centered underneath the Indo Board. NOTE: If the disc is over inflated it will be much harder, than if it’s softer. Also, by bringing your hands closer together, you will target the triceps and chest more. Wider positon, more shoulder girdle involvement.
Extend legs behind you, either on ground, another disc or as pictured, the BOSU.
Movement: From the start position, lower your chest to the Indo Board and then press up into the push up. Make sure your neck is neutral and bum lowered. Push up with the strength of your entire shoulder girdle back to a straight-arm position. You may also hold and make this a core plank exercise. Hold in this position 15-30 seconds.
If you have any questions or comments, I’d love to hear from you! Baithing suit, Posh Pua.
Selecting the right sports drink that isn’t loaded with sugar and allows your body to tolerate doesn’t have to be confusing. It’s amazing how many products claim to be the miracle energy savior. Some products that I’ve tried make me feel like I want to immediately brush my teeth, and after I drank them, I craved water to wash them down.
Studies have shown that a fluid loss of just 2% of your body weight can have a negative impact on performance and recovery. For example, dehydration increases your core temperature, decreases blood flow to the skin, can increase your heart rate and the list goes on. Also if you are training in a humid environment like Maui, I encourage my clients to really increase their fluid intake.
Whether you’re just starting to build your endurance/fitness training, or you are training for your 10th triathalon, sports drinks are designed to help replace the water that is lost when you sweat. They provide carbohydrates that supplement those that are being used up by the body during physical activity. In addition, they help rebuild the electrolytes that are also lost when you sweat. Continue reading Choosing the Right Sports Drink
by Suzie Cooney, CPT My clients, who are the most successful in losing weight and keeping it off, know exactly what they eat, how much they eat and how to avoid the yo-yo ups and downs. Some experts say, don’t worry about counting calories , some say it doesn’t matter how many calories you eat, as long as you exercise in moderation.
There is some half-truth to those statements. But math, is math, the numbers tell all. Most people simply have no concept or any idea how much they eat in one day. I will show you how to take a small step for a positive, lifetime change. Please don’t starve yourself, or over feed your body, but understand that your body needs you to make the best choices.
If you want to succeed in weight loss, break unhealthy eating habits, improve your nutrition, solve your own personal barriers to success, stop the confusion, uncover your “food” triggers, and stay on track, then keep reading! I want YOU to be healthy and be a success.
It’s really amazing how fast I can uncover what a person is lacking, or needing in their diet to achieve their goals. Or, what might be triggering them to eat at midnight or while in the shower. I’m not kidding! The most common element I found, that when people are embarking on a new fitness plan, while learning how to eat well, they simply don’t eat enough.
Research clearly shows those who consistently monitor their food intake lose weight more steadily and keep it off more successfully than those who don’t. That’s because the journal keepers are able to identify the sources of empty calories and know when they resort to overeating.
Surprisingly, I’ve encountered some opposition, a few roll of the eyes and groans, I had one person say, “ oh no, I can’t do that. That’s making me focus too much on food instead of exercise.” I politely said, “Well, I said to my darling client, the choice is yours.” What I wanted to say was, “Well, since you are fifty pounds over weight, it would appear that you place a great deal of focus on food,” but of course I didn’t want to offend them.
If you really want to lose the weight and keep it off, learn how to keep a food journal or food diary. It doesn’t have to be daunting or “one more thing” to do. If you aren’t serious about making a change, or have a million excuses why you can’t do it, stop reading here. Continue reading How to Double Your Weight Loss By Suzie Cooney
Aging Gracefully and Naturally, Skip the Plastic Surgeon
I discovered this article at a frequently reliable resoursce: WebMD. or www.webmd.comAs an active, outdoor person, I am curious as to the findings of how non-surgical approaches can slow down the signs of aging. We know that exercise, lots of water, a good night’s sleep, being a non-smoker/accessive alcohol consumption and maintaining a healthy weight; all aids in a more natural approach to the Fountain of Youth.
Of course, wearing sunscreen, managing stress and eating a healthy diet may keep Father Time at bay and keep the plastic surgeon away!
I’ve recently started exploring Omega 3 for my skin and hair, and also know the benefits that may help keep cholesterol levels in check. I also eat a fair amount of salmon. Sleep is critical to me, so is applying lots of sunscreen when I’m on and off the water! Keeping young at heart and trying new things, playing my guitar, and enjoying all the sports that Maui has to offer, keeps me young! Think young, don’t at your age! Suzie Cooney
Courtesy of WebMD A look at how – and if – we can delay aging, naturally.
By Denise Mann
WebMD Feature
Throughout the ages, people have been searching for the elusive “Fountain of Youth.” And this desire for a magical place, pill, or tonic that can prevent or reverse the effects of aging has sired a new, and growing, field of medicine — antiaging medicine.
These days, there is a plethora of alternative treatments touted as antiaging remedies from “magical” fruits, wrinkle-erasers, memory enhancers, and other supplements to transcendental meditation, special diets, and physiologic purification to remove toxins from the body.
But can you really turn back the hands — or crow’s feet — of time? Here’s what the experts have to say.
Bye-Bye Botox, Hello Blueberries?
According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, more than 1.6 million botulinum toxin (commonly referred to as Botox) procedures were performed in 2002, making it the most popular nonsurgical procedure. By temporarily paralyzing the muscles that cause wrinkles, Botox has been shown to dramatically reduce the appearance of moderate to severe frown lines, or furrows, between the eyebrows. In fact, women with frown lines and crows’ feet are gathering in living rooms across the nation to get the shots that smooth facial wrinkles as Botox parties become the Tupperware parties of new millennium.
Target the upper and lower abs, and get rid of those love handles! I recommend at least 100 reps, 4 sets of 25
Difficulty Level: Beginner/Intermediate Muscle Group(s): Abs / Obliques Equipment: 2 paper plates, mat Progression: Lift both legs off ground, bend at knees
Preparation:
Feet flat on ground, shoulder width apart
Press low back into mat; imagine filling a bucket, tilt pelvis towards you
Lift your shoulders completely off mat, hold and touch chin.
Place hands on plates, with each plate outside of heels.
Start
Finish
Obliques
Movement:
From the start position, place hands on paper plates
While contracting abs, push or slide plates towards your toes at a fast rhythmic pace:
Tempo: 1-1-1
Repeat movement sequence for recommended repetitions
Keep spine in place. Do not generate movement from arms and/or shoulders. The movement should originate from your abs. Really lock in and focus!
For Obliques: Simply slide plate on alternating sides. Hold that stomach tight! Make each rep count!
Any questions, feel free to contact me : Suzie Cooney, CPT
I’d like to introduce to you a dear friend and client and Maui photographer, Simone Reddingius. Simone is a wonderful athlete who is passionate about surfing and cycling. Simone trains with me and we work on upper body conditioning for surfing, and balance training for carving strength. I like to challenge her on the new INDO Board Gigante and recenly she hopped on the super fast Vew Do Board. 
Simone is also a talented photographer and designs jewelry. Check out her beautiful and action packed photos at :
Join the Discussion: Leave a comment 
Category: Articles | 
Tags: cross-training, Cycle to the Sun, cycling on Maui, endurance training, Malibu surfing, Maui personal trainer, Simone Reddingius, surf conditioning, surfing fitness, Surfing Maui, Suzie Cooney, Suzie Trains Maui, women, women surfers, Women's Fitness
Or use chop sticks!
My clients, who are the most successful in losing weight and keeping it off, know exactly what they eat, how much they eat and how to avoid the yo-yo ups and downs. Some experts say, don’t worry about counting calories , some say it doesn’t matter how many calories you eat, as long as you exercise in moderation.
It’s really amazing how fast I can uncover what a person is lacking, or needing in their diet to achieve their goals. Or, what might be triggering them to eat at midnight or while in the shower. I’m not kidding! The most common element I found, that when people are embarking on a new fitness plan, while learning how to eat well, they simply don’t eat enough.
I discovered this article at a frequently reliable resoursce: WebMD. or 
Crunch Plates
