Benefits of a Strong Core

Taking care of your body is a major part of the image you project and having a strong core is the key. Having a strong core helps you stand tall and exude confidence.

Core strength training focuses on the muscles in the abdomen, hips, and back. It builds coordination between these muscles and trains them to work together. It should be the base of all of your workouts.

The reason core strength is so important is because almost every motion made by your body originates there. According to Harvard Health Publications you should “think of your core muscles as the sturdy central link in a chain connecting your upper and lower body. Whether you’re hitting a tennis ball or mopping the floor, the necessary motions either originate in your core, or move through it.” This publication also states that “no matter where motion starts, it ripples upward and downward to adjoining links of the chain. Thus, weak or inflexible core muscles can impair how well your arms and legs function.” The unity of your core muscles working together balances and stabilizes your body. A strong flexible core underpins almost everything you do.

Here is a quick list of the benefits to a strong core:
-More control

-Improves posture

- More comfort with sitting

- Improves balance and stability

-Increases energy
- Aids in sports development

- Prevent injury

Core training is the foundation of all workouts, however many people aren’t sure how to to develop it. So I have included this great core strengthening exercise video from Power U Health and Fitness. Marvin Dixie demonstrates and explains the proper way to perform each exercise, its benefits, and why it’s important.

July Is National Cell Phone Courtesy Month

July is National Cell Phone Courtesy Month. Yes, that's correct. I know just a couple of decades ago, we couldn't have imagined such a thing. And now it seems that you can't go anywhere without someone being on  a cell phone. I've even seen people who are so glued to their phone that they are constantly checking for messages during worship services. And others who are all ears for someone who is dear to them unless, you got it, the cell phone rings.


Now I know that a lot of us feel that we absolutely can not live with out these devices and I agree they are a great convenience in today's fast paced business world and in our personal lives. And when used appropriately they can actually make life simpler and more productive. However, would you agree that much of the time spent on these devices is not for anything important. It is for sheer amusement and pleasure, no matter how we may try to disguise it.


Nine out of ten Americans possess a cell phone. With such widespread usage, it's no surprise that some cell phone users can be quite rude in public, whether intentional or not. According to Jacqueline Whitmore, the founder of National Cell Phone Courtesy Month, the solution for good cell phone etiquette is as simple as being aware of your surroundings and respecting the rights of others. Think about it, how many times have you overheard someone talking on their cell phone? Or been distracted by a cell phone ringing loudly with the most obnoxious ringtone at the climax of a thrilling movie; and of course, they can't locate it to turn it off. None of us really want to be "That Person" right? So I've  composed this blog in an effort to help encourage an ever growing oblivious population of cell phone users to be more respectful of their surroundings. 



Listed below, you will find cell phone courtesy rules suggested by Nokia to help us be more courteous to those around us, and a link to additional resources from  Jacqueline Whitmore  if you would like additional help to avoid offending others with your cell phone. 

1.  The Person You are with is the Most Important Person To Talk To 
Utilize the Caller ID feature for screening options. You may decide to let voice mail take the call and return the call at a more appropriate time.


2.  Use Text Messaging to Simplify Your Life
Are you expecting important information from a colleague but need to be in a public area? Ask them to send a text message to your phone.


3.  Change the Ringing Tones on Your Phone to Match the Environment You Are In
Use a loud ring for outdoors – but inside, use silent or vibrating options.


4.  Turn off Your Phone During Public Performances or While In Public Spaces
In certain public areas such as movie theaters, plays, churches, museums and libraries, talking can be disruptive and can violate basic courtesy. If you are expecting an important call, use text messaging.


5.  Don’t Engage In Cell Yell 
Most devices have sensitive microphones that can pick up even a whisper. There is no need to speak louder on your cell phone than you would on any other phone. Use your best judgment when in a cab, train or any other environment where you might subject a “captive” public to your conversations.



 I recommend that you visit Jacqueline Whitmore's website by clicking the following link http://www.etiquetteexpert.com/cellphone.html . Here you can get even more guidelines on cell phone etiquette, take a cell phone etiquette quiz, and listen to a cell phone etiquette podcast from Sprint.

Oh No ... Which Drink Is Mine?

Question: Which drink is yours when dining?

Answer: Bread on the Left, Drink on the Right

b d

This is one of the first decisions at the dinner table because oftentimes, napkins are in the glass when you arrive at the table. Here is an easy tip to help you remember. Hold both hands in front of you; palms facing each other, using the tips of your thumb and forefinger, make circles on each hand. The remaining three fingers in each hand point upwards. Your left hand will form a “b” and your right hand will form a “d”. Bread (b) is on the left, and drink (d) is on the right. 

If your neighbor has already taken your bread plate or drink, quietly ask the waiter for another.

Could Mastering Manners Make A Difference In Our Schools And Communities

Could mastering manners make a difference in our schools, and communities? Are you finding that more and more people don’t seem to understand this simple word: R-E-S-P-E-C-T? Unfortunately, adults in our society are exhibiting less civility towards one another and without saying, our children are following suit. When is the last time you heard a youngster address an adult as Sir or Ma’am?  And if you were graced to hear such good manners, it is quite likely that you heard the adult ask not to be addressed that way because it made them feel old. Though the fine points of “good” manners may vary slightly with each generation, I think we would all agree that behavior based on respect is the ultimate goal.

When is the best time to start teaching such behavior? I would say the earlier the better. It is never too soon. Unfortunately simple things like yes sir and no sir for instance that used to be taught in the home have fallen by the way side and movies and television shows, even those marketed to children, encourage kids to be less respectful of others. With that said, it's no surprise that a lack of manners is rampant in our schools and communities across America.

Character education is a hot topic in our schools right now however education in manners gets little attention despite the fact that according to the National Association of Elementary School Principals lack of good manners in classrooms and on playgrounds is a growing problem.  In fact, education in etiquette and manners is often misconstrued as the same thing as character development. To reiterate this fact, I recently had a conversation with a principal of an elementary school who told me that he did not see the need for manners to be taught at the elementary school level because his students learn a character word each week. He said that it may be more appropriate for middle school kids.

In “Teaching Children Manners” (from the Better Homes and Gardens Guide to Parenting), Psychologist John Rosemond declares manners and respect are inseparable. He believes children can never learn to respect themselves unless they learn respect for others-- beginning with adults.  According to etiquette author Letitia Baldrige in “Manners of the Modern Child,” etiquette training is extremely valuable; she states her admonition to teach children good manners to help them develop self-esteem and self-confidence. She links manners with kindness and good human relations. I agree that etiquette and character development are closely related and one impacts or builds upon the other particularly where it relates to kindness and respect.  However, I believe that waiting until the middle school years is setting our children up for failure and setting our communities up for doom.  The middle school years are when kids are natural explorers looking for independence and without a positive resolve of respect for self and others they can be very dodgy years.  

Etiquette in the News

The town of Middleborough, Massachusetts is now debating a $20 fine for people in their town caught swearing or using obscenities in public. Do you approve of this approach? Or, would the old-fashioned approach of washing out the offenders mouth with soap and water (or, for a modern twist, hot sauce) be more appropriate? Or, should we just hope and expect that people will use their freedom of speech responsibly and appropriately, so that our police officers can focus on more life-and-death matters?

In sports, we continue to see both good and bad etiquette, sometimes by the same player within a span of minutes. In the French Open Tennis finals, we saw tennis great Djokovic graciously overturn a bad call by a line judge on one point, and then smash his tennis racket through a wall on another.

In entertainment, Charlie Sheen is as disturbing as ever, this time getting into an altercation after leaving an arena. He left to have a smoke outside and then was refused re-entry (his ticket clearly stated"no re-entry"). He felt that he was entitled to break the rules, and acted out accordingly.

At a mall, a mom attacked a child who had posted nasty comments on Facebook about her teenage daughter. It seems her daughter had posted a photo of her posterior on Facebook, and her classmates were making jokes about it. Should teens even have Facebook accounts?

All of this shows that -- on the one hand -- our society is more and more focused on proper behavior and etiquette. That's great news! On the other hand, the need for etiquette training continues to be strong.

At Image Savvy, there are all sorts of issues that we address when teaching etiquette, from the messages celebrities send to new ways of communicating and connecting like Facebook, to teaching youth and young adults how to be more successful, including how to dress and groom for entry-level jobs and beyond.

Are you like me and see etiquette issues where ever you go? Do you care deeply about and value etiquette in society.

If you agree, let us help you and those you love be the difference that our society needs.  

For more information on our programs, please contact 803-372-4041. 

Every Venue Has Its Own Etiquette

"Every one of us is an artist, and as an artist, you really can stroll into any venue that you want, as long as you take your time to learn the etiquette of that venue." -- Terrence Howard 

Our first day of reaching out to you ......

It's June, 2012 and Image Savvy Consultants is celebrating!!! We finally have our new website and blog up to welcome you and introduce you to our personal, business, and organization coaching and professional etiquette training programs. We're excited to be here, but have so much more to tell you as the blog and website develop! Take a look around and contact us if you'd like to look into training for yourself, your business staff, or your classroom. We're here to help.

http://www.imagesavvyconsultants.com/

ImageSavvyConsultants@gmail.com