You don’t need to fit anyone else’s idea of perfect to be your best. You don’t need to measure yourself against someone else’ standard of beauty. Your beauty and your perfection come from within. Celebrate who you are and who you are becoming each day.

And while you’re at it, take care of your body with some movement.
Get up and dance.

//www.marilu.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/08 Imperfect Is The New Perfect.mp3

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When we’re feeling pulled in too many directions, or dragged against our will, there are things we can do… besides shout “you’re not the boss of me!” (You know you’ve wanted to do that…)

We can stick to the routine that makes us feel the healthiest – that makes us feel empowered.

• Eat foods that make your body stronger – vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fruits, and lean proteins.
• Exercise every day – get your heart muscle in shape and get fresh air into your lungs.
• Go to bed at a reasonable hour and get enough sleep.
• Skip the chemicals, caffeine, and alcohol. Stay hydrated with water..

Your mind and your body will be able to deal with life’s difficult situations when you take care of yourself. It’s the best way to take control of your life.

Now get up and get moving – this song is all about empowerment.

/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/01 Uprising.mp3

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Get out there and make a difference today!

/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/04 Fighter.mp3

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Here’s one that gets us up and dancing. It’s fun, it appeals to all ages (seriously, if young people think it’s old music, it’s at least classic Motown, and they can always do that bouncy head-banging thing they’re so fond of), and it’s not too lovey-dovey. Whatever your relationship status, it’s good advice.

Ready to dance? This one will put you in a good mood. Enjoy!

/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/10 - You Cant Hurry Love.mp3

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The more you love yourself, the more you take care of yourself – and the more you take care of yourself, the more you love yourself.

You may start out “doing the right thing,” but stick with it, and you’ll find yourself in that circle of loving yourself.

Today, do the right thing. Get up and move. This is an old favorite to a new beat, to keep you moving.

//www.marilu.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/28 Cant Help Falling in Love With You.mp3

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Congrats to Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, and P!nk for their Grammy awards and standout performances last Sunday. Performances like those demand vocal and physical fitness. You may not be singing from a spinning trapeze thing like P!nk, or running up and down the stairs like Beyonce, or dancing like Gaga – but imagine what you could do in your own life if you were as fit as they are.

What’s holding you back? Get up and get moving.
You know you want to dance to this.

//www.marilu.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Disc 2 01 - Single Ladies Put A Ring On It.mp3

Get yourself to the stadium and join the fun! (yes, get up – just like everyone else in the stadium… wheb the jumbotron is looking at you, you don’t want to be caught sitting down!)

//www.marilu.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/16 Y.M.C.A..mp3

Hey, we know not everyone does the Super Bowl party thing – but everyone does a bit of entertaining, or needs a few good ideas for hors d’oeuvres or snacks… and nearly everyone needs man-friendly food that is not junk. (We love our men, and we want them around in good health!) This class will help you with all of that.

Here’s a little song to get you in the mood for football. Or dancing in the kitchen. Or both. Let’s not make the whole week a spectator sport – get moving!

//www.marilu.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/02 Get Ready 4 This.mp3

Also in February, get some real help with some real eating issues. We’re tackling self-sabotage and emotional eating for 10 weekdays, starting Monday, February 8. Stay on track with your 2010 inTENtions with support and direction from coaches Heather H and Kecia.

Classes at Marilu.com are free to all members. Not a member? Join today! Only $9.95 a month – for recipes, tips, and personal coaching to help you meet your goals.

It’s also a reminder that no matter what you’re doing, it’s okay to gather a support team and help each other out in meeting your inTENtions.

If you’re trying to lose weight, or stay committed to a fitness program, or quit smoking, or quit eating junk food, it’s good to have people to talk to. People who will be honest when you need a kick in the pants, and people who will be there to remind you that everyone hits a plateau or feels lazy or wants to just give up.

We have that at Marilu.com, and you’re invited to be a part of it. You’ll be a valuable part of someone else’s support team – and you’ll get the support you need, too.

And of course, it’s also a reminder to continue to support the relief effort in Haiti. This is a great album for a reasonable price and it all goes to the Hope for Haiti Now charities.

So start the music, do your stretches, and consider who you need – and who needs you.

//www.marilu.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/12 - Lean On Me.mp3

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Move every part of your body.
Kick or lift those legs – front, side, and back.
Squat and lunge to build those thighs.
Shake your booty and wiggle your hips.
Lift your arms overhead, then circle them front and back.
Roll your head to use that neck.

Because this is every (well, a lot of them, anyway) hit song from 2009.

//www.marilu.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/United State of Pop 2009 Blame It on the Pop.mp3

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Find it here.
(hey – no downloading until you’ve danced!)