Marissa Vicario

Recent Blog Posts

The Missing Ingredient

Yesterday one of my co-workers was enjoying a Snapple Apple from our resident vending machine when I heard him say, "there's no apple in Snapple Apple!" So I checked it out and that's right, there's no apple in Snapple Apple. So what IS in Snapple Apple? Supposedly, "the best stuff on earth." Filtered water, Sugar, Pear juice concentrate, Citric acid, Natural flavors, Vegetable and fruit extracts … [Read more...]

The Spleen Routine

Today, for the first time, probably ever, I thought about my spleen. Part of the lymphatic system, the spleen is located in the abdominal region and is about the size of a fist. It aids in adaptation, nourishment and support. According to an article I read in the Journal of Chinese Medicine, a strong, well-developed spleen means that it is more efficient at digestion. Being an exercise fanatic, I … [Read more...]

Kitchen Cordon Bleu

Being from an Italian family, my mom and grandmothers have practically spent their lives cooking. Homecooked food was a part of my upbringing. So you'd think I would know my way around a kitchen. My sisters certainly do. But I think the cooking gene missed me. Only since my late twenties, when I started to clean up my eating with wholesome, healthful food, did I start to take an interest in … [Read more...]

A Gift of Innocence

My five-year-old niece is the apple of my eye. Her innocence fascinates me. My favorite story about her is the time when she was playing in the pool with her friend Jackson. It was time for Jackson to go home and before he left, she reached into her bag of snacks and offered her last granola bar to Jackson as a parting gift. Pure selflessness! Every time she has a birthday, I wonder how long … [Read more...]

The S Factor Experience

Since February I have been working with life coach and motivational speaker, Gabrielle Bernstein (https://www.herfuture.com/). When I had the chance to hear her lecture at Sheila Kelly's S Factor (https://www.sfactor.com/) last weekend, I couldn't wait. I knew I would be great on the pole. On the day of class, I dressed in cute, comfy workout attire -- leggings and a cotton V-neck Tshirt -- … [Read more...]

Highlights from a Live Class Weekend

I'm a distance learning student at IIN which means that instead of attending class one weekend per month in NYC, the content is delivered to me online and via an ipod. I felt this option better suited my schedule. But this weekend I switched it up a bit and was fortunate enough to be on location at the Lincoln Center where classes are held. The experience was exhilarating and inspiring - … [Read more...]

Back to Basics

I am two weeks into the program at IIN and this past week, started the "meat" of the content with a lecture by Walter Willett, M.D. from the Harvard School of Public Health. I'm someone who likes to know what's ahead --I count the number of pages in a chapter before I read it, I ask my personal trainer to lay out the day's workout before we start so I know how many circuits we'll do -- so true to … [Read more...]