Now Playing: Behind the Scenes With Pilates Instructor Brooke Siler

Brooke Siler used to do a lot of mindless exercising - strength training without really thinking about it, cardio without much conscious effort. Since becoming a Pilates instructor 15 years ago, however, her perspectives on exercise have changed. At the cover shoot for our November 2009 issue, Siler shares her story. 

Now Playing: Behind the Scenes With DogTown Star John Garcia

John Garcia has always been a dog person, and at the cover shoot for the October 2009 issue of Experience Life, the celebrated dog trainer and star of National Geographic Channel's DogTown series talks about the impact his four-legged friends have had on him throughout his life. He also explains the mission of Utah's Best Friends Animal Sanctuary and discusses what we can learn from man's best friend.

Now Playing: Behind the Scenes With Actress-Athlete Maxine Bahns

At the cover shoot for our September 2009 issue, new mom and actress-athlete Maxine Bahns explains how she balances her time between parenthood, her career and her personal relationship with her husband, road cyclist Patrick Watson. She also discusses how she'll share the values of health and fitness with Madison (then just 3 months old).

Music by Fabrizio Paterlini, available under a Creative Commons license.

Now Playing: Equitrekking: Seville Countryside

Equitrekking host Darley Newman and her hosts trek through the countryside near the Spanish city of Seville, traveling through olive fields and orange groves and making the occasional stop for wine and appetizers.

- Video provided courtesy of Equitrekking

Now Playing: Equitrekking: Scotland's Highlands

Equitrekking host and producer Darley Newman visits the Scottish Highlands and traverses the enchanting countryside near the historic Blair Castle.

-Video provided courtesy of Equitrekking

Now Playing: Equitrekking: Quebec's Appalachian Mountains

Darley Newman, host of PBS's Equitrekking, and guide Danny Garant explore the varying terrain of Quebec's Appalachian Mountains on a picturesque fall day.

- Video provided courtesty of Equitrekking

Now Playing: Bite-Size Green Ideas

With their Daily Tips, blog and book club, Ideal Bite cofounders Jen Boulden (featured here) and Heather Stephenson are helping spread the word about incremental environmentalism and the small, "Biterly" things we can do everyday that add up to make a big difference for the planet's health - and our own.

Now Playing: Natural Connections

Alexandra Cousteau comes from a legendary family of explorers, and like her grandfather and father, she, too, is dedicated to exploring, discovering and preserving the natural resources that sustain us all. At the cover shoot for the June 2009 issue, Cousteau - an adventurer and environmental advocate - talks about the interconnectedness of our water resources, and how getting out and being part of the natural world can build awareness about environmental issues. Read more about Cousteau in her cover story: "A Legacy of Her Own."

Now Playing: The Squeeze-It-In Strength Workout

Want to squeeze in a quick resistance-training workout during your lunch hour? This 20-minute strength workout combines five exercises that activate more than half the major muscle groups, so you'll get a great whole-body strength workout with just a handful of movements.  

Now Playing: A True Animal Lover

Author and veganism advocate Rory Freedman shares her motivation for going vegan at her cover shoot for the May 2009 issue of Experience Life. The coauthor of the bestselling Skinny Bitch series, Freedman made the decision 15 years ago when she learned how animals were treated in slaughterhouses and factory farms. Though the transition was tough at first, she's since discovered that vegetarian and vegan eating is simple and fun. Plus, it's not only improved her eating habits and health, but it's changed her life as a whole. Read more about Freedman in her cover story, "Tough Love."

Now Playing: In Tune With Nature

Go behind the scenes with biodiversity conservationist and ecologist Josh Donlan at his cover shoot for our April issue and get his take on sustainability and living in tune with nature. Donlan also talks about human impacts on natural environments and how he's working to restore some of the world's wildest areas where human influence is minimal. Read more about Donlan in his cover story, "Wise Investment."

Now Playing: Smart Money

At the cover shoot for the March 2009 issue, financial expert, author and Today financial editor Jean Chatzky offers some practical advice for managing your finances in the tough economy, including taking control of what you actually can control (what you spend, how much debt you take one, etc.). She also shares her own story of financial mistakes and serves as proof that, no matter how dire your financial situation, you can turn it around. Read more about Chatzky in her coverage story, "A Mind for Money."

Now Playing: Eating for Enjoyment

At the cover shoot for our January/February 2009 issue, health-eating expert, author and Food Network TV host Ellie Krieger shares her perspectives on eating well - and it doesn't mean sacrificing all the foods you love. For Krieger, it's about moderation, and thinking about healthy living and eating as long-term things that you can enjoy for your whole life. Read more about Krieger in her cover story, "An Appetite for Change."

Now Playing: A Life of Abundance

At his cover shoot for our December 2008 issue, designer Eduardo Xol shares his thoughts on the abundance mentality, and discusses how his grandmother taught him and his family to value what they had - regardless of their situation. He also talks about Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, and how it has made him feel even more blessed for all the abundance in his life. Read more about Xol in his cover story, "Sensory Perception."

Now Playing: Start Your Day Right

At her cover shoot for the November issue, Marianne Williamson - best-selling author and spiritual philosopher - explains why taking time each morning for self-reflection is a better way to start your day than, say, turning on the television or reading the newspaper. She also discusses meditation and the shift in traditional roles that is causing people to find support in their own internal structures and thought forms. Read more about Williamson in "Miracle Worker."

Now Playing: Changing Environments, Changing Lives

At the cover shoot for the October issue, environmental-justice advocate Majora Carter sits down to talk about the people that inspire her, how regulations and policies affect the development of communities, how a tree can be revolutionary, and how each of us plays a role in how our world evolves. Read more about Carter in "An Artful Activist."

Now Playing: Get Active With Gabby Reece

At her cover shoot for the September issue of Experience Life, pro volleyball legend Gabrielle Reece discusses how the people you surround yourself with can influence healthy lifestyle choices and encourages individuals to join classes or groups to connect with others with similar interests and goals. She also shares her strategies for finding health and fitness in her own life, and talks about how she and her husband, pro surfer Laird Hamilton, set positive examples for their children by being active with them. Read more about Reece and her family in "Smart Play."

Now Playing: Let It Out With Julie Foudy

At her cover shoot for the July/August 2008 issue of Experience Life, former soccer pro Julie Foudy talks about the role sports have taken in shaping her life and explains why she believes it's important for young girls to get involved in them, too. Read more about Foudy in our coverage article, "Big Goals."

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Now Playing: Elisa Au Talks Life and Karate

During her Experience Life photo shoot, three-time world karate champion Elisa Au reveals how she unwinds, why she loves karate and her plans for competing again this fall. She also shares her secrets for staying flexible and talks about her passion for teaching kids the sport of karate. Read more about her in "Solid Gold Champion" in our June 2008 issue.

Now Playing: Celebrity Chef Nathan Lyon on Eating Well

At the cover shoot for the May 2008 issue, Experience Life's senior art director, Lydia Anderson, chats with celebrity chef Nathan Lyon about how he got into cooking (thank his mom!), the food products he'd eliminate from all kitchens, and the strategies he uses to get others cooking, too. Read more about him in our May 2008 Coverage story, "Local Hero." Also, be sure to check out his Web site at www.health.discovery.com.

Now Playing: Pull-Up Series

Need a little guidance on how to work up to that first pull-up? Experience Life senior editor Jen Sinkler talks you through through five phases of exercise that will build your strength and confidence - and have you clearing the bar in no time. For more in-depth instruction, see "Clear the Bar" in our May 2008 issue.

Now Playing: Ditching Disposables

Experience Life senior editor Jamie Martin and KARE 11 host Eric Perkins discuss the environmental impacts of bottled water - including air, ground and water pollution - as well as the trend toward ditching these plastics in favor of filtered tap water and reusable bottles. Find out more in "The New Cool Tap Water," which provides links to tap water campaigns, related articles and more.

(KARE 11 is the NBC affiliate in the Twin Cities.)

Now Playing: Resolutions Done Right

Experience Life editor in chief Pilar Gerasimo and KARE 11 host Belinda Jensen discuss support tactics for keeping your New Year's resolutions. (KARE 11 is the NBC affiliate in the Twin Cities). See our "Resolutions Workshop 2008: Support Tactics" for the story that inspired this segment. And for more support, check out "Resolutions Workshops" from years past: