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Yoga is big business. VERY big… But there is an inherent problem with this.
See, just like in the personal training field – there are many “certification courses” creating new and inexperienced yoga instructors every single week, all over the world. Now – this isn’t a problem if the instructor is matched up with appropriate student and is skilled in their teachings.
But – quite often that is not the case. Don’t get me wrong though – as there are many top-notch yoga instructors in literally every city and town around the globe. The challenge is finding the right “match” – just like when seeking out a personal trainer.
If you are in Jacksonville, Florida and want a great yoga instructor, get in touch with my friend Cari March @ Yoga to Go
If you are in the Orlando, Florida area go meet with Russ and Kim @ http://www.studionewellness.com
I realize you may be thinking…
“What does Joey know about Yoga?”
…and here’s the answer…
If you’ve been using my any of my home and travel fitness dvds – you may have noticed some exercises or stretches resemble a yoga pose, move or position… And this would be correct as most of my programs are a ‘fusion’ of exercises and workout methods. But – by no means am I calling myself a yoga instructor.
Having been in this fitness industry for over 22 years, I’ve had the privilege of meeting some of the best people in various areas of fitness – two of them are listed above. I have another longtime yoga friend who is on more of a global stage though…
More on him later as I want to answer the original question of this post…
“Are there really any benefits of yoga?”
The answer is “Definitely” (stress reduction, toning, health enhancement, sexual performance improvement, etc…) …BUT – since there are so many types of yoga – and so many instructors out there – It’s up to you to define your needs and then seek out the proper style/instructor which best suits your current abilities and long term goals.
Not only is he the founder of one of the most successful yoga resorts in Thailand called ‘Absolute Sanctuary’ – but he’s also an international course developer and instructor.
He’s put together a neat little site for anyone interested in yoga. I’m not sure how much longer the freebies will be there so go pay him a visit and let him know ‘Joey sent you’…
As you dig into his articles and videos @ Yoga Body Natural – you’ll see why he’s considered an innovator in his field.
If you enjoyed this article – please give a quick click on the ‘Like’ button just below here. And feel free to share this post with others who will benefit from it…
I’ve been meaning to post this for a while now – and this recent email, as simple as it was, pushed me over the edge – and prompted me to “get this done”.
Hi Joey,
What do you think of all these new shoes that are coming out that promise to shape you up just by walking in them, i.e., Reebok ReeTones, Skechers Shape Ups, etc.
Thanks
- Liz
So, here is the message that women are “hearing/perceiving”:
“Just wear these sneakers and your legs, butt and thighs will get toned, lifted and sculpted.”
And it raises the question (I’ll repeat it here) I get several times a day (or some variation of it):
“What do you think of all these new shoes that are coming out that promise to shape you up just by walking in them?”
This is what I hear in emails. It’s what I hear from the mom’s on the playground in my neighborhood – and it’s what I hear from the everyday, overly busy woman everywhere.
First and foremost – I must admit, the concept itself is beyond brilliant and the marketing is even more spectacular. I don’t even know if any of these toning sneaker companies come out and say it – but one thing is for sure; Women are certainly under the impression that these sneakers will tone-up their trouble spots just by wearing them. Again – this is great marketing, whether the sneakers actually work or not.
That being said. Here is what I do know…
After spending 7 years studying for a bachelors degree in exercise science and a masters degree in exercise physiology – combined with over 22 years of working with people on improving their bodies – I am confident in declaring there is very little likelihood of the average woman putting on a pair of these kicks, wearing them for 2 months straight – and expecting to have transformed her flabby, saggy trouble spots into tightly-toned, eye catching “hot spots”.
It’s just not going to happen.
Sure – there may be some improvement in posture, balance and/or some lower back ache relief – But, transforming your trouble spots into a bikini ready body??? Ehhh… I’m afraid NOT, ladies…
The truth is, it takes a bit more than lacing up a pair of “toning sneakers” and just carrying on with your day.
And even if there is some “firming and toning” reported by some of the women who’ve been trying them – I can promise that a properly targeted, yet simple, lower-body exercise routine will bring about changes that eclipse any improvements resulting form wearing the sneakers.
As a matter of fact – I’d put my Ultimate Leg, Butt, Hip & Thigh Makeover program up against any brand of “toning” sneaker on the market. I’d even do it on national TV if it could be arranged.
We can find 10 average, out of shape women to volunteer. Split them into two groups of 5. One group wears the “toning sneakers” for 2 months – and the other group does The ULBHTM for 2 months.
I don’t have to tell you how things would turn out – just let common sense tell which group will be looking sexier and ‘feeling’ much better too.
Who knows? Maybe Oprah can arrange ‘The Trouble-Spot Showdown’?
I’m sure all the women who watch the show would be VERY interested in who the undisputed champ would be.
If you want to pass this idea onto the producers of her show – go right ahead, because I’m serious about this. I’d even re-arrange my schedule so I can oversee The ULBHTM group during the 2 month “showdown”.
Click Here to Email the Oprah Crew and Let Them Know You Want to See “The Trouble-Spot Showdown” between the latest craze of toning sneakers for women – and The Ultimate, Leg, Butt, Hip & Thigh Makeover.
Let’s have some fun – Shall we?
Your trainer for life – your trainer forever,
Joey Atlas
PS – while I would not suggest this without being able to directly supervise – It is quite possible that a synergy may exist between these types of sneakers and the standing ULBHTM exercise sequences. It may very well be the challenge is intensified yet a bit more, for the advanced ULBHTM user.
In all my years of training women and helping them get their bodies into top shape – I’ve never heard this request: “Joey, please help me make my inner thighs bigger, so they rub together even more and look horrible in a swimsuit.”
Truth is – just about every woman wants to slim, tone and tighten her inner thigh area. Even women who are slender and not overweight want to get any ’slack’ out of that nagging region. The loose, jiggly skin and flab are just something the average female would rather do without. And understandably so.
There are so many opinions and solutions to be found for this one problem – from gimmicky infomercial products to ridiculous ‘firming lotions’ for the skin. None of those work – but they do make a ton of money for the companies which sell them.
There is only one thing which truly works. And that is – the right exercises. I say ‘right exercises’ because the wrong exercises will backfire and make the inner thigh area even bulkier and larger. NOT GOOD.
Most of the random articles you’ll read talk about “squats, lunges, inner thigh machine, etc…” The problem is – those types of exercises and workout routines do bulk up the upper leg muscles – including the sacred inner thigh zone.
The main focus needs to be on body-weight exercises which target the entire thigh area. And here’s why…
The inner thigh area is not made up of only one muscle. There are actually several large muscles and a series of smaller muscles which lie in close proximity to each other. But they are each of different sizes, lengths and widths. They also run in different directions. This all has to do with the unique movement abilities on the human body.
Because of this physiologic complexity – the body-weight exercise program which targets the inner thigh area for toning, tightening and slimming, needs to consist of a series of movements which are synergistic. Meaning, they produce the proper stimulus as a group as opposed to just being done alone.
This blend of body-weight exercises for the lower body stimulates the several dozen thigh muscles – which slim, tighten and tone the entire thigh area – including the inner thighs.
So, you’ll want to avoid squats with a barbell or dumbbells, lunges with weights, any type of leg press machine and any type of machine with cables and weight stacks.
Some of the exercises you’ll want to be sure to include are:
1 – Slow tempo adduction
2 – Low side shuffle
3 – Double hip extension with pillow or small ball between legs
4 – Side angle step down – with light toe touch
These are just a few of the exercises you’ll want to do in order to get your inner thighs into tight and sexy shape. The complete program plus exact instructions are in the ULBHTM dvds where I take you step by step through every exercise – as if your trainer (me) is right there with you – every step of the way.
Visit the ‘Home’ Page to learn more about fixing the problem with your inner thighs.
Lower Body Secrets: 5 Tips for a Sexy & Toned Lower Body
Most women, regardless of age and body-type, are unhappy with certain areas of their lower body. Complaints and problems range from “too fat and heavy” to “too thin and un-shapely”. And even women who are pretty happy with their leg, butt, hip and thigh zones will also admit to wanting just a bit more enhancement in one or two specific lower-body areas.
These five tips will help you no matter where you are starting from and no matter what your primary goals are for your lower body trouble spots.
1 – Whichever types of resistance exercises you choose (you already know I prefer – and strongly recommend body-weight exercises and workouts) – just be sure to move slowly and control your tempo throughout the entire range of motion. Focus on breathing throughout each exercise. This will help you stay focused and ‘tuned-in’.
2 – If your main goal to lose body-fat and excess weight – then you must go beyond just “eating healthy”. You want to have an idea of the number of calories you consume daily. It’s simple math – avoid it at your peril. You don’t want to drive yourself nuts here – you just want to know what ‘zone’ your daily caloric intake is in. From there, you can make proper adjustments if needed.
3 – Incorporate a regular stretching program in your weekly fitness schedule. Doesn’t mater what ’style’ – it can be yoga or pilates based – or even a straightforward, ‘blue-collar’ style like my Optimum Flexibility dvd program. But you want to keep your lower body flexible to avoid joint & muscle injuries, speed up recuperation and recovery between workout sessions – and allow you to be at the top of your game – no matter what your game might be. The point I’m trying to make here is – flexibility is often neglected in most people’s fitness programs. But the truth is – it’s an essential element which shouldn’t be left out.
4 – If your goal is to gain healthy weight and build up some sexy, lower-body curves – then be mindful of not over-doing your cardio/aerobic exercise. If gaining some body weight is your top goal – then 10 to 15 minutes of heart-pumping cardio 3 to 5 times per week is ideal for overall health and fitness purposes. You don’t need 50 minutes of aerobic exercise 7 days per week – as that will work against your main goal of healthy weight gain.
5 – (My Personal Favorite) Make Love/Have Great Sex: I’m not talking about trashy, immature promiscuity here. I’m referring to mature and safe sex (and often . Creative, healthy sex should include good doses of physical exertion and full-body muscle stimulation – especially from the lower body and core muscles. So get your sweet lover and get busy loving. A loved body is a sexy body… Yeah baby.
Bonus Tips: Here are 2 bonus tips for a better looking, and feeling, lower-body:
A – If you’ve never had a deep-tissue massage before – I would suggest you try it – or something like it. If you are active in fitness and/or sports – there is nothing like being worked on by a professional massage therapist while you get to completely relax. This is great for keeping your muscles and connective tissue healthy and flexible – in addition to a host of other benefits.
B – Most women already know this – but I’ll say it anyway… A good, natural moisturizer always makes the skin look better. Dry, scaly legs and thighs just don’t have that ‘appeal’ – if you know what I mean. If you have a natural moisturizer you like using – please mention it below in the comment section.
I hope you enjoyed these 5 lower body tips (plus 2 bonus tips). If you have any comments or thoughts – please feel free to post them below.
Body-weight Leg Workout for Women; 4 Lower-Body Exercises
In this lower body exercise video, I guide you through a combo sequence of four body-weight exercises which target the legs, glutes and thighs. These will also get the mid and lower back working as well. This mini-workout can be done as a stand alone exercise routine – or you can combine it with the other free lower body exercises on this website – or in my complete, home and travel exercise programs for purchase (e-manuals,dvds, etc…)
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This body-weight exercise sequence includes the four following lower-body moves:
1 – Double Leg, Hamstring Curls
Lying down on a mat or soft surface, facing up – place your heels and calves on top of an exercise ball (55cm or 65cm is ideal). Arms on the ground at your sides. Lift your hips off the ground by pushing your heels and calves into the ball. That is your starting position. Then curl your heels in toward your hamstrings, while pushing your hips toward the sky. Stop when the bottom of your feet are on top of the ball. Then slowly return the the starting position.
2 – Double Leg, Knee-Ups
Get onto your hands and knees – on an exercise mat or soft surface. Bring your toes forward. Then slowly lift your knees off the ground and get your glutes up toward the sky – so your legs are almost fully straightened. Then slowly return to the start position – lightly touching your knees to the ground.
3 – Double Sided Hip-Extensions
Lying down face-up now. Bend your knees and point your toes upward – so your heels are the only part of your feet touching the floor or mat. Push your heels into the ground and lift your hips toward the sky. Give a slight pause at the top. Then slowly lower your hips to touch the mat. Breath out on the way up (as you exert) and breath in on the way down (as you relax).
4 – Exercise Ball Squats
Place an exercise ball (size 55cm – 65cm) against a wall and then lean against it with your lower back area. With your feet shoulder width apart – slowly squat down as the ball rolls up toward your upper back/shoulder blade area. Pause for a second or two – then slowly return to the top position, keeping a slight bend in the knees at the top. Breath in going down – breath out going up.
If going through this body-weight exercise circuit is too easy – try it a second and third time. You can also add 5 or 10 repetitions to each set for a longer exercise sessions and a more intense challenge.
As always – I remind you to get your doctor’s medical clearance for exercise before starting from scratch – or if you are unsure about your own physical ability.
After you’ve tried the workout – please post your feedback and comments below – and then, please do share this with anyone else you know who can benefit from this kind of helpful fitness information.
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This Slim In 6 Review is entirely based on feedback from clients I’ve worked with over the past 5 years – and information from the Slim in 6 website.
I’ll cut right to the chase here… Some women have told me they got the body enhancing results they wanted – and others told me they have not.
This doesn’t surprise me – as this is pretty typical. That being said – I can assure you this… knowing of Debbie Sieber’s personal story – and professional history – I’m willing to bet the program is a well rounded – properly targeted routine.
It’s also safe to say – the big bosses at Product Partners (the parent company of BeachBody; which markets the Slim In 6 program – along with several others) don’t seem like the kind of business people to risk their reputation on trashy fitness products. So, there is surely a level of quality and integrity that has gone into the program.
Is every woman who buys the program thrilled with it? No – you can never make everyone happy. It simply goes with the territory… This is the same thing with my programs – There will always be some people who can’t be satisfied.
So – what do you get with the Slim In 6 package?
1 – A main DVD with 3 programs on it.
2 – Several tracking tools.
3 – 2 bonus DVDs
4 – A 6-Day diet plan
5 – A resistance band
The program comes with a 6-week money back guarantee – for a price of $72.80 (includes s & h)
So – Is it worth it?
There’s only one way for you to find out. Buy it – go all out with it for 5 weeks – and if you are not happy with the program in that short period of time – Return the package for your refund.
I was never crazy about any fitness or weight loss product with a short money-back guarantee policy. This is the main reason I always offer a One-Year ‘Sexy Results’ Guarantee period on all my DVDs…
In the real world – 5 or 6 weeks simply isn’t enough to really test out any program. And before you know it – the time has gone by – and you can’t get a refund after you’ve had a chance to be on the program for a decent amout of time, which usually goes beyond 6 weeks…
And – in addition to that – my laser targeted – 2-DVD set called ‘The Ultimate Leg, Butt, Hip & Thigh Makeover’ can be shipped straight to your doorstep – no matter which country you live in for only $39.97 plus shipping. And yes – you have a full 12 months to see incredibly stunning results, right in the privacy of your own home – or you just send me back the dvds and get your money back.
No questions asked. All I ask is that you send me your incredible success story, by email, one you are satisfied with the dramatic improvements of your body.
Read this page below – to see what the ULBHTM can do for you…
Womens’ Fitness Interview: Sexy Results Doing Fitness at Home
When it comes to effective home fitness for women, the UK seems to have a soft spot for Joey Atlas. In this insightful audio interview – a UK ‘real woman’, Rachel Goodall – tells her story of ups and downs and how she finally ’stumbled’ upon her true, body (and life) enhancing fitness answer… Click the triangular ‘play’ button and be ready for some VERY good stuff…
UPDATE: This Interview Is No Longer Offered for Free. We are In the Process of Recording an Updated Version.
Or – go to the ‘Home’ page to see everything you get, first….
Don’t Be Like Everybody Else… Be You, Be Fit, Be Sexy!
Joey Atlas
PS – Did you enjoy this interview? I’m sure you know someone else who will enjoy it as well. So, please click the ‘Share This’ thingy below – and share it – or simply email this page link to them…. Thanks!!
Fat Loss Secrets: Siobhan’s Story of Miraculous Fat Loss
– submitted by Siobhan Callaghan
I was in absolute terrible condition for my age! After having my fourth child I was so busy about home life, taking care of the kids and everyone else – I just put myself last and let myself go.
My heaviest weight was 200lbs. I suffered from panic attacks low self esteem, constant headaches, fatigue and I had awful back ache, with falling arches in my feet as well.
Sadly, the only thing good was my cholesterol levels were fine!
I hate to admit it but emotionally I was crushed. I was always the high-spirited ‘’joker’’ of the group, the one who seemed to make others happy. I always knew people cared for me but they also (I feel), didn’t look up to me or I suppose maybe even didn’t respect me.
Siobhan at 200lbs, Before Weight Loss
I hated shopping because I could never find anything that would fit me properly and I always hated any special occasions that I would have to dress up for because I could only wear clothes that were made for women in their 50’s!
There were always tears to be shed…
But at the end of last April I went out on a friends birthday party with a bunch of girls and got the kick in the butt that I needed!
Siobhan at 125lbs, After Fat Loss
There I was among other women my age, who had children too, and well… embarrassingly I WAS the biggest girl there and the most dootsy dressed. The only thing I could think of that night was why and how have I done this to myself??
Siobhan at 200lbs, Before Weight Loss
I thought that I too deserve to look and feel good, feel confident and sexy and most important to be and look as young as I was…. I was just going to have take the time for myself which I never did before, realizing that it wasn’t or wouldn’t be selfish for me to it. I would only be selfish by continuing to let myself get so far out of shape and unhealthy.
There was only me that made the mistake and only me that could fix it now.
The first thing I did was a simple, yet focused, week of healthy, controlled eating. I have to say it did help get rid of all the sugar and salt cravings. When the week was over I was stronger inside and more determined and I knew that this was something I really wanted to do, to take control.
I didn’t join any weight watcher clubs, I just stuck to fruit and veggies and chicken and started to buy wholegrain bread and pasta/rice and I bought myself a skipping rope! I was fairly new to the internet (and still am!) and just started to Google anything and everything to do with losing weight or exercises.
As my hips were the biggest part of me I Googled hip & bum exercises and that’s when I first came across my life support!–JOEY ATLAS!
Siobhan at 125lbs, After Fat Loss
There it was… a free download sample of exercises – and I signed up for his free e-newsletter which educated me and I just knew this man was talking sense and in plain old fashioned English with no big health or fitness words that I didn’t understand.
The best thing was, after doing my jump rope I always did the free exercises from Joey and you know, I could see results which made me want more. I was hooked – and Joey earned my trust.
I was so delighted to order his program – I knew it was just meant for me! I was like a kid waiting on Santa after that!
When I did my first session well what can I say I couldn’t do it.. that’s how unfit I was…
My whole body was shaking and nerves twitching everywhere that I could only do maybe 4 or 5 repetitions on each exercise! And as for the next day well it hurt (in a good way) and the day after that, too! I knew this would be the thing that worked for me. Even though it was a challenging start.
Siobhan at 200lbs, Before Weight Loss
But as Joey told me on the DVD to “do what you can and that it will get easier”, well those words of encouragement really persuaded me to stick with it and of course he was right..it did get easier and I did do more and I got results!
Joeys plan is very easy to stick to and all the exercises can be done almost anywhere and as a busy mum of 4 kids, I didn’t have to leave the house to see to myself and get my workouts in!
More importantly I had no expensive equipment to buy which was an added bonus. The DVDs are very easy to follow, Joey makes you feel that he’s right there with you step by step and with a ‘no music’ background, I found it much easier to stay focused, get into the exercises and I suppose, get them right.
Siobhan at 125lbs, After Fat Loss
My current weight is now 125lbs and I’m wearing a dress size (UK) 8/10. I had a wedding about a month ago and bought a USA dress size 4! WooHoo!!
I hadn’t wore a dress since my wedding dress nearly ten years ago and I went from white to black! that’s the dress in my after pics which I did pose for because now I can!! LOL!
Beforehand I always hid behind people in pics which now I wish I didn’t because I would have had great before pics! But nonetheless – you can still see how bad I was.
Its great; now I can almost buy anything I want to wear as long as its not too pricey and not too bare cos even though I’m “half the woman I used to be”, I am so used at covering up myself but I’ll get over that hurdle too!
I want to do more now, get in better shape & go out shopping more! I feel renewed!!
My physical and emotional energy levels are much better now and I’m always up for new challenges and fun things!
I feel that my personal success has made me stronger as a wife, mom and friend – and I have far more confidence in what I can do, not just emotionally but physically.
I have learned that it is important to start to love and and take care of myself and not just others, I need to be confident to make my kids confident, I need to be aware to make my kids aware, I need to be active to make my kids active, I need to be motivated to make my kids motivated and I need to care about myself to make my kids care about themselves, I am trying to educate them that it is important to be fit and healthy and that it can be very fun doing it!
The feed back from others is mostly good. A lot of people don’t recognize me anymore which can be funny! Then you get some saying ah you’ve done enough now you look brilliant so Stop!
It can be hard for some to understand that I actually enjoy eating healthy and exercising, that its not “just to keep the the weight off” for superficial reaons, I just need it for my emotional stability!! I want it for my longevity and… ‘cos I enjoy it!!! that’s all!!
I was asked “was I taking anything” which actually insulted me and I thought well if that’s what a close friend thinks then what does everyone else think! So it knocked me back but again I pushed forward! I’ve learned that people can be jealous of others success and I had it mentioned to me a few times.
I also have learned that people can be inspired by others success and so encourages them to follow suit!
I feel in control of my life and health now, I know where the grass is greener! I wont let myself go like I did for so long, I don’t think I’ve ever been happier!
Now I always try to start my day off and get up an hour earlier than the kids to do my ulbhtm DVD, and like Joey advises, if you want your morning coffee then have it!
Joey has the best ’secret seven’ snack foods ever, and people who come in to my house and see the (natural) peanut butter jar look at me funny and say you ate that and lost weight??!! (Good job the don’t see my dark chocolate!!)
I make good, healthy food choices, and if I get even ten mins free I do a little cardio like skipping rope to up the metabolism and to boost my energy levels. I usually go for a 4 mile brisk walk weather permitting! And if I don’t get the time during the day to do my ulbhtm DVDs, I leave it till I get the kids to bed and do it then..
I feel that I’m now more the person on the outside that I have been on the inside for so long.. So I feel I’m freed from the suit or ’shield of armour’ and instead put the armour into my mind so that I’m stronger person now.
For all the women, and men, who feel they’ve let themselves down or are prisoner in their bodies, well… you’re not.. that’s all in your mind.
Take control of yourself, love yourself and your body.. ‘Cos if you don’t, who will??
Start by saying to yourself “I am in control of who I am and I am going to be happy.. I deserve to be happy..”
And when you control the thoughts in your mind you will control what you do with your body… what you feed it, how you use it, and you will come to realize that the effort is worth it and more importantly it is fun!
And if you have a bad day today, then don’t tell yourself ‘you’ve failed’ or that you can’t do it. Don’t give up hope, because every minute that lies ahead waiting for us is always a new one that we can start from, again.
The only way to encourage change is to think like a baby; you have got to be able to balance on your feet before you take your first steps and then you must learn to walk before you run and everyone stumbles and falls, but rise again and soon you will be fast on your feet…
- Siobhan Callaghan Donegal Ireland
You must admit – that is an awesomely inspiring story of positive change and leading by example. We would love to hear your thoughts about this. Your success, your challenges – just post below – because I would love to know…
It’s no secret to me that there are many skeptics when it comes to body-enhancement methods for women. I understand that so many people get ‘burned’ by empty promises and blatant lies – So it goes without saying that I am always prepared to be carefully scrutinized by even the sharpest of eyes and minds…
That’s ok, because I know my stuff and its my responsibility to get it into the hands of the people who need it the most. People like YOU…
So when I’m confronted by a bold, impartial, journalist who is interested in seeking the truth – I’m quite open, honest and cooperative in allowing him or her to ‘put my methods to the test’ and even share their results with the public at large…
Yes – I’m that confident and comfortable with my unique ‘methods’ being put under a microscope and ‘tested for the real world’…
I was recently contacted by a reporter for the The Arizona Republic Newspaper – Kristin Davis – and asked if I would give approval for her to put my programs to the test and publicize her progress and opinion.
I said “Absolutely!”
Now – you must keep in mind, Kristin is also a chat leader for the Republic’s Arizona “Moms Like Me” web site – AND she’s a key contributor to the EmpowHer(TM) website and community.
Talk about putting myself on the line??!!
Well – some time has passed and I thought it would be great to share what Kristin is doing and how her results will inspire you.
Here are her direct updates – [IMPORTANT] After you read her posts be sure to read the ‘Comments’ section *at the bottom* of both posts that is where the real juicy stuff is revealed, truly amazing… In the 2 ‘Comments’ sections she is asked very specific questions by other women…
– Shall we?
