Interview with Danyelle Ferguson – Resources for Learning about Autism

Today, we’re continuing our conversation with Danyelle Ferguson, author of (dis)Abilities and the Gospel, a great resource book for parents and teachers of children with cognitive disabilities. As we learned last time, Danyelle’s son was diagnosed with autism when he was two. Danyelle, as you were learning about autism, what were some of the resources that were the most helpful to you – books, support groups, studies, etc? During the first four to six months after our son was diagnosed, I couldn’t handle reading anything about autism. I was so overwhelmed, wondering what kind of future my son would have. … Continue reading

Weightlifting to Alleviate Back Pain

Forget about paying $100 for a 60-minute massage; according to a new study you are better off lifting weights to ease lower back pain. Researchers from the University of Alberta say people who add weight training to their fitness regime experience less back pain than those who participate solely on other forms of exercise, such as tennis, jogging or biking. The study followed people suffering with chronic back pain as they participated in a 16-week exercise program. The participants were split into two groups. The first group completed resistance training using dumbbells, barbells and other load-bearing exercise equipment. The second … Continue reading

I Want to Know How to Keep the Weight Off

I asked and you answered. Today, we’re going to talk about keeping the weight off. In the world of fitness this is called “maintenance” – much like your car – you have to keep up your regular maintenance or you’re going to have problems. Sticking with the car analogy for the moment, let’s say that your car breaks down on the side of the road and you take it to a mechanic. The mechanic looks over the car, runs some diagnostics and fixes you up. Then he tells you that you need to get regular oil changes and tune-ups. Ideally, … Continue reading

10 Ways to Build a Better You

Let me say this in all honesty, if you don’t want to work out — you’re not going to. Part of the reason why exercise works is because it gives you a payoff while you doing it, after you’re doing it and the next time you go to do it. You feel better, you feel healthier, you sleep better. But if you really don’t want to exercise, people don’t. You can make a thousand and one excuses for yourself and they’re all valid. Trust me, I’ve been there. But if you want to do it — then here are 10 … Continue reading

Can You Do a Push-Up?

You know what a pushup is, right? It’s a lift that you do using only your arms, controlling your frame and pushing up from the ground? The lift portion is that you are lifting your own body. Push-ups are ideal for building upper body strength and chest definition (yes ladies, it will help your chest too). Too often women think push-ups are only for men, but they aren’t. There are many variations on how you can do a push-up. So let’s talk about specific things you need to keep in mind when you do a push-up: First and foremost, you … Continue reading

Fitness Blog Week in Review May 14 – May 19

I love writing the weeks in review, some weeks I like writing them more than others and this month has definitely been falling more in the less than the more category. But we’re getting caught up and in just one week, the craziness will droop off a bit and I won’t feel like I’m being left behind in my own blogging. So without further ado, let’s talk about this Monday, May 14 Have you ever considered that all you need to do to achieve your goals is to Partner Up: Lose Weight with Your Spouse? Or perhaps that you should … Continue reading

You Can Do It With Your Television

Almost a year ago, I made a suggestion for a great way to incorporate pop culture into your exercise routine. The following, although it can work, is not necessarily the most serious of exercise routines. On the other hand, if you’re not serious, then you’re laughing and likely having a good time. Laughter burns calories, releases endorphins and reduces your stress. So does exercise. So combining exercise and laughter is always a good combination. Television Exercise Game So how does the television exercise game work? Well here is the simplest idea. You can set up for you evening with a … Continue reading

Dear Heather … Fat Burning Workout

Hello, well I’m 16 and going to start running and eating healthy. I weigh 240 and I want to lose 70 pounds or more in 6 months what should I do? And if I walk and run at the same time around a football field for a hour or more how many calories could I lose every week cause I’m want to do this every day until I reach my goal and drink lots of water only water and how many pounds u think I could lose every months? Could you help me Heather? Could you give me tips and … Continue reading

How to Weight Train for Running & Cycling

Last week, we discussed the fact that runners and cyclists need to weight train in order to maximize their performance and to get the most out of their workouts. Running and cycling are both aerobic training sports and while they can help you stay fit and lose weight, you don’t train your muscles up evenly and that can lead to injuries. I got a note from a reader after that blog that wanted more information on how to weight train if you’re already running and cycling, so this is an attempt to answer that request prior to our Dear Heather … Continue reading

10 Reasons To Check out a Fitness Boot Camp

I was talking about fitness boot camps earlier today and what they are and what you would do in one. But let’s explore a few more reasons why you should participate in a boot camp. By the way, there’s a website called Boot Camp Finder that might be helpful if you are looking for a boot camp in your area. You may also want to check out your local fitness clubs to see if they offer a variation on the boot camp theme. But if you’re still wavering, here are the 10 reasons you should check out a fitness boot … Continue reading