Spring Forward to Action 2007: Week 2, Day 1

Good afternoon and happy Monday! It’s the second week of our Spring Forward to Action 2007 plan. I’ve developed the method for how we’re going to handle this week’s worth of exercise in goals, methods and accountability. This week’s plan is to ramp up the challenge, to stay engaged and to really push myself past my current limits so I can achieve new levels. This week, you can expect our daily workouts to include the following: Daily Goal Time Spent How I’m Feeling What’s Next Challenges to Overcome Daily Goal Today’s daily goal is to increase the intensity of the … Continue reading

Smart Sun Exposure and Vitamin D

We all know that we should limit our sun exposure these days. Harmful UVA and UVB rays can lead to skin cancer and premature aging. Protecting your skin, your scalp and your eyes is important, and most of the time, you should slather on the sunscreen on a daily basis, even in the winter. With our increasing awareness of the harm that the sun can do to our bodies comes another problem: lowering Vitamin D levels. Our bodies normally make Vitamin D from sun exposure on our skin. With less exposure comes less natural Vitamin D. Vitamin D builds bone … Continue reading

It’s Your Turn

What is last on your to do list? Chances are, like most single mothers, it’s anything you want to do for yourself. As mothers we always put our wants and needs last, when you are married your husband will often come to your rescue and give you the time you need for you, at least occasionally. When you are a single mother mommy maintenance is always at the bottom of the list. I’m not talking about the big things like doctor visits and the like, as mothers we are usually pretty good at taking care of the health of the … Continue reading

Staying Active Despite Your Desk Job

If there is one detriment to maintaining an active lifestyle it is a desk job. Some people, me included, spend hours sitting in a chair staring at a computer screen. Apparently there are some offices who have found a way to work around this; workstations that fit over treadmills. What a great idea. The original concept of this came from a man who suffered a leg injury in 2008. Up until then he had been active. So he came up with what is called the “TrekDesk.” He was able to continue working, walk off 26 pounds, get better sleep and … Continue reading

Roadrunner the Sprinting Kitty

Just like dogs, some cats like to run After my string of serious articles on how to introduce your pets to your new baby, I thought I’d take a day for a more upbeat story. Today’s topic might not be as fun and lighthearted as I’d hoped, however, because it tells the story of a cat that frankly puts my own exercise habits to shame. I’ve talked about cats that have crossed countries to find their owners, but even the awesome Karim has nothing on Roadrunner. Asbury Park Press has all the details on perhaps the world’s only feline long … Continue reading

Foods That Are Fatal For Fido

We all love our furry kids and always want to take good care of them. Heck, sometimes these four-legged creatures have better lives than even our kids do. That’s totally understandable though since dogs don’t talk back, love you even if you aren’t perfect, and are always overjoyed to see you walk into a room—even if you’ve only been out of sight for two minutes. Over the years I’ve had many animals; everything from guinea pigs and iguanas to birds and fish, but dogs are always my favorite. Many people give their dogs a few leftovers from dinner, or treats … Continue reading

My Reasons: Why I Like Ikea

So yesterday I started talking about our recent trip to Ikea and some of the reasons that I really like that place. It is strange for me to say that about any retail store, because as the Duggars say, I like to “buy used and save the difference.” Still, when we really needed to get some furniture for our oldest son’s room in order to help him be more organized, we were able to get what we need as well as a few surprises. So here are my main reasons why I like Ikea. The items are low priced and … Continue reading

More Micro-Break Ideas

Are you still looking for a break? When you have a new baby, it can be hard to feel rested, refreshed, and centered. I can’t help you with the sleep or the scattered brains, but there are ways to center yourself and have calmer, happier days with a baby. Schedule down time Life with a baby can seem busy, busy, busy. Even if it’s just a morning a week, schedule time just to be at home and focus on your baby. Silence the bills, the chores, and the myriad of other things that need to happen and just be present … Continue reading

Biggest Fitness Mistakes

If you are a female looking to lose weight as expeditiously as possible, a new study says you need to kick up your fitness routine. Researchers say that one of the biggest mistakes women make at the gym, is thinking their available workout time is best spent completing cardio exercises — often at the same pace the entire time. However, studies show rather than doing 45 minutes of cardio work at a steady (and relatively easy) pace, women can burn more fat and calories if they complete intense cardio work, and also incorporate some strength exercises. Bottom line: Women, who … Continue reading

Tips for Slimming Down Post-Baby

Just because it’s been a year since you gave birth doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve returned to your pre-baby body. After all, giving birth is only the beginning of life after baby. There are feedings to worry about, diapers, laundry, and new sleep schedules. So, when are you supposed to find time to workout? Experts suggest easing back into your fitness routine after giving birth. In fact, leading obstetricians advocate a gradual approach to weight loss as opposed to crash dieting and exercising like a fiend to shed unwanted baby weight. Doctors say, typically it should take between 9 to 12 … Continue reading