10 Fall Fitness Tips

The color of the leaves show me that the fall season is alive and well. But so are we, and we should take full advantage of that. One fall fitness tip that I have is to take advantage of the weather. This is the perfect time of the year for walking or cycling. Park trails and hiking areas allow for not only physical activity but beautiful scenery. A second fall fitness tip is to look into signing up for a Zumba or aerobics class. Or try something adventurous like a dance class. A third fall fitness tip is to involve … Continue reading

5 Spring Fitness Tips

It is not officially spring yet, but depending on where you live it is definitely in the air in some places. But even if you are still dealing with the last remnants of winter, its time to start thinking about the warmer months soon coming. Following are 5 spring fitness tips to get you started. The first tip is to invest in some good footwear. Don’t skimp on quality just to save a few bucks. You could end up injuring yourself if you don’t wear the right kind of footwear. You can find virtually every category of footwear available, from … Continue reading

Turning Cleaning into Exercise

Yesterday I decided to do some “fall cleaning.” Yes, I like to be different. Instead of deep cleaning my home in the spring (when I would much rather be outside), I do it in the fall. It helps prepare my home for the upcoming holidays and I like it to be really clean when I am going to be spending so much more time indoors. I only tackled my living room yesterday but it took me a good 3 hours. There was a lot of scrubbing (I have hardwood floors), wiping down walls, dusting and wrestling with these new sofa/loveseat … Continue reading

Wet and Wild Photo Experiences

My daughter is part fish. In the summer it’s especially hard to get her out of the water. On warm days she lives in the pool and barely comes out to eat and sleep. Consequently, I’ve been looking to invest in a waterproof camera because using a Ziploc bag to take underwater photos is simply not cutting it anymore. Fortunately, waterproof cameras come in a variety of different price points, with the least expensive being disposable point-and-shoot versions. I’ve experimented with one-time use waterproof cameras during trips to Hawaii, but haven’t been very impressed with the results. Ideally, I would … Continue reading

Hot Weather Exercising Essentials

Hooray! The warm weather is finally here! The warm weather means outdoor fun. No more staying cooped up in the house. The warm weather also makes it more difficult to exercise outdoors. It takes more energy in the summer to exercise outdoors and we tire more easily. Here are some simple steps to take to keep cool while exercising outdoors in the heat. 1. First of all, do not try to look glamorous. This is the last thing that you need to worry about right now. Wear the lightest, loosest, most breathable fabric that you can wear. Try to wear … Continue reading

What is Moderate-Intensity Exercise?

The government suggests that Americans engage in 150 minutes of “moderate-intensity physical activity” per week. But, have you ever wondered what qualifies as “moderate-intensity” exercise? Is it defined as walking, jogging, running, hiking, or does raking leaves count? Fitness experts have determined that a rate of at least 100 steps per minute achieves moderate-intensity activity. Meaning that if you were to purchase a basic pedometer and record 3000 steps in 30 minutes, then you would be participating in moderately intense exercise, and therefore engaging in a meaningful fitness program. For the record, pedometers are unable to measure activity intensity. However, … Continue reading

Hot New Exercise for 2009

It’s the latest fitness trend and it doesn’t require a lot of expensive equipment or coordination. Nordic walking is consider the “it” exercise for 2009, according to fitness experts. The simple sport originated in Finland and spread throughout Europe. It is especially popular in Sweden, Norway, Germany, and now people in North America are embracing the trend that includes a couple of poles and desire to burn calories. These days Nordic walking is growing in popularity in places such as California, Vermont, Colorado, Arizona, Maryland and Florida where health clubs offer introductory classes. Fitness experts say the pole walking exercises … Continue reading

Baby Blog Month in Review: August 2008

Isn’t it crazy the way babies grow so quickly? It seems that you just get used to one stage and boom they are already into another. Tonight, were busy getting the household all set for my eldest child’s first day of second grade. My two younger ones are excited and want to start school, too. It will be a busy month. Don’t worry about the missing last week of blogs. I’ve gotten quite a few questions about where I have been. The Baby Blog tends to go on hiatus the last week of the month. That may change in the … Continue reading

Caring for Yourself and Your Family During the Holidays

The holiday season is fast approaching, and it is important to take time to care for yourself physically during this hectic time. Additionally you need to make sure that you are taking care of your family as well. It is important to remember that the Word of Wisdom counsels us to have moderation in all things. Here are a few tips to help you and your family stay healthy over the holidays. 1) Before the rush begins take time now to make freezer meals for your family to use on your busy days. Additionally you may want to use your … Continue reading

Healthy Exercise In The Summer Heat

The hottest days of summer may require you to modify your usual workouts just a bit. Here are some tips to help you stay healthy and safe while you exercise this summer. Staying Cool Take a cold shower before you exercise. A German study found that cooling your body down before your workout can help lower your core temperature, your skin temperature, and your heart rate. Adjust your jogging or walking route to stay in the shade. Check the Weather Channel or other forecasts to find the best time of the day to exercise. Pick dirt or gravel paths for … Continue reading