Top 10 Fitness Trends for 2013

So what’s on the horizon for 2013 when it comes to fitness trends? A recent survey has come up with predictions for what those will be. And you might be surprised to learn that most of these are pretty basic. In general, “body weight” exercises are going to be the big thing. These are your typical physical activities, such as pushups or pull-ups, which can shed pounds and tone muscle…yet, there is little cost involved. With the economy continuing to struggle, this is going to be very appealing to fitness enthusiasts and those who will be ready to make changes … Continue reading

Fitting in Fitness

This year is the first year that I have all three kids in school. My youngest just started kindergarten. My oldest just started middle school. Because of the different start times and end times, I have about a two-and-a-half hour window with no kids at all in the house. (I do have to visit the bus stop five times a day, but that is another story.) The first week, I wasn’t sure what I would do with myself. The freedom! I had dreams of being able to take a shower without being interrupted, or reading part of a book or … Continue reading

52 Fitness Changes – Part 3

We have discussed ten fitness changes that can be made over a period of ten weeks. Just one change a week and by the end of the year, you will have created some new healthy habits. Today’s blog is going to introduce twenty new changes that you can make. As a reminder, these are changes you will make over a period of twenty weeks. Week 11 – buy a pedometer and keep track of the number of steps you take each day, making 10,000 your goal Week 12 – implement strength training into your workout routine Week 13 – start … Continue reading

False Fitness Claims

I hate to say it…but I told you so. This is for all those who thought wearing a pair of shoes could help you lose weight. I really don’t mean to be harsh. I can understand the hope that all it takes is wearing a particular type of shoe to help tone the legs. But at the same time, I think we all need to be a bit realistic. To have a fit body, it actually takes work. If you haven’t already heard, Skechers is paying out $45 million to settle claims filed against them. They are accused of exaggerating … Continue reading

Fitness Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day

With Mother’s Day around the corner, it might be the perfect time to give her the gift of health. Why not encourage her in the way of fitness? Of course, you have to be careful about this. You don’t want to hurt feelings. In fact, it’s probably a good idea to only give a fitness gift if your mother truly has a desire to make changes in her life or has already started to exercise. One of the best gifts you can give is a pedometer. It’s a great way to keep track of your steps and set goals. If … Continue reading

Getting Out of a Fitness Slump

Are you in a fitness slump? Anyone who has been exercising for any amount of time tends to hit these at some point or another. Coming out of a long winter for some, you may have been feeling the monotony of working out at the gym, running on your treadmill and using the stationary bike. But with warmer weather comes the chance to get out of the same-old, same-old and try something new. Being stuck indoors can put anyone in a fitness slump. There is just something about fresh air that gets the blood coursing. Get outside and walk or … Continue reading

Beginners in Fitness

For many people, this is the time of year when they start thinking about getting ready for the warmer months. The thought of starting a fitness routine may be in your mind but it could be that you don’t know where to begin. With so many different types of exercise and a variety of formats to choose from, it can be confusing to get started. It may even lead to some feeling so overwhelmed that they never move forward. Let’s be clear on one thing…if you are a beginner, you shouldn’t try to incorporate intense exercise into your fitness plan. … Continue reading

Fitness Journal – Your Meals – Part 2

Hopefully you have picked up what you need to begin your fitness journal, as we are now going to start putting it together. We are going to start it off with meals. What you eat makes a huge difference in your ability to lose weight and your general health. The funny thing about this is that we can feel pretty sure that we are healthy eaters until we start to write down what we are actually eating. Your fitness journal should include a section where you write down everything you have eaten for the day. This includes the amount of … Continue reading

Review of “NewYu Fitness Monitor”

I was recently sent a “NewYu Fitness Monitor,” valued at $99, to review. To be honest, it has been difficult to get full use of this monitor because of some health issues. But I have used it enough to understand it’s good and bad. First, let me explain how it works. It looks much like a pedometer and although it works like one, it goes a little further. Pedometers track the number of steps you take. This monitor can track all physical activity, so if you are doing vigorous housework or biking, this gets included into your daily activity level. … Continue reading

When a Chronic Condition Interrupts Your Fitness Routine

It is so frustrating to have a good fitness routine going, only to see it crumble because of sickness. I have been battling a severe flair-up of costochondritis for about two weeks now. The inflammation and pain have prevented me from doing any form of exercise, let alone light housework, without exacerbating the problem. I have also had to come to the realization that I likely suffer from a chronic form of it, so this won’t be the last time my life is interrupted. I guess it helps me to somewhat understand what others go through who have conditions like … Continue reading