Getting Fit by Playing Tennis

Who says a challenging fitness routine has to be all work and no play? If you are looking to trim down and tone up, then consider grabbing a tennis racket and hitting the courts. The popular sport is back in the spotlight, now that the summer season is fast approaching. Tennis requires endurance and agility, and does wonders for a person’s physique. In addition, it is a fantastic way to spend time with a pal or fitness partner of either sex. FAT BURNER It’s hard to be effective on the court when you are toting around a spare tire. By … Continue reading

More Ways to Stay Fit and Healthy

Given that you can’t work out when you are sick, it’s a good idea to do what you can to keep your immune system in tip-top shape. In a previous blog I noted that germs can cause anything from a runny nose to a life-threatening disease. To avoid falling ill and compromising your regular fitness routine, consider the following tips to keep bacteria at bay: Filthy Fridge When was the last time you cleaned your refrigerator? Not just to throw out spoiled food, but to deep clean the frosty kitchen appliance from top to bottom? A recent survey found that … Continue reading

Staying Fit and Healthy

Most people take a break from their fitness routines when they are sick. Then, there are those who power through and risk getting even sicker. Ideally, you wouldn’t get sick at all, but that’s not reality. On the bright side, studies show that people who follow a regular fitness routine lower their risk of contracting colds and other common communicable diseases. Still, germs are everywhere. While most are harmless, experts say, roughly one percent of germs can cause life-threatening infections. To avoid upsetting your fitness routine, consider the following simple steps to help you stay healthy: Beware of Dirty Mats … Continue reading

Staying Fabulously Fit and Healthy

You can run 10 miles a day, lift weights and eat right, but if you are exposing yourself to excessive amounts of bacteria, then you could be on the verge of derailing your fitness regime without even knowing it. A new study shows that some of the fittest people are putting their health at risk by living in dirty environments. Houses are havens for microscopic bacteria, but if you know where they spawn you can help preserve your health… and your fitness routine. The Kitchen Sink’s Dirty Little Secret You may think you have a clean sink, but bacteria can … Continue reading

Are You Doing All You Can to Stay Fit and Healthy?

What happens to your fitness routine when you get sick? Do you take a few days off to recuperate, or do you push yourself and fight through the pain? Doctors recommend the former to give your body a chance to rest and heal. Health experts also suggest that you drink plenty of fluids and wash your hands frequently. Following those tips will also help you avoid getting sick in the future. The following are other ways you can prevent illness and subsequent disruptions to your regular workout routine: Bad Bathrooms A recent study found that when it comes to cleaning, … Continue reading

Stay Fit by Eating Healthy

Exercise is not the only way to stay fit. Eating right and getting enough sleep are also important factors in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. You may have designed the ideal workout routine, but if you are gorging on junk food to refuel, then you can’t expect to improve your fitness level. Eating the right foods is imperative to staying fit and healthy. So, when was the last time you went through your kitchen to weed out the good items from the bad? The next time you feel the need to purge, consider these tips: MILK Milk really does do a … Continue reading

Confident People are More Fit

A new study claims the more confident you are, the more likely you are to engage in physical fitness activities. Canadian researchers studied more than 5,000 locals between the ages of 15-79 and found that people who have high self-esteem are in better shape than those who have poor self-perception. The study concluded that psychological factors are the most important barriers to an active lifestyle. Study participants, who were categorized as “confident,” said that they participated in a total of 30 minutes of moderate physical activity three or four times a week, and a total of an hour of light … Continue reading

Creating an Affordable Fitness Plan

Many people think that fitness plans must feature frequent trips to the gym or a major investment in expensive exercise equipment in order for them to be successful. The truth is you can get all the benefits of calorie-burning exercises without stepping foot into a fancy fitness center. The key is to be creative when designing an exercise plan. Here are some ways you can shed pounds without going broke: Make a commitment to losing weight and stick with it—-no matter how tired you might be. Self-perseverance is priceless and doesn’t cost a penny. Ditch your vehicle and walk, cycle, … Continue reading

Get Fit By Jumping Rope

Skipping rope is no longer just for kids. Rope jumping is considered one of the most effective cardiovascular workouts available for adults. The simple movements can be done by both beginners and advanced exercisers. In addition, the price of a single jump rope makes the workout an affordable option for cash strapped fitness fanatics. Fitness experts classify jumping rope as an “excellent” fat burner. According to the National Institutes of Health, jumping rope burns approximately 750 calories per hour, which is more than any other traditional workout except running. What’s more, you can easily burn additional calories by jumping faster. … Continue reading

Getting Fit by Nordic Walking

In a previous blog I noted that Nordic walking was listed as one of the top exercises for 2009 by leading fitness experts. Since that entry I received a few messages asking whether Nordic walking could be done on dirt trails in addition to traditional paved surfaces or snow. The answer is yes. Nordic walking poles have special tips that accommodate multiple surfaces. For example, when you are exercising on concrete or hard surfaces you use the end with a rubber “paw” for traction. Then, when you are Nordic walking on dirt, rocky surfaces, ice or snow, you can remove … Continue reading