Search Results for: blog getting fit in your own backyard

Spring Into Shape with Your Little Ones

I love this time of year, but honestly, the idea of bathing suit season quickly approaching is rather frightening. If you are like me and are looking to tone a few problem areas, here are a few fun activities for you: Plan a weekly walk for rainy days. Spring brings with it plenty of rain, so plan one trip a week to a local landmark or mall. We have a new water treatment plant by us. I know it doesn’t sound glamorous, but it is a huge hit with my 5-year-old son. It is never busy, and it keeps me … Continue reading →

Burning Up the Calories with Boot Camp Fitness

If you think that you need to spend mega bucks getting in shape with a fancy gym membership, think again. A gym membership is a great luxury with all those great machines at your fingertips, but most of us do not have the extra dollars that it takes to maintain a gym membership. A fantastic way to burn up those calories in a hurry is simple, yet effective. Boot camp fitness. Boot camp fitness is just what it says. These are the exercises that have been used for years that give us the results that we want without spending a … Continue reading →

Getting Fit With Your Four-Legged Friend

If you have a crazy work schedule, travel a lot or enjoy experimenting with unstructured fitness plans, then it might be challenging to find a consistent workout partner. Enter man’s best friend. Fido and Fifi often make ideal four-legged fitness companions. Exercising with a dog is the perfect solution for individuals, who long for company while they burn calories, but can’t seem to mesh schedules with a two-legged pal. That said there are some general tips you should consider before making your little wagster your main workout buddy: Agility activities: According to experts, medium dogs, especially herding breeds, are good … Continue reading →

Exercise With Your Dog

Looking for a new workout partner? Why not enlist the help of your favorite four-legged friend? According to a new study, there are physical and mental health advantages for a dog owner and a dog when they exercise together. Exercising with Fido will not only help you reduce your waistline, but it can also do wonders for your dog’s as well. What’s more, experts say working out with your pet helps promote the human-animal bond. However, before you drag your Dalmatian on a 6-mile hike you should consider the type of dog you have. Researchers note that dogs differ in … Continue reading →

Why Are Americans Unfit?

Two words: They’re lazy. According to a new study, Americans are just a bunch of lazy sloths, who could be fit, but are not willing to sacrifice the time to exercise. Okay, perhaps, I’m interpreting the study’s results a bit more liberally than the author would intend, but I’m pretty sure my synopsis is on target. In what may be the first large U.S. study of health and commuting, researchers found only about 17 percent of workers were willing to trade their wheels for their feet to get to and from their jobs. The study, which queried more than 2,000 … Continue reading →

Swimming for Fitness

Michael Phelps did it again. The part-man-part fish broke the world record in the 100-meter butterfly at the U.S. national championships last week in Indianapolis, giving him ownership of five individual world marks. It’s unlikely that any of us mere mortals will ever accomplish what Phelps has in the pool, but his successes have inspired many to hit the water. Swimming is a great way to stay in shape and have fun in the hot summer sun. What’s more, it also helps build endurance and muscle strength, too. Still, swimming doesn’t come without drawbacks, especially if you are unprepared. The … Continue reading →

Fitness and Sleep

If you have ever tried hitting the gym or getting in your daily run while sleep deprived, then you probably know that fatigue and fitness training don’t mix. But, just how bad is it to exercise when you are dog-tired? Pretty bad, according to a new report. Research indicates that people who workout when they are suffering from sleep deprivation are five times more likely to sustain injuries. The study also revealed that athletes who extended their nightly sleep and reduced accumulated sleep debt reported improvements in various drills conducted after every regular practice. The study, which was conducted by … Continue reading →

Fitness and Your Bones

Men and women looking to avoid suffering the painful and often debilitating disease osteoporosis should be exercising more, according to leading scientists. Researchers at top medical universities around the nation are urging people to look after their bones by living well and getting fit. They say by doing so you can reduce your chances of developing osteoporosis, a disease where the inner honeycomb structure inside each bone becomes thinner and more fragile. Osteoporosis can affect any part of a person’s body but the wrist, hip and spine are the most common areas. Experts say the best way to strengthen your … Continue reading →

Getting Fit in Your Own Backyard

Give your wallet a break this summer and trade your gym membership for a workout in your backyard. With summer here, not only will you be doing your body good with fresh air and sunshine, but you’ll also be doing your yard a favor. Planting or tending to your garden is a great way to stay in shape. Pulling weeds, raking, digging, spreading mulch and carrying heavy loads of wood chips employ major muscles. In addition, if you are working out in the sun, you are sure to break a sweat. If you decide to move your workout to the … Continue reading →

Get Your Body and Your Finances in Shape

With the warm weather coming, you might be more conscious of getting your body in shape for a summer full of swimming and lighter clothing. joining a gym can be a great way to do this, but let’s face it, a gym won’t do anything for your finances. Here is how to get in shape or stay in shape while actually benefiting your bottom line. Substitute your feet Make it a challenge to substitute your feet for your car as often as possible. Take a walk or a bike ride to the store if that is feasible. Is the store … Continue reading →