Michelle Obama’s Fitness Secrets

No matter what your politic beliefs, few can say anything negative about First Lady Michelle Obama’s physique. Clearly she does a good job taking care of her body. So what are her secrets? Recently she divulged 11 things that help to keep her in shape. The first is that contrary to what you might think, she doesn’t count calories. Now this I can relate to. I find calorie counting to be more of a burden than anything else. She also doesn’t like to diet. Instead, she focuses on health (isn’t this what I have been saying in so many of … Continue reading

5 Fitness Goals for the Summer

When it comes to goal setting, most of us think about the New Year. That’s the time when resolutions are made. But summer is a perfect opportunity to do the same. If there is ever a season to really be committed to a fit lifestyle, summer is it. It’s the perfect time of year to start eating healthier and incorporate more physical activity into your day. So with that, here are 5 fitness goals you should have for the summer. The first goal is to eat more fruit. Not only is this the season for some of the freshest fruits … Continue reading

Fitness Trends Predicted for 2012

There are already predictions out for what the top 20 fitness trends for 2012 will be. This is according to a survey conducted by the “American College of Sports Medicine.” One of the fitness programs that is said will make this list is (no surprise) Zumba, something I recently blogged about, as it is coming out on Kinect for Xbox 360 in February, 2012. Not only Zumba but other dance workouts will likely be a fitness trend for 2012. The dance wave is hitting fitness centers, classes and video game systems worldwide. Another trend that is predicted is the increase … Continue reading

Family Fitness with Your Preteens and Teens

In this blog I am going to be talking about family fitness with your preteens and teens. This is definitely a whole new ball game, since engaging with this age group can be more of a challenge. The reality is that preteens and teens would rather be hanging out with their friends, but don’t take it personally. We just have to really instill in our children the importance of maintaining good family relations and spending time together. What better way to do this than bringing in some type of exercise? You don’t even have to tell your children that this … Continue reading

Your Waist Size and Walking

People are often most concerned about their weight, using it a measuring tool to determine success. I know I am guilty of this too, but there is something else I am more concerned about- waist size. Research has show that the size of your waist can determine if you are likely to have heart disease and other health problems. Several research articles I have read encourage woman to have a less than a 35 inch waist and men to have less than a 40 inch waist. Following these guidelines can help save your heart and life. The research shows that … Continue reading

Exercising in Heat and Humidity

My state is currently in a serious heat wave, with temperatures in the 90’s and humidity in the 70’s. But it is apparently a problem across several states, with some experiencing much higher temps. I went out this morning to pick up some groceries and as soon as you stepped outside, it felt like you were being suffocated. But to my surprise as I was driving down the road in my air-conditioned minivan, I saw a woman jogging…ugh, no thank you. Then later on I heard someone on the radio say that while there is a heat wave going on, … Continue reading

Do You Live in a Fit and Healthy City?

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) ranks the 50 fittest and healthiest metropolitan cities in the United States every year. They base it on a number of factors including smoking habits, exercise, obesity rates, and numbers of chronic health problems (diabetes, heart disease, asthma, etc.). So where does your metro city rank? Here is the list starting with the number one fittest and healthiest city, going down to the least: 1. Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn. 2. Washington, D.C. 3. Boston, Mass. 4. Portland, Ore. 5. Denver, Colo. 6. San Francisco, Calif. 7. Hartford, Conn. 8. Seattle, Wash. 9. Virginia Beach, … Continue reading

Ideas for Summer Fitness

It’s time to start thinking about summer fitness. It’s the perfect time of year to try something new and to really enjoy the outdoors. One of the best ideas for summer fitness is swimming. While having fun, you get in a really great workout. Get in a few laps, play some games in the pool with your kids or join a water aerobics class. There is nothing better than a day of splashing in the sun. But don’t think of swimming or water sports as something relegated to a pool. What about some adventure kayaking or canoeing? If you are … Continue reading

Garden Your Way to Fitness

Do you have a green thumb? Then you might think about gardening your way to fitness. Not only do you reap the rewards of healthy fruits and vegetables but you can also burn a lot of calories. Yard work in general can be a great way to incorporate fitness into your spring and summer routine. We are hitting that time of year where many of us are beginning to plan out our gardens and what we will grow. If you have perennials then you know you have to prepare the area around them, begin weeding and other tasks. Think of … Continue reading

Special Needs Children and Camp: Part III – Best Camps for Special Needs

Camp is beneficial for children with special needs, and choosing the right camp is extremely important. The wrong camp can make for a miserable experience, while the right one is not only fun for your child but can also help prepare her for life. Here are some of the best camps from around the United States. *Please note that these camps are ones I have found through research. If considering one of these camps, please research it and meet with the staff to ensure it is the best pick for your child. Camp For All, Texas Camp For All is … Continue reading