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

Spring Into Spring with an Outdoor Workout

With the weather warming up (at least in some places), you might consider moving your fitness routine outdoors. Whether it’s a bike ride around the neighborhood or a hike at your favorite state park, the opportunities to burn calories in the great outdoors are seemingly endless. If you enjoy soaking up the scenery while you sweat, then consider signing up for one of the following outdoor races being offered across the country this spring: April 4th–Pole Pedal Paddle (Jackson, Wyoming). Enjoy the Tetons as a backdrop for this skiing, biking and boating race. April 16-19–Sea Otter Classic. A biking competition … Continue reading

Walking Can Reduce Chance of Having a Stroke

Sometimes we need to be reminded of all the benefits found in walking. We know that it’s good for us but sometimes we don’t think about the specific benefits in doing so. One of the dilemmas middle-aged people face is increased weight gain in their middle. If there is one trouble area that I have found in recent years to be my thorn in my side it is my middle. The sad thing is that having a heavier middle also increases your risk for heart problems, including heart attacks. Women especially are at an increased risk of developing heart disease. … Continue reading

Managing Asthma in Cold Weather

Trying to exercise in cold weather (that includes shoveling snow!) can trigger problems if you suffer from asthma. Experts believe that the cold, dry air of winter can irritate airways, causing the bronchial tubes to narrow. This can restrict airflow into your lungs! Adding exercise to the mix — your body’s breathing patterns change when you’re working out — can put even more strain on your lungs. For a person without asthma, exercise in cold weather may not be an issue. But for a person with asthma, you could be looking at an asthma attack. You may experience coughing (especially … Continue reading

Steps in Santa Monica

It’s one of the most popular fitness destinations in the United States. The “Steps in Santa Monica” provide runners, walkers and climbers with a workout that’s second to none. The stairs were installed in the 1920’s so children who lived at the top of the steep incline could get to the school down below. But about a decade ago the staircase became an exercise destination, and now on any given weekend 1,500 people make it their workout destination of choice. In addition to the vigorous workout the stairs yield, the 172 steps also lead to some of the most gorgeous … Continue reading

Protecting Your Camera While on Vacation

Spring break is in full swing here. Some of our friends flew to Colorado to get in some late season skiing (that was before we got 15 inches of fresh snow on Good Friday) while others headed to Florida to escape the winter blues. We just returned from Hawaii where my camera got a serious workout at the beach. Regardless of where you vacation this year it is important to remember some basic tips to ensure your camera doesn’t become a causality while you’re away from home. COLD CLIMATES If your family enjoys tearing though fresh powder in cold weather … Continue reading

Dad’s Losing It: How have you been?

The little hiatus is over here at Families.com and I would love to tell you that during the break my eating and exercise routine has been on-point, but I do not fancy myself a liar, so I will say no such thing. To be honest, I have been having a rough stretch recently with sweets, cookies, donuts and soda entering my body at a way-too frequent clip. I have also been seen eating potato chips (which I do not really even enjoy) and ice cream (Girl Scout Cookie Thin Mint – which I enjoy very much. I am helpless to … Continue reading

Cycling’s Power of Three

Cycling is the one of the best forms of exercise that accomplishes multiple goals in a short amount of time. But if you are still not totally convinced the following are the three most powerful reasons to invest in a good bike, some padded bike pants, a helmet and an hour on the trails or road. Power of One Bored with your workout? You won’t be when you take up cycling. You get out the spinning room, out of the gym, out of the house and into the sunshine and the fresh air. Your bike can travel just about anywhere … Continue reading

The Top Ten Reasons Why I Love Exercising in the Summer

What would a top ten-list day be without the positive spin on my top ten reasons why I hate exercising in the summer? See, those are my thoughts exactly and in the spirit of summer and Friday and fun, here are my top 10 reasons why I like exercising in the summer. No, they are not exactly the same as my top 10 reasons why I hate exercising – well – not exactly. 10. It’s hot. That means I get to wear shorts quite comfortably along with tank tops. Cooling off after a workout is easier in the winter, but … Continue reading