Getting Fit without the Gym

I’m looking forward to school being out for all sorts of reasons, such as having time for daily adventures with the kids. I am also looking forward to school being out so I can get back to my morning walking/running group. Each morning, the group meets at 6am and walks or runs until about 7:30. One my oldest hit middle school (sixth grade here), I had to drop out due to his earlier start time. Once school is out, he can sleep in and I can go work out. Fitness groups are free, and working out with someone else often … Continue reading

Plan Your Fitness Routine for the New Seasons Ahead

To me there is nothing like a brisk morning walk. My favorite time of the day to walk is in the morning when it’s cool outside. Now for many of us we haven’t quite hit those cool mornings yet. There is still some summer left. However I always say that we should plan ahead. Since a new season is upon us, it’s time to think about how you will continue your fitness routine. One of the things that can happen is for those of us who live in the colder states; we let our fitness routine fall to the side. … Continue reading

To The Gym: My Training Session, I Thought

I had an appointment at around 10:30 a.m. with the trainer, so I got there early to walk the treadmill. Yes, I was anxious to start. Included in my membership was a one-hour session with a personal trainer. Of course, I decided to take advantage of it. I had researched fitness for years and practiced it. I had thought that I was doing the right exercises for my goals. Now it was time to see how close I was or if I was really far off. My session was cancelled. My trainer came over to me and explained that she … Continue reading

Biggest Fitness Mistakes

If you are a female looking to lose weight as expeditiously as possible, a new study says you need to kick up your fitness routine. Researchers say that one of the biggest mistakes women make at the gym, is thinking their available workout time is best spent completing cardio exercises — often at the same pace the entire time. However, studies show rather than doing 45 minutes of cardio work at a steady (and relatively easy) pace, women can burn more fat and calories if they complete intense cardio work, and also incorporate some strength exercises. Bottom line: Women, who … Continue reading

Are You a Dirty, Smelly, Rude Gym Rat?

Be honest, do you have a habit of leaving gym cardio machines dripping with sweat? Are you guilty of stacking dozens of plates on pieces of gym equipment, then sashaying away without ever stripping down the machine and putting them away? Or, are you the type of gym member, who works out in the same sweat-stained, smelly rotten clothes day after day, and pretends no one else has a nose? A recent survey of fitness instructors reveals that there are more dirty, smelly, rude, gym members than ever before. But, why? Experts say the stress of the times could be … Continue reading

Super Bowl Champs Reveal Secret Fitness Weapon

Now that the Lombardi trophy is in their possession and their championship rings have been fit, the Pittsburgh Steelers are revealing the fitness toy that helped them win Super Bowl XLIII. According to the team’s trainer, the Ab Coaster was an integral part of the Steelers training regimen in 2008. Yes, the same Ab Coaster that is advertised on late-night TV every… single… night. Persistence paid off for Ab Coaster marketers, because the Steelers are now crediting the $400 machine for their abs of steel. Following their Super Bowl win a number of players and trainers raved to news reporters … 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

Staying Ahead of Your New Year’s Fitness Resolutions

If you are firmly resolving to get in shape in 2009, then why not get a head start on your promise by burning fat over the holidays? It’s not as difficult as it might sound. By following the tips below you can get fit (and be two steps ahead of your New Year’s resolution) and still party like its 1999: Create a Home Gym. It doesn’t have to be expensive or elaborate; rather get creative with what you have. For example, crunches, push-ups, jumping jacks and many other exercises can be done without any gym equipment. Use this “home gym” … Continue reading

Fitness Food for Thought

“Don’t Let the Cold Weather Derail Your Fitness Routine,” “Making Workouts a Priority During the Holiday Season,” “Don’t Let the Holidays Ruin Your Fitness Routine”—-BAH HUMBUG! I know, I know. I was the one who wrote the aforementioned blogs, but honestly, I’m too tired to brush my hair let alone hit the gym for a workout. And I know I’m not alone. So, for all of you regular gym goers who are desperately looking for someone to support your decision to take a break from exercising today, you’ve come to the right place. In fact, I actually found a fitness … Continue reading

Don’t Let the Cold Weather Derail Your Fitness Routine

We are in the middle of a major winter storm. When all is said in done we will be buried under 10-12 inches of snow. That’s on top of the 7 inches we were socked with last week. Then, there’s the bitterly cold tempeatures (we didn’t get above 20 degrees last week) and the dangerously frigid wind chills. It’s a wonder how gyms in Wisconsin sustain themselves during the winter months. I could easily ditch my exercise routine and chock it up to Old Man Winter, but I have that darn marathon I committed to running, so I don’t have … Continue reading