Tag Archives: fitness

Overcoming Roadblocks

When it comes to fitness, there are all kinds of roadblocks that can try to deter us from what we are attempting to accomplish.  Whether it’s losing weight, toning up or just becoming more active…there is always something ready to stand in the way of our efforts. Let’s consider some of the common roadblocks that we face.  The first is getting started.  Believe it or not, many people struggle with starting an exercise program or regime. Not knowing where to start can prevent some people from doing anything at all.  They feel stuck and so they remain there (after all, … Continue reading →

Negativity Toward Self

Have you ever considered that the way you see yourself could be a hindrance to a fitter, healthier you?  So often we look at roadblocks as outside sources…lack of time, money, or even our own motivation. Yet if we don’t see ourselves in a positive light, this can also stand in the way of success.  There are a couple of reasons why.  One is that we unconsciously believe that we don’t deserve better. We may look in the mirror, hating what we see and think that this is it…this is the best we can do.  We aren’t worth the time … Continue reading →

Focusing on the Positive

Changing a lifestyle can feel like an overwhelming task.  You know you should exercise and that there needs to be serious changes with eating habits.  But where do you even get started? The all-or-nothing approach is a fairly common one.  But it’s also more likely to result in defeat. I used to have that mindset, that if I didn’t make drastic changes at one time, there was no point in trying.  It was all-or-nothing when it came to exercise and eating. So as soon as I messed up (which could be as simple as missing one day of exercise), the … Continue reading →

Is the “Special K” Challenge For You?

Have you ever taken the “Special K” challenge?  I did a few years ago, back when the only real good cereal was their red berries.  Since then, numerous other kinds of low-fat cereals have been developed, including blueberry and fruit & yogurt (my personal favorite). I can tell you that I did have success with this challenge.  However, there is a downfall to it, which I will share at the end. So how does the challenge work?  You eat two servings of the cereal everyday, along with just half a cup of low-fat milk.  You can do this for either … Continue reading →

6 Ways to Keep Up the Motivation

It’s just been about a month and a half since many of us have made resolutions for a fitter, healthier New Year.  It is also the time that enthusiasm starts to drop off.  But there are ways to keep up the motivation. First, reevaluate the goals or resolutions that were made on January 1st.  It might be time to tweak them. It could be a matter of upping the ante or facing reality that what you thought could be done isn’t doable.  Keep things realistic. Second, put some variety into your fitness routine.  It might be time to sign up … Continue reading →

When Weight Enters Politics

I am by no means one of those persons that like to jump on the political bandwagon.  I have my own opinions, which aren’t usually shared. But I have to admit that I am quite disturbed over the fact that someone’s weight has become a political issue.  I am talking about New Jersey governor, Chris Christie. There is some belief that he may be getting ready to run in the next election.  If that’s true, I hope he is ready for things to get real personal.  Because that is how our society tends to handle politics…it gets down deep into … Continue reading →

Give Yourself the Gift of Love This Valentine’s Day

Most of us associate Valentine’s Day with the receiving or giving of gifts to others.  How about making this year one about giving the greatest gift of all?  I’m talking about a gift that begins with you…loving yourself enough to make some important lifestyle changes. Now that the New Year isn’t feeling so new anymore, many of us start to lose grip on the goals and resolutions we set.  The energy and enthusiasm we felt in the beginning of the year to exercise more and eat less has started to wane. In fact, some people might even be suffering from … Continue reading →

Physical Activity Reduces Risk of Dementia and Alzheimer’s

After just writing about the importance of seeing fitness as something that encompasses body, mind and spirit, I wasn’t surprised to read about research just published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, which indicate that regular exercise may help prevent cognitive problems.  Specifically it’s found that those who remain physically fit during the mid-life years were almost 40% less likely to develop Alzheimer’s or dementia. Previous research has found that regular exercise can prevent a host of other health problems, such as arthritis, certain types of cancer and stroke. It’s also been found that an individual’s level of health during … Continue reading →

Body, Mind and Spirit

Fitness is most often equated with exercise.  But it’s so important that when striving for overall health, we look at not only the body but the mind and spirit as well. I like to think of this as a wheel with three spokes.  One spoke represents the body, one the mind and the other spirit.  When one spoke is broken or missing, everything is thrown off balance. Body is the part where we focus on exercise and eating right.  The type of exercise and eating plan will be different for each person.  It’s going to depend on where you live, … Continue reading →

Lifestyle Replacing Diet Plans?

You might be surprised to learn that less and less people (especially women) are dieting.  At first, this might sound like a bad thing.  After all, isn’t obesity a significant problem in the United States?  Shouldn’t more people be dieting? Well there are a couple of issues to consider.  The first is that many women are starting to embrace and accept their bodies.  Not that they don’t want to make healthy changes.  But there is less concern about being stick-thin. Others truly don’t see having too much weight as being unattractive. There are a couple of ways to look at … Continue reading →