Getting Out of a Fitness Slump

Are you in a fitness slump? Anyone who has been exercising for any amount of time tends to hit these at some point or another. Coming out of a long winter for some, you may have been feeling the monotony of working out at the gym, running on your treadmill and using the stationary bike. But with warmer weather comes the chance to get out of the same-old, same-old and try something new. Being stuck indoors can put anyone in a fitness slump. There is just something about fresh air that gets the blood coursing. Get outside and walk or … Continue reading

Fitness in Your 40’s

Well, we have looked at fitness in your 20’s and 30’s and now we are on to my personally favorite decade, the 40’s. I don’t exactly know what it was about turning 40 but it felt great. For me, this is the decade where I began to get much more serious about fitness. I realize it would have been beneficial to get an earlier start but what I am learning about this decade is that it’s never too late. I have found yoga to especially be beneficial, which has helped in improving my posture and gaining flexibility. But in your … Continue reading

Bullock Says She Now Can Celebrate Becoming a Mom Through Adoption

Many adoptive parents try to keep quiet about their adoption plans to avoid endless questions during an uncertain and possibly lengthy waiting period. Sandra Bullock may have set a record by keeping all but the closest friends and family unaware that her new son has been living with her for over three months! Bullock spoke with People magazine last week after keeping silent for weeks following revelations of her husband’s infidelity. She told the magazine that she and her husband Jesse James had been in the process of adopting for several years, and she had always thought that “her” child … Continue reading

Excuses For Not Exercising: #5 It Hurts

Using the muscles that you have not used for a while takes some getting used to. The muscles have pretty much been dormant and the stretching that you encounter when working out a new exercise program will cause some discomfort until the muscle has been worked on regularly. This is known as DOMS or delayed-onset muscle soreness. You are putting your muscle through a new range of movement. This occurs not only when trying a new exercise or just beginning to exercise, but also if you increase an exercise in repetitions. There could also be some muscle fiber tearing and … Continue reading

Excuses for Not Exercising: #3 I Hate to Exercise

If you are an exercise hater, you can learn to love it. All you need to do find something active that you enjoy doing. There is so much to choose from that will keep you physically active. By exercising 20 minutes a day you will be helping yourself to stay in good physical condition and keep your spirits high. Once you start becoming more active you will probably lose a few pounds at least. This loss of weight will have you feeling like a weight has been lifted from you. The loss of weight will also build up your confidence … 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

Tips for Staying Fit While Traveling

Summer’s here, and with it comes family vacations and other holiday road trips. However, just because you are away from home doesn’t mean that you have to compromise your daily fitness routine. Consider the following the next time you try to make excuses for not exercising on the road: *If you are a runner, traveling to a different city gives you the chance to jog along new trails and view different scenery. *If you are a weightlifter, traveling could mean getting to use unique fitness equipment at your hotel’s gym. *Traveling provides the opportunity to switch up your exercise routine-if … Continue reading

More Fitness Myth Busters

Apparently, big muscles aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. According to a new study, not only does exercise not boost metabolism as much as widely believed, but even more shocking, is the fact that increased muscle mass doesn’t speed up weight loss either. Researchers maintain that while a pound of muscle burns more calories than a pound of fat — about seven to 10 calories a day versus two calories — most people don’t put on enough muscle to make much of a difference. “Building muscle is very difficult for most individuals because it requires heavy weight workouts and … 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

Want to Get Fit? Don’t Take Up Ballet

That’s according to sports medicine researchers at The Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. Their recently published study claims that young female professional ballet dancers face health risks when they don’t eat enough to offset the energy they expend. In addition, according to the study, most top ballet dancers suffer from amenorrhea (lack of menstruation), abnormal vascular function and low bone density. The study queried 200 dancers about their menstrual patterns and eating habits. In addition, participants also underwent a blood test for hormonal levels. The results showed that 36% of the group had abnormal eating habits, and 77% were … Continue reading