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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

Types of Heart Rate Monitors

My last blog talked about how heart rate monitors can improve fitness. Now we are going to look at the different types that are available and who would benefit from having one. However, I feel a reminder is in order here. Always consult first with a doctor before starting a new exercise program. The two basic types of heart rate monitors are chest strap models (which go around your chest) and finger sensor models (wristwatch style, where you touch a sensor with your finger). A variety of features can be found with both types. The following are some of the … Continue reading →

Setting Fitness Goals with a Pedometer

There are many different ways you can set fitness goals for the New Year. One is by using a pedometer. What I love about these is you can pick them up for as little as $10. But you can certainly spend much more on a nicer model. One type of goal you might want to set is taking 10,000 steps a day. If that sounds like too much, you can reduce the amount. Some people like to figure out the average number of steps they take and then set goals from that. The best way to do this is calculate … Continue reading →

Negative Consequences of Yo-Yo Dieting

Most of us know that yo-yo dieting (losing weight, gaining weight, losing again, gaining again) isn’t good for your health. Studies in the past have suggested that it could lead to gallbladder disease, high cholesterol and blood pressure. It may also have a negative psychological impact, such as leading to depression. It can actually decrease your motivation and make you feel that weight loss will never happen. According to new research by Wake Forest University, in postmenopausal women yo-yo dieting may actually increase the risk of developing heart disease. One of the things that can happen is that although blood … Continue reading →

Fitness Should Be a Lifestyle Change

We’re just a few days into the New Year. Are you still feeling the same resolve to make this a healthier year? It’s no secret that gym clubs are swarming in the month of January. More fruits and vegetables are purchased in January. Changes are being made across the board. Yet it’s not uncommon for this to start dropping off in February and March. By April it’s pretty obvious who are going to be the ones most likely to stick it out. While the good intentions are there, it won’t be what keeps you going. There has to be more … Continue reading →

Tips for Beginners

It’s a New Year. Are you ready to embrace a new you? It starts with getting off your duff, no matter how tired you are from staying up last night or how stuffed your belly feels from all the goodies you ate. There is always a good reason to not start. But there are even better reasons for why you should. There is something about immediately starting off the New Year right…taking those first steps (no matter how small) toward your goal of becoming a fitter person. So even if that means you take a 10 minute walk, something is … Continue reading →