Blog

Getting older? Get in some S-T-R-E-T-C-H-I-N-G!

Posted: 01/30/2012

Why stretch? Stretching increases flexibility, a key component of physical fitness that is often neglected. A greater degree of flexibility is believed to help prevent injury (and low back pain) and improve sports performance. We lose flexibility as we age, so practicing a regular program of stretching the major muscle groups can help prevent loss of flexibility and its associated...

The 10 Commandments for Losing Weight…and Keeping it Off!

Posted: 01/23/2012

Success breeds success. What exactly, in terms of lifestyle changes, do people who have been highly successful at both losing weight and keeping it off over the long term do? That’s just what researchers at the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Colorado set out to determine when they began their on-going study called the National Weight Control Registry (www.nwcr.ws). ...

3 Ways to Kick the Habit of Skipping Workouts

Posted: 01/10/2012

Trying to get into an exercise habit, but finding you’re more in the habit of making excuses? You can break out of that pattern with these tips from fitness experts on staying motivated and sticking to your fitness routine. Our Fitness Together trainers and studio owners recommend these three strategies to help you stay inspired to work out regularly. 1. Keep your...

Detox Diets - Good or Bad?

Posted: 11/08/2011

When it comes to the world of diet and fitness, there are many ideas out there about what is good for our bodies.  When it comes to weight loss and dieting, there is a new fad in detox, or detoxification, diets, but they are not scientifically proven.  Detox diets are marketed as a way to remove toxins from the body.Specific detox diet plans differ, but the basic idea...

Grass-Fed Beef and Heart Healthy Benefits

Posted: 11/01/2011

It is becoming more common to see new terms being used in the meat department- "grass-fed" beef being the most prominent.To be specific, grass-fed beef comes from cows that were fed primarily grass and other foraged foods, such as unprocessed grains.Typically beef and dairy cows are fed a diet of processed grain, like corn, but now the difference in diets is known to change the...

White Whole Wheat Bread - Is it whole wheat or white bread?

Posted: 10/25/2011

White whole wheat bread is becoming more common on grocery store shelves.  But not everyone knows what white whole wheat bread is.  When most of us think of whole wheat bread, we think of the darker colored bread.  But for those that don't like the taste of regular wheat bread, white whole wheat bread is the answer-it has the nutritional benefits of whole wheat...

Are You Throwing in the Towel?

Posted: 10/17/2011

In boxing, there is a term called “throwing in the towel.” This is done by the boxer’s trainer to stop the fight, and it represents that the boxer is giving up in the face of defeat. Are you throwing in the towel when it comes to your health and fitness?We all have days when we oversleep and miss our morning workout. We all have days when we plan to hit the...

Sea Salt or Table Salt - What is the Difference?

Posted: 10/06/2011

The chemical makeup of sea salt and table salt is basically the same, as they both contain two minerals, sodium and chloride.  Even though sea salt is marketed as the healthier alternative, they have basically the same nutritional value as well.  The real difference between the two is in taste, texture and processing.Table salt is mined from salt deposits underground,...

Protein Supplements: Are They Right for You?

Posted: 09/27/2011

When it comes to nutrition, it's always best to get the things your body needs from food, but there may be times that a protein supplement might be right for you.  Here is some basic information to help you decide if they might be right for you.Proteins are the building blocks of life.  Your nails, skin, hair, and bones all are built and maintained with protein and...

Do Toning Shoes Live Up to the Hype?

Posted: 09/14/2011

There are several shoe brands now marketing 'toning shoes' that are supposed to tone your legs while you walk and burn more calories.  The shoes are designed to simulate walking barefoot or walking on an uneven surface.The idea behind this is the unstable design forces the wearer to use their leg muscles more, therefore burning more calories and toning at the same time....