Blog

Why New Year’s Resolutions Fail

Posted: 12/02/2011

 As New Year’s resolutions gain popularity this time of year, many jump on the bandwagon of losing weight, getting fit and living a healthier lifestyle. While we all can benefit from making these types of positive lifestyle changes, most resolutions fizzle out, unfortunately, before they even have a chance to settle in. So, why does this popular annual pastime of making...

Fit BODY: Fit BRAIN

Posted: 10/14/2011

Can’t remember where you parked the car or if you unplugged the coffee pot? Worried that as you age, your memory and cognitive skills will deteriorate? Never fear—a regular exercise routine will strengthen your brain as well as your muscles! New research shows that even older adults who are physically active have a reduced risk of developing many forms of dementia....

Prepare Your Body for Optimal Winter Performance with Pre- and Post-Workout Stretching

Posted: 10/14/2011

Tight muscles, cramped joints and a lethargic body is not how you want to ring in this winter season. Instead, prepare your body for sledding adventures, skiing moguls and family snowball fights by introducing stretching into your overall health and fitness routine. Don’t worry, you don’t have to schedule tons of time to make stretching beneficial and effective. Ten...

Jump Start Your Fitness Routine This Winter with High Intensity Cardio Training

Posted: 10/14/2011

As you dive into the winter season, you may find yourself in a rut of doing the same old, same old when it comes to your fitness and wellness routine. And as the temperatures get cooler, climbing on the dreaded treadmill or elliptical machine may seem to be your only options for burning those inevitable extra holiday calories.Effective cardio training, though, can include more...

Summer Shape-Up Strategies for a Fit, Healthy Body

Posted: 06/01/2011

 Spring is in the air, the flowers are blooming, the birds are chirping, and the grass is getting greener… all signs that summer is right around the corner. Summer is beach body season, so START TODAY to shake off the winter doldrums and “spring” into your health and fitness action mode. Perhaps you’ve gotten off track with your New Year’s...

Boost Your Bone Health

Posted: 03/11/2011

1. Add Plyo Power. Mix up your regular routine by incorporating jumping activities such as skipping rope and tennis, one or two days a week. These explosive movements have been found much more beneficial to bones than non-weight-bearing activities like cycling and swimming. 2. Increase Your Greens. Get into the habit of eating fresh, dark green leafy vegetables everyday....

Sedantary Job? Try Pedaling at Your Desk

Posted: 03/11/2011

 Portable bicycle-like devices that allow people to pedal at their desks or workstations could counter some of the negative effects of sedentary behavior on the job, a new study says. Researchers reached that conclusion after giving 18 full-time workers a portable pedaling exercise machine specifically designed to be used while seated at a desk or workstation, and let...

Top Strength Training and Flexibility Mistakes

Posted: 02/24/2011

  Strength-Training Slipups  1. Rushing your reps. Doing weight-lifting repetitions too fast raises your blood pressure and increases your risk for joint injury. It also compromises your results. "The safest way to use strength machines or dumbbells is: in lifting phase, exhale for two counts and hold briefly at the top of the contraction, then return as you inhale...

Don't Let These Mistakes Slow You Down

Posted: 02/17/2011

 Don't Let These Mistakes Slow You Down   WebMd Feature 1. Doing the "gym slouch." "We see many people in the gym leaning on equipment," says Debi Pillarella, MEd, a spokeswoman for the American Council on Exercise. "We call it 'gym slouch': They're on the Stairmaster, [elliptical cross trainer], or treadmill, leaning over, and hanging on for dear life."...

Managing Sore Muscles, Aches and Pains

Posted: 02/11/2011

  What's Causing My Sore Muscles?It's normal to have sore muscles after you work out, play sports, or even do housework, especially if:   1.  You did an activity you're not used to (like running a marathon when you normally jog just a few miles). 2.  You suddenly kicked up your exercise intensity level or increased the length of your workout. 3. ...