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Gyms have their positive points: they are convenient, house lots of equipment, and often have childcare available to parents who need to tote their tots to the gym (this includes yours truly). Gyms also can offer a range of fitness classes and most  have personal trainers on staff. If you're not a huge fan of going to the gym however, and would like to try something different, check out these fun alternatives... Stroller Fit® SF targets the  “mommy muscles” – those muscles used during  labor and delivery, and post-partum, and basically every day thereafter. Moms have a chance to get ......
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Maybe you've been on a workout train for some time, diligently going to the gym and happily taking your dose of cardio and weight training, maybe even a few classes too just to challenge yourself. Perhaps you've been on this train, per se, for years, then all of a sudden, you're okay with missing a workout, then two. The idea of going to the gym or out the door for a jog becomes a chore, when it was once something you enjoyed. Have you been there? Are you there now? If so, read on... I think I can help. True, I am a trainer, but at heart, I'm really a fitness buff and have been since college. ......
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Because I love yoga, and Pilates, but am by no means a guru of either practice, I felt compelled to pass along some helpful resources so that you can learn more. Yoga is one of those activities that evolves as you evolve. The yoga you do today will not be the same yoga you do a year from now, and your body won't likely be the same body either (note: this is a good thing - Yoga evens 'things' out, balances muscles, massages the joints, just all-around good stuff ;0). I've learned through my own yoga/Pilates journey that there is always something new to learn.  That said, here are some fabulous......
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Even though I have addressed this topic before (a-hem, at least twice before), I'm circling back because A) I keep getting asked, "I did strength training today, what should I do tomorrow?" and B) I keep getting asked, "Is it okay to do both strength training and cardio on the same day?" If you want to cut to the chase, check out: "Cardiovascular or Weight Training: Which should come first?" Otherwise, stay right here, 'cause I'm about to WOW you with...pretty much the same thing I said before. ;0) Here's the thing - you need to know what it is you want to get out of your workouts. Are you try......
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You have probably heard about Pilates, or possibly know someone who talks of "reformers, chairs, straps, pulleys" (and other contraptions), and silently wonder, "what the heck is Pilates anyway?" The Pilates Method (or simply Pilates) was developed in Germany in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates. The core-strengthening and posture-improving benefits of regular practice have helped the Pilates Method develop a loyal following of faithful participants in recent years. The aesthetic benefits of regular practice can be seen on the physiques of famous devotees, such as Madonna and Gwyneth Pa......
Nov

06

It isn’t often that the weather in November is both semi-warmish AND sunny, so take advantage of it while it lasts. Last I checked, most of the country (excluding Pacific Northwest – sorry guys) can expect decent weather through the weekend. Aside from the opportunity to soak up the last of the colorful fall foliage, hiking is great exercise. A 150lb person burns about 450 calories in one hour of hiking. The faster you walk, and the more hills there are, the more calories you’ll burn.

One of my favorite hiking areas is Hocking Hills (Ohio), about an hour southeast from Columbus. Amazing rock formations, breathtaking scenery, and hills. Lots of hills. Added bonus: this is one of the few activities the whole family enjoys, and the kids have no idea they are exercising! We call it “exploring nature.” Wink.

Need some hiking inspiration? Check out these sites for ideas…

Visit Trails.com to locate a trail near you.

Hop over to Yelp! to find out what other hikers in your neck of the woods recommend.

If you are lucky enough to live near one of our many U.S. National Parks, take advantage of the government website – it lets you search a park by location and activity. From there, you can read up on your park’s history and get directions.

A bit about safety…

Take your cell phone, driver’s license or Road I.D., water bottle, snacks (this is the perfect excuse to make your favorite trail mix – find recipe ideas here) and sunscreen (sun = sunburn, regardless of the time of year). Always tell at least one other person where you are going, and your expected return time. Always watch where you are going! I can’t emphasize this enough! Unpaved trails usually have rocks, tree branches, and are uneven. Many hikers have gone ass over tea kettle on a trail because they are in la la land when they should have their eyes on the path! And finally, it is always a good idea to hike with a buddy, especially if you’ll be visiting a new location that you are unfamiliar with. Abide by the park’s hours, and skadaddle when it dusk sets in.

And finally, because I think you can never bee too careful, check out Wilderness-Survival.net – a website full of advice, from identifying poisonous plants, to avoiding dangerous animals.



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