pic
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 ......
pic
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. ......
pic
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......
pic
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......
pic
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......
Dec

22

The good news…the Holiday season is half over. The bad news…there are still 2 weeks left in December. Not trying to be a Scrooge, but come on, I know this time of year is stressful for nearly everyone. Naturally, I turn to exercise as a way to manage stress, but finding time for my usual workouts is tricky this time of year. When my stress level sours and I don’t have time for a lengthy routine, or any time at all for exercise, I turn to these four things to help me focus on my physical, mental, and emotional health:

1. Don’t neglect yourself. It is really easy to get caught up in what everyone else needs during this busy season, and totally shove aside what you need. It is A-Okay to be a tad selfish…especially during the month of December! Schedule a massage, pedicure, or whatever helps you to relax. Keeping your stress levels in check will also help keep your hormone levels in check (read: high stress = high cortisol = weight gain!) Why give stress a chance to widen your waistline? Chill.

2. Get your ZZZZZZZZ’s. This kind of goes hand-in-hand with #1. I know when I’m sleep deprived, I tend to catch colds, feel run down, my workouts suffer, I’m short tempered, yada yada. Seven to eight hours is what the experts recommend. I concur. Now off to bed you go!

3. Don’t deprive yourself of your favorite things. This is the one time of year when cookies are abundant and there is a treat to be had around every corner. Have a nibble or two, but practice some discipline too. For every 2-3 cookies you eat, tack on another 30 minutes of cardio to work it off. Given that time is at a premium right now, I suggest 1 cookie, then call it a day.

4. Connect with the people you love. When we get super busy, it is easy to forget about the people in our lives that make each day special. Spend some time with close friends and family, be in the moment with them and stop fretting about your endless “to do” list. In the end, does it really matter if each present is wrapped perfectly Martha Stewart-style, or if cookies are frosted like works of art?

Happy Holidays!



Leave a Reply

Archives

© Copyright 2010 - Diane Raymond's Blue Sky Blog | Made by AppChain.com