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......
Apr

04

Hi! I’m Diane, and this is my Blue Sky Blog. I am Jane of many trades: personal trainer, freelance writer, marathoner, wife of “Bob”, mom of four,  and friend to many. I also have a chronic case of volunteeritis. I launched this blog in 2008 as a companion to my personal training website, Blue Sky Gym, and discovered that blogging is a great way to communicate happenings in the world of fitness that are missed or overlooked in the fitness rags, while also offering a snapshot of how I live. My hope is that somewhere here, within the copy of my many posts, you will find something useful, helpful, inspiring, or fresh.

Here I am with my daughter, Marin (age 4), at Sleeping Bear Dunes, Glen Arbor, MI. This is one of our favorite places to go as a family – lots of outdoor activity, gorgeous scenary, and oodles of family time!

These is my brood: Chris (age 7), Addison (age 4), Marin (age 4), and Grant (age 10). Because I know how hard it is for busy moms and families to make time for fitness, I offer as many ideas, tips, and resources as I can pass along. From toting twins in double baby joggers, to making the neighbhorhood playground a temporary outdoor “gym,” I have, at times, gone to great lengths to fit exercise into my life. The dunes in this picture provided hours of exercise for the whole family, thus proving that even on vacation, it is possible to stay active!

And here they are after all that climbing. Mission accomplished!

Visit often, and don’t be a stranger.  Your comments and suggestions are always welcome!

To your health!

Diane

ACE-Certified personal trainer

BS, Exercise Science, The Ohio State University

BA, Journalism, The Ohio State University

IDEA Health & Fitness Association
IDEA Health & Fitness Association

4 Responses

You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.

You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

  1. Tali Hylen says:

    Hello Diane:
    I represent Organic School Project, pioneered by Chef Greg Christian. I just read your piece on Naturalnews.com and wanted to drop by and thank you for the mention! We really appreciate your coverage. If ever you would like to pursue a bigger piece on Greg and his sustainable initiatives in the schools and through his catering business, please let me know.
    Again, many thanks to you!
    Tali Hylen
    tali@dca-dcpr.com

  2. Sandi Mac says:

    Dear Diane,
    First I want to say that you have created a unique, inspiring, and informative business with Blue Sky Gym which is inspiring to me as an alternative to the traditional gym setting. I am in the process of changing my career of 15 years to become a certified personal trainer so that I too can inspire others to better themselves though personalized motivation and nutrition. One of the online schools I am looking to enroll in is ACE and would appreciate any feedback you have on your experience with their CPT program and getting started once you are certified-outside of picking the right gym to get your “feet wet”.

    Regards,
    Sandi Mac

  3. chubb says:

    I know just what you mean! I used to do that all the time (now, only once in a while).

  4. baby joggers says:

    baby joggers…

    My search for baby joggers led me to your blog and your post regarding blogs.kxly.com ” Ironman Boise Update #4 looked very interesting to me. I have seen many sites before and most of them do not look this good. I cannot wait to let my friends know a…

Leave a Reply

Archives

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