




06
This piece of equipment might well be one of the coolest things I’ve seen (and after more than a decade in the fitness business, I’ve seen a lot of cool things)…Skywall! A motorized climbing wall that enables you to hone your climbing skills, without the height (or necessary belts and harnesses). The wall is about 11 ft tall, has 10 different climbing speeds, and the rocks can be moved around, so each climb is completely unique.
Some benefits to climbing, in case you’re new to this sport (as am I):
Climbing…
You can find out more about the Skywall at Motion Fitness.
P.S – There is a kid-sized version of this wall that is 9ft high and recommended for kids up to age 9. Another, slightly larger model is designed for kids up to age 12. My two cents: this seems like a fun way to introduce kids to climbing in a safe environment. If I can find out what gyms/where have these, I’ll pass the info along.
17
Backpacker magazine recently joined forces with The Outdoor Foundation to identify the best cities in the United States to raise a child with an outdoor attitude. Not surprisingly, many of the cities are the same ones listed on “America’s Healthiest Cities.” Sunshine, moderate temperatures, beautiful scenery…yeah, yeah, yeah – we know, the weather in Ohio stinks. Who made the list?
1. Boulder, CO
2. Jackson, WY
3. Durango, CO
4. Flagstaff, AZ
5. Juneau, AK
6. Seattle, WA
7. Colorado Springs, CO
8. Burlington, VT
9. Fort Collins, CO
10. Lebanon, NH
11. Asheville, NC
12. Portland, ME
13. Hood River, OR
14. Manchester, NH
15. Harrisonburg, VA
16. Eureka-Arcata-Fortuna, CA
17. Sevierville, TN
18. Bozeman, MT
19. Rapid City, SD
20. Brevard, NC
21. Madison, WI
22. Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN
23. Glens Falls, NY
24. Duluth, MN
25. Wheeling, WV
There are plenty of ways to entice kids to go outdoors for physical activity, even if the climate you live in isn’t perfect year-round. Rock climbing, hiking, cycling, and geocaching, and kayaking are fun activities the whole family can participate in during spring, summer, and fall. In the winter, sledding, snow shoeing, ice skaing, cross-country and downhill skiing…even schlepping through the snow wearing snow boots gets their hearts pumping.
With the winter Olympics just around the corner, you might also put together a mini-Olympics in your neighborhood. 
To add to the fun, award medals to every child – and don’t spend a bundle, make your own using metallic paint, cardboard, and ribbon.
Most importantly, let the kids have fun!
05
I just read that Weight Watchers in New Zealand will have some menu items at McDonald’s -Full Story. Say wha?
Both companies are touting this as an “enjoyable way to lose weight.” The deal between the two companies will go something like this: McD’s will put the Weight Watchers logo on its menu, and in turn, Weight Watchers will promote McD’s to its following of dieters.
I’m not loving this idea. Not one bit. First, there is NOTHING on the McDs menu that is healthy. I repeat – nothing. Maybe water, but that’s it. While I understand that “dieting” means taking in fewer calories than you burn, and any combination of foods that equate to around 1200 calories on a consistent basis will likely cause weight loss, even if those calories are from Twinkies…eating at McDonald’s does not promote healthy eating.
Luckily, according to the story on MSNBC, nutritionists and obesity experts are not on board with this idea either.
What are your thoughts? Yay, nor Nay? Please share…