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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......
May

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Spring is well under way, which means more fresh produce will be “in season.” For something different this season, why not try buying from local farmer’s markets?

Here are 5 good reasons why you should give it a try:

1. Fruits and Veggies that are grown locally and picked when they are perfectly ripened taste better than the store-sold varieties.

2. Buying from local farmer’s markets helps the local farmer who is forced to compete with the Super Walmarts and Kroger Marketplaces of the world.

3. Many times, market prices are better than those at commercial grocery stores.

4. When produce is picked at the peak of its season, nutrients will be more abundant.

5. It requires a lot of resources (gas, packaging, transportation, marketing, etc.) to put grocery-store products on the shelves. On average, food travels 1300 miles to get from its origin to your kitchen! Seems rather inefficient, doesn’t it?

Where to buy the best fresh produce:

  • Join a food co-op

Co-op members pool their resources together to purchase fruits and vegetables at a lower cost. Go to
Co-op directory to find one near you.

  • Join CSA (Community Supported Agriculture), and buy a “share” of a local farm’s harvest. You pay a fee for the season, and in return receive a weekly or biweekly supply of fresh produce. To find one near you, visit biodynamics
  • Shop at local farmer’s markets.

Two great resources for finding a local market:

Fruit and Vegetable Markets

Organic Markets

Related articles and resources:

Local vs. Organic
True cost of food

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