Author Archives: Julia Rogers

About Julia Rogers

Hi! My name is Julia Rogers. I am from the beautiful Bay Area of Northern California. I recently graduated with a teaching credential and enjoy teaching children of all ages. Prior to that I was a Health Science major doing extensive research in all topics of health and fitness. I also worked in a doctors office where I loved interacting with patients all day. I enjoy exercise, especially hiking, and I love to try new things like healthy cooking. I recently got married and now I spend a lot of time working on my house and garden. I am always looking for ways to save money and be a thirty spender. I love to write and share my experiences. I have dabbled in poetry and creative writing, and was published in my High School paper.

Making Small, Achievable Goals

Have you ever noticed there seems to be more people running or walking in your neighborhood in the beginning of the year? This is probably because every January many people make New Year’s resolutions, often about their eating and exercise habits. Although I do this too, I am a fan of something even better. I like to call it ‘making small, ACHIEVABLE goals’. Let me elaborate. In January I could say, “I want to lose 20 lbs this year”. If that is what you’re thinking, then you might be setting yourself up for disappointment. Every time you go on the … Continue reading →

In a Workout Slump?

I know from experience that sometimes it is hard to stay motivated to exercise. I have gotten in slumps before that have lasted longer than I would like to admit! I have come up with some ideas to try to help you stay motivated and get moving. These ideas have helped me get out of a slump, and hopefully they can help you too! Workout Shoes Keep your workout shoes in sight! This may seem odd but there is some truth in the saying- out of sight, out of mind. I have noticed that when my workout shoes are tossed … Continue reading →

Yoga DVD Review

One convenient and inexpensive way to do yoga is through a DVD at home. Wear comfortable clothes, have a water bottle handy and you are just about ready to go. I like to use a yoga mat to help keep my feet from sliding during a pose. You can also get by using a towel on your carpet if you don’t have a mat. Bare feet generally work best for using a mat or towel. My first yoga DVD experience was a series called Yoga Zone. It was very relaxing and I caught on really quickly to the poses. However, … Continue reading →

Ways To Food Journal

Keeping a food journal is something you might want to do for different reasons. Some people want to keep a close watch on how many calories, fat, or carbohydrates they are consuming. Others might want to just see in list form all the food they are eating. Whatever your reason might be, keeping a food journal can be a key tool in your quest to be healthy and fit. Lately I have been keeping a food journal and have reflected on the various ways to keep one. I have tried to do this several times in the past, and it … Continue reading →

Warm-up and Cool-down

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Sometimes we forget two very important aspects of working out. That is remembering to warm-up and cool-down. Before we start an aerobic exercise our muscles are cold and tight, meaning they are not totally prepared for a workout. Doing a warm-up helps prepare your body for your workout and decreases the risk of a muscle strain. A cool-down helps you bring your heart rate down and allows you to transition back into your daily routine. Your warm-up can be a less intense version of what your aerobic activity is. For example, if you are going to go for a three … Continue reading →

Working Out With A Buddy

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A great way to workout is with a buddy. There are several reasons why I have found this to be a fun and rewarding way to workout. Here are some steps to get you started. The first step is to find a workout buddy or two. This could be a spouse, friend, or coworker. Basically anyone who you don’t mind spending time with and that you can depend on. Your next step is to find out what workouts you are both interested in doing. You may want to try a few different activities till you know what works best for … Continue reading →

Exercise For Free!

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In this economy it might be hard to afford a gym or have sessions with a personal trainer. Sometimes lack of a gym might be used as an excuse not to exercise. However, regardless of your financial situation, there is always a way to exercise. I currently don’t belong to a gym. I attend a twice a week workout class at the local community college which averages to about $5 a class. Although I enjoy my class, two days a week is not enough for me to get in all the cardio I need. I have come up with two … Continue reading →

My Perfect Water Bottle

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I am an advocate for drinking water and lots of it! Whether it is for your workout or just regular day routine, you need to be hydrating. I also try to be green and tend to steer away from using individual, non-reusable bottles. I am always trying to drink 8 glasses a day which would be about 8 individual bottles! Instead I have decided to fill up a reusable water bottle for my daily activities and workouts. Finding a perfect water bottle has been a long, grueling process. I find one that looks alright, buy it because how else can … Continue reading →

Staying Motivated While Using an Elliptical Machine

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I started using an elliptical machine when I was a teenager. Now I am on my second machine and I still love it. Elliptical machines are a great addition for your at-home gym. They can seem a bit pricey but they last 5-10 years. The best thing is that it is great for days when you don’t want to workout outside. My elliptical has a built-in fan that is especially useful for hot days. Here are some ideas to keep you motivated while working out on your elliptical machine. This can be applied to other indoor cardio machines as well. … Continue reading →

Hiking 101

Hiking is one of my passions. I love to hike whenever I can and daily if possible. To me hiking is a rewarding experience benefiting both your body and mind. Hiking is an excellent way to increase your cardiovascular health and have an enjoyable workout. Going hiking won’t feel like a workout as you enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery around you. It is good for your heart to walk. It is even better to add hills to your walking, something that most hiking trails can offer. The hills provide variation to your hike as well as intervals. Hiking … Continue reading →