In a rush to get on with my day, I used to always skip stretching exercises. I just wanted to get in my routine and move on. These days I always make sure that I stretch. Perhaps it’s my age that has awakened me to the necessity of it. But whatever the reason, I have come to see the importance of it. As you age, so do your joints, which in turn affect your flexibility. Stretching can help improve your range of motion. It can make movement easier. Stretching is also important because it reduces the risk of being injured … Continue reading →

Nothing can frustrate a person more than starting a fitness routine, only to find they are gaining weight. That was the case for me when I began my journey of a healthier lifestyle. I remember after nearly a month of exercising at least 30 minutes most days, the scale was going the opposite direction than I expected. At one point I was in near tears…until I started doing some investigating and uncovered several possible reasons. One reason for gaining weight is that you are putting on more muscle. We automatically assume the weight gain is fat but muscle is much … Continue reading →

Although most of us tend to consider the New Year as an opportunity to start with a clean slate, others look at the change of seasons as their chance for new beginnings. So now that we are on the verge of fall, perhaps it’s time you make this your clean slate. With a clean slate you wipe away all of your past failures. It doesn’t matter what you did or didn’t do as far as exercise or eating right over the summer. This is a new beginning and a brand new opportunity to start again. Think about the fact that … Continue reading →

In the past I have blogged about how health isn’t strictly based on body size. In fact, you can be skinny and unhealthy. Now a new study says that not everyone who is overweight is at risk of developing health problems. In other words, you can be carrying around extra pounds and still be healthy. The term being given to these people is “metabolically healthy.” This means they don’t have high blood pressure or cholesterol, diabetes or a resistance to insulin. So their risk of death is no greater than another person at a healthy weight. For whatever reason, unexplainable … Continue reading →

What would motivate you to exercise more? What about receiving some extra cash? That doesn’t do it? Then what if you had to give money to someone else if you didn’t exercise? Hmm, now that just might do it! Well if you need something to boost that drive to exercise, you might want to try out a couple of new apps called “RunKeeper” and “GymPact.” The app “RunKeeper” keeps track of your workout performance over a period of time. The app “GymPact” provides rewards and punishments, based on the results of the “RunKeeper” app. So if you exercise and meet … Continue reading →

When it comes to exercise, is more of it better? You may sometimes question whether or not the recommended 30 minutes a day of exercise is beneficial. I know a few people who don’t believe this because they don’t feel satisfied unless they have gotten in 45 to 60 minutes of exercise. For some reason, the 30 minutes can feel like it’s not enough. Well, a small study says differently. Whether you exercise for 30 or 60 minutes a day, you end up losing the same amount of weight. I think it’s the mindset that if you work out more, … Continue reading →

What does F.I.T.N.E.S.S. stand for? “F” stands for functional intensity training (FIT). This is a combination of cardio and weight training. You receive a more well-rounded approach to exercise when you incorporate both. “I” stands for intense. You have to be intense about exercise if you truly want to succeed. Without it, you are going to quickly lose your motivation. “T” stands for try. You need to try new things. If you stick to the same old routine or the same old exercises, you will get bored. Be adventurous. Here are some ideas to help you out: yoga, circuit training, … Continue reading →

I know there is supposed to be some rule that women never divulge their age. But I have never believed in that—or perhaps it’s just that I tend to have a rebellious side in me. I have no problem letting people know that I am 43 years old. In fact, when I turned 40, I felt terrific. It felt like the best of my years were just beginning. Apparently there is something else about the 40’s that could make a significant difference in your later years…your level of physical activity. In a recent study, there was strong evidence that those … Continue reading →

No matter what your politic beliefs, few can say anything negative about First Lady Michelle Obama’s physique. Clearly she does a good job taking care of her body. So what are her secrets? Recently she divulged 11 things that help to keep her in shape. The first is that contrary to what you might think, she doesn’t count calories. Now this I can relate to. I find calorie counting to be more of a burden than anything else. She also doesn’t like to diet. Instead, she focuses on health (isn’t this what I have been saying in so many of … Continue reading →

A couple of weeks ago my husband and I decided to take a walk by the lakefront in our hometown of Milwaukee. The reason had less to do with exercise and more about getting out of the house. We had just experienced our firstborn child leaving the home. He left for basic training in Texas with the Air Force. We were left with a lot of mixed feelings. Dealing with our emotions was difficult. At times we were even at odds with each other, which is why my husband suggested a walk by the lake. For some reason being away … Continue reading →