Tag Archives: fitness tips

Types of Heart Rate Monitors

My last blog talked about how heart rate monitors can improve fitness.  Now we are going to look at the different types that are available and who would benefit from having one. However, I feel a reminder is in order here.  Always consult first with a doctor before starting a new exercise program. The two basic types of heart rate monitors are chest strap models (which go around your chest) and finger sensor models (wristwatch style, where you touch a sensor with your finger).  A variety of features can be found with both types. The following are some of the … Continue reading →

Setting Fitness Goals with a Pedometer

There are many different ways you can set fitness goals for the New Year.  One is by using a pedometer. What I love about these is you can pick them up for as little as $10.  But you can certainly spend much more on a nicer model. One type of goal you might want to set is taking 10,000 steps a day.  If that sounds like too much, you can reduce the amount. Some people like to figure out the average number of steps they take and then set goals from that.  The best way to do this is calculate … Continue reading →

Fitness Should Be a Lifestyle Change

We’re just a few days into the New Year.  Are you still feeling the same resolve to make this a healthier year? It’s no secret that gym clubs are swarming in the month of January.  More fruits and vegetables are purchased in January.  Changes are being made across the board. Yet it’s not uncommon for this to start dropping off in February and March.  By April it’s pretty obvious who are going to be the ones most likely to stick it out. While the good intentions are there, it won’t be what keeps you going.  There has to be more … Continue reading →

Biggest Fitness Mistakes

If you are a female looking to lose weight as expeditiously as possible, a new study says you need to kick up your fitness routine. Researchers say that one of the biggest mistakes women make at the gym, is thinking their available workout time is best spent completing cardio exercises — often at the same pace the entire time. However, studies show rather than doing 45 minutes of cardio work at a steady (and relatively easy) pace, women can burn more fat and calories if they complete intense cardio work, and also incorporate some strength exercises. Bottom line: Women, who … Continue reading →

Defining Your Exercise Personality

Do you gravitate towards certain types of gym equipment more than others? Do you struggle to stick with your exercise routine? Experts say the way you answer those questions plays a big part in defining your fitness personality type. Researchers at the American College of Sports Medicine suggest that there are five distinct personality types that exercisers can use to develop successful fitness regimens. What’s more, experts maintain that using the personality types is a great way to structure a lasting exercise routine. The following are the fitness personality types as defined by researchers at the American College of Sports … Continue reading →

Tips to Avoid Becoming a Dirty, Smelly, Rude Gym Rat

Yesterday I used this blog to vent about a particular member of my gym, who constantly hogs the TV remote, and forces other cardio equipment users to watch reruns of “Everybody Loves Raymond.” (P.S. I despise Raymond almost as much as I do his biggest sweaty fan.) Now that I have shared my frustrations and purged my system of all resentment, I’m back with some constructive advice for my gym’s TV remote hog, and other like her, at fitness centers around the world. Tip #1—-Wash Your Gym Clothes When your gym clothes are standing erect inside your locker and people … Continue reading →

Creating an Affordable Fitness Plan

Many people think that fitness plans must feature frequent trips to the gym or a major investment in expensive exercise equipment in order for them to be successful. The truth is you can get all the benefits of calorie-burning exercises without stepping foot into a fancy fitness center. The key is to be creative when designing an exercise plan. Here are some ways you can shed pounds without going broke: Make a commitment to losing weight and stick with it—-no matter how tired you might be. Self-perseverance is priceless and doesn’t cost a penny. Ditch your vehicle and walk, cycle, … Continue reading →

Simple Ways to Burn Calories in the New Year

It’s the first week of the New Year… do you know who’s riding your stationary bike? If you belong to a gym, then you’ve likely noticed a few new faces strolling around the locker room and several more bodies jostling for your favorite treadmill or elliptical machine. While you may not appreciate the company, the fact is that gym membership spikes during the first couple months of a new year. Some newbies are there to cash in on memberships received as holiday gifts, while others are making good on New Year’s resolutions to get fit in 2009. If you have … Continue reading →

More Ways to Get Fit After Giving Birth

You had your baby three months ago and now you are dying to get back into your old jeans, but your body is not cooperating. So what now? The last thing you want to do is go on a diet. It may sound strange, but experts maintain that going on an official “diet” could derail your post-pregnancy weight loss goals. The reason: Studies show that moms who feel deprived of their favorite foods while experiencing stress from a new baby actually pack on extra pounds. Rather than diet, experts recommend eating a healthy menu featuring a variety of fresh foods. … Continue reading →

Tips for Slimming Down Post-Baby

Just because it’s been a year since you gave birth doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve returned to your pre-baby body. After all, giving birth is only the beginning of life after baby. There are feedings to worry about, diapers, laundry, and new sleep schedules. So, when are you supposed to find time to workout? Experts suggest easing back into your fitness routine after giving birth. In fact, leading obstetricians advocate a gradual approach to weight loss as opposed to crash dieting and exercising like a fiend to shed unwanted baby weight. Doctors say, typically it should take between 9 to 12 … Continue reading →