10 Fall Fitness Tips

The color of the leaves show me that the fall season is alive and well. But so are we, and we should take full advantage of that. One fall fitness tip that I have is to take advantage of the weather. This is the perfect time of the year for walking or cycling. Park trails and hiking areas allow for not only physical activity but beautiful scenery. A second fall fitness tip is to look into signing up for a Zumba or aerobics class. Or try something adventurous like a dance class. A third fall fitness tip is to involve … Continue reading

Fitness Myths: Setting the Record Straight

Now that we know sit ups won’t melt away body fat and building muscle doesn’t necessarily translate into a speedier metabolism, let’s debunk a few more popular fitness myths: Myth: Lifting Weights Makes You Look Bulky If you are a woman, who is concerned that lifting weights is going to make you look like Popeye, you can stop worrying. According to experts, women can’t develop muscles like men. However, if you are still not convinced, then workout with lighter weights, or complete exercises that use your own bodyweight for resistance. Bottom line: The average woman doesn’t produce enough testosterone to … Continue reading

Debunking Fitness Myths

I always wonder about those sweaty guys I see in the gym who do dozens of crunches, then stroll over to the vending machine to down a bottle of Mountain Dew. Unless that’s the only high calorie beverage they consume all day, I would think they would be better off drinking a bottle of water. That is if they ever want to see the six-pack abs they are trying to create via the crunches. Crunches won’t get rid of body fat. That’s one of the biggest fitness myths out there. The only way you are going to be able to … Continue reading

More Gift Ideas for the Fitness Fanatics in Your Family

If you have a swimmer, biker, runner or walker in your family, then you might be struggling to familiarize yourself with the slew of exercise equipment on the market today, as you search for the perfect Christmas gift. Save some time and a lot of needless stress by reviewing the high-tech fitness gadgets listed below. Both items come highly recommended by experts (and mere mortals) who use them on a daily basis: Garmin Forerunner 405 Given its price this is a fitness item that you might want to reserve for a truly beloved family member. For $300 your resident fitness … Continue reading

Christmas Gift Ideas for Fitness Fanatics

Struggling to find the perfect gift for the fitness guru on your holiday shopping list? Then, you’ve come to the right place. While many people shy away from getting exercise-related gifts for loved ones because of the high price or lack of knowledge, shopping for fitness gadgets is really not that difficult. Take a look at the following items that can help refresh your loved one’s workouts without breaking the bank: Nike + iPod Sport Kit This inexpensive yet effective gift retails for just $29. If your fitness fanatic friend uses his existing iPod Nano or iPod Touch while running … Continue reading

More Tips on Staying Fit During the Holidays

A new survey out says the average American can expect to put on 10 pounds of weight between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. Basically, the research shows that most of us are weaklings when it comes to resisting the temptation to gorge on holiday goodies. What’s more, survey respondents also shared that they are simply too busy to hit the gym during the month of December, which further hinders the fitness process. So what can you do to avoid the seasonal slump? Take a look: Strength Training. Incorporate strength-training exercises into your workout to maximize calorie burning. Lunges, push-ups, and … Continue reading

Staying Ahead of Your New Year’s Fitness Resolutions

If you are firmly resolving to get in shape in 2009, then why not get a head start on your promise by burning fat over the holidays? It’s not as difficult as it might sound. By following the tips below you can get fit (and be two steps ahead of your New Year’s resolution) and still party like its 1999: Create a Home Gym. It doesn’t have to be expensive or elaborate; rather get creative with what you have. For example, crunches, push-ups, jumping jacks and many other exercises can be done without any gym equipment. Use this “home gym” … Continue reading

Don’t Let the Cold Weather Derail Your Fitness Routine

We are in the middle of a major winter storm. When all is said in done we will be buried under 10-12 inches of snow. That’s on top of the 7 inches we were socked with last week. Then, there’s the bitterly cold tempeatures (we didn’t get above 20 degrees last week) and the dangerously frigid wind chills. It’s a wonder how gyms in Wisconsin sustain themselves during the winter months. I could easily ditch my exercise routine and chock it up to Old Man Winter, but I have that darn marathon I committed to running, so I don’t have … Continue reading

Cold Weather Fitness Tips

When the weather is bad, it’s hard to stay motivated. On a really cold, wet day, it’s hard to even want to leave the house to head for the gym or go for a walk. Don’t give up on your health during the colder months! These tips can help you stay warm when the weather turns brisk. Dress in layers for your workout. When you start your exercise, you’ll still be cold and will need the extra warmth. As you heat up, you can take off as many layers as you need to — and put them back on if … Continue reading

Fitness Tips: Low-Budget Workouts

It’s springtime; just take a gander outside at the crazy weather that is bouncing up and down from beautiful sunny days to cold or cold and wet. Spring is a time of transition and it is also a time to get started on new ideas, new fitness plans and of course – getting ready for swim suit weather and more. We’re working on our Spring Forward to Action 2007 fitness challenge. Yesterday, I discussed the Personal Health Investment Today Act that was re-introduced to Congress. This amendment to the Internal Revenue Code could allow taxpayers to claim fitness costs for … Continue reading