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The Benefits of Flexibility Exercises

In my last blog I talked about the benefits of cardio, something I have recently incorporated more of into my fitness routine. Despite wanting to spend more of my fitness regimen doing cardio (with my biggest goal right now being to lose weight), I know that I also need flexibility exercises. Flexibility exercises have many benefits. Perhaps you are like me when it’s time to stretch. You sit down on your bottom, stretch your legs out in front of you and attempt to reach your toes. Notice the word “attempt.” I can’t do that…yet. But with flexibility exercises, my body … Continue reading →

Five Basic Exercises for Successful Labor

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Delivering a baby requires a little flexibility. I’m not talking about compromising your birth plan, either. When you’re trying to squeeze a seven or eight pound baby through a space that is pretty small to begin with, you’re kidding yourself if you think you won’t have to contort into a number of rather awkward positions to make it happen. If you don’t stretch and limber up your muscles beforehand, you can expect quite a bit of extra soreness after you deliver. Who wants extra pain? Getting your body ready for delivery is not difficult, it just takes a little planning … Continue reading →

Don’t Let the Cold Weather Stop You

Although some people enjoy the outdoors even when it’s cold, others (such as me) don’t. I live in Wisconsin, so the winds can be biting and the temperatures can be downright intolerable. This is often when fitness can take a backseat. We let the colder months deter us from continuing a fit lifestyle. So we have to purpose and make a plan for what we can do during the next several months. If you own a treadmill, try dusting it off. Then move it to a place where you are more likely to use it. Don’t want to miss your … Continue reading →

Do the Shoes Matter?

Having an athletic husband and son, I know a bit about shoes. I have to say that I never paid much attention to which shoes I wore when I worked out. I just assumed that any shoe would do the job since I was not doing anything athletic or running. However, I have friends who tell me how much switching shoes improved their workout. My husband insists shoes can make or break your workout. Even my 11 year old son knows exactly what he needs to play baseball, basketball, soccer, football or whatever sport he is interested in at the … Continue reading →

Exercise Focus: Pilates

What is Pilates? Developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century, Pilates is a physical fitness routine that focuses on the mind controlling the muscles. Joseph Pilates believed the mind and body were connected and developed a system he believed would strengthen both. The routine is designed to improve flexibility, endurance, and strengthen the core. Pilates is adaptable to any physical level through modifications of the exercise movements. The modifications help prevent injury for those on different physical levels. Pilates is a popular method of exercise with many claiming they feel stronger, leaner and more graceful in their movements. … Continue reading →

Is It Time For a Fitness Makeover?

While I haven’t watched it in some time, one of my favorite television shows used to be “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.” I loved the stories behind the families who were chosen and the excitement on their faces the first time they laid eyes on their new home. There are so many other types of “makeover” shows on now…everything from your clothes, to plastic surgery. So what is the draw to makeovers? It’s a chance for something new, a fresh start in life. It can be very inspiring and motivating. The same is true in fitness. So perhaps it is time … Continue reading →

How to Make the Most of Your Fitness Time

If you are like most people your day is buzzing with numerous chores and activities. The average American has to not only work a job, but tend to many other responsibilities as well. We are trying to be more health conscious by eating healthier and exercising more, but our other commitments do not leave us much time to do this. The bottom line is, we must make the time or we will never do it. Even if it means sacrificing something else, for instance our evening television show, a few nights a week, it has to be done. Try to … Continue reading →

Is Gym Class Too Dangerous?

Forget about those reports that hail gym class as a savior in the war against childhood obesity. According to a new study, injuries to American children enrolled in school physical education classes increased by 150 percent from 1997-2007. Interestingly, the reason for the dramatically high number of injuries is not due to schools instituting vigorous exercise regimes; rather the study claims lack of adult supervision is to blame. The study’s lead author notes that lively gym programs are commendable; however, a decline in school nurses and larger class sizes have the potential to negate benefits gained through rigorous P.E. classes. … Continue reading →

Do I Need To Measure My Food?

Almost everyone knows that 3,500 calories equals one pound. In other words, if you want to lose one pound of weight you would need to take in 3,500 less calories to do this. The key to all of this is counting your calories and exercise. Although I do not add in my calories burned while exercising (I guess I just figure it as bonus calories subtracted), I do count my calories. If I did not count my calories, I would be in serious trouble. The great thing about dieting is that once you start losing a few pounds your self-esteem … 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 →