exercise / fitness

Starting the year with a list of New Year's Resolutions may be as commonplace as ending the year without them. Perhaps therein lies the problem - starting with a list of resolutions intead of just one specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-based (S.M.A.R.T.) goal . . .  but I digress.  Below are a few tricks to improve your chances of making the right resolution(s) and seeing them through to success.  You can do it!

Travel, especially during the holidays, should be fun and exciting. Certainly no time to be stressed about safety, getting into and out of cars, on and off airplanes.  And let's face it, the more comfortable you are during  your journey and at your destination, the better. 

If inclement weather is forcing your workouts indoors,  we have just the right workout equipment to keep you in shape over the winter.  No need to pay for a gym membership year after year.  Instead, invest in your own home gym and in no time you'll have everything you need to accomplish any fitness goal, plus the ultimate weapon against missing workouts - geographical desirability. 

The jury may still be out as to whether stretching actually prevents injuries and/or improves athletic performance but one thing is for sure - it feels good.  And for increasing flexibility, there's nothing like a good stretch.

If swimming laps isn't your idea of a great time, there are plenty of other ways to cool off, give your joints a break and get a fantastic workout with a splash of fun.  Water workouts can make a world of difference in your physical rehab or fitness program no matter what kind of shape you're in.  The water's weight and viscosity provides impact-free resistance and remarkably fast results. 

I use my pedal exerciser at home while watching t.v. and it works great.  And we certainly sell plenty of pedlars and stationary bikes to elderly, recuperating and mobility-challenged customers, but who would think to use it while working at a desk? 

Happy Heart Month!  What a blessing that just a few simple changes in your lifestyle can improve your chances of living a longer, healthier life.  The beauty is, anyone can make these changes, the steps are not expensive and even modest improvements will make a big difference.  

Whatever your goal or resolution, January 1st or year-round, sheer determination is not generally enough to ensure your success.  What keeps most people from realizing their dreams is not determination or willpower.  It is lack of definition and planning.  The secret to reaching your goals is in the numbers.  You need to do the math.  Even if you're too pretty to do math you can manage this strategy. 

Congrats!  You made it through the holidays, but did your workout schedule?  If you're like me, you've been lifting (your fork), running (the dishwasher), and jumping (for joy) but that's the extent of it.  Now it's time to focus on YOU and what you can do to improve your health and stay motivated in the year ahead.

Goodness knows it's hard enough to keep your weight in check on any 'ol ho-hum day, let alone during the ho--ho--holidays.  Heck, I can gain a pound just looking at a slice of cheesecake.  Think about this, though.  If you put on  just 1 pound a year, what will you weigh when you're 60, 70, 80 or 90?  Mind boggling.