Exercise is important, and it can be hard to work enough cardio and strength training into a busy schedule. For some, a gym membership is the key to staying in good physical shape. But, the real question becomes: Will you be getting a good return on your investment into a gym or health club program?

I’m bombarded with offers to join health and fitness clubs in the area. But, when I say “in the area,” these club options are about 20 to 30 minutes from my home. I do work a day job in town, so these work out facilities are convenient from work. So I have to consider whether I want to work a full day and then go right to a gym. Driving home and back would add a lot to the time investment and also to the cost of the membership, since I’d have to pay for extra gas.

I’m sure I’m not the only one to grapple with such issues. 

Going to work out at the gym can sometimes feel like you are navigating an elementary school playground. The equipment is there for everyone’s use, but some people don’t seem to want to play fair. Is there an unwritten code of conduct that we all should follow at the gym? We think so! Here’s how to “play nice” to make your experience more enjoyable.

I typically don’t make New Year’s resolutions. This year, however, I’ve been inspired to make an exception. I want killer calves. You know the kind – where you can point your toe and have amazing muscle definition.

Here’s the situation. I took ballet as a child and last year, decided to pick it up again as an adult. No, I’ll never be a ballerina, but it’s an amazing form of exercise. It takes good amount of coordination, strength, stamina and agility. So, this is how my resolution came about. Even though I run, work out and do some weight training, my calves have never gotten the attention that they so desperately need! We all focus on our glutes, our hamstrings and our quads. What about our calves?

Are you registered to run in your local turkey trot next Thursday?  If not, it’s definitely something that you should consider.  Generally, a Thanksgiving Day turkey trot is a 5k course (3.2 miles) and suitable for all ages and athletic abilities.  You don’t need to be a runner to participate.  In fact, many people enjoy participating by walking with a group of friends.

Signing up for a turkey trot is a fantastic way to start off your Thanksgiving.  There is usually a nominal registration fee and all proceeds generally benefit a charity, such as your local food pantry.  There is a really contagious energy present at these events, so whether you choose run or walk, you are guaranteed to have a good time.

Before race day arrives, there are a few things that you need to know to ensure that you have the best possible experience.

Do you find the months of November through January to be the most challenging when it comes to weight management?  I do!  You’ve probably just come down from the Halloween sugar high and now Thanksgiving is just around the corner.  Shortly after that, the holiday gift baskets will start arriving on your door step followed by Christmas, Hanukah and New Year’s celebrations.  To make matters more difficult, you are probably leading a bit more sedentary of a lifestyle since the weather is turning cold.  Naturally, I’m less active during the winter – I’d much rather hunker down when it’s cold and dark outside than motivate and go to the gym.

I’m always curious to see how other kids besides my own handle the transition and stress of going back to school.  It’s always a given for us that our oldest will not deal with it well and that his whole demeanor will be thrown off the first couple of weeks. 

So as I did my usual web surfing for any new suggestions I could find on how to help him cope with his stressors, I found not one but actually two separate articles that support the idea that children who walk to school in the morning deal with stress much better than those who bus it to school. 

For years after my first son was born I was able to conquer my cravings for sweet or salty foods, or just junk food in general.  I’ll admit it, deep down I’m a big snacker.  But I didn’t want to gain any of the weight I worked so hard to lose after pregnancy.  My running has helped me control my weight and motivated me to eat healthier and ignore most temptations. 

With childhood obesity being such a threat to our young population these days, it’s good to see stronger awareness programs being created in our communities and schools.  After all, this epidemic has more than tripled in the last 30 years. 

I love to run.  More importantly, I love how I feel after I’ve run.  I’m happy, energized, relaxed, patient, and much more pleasant to be around.

When I don’t get my run in on any given day, I feel pretty out of sorts.  So while I absolutely love having my boys home for the summer, I struggle to find the time for a full workout. 

Your summer body is just a few easy toning exercises away. Show off that swimming suit you’ve stored away for the winter months with a sizzling body using some of our everyday routines meet instant exercise.