5 Ways to Improve Your Health Today

Take a back-to-basics approach to good health with exercise, real food, relaxation, nature and friends. Take charge of your day and make some simple changes that may keep you free from disease and add years to your life. 1. Eat seven servings of fruits and vegetables.  Eating seven or more servings of fruits and vegetables […]

Makeover 2012: Fitness

Debbi Platt leads a busy life. With two college-age kids and a part-time job, she still finds the time to remain active.   An accomplished martial artist (she is a second degree black belt in tae kwon do), Debbi is no stranger to hard work. However, after beating skin cancer last year, she decided to […]

Fitness and Rest: Balance for Results

Many athletes—from serious competitors to avid fitness enthusiasts—work hard everyday with the mantra more is better. Strength training, hard intervals and long workouts are included, but often rest and recovery are neglected. Rest is key to success in any training program whether you are an experienced marathoner, hardcore spin devotee, CrossFit fan or a teenage […]

Get a Great Butt: Exercises for Glutes

Time to tone up your backside for spring break and beach season. These shapely muscles not only look great in tight jeans, but are necessary for every step and leg movement you make. The gluteals are made up of three muscles maximus, medius, and minimus. Strong gluteal muscles: Support your low back Improve posture Require […]

Should You Try Compression Socks?

Compression socks are a hot trend in athletic wear. Elite marathoners were first on the scene. Paula Radcliffe wore them when she broke the marathon world record. Now they are showing up at local 5ks worn by active 40 somethings. According to a 2009 study in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning, running performance was […]

Get Thin, By Thinking Like a European

Wander the streets of Paris, Milan, or Barcelona, and check out the thin, fit locals. Europeans enjoy cream sauces, ample breads and pastas, and don’t skimp on meats, cheeses or desserts. How is it that they stay so thin? Here are a few observations about the eating and cultural habits that make a difference in […]

Sports Bras for Your Active Life

Arguably the most important piece of sports equipment is … your sports bra! Active women need good support to prevent sagging or pain. During exercise, your girls move up and down, side to side, and in and out. Today’s sports bras offer great fabrics and fits for all shapes, sizes and activities. Proper Fit According […]

Become a Runner and Train for a 5K

Looking to increase your fitness, without spending lots of time or money? Consider running! While marathoning may not be in your future, working up to a 5K is a reasonable goal. According to Dr. Eric Chehab, a physician with Illinois Bone and Joint Institute, “Running is a terrific cardiovascular exercise, one of the best. Secondly, […]

Girls and Knee Injuries

Spring is here and outdoor sports are back in full swing. Girls are kicking, running and jumping. As we encourage our girls to pursue their passion for sports, we also need to help them prevent injuries that could wreck a season, or worse. Knee injuries fall into that category for young, female athletes. I spoke […]

Running with a Dog

My running partner is tall, dark, handsome, fit, loving and always ready for adventure.   His name is Jet, and he is my dog. Training, treats, patience, and finally, Jet is a great companion on my morning runs. Running is a great way for you and your dog to stay fit, expend energy in a […]