Working out is hard as hell—even before you hit the gym. Sometimes the best intentions, like setting an early alarm or packing sneakers in your work bag, won’t be enough to get you psyched about the gruelling training session you’ve got planned. The truth is that every day won’t feel like a fitness fairytale, so don’t […]

The most important tip is to find a workout that you love — one that you’re excited to go to. And do it with a group of friends. That’s one of the reasons that the Cardio Kick Boxing Class is so effective. You’re learning the skills, but you’re also getting more comfortable with your body. […]

Can’t find the time to work out? Here’s a smart tip to help ignite your daily fitness routine: Put exercise reminders in places where you’re sure to see them. Lay your workout clothes on the bed so that it’s easy to slip ‘em on when you come home from work. Plop your big exercise ball […]

This move will strengthen your abdominals, back and shoulders. Be sure to breathe normally as you perform the Side Plank. It’ll test your balance skills, but most importantly, it will stabilize your trunk, helping you perform simple tasks such as lifting items and opening doors. And doing Side Planks will also improve your performance in […]

Not sure when is the best time to work out? Here’s a little secret: Do it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Research has shown that you’ll burn more calories if you perform cardio before breakfast than if you eat first, according to a study at Kansas State University. Another study confirmed […]

Think you’re too old to start exercising? Actually, fitness is very important as you age. Improving your fitness level can slow age-related decline in strength and motor skills. Ignoring it leaves you vulnerable and at risk of losing your independence and ability to care for yourself. Strength is a crucial component to quality of life. […]

Fit kids don’t just score higher on exercise tests – they’re more likely to ace their academic tests too. According to a study from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, children who are physically fit are smarter too. Surprised? You shouldn’t be. Exercise not only gets your heart pumping and boosts blood, oxygen and nutrient […]

Microwave meals have changed since the TV dinners you grew up with, even the ones you ate just five years ago. Responding to criticism about nutritional content, frozen-meal producers have worked hard to bring fat and sodium content down to real-world levels while improving the taste. True, the meals are processed food, but you could […]

Making lifestyle changes isn’t accomplished by forcing yourself to want it enough; it’s achieved by being honest about which stage you’re at in terms of being ready to make a change. According to the Transtheoretical model, there are five stages of change, each of which can help you better understand your willingness – or unwillingness […]

I love inspirational quotes. There’s nothing like the perfect quote at the right moment to motivate me to eat right and stick to my fitness routines. That’s why I suggest you create a small stack of mini flash cards with “power quotes” on them. That way, no matter where you find yourself, you can always pull […]