So, you've started off the new year resolved to eat better and determined to exercise more. You've probably thought about joining a gym. But not all gyms are created equal, and choosing the right one is an important step in achieving your health and fitness goals.
One key factor in choosing the perfect gym for you is the right environment and atmosphere. Here are some key questions you want to ask yourself and the health-club staff when searching:
- How clean is the health club? Ask about daily cleaning regimens.
- When is the gym at its busiest? How available is the workout equipment during peak club hours?
- Is the gym a comfortable and motivating environment for you? It is key that you feel good about where you are working out.
- Are staff members knowledgeable and courteous?
- What do current members say about their experience?
- Is child care available? If so, you...
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It’s the New Year, and your weight loss countdown has begun!
You vow to join a gym and workout six days a week. But can you REALLY go to the gym six days a week with your busy work schedule or with trying to keep up with your kids?
One of the key ingredients to a successful fitness regimen is establishing a REALISTIC goal that compliments your current lifestyle. Maybe you can only get to the gym two days a week. That’s great!
In conjunction with going to the gym, you can do some push-ups (Yes, using your knees does count!), crunches and lunges in the comfort of your own home or some calf raises while copying documents at work. All of these little exercises, in addition to your gym workouts, will give you energy as you strive for a healthy lifestyle.
Karlynda “K-Pop” Poplstein is a certified personal trainer and group-exercise instructor at O2 Fitness in Raleigh. She is certified through...Click here to read the rest of the post and view comments.
As the holidays pass and the New Year approaches, thoughts arise of personal improvement and achievements we want to make.
As many New Year’s resolutions involve the idea of improving our health, the following nutrition basics can get you on the right start to achieving those goals:
- Our parents told us this as we grew up, and it continues to be true: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
- Choose something whole-grain in the morning, and don’t forget to include protein, such as low-fat dairy, peanut butter and eggs. Try not to go more than four to five hours without eating, and use any long periods between meals for a snack.
- Snack smart by including foods that may be lacking in your diet, such as fruit and vegetables. If you are away from home for lunch, put yourself more in control of your daily intake by planning and packing a meal rather than relying on the cafeteria or local restaurants. ...
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