Welcome back! Today we are going to continue with part 2 on our Family Fitness series. Many families today are more sedentary then ever before. We have the internet, remote controls, video games, and about everything in the book to make us move less. Even the foods we eat today are based on fast and convenient. Just look around the supermarket these days carrying ready in 5 minute meals. All you have to do is open up the package and pop it in the microwave and presto instant meals for the family. What they don’t tell you is the high sodium content that is usually in those packaged foods. All these factors mean one thing and that is we are spending less quality time together as a family. How many families do you see doing separate things? Dad is watching TV, mom is in another room reading a book, and the kids are in playing on the computer. There just doesn’t seem to be communication and bonding time with one another these days. (more…)

Okay, today’s post is for all you mothers out there with growing families. As a martial arts and fitness instructor I hear the excuses all the time. I’m so busy with my kids I don’t have time to exercise! Well this may be a solution for keeping not only you but your whole family healthy at the same time. You can enjoy a fitness program catering to family fitness. I have taught quite a few mother and daughter teams in my cardio kickboxing classes over the years. Not only do they push each other to get fit together but it allows parents time to bond with their kids. I’ve also taught husband and wife teams as well. Most of the time it was great while on a couple of occasions I had to deal with spousal arguments during class. On the positive side at least they are taking their frustrations out during the workouts. In the end, they were probably to tired to argue when they got home. (more…)

Are you and your significant other planning on starting a family? Did you know that many women each year have difficulty getting pregnant? A big part of this problem can be solved by making adjustments to your diet and lifestyle. (more…)

A recent study revealed that exercising with the main goal to lose weight or look good might not be the best option when it comes to a long-term commitment to exercise. The reasons can be attributed to the fact women are often bound by societal pressures on what is considered the “ideal” body. Magazines bombard women with images of rail thin celebrities embedding images in their mind that to be accepted one must not be overweight. For this reason women exercising to lose weight might be done out of self pity, making exercise a chore rather than a lifestyle. As a result, the majority of women will not stick with their exercise regiment over the long-term. (more…)

Often the words recess or phys. ed brings back memories of fun, freedom, and the carefree nature of being a kid. For many it was a time when we were active out of necessity as opposed to exercising because we had too. We often reminisce and wish we can re-live some of those games and moments from our childhood. Remember dodge ball or tag…silly games we used to love or dread? I remember delightfully dodging those balls as they sailed past me and of course the agony of defeat of being sent flying through the air after taking a direct hit the back. Nevertheless I always picked myself up ready for the next round. Ah yes those were days. (more…)

Congratulations you finally started the New Year ready to roll with your new exercise regiment. Now the hard part begins…staying motivated enough to reach your weight loss goals. A common theme I find among women who start a new fitness weight loss regiment is they quit due to boredom. Even the most committed fitness guru can become bored due to a stale routine so don’t feel to bad. It is very important to keep your workouts fresh and exciting. This will make you look forward to your workouts instead of turning it into an arduous daily task. (more…)

With the holiday season now behind us many have turned their attention  to fulling those New Years resolutions. Weight loss being one that usually tops that list. Many aim to achieve this through proper diet and exercise. However there are many who opt for the quick fix solution such as diet pills or supplements. It is important to exercise caution when taking any supplement. My advice is to always consult with your physician before consuming any of these products. All because a supplement is called natural and comes from a health food store does not necessarily mean it’s safe and good for you. (more…)

According to research studies, Acai (ah-sigh-ee) berry comes out on top as the number one superfood. It has the most antioxidants which help prevent premature aging. I found out about this superfood a number of years ago while watching a popular TV personality. I was fascinated at the potential benefits of this berry in maintaining a youthful look and optimal health. (more…)

Happy New Year everybody! Well I hope all of you enjoyed your holiday season. Now that the new year has dawned we can start following through with those new years resolutions: quit smoking, lose weight, eat healthier, or join a gym. To all you ladies put away your bubbly and leave your holiday over indulgence behind til next year. Now it’s time to get serious about your health! (more…)