Photo of Lisa before and after completing the program.

“Each day is a new beginning”

Below is a testimonial from a recent Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less participant who completed the program: “Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less class has transformed my life in 15 weeks. Thank you Instructor Michelle and all with this program!! I lost many inches, pounds, gained muscle, toned up, increased my flexibility, lowered my […]

Tennis shoes and dumbbell weights

New Strength Training Guidelines Released

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) has released their first new strength training guidelines in 17 years. The gold standard in all things strength, the ACSM reviewed over 130 systematic reviews with more than 30,000 participants to answer the questions we all have about how to get the most out of strength training. For […]

Woman walking along a tree lined road as the sun sets.

Are Longer Walks Better than Shorter Walks?

A recent research study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine answered the question: are long walks better than short walks? They followed participants for almost 10 years to examine the number of cardiovascular events and all cause mortality. The most benefit in reducing risk of heart events was a walk of 15 minutes or […]

Two bicyclists waring helmets.

Finding MY Fitness Connection

Last winter, when contemplating activities I could do with my husband, I came across bicycle tours. An internet search revealed a wide variety of tour companies offering bicycle tours all over the world. I have always wanted to see the New England fall foliage, so I signed us up for an October tour in rural […]

Older woman lifting hand weights.

Weight Training After 50: Non-negotiable!

It is common knowledge that we lose lean body mass (muscle) as we age. In your 20’s, 30’s, and maybe even 40’s, you can hold on to some muscle mass. After that, if you are not pushing back on the loss of lean tissue, it will leave you. This loss of muscle impacts our metabolism, […]

Beach ball floating in water.

Heat Wave! How to Stay Cool and Comfortable

In most parts of the U.S. right now, temps are HOT! If you’re anything like me, you love summer weather, but it doesn’t quite love you back. Though I am going on my fifth North Carolina summer after moving from Michigan, I’m still sometimes shocked by the wall of heat and humidity that hits me […]

Woman doing a downward dog yoga pose.

What I’ve Learned from (Finally) Committing to My Yoga Practice

I’ve been doing yoga sporadically for about 12 years. While occasional drop-in classes and Yoga with Adriene YouTube videos provided momentary benefits, it wasn’t until I committed to the practice that I started reaping longer-term benefits.  While I was in middle and high school, my mom was a registered yoga teacher and taught “yochilates” classes, […]

Woman doing desk pushups.

Have an Exercise Snack

When we say snack, we usually mean food, but have you heard of an exercise snack? Exercise snacks are short sessions of physical activity that might be a convenient addition to your everyday routine. Movement of any kind can benefit our overall health. Mini exercise sessions or “exercise snacks” may help you reach your physical […]

Older adults using hand weights while outside.

How to Stay Active in the Summers

Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors and stay active, but the heat can also make it a bit challenging sometimes. However, with some planning and the right strategies, we can maintain our outdoor physical activity routine while staying safe and cool. Tips to stay active during the hot summer months: Choose the […]

Adults doing water aerobics in a pool.

Beat the Heat with a Swim Workout

When summer arrives, so do hotter temperatures. The heat can present an added challenge for those of us who enjoy exercising outdoors by means of walking, running, biking, and other aerobic activities that get the heart and lungs pumping. However, if you have access to a pool, lake, or even the ocean, you may want […]