Humor

Sometimes life is just too serious!  We all need to step back and laugh!  Finding time to exercise can be stressful.  So stop being so serious….relax....and have a good laugh!  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

           Happy Friday everyone!  Have a great weekend!!!

Oranges

GO BIG ORANGE!!!!  Okay, even if you aren’t a Tennessee Vols fan you can STILL agree that oranges are amazing for you!  They are another one of those perfect “on the go” snacks!  They are packed with antioxidants and phytonutrients (both of which help you keep a healthy immune system and fight off all of the bad stuff!).  One orange gives you 140 percent of your daily value of vitamin C, and the juice of the orange gives an even higher percentage, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Oranges also contain complex sugars, which will satisfy your sugar cravings in a healthy way! 

 

Oranges can be added to many different dishes and drinks as well as served as a stand along snack! It even makes a delicious healthy dessert! Simply slice your oranges in half and put them on a baking dish. Drizzle honey over them and sprinkle with just a touch of cinnamon. Bake in an oven on 350 degrees, just long enough to heat them (5-10 mins). Delicious! So if you’re at the store this weekend, grab some oranges! It’s the perfect summer treat!

Have a WONDERFUL weekend!!!

Red, White and Blue

I’ve always been a big fan of the Fourth of July.  I have lots of fond memories of sack races, sno cones and fire truck rides!  And as I get older I’ve been trying to make the Fourth of July a fun time for my family!  I love a good theme party so Independence Day is a great time to take advantage of the red, white and blue color scheme!  Luckily this time of year is FILLED with delicious (and healthy)  red, white and blue foods!  There’s no need to choose all unhealthy items for your Fourth of July festivities.  Add in a little color!  Try one of these wonderful treats and be the talk of the cookout! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I hope everyone has a WONDERFUL and SAFE Fourth of July!!!

Soulmate Workout

If you hang out at the Rec Center long enough, you may get a chance to see a gentleman whiz by on a stand up bike called the EllitiGO bike.  He rides it most days of the week.  It looks like this:  

After one of the assessments this week, I had the pleasure of talking with him about his bike.  It was so amazing hearing about the bike and what kind of a workout he gets from it.  So I took a second to picture myself on it.  Yikes!  (I’m not exactly the best on two wheeled rolling objects having wrecked a bicycle, moped and motorcycle!)  So stand up biking would not be my choice for a workout.  But for this guy, it is!!!  He devotes hours and hours each week to biking.  That’s awesome!!!  The same day I spoke with the man on the ElliptiGO, I saw a video of some people in the park doing a hoola hoop workout. 

They all looked like they were having a blast!  We’ve actually had several people ask us if we offered hooping classes here at the Rec Center.  Both of these things got me thinking about people and their workouts.  They have found what works for them.  A workout that they love and are passionate about.  They’ve found their “soulmate workout.” 

Every workout is made differently.  It’s made to appeal to different people.  Some people hate the thought of going to a gym and lifting weights, while others thrive on the smell of rubber mats and clanking metal.  Some people would go stir crazy during a yoga class, while others crave that time to center themselves.  Some people stink at team sports and anything considered athletic, while others will play anything as long as someone is keeping score.  My point is that there is something out there for everyone!  EVERYONE!!!  Don’t like group exercise?  Don’t do it!  Find a DVD to do at home or go on a walk, join a league, walk a dog, take belly dance, play pickleball, try Insanity, learn karate, dance, go wakeboarding, take Zumba, go for a hike, play tennis, take Tai Chi, play on the Wii or Kinect…..DO SOMETHING!!!  Keep trying something new and different until you find that one activity.  That one thing that doesn’t feel quite like exercise.  THEN….you’ve found your soulmate workout!  J  Let me know if you’ve found your soulmate workout and what it is!  I’d LOVE to hear about it!      

 

YOU ARE AMAZING!!! 

Have a WONDERFUL weekend!!!

Bananas

GO BANANAS FOR BANANAS!!! 

Bananas are nature’s energy bar!!!  Since they come in their own pretty yellow package, they make the perfect portable snack!  You may not have access to a stove, microwave, oven, cutting board, sink, etc. to whip up a healthy snack.  But you don’t need any of that for a banana!  It’s an ideal travel snack!  One medium banana (about 7 inches long) is about 110 calories and has TONS of vitamins and minerals!  They are high in potassium, vitamin B-6, vitamin C, manganese and fiber.  Bananas are also a good form of carbohydrates.  Eat one after a workout to refuel or for breakfast to give you energy for your day!  Bananas are also easy on the belly.  Many doctors recommend sticking to the BRAT diet after having a stomach virus (BANANAS, rice, applesauce, toast).  Bananas help you get the nutrients your body needs while still being gentle on your tummy.  And here’s one more bonus:  They are pretty cheap!  I’ve seen them as low as $0.36 a pound!  Take THAT mega expensive snack bars!!!  

Have a WONDERFUL weekend everyone!!! 

Feedback

Earlier this week I was thinking about subjects for my Get Fit Friday Memos. And I started thinking about exercise of course. I know that for some people working out and exercising is a challenge. That’s why we need motivators! We all need encouragement! So I’m looking for some feedback from you. I want you to email me the answer to this question:

What are your reasons for NOT exercising?  

Is time the biggest constraint? Ability? Knowledge? I promise all answers will be kept confidential and I won’t judge. But I would just like some input. I want to know how to steer some of my upcoming emails so your responses would be greatly appreciated!!!

 

Have a WONDERFUL weekend!!!

Farmer's Market

We have a wonderful little gem right here in Cookeville. It’s called the Farmer’s Market and it’s a great place to visit this weekend! It’s located on Walnut Avenue and is where local farmers gather to sell their goods. You may have heard a lot of hubbub telling you to BUY LOCAL! Well there’s good reason for it! Here are a few great reasons to buy local: 

• Produce is grown locally so they are perfectly ripened and fresh!
• Prices are typically lower than grocery stores since there is less packaging and travel costs! (That’s also good for the environment! BONUS!!!)
• Shopping at the Farmer’s Market benefits local farmers and strengthens our community.
• You can hear right from the farmer where your food came from and how it was grown!

If you haven’t been to the Farmer’s Market I encourage you to go! It’s a great way to start off a healthy weekend!

 

 Have a wonderful weekend!!!