Do You Have Any Back-to-School Fitness Goals?

Truth be told, I’ve been out of school for a while now, but as Labor Day approaches, I get that back-to-school mind-set. I want a new pair of shoes , a fancy bag, and a fresh start - Summer is over and now it’s time to get back to business. Early Fall is similar to New Year’s Day in that I like to recommit to my fitness life and reevaluate my goals. The change in seasons inspires me too. One thing I am planning to do more of is adding plyometrics to my strength training and mixing up my cardio a bit more. Maybe even add some school-yard fun and jump rope . What about you? Do You Have Any Back-to-School Fitness Goals? Yes. And I will share them below. Nope.

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Do You Have Any Back-to-School Fitness Goals?

How Much Do You Pay For Fitness Classes?

At my yoga studio, classes are pretty reasonably priced. Since I teach, I’m given one free class per week, and I pay $13 for every other class I want to go to (a 10-class card costs $130). It’s not exactly cheap, but I just visited a friend, and at her studio, classes cost $20 for a drop-in. And some Bar Method classes can be over $25. Since many of you are into group fitness classes such as Zumba , kickboxing, and Nia , I was wondering . . . How Much Do You Pay For Fitness Classes? $0: I get free classes with my gym membership. $1 to $10 $11 to $15 $16 to $20 $21 or more

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How Much Do You Pay For Fitness Classes?

Does Being Around Heavier People Give You Confidence?

It’s tough not to compare ourselves to others when it comes to our weight and appearance. Some of you have already shared that seeing gorgeously toned and slender (and most likely photoshopped) models in magazine ads makes you feel bad about yourself . And one reader even said a skinny friend made her feel self-conscious . This made me wonder, if being around thin people makes you self-conscious about your appearance, does being around heavier people make you feel better? Does Being Around Heavier People Give You Confidence? Yes, I secretly feel better when I’m with people who are heavier than me. No, it doesn’t matter what people look like around me.

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Does Being Around Heavier People Give You Confidence?

Menstrual Cramps: Painful For the Body and the Brain

Oh, great. Not only are menstrual cramps uncomfortably painful, they also cause actual changes in the brain. According to new research, period cramps cause structural changes in areas of the brain associated with pain and emotion. The study followed 32 women with an average of 10 years of painful cramping associated with their periods and 32 who did not. Researchers found no difference in total brain matter between the two groups but many regional differences in gray matter were detected, particularly in areas responsible for pain processing, higher-level sensory processing, and emotional regulation. Additionally, researchers observed abnormal decreases in the portions of the brain responsible for pain transmission and higher sensory processing in the group experiencing painful cramping even when the women were experiencing a pain-free portion of their cycle. Meaning: menstrual cramping may be similar to other chronic pain conditions and over time, repeated painful cramping could make the brain more sensitive to pain, effectively making the cramping worse.

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Menstrual Cramps: Painful For the Body and the Brain

And the Winner Is . . .

One of the joys of summertime is hopping on a bike to escape the heat and enjoy the breeze. That’s why we decided to give away an Escape bike from Giant to one lucky twitterer. Well we now have a winner! Please join me in congratulating yougurtsoup . Look for her cruising around on her new hybrid bike! Enjoy your ride yogurtsoup, and thanks to all of you for participating.

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And the Winner Is . . .

Do You Suffer From "Fat Days"?

Being a woman, I feel like we are prone to our fair share of “fat days.” You know, those days when your pants don’t seem to fit quite right, you feel bloated, or you stand in front of the mirror and look softer than usual. Our fluctuations in hormones definitely contribute to water weight gain, so we can always point the finger at our old Aunt Flow . But I also know that when I overindulge on treats, it’s my love affair with Ben & Jerry that’s to blame. Whatever the reason, tell me . . . Do You Suffer From "Fat Days"? Yes, I often have “I feel fat today” days. I only have “fat days” when I have my period. Occasionally, if I stray from my healthy ways, “fat days” are inevitable. Nope, luckily I don’t have “fat days.”

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Do You Suffer From "Fat Days"?

Why Do You Ride?

Ever since taking the car-free challenge , I have been biking about town a lot more and love fitting in a little fitness by biking my girls to school. Cycling is also my favorite form of cardio - I see a big hill and I want to climb it on two wheels. Whether you’re a biking newbie or a seasoned urban biking vet, there are plenty of reasons to ride. It’s fun, it’s good exercise, and it’s an eco-friendly way to get around. So what’s your reason? Remember, we’re giving away an Escape hybrid bike from Giant . It’s one sweet ride ! Why Do You Ride? For transportation For fitness For fun For the environment. All of the above! I don’t own a bike.

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Why Do You Ride?

How Many Times Do You Hit the Snooze Button?

I’m one of those people who could sleep nine hours a night and still be tired in the morning - I just love to sleep! When my alarm goes off, I’m so groggy that I can’t even think about waking up, so I usually set it early so I can snooze a couple times and catch an extra 20 minutes of shut-eye. What about you? How Many Times Do You Hit the Snooze Button? Zero - As soon as my alarm goes off, I’m up and at ‘em. One - I just need 10 more minutes. Two - 20 more minutes for me. Three - I need a half-hour to get used to the idea of waking up. Four or more - What can I say? I’m not a morning person.

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How Many Times Do You Hit the Snooze Button?

Do You Overindulge on Holidays?

The Fourth of July is filled with so much barbecue goodness. It’s hard to resist overindulging on all the homemade hamburgers, BBQ ribs, and creamy potato salad. I definitely overate this weekend, but I’m OK with it, since it was a holiday. I won’t let a little splurging throw me off track completely. What about you? Are holidays a reason to eat whatever you want, or is it just another day of healthy eating for you? Do You Overindulge on Holidays? Of course! What’s a holiday without some yummy food? It depends on the holiday. No way. I always stay on track no matter what.

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Do You Overindulge on Holidays?

Tips For Finding an Exercise Buddy

Even though many of you prefer to work out alone , having a workout buddy is a great way to stay motivated. And since ditching out on a workout means you’re flaking on someone else, an exercise buddy is a great way to keep you accountable. It’s also like having your own personal cheering squad. Encouraging words are often all it takes to push a fitness routine further or try harder. If you want a workout buddy but don’t know how to find one, follow these tips. It won’t be long before you’re hitting the trail with a comrade in arms! Meet someone in a fitness class . Familiarity has a way of making people feel comfortable, so it won’t seem odd if you strike up a conversation with someone you see regularly in class. I used to go to the same yoga class every week and eventually became friends with a classmate. In no time, we were sharing rides to the studio and dinner afterwards. Join an exercise group . Most cities have running and cycling groups - guaranteed ways to meet people who like exercising with other folks. A simple Internet search should help you find a group, or, as an alternative, check with your local sports store. The sports stores in my areas host free weekly exercise events that include running, cycling, and yoga. Sign up for a partnered sport or group lessons . Some sports - like rock climbing - lend themselves to finding a partner because you can’t do the sport without one. You can use Internet forums to find a partner, or go to a specialized gym where they’ll help you. If you’re new to the sport sign up for group lessons. You’ll meet other people who want to learn the same activity as you, and who are also on the same skill level. Once you’ve found yourself a partner, make sure you make the most of it , and don’t feel like you have to limit yourself to one person. The more exercise buddies, the merrier!

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Tips For Finding an Exercise Buddy

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