This is the time of year when we head back to the gym with resolutions still freshly in mind.  More often than not, the first thing we do when we get there is sign up for a fitness class.  While this is a great idea for a number of reasons, you are still faced with the decision of which class is the best for you.  Here are three quick tips for narrowing down your choices.

1. Mix it up: Look for classes that focus on interval training and that incorporate both cardio and resistance training. Don’t just burn energy (calories). Make sure you’re producing something with that energy.
2. Ask questions: Ask your instructor to tell you exactly how his or her workouts will build aerobic conditioning, endurance and strength. Ask how often you should take the class and when you should expect to start seeing results. Make sure the answers are in line with your fitness goals.
3. Look for the results: When you are in a good class, you gain real fitness that translates into real health benefits more directly than simply losing weight and body fat. If you’re not getting the results you want, look for a new class.

Follow these pointers and you’ll save yourself a lot of time and effort experimenting with fitness classes that don’t help you achieve your fitness goals.

Share on Facebook

The new year is here and health clubs and fitness programs want you!!! They know that you made a resolution to shed some pounds when the ball dropped and they’re eager to capitalize on this ambition by boosting their memberships. However, you can use their desire to recruit you to your advantage by negotiating.

That’s right. The best deals for joining a gym can be had right now. All you need to do is walk into your local health club and negotiate the membership price. Chances are you’ll be able to lower or completely eliminate the initiation fee, lower the monthly fee and get incentives like free personal training sessions… but you have to ask.

Another tip is to strike up these negotiations at the end of the month because the sales consultants needs to make their quota. If the sales consultant doesn’t budge on the price, then ask for some extras they could throw in like towel service, free guest passes or unlimited use of their other clubs. Their are deals to be had if you press a little. Remember, there is no reason not to try to keep your wallet fat while you try to get slim.

Share on Facebook

I get excited every year when January rolls around.  The whole month represents a new beginning.  Not only is it a time of reflection, it is also an opportunity to craft a new vision for the 365 days ahead.

Several years back, I made the conscious decision to shy away from the typical resolution list (exercise more, eat healthier, etc.).  I decided to take a more holistic approach, electing to improve my mind, body and spirit.  This approach meant I had to do more than set some loose guidelines (which I would probably loosen and all but forget by March).  It meant permanently shifting certain aspects of my life for a full calendar year.

For example, one year I committed to completing 2 marathons, biking from San Francisco to LA, reading at least 4 books, and (perhaps the most challenging of them all) integrating self-compassion and removing critical thoughts from my mind.  This set of yearly goals demanded dramatic changes in the way I lived.  It made the entire year an incredible and challenging journey.

Through this journey, I learned that all the things we want to achieve in life are possible with full commitment. This upcoming year, dare to do more with your resolutions.  Write down what you really, really want to do this year and do it. Commit and be courageous. You may find that the year long process is more rewarding than the year end results.

Happy New Year.

Share on Facebook

When it comes to healthy living, people are quite simply confused.  This doesn’t surprise me considering all the “advice,” welcomed or not, we are exposed to on a daily basis.

“Eat more protein. You can eat carbs only in the morning. Don’t eat after 6pm. You should spin, it burns a ton of calories. You shouldn’t spin, it make your lower body bulky. Run. Don’t run. Exfoliate, but not too much. Use a serum on your face. Don’t use a serum.  You really just need Vitamin C… ”

All this advice could make even a sane person’s head spin. So, I’m here to set the record straight with a dose of non-head spinning advice:

• Eat Appropriately– When you are hungry and what you feel like eating. If it’s a tuna sandwich at 7am – then go for it. Of course, not a tuna sandwich the size of your head.
• Do Enjoyable and Effective Exercises – Do a workout you enjoy and that works for your body, which means you see results and you feel good doing it.
• Use Minimal Products – Use as few products as possible and only the ones that actually produce results for you. If it’s a $100 cream- Great. If it’s a $20 cream – Lucky you.
• Make Good Friends – Be friends with people you find yourself smiling around and thinking about when they are not around.
• Be Happy -  Pinpoint exactly what it is that makes you happy and do that as much as possible.  It’s as easy as that.

- Carrie Rezabek

Share on Facebook

Over the course of the past 6 months, I have been rehabing a broken patella… by climbing stairs. Yep, that’s right… stairs.

Stairmasters, stadium facilities and even the famous Santa Monica stairs have all been outlets for my cardio and rehab.  The low impact, high intensity nature of the workout allows me to move safely and protect my joints all while elevating my heart rate and the results have been fantastic.

If you want to tone your glutes, strengthen your thighs and increase calorie burn, then take it to the stairs….any stairs. Try to hustle on the way up where the main effects occur and take it slow on the way down to reduce impact.  You’ll be amazed at how winded you get and how strong you’ll feel shortly after. Get climbing!

- Christina Malizia

Share on Facebook