Friday, March 28, 2014

More Than Just Clothes: Colors, Styles Motivate and Communicate

More Than Just Clothes:

Colors, Styles Motivate and

Communicate

The way you dress and the way your clothes fit on you can say a lot about how you feel about yourself, the image you’re trying to portray and if you’re realizing the results you want from your current exercise program. As you box up your bulky winter wear and start pulling out skimpier spring attire this time of year, you can really get a sense about whether your winter workout routine fits into your current wardrobe.

Clothes also can be a good motivating factor for losing weight and increasing athletic performance as you welcome an active spring season and say goodbye to a sluggish, hibernating winter season.

“If you pull out last year’s spring clothes out of the closet and they don’t fit as well as before, it might be time to make some adjustments,” advises Logan George, personal trainer at Fitness Together Maple Grove. “Being comfortable in what you wear is key in working out and in life. It’s important to find something that fits just right for you and makes you feel good about yourself.”

Bright Colors Heat Up the Intensity

The colors of clothes you choose to wear have a lot to say about your attitude and outlook on life. When you’re working out, your color choice can help to motivate you, too. If you layer bright colors like hot pink, neon and the other fluorescent colors that are coming back in popularity in the fitness industry these days, it can really help to boost energy and motivation levels. And, not just necessarily for you, but fun colors also can influence the mood and attitude of everyone working out around you.

“What you wear and the colors you choose can be a psychological game you can play with yourself to get the energy going a little bit more, get you pumped up and light the fire underneath you to get you going,” says George.

New Clothes for a New You

If you are new to working out or you’ve been doing it for a while but are stuck on a plateau, using a certain piece of clothing such as dresses, jeans or beachwear can help motivate you to work out regularly and eat healthy. As you’re heading into a new season of styles and designs, pick out a long, lost piece of clothing from your past that you’d like to fit in again and hang it in the front of your closet Or, find a new spring fashion that just hit the store racks and hang the picture on your mirrors, refrigerator or anywhere else in your home or office.

“Fitting into smaller-sized clothes is a big-time motivator for people,” says George. “When clients start realizing all of the weight they’re losing or they’ve gone down four dress sizes they stay motivated to see what they can achieve if they keep working out and eating healthy.”

George has seen both male and female clients achieve amazing results when they’ve used clothes as a motivating factor to meet their health and fitness goals. Females tend to focus on what types and sizes of clothes they’re able to wear, while men get motivated when they start dropping pant sizes, says George.

Spring Into Action for Visible Results

As the weather warms up and you start exposing more skin this time of year, fine-tuning workouts can become more important to helping you achieve your weight loss and fitness goals. George advises clients to follow a personalized fitness plan that’s designed to achieve specific results and includes the three main components of strength training, cardio and proper nutrition. He also sees people this time of year focusing on certain areas that may have spent the winter covered and in hibernation such as the core, triceps, hips and legs.

Whether you have your eye on fitting into a new cocktail dress, summer swimsuit or business suit this season, keep your goals and motivation front and center so you know what you need to do to succeed in your accomplishments. Look good and feel good this spring season by wearing clothes and colors that inspire you and make you proud of your fit and active lifestyle.

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Trainer Tuesdays: What are Some Good Calorie-Burning Activities that aren't Necessarily Thought of as Exercise?

Trainer Tuesdays

Welcome back to the weekly edition on Trainer Tuesdays. Make sure to check in at our blog every Tuesday evening to learn the expertise of our great staff. Aside from being fantastic exercise coaches, they are also extremely knowledgeable in many aspects of health and fitness; so, it's time that you get to know them a little better! Each week, we will post a frequently asked, or sometimes just a fun fitness related question followed by the answers of each of the trainers at Fitness Together Brecksville.

What are Some Good Calorie-burning Activities that aren’t Necessarily Thought of as Exercise?

Kelly Bailey: The average American fast-paced lifestyle may not leave much room for the recommended amounts of exercise we are supposed to get each day. With the normal stresses of work and family, exercise can seem like just another thing to add to our to-do list. Don’t get me wrong here: conventional forms of exercise such as weight training and cardio are very important for losing weight, maintaining muscle mass, bone health and general fitness; but, there are many activities that burn calories and get your heart rate up that aren’t traditionally considered “exercise”....some of which you are probably already doing on a daily basis. I try to vacuum my home every day. Not only is my house cleaner, but I’ve burned calories walking around my home while pushing a vacuum cleaner. I also like gardening. Gardening is hard work that can burn a lot of calories, and added benefits are that I reduce my grocery bill and provide my family with healthy foods. Try getting involved in an active hobby. I like horseback riding, kayaking, and biking. All of those activities burn lots of calories, but don’t seem like exercise at all because they are fun!

Steven Madden: (in London this week)

Taynee Pearson: There are quite a few good activities which burn calories that aren’t thought of as exercise or working out. Playing sports such as sand volleyball, tennis, basketball or even golf are fun, and while you are playing sports you don’t think of the physical activity aspect. Some activities that can be done at home which burn calories would be walking the dog, gardening, or mowing the lawn with a push mower. Some leisurely activities that burn calories are dancing, playing Frisbee, ice-skating and rollerblading. As long as you are moving around and being physically active, you will be burning calories.

Jenn Noggle: (will be added later. Please check back for Jenn’s answer)

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Spring Training: Start Preparing Today for Your Summer Sports League

As major league baseball players are wrapping up their Spring Training programs in Arizona and Florida this month, it’s time for you to dust off your equipment and get your bats cracking to prepare for your favorite summer team sport.

To hit a grand slam this season, load the bases with the following team sports preparation tips.

Hit a Line-Drive Single by Combining Fitness with Fun

Whether you’re a seasoned recreational league ball player or this is your first season playing on an adult team, team sports can be a fun way to burn calories and stay active over the summer. If you’re tired of doing cardio on the treadmill or elliptical, joining a team sport like soccer, baseball or flag football can be a new motivating way to exercise as teammates hold you accountable and push you to succeed.

“The great thing about team sports is that activity and exercise become a set thing in your life,” explains Stacy Adams, personal trainer and studio owner at Fitness Together Central Georgetown. “Ever since I was 4, I've played team sports. It was a part of my life like brushing my teeth. When you have it as part of your structure and daily life, you expect it. It helps you to stay motivated and maintain an exercise program that can become a part of your life.”

To prepare for a team sport, it’s important to invest in proper gear so you have a solid foundation to start from as well as consider attending a sports camp or hiring a team coach to brush up on your skills. It also is important to be clear about whether you’re playing in a sport to have fun or compete. Either way, a positive attitude is a must in order for the season to be a fun and memorable experience.

Round Second with Conditioning and Core Work

Before you throw your team jersey on and head out for the first game of the season, the first piece of business that needs to be taken care of is assessing your fitness level and creating a pre-season conditioning plan that supports the movements and activities you’ll be doing in your sport, as well as prepare you for an injury-free season.

“A lot of people go into the softball or flag football season totally out of shape,” explains Adams. “They have no exercise plan or structure. All of a sudden they’re doing an athletic activity and they eventually get hurt. Starting a regular workout routine that you’re accountable to and that’s on a schedule is important to succeeding in team sports.”

A true offseason conditioning program lasts from 12 to 16 weeks. But you can often correct bad form and strengthen potential injury areas in just six to eight weeks. In the beginning of your spring training program, a trainer or physical therapist should help you identify certain conditioning exercises to get you in shape and stretches to help you avoid possible injuries. You should expect to hit it hard with cardio and strength training in the beginning of the offseason, then start focusing on movement and technical skill work as opening day draws nearer.

“The conditioning component is important to maintain your performance level and avoid injuries throughout the season,” explains Matt Gagliano, personal trainer and studio owner at Fitness Together East Bay. “When I played baseball, our season lasted from March to August. Once we got to August, my arm was feeling like it was about to fall off. This was probably because I didn’t have proper strength training or conditioning. Correct conditioning can help you last the whole season and a strong core is important to build a solid foundation.”

Earn a Stand-Up Triple by Focusing on the Game of Life

Playing a team sport isn’t only good for improving your fitness levels, but it also can help you grow your life both personally and professionally. The team sports characteristics of accountability, perseverance, being a gracious loser and having interdependency among teammates to accomplish a goal can carry over to positively affecting your business and family life.

“When I played competitive baseball, day in and day out there was one goal –- to win the championship,” reflects Gagliano. “In the corporate world, you deal with a similar scenario whether you’re working toward corporate revenue goals or launching a new product. It doesn’t happen overnight, but through cooperation, hard work, learning from each other and teamwork, you can accomplish larger goals as a team than you ever could as a single individual.”

“You learn to win and lose in sports,” adds Adams. “You learn what lucky shots are and what bad calls look like. You learn to work with a group and deal with ups and downs. You don’t always win in life, so you have to learn how to buckle up and keep pushing forward. If you don’t play a team sport, this can be a hard concept to understand.”

Slide into Home with a Commitment to Teamwork

When you have a strong team committed to working together to accomplish a common goal, you can hit the ball out of the park every time your team’s at bat. The teamwork concept relies on the premise that you won’t let your team down and everyone puts in the work needed to succeed. There’s a strong level of accountability among teammates and you build personal bonds with other people that you may not have otherwise established in other parts of your life.

“I didn’t realize until I was out of sports that there’s something special about the connections and community you can make on a team,” reflects Gagliano.

If you’re ready for a real game-and-life-changer, check out a local summersports league in your community. Meet new people, refresh your fitness motivation, practice good teamwork and have a ball!

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Trainer Tuesdays: Should I Be More Concerned With Fat or Sugar in My Diet?

Trainer Tuesdays

Should I Be More Concerned With Fat or Sugar in My Diet?

Kelly Bailey: You should be concerned about both, but for different reasons. Consuming fat has gotten a bad rap in the past, but fat is an extremely important nutrient. Our bodies need fat for energy and to complete biochemical processes, such as the production of hormones. Fats should make up 20% to 35% percent of your total daily calories! It’s the type of fat you choose to consume that is so important. Stay away from high-fat, processed foods that contain a lot of saturated and trans fat. Try to eat more foods that contain healthy fats, including olive oil, nuts and seeds, and fish. Unlike fat, our bodies do not need sugar (though we certainly crave it!). Sugar is the new “public enemy number one”, and for good reason. Excess sugar in the diet can cause weight gain, diabetes, and has been linked to chronic diseases, including heart disease and cancer. Americans’ sugar consumption has skyrocketed over the last 50 years because we are consuming highly processed foods that are more convenient to a fast-paced lifestyle. To cure a sweet tooth, try cutting back on processed foods in favor of naturally sweet foods like apples, bananas, and even small amounts of honey. Always remember that moderation is key: the occasional brownie or bowl of ice cream won’t hurt you, but eating them every day will have long-term implications on your health.

DannyStryjewski: Well for me personally I am more concerned about sugar. The daily recommended amount of sugar for adults is 5%-10% (http://www.rodalenews.com/recommended-sugar-intake) where as fat is 20%-35% (http://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/everyone/basics/fat/). So I tend to pay more attention to sugar so I don't exceed this daily amount.

Steven Madden: When it comes to monitoring your intake of fats and sugars, I feel that you need to pay closer attention to sugars more than fats. While we tend to eat plenty of fat in our diet, there are good healthy fats, but too much sugar is always bad. Plus, sugar is hiding in almost everything we eat. If I were to ask you to prepare a low fat meal, most can do that relatively easily; no butter, lean white meat, good portion of vegetables. Then there is the sugar. It's in everything. Almost everything we drink, added to every food. Hiding in things that look good for us. Check the labels on those healthy drinks in the store. You know the ones I mean. Equal servings of veggies and fruits, no added sugars. But wait a minute. Why are they so high in sugar content? They are mixing things like Apple and orange juice to make the veggies sweeter. Oh, and since you're only getting the juice from those fruits and not the flesh, you are really only getting a fraction of the health benefits with most of the sugar from a few fruits in one glass. It adds up. Even from bread. I read once, and I don't remember where, that if you switch from white bread (good wholesome, healthy white bread) to wheat bread, in one year all the sugar you don't consumer from white bread could fill a whole refrigerator! That's a lot of sugar...

Jenn Noggle: In my opinion, sugar is definitely worse than fat in your diet. Now, keep in mind, there are different kinds of fat and it is the healthy, unsaturated fats that are essential and beneficial in your daily diet. Sugar on the other hand, really has no benefits to the body and is certainly not a necessary food group. I think the more important piece of advice I would give is to avoid processed foods as much as possible in general. These kinds of food are usually where added sugar and bad fats are hidden. Not only is there no nutritional value in sugar itself, but its effects on blood sugar and energy levels can be detrimental to your health and wellness. When simple sugars are ingested, they are so rapidly digested and enter the bloodstream so quickly that your body responds by producing excess amounts of insulin (also known as our “fat storage hormone”). Because of the excess insulin produced, once the sugar is cleared from the bloodstream, you will likely experience that dreaded “crash”. And then begins the sugar craving process all over again…just like a roller-coaster. You can also think of it this way….fat has been around and included/needed in our diets forever. Sugar has only found its way into our foods since humans began altering food from their natural sources. Just make sure to always read the labels of the foods you are eating. Remain aware of the choices you are making and the effects that then take place in your body. For additional information, your FT trainer can work with you on the principles of a healthy diet and what to look for on food labels.

Taynee Pearson: (Out of Town This Week)

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Top 5 Green Superfoods

Top Five Green Superfoods

http://www.fitnesstogetherbrecksville.net

It’s nearly spring and St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner. While the food most commonly associated with the holiday is typically fat-and-calorie-laden “Irish fry” fare such as corn beef and cabbage, Irish stew and black pudding, there is no reason why you can’t celebrate the luck of the Irish by lightening up your day with healthy green foods!

For better health, try adding lots of GREEN (superfoods, that is) into your day. Here is a list of five of the most nutritious green superfoods:

1. KALE
Kale is the new insanely nutritious superfood on the block. At only 36 calories per cup (boiled), kale is a great low-calorie veggie, packed with mega-vitamins such as K, A, and C, plus carotenoids, flavonoids, fiber, calcium, and iron. What’s more, kale is a cruciferous vegetable, or a "crucifer," meaning it belongs to the Crucifae family of vegetables. Cruciferous vegetables have numerous health benefits, most notably their ability to fight cancer. Crucifers contain isothiocyanates, chemical compounds that combat carcinogens by inhibiting their activity, repairing damage made by them, and also speeding up cancer cell death. Try oven-roasting kale with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and just a touch of sea salt for a crispy treat.

2. EDAMAME
Edamame, or immature green soybeans, are a virtual powerhouse of nutrition. A half-cup serving of shelled edamame pods contains just 120 calories and a whopping 9 grams of fiber and 11 grams of protein. And soy is a “complete,” high-quality protein meaning it contains all of the essential amino acids necessary for growth and development. A few swallows of this little bean will also supply you with a nice amount of iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, thiamin, folate and vitamin K.

Both the soy protein and the isoflavones -- powerful plant-based chemicals similar in structure to estrogen and proven to help lower cholesterol -- housed within edamame have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, our nation’s leading cause of death.

3. BROCCOLI
Love it or hate it, this green vegetable never fails to garner the coveted superfood title. Another cruciferous cancer-fighting vegetable, broccoli stands out as the most concentrated veggie source of Vitamin C. Plus it contains the flavonoids necessary for Vitamin C to recycle effectively. Also concentrated in broccoli are the disease-fighting carotenoids lutein, zeaxanthin and beta-carotene.

Broccoli is simply loaded with the medicinal anti-inflammatory isothiocyanate called sulforaphane. Sulforaphane has proven cancer-prevention properties and may also help prevent and treat other chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. And all this for a mere 50 calories in one cup of steamed broccoli!

4. GREEN TEA
Most people know that green tea is a health food. But do you know why? Tea is a plant food; and plants contain a plethora of phytochemicals that, when stacked together, maximize your body’s defense against chronic disease.

There are three main varieties of tea -- black, oolong, and green -- and all are derived from the tea plant known as Camellia sinensis. Teas are classified based on how the leaves are processed. Green tea, the least processed of the three, is dried but not fermented. Oolong tea has been withered (wilted), fermented, then fired directly to prevent continued fermentation. Black tea goes through the most processing. Here the tea leaves have been fermented for a much longer period, a process that gives black tea its darker color and richer flavor.

The predominant disease-fighting flavonoid in all forms of tea is the catechins. Green and black tea have the most scientific evidence supporting their heath benefits. So let’s all take a tip from the Brits and make time for tea -- green tea, that is.

5. AVOCADO
Who knew? Avocados are nicknamed alligator pears because of their pear shape and alligator-like skin. Avocados are actually considered a fruit and as such are the ultimate health food packed with super-heart-healthy monounsaturated fat in addition to an array of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients not found in butter or mayo. So replace those artery-clogging fats by going green with a spread of super-buttery, creamy, and delightfully tasty ripe avocado and do your heart a favor!

Think GREEN, not just for the environment and St. Patrick’s Day but also for your body, your health, and your fitness. Aim for at least one cup of dark green veggies such as kale, broccoli, or spinach every day. Everyone surely has a little Irish in them, even if just in spirit. So why not take this opportunity to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with some of these healthier green foods? With the support of Fitness Together you’ll surely be giving yourself the gift of better health.

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Trainer Tuesdays: Can Exercise Improve My Mood?

Trainer Tuesdays

Can Exercise Improve My Mood?

Kelly Bailey: “When I’m stressed I go for a run.” “When I’ve had a bad day at work, I hit the gym.” This is something we’ve all heard from friends and family that make exercise a regular part of their lives. The link between physical activity and psychological well-being, while not perfectly understood yet by science, is undeniable. Exercise just makes us feel better. The benefits can help anyone, from those that need relief from a stressful job, to those that suffer from chronic

depression and anxiety disorders. So the next time you are feeling a little down, have had a bad day at work, or the kids are driving you crazy, don’t skip your workout because that’s when you need a boost from physical activity the most!

Steven Madden: Exercise has been well documented to help improve your mood. If you've ever talked to a runner, you may have heard of the phenomenon know as a "runners high"--a feeling of euphoria after a bout of physical exertion. This exertion, not limited to runners alone, leads to an

endorphin release that can help improve your mood. However, that is simply short term. In the

long term, regular exercise will help you feel better by increasing your energy levels, helping

you to sleep better and helping to change your body composition so you can better handle

the physical stress placed on your body daily. Increased heart and lung capacity also makes

relaxation and recovery easier as well. All of these can help to lead to an overall improvement

in how you feel.

Taynee Pearson: Exercise can help improve your mood and it helps relieve stress. Exercise will help you with your overall mood because it can increase your self-esteem, confidence and helps reduce stress levels. The body releases endorphins during intense exercise which are chemicals that help improve your mood and help you feel good about yourself. Exercise is a good way to clear your mind from the world around you.

Jenn Noggle: Yes, yes, and absolutely YES! This is actually one of my favorite things about exercise. In addition to the numerous physical benefits of exercise, the mental benefits can also be dramatic. Exercise causes a release of those feel-good brain chemicals such as neurotransmitters and endorphins, which can greatly ease depression and anxiety. The increase in body temperature may also result in a calming effect. Additionally, immune system chemicals that can worsen depression are reduced through exercise. The even greater news is that most research has found that even just 20 minutes of moderate exercise per day can have great benefits. I’m pretty sure we can all find 20 minutes each day to move our bodies. The benefits of the physiologic changes that occur in the body coupled with other potential benefits, such as increased confidence, improved self-esteem, and social networking are well worth the investment! Schedule your 20 or more minutes per day into your calendar today and enjoy the rewards!

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Transitioning Your Workout Routine From Indoors To Outdoors

Transitioning Your Workout Routine From Indoors to Outdoors

If you’re like most Americans this winter, the cold, dark, snowy and wet days have more than likely derailed your workout routine and put you in an all-around foul mood.

As the desire for sunshine, warm weather and the start of spring sports and activities starts to burn stronger, it’s the perfect time to start putting plans in action to transition from a monotonous indoor environment to an adventurous outdoor landscape.

Take Advantage of a New Season of Enthusiasm

As the sun starts to stay up longer throughout the day and you get a glimpse of warmer temperatures this time of year, your excitement levels to get outside and get moving are sure to be bubbling over. It’s good timing, too, because you’re probably sick and tired of logging miles on the treadmill and looking at the same studio walls day in and day out as you struggled mentally to maintain your activity level throughout the winter.

Getting outside and shaking up the variety in your workout by biking on a long country road or hiking on nearby trails is a good way to rekindle your resolutions that may have dwindled during the cold winter months or re-motivate you to get back on course for training for your summer endurance races.

“The benefits of exercising outside are as much psychological and emotional as they are physical,” explains Bruce Kelly, personal trainer and studio owner at Fitness Together Media. “You’re more likely to move more and exercise when you can go outside because you don’t feel like you’re trapped indoors any more and you have an overall better attitude.”

Harness Your Excitement

As the excitement builds for moving your exercise program from the boring indoors to the great outdoors, you run the risk of doing too much too soon. The common tendency is to release all of your cooped-up energy by going crazy outside and increasing your volume to extremes without bearing in mind that you need to build up your outdoor activities incrementally in order to avoid injury and burnout.

“I know you’re eager to get out to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air. But if go out gradually and get fitter along the way, as opposed to going out too fast and overloading your connective tissues and muscles, you will have better results,” advises Kelly.

The rule of thumb that Kelly recommends for his clients is to increase the volume of your activities like running and biking by no more than 10 percent per week. And, if you’re moving into a new activity that you haven’t been doing all winter like tennis, golf or baseball, then you need to add some sports-specific movement training to your routine to replicate the new demands you’ll be putting on your body in your outdoor sport.

“It’s easy to go out and get overly enthusiastic in the beginning of the season by playing three rounds of tennis when you haven’t picked up a racket all winter,” says Kelly. “You have to focus on progression and you really need to prepare your body with movement and agility training before heading outside.”

Don’t Limit Yourself to Only Cardio Outside

The first activities that come to mind when you think about exercising outside typically include some type of cardio such as running, biking, rollerblading or swimming. But don’t overlook the opportunity to take your strength training outdoors, too.

Using body weight movements, a kettlebell and TRX straps, you can easily set up a fun and effective total body strength training workout. All you have to do is find a safe place to attach your TRX and away you can go building strength in the beautiful outdoors, says Kelly.

“You just feel better about yourself when you’re moving outside, breathing fresh air and soaking up sun rays while you exercise,” explains Kelly.

Respect the Elements

Exercising outside can be an inspirational and motivating experience, but being out in nature also warrants certain precautions. Fast-moving weather that can change conditions in an instant is very common this time of year. It’s important to be prepared with the right clothing, nutrition, equipment and overhead protection so you don’t find yourself stuck in a lightning and rain storm miles away from the closest shelter or resource center.

It’s also more important than ever to plan ahead by keeping track of upcoming weather patterns and making sure you are back from your activity before the sun sets for the day.

“When you hear about people getting in trouble outdoors, it usually comes down to ill-advised decisions or not being adequately prepared,” advises Kelly. “No matter what activity you’re doing, you have to make sure you’re doing it within your ability and physical level. Being prepared and making decisions on the side of caution is key to being active outside. Remember, there’s always another day if conditions aren’t at their best.”

Springtime brings new weather and new opportunities to mix up your workout routine. But if you’re anxious to jump into a new activity as soon as the weather gets warmer before preparing your body for the elements, then you’re probably going to do more harm than good.

It can be hard to hold yourself back when you set foot outside for your first day of warm, sunny spring workout weather. But take it one safe step at a time so you can continue enjoying your favorite outdoor activities all season long.

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

TRAINER TUESDAYS: What are Some Active Spring Break Vacations I Could Take?

Trainer Tuesdays

What Are Some Active Spring Break Vacations I Could Take?

Kelly Bailey: Spring break is nearly here and it’s time to hit the road for some rest and relaxation. If you are anything like me, staying active while having fun on vacation is the ultimate battery re-charger. After one of the coldest winters on record in northeast Ohio, many of us are looking to get away to warm destinations. Look no further than the Caribbean’s many Virgin Islands. My very favorite place for excellent hiking, kayaking, and snorkeling (in addition to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches), is St. John in the US Virgin Islands. If, on the other hand, you can’t get enough of winter or would prefer to stay closer to home, try skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing or cross country skiing. There are plenty of winter play areas within driving distance of northeast Ohio where you can try any or all of those activities. Some of my favorite winter destinations include the ski resorts in western New York, and Michigan’s Traverse City area.

Taynee Pearson: Spring break is a good way to relax and rejuvenate the body and mind. It is important to still stay active during spring break instead of lounging around. Staying active and exercising helps reduce stress levels and helps you clear your mind. There are a good variety of places to visit to keep your vacation active. Colorado is a good place to go to as there are skiing resorts which is a good activity as well as many hiking trails which is a good workout. Arizona would be a good place to visit as well-- firstly because it’s warmer and there are many outdoor activities to participate in such as hiking, and mountain biking. Arizona is also a great place for golfers as there are many great golf courses out there granted you are walking instead of driving a golf cart.

Steven Madden: With spring break around the corner, I'm sure some people are looking for something they can do during their break to fit in to a more active lifestyle. Surfing is very active sport that you can enjoy around the world. Hawaii, California and Florida are all great locations in the U.S. But Australia may just have the best beaches for surfing in the world. Mountain biking is another great activity for spring break, although some of the best places in the U.S., are in the Pacific Northwest and may not have the weather you want right now, but that won't deter anyone from any of the trails in the southwest. If you can leave the continent, Australia and New Zealand have some great trails; and, you can even travel to Nepal for a ride through the Himalayan Foothills. Climbing also makes for a great adventure-- largely through most of the southwest U.S. as well as central and South America as well as Africa, Southern Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Asia. Whatever you like to do, there are any number of warm, sunny places to visit and stay active.

Jenn Noggle: There are plenty of ways to have fun without sacrificing your active lifestyle. Planning trips that involve activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking or rock climbing are great ideas. However, if you already have your destination set, keep in mind that you can still find easy ways to keep up on your workouts. If you are traveling to a destination with warm weather, take advantage of the outdoors. Do some research before you leave to find the perfect activities to suit your goals and lifestyle. If necessary, sign up or make reservations ahead of time. Even if you have a jam-packed itinerary, there are dozens of exercises you can do right in you hotel room using your body weight and miscellaneous items. Your trainer can write up a plan for you to stick to while you are away. So, regardless of where you are headed, there are always ways to keep moving while having fun and enjoying your time away. Happy, healthy and safe travels!