Lisa's Fitness Tips

Fly-Fishing, Even with SportsBaby!

2011-12-08T22:43:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share a wonderful blog one of our retail partner's (www.outdoorbabystore.com) posted about SportsBaby. Not only did she post a great write-up, she also included a fabulous picture of herself fly-fishing "with" her little guy in his very own SportsBaby carrier...

See, yet another perfect outdoor family activity you can do with your little one, thanks to SportsBaby!

http://blog.outdoorbabystore.com/2011/11/14/fly-fishing-mama.aspx

Take a few minutes to read Kati's blog in the link above. See SportsBaby in action as a must-have for yet another fun-filled, outdoor family activity - this time peaceful fly-fishing.

I took the photo of my son here this past summer fly-fishing, one of his favorite, most enjoyable outdoor activities. It's a sport you can do throughout your life. Not only does it take focus, skill and technique, but a true love for the outdoors and of course...lots of fish!

Let's add fly-fishing to our growing list of can-do's and must-do's with your SportsBaby...so much fun together. Keep on moving!

Fall Running, Marathons and the Like

2011-11-06T19:17:00.000-08:00

This weekend I have followed the fantastic New York City Marathon closely. I've also been going down my own Memory Lane of good marathon times gone by. The weather in NYC today was spectacular; a perfect Fall day for a 26.2 mile run through every part of the Big Apple. I was wishing I was a part of this great event today.

I've mentioned before that the first marathon I trained for and ran was with my Mom and Dad; quite a cherished experience. Our weekday runs would start at 4:45am, so our small group would finish well before 6:30am. I loved our early morning runs, being finished with training before my work/school day had even begun.

Benefits of running are:

1. Increased energy

2. Endorphins putting me in a great, positive mood

3. Blood circulating well

4. Muscles and bones strengthened

5. Cardiovascular system strengthened

6. Having time to think and clear my head, etc.

We completed the St. George Marathon together, holding hands across the finish line. I even have the picture. It was a very special moment.

The next marathon I trained for and completed was the Chicago Marathon, three years later. I lived in Chicago at the time. It was a very different experience training and running this time around. I would either run very early in the morning with two of my good friends, or during the day pushing my toddler in his jogger stroller.

Once I was in my last month of training I ran alone. My friends were not running the marathon with me, so they did not need or wish to be running 12,16, 20, 22 miles. When marathon day came, I ran it alone, on my own. Let me just say that if you have a choice to run it with someone or run it alone, choose the later.

There is much to be said for cheering each other on, giving each other that extra boost of "you can do this," especially when you "hit the wall." Yes, everyone does "hit the wall" by mile 21-22..You then have to push through the last 4 miles or so to cross that line. I finished the Chicago Marathon alone, and appreciated the cheers from hundreds of strangers all along the way. My little family and neighbor friends were there to greet me as I came in, as well.

My third marathon was in San Diego, California. It was a beautiful winter day, and I loved running along the ocean and quaint beach town communities. This time I trained and ran it with a good friend, which was great. However, we did lose each other at mile 17, so we were not able to cheer each other on through our "hitting the wall" phase.

I must say the St. George Marathon is dear to my heart, because it's the one I ran and completed with my Mom and Dad. The scenery of the red rock canyons was completely magnificent. As far as cultural diversity and being able to run through every part of a great city, Chicago was phenomenal. San Diego was simply beautiful, aesthetically speaking. It doesn't get any better than running along side the ocean and small beach towns with perfect weather in the dead of winter.

As you can see, each location has it's highlights. This makes running a marathon adventurous and fun. Seeing new places that you may never have been before, meeting people from all walks of life, and testing your mental, physical, emotional strength is all a part of the Marathon experience. I highly recommend it.

Come on and join me in 2012 for a Marathon experience of a lifetime! I still have the dream and goal of running and completing the New York City Marathon, which was held today. I have 1 year to train. It is my fitness goal for this coming year. I intend to do all I can physically and mentally to prepare for it and be ready come November 7, 2012. Let's just say that it's on my Bucket List.

Let's keep sharing our love for fitness, healthy lifestyles with the world around us, our families and friends.

Fall Fitness and SportsBaby

2011-10-21T11:08:00.000-07:00

Fall is upon us, and it is one of my favorite times of the year to workout outside. The Fall colors are brilliant, a breath-taking sight to see and be a part of as you run, walk, bike ride, hike among its beauty.

I'm going out on a good 1-2 hour bike ride later today, and I cannot wait! My exercise time is my most favorite time of day. It is my time to take care of myself, be good to myself, feed my soul with exercise, clearing my mind and taking time to look around me at the exquisite beauty I live in.

I am sure I will pass many on foot and on bikes. I also know that many will be pushing their jogging strollers, including their little ones in the pleasure of exercising outdoors together. I'll pass others on bikes with their bike trailers connected behind, again including their little ones in the experience of moving fast along the dirt and paved mountain paths, exercising with Mom or Dad.

I love to see Moms and Dads walking with their little ones in their SportsBaby, the best baby carrier on the market to exercise and take along on all your outdoor adventures, be it land or water. I've even seen a Dad mowing the lawn with his little one. Boy was his little guy happy!

I may see wildlife, birds, even harmless snakes; all a part of the beauty around me. I cannot wait to see the bright-colored leaves of gold, red, pink, yellow. I will hear the slow streams of water, cross over them and listen (much different than springtime). The mountains are majestic, no matter what time of the year. However, they are never more beautiful than right now with the painted colors of Fall stroked among them.

As I make my way back home at the end of my bike ride, my play time outside, I will again give thanks for this beautiful world, and it's majesty. I will also give thanks for being able to move, to exercise, to be healthier and stronger while in the presence of such beauty and peacefulness.

I hope you will also join in the outdoor beauty all around, move and include your children! Be healthier, stronger and filled with gratitude for being able to play and move outdoors together! See you out there!

Survival of the Fitness!

2011-09-13T21:38:00.000-07:00

Dear Fitness Friends,

I just read this motivational piece in Utah's Deseret News online, and felt that it deserved to be reposted here!

In short, fitness is work, but fitness is worth it!! Your body is the engine of your life. Fill it up with the right fuel, give it daily tune-ups in the form of exercise (any level, any activity!) and you'll be humming along every day for years to come!

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705390808/Survival-of-the-fitness.html

Survival of the fitness

By Teri Harman

For the Deseret News

Published: Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2011 4:35 p.m. MDT

Since the human race first walked, many have been looking for the easy way out. If there is a short cut, we turn down it. If there is a faster means, we employ it. If it's convenient, we will pay for it.

Charles Darwin said, "In the struggle for survival, the fittest win out at the expense of their rivals because they succeed in adapting themselves best to their environment."

The same can easily be said about the struggle for a healthy and fit body. Those of us who realize that there is only one true, safe and lasting path to health will succeed. Those of us who constantly seek out the downhill route of quick fixes and fads will always loose out. Those of us who push past all the nonsense and crazy ideas will be the fittest and the healthiest. Those who experiment with too much weirdness will find themselves worse off than when they started.

So what is the correct path in this quest for healthy survival? How do we adapt in a world bent on giving us the next best quick fix? It's nothing new or revolutionary, it is good old fashioned physical activity, also known as exercise.

The Centers for Disease Control stresses that physical activity is one of the most important things we can do for our health. Physical activity helps control weight, reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, reduces the risk of certain types of cancer, strengthens bones and muscles, improves mental health and mood and increases chances of living longer. Sounds like a formula for survival to me.

So why do so many of us fight it, seek for the downhill path? Because it is work. It's much, much easier to sit down on the couch in front of the TV instead of going for a walk or popping in an exercise DVD. It's all too easy to close our eyes and gulp down the latest miracle pill and hope it will burn fat and build muscle overnight. It's much easier to turn a blind eye to the future consequences and only think about what we want right now.

Health requires effort, planning and self-discipline. To survive and thrive, we must sweat, we must move. Just accept it now: There is no easy way out, no short cut. The downhill path is far too bumpy and hazardous. Do not let laziness be the cause of fitness extinction in your life. Commit to adapting to the environment that is best for the body: a lifestyle that includes regular, if not daily, physical activity.

Survival of the fitness is the key to a happy and healthy life. Stand up on your own two feet, take the uphill path and evolve beyond the laziness.

Teri Harman has a bachelor's degree in exercise science and more than 10 years of fitness experience. She also writes a weekly column, Book Matters, for ksl.com and blogs at book-matters.com

Tips for Parents: Health and Wellness at Work!

2011-07-06T12:51:00.000-07:00

Hi, this is Kim, the CEO of OnBoard Outfitters, and I’m guest-blogging for Lisa’s Fitness Tips today! I recently attended a workshop sponsored by the Stanford Health Promotion Network, on how to incorporate health and wellness into your company or workplace. It was full of fantastic ideas that I want to share with you.

As you know, our mission at OnBoard Outfitters is to inspire parents to exercise with their kids, and to design products that will help you do that (e.g. the SportsBaby carrier.) But of course, before parents can be motivated to exercise with their children, they have to first be converted to a healthy lifestyle themselves!

Unfortunately, many parents who work full-time, or even part-time, struggle with having a daily fitness routine, or maintaining healthy eating and lifestyle habits. Juggling work and family leaves little time for exercise or cooking at home.

On the other hand, employers are always concerned about meeting timelines, employee work hours, budgets, and doing more with less. So spending time and money on employee fitness is not typically on the agenda.

The problem this presents is that healthy workers equal PRODUCTIVE and HAPPY workers! So it makes a lot of sense for employers to find ways to help their workers – many of whom are stressed-out parents – find ways to be healthy during the day, who will then TEACH those healthy habits to their kids at home. It’s a “win-win” for everyone!

The following are just a few things that companies are starting to do to incorporate health and wellness into their employees’ workday routine. Hopefully some of these tips and ideas will inspire you to try these out at your own place of work.

Be the LEADER in getting your co-workers fit and healthy, because those attitudes influence and set the example for their kids!

1. Find ways to limit distractions so employees can be more productive – at their desk, in meetings, etc. If they can maximize their time to get work done, they’ll have a little extra time for some fitness or wellness time at work.

2. Don’t emphasize “healthy eating” or “fitness” too much, as those words sometimes scare people off (e.g. “healthy food” equals “bland food.”) Find other words and other ways to promote health and fitness in terms that will encourage and motivate employees.

3. Post friendly reminders around the office to drink lots of water, stretch, take their eyes off the computer every 15 minutes, take a 10 minute walking break (no more smoking breaks!) and any other motivational thoughts.

4. Provide eco-friendly water bottles that employees can refill, and check off how many ounces they drink each day.

5. Provide fresh vegetables and a chopping station in the kitchen area (employees can chip in for the cost, if needed.) Schedule time when employees can sign up to chop vegetables and bag them so all employees can take them home and quickly prepare a healthy dinner for their kids. Think of it as a “veggie water cooler” -- a time when co-workers can get together to chat and form friendships, while preparing healthy food for the team. (And fixing dinner at home is less expensive than eating out!)

6. Host weekly cooking session in the kitchen area or outside on the patio (be mindful of the office fire codes.) During the lunch or afternoon snack break, teach employees how to prepare a new healthy meal and provide the recipe. Let employees volunteer to cook and learn new skills. Sometimes parents don’t provide healthy dinners for their kids simply because they don’t feel comfortable with their cooking skills.

7. Ask employees to take pictures at home of their families eating healthy dinners made from the chopped vegetable bags, or a new recipe demonstrated at work, and post the photos in a dedicated “Wellness Wall.” Let employees see how much fun families have when they are preparing and eating healthy dinners together.

8. Put healthy snacks in bowls next to the candy bowls that are scattered around the office. You’d be surprised at how many people will choose to nibble on grapes instead of M&Ms when given the option!

9. Find other ways to motivate employees to “move more, eat less.” Organize a monthly Office Olympics or other types of rewards for biking to work, walking to work, walking X number of miles each week, etc. Have a monthly drawing to win a one-year membership to a gym. Find ways to make taking the stairs more fun, such as adding fun graphics on each step that tell a story as you climb the stairs.

10. And finally, give encouragement and acknowledgement to each employee who makes even the smallest change or effort to improve health and fitness. Remember, the point of this isn’t to be the fastest, strongest, thinnest, etc. It’s just about helping employees find time during their busy day for physical exercise and healthy eating, and educating them on healthy habits that they will then teach to their kids at home.

Why Kids Love Yoga

2011-05-24T10:27:00.000-07:00

Fact: Children will exercise if adults, teachers and other role models encourage them to participate in an active, healthy lifestyle (including exercising with them). My blog this week is about why kids love to do yoga, and the broad range of benefits (some you may not have considered). I'll list many of them here for you.

1. Yoga assists in relaxation, which children are especially in need of these days.

2. It increases their awareness of their bodies, helps develop flexibility, self-control and coordination.

3. Yoga decreases hyperactivity and poor concentration skills.

4. It redirects and channels impulses for movement and sense motivation.

5. Yoga inspires balance, calmness and confidence for our children.

6. It's fun to teach children different yoga poses. They love to do poses including stretching like animals; such as, the frog, lion and the cat stretch.

7. Children enjoy these animal poses, and find themselves laughing and smiling (healthy practice).

8. They enjoy the breathing techniques, but children do not like keeping their eyes closed for certain poses.

9. Children love lying on their backs at the end of their yoga time, listening to the music.

10. They are very visual, and can easily imagine themselves walking on a beach, or being somewhere they love during the end of their calming yoga time.

11. Yoga allows children to relax, and takes the load and pressures many of them carry off their shoulders.

12. Children love to sing, so it's fun to include music and some singing, chanting during their yoga time. It gives them a chance to express themselves through music.

13. Include some small group yoga moments where children can interact, improving their social skills, teamwork skills and cooperation with one another.

14. Additional benefits of kids doing yoga include improving their ability to focus, concentrate and do better in their schoolwork and homework. Test-taking skills are improved, their stress levels are managed more efficiently and their behavior is improved.

After all the above benefits that come from giving our kids a chance to do yoga, it's clear that yoga is definitely a good thing for them.

If you are teaching kids yoga, remember to throw in some fun animal poses, musical chanting and singing, and give them a chance to do some peaceful visualizations. Your kids will love it! Remember, these yoga experiences will encourage good habits, positive attitudes and a lot of fun for our children.

Youth Fitness - Key

2011-04-29T21:48:00.000-07:00

Our company is focused on encouraging parents to exercise and play together with their children. We believe that growing up active, participating in exercise and outdoor activities TOGETHER will lead to living a healthy, active lifestyle throughout one's life. It's pretty simple; we are creatures of habit. Now for the good facts on why youth fitness is so important:

1. Physical activity is a very important factor in our childrens growth and development.

2. Research shows that the theory of physical activity established and practiced early in life does indeed continue into adulthood and throughout life.

3. Schools play a critical role in providing our children with physical education programs, teaching and leading our youth in active, physical fitness exercises and routines.

4. Youth fitness programs enhance the following components of fitness: flexibility, muscular strength and endurance, agility, balance, coordination, cardiorespiratory endurance, body composition and meditation.

5. Introducing our youth to physical fitness and an active lifestyle early in life is shown to forestall future chronic illnesses (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, increased body fat, heart disease, to name a few).

6. Participating in physical fitness activities early in life increases performance levels of both fitness and motor skills.

7. It is proven that many health and performance characteristics can be improved through physical activity and exercise.

8. Results of starting children in exercise programs early in life show:
a. Improved ability to meet the demands of physical activities.
b. Improved physical performance tests.
c. Fewer chronic health conditions.
d. Reduced injuries.
e. Increased energy levels.
f. Increased ability to concentrate and stay on task.
g. Decreased anxiety and stress levels.

With summer around the corner, I hope we encourage our youth to get out and play, participate in exercises to promote their fitness levels, improving their healthy lifestyles. Let's get onboard and exercise with them, TOGETHER - that is KEY!

YOGA WORKS

2011-03-30T23:55:00.000-07:00

It's almost April! Time for all of us to get outside and play, finally! Yoga is instrumental in helping all of us avoid and deal with unnecessary aches and pains, sore, tight muscles we get with our active lifestyles. Yoga is the balance we all need to keep ourselves healthy and well.

Here are 10 facts about why Yoga Works:

1. Main purpose of Yoga is to help us find and achieve balance.

2. A big misconception about Yoga is that it is only about becoming flexible - not so.

3. Yoga strengthens our muscles, increases our balance, elongates our muscles, improves our flexibility and breathing, helps us feel at peace within, decreases stress and is both physically and mentally therapeutic (assisting in healing from injuries).

4. Our well-being is increased from practicing yoga, because it can transform reactions to stress. Result - we then respond to difficult situations with more grace and patience.

5. Yoga helps decrease insomnia, improving sleep, increasing relaxation.

6. Meditating has been proven to restructure the brain, so you concentrate better, feel more compassion, and work through stress in a much calmer way. This is an important part of Yoga.

7. Yoga will increase range of motion and improve the body's alignment, which helps to avoid injuries.

8. Yoga improves breathing through deep-breathing exercises, which greatly counters stress and assists in stretching, becoming more flexible, less prone to injury.

9. Yoga plays an important role in treating numerous aches, pains and conditions. For instance, when you treat foot problems with Yoga, you end up treating back pain, hip pain, and many other structural body problems; all connected.

10. Yoga is the exercise we should be including in our fitness routines in order to become healthier, improve fitness and achieve real balance.

One more thing about Yoga ---- The best news is --- it's not just for adults! It's for all ages (they even have fun Mommy and Me yoga classes). Yoga truly is for every age group, so let's get the word out -- Let's Do Yoga, Yoga Works!

10 Reasons to Get in Shape and Stay in Shape

2011-03-16T12:06:00.000-07:00

It's springtime (almost), and we can all use great motivation to get moving and playing outside!I know I sure can. I am always grateful for my family's commitment to fitness and exercise!

Example: I've talked with them this week about their basketball games, flag football games, long-distance road bike trainings and racing, triathlon trainings, golfing with wild boars (scary, I know), baseball etc.

Need I say more about my family's active lifestyle? Love it, grateful for it! Now for my topic this week:

Here are the top 10 reasons we all need to get in shape and stay in shape, as my research shows:

1. Exercise Improves Mood:

a. Endorphin chemicals are released, improving mood and energy.

b. Releases stress, decreases depression and anxiety.

2. Improves Cardiovascular System:

a. Pumps blood more efficiently. A fit heart rate = 40 bpm.

b. Good blood pressure = 120/80.

c. Healthy lifestyle cuts heart disease down by 50%!!!!

3. Stronger Muscles and Bones:

a. Exercise builds and preserves muscle mass.

b. Keeps you leaner, because muscles burn calories.

c. Both your skeletal system and your cardiovascular system

are strengthened through exercise, stronger bones and muscles

4. Strengthens Lung Health:

a. Our lung health is genetically determined

b. It is important to exercise regularly, keeping our lungs as healthy

as they possibly can be.

5. Strengthens Skeletal System:

a. Our bones are living organisms.

b. Weight-bearing exercises are best for our strengthening our bones.

6. Weight Control:

a. We burn many more calories when we exercise than when we try to lose

weight by dieting only.

b. Healthy Balance = Exercise + Nutrition

7. Exercise Improves Sleep:

a. Exercising improves our REM sleep.

b. Leads to a better night's sleep, more energy and better health.

8. Improves Total Health:

a. Exercise promotes healthy cell division in our bodies.

b. Helps to control our sugar levels, etc.

9. Promotes Faster, Better Recovery from Illnesses:

a. Exercise assists in strengthening our immune system = less sickness

10. In Summary: Our choice to live a healthy lifestyle of exercise and nutrition = healthier, happier, longer life for us!

Get fit and have fun living your healthier, happier, longer life.....see you next week!!

Running in the Rain, Even With Your Little Ones

2011-03-03T09:28:00.001-08:00

It's a rainy day, and I can't wait to get out and run! Yes, I have always loved running in the rain. Something about it is calming, cozy and freeing to me. Many of my best memories of long runs in days gone by have been on those rainy days.

You active parents with little ones can still go running in the rain, too! With your all-weather jogging strollers, your little ones will love their rainy jogs as much you parents do. They get to stay all cozy and warm and rain-free in their stroller, while going on a calming, fun, outdoor jog with you. What could be better?

Here are a few tips for parents with little ones when running in less than perfect weather (like rain):

1. Have your jogging stroller ready to go, every needful thing present. Include rain/weather shield, appropriate clothing, jacket, hat, water-repellant blanket, of course your water-repellant jogging stroller, etc. in order for your little guy or gal to stay warm and dry.

2. Wear water-repellant running gear/clothing yourself to stay as dry as you can while having fun running in the rain.

3. Make sure your little one has enough fresh air circulating, so he or she does not become stuffy in the stroller. I know it's raining, but you still need fresh air to breathe in and out =)

4. Choose a location to jog with your little one where there is not much traffic. A jogging path is the most ideal choice, if available. You don't want cars going by spraying you both with water.

5. Monitor the distance/time you run, based on the temperature outside and the severity of the rainstorm. You and your little one want to have fun in the rain, that's your main focus.

6. When you return from your fun rainy day jog, take your little one out of his/her stroller first. Take off blanket, coat, hat, etc. and make sure he/she is still dry and happy.

7. Once you've made sure your little one is a happy camper, it's your turn.

8. Go inside and do your after-workout stretching, and even sit-ups, push-ups, good pilate/core moves to round out your great rainy day workout.

9. Your little one will be as happy as can be to sit by you as you keep setting a great example of how to live your healthy family lifestyle.

10. When your little one is a toddler, he or she will start imitating you, trying to do your stretches, do a push-up, a sit-up, etc. It's really wonderful, and will have a lifelong, positive affect on your children. I know from experience, both my boys did the same thing.

11. After your adventurous, outdoor, rainy day run with your little one, you are ready for a big glass of water, and probably your next healthy meal -- enjoy with your little one!

12. Check out one of our favorite online retailer's website: www.totsonthego.com for their most fantastic jogging strollers and outdoor baby gear. You'll be sure to find the jogging stroller and gear you're looking for. And, while you're at it, check out our SportsBaby carrier on their site (they love our carrier)!!!

12. Get outside and have fun with your little ones, even in the rain (or snow, or sun, etc.). These are memories you will share together that will last a lifetime, and will have a lifelong, positive affect on your children. They will also live the active, outdoor lifestyle. It's what they know and love!

See you next week,

Lisa

Keeping Fitness Fresh and Fun-Favorite Workout

2011-02-10T13:05:00.000-08:00

I promised I would report on my training/daily exercise. Let's just say I've had a few roadblocks placed in my way (that's life)...here's my report:

1.The evening I was planning to attend my Zumba Class....phone calls, work calls.

2.I didn't let it stop me from working out/exercising. I accomodated by running, lifting weights, stretching and working my core.

3.It felt so good to workout after a long day of teaching and unexpected interruptions..

4.What a great stress release! Proven fact - exercise relieves stress!

5.I'm happy to report I got right back on track, staying with workouts (until I got the flu).

6.Working out with my brother and sister-in-law (both year-round, competitive athletes) was my highlight - family activity and fun together:

a. I did 50 minutes of Cardio on the lifecycle bike, listening to my favorite music (I highly recommend listening to your favorite music, moving to the beat).

b. Weights: Upper and lower body, doing 2 sets of 12 on each, with enough resistance to challenge me (yet not overdoing it (which I've been known to do in the past).

c. Yoga room: Using the Exercise Ball, Rick and Jo showed me excellent exercises that work the core and stretch the back. It is extremely important to build your core muscles, including abdominal muscles. They support your back. Balance is key.

d. Last, a favorite part of a good workout...ending it with a good steam and sauna (love it)!

7.To wrap up a great workout with great company, I ate a heart-healthy meal with my brother and sis-in-law consisting of: salad, soup, salmon, a bit of pasta and great conversation!

Thanks Rick and Jo! (Family fun working out, being active together)

Keeping Fitness Fresh and Fun

2011-01-26T20:58:00.001-08:00

Keeping fitness fresh and fun is key to staying committed to an active lifestyle for all ages. I've learned this through my own experience, a lifetime lover of fitness and fun.

There are far too many choices when it comes to choosing what exercises, cardiovascular workouts to do. I highly recommend choosing 3-4 to start with, mixing them up throughout the week.

That's what I've decided to do for these next 4 months, as I train for a fun Triathlon. Here is a little insight of how I'll keep my own workouts fresh and fun:

1. I have a goal - training for my upcoming Triathlon (biking, running, swimming race).

2. Having been an avid 5K, 10K, 1/2 Marathon, Marathon, Triathlon participant throughout my life helps, no doubt.

3. I love having a training program, which includes a lot of cross-training workouts (mixing it up). These workouts are a mixture of the triathlon events I will be competing in AND workouts that I love to do.

4. Here are the workouts I will be doing these next 4 months as I train: running, biking, swimming, Zumba dance, yoga, weight lifting, spinning group exercise classes, core work.

5. My Cross-Training routines will keep my workouts fresh and fun; that is the goal- to enjoy it!

I'll be updating you on how my first week of cross-training goes, which workouts I enjoyed the most and why.

Let's all get moving! I encourage you to set a goal, participate in a race, do it with your spouse, children, family, friends. You can do it!

Why Fitness for Our Youth?

2010-07-20T11:49:00.000-07:00

Why do we need to teach our youth, starting from birth, how to be fit? Below I've listed reasons why our childrens health and fitness is so important. I hope you will share it with others.

1. Once your baby is born, it is important to slowly begin exercising again (following your physician's advice and instructions).

2. Begin "including" your baby in your exercise routines, outdoor and indoor activities (with your SportsBaby carrier).

3. Now 1 out of every 3 children develop diabetes, because of their unhealthy, sedentary lifestyle with little exercise and unhealthy eating habits.

4. We, as parents, have the responsibility to help our children avoid developing this terrible disease by including them in our exercising and outdoor activities.

5. Exercising helps control weight, increases our muscle strength, lowers cholesterol and lowers our blood pressure.

6. Exercising and being active increases our energy levels and work capacity.

7. Exercise helps protect us against heart and blood vessel diseases.

8. Exercise and being active reduces our stress, increases relaxation, decreases anxiety and releases tension.

9. Exercise and activity increases our bone density and bone strength.

10. Exercise not only gives us healthy benefits, it's fun and makes us feel better.

11. Examples of great activities: water aerobics (aqua fitness), riding your bike, hiking, power walking, strength training, yoga or pilates, and many more.

12. Take your SportsBaby carrier along. It gives you a great way to include your baby in your activities and exercise routines.

Let's help our children, starting from birth, to live a healthy, active lifestyle. Let's help them avoid developing childhood diabetes. We can do it! Check out www.onboardoutfitters.com and get your SportsBaby on.

Nutrition and Your Active Lifestyle

2010-07-01T11:20:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking a lot about health lifestyles lately, and what that really is. I'll share some thoughts with you here, and invite you to add your own comments and opinions, too.

1. I observed a dear friend with her children this past month as she prepared and gave them healthy foods to eat. They are under the age of four, so I am focusing on the importance of teaching and leading by example from the time our children begin to eat solid foods as babies, really. My friend gave them apple slices, cheese, carrot sticks, salad, along with rolls.

2. I was very impressed to see her little children happy and eager to eat these healthy foods. They even asked for more after they had cleaned their plates. They had eaten their vegetables, fruit, calcium, protein, and some good carbs, etc. without any resistance. Later on they asked for a "trail mix" type treat, which is also very healthy.

3. I thought to myself, this is it, this is the key to living a healthy lifestyle, once again. It happens best by leading and providing our own little ones with a healthy lifestyle of their own. My friend is a perfect example. She not only leads by her own example of eating a healthy diet, but also provides one for her little children.

4. As a result, her children are learning to love healthy foods, and wanting to eat healthy foods already. The result is that her children are healthy themselves. She is providing and giving her children the best chance for a healthy nutrious lifestyle by providing them with healthy, good foods to eat, along with giving them opportunities to have a healthy, active lifestyle (swimming, playing at the park, bike riding, etc. together with them). She had her own SportsBaby carrier and loved, as well!

5. I blog mostly about the active, fitness part of our healthy lifestyles. It is an important part, but the other important part is our diet, the foods we eat, how much we eat, and learning to eat in moderation, healthy portions, etc.

6. I'll be blogging more next week about nutrition and the key role it plays in being as healthy as we can be. Even sharing some our our family's favorite healthy snacks, drinks and protein bars, etc. to take along during workouts, exercising, playtime, hiking, biking together (with your children), etc.

7. The bottomline is, if we love our children, we should want what's best for them, including the best, healthiest kinds of foods for them to eat. What a gift to give our children!

Please check out our SportsBaby carriers! What a gift to give your baby, or as a gift for family and friends -- www.onboardoutfitters.com.
See you next week!

Healthy, Active Lifestyle for Life, Pass it On

2010-06-13T22:57:00.000-07:00

I have been in the Bay Area the last few days. I loved the warm weather, beautiful vineyards, greenery and flowers everywhere. I lived there the last 17 years, where I raised my family. The best decision I ever made, I do believe. It will always be home, and the best place to live my active, healthy lifestyle "with" my family.

Here are some active lifestyle notes I kept this past week to share with you:

1. While I was "at home" in the Bay Area, I made time (key word for exercising is - "made time") to get out on long, fast walks/jogs and bike rides.

2. My sons also "made time" in their own schedules to exercise with their gym workouts and their mountain bike rides. I think I'll interview them one of these weeks to give us an inside look/perspective of the difference it has made in their lives to have been raised "exercising and playing" together as a family.

3. My goal as their parent - to raise my sons to have the desire to continue being healthy and active throughout their own lives. That's what I wish to pass onto to you.

4. It's a way of life, it's the lifestyle they learned from the time they were babies on.

5. That's our goal with OnBoard Outfitters, LLC. We wish to encourage you to play "with" your family and children from the time they are babies through adulthood.

6. Teach them and lead them by example to play and exercise together.

7. Teach them this healthy, active lifestyle so it will continue on with them day in and day out.

8. It is the best gift you can give your children.

9. So, with the SportsBaby carrier -- our first product -- we hope you will get onboard and live your own healthy, active lifestyle "with" your baby and family!

10. Get your SportsBaby and go have fun in the sun together.

11. Go to our site at www.onboardoutfitters.com. This is the year of the SportsBaby!

Have a great week, and get outside to play "with" your family. Next week I am going to share some helpful nutrition tips. We all know that exercise and nutrition go together for a healthy lifestyle =)

Teaching and Leading by Example

2010-05-30T22:20:00.000-07:00

Since it's almost June, and looking like summer may make an entrance after all, I am writing about teaching and leading our kids to live a healthy lifestyle by example. I have to say that I made it a major priority in my parenting years to exercise and play "with" my kids (my two great boys) throughout their lives. It all started as soon as they were both old enough to fit safely in their red jogger stroller and then on the back of my bike in their safe bike seat. Off they'd go with me on our morning runs or rides throughout the trails in the greater Chicagoland area. I wish I would have had a SportsBaby way back then.

Now they are both grown, college co-eds. I realized this past week as they both called me, and texted me, that my example of making exercise and play time a part of our everyday life "together" did make a big impact on them both. Both of my sons participate and play many sports, which is also key. Cross-training and enjoying many activities keeps it fun and fresh.

My oldest son, a junior in college, has taken up mountain biking -- I love it! He has a Specialized mountain bike, which he will enjoy for years to come. He takes time out of his school schedule to get out and ride several times a week. He loves his new bike, the beautiful trails he gets to explore, spending time with family and friends he rides with and the exercise he gets from it (cardio, strength training). When I talked to him on the phone yesterday, he told me about the beautiful trail he went out on with his cousin. The quakies, the sun getting ready to set, the great trail and the good workout. I sit back with a big grin on my face. I taught him and led him to live an active, healthy lifestyle by my example.

Now my youngest son who just finished his freshman year in college, texted me this week to tell me he was heading to the gym to workout. Then he said he couldn't wait. Doing his cardio, strength training, stretching is all a part of his gym workouts. Once again I got a big grin on my face. Again I realized my leading by example has been well worth it. I taught him and led him to live an active, healthy lifestyle by my example. Teaching and leading by example is key.

I know all those years of playing and exercising together with my two children, now grown, has taught them both to love their exercise and play time (outdoors and indoors) year round. They both know the big part exercise plays in staying healthy. It is a way of life for them, and a great gift they too will pass onto their own children one day. I believe it is one of the greatest gifts we can give our children.

So, please cherish the precious time you have with your children as they grow up. Teach and lead them by example in leading an active, healthy lifestyle....they will pass it on down. Now's the perfect time to start with summer here. So many outdoor fun activities to do together. Bring your SportsBaby along with your little tiny ones (I wish I would have had a SportsBaby for my boys). Remember www.onboardoutfitters.com and go play together.

PS: Tomorrow I am mountain biking with my son. He will be leading me by his example. What goes around, comes around...

SportsBaby(TM), a Healthy Way of Life

2010-04-26T20:22:00.000-07:00

Spring has sprung, and all us outdoor enthusiasts are coming out of hibernation, finally. I was outside today, and enjoyed watching many cyclists, runners, walkers, golfers, tennis players taking full advantage of the beautiful weather. Five o'clock came, and trails became full of fitness lovers.

I was keeping my eye out for moms and dads with their babies, but there were few and far between. That's what we are missing - getting more moms and dads out there to enjoy fitness together (with their backpack carriers, jogger strollers AND our SportsBaby(TM) carriers). We, as a population, have been so used to exercising by ourselves or with friends; not with our families.

I want to emphasize the importance of exercising with our families, together, from the time our babies are only a couple months old on. It is such an opportunity to bond emotionally with our children, and it gives us time together to enjoy taking care of ourselves. And, we are teaching our children to love being outside, love exercising and love being healthy; a healthy way of life.

Our SportsBaby(TM) brand represents not only our SportsBaby(TM) products, but also a healthy way of life, a way for parents to bond and be with their babies while they exercise, play outdoors and practice being healthy together. Start living the SportsBaby(TM) way of life, bring ing baby along to live your healthy lifestyle, together. SportsBaby(TM) at www.onboardoutfitters.com is the way to a healthy family lifestyle. Come on an start living your SportsBaby(TM) way of life.

Springtime Fun With SportsBaby™

2010-04-16T09:58:00.000-07:00

I’m happy to say it’s the month of April. YES, spring will come! That means more outdoor activities will come for all you moms and dads out there. Oh, there were plenty of fun activities to do with baby in cold, winter weather (walks, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, building snowmen, etc.).

However, I LOVE SPRINGTIME, and the hope of warmer weather. I also LOVE all the outdoor activities that come with warmer weather.

This week I thought I’d share a few of them with you. I hope you’ll all get your SportsBaby on, and join in the outdoor fun with your babies!!

Here’s my list of fun:

1) Go for a fun walk outside with SportsBaby. Babies love being social, and watching all the people. Plus you’ll get good, fresh air and exercise.

2) Go for an energizing hike (safely though, right?).

3) Do a fast-paced speed walk outside with your SportsBaby.

4) Check out the nearest zoo in your area (it is the best). Your baby will love it, too, especially in his/her Leopard-print SportsBaby!

5) If you’re lucky enough to live by the beach, get out there for a walk in the sand, build a sand castle, dig for sandcrabs, check out the tide pools, watch for passing whales heading up north for the summer months, all with your SportsBaby.

6) Hit the stream or lake for some fishing fun (even fly fishing with SportsBaby).

7) Go to a fun playground and park, then have a yummy picnic with SportsBaby.

8) Visit your museums, then go outside and have a picnic, of course with your SportsBaby.

9) Check out the outdoor miniature golf courses with your SportsBaby.

10) When it’s warm enough (you’ll know when that is), go to a fun swimming pool, water park, the beach, lake, and have fun in the water with your SportsBaby. Make sure you are very safe, and don’t go in deeper than your waist with your SportsBaby – safety first!

How’s that for a list of fun, outdoor activities you can do with your SportsBaby?

Get onboard with life, and have fun being active, enjoying all that springtime has to offer outside with your baby onboard in your SportsBaby! You will seriously have so much fun together, and build treasured memories of your good times! SportsBaby is your ticket at www.onboardoutfitters.com.

Have a great, active week with your SportsBaby!

SportsBaby(TM) - Be Active and Healthy Together

2010-04-12T17:56:00.000-07:00

SportsBaby -- Be Active and Healthy Together

Creating products and fitness programs that help families (parents and their children) be active and healthy together is what SportsBbay(TM) is all about. Our concepts and designs come from my own personal active lifestyle pursuits, which began with my own family when I was a child myself. Yes, the oldest of four, with three younger brothers. I came from a very active, athletic family, indeed.

Training for and completing my first Marathon (running 26.2 miles) "with" my Mom and Dad was a very unique and unforgettable experience for me at the age of 24. I crossed the finish line "with" my Mom and Dad next to me. We trained together, we ran our race together, and we crossed our finish line "together." Together is key here. This is just one example of the countless personal experiences I had growing up with my active, healthy family. This is what SportsBaby's goal is - to encourage all you fabulous parents (Moms AND Dads) to be active with and play outdoors with your children, "together."

Our SportsBaby(TM) carrier is the first product we launched from our SportsBaby(TM) brand line. Of course you can use your SportsBaby carrier for everyday activities. You also have the added bonus of also using it in all your outdoor activities (including both land and water activities) with great ease and comfort. Your baby will thank you someday for including him or her in your active lifestyle. We even have our SportsBabyH2O(TM) fitness programs coming soon - be on the lookout for them!

SportsBaby(TM) = Fun together with baby outdoors. Walking hiking, fishing in a stream, playing in a pool, playing at the beach, on and on, plus everyday use. And, SportsBaby makes traveling with baby so much more comfy, too! Who wouldn't want to have a SportsBaby for their baby? Come on and get onboard with your SportsBaby! Hurry over to www.onboardoutfitters.com! Now go have fun!

SportsBaby(TM) and the Wellness Connection

2009-06-30T22:17:00.000-07:00

What does SportsBaby(TM) have to do with Wellness? What is Wellness? It is a multi-dimensional concept that incorporates the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of the human being.

We can approach it from two perspectives:
1) Prevention: Practicing behaviors that will really minimize the risks of lifestyle related diseases and disabilities. First we have to identify unhealthy behaviors and their risk factors, then decide how to enhance and improve our health and wellness.

2) Holism: This is the integrating of our mind, body and spirit for our optimal and best functioning. There are 5 dimensions to us as human beings: emotional, social, intellectual, spiritual and physical. When all 5 dimensions are developed and integrated, then we are able to function at our optimal best. This is our goal in being healthy and well.

I am connecting Wellness with the SportsBaby(TM), because it is very important to be as healthy and well as possible as a new parent, and include baby in your active lifestyle. SportsBaby(TM) gives new parents the opportunity to take baby outside (or inside) and exercise, do active, outdoor activities together. You are able to take baby with you to exercise, improving your health and wellness on a daily basis. Bring baby along in your SportsBaby(TM) as you practice prevention and holism to stay and be as healthy for yourself and your family as possible.

Purchase your SportsBaby(TM), and set your goal to be healthy and well with your baby and family. More on Wellness and Health next week.

2009-06-30T19:05:00.002-07:00

2009-06-30T19:05:00.001-07:00

2009-03-22T23:18:00.000-07:00

PREGNANCY CHANGES:
10 Important Changes You Want to Be Aware of When Exercising During Pregnancy:

I wanted to remind those of you that are pregnant to be aware of the changes in your body. It's important to be mindful of them when you're exercising.

Remember, the goal of exercising when you're pregnant is to do it consistently, safely and in moderation AFTER you've received clearance to exercise from your physician.

Here they are...

1) An increase in your blood volume (30-50% increase over pre-pregnancy levels).

2) Increased strain on your hip joints. Remember, back pain and risk of falling can result..be careful.

3) Increased heart rate at both rest and while exercising. Don't overdue..

4) Lateral expansion of the rib cage.

5) Increased need for calories. You need to eat for 2 (or more if you are having multiples)..

6) Increased metabolic rate.

7) Increased fatigue and nausea (especially first trimester). Try to eat foods that you can hold down (crackers, soups, etc.) and drink a lot of water/gatorade type liquids, so you're not dehydrated from nausea..

8) Potential for pelvic and/or leg varicosities. Cardio exercising will help alleviate this. I suffered from severe Pelvic Varicosities, and so I know.

9) Increased heat production and decreased tolerance of heat. So, it's really important for you to not overdue it, do not become too overheated.

10) Laxity of joints (very flexible). Be careful not to overdue stretching, because you will see how limber you are - don't want to pull a muscle.

Bottomline is to be aware, be educated and have your physicians clearance. Enjoy taking the time to take good care of yourself.

Dad's Little SportsBaby™ for Outdoor Fun!

2008-11-30T21:09:00.000-08:00

I want to celebrate our DADS. So I am going to share some great outdoor activities that DADS can share with baby (with their SportsBaby™ Carrier). It's summertime now, time to get outside and "play with baby." Fitness should be a "family affair." SportsBaby™ Carrier is so adjustable that it will fit almost every DAD of every size. It's for use both in and out of water. So DADS, take your baby for a hike in the beautiful mountains and green hills, go for a long walk in your neighborhood, go fishing in a stream, cool off in a swimming pool with baby (remember to NOT go in deeper than your waist), play at the beach, on and on...

It's summertime, time for DADS to get out and be healthy with baby, too. When you're back from "playing" with your baby outdoors, just spray your SportsBaby™ carrier off with the hose, or wash it in cold water. Let it air dry - it will be dry in 20 minutes or less. DADS will have a blast with their baby. Outdoor Fitness Fun is a great bonding, healthy time for DADS to spend together with their babies!! Get over to www.onboardbaby.com and get your new DAD his SportsBaby™, just in time for outdoor summer fun!

SportsBaby Fitness

2008-11-07T17:49:00.003-08:00

SportsBaby(TM) Fitness is a new concept and way of exercising, baby included. Now you can get out and exercise (both land and water exercise) together with your baby. SportsBaby(TM) Fitness is meant to bring baby and parents together through exercise. It's a simple concept that will revolutionize the fitness industry - family fitness. You see, fitness is a way of life. If you will begin being active and exercising with baby, then your baby will grow and become a physically fit child, physically fit adolescent, physically fit young adult, physically fit adult and physically fit senior citizen. SportsBaby(TM) Fitness is learned, and it is experienced. It is synonymous with a "healthy lifestyle."

Questions or Comments

2008-11-07T17:45:00.000-08:00