GETFIT Blog

Ever wonder how long you need to workout to really be effective?  The American College of Sports Medicine in collaboration with the American Heart Association provides public health guidelines on the amount of physical activity needed to maintain and lose weight.  In order to maintain bodyweight and to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and premature mortality, the guidelines recommend minimum of 30 minutes of moderately intense physical activity on most days of the week (a minimum of 2 ½ hours per week).

New Year's fitness resolutions are often established and abandoned well before Valentine's Day.  Many resolutions fail because they are set in general terms, such as "live healthier" or "get fitter", ideas that sound good but are hard to recognize.  If you already own a piece of fitness equipment, you may be resolving to use your elliptical more or commit to an exercise program.  To be successful, it's important to define what these resolutions will really mean in practice.

We all know that the few short weeks between Thanksgiving and New Years can derail even the most dedicated athlete.  While having access to fitness equipment in your home makes workouts accessible and convenient, you still need to plan your strategy.  If you're determined to maintain your fitness over the holiday season, consider the tips below.

Expecting our first baby at the end of November, I've been reflecting on similarities between supporting a healthy pregnancy and endurance training.  Maintaining your fitness during pregnancy has enormous benefits for both mother and baby, but comes with its share of potential pitfalls.  Here are a few challenges I've encountered over the past eight months and some solutions that worked for me.

It's easy to see how using a treadmill can make running more accessible or how a stationary bike can help get a cyclist through the winter, but fitness equipment can also help athletes of all types prepare for and recover from the demands of their sport.  You can use a variety of fitness equipment to build fitness and strength while working gradually into the specific demands of sports such as basketball and soccer.  The key to effective training with fitness equipment is to follow a progression that develops pre-season fitness before gradually integrating specific surfaces on which you will be competing.

The end of summer is a tempting time to hit the road.  End of season and weekend discounts tempt family travelers and when traveling without kids, the start of the school year brings a welcome break from summer crowds and heat. Unfortunately, end of summer travel can also be an intimidating challenge for your fitness routine.  Hours in the car, travel fatigue, and calorie laden restaurant meals make physical activity essential, but how can you stay fit when your equipment is back at home?