Diet Mistakes

In my last post, we discussed new diet plans.

How about some other tips to help you get back on the wagon for your new year diet? Dr. Oz contributed some common dieter mistakes and how to address them in another recent post on www.thatsfit.com.

Take a look at the remedies for these mistakes to see if they will help you find success in your quest for weight loss.

Find The Right Diet For You

So we're far into the new year. Have you been working on a diet, but maybe you haven't been successful?

That www.thatsfit.com blog has a couple of posts I'll share that might lend some help. Take a look at this first post to learn more about three different types of diet plans to consider.

The three plans are "portion control", "low-carb" and the "Mediterranean Plan".

Take a look at these plans to see if they can help you get back on a successful diet track.

A Bounce Of A Workout

Check out Sean Espley's new workout - in a bounce house.

Espley is a civil servant and self-described "workout junkie". He found enjoyment visiting a local indoor trampoline park called Sky Zone near where he lives in California.

Espley says the workout seems simple, but is "humbling". He explains how he fell many times in the early stages of the workout.

The sessions are relatively inexpensive. Read more about this alternative form of fitness in Jen Murphy's article published in the Wall Street Journal.

Looking For A Motivational Book

Check out Bart Yasso's autobiography "My Life On The Run".

Any fitness lover would love to read the stories of this amazing man who overcame addictions early in his life to move on to the Running USA Hall of Champions.

He is Runner's World's Chief Running Officer and has competed in over 1,000 events from 5Ks to Badwater. Take a look at the How 2 Run Fast blog to learn more about Yasso and his book.

This book is sure to inspire anyone seeking a motivational fitness read.

Used Workout Gear When You Travel?

Sounds a little odd, but it's true.

Couldn't believe I read this article in the Wall Street Journal about how Westin Hotels and Resorts has developed a program to lend workout gear to guests. Hey, it sounds bit icky to use communal workout gear, but I'm going to give Westin some props here.

Many business travelers don't enjoy lugging their workout gear around with them as they travel. This program helps keep the busy traveler on pace with their workouts. Westin has also made efforts to increase the space it dedicates to fitness facilities at its properties.

Read up on this program so you can take advantage of the attention Westin guests receive for their workouts.

Couple Trains For Marathon Together

Talk about commitment - training for a marathon together is TRUE commitment.

Meet Kinnier Lastimosa and Jennifer Cheng in this story from Jen Murphy at the Wall Street Journal.

The couple wasn't all that active until they started a training program to climb Mt. Kilamanjaro. Not very active again following the climb, Jennifer decided to train for various races to raise money for charity. The couple then trained for a marathon, traveling to Amsterdam to race.

Read about how they successfully worked together to reach their goal.

Recovering From An Accident

Many of us have injuries, but recovering from traumatic injuries can be a particular challenge.

Read Peter Segal's article from Runner's World and learn how he reached a breakthrough to recover from a traumatic accident to get back to triathlon training.

Laugh With Your Yoga

It's often said, "laughter is the best medicine".

Glenda Aldrich takes this seriously. In fact, she runs a class she calls Laughter Yoga at various locations in the Des Moines area.

Aldrich has added laughter to a variety of her yoga moves with the thought that it further lowers stress, making a the workouts even healthier.

Check out this article from the Des Moines Register to learn more about how Aldrich adds laughter to yoga.

Staying Warm on Winter Runs

Maybe you're still getting outdoors to run. If you're looking to be warmer on your runs, take a look at this article Ariel Kendall at www.active.com.

Layering up along with special attention to hands, feet and head are the best ways to start warming yourself up.

Take a look at the article and keep yourself warm (while you're running)!

The Story Of Max Gilpin Is A Reminder

The story of Max Gilpin is not a happy one.

It's the story of the Kentucky high school football player who collapsed and died nearly two years ago at a practice in 90 degree-plus heat.

The situation escalated into a court case. The coach was prosecuted. Sports Illustrated recently highlighted the entire story and a local Louisville Courier-Journal columnist wrote a piece on it.

This ugly story should serve as a reminder - even in winter - taking care to make sure players have enough hydration and are not overheated is important when helping to coach youth athletics.

Locker Room Ettiquette

This is a toughy. The problem with this issue is that most health clubs leave it to their members to determine appropriate behavior.

If you ask fitness managers, the one big "no no" they all discuss is the use of mobile phones. Mobile phones are generally frowned upon given most of them have cameras.

From my experience in locker rooms, common sense is really the best philosophy. Remember your mother doesn't work there, so clean up after yourself - and yes, that includes the sink. Most people are generally uncomfortable talking to other individuals in the nude for an extended period of time. So, if you're going to chat, towel up!

I'm attaching a post from the American Council on Exercise regarding this issue. Their take on this subject makes for common sense judgement as well.

Online Calorie Counters

Savvy health consumers are getting smarter about their calorie consumption with online calorie-counting aids.

Many consumers are counting their calories with easy-to-use online tools like www.fitday.com, www.thedailyplate.com or one I regularly use and recommend -- www.sparkpeople.com.

Elliptical Challenge

If you're looking to elevate your "elliptical game", check this out.

The munfitness blog recently featured some strategies on making your elliptical workouts more effective.

Using the elliptical machine is one of those activities that becomes more appealing as the weather gets cold outside. The post offers a variety of suggestions on intensifying elliptical workouts and tips on form to engage other muscles you normally don't work on this machine, particularly your core.

Indoor Bike Workouts

Are you doing any cycling indoors this winter?

Are you not able to make every spin class due to a busy schedule? Then maybe you need a couple of workouts to do on your own.

Gale Bernhardt shares a couple of workouts you can do in a post from www.active.com.

While I can usually make at least one spinning class each week, I often have to do a cycling workout on my own each week because of my schedule. It's nice to have some options to consider when life keeps you from keeping up!