People often wonder what type of vacation I prefer – extreme sports activities like cycling tours through hilly terrain? Strenuous hiking up steep mountains? Boot camp at a basic training facility? No, no, nothing so intense. For me, the perfect balance is active touring with plenty of time for naps and a good night's sleep.
Read MoreMy mother is visiting me in New York City this weekend. At 92 years of age with a youthful spirit, she always wants to go, go, go, despite limitations in her walking ability. Over a recent period of several years, she had both knees and both hips replaced and is grateful for her present level of mobility. Taking care of oneself begins with a positive attitude and the desire to embrace life for all it's worth, no matter what the limitations.
Read MoreFor most of my young life, I felt I was too tall – too tall for boys, too tall for heels, too tall to ever be called cute. I was always in the back row of class photos and could never be inconspicuous. My posture suffered as I tried in vain to shrink down and blend in, which of course only made me more conspicuous. A pronounced slump is clearly not attractive!
Read MoreI spent this past week in Florida, with a lovely outdoor swimming pool two steps from my front door. Since it was too hot to run and such a good opportunity to do a little cross-training, I took the plunge every morning. As I was swimming laps, alternating front crawl and breast stroke, I thought about how satisfying it is to create balance in training, doing different kinds of exercise for whole body movement.
Read MoreMemorial Day excites all the great childhood feelings of summertime – warm, sunny days, camp, outdoor sports, and vacations. It's a perfect time to shift gears from your regular fitness routine and enjoy some seasonal pleasures. Of course, if you've been consistent throughout the winter, you'll be in better shape to maintain your fitness level while on a beach vacation or tackle more rigorous demands of adventure travel.
Read MoreLearning to handle your own body weight is the first step to improving the way you move in daily life. Develop skill in performing four simple movements that will improve your strength, posture and body mechanics. The "4 for Life" are four functional exercises that you can do any time, anywhere, no equipment required. They are the squat, push-up, back extension and pelvic tilt.
Read MoreWould you invest in an insurance policy against stress? Well, here's a relatively inexpensive option: a regular program of moderate exercise. Conditioning the physical systems builds protection against the effects of emotional as well as physical stress. Let's look at how three health-related components of physical fitness - aerobic exercise, strength training and stretching – can help.
Read MoreWellness has been defined as "self-directed wellbeing", in other words, each of us must set up our own system of self-care, based on individual needs. Ask yourself: "What does it take for me to feel good every day?" The answer will vary for each one of us.
Read MoreLast week I made a road trip to Connecticut to present at the Greater Hartford Women's Conference (April 28, 2010). This was the third year that the event has been held, and the audience has grown each year to a remarkable 300 attendees.
Read More