So you've finally battled the snooze alarm and made it to the gym before sunrise. Kudos to you! It's an achievement that few of us are willing to reach for on that rainy Monday morning, but being prepared the night before can make this more than a one-time success.

Packing a gym bag and lining up your athletic gear can make a morning routine a low-anxiety experience. When everything's ready to go, it only gets easier to get your morning fitness routine into high gear. Besides, hitting the gym with some stylish duds and accessories can give any low-motivation day a one-two punch - and it could be as simple as finding the right gym bag.

The PUMA Grip Bags are the perfect size for tennis shoes, gym shorts and a few water bottles. The sporty, retro look is a blast from the past that might just tap into your youthful days of yesterday. Take your trip back to the '70s and take your morning motivation up a notch.

If you were a backpack fiend in high school, a cross body gym bag might be a better choice for managing the busy morning - and in high style. The Luna Overland fits right over your shoulder, and is large enough to carry some athletic gear and a pair of shoes. The extra-quilted strap also means you don't have to worry about back pain as you haul your gear on your morning trek.

If you're heading to the gym to make a fashion statement - and work out, of course - pack up the gym necessities in the Lacoste Sport Retro Fitness Bag. This one's big enough to hold your entire days' worth of clothes, plus a pair of shoes and your all-important toiletry kit. You can tote this one along using the detachable cross body strap or just use the sturdy handles for support.

From cross body bags to stylish totes, picking out an attractive gym bag with could be an easy way to get your morning gym routine in motion. Pack up the tote and leave it right next to the bed so you have no excuses to skip your fitness resolution for the year.

Baby boomers are retiring in droves and fulfilling their dreams by taking the many trips planned throughout their careers. Whether going on a cruise, safari, European adventure or a trip to paradise in Fiji or Bali, traveling light for good health is one of the most important things you could possibly do. Don't ruin what has been a lifetime dream trip or your health by traveling with outdated, heavy luggage or by over packing. Just as your lifestyle has been modified, do the same with your habits when it is time to travel. There are a couple of great tips for traveling light for good health.

It may be time to replace outdated luggage with state-of-the-art, ultra-lightweight luggage. Consider the new weight limits set by commercial airlines and examine the difference in the weight of a new, lightweight bag to that of an older bag. You can save up to half the weight in the newer model bags. Not only will this lighten your load in traveling but also will help to prevent injuries when lifting and maneuvering bags. An example is the Heys X-Case 30 inch Trolley which weighs only 9.8 pounds. Currently the top three ultra light weight bags are Heys, Rimowa and Titan.

Another excellent way to take advantage of carrying lightweight luggage is to carry light weight clothing. Try to purchase travel clothing that easily rolls without wrinkling and allows layers for climate changes. There are retailers that carry lightweight shoes for travel and lightweight clothing made specifically for traveling.

Just remember as baby boomers there is a lot of living to do after 50. It only makes sense to take every preventative measure to ensure life is lived as healthy and fully as possible. By learning to make small modifications to old habits injuries can be prevented and hassles can be avoided when traveling. Traveling with heavy, overweight luggage spoils a potentially incredible lifetime dream trip. To make your trip perfect try to take lightweight clothing in an ultra lightweight carry on and take control by avoiding checking bags.

Your hectic lifestyle can make it hard to eat right and get the nutrition you need for that superhero-style energy level. Skipping those fast food runs and packing your own lunch for the day is an easy way to keep your energy running in high gear. Plus, it limits your chances of overeating at the next meal.

High-protein snacks, fresh fruits and vegetables and plenty of water and green tea on hand can help you snack smart throughout the day. Here are some easy ways to keep up with those healthy eating goals as you tackle those busy days ahead:

Stock up on your favorite snacks - A Burton Lil' Buddy bag is all you need to stock up on your favorite snacks and drinks so you're always prepared for those hunger pangs that creep up at the last minute. These types of bags are convenient and easy to stash away under the car seat or even under your desk at work. You don't have any excuse to forget about those carrots and celery sticks, or even load up on a few cans of green tea for the day!

Make a point about protein - Eating more protein can curb hunger pangs and keep your energy levels up even during that afternoon slump. High-protein snacks such as string cheese, beef jerky and low-fat yogurt are healthy snacks that can get you through the day with flying colors.

Skip the heavy lunch - Eating lunch that's loaded with carbs is a surefire way to snooze through the remainder of the day and take away from your productivity. Eat a light and healthy lunch that contains plenty of protein (see above.) Packing your own lunch is a surefire way to keep up with your healthy intentions. Try salads, stuffed pita bread or even a healthy wrap so you can say goodbye to take out for good.

Avoid the sugar-caffeine buzz - It's tempting to load up on sugar and caffeine when energy levels run low, but this can only put you on an addictive high-low cycle. Skip this altogether by eating plenty of fruit for energy and noshing on those healthy snacks throughout the day.

It's easy enough to commit to a fresh new workout routine or fitness resolution to get in tip-top shape for the season ahead, but when it comes to strapping on those running shoes at the wee hour of 5 a.m. and heading to the gym, motivation levels can hit an all-time low. In most cases, making the decision to jump into a new workout routine is much easier than actually making it to that next workout or even getting through it. If you're less than excited about trading in snooze time for an early morning cardio blast, here are a few ways to stick with those good intentions and get started on your fitness quest:

1. Pick up some new gear:
Nothing beats some a snazzy new pair of shoes or a new gym outfit, a quick way to brighten up those grueling days on the treadmill and look great while you sweat away the pounds. It won't take much to get started on your workout wardrobe, just a few new shirts, shorts and a new pair of athletic shoes can be enough to help you take a big leap in the right direction. It's just like dressing for success; when you're preparing to reach your goals with a positive mindset, you're much more likely to get there. Fast.

2. Eat like a star:
When energy levels plummet or you're on a sugar high-low rollercoaster all day, making it through a workout can be an impossible task. Make sure you're eating enough protein and cutting back on the extras - sugars, fats and junk food - so you have enough energy to get through the day, your workout and then some. Don't forget to guzzle down a few bottles of water throughout the day either - sometimes that in itself is your instant picker-upper.

3. Focus on the goal:
Whether your goal is to lose weight, train for a marathon or just feel like an Olympic champion, keep your eye on the prize. Imagining yourself reaching your goal day in, day out can be enough to keep you chugging along on all eight cylinders. Positive visualization works for athletes and champions; it could work for you too.

With the busy lives people live today, stress has become a big buzz word. Stress, stress, stress! But what exactly are we talking about? According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, stress is "a physical, chemical or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension and may be a factor in disease causation." Ouch! We all know that the emotional and physical toll of stress can be great, from headaches to ulcers. But what can we actually do about it? Many of us have families, jobs and other things that are an inherent part of our lives, so eliminating the stress altogether is impossible. Fortunately, there are a lot of real things you can do to reduce stress and its impact, all while keeping your life (and sanity) intact.

Don't Add To Your Load
As I mentioned, a lot of factors that cause day-to-day stress are here to stay. But, if you take a closer look, you may find there are ways you can eliminate some stress without compromising your quality of life. Take a few minutes to jot down what, or who, causes you to stress out. Then ask yourself which things you have control over and which you don't. Procrastinating, consuming too much sugar and caffeine and not budgeting your money can all complicate an already stressful day. Instead of looking at the things that stress you out, look to the root of the problems. You may have more control than you think. If a messy house has you pulling out your hair, a weekly list of what needs to be cleaned when can add to your sense of control, thereby reducing your stress.

Find The Stress Reducers That Work For You
Marketers use the term "stress reduction" to sell everything from lotion to herbal supplements. But many things that are supposed to reduce stress just don't do the trick, and the same techniques won't work for everyone. A few ideas to try and tweak are aromatherapy candles, percussion or chair massagers, hot baths or showers, meditation, keeping a journal and exercising. The best stress reducer, of course, is the one that works for you.

Everyone understands the importance of a healthier lifestyle. But, let's face it. Giving up all those bad habits at once is just too much to ask. Trust me. There have been times when I've given up every bit of candy and snacks to try to be healthier, not to mention smaller. Guess what? It never worked. A healthier lifestyle isn't meant to happen overnight. What does work is making one change at a time.

Each week, this blog will offer up advice on a lifestyle change that will make you healthier. I will explain the challenges involved with each change, as well as ways to overcome them. So, without further ado, let's move on to this week's healthy lifestyle change.

During the fall of 2001, I made three trips to the ER. I felt absolutely horrible, but none of the doctors were able to pinpoint what was wrong. At the last visit, they finally discovered the problem. I was dehydrated. The dehydration was to the point that I was dizzy and sick constantly. I was also weak and was having vision problems. I was stunned. After all, I drank around 6 cans of soda each day. According to the doctor, that was the problem. Caffeine had caused the dehydration. But, I must admit that I went back to caffeine. Caffeine is addictive after all. In 2003, I had more health issues. A painful lump appeared on my breast. Luckily, it turns out that it was only a cyst. I was told to stop drinking caffeine and the cyst went away.

What's the point in telling you all this? The point is to make you understand the need to drop caffeine from your lifestyle. Caffeine causes health problems, plain and simple. How can you stop though? What worked for me is cutting cold turkey. Trying to wean yourself off caffeine doesn't work. Switch your drinks to caffeine-free versions (they taste just as good). You will have a headache for a few days, but you'll also sleep a lot better. Slip into a comfortable pair of pajamas and enjoy your healthier lifestyle.

For baby boomers, health and fitness after 50 does not have to be drudgery or an impossible task. More and more baby boomers are getting on board and starting physical fitness programs to boost, not only the quality of life, but also their immunity and overall wellness.

Health and fitness after 50 are qualities that help to ensure not only a better life but also help one to garner more self-confidence and feelings of overall well being. The better an individual feels the more pride one feels and with that comes a more positive outlook on life in general.

Baby boomers can take charge of their health and fitness after 50 by beginning something as simple as a daily walking routine. First, clear the program through your physician. Once you have the go ahead from your doctor, purchase a pair of good walking shoes that fit well. Decide whether you will walk on a trail, in your local neighborhood or on a school track. If this is the first time you have walked for health and fitness after 50, a track is probably a good choice.

Walking is one of the best exercises and provides an excellent time for baby boomers to not only begin the road to health fitness after 50, but also the perfect time to enjoy nature. If your plan is to walk alone, this is also a perfect time to meditate. If you plan to walk with a friend or mate that has the same outlook towards health and fitness after 50, a walking routine can be a time to look forward to for bonding and sharing. Try to walk at least three times a week for one hour, increasing the speed of your pace as you become more accustomed to the routine.

You will find once you begin the journey to health and fitness after 50 that the habit will quickly become your lifestyle. A walking program not only contributes to leading a healthy lifestyle as a baby boomer but also helps to ensure a better quality of life and also lowers cholesterol and stress.