You've been looking for athletic inspiration after Olympic fever has blown on through, but how do you reach that Greek god (or goddess) level of fitness? Training for a marathon is one way to get started, a chance to put your athletic abilities to the test and show off that superior muscle strength, if you must. Running a race could be a much-needed break from the usual fitness rut, and you can get into a training routine within a few weeks with the right gear.

Your first step in the right direction will be to track down the right running gear. Start with the soles, because you'll need plenty of support as you tackle the running trail and work on building up strength in the lower legs. The Mizuno Wave Creation 9 is one running shoe that's built to last and support you through that challenging track. It's made with extra cushioning and gel support in the heel; plus, it has its own inner cooling system to keep those feet in great shape no matter how hard the course may be.

Next up: some protective eyewear. Sporting a pair of Oakleys down the track is a surefire way to attract some attention and keep those peepers safe from the sun. Polarized Oakleys like the Half Jacket Array can be used on even the less-than-sunny days, and these stylish lenses suit almost any face shape.

The layers have it when it comes to running in the great outdoors, so you'll need to wear the most versatile outfit to get you through that race with ease. When you're hoping to clock in at superhero time at the finish line, aim for a lighter-the-better approach for the clothing lineup. Hoodies, half-zip base layer shirts and comfy, moisture-wicking pants are your best bets for finishing that race in record time. If the day calls for a super-hot climate, consider wearing a tankini-style top or vest instead.

Marathon season is underway as nonprofits and charity organizations set up races all across the country in hopes of raising funds. You don't have many excuses to stay in and sit on the couch this season, unless you're training with a Wii Fit.

Has your get-up-and-go mindset for getting in shape disappeared into the abyss since your last training session? Staying motivated to stick with your workout routine is one of the biggest challenges of getting in shape, and sometimes even the most enthusiastic personal trainer or workout buddy can't help.

Maintaining that energy and enthusiasm takes work - a trip to Starbucks doesn't count - but there are some easy ways to make those trips to the gym a tad more exciting so you can turn yourself into the Prince (or Princess) of Persistence. You can start with:

1. Tackling a new activity. Getting stuck in a rut is one of the easiest ways to lose motivation and trade that much-needed gym time for a trip to the dessert café next door. Take on a new challenge with Olympian spirit and up the self-motivation factor instantly.

2. Calling a friend. Buddy up with someone who could use a great workout this week and make it a gym date. Having someone hold you accountable for the workout can make it easier to stick with it for the long haul; think of it as training wheels until you're ready to blast through those workouts alone.

3. Logging your time. Keeping track of time spent at the gym can be a great way to measure your progress and your success. Charting your time on a calendar or PDA will give you some numbers to work with and a visual incentive to keep making that number grow! Clock your time using a sports watch or other monitoring device so you can fine tune that progress chart and be proud of every step.

4. Train for another reward. If becoming more fit and looking great aren't enough of a motivation factor, consider rewarding yourself with other goodies like that mini vacation you've always wanted to take, a shopping spree to pick up the latest handbag, or even a simple reward of having a day off work can be a better payoff in the short-term.

5. Take it to the office. If your usual gym routine takes place after work, put up some motivational quotes and posters around the office or design a fun screensaver. This can help you get into the mindset of sticking with your plans at all costs and keep you focused and positive throughout the day.

What exactly is the perfect retirement gift? All things considered, freedom is at the top of the list, and with that comes the gift of fly fishing. With early retirement there are a whole lot of perks such as finally have the time to take that special fly fishing trip you've always dreamt of. Whether planning to go out of state or out of the country to go fly fishing, you will want to insure you are well-prepared and have all of the necessary gear for fly fishing including the right boots, chaps, uppers, suspenders, first-aid kit and all-terrain protection.

If this is your first time fly fishing, plan ahead and research the area where you plan to fly fish to determine the season and local specifics. In the case of the Golden Trout Wilderness, one of the most popular spots for fly fishing in California, fishing season begins the last Saturday in April and goes through November 15. The guidelines at this location require that anglers use only barbless hooks and artificial lures, irrespective of the species of fish you're trying to catch.

There are a number of rivers and lakes where you can go fly fishing in the United States. The best golden trout can be found at Cottonwood Lakes in the Lone Pine area of California. Another excellent spot is the Lower Kern River located near Bakersfield, California, which offers a wide variety of fish including carp, trout, catfish and smallmouth bass.

Another great choice is an overnight fly-fishing package in Montana, where trout fishing is abundant. Where you fish will dictate the equipment you need. For instance, in Montana, a fisherman might use hip boots simply depending on whether or not the fisherman needs to go far out in the water. Fly fishing trips in Montana include fishing such waters as Bitterroot River and Clark Fork Rivers. Three-day, two-night packages are available during April, May, October and November. What are you waiting for? It's finally time to relax, get booted and suited up, and get ready to fly fish!

If you're stressed out, you've probably heard about the stress-reducing properties of yoga. Many people who regularly do yoga routines swear by them as a way to aid in relaxation and improve balance and muscle tone. You may think yoga is for hippies or people with too much time on their hands. Today, people of all ages and walks of life are practicing yoga. And with the many types of yoga and ways of using it, there's bound to be a yoga routine that will help you unwind.

Hatha Yoga is the type most commonly offered to the public. You won't need much to get started in yoga. A cozy combination of yoga pants and an athletic top or t-shirt will allow for comfort and freedom of movement during your workout. As with any type of exercise, keep a bottle of water handy to stay hydrated before, during and after your yoga workout.

Once you've decided to give yoga a try, you have two options: sign up for a local class or use a yoga DVD in the privacy of your home. What are the pros and cons of each?

A local class, taken with other people, allows you to socialize and encourages you to stay involved. A real life instructor can also answer any questions you may have. On the downside, yoga classes cost money, usually anywhere from $75 to $150 per several-week series. You also have to attend at the same day and time every week.

Instructional yoga videos have many advantages. There are videos available for all skill levels, and many videos are designed specifically for relaxation. The cost is also low, usually under $20.00. And with a video, you can do the yoga routine at any time. On the downside, you don't have the encouragement to stick with it that yoga class members can provide. It's easy to "forget" your workout after a busy day.

Yoga is just one more tool to help reduce your stress levels and increase your health. With the many types of yoga available, you can hopefully find one that will work wonders for you!

In this week's blog, we're going to begin discussing heart healthy fats. While many of these fats are indeed heart healthy, many people still shy away from them. The challenge lies in getting over the fact that many of these foods contain several grams of fat per serving. After you've become comfortable with this fact, which you will, you need to figure out how to incorporate more of these foods into your diet. Let's begin by discussing olive oil.

I avoided olive oil for several years. I knew that it lowered cholesterol, but one look at the nutrition label, and I just couldn't add it to my shopping cart. One tablespoon of olive oil contains 120 calories and almost 14 grams of fat. That doesn't sound healthy at all. Later on, I began to learn about heart healthy fats. Upon closer inspection of the nutrition label, you'll find that olive oil has 10 grams of monounsaturated fat, 1.5 grams of polyunsaturated fat and no trans-fat. Olive oil does contain 2 grams of saturated fat, but the same amount of butter has over 7 grams of saturated fat. It's easy to see that olive oil is the clear winner. With so much heart healthy fats per tablespoon, you can't go one more day without adding olive oil to your diet.

Of course, knowing that olive oil is healthy doesn't make it any easier to incorporate into your diet. Over the years, I've played around with olive oil and found that it works well in place of other oils. For example, light olive oil works wonderfully in baked goods. I also love to sauté salmon and chicken in olive oil. I've even seen Mario Batali use olive oil for deep frying, which can be healthy when done properly. One of my favorite uses for olive oil though is to mix it with vinegar as a topping for sandwiches. It's more refreshing than mayo and definitely healthier. Also, don't forget that olive oil can be tossed in your bag and enjoyed on the go on top of salads and as a dip for bread.

When the treadmill doesn't look appealing for that early morning workout, or you just can't take another day of trekking on the elliptical machine, it's time to spice things up and give that workout routine a makeover.

Getting into a fitness rut is a surefire way to slip back into unhealthy habits or start skipping the gym altogether. Without a high level of motivation, any type of fitness activity can seem like a chore. How do you jump start those workouts and make them fun again? Add some variety to your weekly roster of activities! An easy way to start is to jump right into a new extreme sport.

Remember the days when the BMX bike was the highlight of the weekend? Turn yourself into a kid again and take the BMX bike out for a ride and, perhaps, even a few stunts. It won't take long to turn this bike ride into a bona fide workout; BMX biking is your excuse to push your upper and lower body to the max. From shifting your weight, to performing a new stunt, to riding up and down hills at a higher-than-average speed, you can count on getting your heart pumping, and calories burning in no time. Just make sure you're well-equipped with some Ray-Banshades and athletic shoes so you can practice those stunts in high style.

Want another great way to enjoy life in the fast lane? Skating your way through it. Skate boarding will give your lower body a killer workout, pushing your glutes, thighs and calves to the max; it will also pump your heart rate up to its full, fat-burning potential. Just slip on some skate shoes and let the good times roll!

If you're a fan of the great outdoors, snowboarding is another extreme sport that will whip you into shape in no time. Head off to lodges out west with some sturdy snowboarding boots, and you'll be well on your way to burning a few hundred calories per hour.

Whether you're careening through snowy territory on a snowboard or skating your way through life in the fast lane, give your humdrum workout routine a makeover with these extreme sporting activities.

If you have retired early, chances are you have also retired a business wardrobe. Now is the time to update your look to reflect a new lifestyle. The easiest, most-effective and inexpensive way to update your look is by purchasing fashionable eyewear. In today's fashion world, eyeglasses are as important a fashion item as clothing. In fact, most of the same top designers who create runway fashion also design fashionable eyewear for prescription glasses and sunglasses.

Prior to making a purchase, one of the best and most convenient approaches to updating one's eyewear is to research what is on the market. With a few quick searches on the Internet, you will quickly see what fashionable eyewear is in style, what styles are preferred for different face shapes, and the availability of your desired frame. This also provides an edge for the consumer searching for a competitive price.

In terms of sunglasses, most name-brand eyewear such as Oakley, Nike, Ray-Ban, Kaenon Polarized, Dragon Von Zipper, SunCloud, Electric, Aenon, Spy Optic, Initium, Pepper's and many others are available from online retailers at very competitive prices. The price range for several of the models of eyewear mentioned varies greatly, retailing for between $37, for a pair of Pepper's Black Jack Polarized with a prescription ready frame, to $193, for Ray Bans with the same feature.

Updating your look with fashionable eyewear will also entail updating your prescription glasses. There are a number of popular frames available that are prescription-ready such as the Ray-Ban line of eyewear. One example is an aviator style frame from the Ray-Ban Iconic Collection, which is available in silver with gray fade lenses and is prescription-ready. If in doubt about the model selected, simply read the features listed on the retailer's site. There should be a notation that the model is sold as prescription-ready or Rx-able eyewear. Glasses of this quality generally include features such as glass lenses with 100% UV protection and a matching case.

If you're reading this, your life is probably pretty hectic. That out-of-control, stressed-out feeling that comes from doing too much? It's no fun. But what do you do with it? You want to scream, throw something or play bumper cars with the super-slow driver that's making you late to work. And while screaming is sometimes okay, the other two could land you in a bit of trouble. So, how do you find a healthy outlet to vent that steam?

Exercise can work wonders when you're all wound up, and it can keep your body in better shape to deal with stress too. If you're not one who likes to get out and move, you're probably sighing or rolling your eyes. And I can't blame you. Squeezing exercise into an already-packed day can seem impossible, especially when you're already exhausted. But exercise can actually increase the amount of energy you have by making your body work more efficiently. Here are three ways to fit exercise into an already busy day.

Walk It Off - Everyone can walk, whether it's around the neighborhood or around town during your lunch break. Plus, it's free. The only things you need are a great pair of walking shoes, a water bottle and a few minutes. Even if you can only walk for five, ten or fifteen minutes, the important thing is that you get moving. It's a great habit to start.

Choose To Move - Okay. Forget the escalator, elevator and people movers at the airport. Not only do they ensure that you stay less active - a lot of the time, they're actually slower than walking the distance yourself. So, give it a try. One important note: if you work on the 21st floor, you might want to take the elevator to 18, and walk the remaining three staircases.

Pick A Speedy Gym Routine - Many gyms are popping up all over the nation that cater to men and women who have very little time for exercise. Curves, for instance, allows you to follow a predetermined exercise circuit and get in and out in a matter of minutes.

So you're renewing your commitment to losing weight, feeling great
and shifting your energy into high gear. While it's easy enough to head
to the gym for a sweat-inducing run or elliptical training circuit, yoga
is another way to reach your fitness goals. Yoga is no longer reserved
for the tree-hugging masses; you might already have found a few yoga
studios and yoga classes cropping in your neighborhood in recent
months. If you're ready to ramp up your workout routine with a fresh
new activity, yoga may be the ideal match for your exercise lineup.
First things first; you need the right gear.

Head to the yoga studio in style with some classic yoga pants. You canwear
shorts to yoga class, but you may not be ready to share quite so much
skin when you're doing that downward dog pose for the few minutes that
seem like hours. The Adidas adilibria Yoga Pant
is a good choice for beginners, a loose and comfy stretch pant with
cuffs and adjustable cord at the waist. It's a nice and stretchy fit to
accommodate your super-powered stretching routine.

If you prefer a Capri-style pant instead, the Prana Asana Yoga Capri
is a classic style that will give you plenty of freedom of movement.
These capris are designed with a moisture-wicking material, so even
when you're sweating up a storm in that Bikram Yoga class, you won't
feel a thing. The 4-way fabric moves with you, giving you the chance to
stretch, flex and breathe with ease. Pair this up with the Adidas Techfit Yoga Tank Top and you'll be well on your way for a super-charged yoga routine.

When
you're heading off to the studio with your own yoga mat and change of
clothing, a large tote won't be enough to haul the goods. Unless you're
planning on slinging the yoga mat under your arm, you'll need a
versatile yoga bag with extra width. The Sherpani Yoga Bag
is the perfect solution for your yoga days, a larger-than-life bag with
extra pockets, a miniature removable bag for accessories, and even a
few mesh pockets for your water bottle. A simple way to inhale and
exhale without the fuss!

This week we're going to tackle a more difficult change. This is actually one of the hardest changes I've overcome so far. While it may be difficult, drinking more water is essential for a healthy lifestyle. Water not only keeps you hydrated, but it also helps remove cholesterol from your body. That's all well and good, right? But, let's be serious. Water can taste boring. That's the main reason many people hold onto their diet sodas for dear life. It doesn't have to be this way though. There are easy ways to drink more water.

When I first started drinking more water, I was extremely bored with the taste. This led me to seek out flavored waters or items that I could add to my water. I became a huge fan of powders that could be added to a 16.9 ounce water bottle. They had great flavor and no calories. I also loved carbonated, flavored water, because it was like drinking soda. Any of these options are a great way to add more water to your diet. Another great option is tea. Green and white teas are not only tasty, but they're extremely healthy as well. Both varieties help with weight loss, and white tea is high in antioxidants.

While you can drink flavored waters and tea, the less your water has in it, the healthier it is. When your water is pure, it's easier for your kidneys to process. Try drinking a couple glasses of plain water each day. After a few days, add another glass. Believe it or not, as you drink more water, you'll actually begin to crave it. But, if the taste is too plain, add lemon or lime juice.

Here are a few last tips to remember. Water doesn't have to be served in a glass. There are hidden sources of water. For example, watermelon is 80 percent water. And, if you still need a daily soda, drink it at the end of the day as a reward for drinking 8 glasses of water.

Also remember to keep the world green by buying a reusable water bottle.

Health and wellness for all adults require that special attention and care be given to oneself to maintain one's overall good health and as a gift of wellness to one's self. It is time to really be kind to oneself and in doing so provide the body with the necessary tools to manage one's wellness. Receiving professional massages on a regular basis is quite beneficial to ones overall health and wellness.

There are many health benefits associated with massage including stress management and pain relief. Other health benefits include the release of toxins, a reduction in anxiety, promotes healing and reduction of soreness in athletes, boosts in the immune system, reduction in fatigue, helps to garner feelings of safety, boost in self-esteem and a host of other health benefits.

There are a number of places one can go to receive a professional massage include day spas, health clubs and massage studios, as well as hiring a professional masseur to come to one's home. It is most important that a massage is given by a trained massage therapist due to the manipulation of the body. During a massage the massage therapist will manipulate not only the soft tissues but also the muscles and tendons of the body.

Licensed massage therapists receive their training through a course of study at accredited schools and take a state test to receive a license to practice. Additionally a professional massage therapist will always ask for permission to touch you and ask if the pressure is okay. They want to ensure the client is comfortable and at ease in order to enjoy the benefits of massage.

There are several types of massage one can receive based on the technique and training of the massage therapist. The different types of massage include Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Hot Stone Massage, Aromatherapy, Shiatsu Massage, Thai Massage, Pregnancy Massage, Sports Massage, Back Massage and Reflexology.

In the case of serious health issues, it is advisable to consult with one's physician prior to receiving a massage to avoid exacerbating a medical condition.

Sources:

www.revolutionhealth.com

http://altmedicine.about.com

In this week's blog we're going to tackle vegetables. Everyone knows that they should eat more vegetables, but there are challenges that can cause this simple act to seem impossible. This week we'll discuss those challenges along with simple tips to make this healthy change easier.

When I first started to add more vegetables to my diet I came across several challenges. First of all, fresh vegetables can be very expensive. Another challenge I faced was finding a way to prepare vegetables that didn't cook away all the nutrients. I also discovered that it was easy to get tired of vegetables. How is it possible to overcome these challenges?

Saving money on vegetables isn't that difficult. First of all, you can purchase frozen vegetables. Frozen vegetables are not only more affordable, but they're more nutritious as well. This is because the vegetables are frozen at the peak of perfection. Most companies freeze the vegetables within hours of picking them. When you purchase vegetables from the grocery store, they have lost some of their nutritional value during the shipping process. If you do prefer fresh vegetables, choose locally grown varieties when they're on sale. Choosing produce that's on sale also allows you to prepare different vegetables each week, which prevents boredom.

There's still the challenge of preparing vegetables so that they stay healthy. This can be a bit tricky because some vegetables are more nutritious served raw, while others need to be cooked to unlock the nutrients. This means you will need to do a little research to discover how to best prepare your favorite vegetables.

If you find the flavor of vegetables to be a bit boring, there are hundreds of healthy ways to add flavor. Spices and herbs, for example, are calorie-free. You can also add a small amount of parmesan cheese, which only has 20 calories per tablespoon. The only thing you need to avoid is deep frying your vegetables or adding high calorie sauces and dips.

What are you sitting around for? Grab a tote bag and head to your local farmer's market for some affordable veggies.

Many baby boomers are turning to alternative medicine to treat symptoms of pain associated with aging and years of work. Rather than taking the route of pain killers and muscle relaxers many baby boomers are turning towards acupuncture to avoid the complications associated with strong medication and possible surgeries.

How exactly does acupuncture work? A basic acupuncture treatment entails the acupuncturist inserting several extremely thin needles at specific body points referred to as pathways or meridians. The needles are manipulated and twisted at these points to restore what is known in Chinese as the Qi, which is one's life force energy which follows specific pathways. When this Qi or "chee" (as it is pronounced) is blocked or is in excess, pain generally occurs. Acupuncture is performed to restore the Qi and to stimulate and open up the pathways to allow the energy to flow thus restoring balance and eliminating pain and other illnesses.

There are several benefits associated with acupuncture treatment. First and foremost one generally experiences instant relief to pain systems and one's overall health condition is usually restored to one of balance, strength and a state of well being.

Does acupuncture hurt? The idea of acupuncture hurts more so than the actual treatment. Expect to feel slight prickling sticks as opposed to painful pricks. The benefits of acupuncture far outweigh one's apprehension toward the treatment. Make the most of your treatment and show up relaxed in comfortable shoes and clothing with a positive attitude towards wellness.

Most major insurance carriers will generally pay for acupuncture treatments up to fourteen visits though this definitely varies with the carrier. It is always advisable to obtain clearance from one's physician prior to starting a new workout program or alternative medical treatment.

When you're constantly on the go, it's easy for aches and pains to take their toll. These inevitable problems tend to be either caused by or make stress worse. But one of the main causes is both fairly obvious and easy to fix. The culprit? Poorly designed, uncomfortable shoes. Believe it or not, wearing the wrong shoes when you're on your feet all day can cause a myriad of aches and pains that are often attributed to stress. Without trashing all of your favorite heels, here are three great ways to help your shoes fit your life.

Choose well-designed shoes: This doesn't mean wearing clogs all day (though some people do swear by them). Today, it's easy to find a wide variety of stylish shoes that don't kill your feet. For instance, the Silver-Pewter Kiko Shoe by Perlina ($79.20) looks incredibly stylish, but is designed for all-day comfort. There is an entire selection of shoes on Zappos designed specifically with comfort in mind.

Fix your favorites with insoles: Today's insoles aren't just for the elderly. If an irresistibly stylish pair of shoes pinches your toes or makes your back ache, you don't have to give them the boot. The right pair of insoles can not only save those shoes, but make them downright comfortable. For subtle comfort, check out the Superfeet Premium Black Insoles ($40.00). These insoles are black, so they won't stick out when you're wearing your favorite shoes. The insoles make your shoes fit better, and align the bones of your feet for improved wear with less pain.

Lose the shoes: Am I suggesting you walk around the office barefoot all day? Not if you want to keep your job. But the average day offers several little windows to kick off your shoes and give your feet a rest, and many people I know find that to be a lifesaver. Whether it's during lunch or just under your desk, losing your shoes for even five minutes can soothe your aches and leave your feet feeling refreshed.