As New Year's resolutions fade into the distance and you get back into the rhythm of work, play and errand-running, sticking with the fitness mantra may become a challenge. Even the most determined can have an 'off' day, which soon turns into two, then three, then an entire week of 'just couldn't make it to the gym.' This is why you need a plan that helps you sneak in some fitness activities without the formal trip to the gym.

A few simple changes to your daily routine can help you burn extra calories; by the end of the day, you could have burned off the equivalent of a mini-workout - and all without breaking a sweat. Here are some easy ways to get that metabolism going and keep up with your fitness resolutions in those busy weeks ahead:

Socialize on the go
If you need 10-15 minutes to catch up with a coworker or associate, consider taking it outside. Walking will ease stress and tension and give you both a chance to enjoy the great outdoors. Put on your walking shoes if you're heading out on icy streets or on a rainy day; you'll be well on your way to quick calorie burn.

Go on a Coffee run, Literally
Choose a coffee shop that's at least a 10-minute walk from the office and speed walk or jog your way to the counter. The quick break in the middle of the day will give your body a chance to shift gears, and the fresh air will do you good. Just make sure you stick with that no-fat, no-whip, sugar-free latte to avoid negating your hard work.

Shoot Hoops Before Dinner
Remember when shooting some hoops or playing tennis against the wall at home was your usual routine before dinner? Relive those childhood memories as you transition from the work day to the evening. To challenge your body, get out of the rut of sitting in your office and then sitting at the dinner table. You'll also burn up some extra calories as you de-stress after your busy day.

Traveling baby boomers will find their newly acquired down time can be spent in a fulfilling way by seeing the world. Since all of the rules have changed with travel, being organized makes all of the difference in the travel experience. Irrespective of the class of service, there are a few personal things travelers want quick access to during a flight, particularly an international flight. Having the right travel kits and easy access to them makes the travel experience that much more comfortable.

For the male baby boomer, there is a great selection of travel kits for men including several leather travel kits. A favorite is the Marc by Marc Jacobs Simple Leather Wash Kit. Made of smooth leather, the Simple Leather Wash Kit measures approximately 1 inch wide by 6 inches deep and 5 inches high. Features include a platform bottom, single side handle, an interior lining and top-zip closure. Available in a gunmetal color, this is the perfect travel kit to store all of the essentials. The retail price for the Marc by Marc Jacobs Simple Leather Wash Kit is $94.

The Johnston and Murphy Zip Traveler Kit is another top choice from the travel kits for men. Made from soft and supple leather, its features include an interior zip pocket, a full zip-around closure to secure the contents and a soft leather texture. Available in dark mahogany wax hide (brown), the Johnston and Murphy Zip Traveler Kit retails for $75.

Victorinox makes an excellent travel kit for women designed to hold full size products and other personal items. One of the leading brands in fine luggage, the Victorinox Mobilizer NXT Locker is ideal for traveling short or long distances and is available in a bright power red. The zip around travel kit features a u-shaped opening for easy access, a large main compartment with zippered pockets, a zippered side pocket, water resistant lining with an antibacterial coating and a handle for easy carrying. Made from nylon, the Victorinox Mobiler NXT Lockerretails for $69 and is ideal for keeping one's necessities close at hand and making one's travel experience convenient.

When you're sick, you're stressed. Colds, coughs and the flu can make it hard just to get out of bed and even harder to meet the challenges of a new day. Once a new illness takes hold, it can take days to recover fully and even longer to catch up on your to-do list. You can save yourself a lot of stress - and misery - by doing what you can to prevent getting sick, before it happens.

Schedule Your Sleep
If you're overly tired, you're more susceptible to any illness that's going around. Be sure you're getting enough sleep, even if it means scheduling it as part of your busy evening. Your body will thank you. Set your alarm clock, get into your coziest pajamas and catch some much needed sleep.

Don't Forget Your Vitamin C
Vitamin C is known to boost immunity. Whether you grab a bottle of orange juice on your way to work, or munch on tangy Vitamin C chewable tablets, be sure to boost your immunity before you get sick.

Ready, Set, Sanitize
Hand sanitizer isn't just for the paranoid. Direct contact with people who are sick or things that they have contaminated through touching, coughing or sneezing are ways people are exposed to illness-causing organisms. Sanitizing wipes are great for things like phones and heavy traffic copiers, and sanitizing your own hands regularly can help kill germs that you've picked up before they can reach your nose or mouth.

When it comes to staying healthy this winter a little preparation can prevent a lot of sickness and stress. So, follow these common sense tips and help yourself stay healthy all winter long.

In the new year, wouldn't it be nice to eat healthier? If you're trying to lose weight, you probably look at the calories and fat grams a product contains, but what about nutrients? Some people get so caught up in losing weight that they forget how important nutrients are. Many low-fat/low-calorie products are manufactured in a way that they are stripped of their nutrients. In this week's blog, we're going to discuss the importance of reading nutrition labels and what you should be looking for.

There are several reasons to read nutrition labels. First of all, they tell you what's in a product. More importantly though, they tell you what's not in it. While looking to see how many calories are in a container of fat-free yogurt, why not also look to see what vitamins and minerals the product contains. With many brands, you'll find that there aren't any. If you look closer, you'll find that these products are usually loaded with sugar. How can this possibly be healthy? The purpose of a nutrition label is more than just providing you with calorie and fat information. It's there to help you make healthy choices.

When looking at a nutrition label, you should see a list of vitamins and minerals. If you don't see this list, it means the product doesn't have any. Healthy products will contain different vitamins and minerals depending on what they are. For example, yogurt will contain calcium and frozen berries might contain vitamin C. Of course, you should also look at the amount of protein the food contains as well as the sodium, fiber and carbs. In other words, the entire nutrition label should be considered before buying the product. This can be time consuming, but thankfully there are websites and books that allow you to look up this information before heading to the grocery store.

What are you waiting for? Grab a water bottle and start researching your favorite foods. Chances are you'll need to make few changes to your grocery list.

New Year's resolutions have been made. You're determined to keep up with your commitment to fitness but are you really, really ready to keep up with that gym routine? Finding time to go to the gym can be one of the biggest challenges to better fitness, especially when you're just getting started. Even spending 30 minutes at the gym requires planning - add in the time to get dressed for the workout, drive to the gym, shower and getting back to your regular routine - the whole fiasco can easily take a few hours or more.

So how do you keep up with your fitness resolution this year? Here are some simple strategies for logging in more gym time in 2009:

1. Head out first thing in the morning. Scheduling a trip to the gym first thing means you can focus on just getting there, working out and showering for the day as usual. This can save you extra driving time and hassles in the middle of the day and gives you the chance to kick off the day with a healthy start!

2. Eat a small meal before you go. Fuel up with a small snack to keep blood sugar levels stable and give you the energy boost you need to finish the workout. Choose something packed with protein and a few carbs.

3. Enlist a workout buddy. When someone else is holding you accountable for clocking in at the gym, you're much more likely to go. Work out with a friend or family member to motivate you when the going gets rough.

4. Keep track of your success. Use a workout chart to map out your plan for the week and mark off what you get accomplished; this is a powerful self-motivation strategy.

5. Extend your lunch hour. If you're not able to go to the gym before or after work, request an extended lunch so you can get your mid-afternoon fix and then make up the time later in the week.

And don't forget to drink water all day long. Dehydration can cause fatigue and make it hard for muscles to recover after an intensive workout; pick up a water bottle and sip on water throughout the day to keep your body healthy and strong for your new fitness regimen.

Winter is here and rather than huddle down and hibernate baby boomers should get busy and wake up the body with a winter fitness regimen. The tendency during the winter months is to stay indoors and hunker down, however, with a little bit of motivation and the right winter gear, maintaining a winter fitness regimen can be quite successful in addition to making one have feelings of overall wellness and a better self image.

Walking or running during the winter months is a great way to stay toned as well as to get one's cardiac work in while taking the opportunity to enjoy the winter season. One of the keys is wearing clothing that is comfortable yet warm and allows layering including thermal tights, base layers shirts, hats, gloves and warm socks. The Nike Thermal Tight is a great base layer pant to wear during the cold weather. Made from 88 percent polyester and 12 percent spandex, the contoured tight is designed to wick moisture away from the skin, resulting in warmth and dryness. Available in black, the Nike Thermal Tight retails for approximately $79 and is a great addition to one's fitness clothing wardrobe.

One of many great brands for layering clothing on the upper body is Dale of Norway, which makes a great base layer long-sleeve top made from 100 percent Merino wool, is body fitting and has a crew neck design. Available in black and red, the Dale of Norway Base Layer Long Sleeve Top retails for approximately $78.

One of the best ways to stay warm while enjoying a winter fitness regimen is by wearing a hat and gloves. A great choice is the SportHill 3SP Glove and Infusion Beanie. Made specifically for cold weather and available in a variety of color combinations, the SportHill 3SP Glove and Infusion Beanie is made from 90 percent polyester and 10 percent spandex and designed for insulation, breathability, wind blocking and moisture blocking. The retail price for the 3SP Glove and Infusion Beanie is approximately $56. With the right warm clothing and motivation for fitness - the sky is the limit.

Over the last few decades, stress has become an increasingly common word. It's also become a great scapegoat and is blamed for everything from poor job performance to crime sprees. While stress can certainly cause myriad problems if left unchecked, it has an upside, as well. Yes, some stress can be beneficial - you just have to know how to use it.

Stress is not universally bad. While losing our jobs or getting injured may cause negative stress in our lives, positive events cause stress too. Happy events like buying your first home, getting married or having a baby all come with hefty amounts of stress - we just don't think of that stress in the same way. For instance, when pregnant, women stress about money issues, buying baby clothes and preparing for labor. In other words, the stress helps them to prepare ahead of time. Stress can have some of the same positive effects, even in seemingly negative situations.

If you're totally stressed out over your finances, don't sit around hyperventilating. Financial stress is a sign that you need to do something, whether it's getting a better job, keeping closer track of your spending or creating a budget. The best thing any of us can do is learn from our stress, which will help to keep us from being stressed out in the future.

When it comes to heart healthy fats, salmon is one of the tastiest choices. Unfortunately, many people skip over salmon, not knowing that this high fat fish is full of good fats. In this week's blog, we'll discuss the health benefits of salmon as well as different ways to incorporate it into your diet.

A quick look at salmon's nutritional facts makes it plain why you should be eating more salmon. A 4-ounce filet of salmon has 185 calories, 5.5 grams of fat, 0.9 grams of saturated fat, 1.5 grams of monounsaturated fat, 2.1 grams of polyunsaturated fat, 0 grams of trans-fat, 83mg of cholesterol, 107mg of sodium, 0 carbs and 31.7 grams of protein. As you can see, salmon is low in cholesterol and sodium, but high in mono- and poly-unsaturated fats. These fats help reduce cholesterol levels so that you heart is healthy. Of course, you can't overlook that salmon is also low in calories and a great source of protein.

Personally, I love to sauté salmon in olive oil and season it with sea salt and fresh cracked pepper. I serve it with a side of steamed vegetables. This makes the perfect lunch. I also enjoy sautéed salmon on a bed of romaine with a bit of parmesan and fat-free dressing. It also tastes great baked with a squeeze of lemon and a grind of black pepper from the pepper grinder. Of course, I do love salmon cakes, but deep frying the salmon sort of defeats the purpose of this heart healthy fish. The important thing is to not be afraid of salmon. It can be used to create several recipes. As long as you've got a great imagination or cookbook, the sky's the limit.

If you're worried about the cost, check your freezer section. I buy a one-pound bag, which contains four 4-ounce filets for around $5 at Wal-Mart. Regardless of where you get your salmon, it's one of the easiest ways to keep your heart healthy and your waistband tiny.

It's one of the easiest, budget-friendly fitness strategies on the planet, yet only some of us get into the habit of keeping up with a running routine to stay in shape. Running and speed walking are easy ways to get that heart pumping and burn off calories; the cardio machines at the gym are no match against a powerful running routine that includes a few lunges, squats and a solid stretching sequence.

If you're determined to jump into a fitness regimen this season, training yourself on a track or treadmill could be the key to fitness success. Here are some essential training tips to stay motivated and get in shape fast:

1. Pick out the right shoes. The right shoes will protect your feet and ankles and support your running ventures on any type of trail; if you're unsure about a certain style or design, get a professional fitting to determine your best size. Shoes that are too big or small will take their toll on your performance, so make sure the shoe truly fits so you can step up to the challenge like a pro.

2. Pack your running gear the night before. If you're committed to getting in shape, don't give yourself a chance to skip your routine in the wee morning hours. Pack your gear or set out your clothes for the morning as a motivation strategy. This move also ensures you have very few choices to make during your most vulnerable hour.

3. Eat like a champion (in the making). Stocking up on healthy snacks and eating at regular intervals throughout the day will put your energy level in high gear. You'll need to adopt this eating strategy for your new fitness undertaking, so make a plan that you can stick with for the long term. Fresh fruit, whole grains, lean protein and plenty of water are essential for your long-term success. Power up your days with the right foods and you'll find it easier to stick with a consistent running schedule.

Training your body and mind for a healthier lifestyle can be challenging, but preparation is key to your success. Get started on a running routine that will help you reach your fitness goals this year and beyond.

When your world seems a little too crazy, it's best to focus on the things you can control and try to let go of the rest. One huge thing that we can do to prevent a lot of our stress is to be as prepared as possible for any foreseeable problems. Oddly enough, most people don't prepare for possible downfalls and suffer tons of stress when something goes wrong as a result. Maybe it's because we don't like facing the uncertain. Or maybe it's because we're just too busy dealing with today. Whatever the reason, being prepared can reduce your stress and keep your family safe if anything should go wrong.

It's easy to feel completely powerless in everyday life. It feels like we don't control anything. Will we be employed next week? Will our stock-based investments ever go back up? What if our bank goes bankrupt? As individuals, our lack of control over all of this is frightening. But instead of focusing on what you can't control, ask yourself how you can be prepared to deal with those problems. Even if your job currently feels secure, update your resume and make sure at least one suit is at the ready for a job interview. Consult a financial adviser on the relative stability of your investments. It might be time to move them to a low-risk environment. If your savings is lacking, make a solid commitment to start adding to it with each paycheck. If things go wrong, you can start acting to fix them immediately. Not only will your big problems seem more manageable, but you'll have the added comfort of knowing you did everything you could to be prepared.

Do you take a multi-vitamin? If not, maybe you should. Americans live lifestyles that often prevent them from getting the nutrients they need. Of course, there are other reasons for taking multi-vitamins. Of course, it pays to take a vitamin that is made for your age and sex. In this week's blog, we'll discuss the various reasons why you should include a multi-vitamin in your daily routine.

I remember taking vitamins when I was little. Of course, those had cute shapes and tasted like various fruit flavors. It's really no wonder I got out of the habit of taking a daily vitamin. Many brands are the size of a horse pill, and if you ever get one stuck to your tongue, you'll find they taste nothing like fruit. Still, there have been three different occasions that doctors have recommended vitamins as part of my daily routine. First of all, I take a medication that increases my risk for osteoporosis. Many multi-vitamins include calcium, which makes it easier for me to get the high amount of calcium I need. Second, I was experiencing extreme tenderness in my breasts. My doctor recommended Vitamin E to help ease the pain. Last, but not least, I have an iron deficiency and must take a multi-vitamin to keep my iron count where it should be. These issues won't affect all of you, but what I'm trying to say is vitamins help you be healthier. Taking one multi-vitamin, rather than a handful of vitamins, just makes your life easier.

Multi-vitamins are certainly no excuse to stop trying to eat healthy. But, they do help you cover the basics. Of course, you need to make sure you choose a multi-vitamin that works best for you. With thousands of different varieties to choose from, this may take a bit of time and research. A great starting point is to choose a multi-vitamin that's made for your age and sex.

Once you've found the right vitamin. Just make sure you remember to take it each day. This can be hard to remember but adding it to your lunchbox makes it easier.

It's another year to set some health and fitness goals. Overcome you fear of the gym and embrace a healthier menu for a diet revamp. Setting new fitness resolutions for the year - and sticking with them long enough to turn them into habits - may be all you need to jumpstart that weight loss plan or get buff well before summer rolls around. But how do you kick things off on the right track? Try a brand new sport or activity so you're not bored with the usual gym routine right off the bat.

It's much easier to burn calories while undertaking a surfing adventure or practicing your skills on a skateboard than it is to push yourself to brink of boredom on the treadmill. Get going on a fun fitness plan that will keep you motivated for the months ahead.

Pick up some basics from the surf shop and hit the beach for some surfing lessons that will give you a total body workout. Surfing is a great sport for learning the art of balance and will challenge those abs and thighs more than any machine at the gym. Need another reason to hit the sand? It's an easy way to get buff and tan well before summer season makes its way into the schedule.

If you prefer outdoor activities in snowy territory, hit the slopes for a snowboarding adventure. Snowboarding is the anti-beach bum's surfing workout, a chance to slip, slide and navigate down challenging slopes while making the most of the total body workout. Just layer up with a puffy vest or jacket, insulated pants and a cozy beanie and you'll be well on your way to snowboarding success.

Love biking? Put your balancing and maneuvering skills to the test with a BMX circuit. BMX biking continues to be a popular extreme sport that will challenge your lower body and turn you into a speed demon in no time. Just get yourself a pair of hi-tops and lightweight clothing to hit the area bike ramp for your training session. You may need a few lessons from a BMX pro before you take on competitive challenge, but practice sessions will help you fine tune your skills and get those legs in great shape.

When a person doesn't get enough rest, their body isn't the only thing that's affected. Exhaustion affects you mentally, physically and emotionally. Not getting enough sleep influences your ability to make good decisions, react well to friends and family and perform well at work. It's harder to do anything well when you're tired. Here are three great tips for making sure you find enough time for rest in your busy schedule.

Schedule Your Sleep
Just like a business meeting, play dates or family dinners, try scheduling your sleep time. Taking care of yourself and your health is worth it! Every individual is different, and you probably know how much sleep you need to be at your best. Schedule a bedtime and set your alarm for a time that will allow you plenty of morning time to prepare for your day.

Create A Bedtime Routine
If you're like me, you can't go straight from cleaning the house to hitting the hay. Giving yourself time to wind down can help you fall asleep faster and have a more restful night's sleep. At least a half an hour before bedtime, start getting ready by changing into some cozy pajamas, slipping on a soft pair of slippers and grabbing a cup of hot cocoa.

Watch What You Eat
Before bedtime, at least! Although it sounds like common sense, it can be easy to slip up. For instance, I love sipping a can of soda while I watch a movie before bed, but caffeine and sugar can make it harder to rest soundly. You also might want to avoid drinking a lot of anything right before going to sleep to avoid sleep-disturbing bathroom breaks.

When you put yourself first and stay well rested, it's easier to handle whatever stress may come your way. With a little bit of planning and the right priorities, you can be in optimum shape every day.

While you may want to curl up and relax, it's important to keep your exercise program going during the winter months. After all, just think about how many more Holiday leftover sweets you can eat if you burn off the calories. In this week's blog, we'll discuss a few fun ways to burn calories this winter.

If you're a gamer, chances are you own a Nintendo Wii. If not, you really should consider it. Playing the Nintendo Wii will actually burn calories. Just 15 minutes of boxing on the Nintendo Wii burns 125 calories. This is the type of exercise you'll actually enjoy. If boxing isn't your cup of tea, play tennis. You can burn 92 calories every 15 minutes. Best of all, many of the Nintendo Wii games help you burn calories. For example, you'll burn hundreds of calories playing a couple hours worth of King of Fighters. Who said video games were bad for you? Get off the couch and burn some calories as you enjoy your favorite games.

Video games aren't for everyone. But most people do enjoy dancing. Dancing can be done inside your home as you watch TV or listen to music. You can even enjoy a romantic evening of slow dancing with your partner. Ten minutes of slow dancing will burn anywhere from 80 to 105 calories, depending on your weight. On the other hand, 10 minutes of fast-paced dancing will burn 94 to 124 calories. Dancing is not only a fun way to exercise on a cold winter's day, but it also tones your muscles leaving you with a fit body.

If you'd rather get outside and enjoy the weather, why not go skiing? Skiing is a wonderful way to burn calories. Depending on your weight, an hour's worth of downhill skiing will burn 340 to 510 calories. Best of all, it won't feel like exercise at all.

What are you waiting for? Enjoy an exercise that doesn't seem like exercise this winter.

It's about that time of year again, a time when holiday revelries and post-holiday resolutions are at the top of the agenda. If getting in shape or losing weight is on the New Year's resolutions list - for yet another year - make sure your plan of action has enough stick-with-it power so you can actually reach your goals. Here are some tips to get 2009 started off on the right track:

Skip the gym
Even the most committed fitness enthusiast can get bored of the gym routine, so avoid reaching a rut by trying something new and exciting. Hit the hiking trails with a backpackand boots for the afternoon and give those legs a workout they'll never forget. Or dust off that mountain bike and trek across your town or city for the weekend to take in some new scenes and benefit from the total body workout. Working out will feel less like a chore when you have some new activities to look forward to.

Hit the Ground Running with a Personal Trainer
Even if you're a pro with the weight machines and the treadmill at the local gym, working out with a personal trainer can give you some tips and guidance to perfect your technique. Make a commitment to work out with a personal trainer at least once per week or twice per month. They can support you in your efforts and introduce you to some new equipment and fitness activities.

Join a Sports Team
An easy way to stay active and skip the excuse-making for getting in shape this year is to join a local sports team. Whether you enjoy indoor soccer or a game of baseball, sign up to become a team player so you always have a few intensive workouts penciled into your weekly calendar. Playing sports is also much more fun than clocking in hours on an elliptical trainer or treadmill; pack up a duffel bag, get outside, socialize with friends and show off your skills with a fun and competitive activity!

Train for a Race
If you're a fan of running, speed walking or biking, make a commitment with a local charity or organization to raise money through a sponsored race. Races take place throughout the year, so you'll always have something to work toward. The event can become your New Year's resolution and will keep you motivated to get in shape.

This holiday season, there's a lot to be stressed about. Every year, the chaos surrounding the holidays leaves people feeling frazzled and fatigued. And this year, there are many other serious stressors that people are facing - job insecurity, financial woes and a slipping, unstable economy. Unfortunately, there is no stress-reduction method that will make these stressful situations go away. In addition to taking steps to reduce your overall stress (like working out and getting enough rest), there is another, more important factor. This year, more than ever, it's all about attitude.

Everyone has heard the following inspirational advice: "Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." While it sounds cliché, taking that advice is probably the best thing you can do to reduce your stress levels and improve your life. When the world seems to be spinning out of control -- you don't have enough money to get all of the presents you want to buy, or you're afraid your job will disappear after the holidays -- ask yourself what you can and cannot control. You may not have all of the money you want to buy presents, but you can budget the money you have and put extra thought into your gifts. And you can't control whether or not your company is planning cutbacks, but you can make sure your work is commendable and save a little of your pay check just in case. By concentrating on the things you can control and letting go of the things you can't, you not only reduce your stress but improve your life in countless ways.

The next time life throws you a curveball, ask yourself - what is it in my power to do right now? And then commit to what you can do and do it. It will give you a feeling of power and control over a seemingly crazy situation. This year, serenity, courage and wisdom make all the difference.