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.

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.