October 18, 2025

Do you inspire health and fitness? Thank You! By Nicole Bryan

To Those Who Inspire Fitness- Thank You!

Some days we are unable to do it for ourselves, but a few simple words of encouragement from someone else (sometimes even a stranger) can give us the energy to keep moving forward in our fitness journey. You never know who you will inspire and those that have inspired you may never know of their impact- here’s your opportunity, and your challenge for the week:

Everyone likes to hear a “THANK YOU- you have made a difference in my life.” A simple word, email, text of “thanks for your fitness/healthy living encouragement, it made a difference for me” just may make their day or week, or even their year. Show gratitude to those who have inspired your fitness and healthy living by paying it forward and passing along your motivation to inspire others. Consider these acts of generosity, just to name a few:

Tell them! Say thank you directly. Give a shout out to your training buddies next time one of them paces your run or thank your boss for offering a corporate wellness program, for example.

Share with them your current activity. Email them a recent race photo, they’ll love it! Let them know you’ve kept it up.

Recommit to your initial goal. Everyone falls off their fitness program every so often, use the energy of how they encouraged you and recommit. No one is perfect and no one can be 100% motivated, 100% of the time. Take one step today to get going again.

Donate equipment you’re no longer using to inspire kids and fitness. Requirements and guidelines vary from district to district so your best bet is to call your local junior high and high school directly. Ask if they’ll accept used gym and fitness equipment.

Offering a Thank You to your fitness mentor never goes out of style! Acknowledge your gratitude and pay your fitness-motivation forward- Who can YOU encourage? If you know someone struggling with their workout goals, offer a few words of encouragement or motivation.

Workout Consistency= Fitness Results!

Your health is cumulative. One workout will not make or break your fitness! The key is to be consistent, that’s where results happen. So how do you stay consistently interested in your exercise program? Find others who share your successes and challenges of balancing life responsibilities with exercise, find workout accountability to stay on pace, find others who can offer you a “you can do it!” when needed, find gear tips to make your journey more comfortable, find motivation through hearing from others excited to reach their goals.

You’ll find all of this and more at #HealthyWayMag Fitness Chat every Monday at 5pm(Pacific)/8pm(Eastern) on Twitter. JOIN US to super-charge your workout motivation!

Here’s how to join:

Log onto your Twitter account and follow @HealthyWayMag to view the chat questions. Questions for discussion will be posted as Question 1, “Q1″, Question 2, “Q2″ and so on. Offer your opinion and experience via answers to Question 1 noted as “A1″, designating your answer to Question 2 as “A2″ and so on. Consider our weekly fitness chat as your virtual fitness-club meeting! You’ll chat with others who share your passion for healthy living!

 

Monday November 9, 2015 #HealthyWayMag Fitness Chat Sponsored by AthLights:

AthLights makes safety for outdoor exercisers easy with their personal LED lighting system. They boast the world’s smallest, lightest, safety light for runners, bikers, hikers, walkers and every athlete. Simply clip the light anywhere on your clothing and you’re good to go. The new and improved, even stronger magnetic back is visible for up to 600 feet away. And as a bonus, each set comes with replaceable 40-hour batteries. Purchase yours for $9.99 +shipping and handling, and exercise outdoors with peace of mind. AthLights makes a great gift for the athlete in your life! Email info@athlights.com for group discounts.

Be your BEST!

You work hard for your fitness! Every workout yields a stronger, healthier and more determined you. Be your BEST fit-self with #HealthyWayMag Fitness Chat every Monday 5pm(Pacific)/8pm(Eastern) on Twitter!

 

Here’s how it works:
Log onto your Twitter account and follow @HealthyWayMag to view the chat questions. Questions for discussion will be posted as Question 1, “Q1″, Question 2, “Q2″ and so on. Contribute your answer and experience via answers to Question 1 noted as “A1″, designating your answer to Question 2 as “A2″ and so on. Consider our weekly fitness chat as your virtual fitness-club meeting! You’ll chat with other fitness enthusiasts, exchange workout tips and ideas, share your challenges and solutions, and offer accountability and motivation!

 

Monday October 26, 2015 #HealthyWayMag Fitness Chat Giveaway from Bibs2Bags:
What do you do with your race bibs? Meet Bibs2Bags! Let’s face it, throwing out old race bibs can be painful as each represents a different experience in your fitness and healthy living journey. Now you don’t have to! Commemorate your race bibs into a fun and useful bag. Check out their Custom Crafted Bags made from your running and racing memorabilia.  Upcycle, Repurpose, and Show off Your Accomplishments! Follow them on Twitter @Bibs2Bags for more info!

Get Creative with your Fitness!

Where there’s a will, there IS a way! This rule also applies to your fitness. With a little creativity, your exercise can be FUN, effective and challenging. Pick up workout ideas and inspiration every Monday with #HealthyWayMag Fitness Chat on Twitter!

Join #HealthyWayMag Fitness Chat this Monday 5pm(Pacific)/8pm(Eastern) on Twitter!
 

Here’s how it works:

Log onto your Twitter account and follow @HealthyWayMag to view the chat questions. Questions for discussion will be posted as Question 1, “Q1″, Question 2, “Q2″ and so on. Contribute your answer and experience via answers to Question 1 noted as “A1″, designating your answer to Question 2 as “A2″ and so on. Consider our weekly fitness chat as your virtual fitness-club meeting! You’ll chat with other fitness enthusiasts, exchange workout tips and ideas, share your challenges and solutions, and offer accountability and motivation!

 

Monday October 12, 2015 #HealthyWayMag Fitness Chat is Sponsored by Jumpropeia:

Jumpropeia boasts handcrafted jump ropes made using 100% acrylic yarn. Jumping rope is one of the most efficient exercises for your cardiovascular and muscular systems, so if you’re short on time, this mode of exercise is for you! Jump ropes are portable, economical, challenging and fun. Jump ropes also make great party favors for kids, as well as gifts for the active adults in your life.  Create your handmade custom jump rope today with colors and length of your choosing at www.jumpropeia.com! Be sure to follow them on Twitter @Jumpropeia for updates on new products. Check out their best-seller, Tie Dye Jump Rope! Go ahead, put the FUN back in your fitness with Jumpropeia!

How’s your Mental Fitness? By Jennifer Austin

Fitness is not only about the body, but the mind as well. Try a few of these mental fitness moves to boost inspiration and motivation.

Race! That’s right, compete! For some reason, as adults we sometimes think we can’t or shouldn’t be competitive or admit wanting to win. However, striving to be the best or wanting to place in your age group, paying attention to time splits and wanting to pass others on the course is perfectly acceptable in athletic competition. Go ahead; keep time on a stop watch, push hard, announce wanting to finish first or set a personal record!  Bringing some friendly competition into your exercise routine will peak interest and involvement as you’ll be less likely to miss a workout when your ego is on the line.

Hone leadership skills. Why not send an evite to your friends, family or co-workers inviting them to a specific location each week for an outing such as a beach walk or neighborhood bike ride. If you’re the leader, organizer or point person for the group, you’ll be guaranteed to show up! With a meager 15-20 minute time investment each week, you could send fun fitness email tips to club members every so often, send links to healthy recipes, offering fun home-made prizes for the most improved or most consistent participant each season or year will also maintain interest. Have some fun, keep it light hearted and on task. Host a wrap up pot luck at the park once a quarter or once a year, invite spouses and others to expand the group. The momentum that builds toward wellness will keep the group (and you) on track, as well as setting new fitness goals.

Take in a change of scenery. For example, pack your bike and heading to a neighboring town or city for your regular Saturday ride will eliminate exercise staleness. Carpooling with friends to a different area of town for our long run is also a fun option to mix up the mundane same old running route. Conduct a search online for information pertaining to the specific activity, including roads, and safety notes, then invite some friends and embark on a fitness focused road-trip. Having to refer to a map or notes on the new area, along with new and different scenery will keep you engaged and interested.

Reach YOUR Fitness Goals!

Want to reach your fitness goals?

Find support on your journey with #HealthyWayMag Fitness Chat every Monday at 5pm(Pacific)/8pm(Eastern). Pick up fitness ideas, accountability, tips and motivation! Motivation equals RESULTS!

Here’s how to join:


Log onto your Twitter account and follow @HealthyWayMag to see the chat questions. Questions for discussion will be posted as Question 1, “Q1″, Question 2, “Q2″ and so on. Contribute your answer and experience via answers to Question 1 noted as “A1″, designating your answer to Question 2 as “A2″ and so on.

Interact with others, chat, exchange ideas, training tips and have fun!

 

Monday September 14, 2015 #HealthyWayMag Fitness Chat Sponsored by Inspired Endurance:

Celebrate your fitness with high quality jewelry and accessories from Inspired Endurance! Bracelets, necklaces, charms and custom designed beads is what you’ll find to commemorate your accomplishments and love of your sport. Through their unique jewelry designs, they are encouraging and inspiring athletes of all kinds to continue with passion and achieve their goals. Specializing in running and triathlon jewelry, and highlighting race distances from 5K to Ultra, there truly is something for everyone! For more information follow them on Twitter, and to browse available jewelry, please visit InspiredEndurance.com.

Be a Beginner…Again by Nicole Bryan

In a workout slump? One of the best ways to increase motivation is to try a new activity. For many, merely the thought of being the new kid in class conjures up uncomfortable feelings and images of being lost or not performing correctly. However, as adults, we are in charge of how we can approach a new activity with confidence, humility and yes, even a sense of humor.

If you’ve been in the fitness world for a while, you may have forgotten what it feels like to be a beginner. Consider it! You may even find a new sport, workout or physical activity to love. If you’ve been thinking of trying a new exercise, make TODAY the day you become a beginner, yet again. Go ahead, get comfortable with being uncomfortable. I dare you!

Here’s how to make being a beginner a little less scary:

Talk to friends. Actually, talk to everyone and anyone you know who has participated in the activity you are considering. As them what they like and don’t like about the activity. Ask them what location, instructor, gear and technique they recommend. Also, ask what initial fitness capabilities are required.

Google it. Let’s face it, we’re no longer in a not-knowing age of technology. Simply do a search online. Play connect-the-dots with the information you find, and see where it leads you.

Request a guest pass. If you’re unsure if you’ll like the activity, save some money up front by asking for a guest pass. Many facilities and even instructors allow a first-visit-free opportunity. You’ll never know if there are discounts or free trials available unless you ask!

Try and try again. Instead of discounting the new activity right off the bat after a unpleasant experience, give it at least three attempts on three different days. Sometimes it’s a matter of finding a the right fit of location, instructor personality or class participants.

Learning takes time! You didn’t just walk on to the tennis court the first time and score an ace, so why would you expect to instantly master the skills needed during your first try? Learning is half the fun after all! Cut yourself a break, and remind yourself that learning a new activity takes time.

Get Extra Credit from your Walking Workout by Nicole Bryan

Looking to increase the intensity of your walking workout? Add in a few extra credit moves to burn additional calories. (Always consult your doctor before beginning exercise. The following is for those without injury or illness concerns.)

Walking Lunges. At the end of your walk, perform one to three sets of walking lunges. Step forward about three feet with your right foot. Bend your left knee and lower it about twelve inches toward the floor; bend your right knee so it is directly over your right ankle. Then transfer your weight forward onto your right foot, lift your left foot and swing your left foot to the center, then forward about three feet. Bend your right knee and lower it about twelve inches toward the floor; bend your left knee so it is directly over your ankle. Repeat ten times. For more of a challenge, increase the range of motion of lowering the knee towards the floor. Lower down until your knee is about two inches off the floor.

Standing Calf Raises. At the end of your walk, perform one to three sets of calf raises. Stand facing the curb or a step. Hang your heels off the curb. Lift and lower your heels. Perform ten to fifteen repetitions. For more of a challenge, place both arms across your chest when lifting and lowering your heels. Doing so will add a balance challenge into your calf raises.

Wall Squats. At various intervals during your walk, find a place to perform a wall squat hold. Position your feet about three-feet away from the wall and lean with your back against a wall or secure post. Slide your body down the wall until your thighs are parallel to the floor, keeping your knees directly over your ankles. Hold this position for ten to thirty seconds. Perform two to three sets back to back with thirty seconds rest in between holds. For more of a challenge, while in the wall squat position, keep your torso upright and still and lift your right foot about six inches off the ground and hold for ten to thirty seconds. Return your right foot to the floor and then lift your left foot about six inches off the ground for a hold of ten to thirty seconds. Perform two to three sets with each foot.

Walking Pick ups. Choose different landmarks on your route, or at specific time or mileage intervals do a quick pick-up of your walking pace for two to three minutes. During the pick up interval, shorten your stride, focus on the turnover of your legs, and move your arms. For more of a challenge, decrease the rest time in between intervals to thirty seconds of walking. Then go right back into another pick up interval.

Jogging Intervals. At each mile, do a short thirty second to two minute jogging interval. Extend the duration of your intervals to increase the intensity of your workout.

Stair climb. Find a flight of stairs on your walking route and do a few quick intervals up and down. To ramp up intensity, take the steps two at a time on the ascent and jog the descent.

 

*Disclaimer: Result may vary from person to person.

 

At-Your-Office Stretching by Jennifer Austin

If you’re sitting at your desk all day and find that neck, back and leg aches are a part of your every day, there is a solution. Combining range of motion, stretching and deep breathing will reduce muscle tension, as well as release stress. Use each series below as your check list and simply follow as outlined moving from one exercise to the next. Stretching and range of motion exercises should never be painful. Ease into each exercise and start slowly. The following stretch and range of motion exercises are for those without injury or illness concerns. Consult your physician before beginning exercises.

To decrease low back tension:
Lift both heels 10 times. Lift your toes 10 times. Circle your right ankle 10 times. Then circle your left ankle 10 times. Extend and bend your right knee 5 times, extend and bend your left knee 5 times. Lift and lower your knees as in seated marching 10 times total. Keeping your torso upright, inhale and cross your right ankle over your left knee. Exhale and pull your right knee in toward your chest and hold for 10 seconds. Release this stretch. Inhale and place your left ankle over your right knee. Exhale and pull your left knee in toward your chest and hold for 10 seconds. Release. Inhale and lift your right knee straight up toward your chest. Exhale and hold for 10 seconds. Release your right knee back down to the floor. Inhale while pulling your left knee up toward your chest. Exhale and hold this position for 10 seconds. Release this stretch. Drop your chin to your chest and place both hands in your lap. Next inhale and “walk” your hands down your legs toward the floor. Exhale and “walk” your hands back up your legs to your lap to return to your seated upright position with your shoulders down and back.

To ease neck tension:
Inhale and shrug both shoulders up. Exhale and slowly pull your shoulders down and back. Repeat 5 times. Circle both wrists 5 times each direction. Inhale and reach both arms straight up overhead. Exhale and lean to the right, then lean to the left. Repeat 5 times. Inhale and lace your fingers behind your head. Exhale and pull your shoulders down and your elbows wide. Hold for 10 seconds. Release and lower your arms. Keeping your torso upright, inhale and drop your chin down toward your chest. Exhale and reach both arms out wide to the side of your body. Release your arms to the side of your body. Inhale pinch your shoulder blades together, exhale and release; repeat 5 times. Inhale and drop your right ear toward your right shoulder. Exhale and drop your left ear to your left shoulder. Inhale and lace your fingers behind your body, pinch your shoulder blades together and extend your arms. Exhale and push your hands toward the floor; hold for 10 seconds.
 

Are you having FUN?

YES, your fitness should be FUN!

Laugh, run, play, act silly. Why? Because it’s FUN and having fun is motivating! If you’re not enjoying your workout (at least most of the time), change it!

Put the FUN back in your workouts: Join #HealthyWayMag Fitness Chat on Twitter every Monday at 5pm(Pacific)/8pm(Eastern)!

Simply log onto your Twitter account and follow @HealthyWayMag to participate. Questions for discussion will be posted as Question 1, “Q1″, Question 2, “Q2″ and so on. Contribute your answer and experience via answers to Question 1 noted as “A1″, answer to Question 2 as “A2″ and so on.

Interact with others, chat, exchange ideas, training tips and have fun!

 

Monday August 17, 2015 #HealthyWayMag Fitness Chat Sponsored by Swagtastic Virtual Race:

A virtual race is an organized event held online. The benefits? Participants can join in from all over the country, and you race on your own time and schedule. Join Swagtastic Virtual Race and run or walk to benefit Medals4Mettle, and you’ll receive a swag bag filled with over 20 health, fitness and endurance products! Choose from 5K, 10K, half marathon or marathon and complete your miles between October 9, 2015 and October 12, 2015. Self-track your time and your miles. Virtual races are a great way to connect with fellow fitness enthusiasts, put a goal to your workouts and support a non-profit group all at the same time. Join in the fun on Twitter, @SwagtasticRace. Registration is OPEN!