Chris Freytag

Chris Freytag is a health and fitness expert, author and speaker. She has been teaching fitness classes and personal training for over 20 years. She is a contributing editor for Prevention Magazine; the fitness contributor for the NBC affiliate in Minneapolis; and Chairman of the Board of Directors for the American Council on Exercise. Chris has authored 5 books; has created dozens of fitness DVD’s; and sells her signature line of healthy kitchen and fitness products on QVC. Connect with Chris atwww.chrisfreytag.com www.Facebook.com/ChrisFreytagpageor on Twitter @ChrisFreytag

When the world says, “Give up,” Hope whispers, “Try it one more time.” ~Author Unknown

Hope is having positivity, belief and faith — in yourself. Hope is perseverance, because it doesn’t give up. With a little practice, you can make hope a habit. Not only will you improve your health and fitness, but you also will improve your life.

Last week I wrote about keeping your gym membership and focusing on the gym amenities you really use. But if getting to the gym isn’t working for you, I suggest stocking your home with a few well-chosen pieces of exercise gear to help you start or maintain a consistent fitness regimen. Having your own gear handy puts you in control. It saves you time, since you never have to drive to and from the health club. It gives you a weatherproof alternative to outdoor activities like walking or biking. And it lets you squeeze in exercise in the morning before the kids wake up or in the evening while you’re watching your favorite TV show.

Planning and scheduling time with those you love is obviously crucial to maintaining a healthy and happy relationship. We are all so busy these days that it’s always a good idea to schedule time to reconnect.

If you’re like most people, your dates/special times are based on “calories consumed,” whether that means eating at a new restaurant, getting snacks at a movie, meeting for a fancy coffee or a glass of wine after work. These things can be great ideas for spending time together but once in a while why not try  looking at the opportunity to be with those you love a little differently?

Plan your time with loved ones based on “calories burned.” What I mean is to pick activities to do together that are focused on being active and expending calories.

If you’re trying to add more activity and movement to your life, one place to look for inspiration is your children. When we were kids, we never said, “I have to go exercise.” We just wanted to play and move. Here are four things about being active and healthy that you can learn from kids:

One of the biggest complaints I hear from people is that they just don’t have enough time to do their strength workout. Believe me, with three kids, a full-time job and a hectic travel schedule, I know that time is a commodity. In addition, another typical and frequent complaint is lack of equipment either at home or at the office.

Summer is finally here! Warmer weather, longer days and relaxed schedules; it’s no wonder it’s a favorite time of the year for many, including myself. However, don’t let summertime throw your healthy lifestyle into a tailspin. I hear people say they plan to “get more exercise” and “get outside” … but talk is cheap.

The best physical results come when you take care of the whole person — mind, body and spirit! You could say I am a big fan of anything that will help change your mood and attitude, like affirmations, meditation and, yes, flowers too. In Minnesota, where things have been pretty drab and covered with snow for months, it is mood-changing to see all the flowers and foliage blooming.

The weather is warming up, the days are getting longer, and the idea of schedules freeing up is around the corner. This is the time of year when we venture out of the gym after months of staring at the same treadmills and elliptical trainers. There are tons of fun and exciting activities to take part in as the weather changes that burn calories and tone your muscles. Swimming, cycling, hiking, running, tennis, golf, basketball, softball, volleyball, canoeing, kayaking … the list is endless. The key is to find activities you enjoy so that you will keep moving!

The most overlooked and arguably the most important word in health is “balance.” Why? Because this one word says it all! We spend our entire lives trying to keep things in balance, whether it’s our checkbook, our diet or our time management. Then as we age, we need to literally improve our physical balance to keep on doing the things we like to do.

We have our first outdoor baseball park in Minneapolis this year (Go Twins!) so the city is abuzz about this year’s season. This year’s weeks of spring training was the highlight of most our newscasts. All the buzz got me thinking that baseball players aren’t the only ones who could use a little “spring training.” The winter season causes many of us to fall into a rut with our fitness routines. Now that the weather is clearing up around the country, people are getting outside more. And as you shed your winter wardrobe of bulky clothes, you may be in need of shedding some of those bulky pounds.