Chris Freytag

“I’m a fitness addict!" says Chris. "I’ve been one since I was young. Movement makes me happy!" Chris’ high energy and approachable personality has helped her build a reputation as a nationally recognized fitness expert. Chris holds a BA in Journalism and is a certified Group Fitness Instructor, Personal Trainer and Lifestyle and Weight Management consultant. She has written several books including Move to Lose and Shortcuts to Big Weight Loss, has created more than a dozen fitness DVDs, and is a board member of the American Council on Exercise. Chris is also a resident columnist for Prevention magazine and a consultant for SPRI fitness. Still, most important in her life is her family — her husband and three active teenagers! “I believe staying healthy is a way of living," she says, "and I am dedicated to motivating others to achieve a healthier, happy life.” For more about Chris, visit chrisfreytag.com.

What motivates you to exercise? Is it weight loss? A healthy heart? A clear mind? Some jeans hidden in the back corner of your closet? All are viable and helpful motivators for exercise. And the more motivators you have to stay active, the more likely you may be to stick to your routine.

Here’s another motivator to add to your list: save the planet.

“You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do.”     — Eleanor Roosevelt

Numbers on the scale often become the center of focus when trying to determine a healthy weight. Annual exams at the doctor’s office include a weigh in; weight loss centers determine success by a drop in pounds; and there is talk from time to time about Body Mass Index (BMI) in the media, which refers to your “appropriate” weight based on your height.

We typically think of  “swim suit season” as the time of year we all focus on our buns. But I’ve been inundated with booty questions lately, so I thought I’d write about how to firm it up!

The total body conditioning class I teach is always packed — like 70 people. Each participant literally gets about a 3 x 3 foot area to move in, and we use a step platform, hand weights and a resistance band. I had a gal after class today come up to me and say, “We are packed in this room like sardines, but we still get such a great workout.” She’s correct. I often remind the class that we are burning like 600 calories yet barely moving out of our little space — that’s amazing.

Amp up your walks with a set of poles. Taking a lead from cross-country skiing, Nordic walking is about walking with Nordic walking poles. Not only has it been proven to burn more calories, it targets more muscles than regular walking, all while making your workout feel easier.

In the weeks to come and into the fall, there will be many opportunities to participate in various charitable and community run/walks. Go online and you can probably find a race almost any weekend without having to travel too far. Whether it is a local 5K for the community center or a multiple-day walk for a national charity or the city marathon, get those athletic shoes on and join in the fun! There is power in numbers, and nothing is better for your motivation than improving your health and fitness alongside hundreds of other like-minded people.

I get the opportunity to teach both Pilates and yoga every week because it’s my job. But for those of you who don’t have time to attend a class, here are two mini workouts that do double-duty. Not only can they each be done in about 10 minutes, but these workouts will help you get moving in the morning (or anytime you need a little pick-me-up) or help you wind down from a stressful day.

It’s back-to-school season again! Whether or not you are a parent, we can all conjure up those back-to-school feelings. It’s a time that symbolizes a fresh start, a new routine. It’s natural chance to change things up and get creative with your workout — or get back into a healthy routine and set some new goals? And if you have no routine currently, it’s a perfect time to make that leap. Feel the energy in the air to dig in and get going!

Ah, summer — longer days, a less structured lifestyle … NOT. If you’re stressed out by your kids’ summer activities, friends, meals, constant messes and late night hours (I have three teens; I can relate!), you know it’s easy to feel you can’t fit in workouts on top of everything else. But study after study has shown that regular exercise is one of the best things you can do when you’re stressed.