That's Fit

As fabulous as we at That's Fit think this blog is, the truth is there are hundreds of wonderful blogs on healthy living to be seen all over the blogosphere. So in this feature, Fit Links, we'll introduce you to some that have caught our eye.

According to Crabby at Cranky Fitness, you may have a condition known as Bike in the Basement disorder if:

• you are still able to ride a bike,
• you have access to a bike,
• you live in a bike-friendly neighborhood,
• AND
• you still never ride your bike.
  
  

We can't have that, now can we? Especially not since spring has finally arrived and it's the perfect time of the year to get back out on two wheels. So if you're looking for a little motivation, check out these posts about getting back on your bike. You'll be so glad you did.

I didn't even realize I was tired, but this warm, sunny weather has given me such a jolt of energy, I can see now that I was really dragging those last few weeks of winter. In our busy lives, energy can be a limited resource. Between jobs, families, obligations and stress, poor eating and exercise habits, and not enough sleep, it's easy to find yourself run down before your day has run out.

CNN has 10 fresh, new, and interesting ways to boost your energy. If you're finding yourself falling into that 3 P.M. slump or just wish that you had more get-up-and-go, these are some simple tips to try. They include:

• Expose yourself to more natural light sources to reset your natural circadian rhythms.
• Eat more protein.
• Do a good deed.
• Try white tea.
• Try acupuncture or Reiki.
• Turn off your technology.
• Focus on cleaning up your sleep habits.
  
  

Want to learn more? Check out the gallery below for some energy-boosting snack ideas.

Last night, I spent an hour or so with the faces of college football. Now, of course these faces are no longer "in" college. But! They're the ones we turn to week after week to get the scoop on our favorite teams, athletes, and upsets. ESPN College GameDay. is coevering the Orange and Blue game, which is the University of Florida Gator Spring Scrimmage. I know...it's just a scrimmage! But...it is a big deal. A very big deal to the fans, and one of the great symbols that fall football is almost back again. Since I spend a lot of time near the University of Florida, I paid them a visit for some Celebrity Fitzness Report interviews.

When I arrived, sports analyst Kirk Herbstreit and side-line reporter Erin Andrews were working out, running up and down the bleachers in the Swamp (the Gator Stadium). Maybe they knew a fitness trainer would be popping in to check on them, but probably not. They were just wisely using their short break time to squeeze in a great workout. I was kind of sad not to have been in workout clothes myself though. It would have been fun to interview them on the go! Maybe next time they're in town we'll do that.

Curious to know how celebrities squeeze fitness into their daily lives? Want to know the secrets of the stars? Bi-weekly our That's Fit fitness expert Fitz sits down with the celebs we want to know more about, and digs out their great and not-so-great methods to staying healthy.

This week I went back to talk with one of my favorite past guests, Mr. Colin Egglesfield. (To view Colin's in-depth interview click here.) Spring is here, summer is coming and this All My Children star has the most perfectly fit body one could wish for. We all want to know how celebrities earn their great bodies, and Colin was sweet enough to share his tips for preparing for swimsuit season. These tips are exactly as our favorite Calvin Klein underwear model gave them to me. So play close attention, follow his advice, and prepare to strut your stuff this summer!

• Run! You can do all the weight training in the world, but nothing burns off that winter weight better than a good 30-45 run at least three times a week. I like to start out doing about 30min and then gradually work up to an hour over the course of a few weeks as I start to get my stamina back. I love to run outside by myself with my headphones and some great music on my iPod and just go! It's my time to be alone with my thoughts, and anything that might be on my mind always seems to be a lot clearer after a good run.

Every season brings with it new trends and styles, and changing up your wardrobe is a great way to welcome in the new season. However, one thing I find myself telling people again and again is that no matter how hot a trend is, if it doesn't work for you, don't spend your money on it.

And so, I'm here to walk you through some of this season's trends but also tell you how women of different shapes and sizes might want to incorporate those into their wardrobes.

I did a ton of yard work last weekend. Layed out a lasagna-style garden plot, mowed the grass, planted some pansies and cleaned off the patio furniture so I could relax and admire my handy work.

My back hurt, but my head felt great. The mental benefits of being outside and getting your body moving have always been crucial for me. Winter is tough for that reason. Combating stress during colder months means hot tea, hot baths and exercise in a gym. And the affect wears thin after a while. So, for me, spring's arrival doesn't just mean warmer temperatures feeling good on my skin and enjoying the sight and smell of flowers.

The vitamin D and work in the yard make for huge stress relievers. If you haven't tried it, get out and garden. It may work for you too. Just keep the muscle rub and ibuprofen handy.

Spring is here! Spring is here! If you live in the north, then you know what a wicked winter this has been. Snow is awesome, I'm not complaining, but to be able to walk outside without several layers of clothing and outerwear on feels like freedom to me.

If the weather is improving in your area, then it's time to take your workout outside (if that's what you like to do). Keep in mind, though, that outdoor workouts are more difficult that those that happen on a treadmill or elliptical trainer. Watch for icy patches and broken sidewalks, and take your time on hills and rugged terrain until your body adjusts to your spring workout schedule.

Speaking of spring workouts, FitList has one for you to try -- check it out!

My son played basketball this winter, but there was a month or so lag time before baseball tryouts. Practices are starting next week and we're both looking forward to it. He really enjoys organized sports. But family-based activities are important too. Spring is a great time to shed those winter blues and get the whole family outside and moving. Try these ideas:

• Visit a nearby pitch and kick a soccer ball around
• Play a game of catch in the backyard
• Teach your kids jump rope songs or try out some fancy double-dutch footwork
• Go for a family walk after dinner
• Ride bikes along a rail trail
• Hike on a wooded path
• Go to the beach and explore, play a game of Frisbee, or swim (if weather permits)
• Shoot a game of HORSE or Around the World at a nearby basketball hoop
• Visit the park and play on the equipment with your kids.

Being active as a family sets a wonderful example of physical activity for your kids. It also creates more quality time with your family -- developing stronger bodies while developing a stronger bond.

Spring is here and I, for one, am glad. I mentioned to my mother the other day that I had bought a box of individually flash-frozen asparagus spears and they were really good. I told her I'd pick a box up for her. Her reply was "They sound great... but I'll buy fresh for now." And she's right! Asparagus is just one of the delicious, healthy foods that abound in spring. Depending on where you live, other delicious seasonal treats include Swiss chard, peas, strawberries, rhubarb, avocado, watermelon, apricots, spinach, Romaine lettuce, and basil.

Buying food in season not only ensures you're getting the freshest produce available, it's also good for the environment. Buying local food supports the farmers in your own community and reduces the distance food has to travel from the farm to your plate. Visit a farmer's market this spring and see what produce is in season!

They had a segment on Daffodil Days on my local news this morning. I had never heard of daffodil days before, but as this long winter drags on and on any sign of spring is welcome. I know I can't wait to see the daffodils poking up in my garden. They're a sign of spring, renewal, and change.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) holds an annual fundraiser called Daffodil Days. Every donor receives daffodils as a thank you and as a sign of hope. In the past 13 years, Daffodil Days has raised more than $200 million for the ACS.

To learn more about Daffodil Days in your community, contact your local office or call 1-800-ACS-2345. You can also check this map to find Daffodil Days programs near you.

Who says St. Patrick's Day has to be a day devoted to green beer and corned beef and cabbage? There's no reason you can't bring some exercise into the mix, especially if you live near Merrimack Valley in Massachusetts. A new race series has been introduced (and I'm sorry, we've already missed the first one) -- The Wild Rover Irish Series.

The series takes place on three Sundays, beginning last Sunday on February 24, and runs along "The Emerald Necklace of Merrimack Valley." The first race is three miles, the second is four miles, and the last race is five. However, the point of these races isn't get the best time -- it's to have the best time. After all, the idea for this was spawned in an Irish pub -- how serious can it be?

Parties will be held after each race (and possibly before, and during), and you know a good party always make it a little easier to push toward the finish line. It sounds like a great way to have fun training for spring races!

If you're interested in registering, check out the website.

The fitness equipment, apparel and boxing giant Everlast was so impressed with our That's Fit Fitzness Fiends that they're ready to start rewarding people. Not only am I, your loving online fitness trainer, proud of you all, but Everlast is proud of you too!

For the next two months (at minimum), Everlast will be rewarding an Everlast Fitzness Fiend of the Week with one of their hot new tank tops from their Spring collection. They're absolutely gorgeous, totally comfy, and of ridiculously high quality.

I'm thrilled with the grand response from those of you who've already participated as a Fiend, and even more excited to meet the rest of you!Presents aside, the Fitzness Fiend feature is a great way to share much that you've learned on your way to becoming more fit. We've all ventured down so many paths to better health, it'd be a sin not to share our secrets and successes with others!

Congratulations to our Everlast Fitzness Fiend of the Week, Laurie! Laurie has lost an amazing 104 pounds! Because of her efforts, Everlast is dying to reward her with one of their beautiful ribbed tank tops from their Spring Collection to keep her looking gorgeous while she takes her fitness training even further. Can you imagine how amazing it would feel to have lost a whopping 100 pounds (and more)? It must have taken lots of sweat, lots of focus at meal time, and lots of perseverance when she hit plateaus. I'm so proud, Laurie! Hooray for you!

Maybe you'd like to win a smokin' tank from the Big E too? Wouldn't it be nice to be rewarded for your efforts every now and then? I think you should be. I think you should be my next Everlast Fitzness Fiend of the Week! ....

The fitness equipment, apparel and boxing giant Everlast was so impressed with our That's Fit Fitzness Fiends that they're ready to start rewarding people. Not only am I, your loving online fitness trainer, proud of you all, but Everlast is proud of you too!

For the next two months (at minimum), Everlast will be rewarding an Everlast Fitzness Fiend of the Week with one of their hot new tank tops from their Spring collection. They're absolutely gorgeous, totally comfy, and of ridiculously high quality.

I'm thrilled with the grand response from those of you who've already participated as a Fiend, and even more excited to meet the rest of you!Presents aside, the Fitzness Fiend feature is a great way to share much that you've learned on your way to becoming more fit. We've all ventured down so many paths to better health, it'd be a sin not to share our secrets and successes with others!

Are all waters created equal? I think not. While they're elementally the same, it's widely believed that there's a difference between the different tap bottled, spring and nutrient-infused waters. Which one is the best, and should you be spending money to get it? Glee Magazine has rated several aquas, including those coming from in-home filters, those coming out of bottles and those with added pizazz. The winners are:

• Brita and PUR water filtration systems, which are eco-friendly because you don't waste all those water bottles -- you just make it at home!
• Iceland Spring and LeBleu waters won the taste test for plain bottled waters
• San Pellegrino won the taste test for flavoured or carbonated waters

What's your favourite water? I guess I'm a bit of a simple sally -- I stick to drinking just plain old tap water.