Bikram Yoga

Bikram yoga, more commonly called “hot yoga”, continues to gain popularity around the country. Originally developed in 1974 by Bikram Choudhury, a yoga master from India, Bikram yoga is a series of 26 unique poses combined with special breathing exercises performed during a 90 minute class. The main difference between this and other forms of yoga is that this style takes place in a yoga studio with a special heated room.

Bikram yoga provides all the benefits of traditional yoga like increased flexibility, decreased stress and weight loss support, plus the advantage of the heat. The heat warms your muscles, increasing your range of motion and helping to prevent injury. It also promotes greater circulation and causes you to sweat, which has great a “detoxifying” effect.

If you are interested in giving this type of yoga a try, here are a few important guidelines to get you started:

1. Make sure the yoga studio you choose is certified to teach Bikram yoga.
2. You will be sweating A LOT, so it’s very important to drink adequate amounts of water before, during and after class. Avoid caffeinated beverages and alcohol which promote dehydration.
3. I suggest bringing your own yoga mat and towels to class.
4. As a general rule you should not have anything to eat for 2 hours prior to class. If you are going to a morning class, make sure you eat something 2 hours before class so you’re not working on a completely empty stomach.
5. If you are pregnant or new to yoga, I would not suggest this type of yoga.

Keep in mind that you should talk with your physician and research the practice before starting any new form of exercise. Bikram yoga can be a great addition to your workout routine! To learn more or to find a studio near you check out these online resources:

Bikram Hot Yoga Class Finder

everythingyoga.com

- Lauren

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30 Minute Workout

The days of the 30 minute workout fitness centers seem to be coming to an end. Many fitness centers that offer only a 30 minute circuit are closing. But this doesn’t mean the 30 minute workout is dead! On the days that I only have 30 minutes to exercise I still get a great workout. It’s not always about the amount of time you spend, but the quality and type of exercise you do.

There are a few ways to get a great workout in 30 minutes. Every minute is important! There are two ways that I usually recommend people spend their 30 minutes. I often recommend a mixture of cardiovascular exercise and strength training. Start with the treadmill, bike, elliptical or any other cardio exercise you like. The intensity of the exercise is important. You should be able to talk during the exercise, but feel slightly out of breath. Spend about 15 minutes on your cardio. When you are finished, you should be sweating and a little out of breath.

Now move on to your strength training. You can use weight machines, free weights, resistance bands or even your own body weight to strength train. Try to do some upper body and some lower body training for a good balance. Don’t forget to leave two to three minutes at the end for a great stretch.

Here is a sample workout: Start with 15 minutes on the treadmill at a challenging pace (you should still be able to talk, but feel slightly out of breath). Next move to some upper body exercises. Try for three sets of 10-12 reps for each exercise. For the lower body try squats, lunges and plies. You can do 20 reps of each and then repeat two more times. Stretch a little at the end and you are ready to go!

If you have a day where you only have 30 minutes and you want to spend it all on cardiovascular training, I usually recommend interval training. This type of training is great for the heart and can rev up your metabolism. You can do it one of two ways. If you are doing all of your exercise on one machine like the treadmill, you can vary your intensity. Start walking at a pace that is a little challenging for 3 minutes, then go up to a challenging pace for 3 minutes, then a very challenging pace for 3 minutes and then repeat the pattern four times with a little cool down at the end. Another option is to use various types of cardiovascular exercise in your 30 minutes. You can start on a stationary bike for 5 minutes, then do the treadmill for five minutes, then an elliptical for 5 minutes and repeat the pattern one more time. If you are at home you can walk for 5 minutes, jump rope for 5 minutes, do jumping jacks or skiing for 5 minutes and then repeat. Remember to keep the intensity up and to do your strength training another day.

The 30 minute workout is alive and well! Don’t let yourself use the excuse that you only have 30 minutes anymore. Use your time wisely and you can get a great workout. On the days that you have more time, you can do more cardiovascular exercise as it is recommended on most days by the American Heart Association. Do the best you can to workout every day and you will be feeling and looking great!

- Jennifer

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The Flat Abs Frenzy

Lately, it seems like everyone’s goal in life is to have flat abs. Everywhere I look there are videos, classes, equipment and diets aimed at flattening your abs. As a dietitian and a personal trainer, I must see 10 people per week who are looking to lose weight or tone up so that they too can have flat abs. I don’t remember this being so important a few years ago.

It’s actually quite difficult to achieve six pack abs. It’s definitely not as easy as the infomercials and fad diets claim! I should know. I finally have flat abs again after my second baby and she will be one year old in a few weeks. I am still not even close to having a six pack, but I’ll settle for the flat abs. There are many reasons why it’s so hard to achieve the elusive flat abs. Everything from genetics to diet to the type of exercise you do plays a role. Below are my tips for achieving flat abs. Hope they help you in your quest for flat abs and save you some time and money on the next ‘new thing’ to flatten your abs.

Your diet plays a HUGE role in the state or your abs!!! Even if you work out and tone your abs, a poor diet can prevent you from having flat abs.

• As always, limit simple carbohydrates. All those sugary snacks add up quickly and contribute to fat around your stomach. Try complex carbohydrates like whole grain breads, brown rice or oatmeal. Fruits and vegetables are also a great choice because they are full of fiber and water. The fiber will keep you feeling full and can help keep your digestion regular, which can limit bloating.
• Speaking of water, try to take in about 6-8 glasses a day. Water will keep you hydrated and feeling full. Dehydration can lead people to believe they are hungry and therefore eat too much. Water will also flush out sodium which can cause bloating. Limit sodium in your foods.
• Lastly, eat light at night. If most of your activity takes place during the day, eat about 2/3 of your food during the day. Have a light dinner and a small snack and you should wake up feeling lighter.

Exercise! You definitely have to do cardiovascular exercise if you want flat abs.

• Walking, aerobics, biking, etc will help burn off belly fat.
• Once you burn the fat off, you need to tone up your abs. Old fashioned crunches are out! Try Pilates for a great core workout. If you don’t like pilates, try any ab exercises on a balance ball or a bosu. You can avoid most of those infomercial videos and equipment. For a great Pilates video try Gaiam. Don’t give up once you start. It can take a while to develop strong abs and to burn off the fat covering those abs.

Reduce your stress. Stress releases a hormone called cortisol which is associated with weight gain. It increases your appetite and can increase fat deposits around your abs. Try not to worry over things you can’t change. To relax you might try yoga. I was never a big fan of yoga until I had two children. Now I love the relaxation involved with yoga as well as the strength workout. Meditation is also great for relaxing. You might find something else to relax you like music or reading. Whatever works for you is fine; just try to reduce your stress to help improve your abs.

- Jennifer

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Fall Into Fitness

So here we are in October and how many of us still have the same 10 pounds to lose that we swore we would lose back in January. Well, I propose that we all step up our exercise this fall to lose that New Year’s Resolution weight before January 2009 rolls around. What better time than the present to Fall Into Fitness!

I don’t know about you, but it’s always easier for me to work out in the fall. The weather is beautiful just about everywhere, all of the summer barbeques and vacations are behind me and most of the gyms have great membership sales in the fall. I can’t think of any reason not to exercise this fall.

If you like exercising outdoors, fall is the perfect time. Aside from the weather being great, there are so many great outdoor activities. For example, the American Heart Association holds its Heart Walk in many states this time of year. The Heart Walk raises money for the fight against heart disease and stroke, which are the number 1 and number 3 leading causes of death in the United States. This is a great way to get some exercise while helping out a good cause. Some upcoming Heart Walks include one on 10/11 in Fresno, CA and one on 10/17 in Panama City Beach, FL. Check to see when a Heart Walk is scheduled in your area.

There are many other great organizations that hold walks and runs during the fall months. Check out the American Diabetes Association or the American Cancer Society for more information. There are so many other outdoor activities that you can do in the fall. Try hiking, nature walks, apple picking, flag football, mountain bike riding or even a game of soccer.

If outdoor activity is not for you, you are in luck. Most big name gyms have great membership deals in the fall. Sales usually slump from October to January so you can get a great a deal on a membership. Look for $0 registration fees or some extras like free personal training sessions or a free massage. Many gyms also change up their aerobic schedules around now because they want to keep members interested who might slip away at this time of year. Check out some new classes like Yogalates, which is a mix of yoga and Pilates, Zumba which is a Latin dance class or Cardio Core which helps you burn calories while tightening up your abs. Many personal trainers will cut deals in the upcoming months because business gets slow before Christmas. If you need some extra motivation, try to work a deal with a trainer and you might be surprised at the results.

If I still haven’t motivated you, why not try thinking outside of the ‘exercise box’. Try learning a new skill like ballroom dancing or karate. You can also try getting the whole family involved. You can go for a walk with the family or take them all to the local ice skating rink for a change. Find something that you will enjoy and that will give you a good workout.

Fall offers a lot of fitness opportunities. Whatever exercise you choose this fall, just do it, before you find yourself making that same old resolution to lose weight come January. Maybe this year you can resolve to organize your closet!!

- Jennifer

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Michael Phelps Eats 12,000 Calories a Day!

I’ve been watching the Olympics a lot over the past few weeks and I don’t know about you, but looking at all those fit bodies really motivates me. I know I don’t have to perform or train like an Olympic athlete, but I definitely know I could be doing better.

There’s been a lot of talk in the news about Michel Phelps and his vigorous “training” regimen (how else would you expect someone to win 8 gold medals at a single Olympics?). I find it amazing the amount of calories he burns during his workouts. But what I find even more intriguing are the discussions about his diet, with reports of him taking in up to 12,000 calories a day during his Olympic performances. His breakfast alone consisted of “three fried-egg sandwiches loaded with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, fried onions and mayonnaise, two cups of coffee, one five-egg omelette, one bowl of grits, three slices of French toast topped with powdered sugar and three chocolate-chip pancakes” according to a story by the Times Online.

As a dietitian I was surprised at first to see that the majority of what he is eating is not exactly what most would consider “healthy”, but then I realized that in order for him to take in that incredible amount of calories in one sitting he had to eat those high-calorie density foods.

It’s unreasonable to compare the training and diet of this amazing athlete to the average person who is trying to get in shape or watch their weight, but I believe there is a very important point to take away from all of this. That physical activity not only helps you look and feel better, but it also allows for some leeway in your diet. If you’re exercising on a regular basis you don’t have to feel so guilty about an over-indulgence or indiscretion because your body is going to be better equipped to “deal” with those extra calories. The only reason Michael Phelps can take in 12,000 calories a day is because he’s burning it off through physical activity.

I’ve said it before and I’m going to say it again. If you’re trying to lose weight or simply want to prevent weight gain then you need to exercise. Get moving! It doesn’t matter what you do or when you do it, Just Do Something. Think about how good you feel after you exercise, I promise you won’t regret it!

- Lauren

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Think Again

Half way through the summer of 2008 desperate parents everywhere are trying to tempt, threaten or tease our kids into spending more time outside, exercising, playing and participating in healthy activities. Yahoo News released figures July 25th showing that the “U.S. sales of videogame hardware, software and accessories through the end of June totaled $8.27 billion.” You try to set a good example, limit TV and video game play time. The kids won’t stop asking for Guitar Hero: World Tour and Rock Band 2, with all the newest “accessories available, like a Fender Stratocaster Controller, and an Ion Drum Rocker.” What’s a parent to do? Scientists say it may just be time to “Think Again.”

A new study, recently released by the Times of London, and heard on the BBC, reports on the physical fitness and stamina of an unlikely athletic hero. “The results of the Clem Burke Drumming Project, a study conducted by scientists at the University of Gloucestershire and the University of Chichester in Britain” followed Blondie’s drummer, rock star Clem Burke on concert tours for 8 years. “The stereotype of a rock drummer may be more party animal than star athlete, but the stamina it takes to play for a concert tour is no joke”, according to the scientists who studied him.

Clem Burke, Blondie’s drummer, “has been participating in the study for eight years, allowing his heart rate, oxygen levels and other statistics to be monitored during his performances”. The BBC reported that his “numbers are comparable to that of athletes, but while they might reach that level once or twice a week, a drummer on tour is likely to do it almost every night.”

Dr. Marcus Smith, lead scientist from University of Chichester’s team, said “For me, as a sports scientist, he is no different than the Olympic athletes I have worked with.” He found that “an hour in concert could burn between 400 and 600 calories. His heart averaged between 140 and 150 beats a minute, peaking at 190, levels comparable to other top athletes.”

“One goal of the research is to help develop programs enticing overweight children not interested in athletics to find alternate ways to stay fit.” Think Again! Go release your inner rock star, find your Mamma Mia. Play with your kids. Send me a video!

- Nancy

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Exercise Pill

It seems you can take a pill for just about anything these days. I cringed as I read the headline “Drug Gives Couch Potato Mice Benefits of a Workout”.

A study published recently in Cell found that inactive mice (yes, mice – not humans) who were given AICAR (the “exercise pill”) for “four weeks burned more calories and had less fat than untreated mice”. They also found that the mice receiving the exercise pill “could run about 44 percent farther and 23 percent longer” on a treadmill test than mice not receiving the pill.

Ron Evans, an author of the study, feels the drug could be beneficial in treating obesity and other metabolic diseases, but “safety in people would have to be assured” first. Although this may seem appealing to some who claim they can’t exercise or maybe who just don’t like to exercise, it’s no replacement! The numerous physical and psychological benefits of exercise including appetite and weight control, cardiovascular conditioning, stress reduction and improved sleep cannot be mimicked by a pill alone.

So get up, get out and JUST DO SOMETHING!

- Lauren

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FREEWHEELIN

Humana, Inc., a leader in the healthcare industry, is sharing their plans for a healthier lifestyle in America. Freewheelin, Humana’s new bike sharing program began almost a year ago at their headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky. Their program was designed "in partnership with Bikes Belong, and bike industry leaders" and modeled after successful programs "In European cities including Paris and Amsterdam to encourage 'green' and congestion free transportation." Humana has designed their free bike sharing program to encourage a healthier life style for the rider as well as for the planet.

"Humana piloted their Freewheelin program by installing bikes and racks for use by employees free of charge. More than 2,500 employees registered for the program."

Humana plans to bring their bike sharing program to Denver, Colorado this August, and to Minneapolis/St. Paul in September. These cities will host the Democratic and Republican National Conventions. Residents, "tens of thousands" of visitors and delegates to the convention might overwhelm a city’s transportation system, but thanks to Humana, an incredible system of 'solar powered' Freewheelin stations have been specially designed to allow "participants to register on the Freewheelin website" in advance, "then borrow bikes for riding to work, doing errands, or a leisurely spin." These bikes "are equipped with trip computers" allowing the user "to automatically track their mileage, personal carbon offset and other health information." Humana just may be nominated for office!

All the Freewheelin stations and 70 of these bikes will remain after the conventions and be donated to the cities by Humana, part of an ongoing program to support carbon emission reduction and support healthy active lifestyles. This will establish a lasting legacy and a start to a permanent bike sharing system in Denver and the Twin Cities.

Humana plans to offer its’ bike sharing systems to "other cities, as well as college and corporate campuses across the country."

"Way to go Humana and Bikes Belong. This is an outstanding idea to spread the concept of bike-sharing around the U.S.. With more bike-sharing proponents around the U.S., the greater the idea will spread and quicker the environment and public health will benefit."

- Nancy

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Just Do Something

I have to admit I’ve been in a complete rut when it comes to exercise lately. It seems I will find any excuse in the book not to get moving. I can’t do yoga at home because the DVD player isn’t hooked up. I can’t go for walk on the beach because it’s going to rain any minute. Snooze button, too hot outside, my hip hurts, I have too many other things to do and the list goes on and on.

So this week I finally decided that enough is enough. I told myself to “JUST DO SOMETHING”! I’ve noticed a big change in my energy level recently. I haven’t been sleeping nearly as well either and I’m convinced my lack of physical activity is the culprit.

Most of us exercise to maintain our weight, but regular physical activity has also been shown to:

• Reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression
  
• Improve sleep
  
• Control appetite and cravings
  
• Improve focus and mental performance
  
• Decrease risk of developing a variety of chronic diseases
  
• Improve libido
  
• Boost self esteem
  
• Decrease stress

And those are just the ones off the top of my head! I’ve completely convinced myself to get back on track just by writing this!

We all need a little motivation sometimes. So let’s give up the ‘all or nothing’ mentality and just do something, ANYTHING! Even a 10 minute walk around the block is better then nothing. Chances are once you get started you won’t want to stop at just 10 minutes. Anyone can find an excuse not to exercise…why don’t you be the one who finds a reason to get moving!

- Lauren

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Weight Loss Shoes?

I was reading the other day about these new shoes that apparently help you lose weight . The idea is that the shoes are designed to build muscle in the legs when you wear them, and the more muscle you have the more calories you burn (which is absolutely true). In the article, Dr. Jeffrey Michaelson, a sports medicine specialist, is quoted as saying "I would love the concept, but I can't tell you there's any real scientific data that would suggest that." Well, duh! They were actually debating the point if shoes could help you lose weight. I couldn’t help but think to myself ‘aren’t any shoes weight loss shoes if you use them to walk in’? I mean, we could take it a step further and debate whether your bare feet help you lose weight? Well of course they do if you use them to move your body more often!

We talk a lot about weight loss scams and gimmicks here , but I couldn’t stop myself from laughing about this one. Now in the defense of said shoes I have to admit that I do think these serve a purpose. Just like with the Fit Flops referenced in the article, these shoes are designed to promote muscle development in the legs and help support the back. Josee (fellow Sensei blogger) has a pair of Fit Flops and absolutely loves them! She asks me every time she wears them if I notice a difference (to which I always respond “Yes, of course!”). Hey…dietitians need motivation and support too!

But the point I’m trying to make here is that whether we’re talking about weight loss shoes, Fit Flops or stiletto heels (which I believe make calves look wonderful by the way) …the only way they’re going to do anything for you is if you get moving in the first place. And if you’re moving, you’re going to burn calories, and that is what’s going to help you lose weight bottom line. So the moral of this story is…wear what you like, but don’t forget to move if you want to lose weight and keep it off!

- Lauren

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Are Wii in For a New Fitness Trend?

All the blogs are buzzing with news of the recent U.S. debut of Nintendo’s Wii Fit system. With fitness games (40 in all) that range from hula hooping to aerobics it seems there is something to appeal to all fitness levels.

Will this be the fitness craze that gets couch potatoes off their thrones? Will Wii make an impact on the obesity epidemic? Only time will tell!

What do you think? If you’ve tried it, let us know how it rates.

-Renee

(For more information click here)

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Men's Health Hottest Fitness Trends

Men’s Health recently reported on Summer’s Hottest Fitness Trends and I wanted to share this information with you because, as we all know, physical activity is a key component of any successful weight loss program.

ExerciseTV founder Jake Steinfeld states “It really is important to find a program that fits into your lifestyle, and not one where your lifestyle has to fit into someone else’s program.” I couldn’t agree with him more! It’s so easy to lose motivation if you don’t enjoy what you’re doing. In addition, performing the same activities week after week will eventually lead to a plateau as your body adapts, and you won’t see the same results you may have seen in the beginning. That being said, here a few suggestions for you to try…after all, bathing suit season is just around the corner!

Foam Rollers: I’m excited to see the foam roller on here because it’s inexpensive to buy, easy to use and helps with one of the most overlooked aspects of physical activity…stretching and flexibility. Everyone should have one of these at home!

Spiritual Group Dance Classes: Being a dancer for many years I’ve always been a big fan of any group dance class. It’s amazing when you look at the vast array being offered nowadays at clubs around the country. The main difference with these classes is that they offer an opportunity for mind-body connection much like yoga. So if you’re looking for a great workout that also leaves you feeling relaxed and centered, try one of these classes today.

Going Global: Getting burnt out on traditional ways of working out? If this is the case, keep your eyes open for some new and exciting exercise imports…anything from Asian sword fighting to Indian-inspired dance classes. Who knows what we’re going to see next!

Mixed Martial Arts: I have to admit, I love watching ultimate fighting! These guys are tough, not to mention in amazing shape. I’m sure the success of the UFC has been the main driver behind this latest trend. Probably not for everyone, but if your looking to push your fitness to the next level, mixed martial arts just might be for you.

Smart Technology: That’s right…your mobile phone isn’t just for talking anymore! We’re all super busy these days, but we still want a personalized and effective weight loss program. Here’s where a nod is given to Sensei for delivering meal plans, motivation and fitness reminders to your mobile phone and PC based on your needs and preferences. Sensei helps you to establish healthy eating and fitness habits one day at a time.

Back to Basics: Good old push-ups, sit-up and pull-ups. What can I say…some things never go out of style!

- Lauren

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So You Think You’re Fit?

So, you think you’re fit? Why don’t you let the president be the judge of that with The President’s Challenge Adult Fitness Test. This website allows you to test your Aerobic Fitness, Muscular Endurance, Flexibility and Body Composition; all of which are indicators of risk for chronic disease and directly reflect one’s ability to perform activities of daily living (housework or job-related tasks for example) .

In order to complete the evaluation you will have to perform a 1 mile walk or 1.5 mile run, a minute’s worth of half sit-ups and full push ups, and a sit and reach test. Sound familiar? I don’t know about you, but I’m having flashbacks to gym class. You will also need to provide your height, weight and waist circumference for the body composition portion.

There is a detailed instruction booklet to guide you through the process. Once you have completed all the tests, you enter your results and receive and score with recommendations. So grab a buddy and get started to see how you stack up against other adults around the country!

- Lauren

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Music Makes Me Lose Control

I love music! I think you can do anything better with music. Well, with the exception of studying, which I’ve admittedly tried many times. Music helps me clean my house better, blow dry my hair faster (seriously) and is a great way to relieve stress (especially singing at the top of my lungs while driving down the highway when nobody can hear…don’t laugh, you know you’ve done it too).

But there’s one thing in particular that I absolutely CAN NOT do without music, and that’s cardio. I’ve been know to go into a mild panic when my iPod battery dies mid run. I stand there in the middle of the street wondering how on earth I’m going to finish without my tunes.

So in honor of cardio-doing music lovers everywhere, I’ve put together a list of some of my favorite workout songs (some old and some new) to get you moving…

“Mr. Brightside” – The Killers (the remix is great too!)
“It’s Raining Men” – Weather Girls
“Hey Ya” – Outkast
“Rio” – Duran Duran
“Stronger” – Kanye West
“Maniac” – Michael Sembello
“Don’t Stop the Music” – Rihanna
“Summer of 69” – Bryan Adams
“A Little Less Conversation” – Elvis
“Love Generation” – Bob Sinclair
“Any Way You Want It” – Journey
“Call on Me” – Eric Prydz
“Walking On Sunshine” – Katrina & the Waves
“Loco” – Fun Lovin’ Criminals
“Karma Chameleon” – Culture Club

What are some of your favorites? I’d love to know!

- Lauren

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Fit But Fat… May Not Be As Healthy As You Think

A study published in Monday’s Archives of Internal Medicine looked at the relationship of physical activity and BMI (weight for height) on coronary heart disease (CHD). There’s been an ongoing debate as to how much weight truly mattered if someone was fit and active and this study gets us a little closer to the answer.

Data gathered over 11 years on 39,000 women in the Women’s Health Study was analyzed. Physical activity, BMI and CHD risk factors were studied. Women who reported 30 minutes of moderate physical activity daily had significant reductions in CHD risk. However, while being physically active did greatly reduce the risk of CHD, it did not eliminate it. The authors suggest that more than 30 minutes of daily moderate activity would further reduce risk of CHD and other chronic diseases.

Being overweight comes with its own set of health risk factors that can only be eliminated by losing weight. The bottom line is that being fit at any weight does make you healthy, but don’t fool yourself into believing that you’ll take all the risk away with activity alone.

Use exercise to help reduce your weight and maintain those losses. Beginning can be as easy as taking a walk. Look at what you’re currently doing and think about small ways you can start boosting that up. Here are a few activities that would qualify for your 30 minutes of moderate activity:

• Walking 2 miles in 30 minutes
  
• Gardening for 30-45 minutes
  
• Biking 5 miles in 30 minutes
  
• Dancing (fast) for 30 minutes
  
• Swimming laps for 20 minutes
  

Not up to these levels yet? It all starts with that first step. Start by walking 5 or 10 minutes tonight after dinner. In a few days, add another 5 minutes. Bring your kids, your dog, a friend, or just your iPod to keep you company. Before you know it, you’ll be walking a mile or two and will be picking up the pace for a better aerobic workout.

For a more detailed analysis of the study: CNN (FIT)Nation Report. You can also go here to see what your BMI is

Related articles: 7 Most Effective Exercises

- Renee

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Perfect Day in Boca Raton

Armed with 2 non-polycarbonate water bottles and sharing 23 almonds, my friend Barbara and I planned a vigorous hour of exercise combining the Start!Walking campaign from the American Heart Association and a tradition sacred to all Floridians since Ponce de Leon landed in St. Augustine in 1513…finding a tan and the Fountain of Youth.

Arms swinging and legs striding, mile1 was a breeze. Our thoughts turned to Gen Y sons and their relationships with work and women. The pace picked up, fueled by consternation I mean conversation as we discussed our mother-in-laws, and their relationships with men [our husbands]. As we passed the 3^rd mile marker, gray hair [ours] aging dogs [4 legged] and [human] siblings were virtually fighting for our attention.

We slowed to admire cute babies, proud grandmothers, and an adorable puppy near the end of mile 4. Conversation turned to Earth Day #38 and legislation banning plastic bags from supermarkets in San Francisco and Seattle. We wondered what shape Earth Day 39 would find us in, and worried about protecting our planet.

Fueled by almonds, we powered through mile 6 in a frenzy about local girls in Lakeland behaving badly on You Tube, future daughter-in-laws who think we are perfect, and the new trend of ‘My’ as a prefix for marketing on web sites and in advertising.

At mile 8 we paused to admire our beloved Florida landscape. Anhingas were posing, turtles were crawling, and golfers in plaid were swinging. Our thoughts turned to the future as we rounded mile 9. Specifically, what we would eat for dinner, and how many calories we thought we had burned. We wondered why Seattle is still the only city requiring restaurant chains to post calorie counts and why New York wants to keep us “Dining in the Dark.” How do people do it without a Sensei to guide them?

Arms and legs, minds and mouths still moving, we realized we were passing mile #10. That exhausted us! We slowed to a proud limp. Our fitness hour had become a marathon. We had STARTED!Walking.We celebrated the joys of an ‘unplugged’ afternoon and hurried home to call friends and tell them about our adve