Orange Leaf!

Okay, so I have a new obsession!  I was turned on to Orange Leaf by a very close friend of mine.  During all of this summer heat, Orange Leaf is a new, delicious, frozen yogurt place in the Gardiner Lane Shopping Center.  They have a great selection of frozen yogurt options to choose from, and a wonderful, family-friendly environment.  The really neat thing is you can actually have a serving of frozen yogurt from Orange Leaf, without consuming a ridiculous amount of calories. (For those of you participating in Weight Watchers click here.)  I recommend Orange Leaf to all of my families and friends, with a great price, great options, and a different place to take the family, you can not beat Orange Leaf!  I encourage everyone to check it out! 

The Summer to Shine!

It’s that time of year again! Our kiddos are finally out of school, and excited to get started on their summer activities. This is my first year directly involved with the Southwest YMCA’s Summer Camp program. I finished up our first week of camp just hours ago, and I can truly say that I LOVE it. I am working with our Kamp Kermit, the 4/5 Year old group. I encourage summer camps to just about anyone that I come into contact with. I think attending a summer camp should be a part of each child’s youth. I believe attending a summer camp program will help your child become more independent, build their confidence, and make new friends. Whether your child attends one week, or all summer, I can personally assure you that parents will be impressed in all of the skills that your child will accomplish. It’s amazing to work with a group of youth, and see how they progress. I can tell you that I can already see a difference in our kids from Monday to Today. It’s an awesome experience. Whether it’s a YMCA, church, or 4h camp, I encourage all parents to urge your child to participate in a camp program! You and your child will love the outcome!

“It’s Never Too Late to Change Your Life”

It’s that time of year!  We’ve all noticed that our gyms are busier than usual.  Our facilities are packed with new members who are looking to start a healthy lifestyle. I speak to many members who are looking to hit the gym hard and drop those pounds as quick as possible.  It is important to remember that when starting your workout regimen that you keep your mood positive.  I can tell you first hand that it is hard not to discouraged when you work out hard all week and then see that you have only dropped a pound or two when you weigh in.  STAY POSITIVE!  It’s not all about losing the pounds, it’s about creating an active lifestyle.  The hardest part is getting started! So grab a friend, and a bottle of water and get moving!  It’s time to start a new, healthier you!  Check out the Y’s website to see how we can better assist you!

Work out in Water!

We all know someone who has trouble working out in the gym. Whether it’s someone with a bad back or your own father with a knee injury, it can be very frustrating when your injuries keep you from reaching your fitness goals. Working at the Y, I have made contact with many members who feel they are unable to meet their wellness goals because of their physical limitations. My answer? Work out in water!

Normally, when I suggest this solution to our members they look at me funny, and they begin to question the big difference between exercising on land or in water.  Water provides a great atmosphere to nurse an injured body back to health for one simple reason: The buoyancy of water reduces the “weight” of a person by about 90%, which means that the stress on weight-baring joints, bones, and muscles is reduced, causing less pain while still getting a great workout.  Another great point that I mention to our members is that it is a great way to meet and socialize with people who may have the same injuries or limitations as you do.

So the next time that you come in contact with someone who can’t get to the gym because of an injury, tell them about aquatic fitness and its many benefits. Feel free to check out the aqua fitness classes that the Y has to offer. See you in the pool!