Well, I do not know about you, but I have been less than thrilled with the weather this season. For instance, it is November, but this past week in Boston it has been anywhere from 40 to 60 degrees outside. That is not cold, and it certainly is not the ideal temperature for my favorite form of precipitate--snow! Well, once the snow comes along, ski season will be in full blast. Teaching someone how to ski is an interesting experience. It is not too hard to learn, in opposition to first starting snowboarding, but it can be challenging. For those of you who...

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When it comes to fitness, there is no secret that you put your body through the wringer.  Afterward your body requires the replacement of essential nutrients.  There are many companies and a trillion dollar fitness industry willing to sell you the secret potions to replenish you after a workout and to get you going for the workout.  Instead of creating an empty bank account, visit your grocery store for better alternatives. Before your workout, drink a cup of coffee.  Athletes used to frown on this because it is a diuretic.  Those working out take in as much water as they can...

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The most basic building block of any diet is the calories that you consume.  Our body weight goals can be reached by regulating the calories we consume daily. Calories obviously are needed to make our bodies function.  Every body type and person vary in the quantity of calories they need to consume daily.  Calorie consumption is imperative when attempting to maintain, gain or lose weight.  In fact, there is not a single one of you that does not fit one of those three categories. The three ways we ingest calories are from protein, carbohydrates, and fats.  Proteins and carbohydrates each provide 4...

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Why are so many people registering their children or themselves for martial arts classes?  There are numerous reasons to get involved in the martial arts.  Whether you're trying to gain confidence, get into better shape or learn self-defense, martial arts is the answer. First, what are martial arts?  The definitions vary from person to person.  Some say meditative art forms while others say hand-to-hand combat education.  There is no one true way to sum them up.  Martial arts are fighting systems derived from many years of experience and practice that allow...

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According to my dad, my grandparents walked uphill, both ways, through twelve feet of snow, with only one pant leg and no shoes.  This was only their journey to school each day.  No wonder they were also able to inhale a pound of bacon and never worry about calories. I am certain my sweet grandmother never chased Native Americans from her land with a rifle.  I do believe older generations needed to work harder to get anything done.  They washed clothes in a washtub and scrubbed each article by hand.  Lawnmowers weren't motorized.  My dad remembers shoveling snow from the street because...

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