This morning I went outside to go for my daily run. I have done my fair share of complaining about running in the heat, but in high school I had my coach to keep me from whining and a training program to stick to. Now that I run for no one but myself, I find it hard to keep myself motivated to run when it is hot and humid outside. For instance, today I almost turned back due to the humidity in the air, but when I saw my dog's puppy eyes staring at me and begging me for...

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I remember being told when I was a child that something like .01% of students goes to college with help from sports. I believed it, that high school sports wouldn't help me in the slightest. However, during the college application process, one of my coaches, a recent graduate from college, started telling me that college sports were a gold mine and that I should contact the coaches. I would hear the statement and chuckle to myself a bit. Me? Good enough for colleges to want me to play at their school? Fat chance. My coach threw javelin, and when she...

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These days, teens are in worse shape than ever.  Between 16 and 33 percent of children and adolescents are obese.  Obese teens are considerably more likely to die before the age of sixty than teens who are in shape. Obesity is a very dangerous disease, so I am adding my thoughts on how teens should fight obesity.  Also, parents, feel free to use these tips with your kids!

1. Try to get outside for at least one hour every day.  Play a sport, walk around the neighborhood, whatever...  just get off your bottom and start moving around.  Walking around is an exercise in...

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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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'Is there really any value in stretching?'  I remember thinking this question in my  head while doing the flexibility drills in Tae Kwon Do.  After twenty-some years of fitness, the answer is a resounding 'yes.' When I first began training in martial arts I was not very limber.  Being almost six feet in junior high and being in a light weight fighting class gave me a huge advantage.  My reach and speed in a smaller division gave me a way to control the fast, little guys.  When I was able to keep them on the outside, things worked to plan.  However,...

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