As I type this post, it’s about 34 degrees in Kansas City, MO (where we are) right now.  Take that plus the fact that it’s snowing in some parts of the U.S. and I guess it’s safe to say that the cold weather is upon us.  Cold weather doesn’t mean that your quest for fitness has to stop.  And it definitely doesn’t mean that now is NOT the time for a personal trainer.

A great deal of people actually put on weight during the cold weather months because they’re more likely to stay indoors due to the weather.  That means that all of the healthy habits you’d built up during the warmer time of year (jogging, going to the gym, walking outdoors, swimming, etc.) begin to fade away.  Well FDF can’t just let you all quit that easily.  To give you a fighting chance, here’s a short listing of…

 

Ways to Make Your Exercises Cold Weather Friendly

1. Wear the proper attire.  If you’re jogging – remember that there are workout friendly jackets, gloves, tights and headbands that can be worn that won’t inhibit your motion while keeping you warm.
2. Stretch & warm-up first.  This should already be in our routines, but if it isn’t – take time to do a little loosening up before any workout (especially one taking place outdoors) to reduce your chances of injury.
3. Use a timer.  It is pretty easy to lose track of time when you’re training, but this time you have to remember that your body’s in harsher elements.  Take care to stay aware of how much time you’re exposing yourself to “the elements” under conditions of extreme cold or heat.
4. Stay hydrated.  Nothing worse than dry mouth in the cold.  Staying hydrated will help regulate your body temperature and perspiration as you exercise in the cold.
5. Avoid being wet.  Take a towel with you because you’re still going to sweat.  There’s no need for you to get sick while you’re working out during the cold time of the year — so if it’s raining, I’d advise switching to indoor options (bringing me to my last point).
6. Remember there are indoor options.  If you jog (although many won’t like it), there are treadmills.  If you swim, there are pools.  Keep your indoor options in mind as the weather shifts – and remember that we’ll come to you.

 

Fight to stay active as the temperature decreases in your neck of the woods folks.  You make a promise to yourself to keep moving towards your goals – and we’ll make sure we’re there to help you out every step of the way.  Just contact us using the form in the upper-right portion of this web page if you ever need any assistance this season.

You all have a good day and enjoy your weekend!

As the Midwestern Fall settles in, I like to reflect on the great outdoor Summer Activities I’d already enjoyed – and the pre-Winter Activities I still have time for!

A few personal favorites that come to mind are:

• Go camping
• Spend a day out at a lake
• Take a small biking expedition
• Go for a hike
• Try (assisted) indoor/outdoor rock climbing
• Get in those last few golf swings
• Go fishing
• Enjoy a nice fall picnic
• Play a great game of Tennis
• Jog with the sunrise

 

It’s the simple things that keep us going sometimes.  All of these activities are locally accessible in the Kansas City, MO area and can provide great times for you, your friends and your family.  Not to mention they aren’t the largest time commitments in the world.

Staying active is a big part of maintaining your health while keeping your stress levels down, so get out there!  You may even want to invite your Front Door Fitness Trainer out there with you for your day away (…hey — we had to try).

Don’t forget to contact us if you need any help coming up with great pre-Winter Activity ideas.  Just use the form in the upper right corner of this page.

 

 

There are a lot of enjoyable reasons to dedicate yourself to a new life grounded in fitness beyond the typically temporary reasons we all often times workout (“New Year’s Resolutions” ring any bells?).

Have a little fun: This is personal training -- it's life changing not "life-paining".

Let’s run down a few that we can think of here at Front Door Fitness off the top of our heads…

10 – New clothes

If you’re new to working out and leading a more active lifestyle, you’ll be needing to do a little bit of shopping.  Nothing wrong with feeling good and looking good while you’re at it!

9 – New Activities (or as we call them “Adventures”)

Another fun side-effect of your new Fit Life may be the desire to go out and do something.  Even without your private personal trainer from Front Door Fitness, you may suddenly feel the urge to practice Yoga, participate in Pilates, go biking and a ton of other interesting things.

8 – Increased brain-power

Recently researchers have been beginning to find that there are strong ties to physical activity and mental longevity.  Don’t believe me?  Check out this snippet from an issue of Scientific American a few years ago (click the preceding text to link).

7 – A better diet that’s as delicious as it is nutritious

You’ll find that healthy eating can be tasty as well.  In my city alone I’ve fallen head over heels for this local eatery called The Mixx located near our beautiful Plaza Community.  Not only do they serve up salads – but they serve up flavorful blends of chicken, beef and seafood as well in those otherwise vegetarian masterpieces.  That’s my pleasure – I’m sure you’ll find your own as well as you begin to practice healthier nutrition habits.

6 – A stronger body

Your lifting, stretching and twisting all serves the purpose of making you physically capable of doing things you didn’t even know you were capable of.  Just keep it up and savor the results.

5 – Better health

Regular, moderate exercise can strengthen your body’s immune system while helping out with lung capacity and providing you with a healthier long lasting heart.  Regardless of your age, this is one benefit of a Fit Life that we just can’t overlook.

4 – A leaner figure

All things in moderation – a little vanity (and I mean it in the most humble way possible) never hurt anyone.  Confidently flaunt a leaner figure or more toned physique after a few weeks with our trainers.

3 – Reduced stress

Physical activity gets your body’s endorphins (feel-good stuff from your brain) pumping  and can act as a great picker-upper after any rough day.  Some information I saw from the Mayo Clinic put it best when referring to Exercise: “It’s meditation in motion.”

2 – Feeling more energy

If you’re new to your Fit Life, you may be beat the first few routines out of the gate.  But keep it up!  You’ll find that you have more energy to do things you love with the people you can’t live without in no time

1 – Self-fulfillment

If you’re like most adults, you’ve tried working out and being more physically fit before.  That said, you’ve probably stopped too — followed by another stop — another start — another stop — etc., etc., etc. … Your personal commitment to a more fit you, along with our help, is a major lifestyle choice you will cherish for the rest of your days.  As you surpass goal after goal you’ll feel better about yourself and see an improvement in your overall happiness.

So what are you waiting for?  Contact us already!