In this week's Living Healthy, I'm once again hot on the pursuit of happiness in Chicago! With the unemployment rate up and general attitudes down, it would be easy to see how fewer people are able to find happiness these days. The topic interested me so much that I spoke with one woman on the north side who knows first-hand the disillusionment of losing a job - and yet didn't stop smiling throughout our entire conversation.
Have you wondered how many calories you are burning during your workouts? Check out http://www.besthealth.com/Health+Calculators/ - enter your age and what you did and balance out your workouts. Following the advice of NYC Housewife Bethenny Frankell, your diet is like a checking account - Know your numbers. Check out 
We all have heard that regular exercise is key to living a healthier, longer life, but the type, duration, frequency and intensity of what that exercise should be, is a little different for everyone. Beginners should understand that getting a physician's clearance before starting an exercise program is a good practice. Another rule of thumb for beginner exercisers is to understand that muscles learn patterning first and then build strength. So for the first six weeks of starting a new exercise program, realize two things:
Multiple sets of the same exercise will not get you necessarily that much stronger than doing just one set.
The biggest changes that occur for the body
Nintendo's Wii Fit is the hottest new way to work out using video gaming technology. But does this interactive game actually help you break a sweat? Andrea and Lou put it to the test to find out!
To be successful you need a team of people and plans in your corner... online program trends are helping people get fit and healthy. When you need a little inspiration check out some of these online helpers:
www.fitday.com
www.missionmenus.com (life balance challenge)
www.womenshealth.gov (their walking women's challenge)
www.activetrainer.com
www.realage.com
www.dietchallenge.usatoday.com
www.andreametcalf.com
www.cltv.com/livinghealthychicago
I recently took a trip to South Beach. For those of you who've been there, you know it's the land of "beautiful people." More importantly, the weather and people force you to really take care of yourself, unless you're ok with being a fat, obese-looking slob!
This week, I worked out at David Barton Gym in the 600 N. Kingsbury building. My friend, Freddy Wolner who heads all the trainers invited me, so I decided to give DB a try. The scene was much different than what I'm used to at East Bank Club, but I loved the energy at DB.
All I ever hear is live in the moment... and yet so many people stop me and say I was so bad yesterday, I didn't exercise, I ate a cheeseburger, I ate a cookie... Why worry about the past. The only way to get healthy is to think about what you can do today, tomorrow and of course, right now.
All the things one can do in a day...
here are 5 - 2 minute activities for you to get to the magic of 10 number on this "day of rest" HA! MAKE SURE YOU SET THE TIMER!
Laundry Basket Challenge - Get a laundry basket and for 2 minutes without stopping fill it up with anything that needs to be put somewhere else... run up the stairs, empty it on the bed and run back down and fill it again. When the timer finishes you just burned about 30 calories and started on your house cleanup too!
Dishwasher Ballet - If you kitchen is already cleaned up then you have time to go the gym or outside for 10 minutes, but at my house on Sunday after the kids (teenagers) have had their friends over, I look at this opportunity to clean up after them as the start of a workout! Set the timer and anytime you move you must move in a squat or plie from ballet. So from sink to dishwasher or counter to refrigerator, just start moving down and up to get across the kitchen. If it doesn't get picked up within the 2 minute timer, then call the kids. They can help!
Body Weight Training - Chair/Stool Squats (BEGINNER) & Single leg stand up (ADVANCED)
CHAIR SQUATS
This exercise starts in a standing position in front of the chair/stool. Arms balance in front or more difficult over head. Slowly lower to touch hips to chair then return to standing position. Increase intensity by holding the touch chair position as long as you can or repeat 20 reps. Builds strength in thighs, glutes, hips and abs. Increases balance with arms up and functional exercise that we need this for daily life. (bathroom - need I say more)