Yoga for runners can be a wonderful option to improve running performance.

Yoga for runners improves balance, flexibility, coordination, concentration and endurance at the same time removing physical and mental stresses. Runners can immensely benefit from yoga practice since running associated with yoga make a good marriage of strength and flexibility.

Come to this class on Thursday 17 March at 7:00pm to 8:30pm at Answer is Fitness to learn some poses that will help you to run better.

$15.00 for members and $20.00 for non-members. Handout will be given.

Fore more information, call 888-270-3640 or email us at info@answerisfitness.com. You can Sign Up at the Front Desk.

We are often asked about the best way to lose 20 pounds, 30 pounds, or  more  in the fastest way possible. The questions are sometimes from those more concerned with the opinions of others than  they are about truly wanting to improve their own physical and mental health.  They are motivated by an upcoming event, a visit, or some other external motivation.  

There's no simple answer.   Losing that kind of weight in a safe and healthy manner (and keeping it off over time) is a matter of commitment and  self-discipline. So what we tell people, after they discuss the subject with their physician, is to simply set realistic and obtainable goals.   How about starting off with 3 pounds? This is a very realistic short-term weight loss goal for just about everyone. Plus, losing 3 pounds and toning your muscles even in the slightest can have a big impact on the way you look and feel. If you do it right, losing those initial 3 lbs can be your springboard to much bigger weight loss success.

The basis of good advice incorporates five simple steps:

1. "See" what you want. Every day spend some time mentally visualizing yourself losing weight, being confidant, and feeling fantastic. Have a clear image of what you want in mind at all times.

2. Boost your energy. Make sure you have the energy you need to lose pounds quickly by getting at least 7 hours of quality sleep per night, avoiding soda, sweets and other junk foods, and drinking about 60-70 ounces of pure water per day.

3. Cut out white carbs. Stop eating all highly-processed "white" carbs and you could easily lose 3 pounds in a couple of weeks without doing anything else! The worst and most common white carb foods are white sugars and white flours (e.g. white bread, pasta, etc.)

4. Eat protein and plants. The "perfect" meal for fast fat loss is one based around a lean protein, raw or lightly cooked vegetables (especially the leafy green variety), a serving of beans for appetite-killing carbs, and some good fats (e.g. from olive oil or avocado). No sugars, bad fats, bad starches, fried foods, or processed carbohydrates. Most, if not all, of your daily calories should come from lean proteins, oily fish, vegetables, nuts, seeds, raw fruit, and healthy fats. You'll spike your metabolism and you'll be losing pounds every day!

5. Do short, effective workouts. Don't spend hours every week jogging on a treadmill. Instead, do a short, fun, and intense workout every other day or so. Combine weight training with high-intensity interval training cardio. Do full-body workouts and keep them under 60 minutes in length.

Exercising like this will help you lose those 3 pounds in a reasonably short amount of time, while simultaneously toning your muscles in a way that will make it look like you've lost much more.  And remember, you're over the hump when you honestly are doing this for improving what you think of yourself versus what others think. 

Read an assortment of fitness tips out on our "Fitness Education" page.  Good luck...we're your biggest fan!

Positive Thinking and Fitness

Whatever you do when it comes to exercising or getting in shape you need to be positive and most importantly, believe in yourself.  If you don't believe you will reach your goals, then you most likely won't. To reach any goals you must be strong-minded and positive.

We all personally know people who have succeeded in meeting their fitness goals. Some have very motivating and inspirational stories.  A lot of great successes have occurred when people have participated in Answer is Fitness bootcamps and Weight Loss challenge programs. Click here to see some of our members feel-good results.

The power of positive thinking can really help you excel in your workout program, and help keep you motivated as you challenge yourself more and more. Talk with people who encourage you when you feel down about how your progress in meeting your goals. Stay positive and the chances of you reaching your goal will be much higher.