We all know that working out is one of the best things we can do for ourselves to stay healthy and stress free. But let’s face it: Our lives are so busy that there are some days where squeezing in exercise seems next to impossible. This time of the year is especially tough, with the frenzy of holidays, social gatherings and, if you’ve got children, back-to-school events preventing us from getting enough workout time. There are some weeks where you fear you might not see your running shoes or yoga pants at all.

But here’s something to get you pumped up: There’s absolutely no reason to avoid working out, even when your calendar is jam-packed and your to-do list is a mile long. Actually those are the times when working out is probably most crucial to your wellbeing. Increasing your heart rate and releasing those amazing endorphins help to keep you focused and sane. The key is to get creative, and to learn how to sneak in some exercise no matter where you are and how busy you are. Make yourself and your workouts a priority, and there’s nothing you can’t accomplish. … //READ MORE

I am in Hawaii. Paradise on earth. I’m with my husband and my 3-year-old twin daughters. It’s our first real vacation in a long time. But where am I really? I’m trapped in a set of three-way mirrors shedding clothes, outfit after outfit,  immobilized by a black cloud in my head. In this room of mirrors I can see parts of my body that are easy to ignore in the only full length mirror in our dimly lit hallway at home. In summery clothes skimpier than I normally wear, lumps and bumps I don’t recognize seem to have appeared out of nowhere.

My husband comes in. “What the hell is going on?”

“I just can’t get comfortable.” I mumble miserably. He grasps the situation immediately, which may say something about his level of intimacy with my vanity. … //READ MORE

Are you in a workout slump? Are you tired of your regular fitness routine and looking for a new challenge? Whatever you do, don’t give up and stop exercising. It’s perfectly normal to hit a plateau or get bored with your regimen from time to time. But there’s always a way to get yourself motivated again.

To trick is to be adventurous. Nowadays, there are so many interesting workouts out there just begging to be explored. Many are classes whose other participants can help inspire you, and some are activities you can do on your own, if you prefer exercising solo. Here, we present a dozen great workouts to try. Some you may have heard about, while others may surprise you. Give at least one of them a spin this summer … //READ MORE

Yoga is a form of exercise with a spiritual aspect. But it also has major practical applications to the rest of your life. The way you feel in the physical poses translates directly into everything you do off of the mat. Being “centered” and “grounded” sounds very heady and vague until you actually feel centering and grounding in your body; then you get it. And you’ll be able to use it—and not just in your workouts.

You don’t have to be Super Yogi or do crazy, advanced poses to access these benefits: You’ll be able to feel and understand them the very first time you practice.

1. Your breath is a powerful tool. And it’s the simplest to use and the easiest to access. When you’re about to embark on something big, or scary or nerve-wracking, what do you do? You take a deep breath. It’s not just symbolic: Breathing in deeply and then exhaling just as deeply literally soothes your parasympathetic nervous system. It also sends freshly oxygenated blood to all your organs and tissues. If you make a little “h” noise in the back of your throat as you exhale, and try to keep that tone in your throat on the inhale, you’ll be creating additional heat in your system, which will help everything to soften and relax. … //READ MORE

At the beginning of my weight-loss journey, I initially cut many of my favorite foods from my diet, simply because they were too high in calories. After a while, I realized it’s impossible to live in a dieting bubble; there’s always a party, a celebration or a craving to contend with. So, I began to rethink my strategy. Instead of compiling a list of “bad” foods, I embarked on a quest to lighten up what would normally be very calorie-laden dishes.

At first, I tried the age-old substitutes, like replacing oil and eggs with applesauce in baked goods. Sure, my cakes and muffins cooked. But they certainly didn’t taste very good. But I kept experimenting, and through the years, I’ve discovered some ingredient substitutions that are so effective no one would notice the difference. The key is finding alternatives with similar tastes and textures. With a little thoughtful planning, it’s possible to create flavorful recipes that are low-calorie, low-fat and incredibly tasty. … //READ MORE

So you’ve been running for a while, and it’s been a great way to stay fit and emotionally sane. But now that you’ve burned through a couple pairs of athletic shoes, you’re thinking about getting competitive. You know other women who’ve completed races and you think all those photos of them wearing sponsor shirts and crossing the finish line with big smiles on their faces make it look fun. You’re starting to think about entering a race yourself.

Maybe you’re seeking a fresh way to stay motivated with your workout routine. Perhaps you want to meet other people who share your passion. Or maybe you’re just looking for an excuse to dress up in some cool racing gear. Whatever your reason for entering that first competition, the decision can be exhilarating. But where do you start? Here’s a great plan, in 7 easy steps. Ready, set, go! … //READ MORE