It’s summer.  The season that is between spring and fall, the hottest part of the year, the best season, the worst season.  However you want to describe it, we all have a common thought in mind: STAYING COOL.  

This is the summer of hikes. I decided that this summer would be the one that I really explored the hikes of the Grand Valley. I want to see this beautiful place I call home. I push myself, even when I would rather be at home lounging on my couch because every time I reach the end of a hike, I am filled with so much pride.

Let’s face it; unless you are independently wealthy or still live with your parents, most of us generally have too much on our plates. 

Excuses for not exercising become easy when the act of simply opening the pile of mail sitting on the couch for the last week seems like too much of a time burden.

For a good portion of our early years, that was the case for us Tomato owners. It’s a contradiction of sorts; we lived in Fruita and opened a business here because of the biking, and then the biking stopped happening when the business grew.

In this era of prenatal fitness, most women know that exercise during a normal pregnancy is safe.  Yet, when it comes to the particulars – Is it ok to work my abs? Do I have to stop running? Should I keep my heart rate low? Can I START exercising now? These myths and misconceptions that hold women back seem to persist.  I’m here to offer you a reality check on the fitness myths that just won't die.

Why is spinning so fantastic? Spinning is simple and it doesn't require any coordination, which for me, is a bonus (two left feet here). Spinning is low impact, it's non-competitive and it's very effective. Spinning can actually make burning fat fun. Yes, I said FUN! As Spinning is one of the most popular group exercise classes of all, here are some pointers for those of you who are thinking of trying a class.

How is your progress on the goals you have set in the New Year? Are you still on track or do you feel yourself slipping?  In Healthy Mesa County’s first video-blog,  Dan Marzullo discusses how the goals you choose can help you maintain your motivation so you can build a path to achieve your fitness goals!

It is tough working out in the cold. Period. Whether it’s the thought of frostbitten toes or the chance of unforeseen snow, it’s tempting to tell yourself, skip the workout, and stay in bed. Here are a few ways that keep me sane and on track with my fitness routine during this bleak season.

Now that Christmas has come and gone, many of us are thinking about our New Year’s resolutions.  Most of these resolutions center on health, fitness and weight loss.  All too often these resolutions have fallen to the wayside a couple of months later.  Unrealistic expectations often lead to frustration and discouragement; this is no way to start the New Year!  Fitness blogger, Dan Marzullo has a better way!  Instead of making resolutions, try setting SMART goals.  Follow this 5-step process for fitness goal setting to keep you on track all year long!

The holidays are right around the corner - that means celebrations with friends and family, holiday parties, and most of all, delicious food! However, if you’re not strategic about how you indulge this season, you might end up with a bigger New Year’s resolution than you were hoping for. On average, people gain 5-10 lbs. between November and January, and typically don’t lose this weight the following year. 

Wednesday, October 14th is Walk to School Day! (We hear the groans already.) You might say… Why do I have to walk to school? Why should I walk or ride with my child to school? And we say… Because it’s fun, it’s healthy, and it’s good for the environment.

What’s so fun about walking or riding to school? Are you kidding me?

On a recent Sunday morning, I took a leisurely jog along the Colorado Riverfront Trail with my dogs and gained a renewed appreciation for the variety of ways locals enjoy our rivers.

Much of this blog only pertains to the ladies out there, but men shouldn’t tune out just yet; you need to hear this too.

I’m going to open up and share, a lot. I’m trying to show the world that I am not afraid of judgement...

Have you ever stopped to think how painful it is for a newbie to walk into a gym?

To them, everyone is fit and strong and amazing, just like they want to be. They are likely intimidated and overwhelmed. The courage it took to walk in the doors was huge.

Now, are we going to make them feel unwanted?

I am likely about to make some people angry and possibly make a few enemies, but I'm OK with that.

It has to be said ... STOP MAKING EXCUSES!

Have you ever watched kids at play? 

I am pretty sure most of us have.

But I want you to take a closer look. Watch how kids move and play. 

Now, do exactly what they are doing!