Gym Etiquette 101:

Running with the wind at your back, the sun warming your shoulders, is a euphoric feeling. Sweating in a cotton t-shirt, without a water bottle, in hot weather on a humid day produces quite the opposite feeling (and quite possibly, heat stroke). When the temperature and the weather conditions aren't conducive, it's time to hit the gym. While it may not offer a cool breeze or lush scenery, fitness centers do have many benefits, often unattainable outdoors. Weights and circuit training machinery allow you to work every major muscle group, group exercise classes (step, pilates, kickboxing, etc.) allow you to work up a sweat in a group of fellow gym rats without the effects of the sun, and a water fountain is only paces away!!

I stumbled upon an interesting article in the Huffington Post about the most common faux pas when utilizing a fitness facility. Next time you're at the YMCA or LAFitness, be sure to avoid making any of these:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/14/gym-etiquette_n_897580.html?#s308176&title=Leaving_Sweat_On
1. Leaving sweat on the machines (ew! sanitize your germs)
2. Resting for too long
3. Using your phone
4. Eating/Drinking on the Gym Floor
5. Hogging a machine (share!! 30 minutes max.)
6. Leaving weights out
7. Hovering
8. Interrupting a class (as an instructor, this is a BIGGIE!! arrive 5 minutes early and stay for the cooldown. be courteous.)
9. Misusing the locker room
10. Leaving your bag out
11. Not reporting issues

Try avoiding these gym "no-no's" next time you stop in. But DO stay hydrated, stretch and fuel properly!!

The Secret:

What if I told you I know the secret to health; increased energy, disease prevention, improved mood, sound sleep, clear cognition, an overall feeling of well being? You'd shake me until I shared it with you, right? At least I hope you would (for your sake). Well, here it is...
You can achieve all of those things through the secret of: EXERCISE. The killer body is just added incentive.
Sometimes I think we become so obsessed with the numbers: weight loss, inches, pounds, etc. But exercise has so much more to offer than just toned thighs and a tight tummy. Don't get me wrong, those are wonderful goals to strive for, but let's not lose sight of just how much a good sweat session can do for our whole being. A regular workout routine extends far beyond looking great in a bikini.
http://www.fitsugar.com/Health-Benefits-Exercise-18302488?utm_medium=html&utm_source=digest_email&utm_content=post_title

CHALLENGE: the next time you're feeling tired, sluggish or grumpy, resist curling up on the couch with a bag of potato chips and go for a bike ride instead; play tennis with the family, try some yoga poses, or jog around the block while you pray/mentally organize your next lesson plan. Be active and watch not only what it does for your waistline, but for your whole self - mind, body and soul!!