Strickland Fitness

In just two days millions of Americans will eat chocolate and candies en masse for Valentine's Day. A CNN study states that last year alone, over fifty-eight million pounds of chocolate were sold in the United States during Valentine's Day week. You read that right, fifty-eight million. And although it's just one day out of the year, these V-Day treats can last quite a while, with some of those heart-shaped boxes sticking around the fridge well into Easter (when you can stock up again). Add to that the rich and luxurious meals many of you will be eating and well, maybe it's time for another great workout.

Instead of (or besides) going for these fatty treats to celebrate this love-filled day, how about going for a workout with your Valentine instead? There are different workouts out there that are not only good for the body and heart, but can also be fun and romantic. Here are a few ideas:

1. Yoga: Yes, dear friends, yoga can be quite a sexy and lovely activity for you and your honey. Couples yoga promotes proper breathing and communication, which will definitely help you and your loved one get connected. It also allows for some great bonding time that will have you feeling refreshed, relaxed and in tune with your bodies post practice, leaving room for romance later on.

2. Bicycling: Tandem bikes anyone? Bike riding is one of those activities that make adults feel like they're kids again – free, no stress and the motion that they're flying (on the ground). These feelings are nothing but good news for couples who need some time to unwind together. Bicycling is also great for the core, so that's an added bonus.

3. Golf: Playing a round of golf can make for a fabulous Valentine's Day plan for you and your mate. Not only will you be outdoors enjoying the scenery together, but golf can also bring out the competitive nature in both of you. Friendly competitive nature, that is. Add to that all the walking involved and you've got yourself a fitness-friendly and fabulous time with your partner.

For those twosomes who'd rather stay in together but still want to get their sweat on, check out the video below.

I know what you're thinking – what's up with all the holiday workout posts? If you're going to enjoy extra slices of ham (and pie) this season, I figured you'll need the extra help. Let's get moving! – Best, Chad

Don't think we're done with the Thanksgiving Day workout tips here – it's the actual week after all. Enjoy all the fixings but don't forget to come back and enjoy your workout the next day. Better yet, work out before your big meal! Happy Thanksgiving! Please share and comment. – Best, Chad

We're counting down to the end of the year and soon many of us will be writing another round of new year's resolutions filled with fitness goals. Here are the top ten fitness trends for 2013 that might be accompanying those fitness goals. Please share and comment. – Best, Chad 

Oct. 29, 2012 — Forget fancy fitness fads. Your body is the only equipment you need for one of the hottest fitness trends: body-weight workouts.

A new survey of fitness trends shows body-weight training, including back-to-basics exercises like push-ups, planks, and pull-ups, is expected to be one of the top 10 fitness trends of 2013.

Researchers say people have been using their own body weight for centuries as a form of resistance training. But this is the first time it has made it into the trend survey, because gyms are now packaging it as part of exercise programs.

“Body-weight exercises are a proven way to get and stay fit,” says researcher Walt Thompson, PhD, of Georgia State University. “In a time when many people are concerned with cutting expenses, body-weight exercises are a great way to feel great and look toned without a big financial investment.”

Top Fitness Trends Predicted for 2013

Taking the top spot in the fitness trend survey for the sixth year in a row are fitness professionals.

Researchers say education and certification programs for health and fitness professionals are experiencing exponential growth. The number of employed fitness trainers is projected to rise by 29% from 251,400 in 2010 to 311,800 in 2020.

According to the survey, the top 10 fitness trends predicted for 2013 are:

1. Educated, certified, and experienced fitness professionals — Jobs for fitness workers are expected to rise much faster than the average for all other occupations, according to the U.S. Labor Department.

2. Strength training — In the No. 2 spot for the second year in a row, strength training continues to be a strong trend. No longer restricted to body building, most people now incorporate some form of weight training to improve or maintain muscle strength.

3. Body-weight training — Body-weight exercises use minimal equipment and include push-ups, pull-ups, planks, and squats.

4. Children and obesity — Exercise programs aimed at the problem of childhood obesity are also a major fitness trend. Schools are increasingly partnering with commercial and community-based physical activity programs to prevent and treat rising childhood obesity rates.

5. Exercise and weight loss — Consistently in the top 20 fitness trends, researchers say most popular diet plans incorporate exercise to encourage weight loss.

6. Fitness programs for older adults — Fitness clubs are capitalizing on an aging baby boomer generation with age-appropriate exercise programs.

7. Personal training — As more personal trainers are becoming certified, they are becoming more accessible in a variety of settings, such as corporate wellness, community-based, and medical fitness programs.

8. Functional fitness — Researchers define functional fitness as using strength training to improve balance, coordination, force, power, and endurance to perform activities of daily living. Functional fitness programs are designed to reflect actual activities done as a function of daily living and are often used in fitness programs for older adults.

9. Core training — Using equipment like balance balls and wobble boards, core training stresses strength and conditioning of the stabilizing muscles of the mid-section. Researchers say exercising the core muscles in the hips, lower back, and abdomen improves overall stability for daily activities and sports performance.

10. Group personal training — A boon for budget-conscious clients, personal trainers now often provide services to small groups of two to four people at deep discounts.

The survey was completed by 3,346 health and fitness professionals worldwide and appears in the American College of Sports Medicine’sHealth & Fitness Journal.

How many calories are you eating these days? Is it working for you or do you think you need to cut down or add more? Whatever your question may be about calories, here's a useful video that has tips on how many calories one should be eating. Please share and comment. – Best, Chad