NEW Monthly Move Series: How to Be a Healthy Family

By Kim Smith, Fitness Contributor Children are like little sponges.  They literally absorb the world around them.  As a parent everything you do and say is under a microscope.  Your children want to be just like you! The best thing that you can do as a parent is practice healthy eating habits in front of and with your children and to include them in some type of daily physical activity.  This week I’ve compiled a list of things that my family likes to do together during... Read More

Wednesday Work-Outs: Holiday Stress Relief, Found!

By Kim Smith, Fitness Contributor If this is supposed to be “the most wonderful time of the year” then why do we get so stressed out about it?  This holiday season I encourage you to be proactive instead of reactive.  Take the next few minutes to find out 6 ways to beat holiday stress before it gets the best of you. 1. Start a family tradition Every year at Christmastime, my husband and I take the kids ice skating and to look at lights.  I love to hear my children “oo”... Read More

Wednesday Work-Outs: The Significance of Stretching

By Kim Smith, Fitness Contributor So you just had an amazing workout at the gym and now you’re ready to hit the door and grab some healthy dinner.  You may be starving, but not so fast!  Before you jump in your car to beat that traffic, make sure you stretch.  Stretching is one of the most important aspects of your exercise program.  Just keep reading to find out why! Why stretch? There are several reasons why you should incorporate stretching into your workouts.  First,... Read More

Wednesday Work-Outs: Keep Your Routine, Even While Traveling!

By Kim Smith, Fitness Contributor If you will be traveling this holiday season and don’t want to jeopardize your fitness routine, this article is a must-read.  There are so many things that you can do right in your hotel room or in your Aunt Susie’s living room.  From dips to push-ups, I’ll show you some great ways to stay in shape this season. My favorite thing to do with my boot campers is to play games with a fitness twist. One of the games we play is called “Boot... Read More

Wednesday Work-Out Series: A Trainer’s Guide to Protein Products

By Kim Smith, Fitness Contributor If you are in a hurry and need to get a quick meal in, you might reach for a protein bar.  But before you indulge, you better do your homework.  And what about that 3pm daily slump?  If you’re not an avid coffee drinker, an energy drink just might do the trick.  But with all the different brands today, which ones are actually good for you and which ones should you shy away from? If you are exercising regularly and incorporating strength... Read More

Wednesday Work-Outs: Kim’s Keys to Burning Belly Fat

By Kim Smith, Fitness Contributor If you watch television, you’ve seen all those ab commercials promising that if you “call now!” you’ll be on your way to a flat tummy with toned abs.  I’ve seen some really far-fetched things from a belt that does all the work for you to chairs that rock back and forth.  They all sound promising, but do they really work?  Can you really blast belly fat without doing a single crunch?  What do you think?  Before you decide to give... Read More

Work-Out Wednesday: How to Make Healthier Choices this Holiday Season

By Kim Smith, Fitness Contributor It’s the most wonderful time of the year!  The holiday season is upon us.  Our homes are filled with family and friends and the most delicious smells!  Whether it’s grandma’s fruit cake or aunt carol’s sweet potatoes, one thing is for sure.  We will all be faced with the difficult task of knowing when to push ourselves away from the table.  Let’s face it, that’s the most exercise that some people get all year.  Lol.  But not... Read More

Wednesday Work-Out: Kim’s Incredible Journey

By Kim Smith, Fitness Contributor Over the past 14 weeks, I have embarked upon an incredible journey.  Along the way, I’ve experienced the most undeserved love and support from those whom surround me.  From my loving and very patient husband who is also my coach and trainer, to my children who are my heartbeat, to my family, friends, clients and boot campers.  Without their encouragement and prayers, there’s no telling where I would be.  This week I’d like to share my... Read More

Healing Water? Trade Those Sodas for Good Ole H2O!

By Kim Smith, Fitness Contributor Did you know that more than 2/3 of the human body consists of water?  Along with air, water is vital to our survival.  In fact, we can only survive for a few days without water.  Why is it then that in a society where healthy drinking water is so readily available, an estimated 75% of Americans suffer from mild dehydration? If you’ve ever had fuzzy short-term memory, trouble with basic math, and difficulty focusing on smaller print, you just... Read More

Wednesday Work-Out Series: Kim’s Best Tips for Burning Extra Calories at the Office

By Kim Smith, Fitness Contributor Last week, Monica Ray of Houston, Texas, asked a great question that I’d like to address this week.  I have a feeling this will hit close to home for many of you.  Monica asked: Is there something that can be done while sitting at my desk or that I can do on my lunch break at work? I currently take the stairs and bring my lunch however there are days I leave feeling achy from slouching in my chair all day. The fall season seems to be my hardest... Read More