Get Fit with These Great Resources

We are going to do things a little different today. Normally, we try and touch on topics that are perfect for getting you more motivated for the day. Today, we are going to share with all of you some really cool resources that are easily accessible. We recently came across these websites that are awesome in getting you fit, outside more, and meeting new motivated people. So check them out!

Active.com - This is an online community for people interested in running races, team sports and recreational activities. You can search by city to see schedules of race events, or even start online training programs.

Yougodo.com - This one is pretty cool. You type in basically what you want to do for example "learn something new" and leave the location blank. The results will include learning vacations all over the world!

Mapmyfitness.com - If you run, hike, bike, walk or participate in triathlons, here is a social networking site just for you. You can exchange routes with other people.

Trails.com - If you dig the outdoors - you'll dig this site. With 40,000 routes throughout the United States, you're destined to find a few new ones you haven't been on!

Meetup.com - Meant to get you off the internet and find groups that interest you.

Zootoo.com - If you are a pet owner and lover you'll definitely want to check this one out. Connect with other pet lovers and find out about events regarding your pets.

i-neighbors.org - Provide your zip code and this site gives you info about your community.

Reserveamerica.com - Search for a place to camp based on your preference of tent, cabin or RV. Narrow search results down to get the exact location you want to go to.

We hope you enjoy these cool resources. The internet is a great way to learn of fun events within your community. Have fun - and get fit!

The Secret Weapon

There's an excellent article in this month's issue of Success Magazine. It's called The Secret Weapon to a Sharper Mind and Better Business. Let us sum it up for all of you in case you haven't had the chance to check out the article.

A doctor named Dr. John Ratey just released a book called Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain. In this book the Dr. talks about a high school in Naperville, Ill., where they approach physical education a little differently. In my high school, P.E. was all about pick up games in basketball, volleyball, dodgeball, and pretending to act tough in the weight room. Well, this high school does things a little different, the students wear heart monitors and are graded on the amount of time they are able to keep their heart rate in the optimal aerobic range for their body type. What?!!! I think in my high school, P.E. would have gone from most guy's favorite class to don't ever take that dumb P.E. class...

Due to this intense P.E. class, the standardized test scores of the entire student body have jumped. In math, the school placed sixth in the world. On the science section, they placed first in the entire world!

Dr. Ratey has proven that when you exercise, it changes the physical structure of your brain. It increases your speed of processing, your memory. Basically, science has proven that exercise primes your brain for success and makes you smarter. That's not all however, Dr. Ratey also says that if you want to think clearer, beat stress, put the damper on your depression and boost your confidence, you only have to do one thing, and that's exercise!