You’ve jogged along the same path for months but still haven’t noticed much difference when you look in the mirror. You’ve done so many sit-ups your brain is starting to go numb. Is it time to invest in a personal trainer to achieve your fitness goals?

A good trainer can help you create a program that meets your needs and teaches you how to maximize your exercise time. At the very least a trainer should be educated and knowledge about both exercise programs and proper nutrition. A trainer can:

• Give you guidance on reaching your goals
• Educate you about the different types of exercise programs including strength training and cardio
• Motivate you to show up at the gym each session
• Provide accountability and help you track your progress

Trainers come in all varieties. Look for one that is certified through a reputable fitness program or talk to your doctor for a recommendation. A trainer should have an updated certificate in CPR and first aid. Try to find one that specializes in the area in which you want to improve. For example, if you want to cut your time in a one-mile run, look for one with a background in cardio or running. Make sure he or she is a good listener and clearly understands your fitness goals. 

It’s always a good idea to check in with your doctor before starting a new exercise program.

If you decide you want to hire a trainer, check out our individualized programs here. We offer assessments, consultations, and custom training to fit any need. Contact us by filling out our online form today!

As children age and become more independent, the issue of allowance is sure to come up. Giving an allowance can be a great way for parents to teach their kids important life lessons about the value of work and how to manage their money. But there can be some hidden pitfalls to consider.

To spend or to save?

An allowance can teach children about financial responsibility through choices. When they have to make decisions about whether to save or to spend, and decide if an item is truly worth it, they begin to view money differently. They’ll learn that finances are always limited and they have to prioritize.

Chores are important

The downside is that the child may start to view the allowance as their right, especially when it’s not tied to doing chores around the house or to good performance in school. Even if parents put conditions on their child’s allowance, things may still go wrong. The child may simply go through the motions to get a paycheck, rather than learning to appreciate how their efforts help the family. 

In addition, a child may not appreciate the value of things that don’t have a dollar sign attached to them. And, as they grow older, some children may even learn how to ‘negotiate’ a better deal. 

Even if you don’t feel comfortable giving your child an allowance, be sure to discuss earning and saving money, budgeting and other topics. With the right guidance, your child will learn important financial habits.

Remember the back-to-school ad with parents frolicking through a store followed by their unhappy children, while the song, "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" is playing? Cute commercial, but for parents on a tight budget, back-to-school shopping can be anything but wonderful. Read on for some ways to keep your spending under control.

What do they really need?

Consider your budget and decide what supplies are absolute necessities and what items are luxuries. Contact your child’s school for the list of required materials. It’s also a good idea to check the school’s dress code to make sure your child is allowed to wear the clothes you buy.

Once you have your list, check the sale ads. If possible, try to avoid purchasing your child a designer backpack, as backpacks are one of the most commonly lost items.

Get your children involved

Encourage your kids to be a part of the whole process, not just with the shopping. It’s a great opportunity for them to learn about budgeting, finding a great deal and how to tell between wants and needs. 

Shopping online

If you decide to do some or all of your shopping online, coordinate with a friend or neighbor.  Many online stores will offer free shipping with larger orders. 

Above all, try to have fun. Back-to-school shopping may be a hassle, but it’s also a chance to spend some quality time with the kids and pass on some valuable life lessons they can take with them as they grow older.

Summertime is here. It’s time to get out of the house and soak in some sun and fun. But remember it's important to take care of your skin. Sunburns can not only be painful, they can do lasting damage to your skin.

Here are 4 tips to help you enjoy the summer fun and avoid the summer burn:

• Avoid going out in the middle of the day. Depending on where you are, the sun is usually strongest between 10:00 am and 3pm.

• Choose your sunscreen carefully.Sunscreens have a rating system called SPF (sun protection factor) which refers to the amount of time you can theoretically stay out in the sun before you start to burn. It is usually better to use a sunscreen with a higher SPF. Reapply sunscreen more frequently if you are swimming or exercising.

• Don’t forget hard to reach places.Sunscreen only works if you apply it. Don’t forget about the backs of your knees, the back of your neck and your ears. Don’t leave your lips out of your plans either.  Strong sun can chap your lips just as quickly as a nasty winter wind. 

• Remember to dress appropriately. Hats aren’t just for farmers and baseball players. A beach cover-up or an umbrella can be your best friend during the summer months. Many stores that sell sports clothing offer fabrics that are comfortable and allow your skin to breathe. 

So enjoy the sun, but be smart and protect your skin.

The family road trip. We’ve all seen the movies and heard the stories. Some of us have even lived through them. How do you avoid the nightmare and make your next road trip a great memory you’ll want to save forever?

Here are 4 tips to help you get started:

• Plan ahead. Don’t put your packing off until the last minute. Make a list of everything you’re going to need before you start packing, and check it off as you go. Check it again before you leave.

• Double check your reservations before you leave. If the hotel you’re going to be staying at is overbooked or the pool is going to be closed, it’s better to find out from the comfort of your home than the hotel lobby. 

• Plan for contingencies. You’re going to spend an awesome week at the beach, relaxing and soaking up the summer rays. You've packed your swimsuit and towel. The only problem: it’s pouring down rain. Think through your plans and make sure you have some back-up ideas in case things don’t go the way you thought they would.

• Keep other people in mind. Different people have different interests. Just because you love going to art galleries or touring Civil War battlefields doesn’t mean your six-year-old will. Once you’ve picked your vacation spot, check the local tourism board for activities other people can enjoy as well.  

With the right planning, you and your family can enjoy your time on the road, and tell the stories for years to come.

It’s summer: sun and fun. When you’re out of doors enjoying the summer weather, it’s important to remember to take care of yourself. Whether you’re relaxing at the beach, mowing the grass or attending a summer concert, it’s very easy to become dehydrated.

Here are 3 tips to help you stay safe this summer:

• Drink plenty of water.It almost goes without saying, but it’s an easy thing to forget. The average adult loses about 1 to 1.5 liters of water during daily activities, more if they’re working in the heat or strenuously exercising. One easy way to figure out how much water your body needs in a day is to divide your body weight in half. That is the approximate number of ounces of water you’ll need for the day. So, if you weigh 150 pounds, you should drink 75 ounces water. People who are physically active or spend a lot of time out in the heat may need to drink more.

• Make sure to wear loose, light colored clothing.Dark clothing absorbs heat far more readily than lighter colors. There’s a reason white is considered such a popular color during summer. Black might be stylish, but during the summer it’s not ‘cool’ to wear it. Wearing tight clothing can cut off air circulation, preventing sweat from evaporating and short-circuiting one of the body’s primary ways of cooling you down.

• Avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption. An ice cold brew or a cola might seem like the perfect remedy for a hot summer day, but alcohol and caffeine act as diuretics and can actually dehydrate you even more. 

Seniors, parents, and anyone with a medical condition should consult a physician with questions. Enjoy the sun this summer, but remember to play it safe. Keep your body hydrated and stay at your best during the summer heat.