The Top 10 Anytime Fitness App Questions & Answers

The Anytime Fitness App is here to help you stay motived and moving, not cause confusion! So if you’re having any issues using the app, like synching your fitness device or finding workouts, here’s some help.

Note: If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for here, check our resource guide. You can also email help@anytimefitness.com or submit a ticket to get help solving a specific issue.

1. I am having trouble linking my gym account to the app. What should I do?

First things first, double-check your personal info. Your first and last name must exactly match the name on your membership record on file with your gym. So if you used an abbreviation (for example) of your name when setting up your app account, that could be the issue. Contact your gym to see what they have in their system; they may need to adjust your account a little to match what you used. If that doesn’t solve your problem, submit a ticket and we’ll happily help you resolve it!

2. My husband and I share an email address. How do we keep our data separate?

Good question! You’ll definitely want to keep your gym visits, goals, steps, and other health info separate in the app. We actually recommending creating a second email address—even if it’s just for this app. The Anytime Fitness App relies on an email address for a username. We’ll use this email address to help you if you ever forget your password or your account gets locked, so that’s important per user, to keep your data separate.

Heads up: If you have a Gmail account, you can actually use the “+” or “.” feature to create a “new” email address in the Anytime App for the same email account. Here’s a summary of the trick. For example: olsonfamily@gmail.com and olsonfamily+mom@gmail.com and olsonfamily+dad@gmail.com all technically go to the same Gmail account.

3. How do I get my steps to show up in the app?

Syncing your fitness device to our app is a great way to aggregate more data and get a broader picture regarding your daily activity. (Note: If you don’t have a device, you can still sync workout activity via MapMyFitness!) First, click “More” in the main app navigation, and then “Apps & Devices.” Once you get there, there are two routes:

• Connecting a FitBit: If you have already created an account with Fitbit, click the FitBit option and enter your email and password. (If you have not created an account, select “Sign up for a free account” and continue with the remaining setup prompts from Fitbit.) When prompted, select “Allow” to give the Anytime Fitness App access.
• Connecting another device via MapMyFitness: Select “Under Armour” and then “MapMyFitness” if you have another type of device or simply want to connect movement tracking that way. You will be prompted to set up an account, if you don’t already have one, and then under their “More” navigation is a “Connect Apps and Devices” option, with a lot of device possibilities.

4. Can I track what I’m eating, too?

Absolutely! When you’re looking at the Home Feed of our App, look for “Track Food” in the upper-right. Click that and you’ll be brought to the MyFitnessPal Log In or Sign Up page. If you’d like regular reminders, you can allow MyFitnessPal to send you notifications through your phone. The Anytime Fitness App doesn’t currently sync nutrition data with MyFitnessPal, but it’s a great, handy tool for tracking your calories and you can always access it from the app.

5. Does my data sync at any gym? What if I switch home clubs?

Yes. Your gym visits will be tracked as long as you swipe your key fob to enter any Anytime Fitness. And you’ll maintain all your app info, regardless of which club is considered your home gym. If you do end up going to a new gym more often, you can relink your Anytime Fitness App account, which basically pings us to update your app info to show what’s on record in your gym. Then the Home Feed of the app will begin showing content from your local gym’s Facebook feed. And your account agreement information will switch to the new location. But that won’t affect your previous activity info or app access and functionality.

6. How do I start a workout?

Once you find the right workout for you, there are a few ways you can start a workout. The quickest way is to tap the workout from your home screen and then “Start Workout” in the overview screen. Swipe to move through the exercises. To enter tracking info, tap any tracking field in the set rows, enter the number on the keypad, then tap the text on the top-left of the keypad to save and close. At the end of the workout, tap “Complete,” rate your workout, add a comment if you’d like, and tap “save.” You’re done!

After you’re up and running and have completed a few, you can access previously completed workouts or those shared with you by a coach under “My Workouts.” Click the name and then “Start” and you’re in!

7. How does the workout timer work?

The workout timer will start automatically, as soon as you begin a workout. Once you progress to the very end and hit “End,” the app will record the time so that you can see when you completed it, how long it took, and access this information in the future to decide what you should do and how you hope to progress from the last time. The time (along with your personal info like height and weight) also will ultimately help the system decide how many calories you burned. If you crushed the workout in a short time, it’s likely your heart rate was higher!

8. How do I schedule a workout? How do I delete a workout? Print? Share?

When you’re in the Workouts App, you’ll see a lot of options. Hit “Schedule” to pull up your personal schedule. Find the day you’d like to schedule a workout and then click the “+” in the upper-right. That will pop you back to your workouts, where you can select from your list of saved, received, or previously completed workouts, so you can select something. At this time you can select a start and end time for your workout and even an alert if you’d like a reminder.

You can also search for a workout and decide what to do next. When you’ve chosen one, click the upper right ” …” and a bunch of options will appear: Edit (if you’d like to add or remove specific movements), Share, Print, Add to Schedule, Add to Favorites and Duplicate Workout (if you’d like to copy a workout and then edit it).

If you’d like to delete a workout from our main “My Workouts” list, just swipe left and an “X” will pop up.

9. How do I get calories to show up for my workouts?

In order for calories to appear you need to make sure all your personal information is entered in the app. Find this under “More” and then “Personal Info.” Make sure your gender, height, and weight are entered, so the app knows how to adjust for your frame.

10. Does the app support the Samsung Gear and Apple Watch?

Unfortunately, no, the app does not currently sync with either of these options, but we hope it can in the future! You can still run the Anytime App workouts from those devices, though. It just can’t track your steps.

We are partnered with MapMyFitness and FitBit and their programs pass stats to our app, which is a great way to track your activity! This includes the Fitbit and most other devices, like Jawbone, Misfit, Connect, and more. Find more information on what devices are supported and how to connect them to our app via our support page.

BONUS: What if I have more questions?!

That’s fine! We are here to help. Check out our resource guide for more, or email us at help@anytimefitness.com and we’ll do our very best to get back to you quickly. You can also ask your local gym staff for app tips and tricks!

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Is It Better To Exercise In The Morning?

In the last two decades as a fitness professional, I’ve been asked a lot of questions about health, wellness, working out, eating right, and everything in between. But one question is asked more frequently than any other: “Are morning workouts worth it?!”

Typically, my response is “It depends.” (I know, that’s totally frustrating, but stick with me.) See, here’s the thing: There’s no black and white answer. For every pro you find about exercising in the morning, there’s also a con. So, turning to the research and applying it to your life and situation should help illuminate the best choice, right? Let’s take a look at a few key findings to decide!

1. Sleep Study

An Appalachian State University study found that those who work out at 7 a.m. produce more Human Growth Hormone (HGH) and tend to fall asleep faster at night. But the same research found working out in the evening raises your body temperature and may promote sleep, much like a warm bath.

2. What About Hormones?

Your testosterone levels are nearly a third higher in the morning, which gives you lots of energy and enhances muscular development. Great! But, on the flip side, cortisol levels are approximately 75% higher in the morning and normalize by night. Cortisol is considered catabolic and breaks down muscle tissue, so you might have to work harder to build muscle the earlier you work out.  

3. Crucial Calorie Burn

This factor gets talked about the most: Start earlier and burn more calories throughout the day. Ultimately, you get the calorie boost from your workout session out of the way and you’re more likely to be more active if you exercise first thing. And according to a British Journal of Nutrition study, you can burn up to 20% more fat if you do cardio first-thing. However, Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism research shows your anaerobic capacity is 7% higher at night. That means you may be able to exercise harder (or longer) and then burn more calories than during your average morning workout.

Of course, there’s more research I could share. But I assure you, there’s no clear-cut winner! Instead, I’ll give you a few more things to think about.

Why Morning Workouts Reign

Here are a few reasons morning workouts might be better:

• Early morning exercisers tend to be more consistent, as fewer distractions exist in the morning.
• There’s less chance of the workout getting cut short or not happening due to unexpected work, obligations, or appointments.
• Working out can clear your mind and set you up for a more productive day.
• Working out early can help set a healthful tone to your day, thus encouraging you to make smarter choices with food and daily activities.

Why Morning Workouts Are Worse

And here are a few reasons morning exercise might not be best!

• Sleep is an equal contributor to weight loss and fitness gains. When workouts cut into sleep, you could be doing your body a disservice.
• Whether real or manifested, people often feel exercise is easier at night. Not to mention, your physical performance peaks and injury rates are lowest between 3 and 6 p.m.
• Workouts may get cut short due to morning schedules. If you can’t push back your wake-up time or you keep hitting snooze, the shortened workouts over time might be more detrimental than fewer workouts per week.
• You have more time for happy hours and restaurant food if you don’t hit the gym after work. (OK, so this isn’t all bad—but working out at night a few days a week can keep you occupied and help you avoid excess calories that come with heading out with co-workers straight from work!)

The Best Time to Exercise

Bottom line: Science will support you whether you choose to set the alarm clock and head out the door early or if you knock out your workout closer to bedtime. What’s much more important is finding the option that will work for you longterm. The only way you can lose is if you don’t do it at all!

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A Cool New Take On Caprese

Disclaimer: this article is not intended to diagnose or treat. Please consult your medical provider, informing them of your medical history and current medications, prior to making drastic changes to your diet.

It’s generally accepted that our bodies are carbohydrate burning powerhouses, using glycogen stored in the liver and muscles to fuel our lives – and we’re really efficient at it! But what happens when intake of carbohydrates is so low that our bodies turn to burning fat for fuel instead? Well, our brain, which is selfish when it comes to energy usage, goes into starvation mode in the absence of sugar and relies on the liver to derive the energy it needs to function directly from fat. This is the basis of the ketogenic diet.

The ketogenic diet is more of, let’s say, a lifestyle choice rather than the next big fad diet. Supporters of the ketogenic way of eating will boast enhanced performance, improvement in various health metrics like blood sugar, and maybe even weight loss. But why a sudden significant shift in eating habits? Is the ketogenic diet really all it’s cracked up to be? Let’s learn more!

Keto 101

Although it may seem new and hip, the ketogenic diet, otherwise known as the “keto” diet, has been around for many years. It’s based on consuming a diet that’s very low in carbohydrates and high in fats and protein. You may be thinking, “this sounds quite familiar” and that’s because it does. The Atkins diet, introduced in the 1970s, and the ketogenic diet draw on many of the same principles; pushing the body into a state of “ketosis”, or the breakdown of ketone bodies (fat) for energy.

How To Keto

The body typically goes into a state of ketosis within several days of consuming a very low carbohydrate diet. What’s considered “very low”? According to Dr. Marcelo Campos, a lecturer at Harvard Medical School and Clinical Assistant Professor at TUFTS School of Medicine, 20 to 50 grams of carbohydrate consumption per day depending on the individual may lead to the production of ketone bodies, and hence, a keto diet.

Benefits of a Ketogenic Lifestyle

• The keto diet is recommended by the Epilepsy Foundation for children with seizures who don’t respond to medication. Studies have shown that over half of children who follow a ketogenic diet experience a 50% reduction in seizures, while a small percentage are even seizure free.
•  A keto diet may induce weight loss that is more significant and more rapid than a traditional low-fat diet, helping those that are overweight or obese. According to Antonio Paouli in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, “ketogenic diets have undoubtedly been shown to be effective, at least in the short to medium term, as a tool to fight obesity, hyperlipidemia and some cardiovascular risk factors.” However, he notes that while it may have benefits, the keto diet does raise some concern among physicians.
• The keto diet may offer better control of blood sugar for individuals with Type 2 diabetes, mostly attributed to significant weight loss, but also low intake of a high glycemic index. However, keto diet is not safe for everyone with diabetes and therefore a medical provider should be consulted prior to changing eating habits.

Potential Risks

• Followers of the keto diet tend to develop a sweet, bad breath caused by the breakdown of fatty acids. This side effect is by no means life threatening, just a watch out for social situations.
• Because the keto diet focuses on a very low intake of the macronutrient, carbohydrate, Jaclyn London, Registered Dietitian at Good House Keeping warns that nutrient deficiencies are possible if followers of the diet aren’t educated and intentional about their nutrition.
• While the keto diet may be good for weight loss and lowering blood pressure in the short term, an analysis in the British Journal of Nutrition in 2013 evaluating ketogenic diets against low-fat diets for long-term weight loss found that these keto diets can also increase LDL cholesterol. Dr. Marcelo Campos seconds this concern in a keto diet review in a Harvard Health blog, saying that emphasis on fat and protein over carbohydrates may encourage higher consumption of less healthy oils and red meat, generally high in saturated fats, that may lead to potential complications related to heart health.
• The keto diet may solicit significant weight loss or improved health metrics in some individuals, however, we’re all different and effects may vary from person to person. Also, because this diet is so very low in carbohydrates, this diet may not be sustainable for most individuals who are used to following the typical American diet.

What’s Next

Overall, more research is needed on the long-term effects of the keto diet, particularly in adult humans, as much of the research currently available is based on animal studies or children with epilepsy. So make the more sustainable choice for you, because the best diet for you is the one you can stick with. It should be based on a variety of different foods that are nutrient dense, that is they provide a lot of nutrients for little calories. And remember, every food can be incorporated into a healthy diet in moderation!

Sources:

1. Ketogenic Diet for Obesity – Friend or Foe? By Antonio Paoli – International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2014 Feb; 11(2): 2092–2107.
2. The 5 Most Common Arguments for the Keto Diet, Debunked by Jaclyn London, MS, RD, CDN – Good House Keeping. 2018 Feb 16.
3. Ketogenic diet: Is the ultimate low-carb diet good for you? By Marcelo Campos, MD. Harvard Health Blog. 2017 July 27.
4. Very-low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet v. low-fat diet for long-term weight loss: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials by Nassib Bezerra Bueno, Ingrid Sofia Vieira de Melo, Suzana Lima de Oliveira and Terezinha da Rocha Ataide. British Journal of Nutrition. 2013 Oct;110(7):1178-87.
5. Effects of Ketogenic Diet on Cardiovascular Risk Factors: Evidence from Animal and Human Studies by Christophe Kosinski and François R. Jornayvaz. Nutrients Journal. 2017 May; 9(5): 517.
6. Ketogenic Diet. Epilepsy Foundation. 2017 Oct 25.

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A Cool New Take On Caprese

Caprese

It’s easy to get stuck in a rut when it comes to health food, that’s why we are always looking for exciting new takes on old recipes to jazz up your meals! Take a look at this cool new take on caprese that we came across via Delish. Make one for a snack or a prepare a bunch for appetizers with friends!

Ingredients Needed – Makes 4 Serving

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• 2 ripe avocados, pitted
• 1/2 c. cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 c. chopped fresh mozzarella
• Italian seasoning
• Balsamic vinegar
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Basil, for garnish

Directions – Prep Time: 10 minutes  Total Time: 10 minutes

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1. Scoop out avocados, leaving a small border. Dice avocado and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, toss diced avocado with tomatoes, mozzarella, Italian seasoning, balsamic, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Divide salad among 4 avocado halves and garnish with basil.
4. Enjoy!

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Coconut Oil: Is It Healthy?

Coconut oil has exploded in popularity in the last decade boasting positive health benefits over other oils, particularly by health conscious foodies. It seems like it’s used in everything from recipes to cleaning supplies and even skincare products. However, within the last year or so, individual practitioners and institutions like the American Heart Association have expressed concern with the healthfulness associated with consuming this particular oil, stating that it may not have as many positive benefits as it leads on. This has left most of us wondering if coconut oil is, in fact, our friend or our foe. There are always two sides to every good story and we’re here to lay out the arguments for and against coconut oil. Ultimately, you will be the judge!

Argument

Coconut oil is high in saturated fat. According to the American Heart Association elevated intakes of saturated fats raise LDL cholesterol levels (known as the “bad” cholesterol), which increase risk of heart disease.

Counter

Yes, coconut oil is high in saturated fat, but one must dig deeper and consider the ratio of lauric to non-lauric fatty acid when it comes to saturated fats because it influences its overall health credentials. Because coconut oil is much higher in the lauric variety than other vegetable oils, this may play a role in coconut oil’s ability to positively influence HDL cholesterol (known as the “good” cholesterol). In general, some fat in the diet is good. Fat supports the brain, absorb vitamins, and gives us healthy hair, skin, and nails.

Argument

Coconut oil may be less desirable for cooking because it’s solid at room temperature and has a distinct coconutty flavor.

Counter

While coconut oil may not be the best vehicle for recipes like salad dressings, because it’s solid at room temperature it makes a good replacement in baked good recipes that call for a solid source of fat like butter. The flavor of coconut oil can also really complement certain dishes, especially Thai curries. If you’re not partial the coconutty flavor but still want to utilize coconut oil, select a refined variety of the oil with a more neutral taste.

Argument

Coconut oil isn’t as high in other health-promoting compounds compared to other vegetable oils, which are high in unsaturated fat and may be rich in antioxidants shown to lower heart disease risk.

Counter

It’s easy to get distracted by coconut oil’s high saturated fat content and forget it’s higher in medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) compared to other vegetable oils, which have been shown to have positive health implications like increased metabolism when consumed over long-chain triglycerides. Not to mention there is some research that suggests coconut oil may act as an antimicrobial, reduce oxidative stress, and help regulate blood sugar levels.

General Recommendation

Without truly isolating the diets of human participants, studies are limited on coconut oil’s effects on the diet, particularly long term. So as with all good things, enjoy in moderation. Consume a diet that’s high in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, a variety of fats /oil, and lean meats. Oh, and ease up on the sugar and refined grains will ya?

The opinions expressed in this post are purely my own and are not intended to diagnose or treat. Please consult your medical provider prior to making any drastic changes to your diet.

Sources:

1. Is Coconut Oil Bad For you? The Debate is Complex – Huffington Post
2. Saturated Fats: Why All The Hubbub Over Coconuts? – American Heart Association
3. Coconut Oil and Health – Harvard Health Publishing
4. Coconut Oil Isn’t Healthy. It’s Never Been Healthy. – USA Today

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Brighten Your Day With A Morning Routine!

brighten your day with a morning routine

We believe that the only workout hurdles that test us are the ones we jump over, so we’ve compiled a list of ways to stay invested during your entire workout. You’ve got this!

Make it a friendly competition.

Even if you don’t have a competitive nature, having to push your efforts in relation to someone else can be a major motivator. Whether it’s the stranger running on the treadmill next to you or a dedicated workout partner that’s a little bit closer to where you want to be, letting someone else’s motivation rub off on you will help you push yourself farther, keep going longer and stop you from being tempted to quit.

Make a bet.

From fitness accountability apps to friends who won’t let you off the hook, there are plenty of ways to hold yourself accountable—especially when there’s cash on the line. Make a bet with yourself, a friend or an online community about a goal of yours. Whether it’s frequency of workouts for the next two weeks, amount of progress made over the next three months or the amount you’re able to deadlift this time next year, putting your paycheck on the line will make you think twice about skipping that extra rep

Consider a trainer.

Many people think that they don’t need a personal trainer if they know what they’re doing, but working with a trainer at any level can help kick your workout into overdrive. Having a professional there to remind you about form, technique, and following through on each rep will take you further, encourage you to work harder and keep you dedicated for the full duration of your workout.

Sometimes motivation is hard to come by…but with these tips, you’ll be ready to kill it at the gym for the entire time, every time!

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3 Ways To Stay Motivated During Your Workout

We’re all tempted to cheat on our workout at times—whether you’re talking yourself out of doing that last set, debating if you really need to do cardio today, or convincing yourself to not do leg day so you can walk tomorrow, experiencing a lack of motivation in the gym can be just as detrimental as experiencing it before you get there.

We believe that the only workout hurdles that test us are the ones we jump over, so we’ve compiled a list of ways to stay invested during your entire workout. You’ve got this!

Make it a friendly competition.

Even if you don’t have a competitive nature, having to push your efforts in relation to someone else can be a major motivator. Whether it’s the stranger running on the treadmill next to you or a dedicated workout partner that’s a little bit closer to where you want to be, letting someone else’s motivation rub off on you will help you push yourself farther, keep going longer and stop you from being tempted to quit.

Make a bet.

From fitness accountability apps to friends who won’t let you off the hook, there are plenty of ways to hold yourself accountable—especially when there’s cash on the line. Make a bet with yourself, a friend or an online community about a goal of yours. Whether it’s frequency of workouts for the next two weeks, amount of progress made over the next three months or the amount you’re able to deadlift this time next year, putting your paycheck on the line will make you think twice about skipping that extra rep

Consider a trainer.

Many people think that they don’t need a personal trainer if they know what they’re doing, but working with a trainer at any level can help kick your workout into overdrive. Having a professional there to remind you about form, technique, and following through on each rep will take you further, encourage you to work harder and keep you dedicated for the full duration of your workout.

Sometimes motivation is hard to come by…but with these tips, you’ll be ready to kill it at the gym for the entire time, every time!

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Real Friends Can Lead To Real Results

The desire to make new friends was not why Melissa Lemsky decided to become a member of the Anytime Fitness gym in Hudson, WI a few years ago.

“Other children would make rude comments about me to my children,” Melissa said.  “This did not bother me.  What bothered me was that my children felt they needed to defend me from the way I looked. My children love me no matter what I look like.”

Her first few days at the gym Melissa exercised by herself, but quickly realized she could benefit from the help of a personal trainer.

“Deciding to work with a personal trainer was the best decision I ever made,” Melissa said. “I have lost 40 pounds and 18 inches since beginning my journey and a new way of life.  I enjoy spending more time with family and friends.  Also, knowing I am setting a better example for my own children.”

real friends can lead to real results

In June of 2017, Melissa met Ashley Hemann, another member of the gym who worked with the same personal trainer.  Despite the 20-year difference in their ages, Melissa and Ashley discovered they had a lot in common.

“Our trainer urged us to work out together, without him, occasionally,” Melissa said.  “He saw in each of us the drive we had to improve ourselves. We continued to talk, workout and build on our friendship.”

“Melissa is always pushing herself,” Ashley said.  “She pushes me to do my best and when I have a bad day she is right there to keep me going. She has a passion to make sure everyone is included.”

Like Melissa, Ashley’s health has improved dramatically since she joined the gym.

“In just 20 months, I’ve lost 75 pounds and almost 40 inches,” Ashley said.  “When I started I could barely walk up the stairs without being out of breath.  I was making poor food choices, which impacted how I felt about myself and being around others.  I was also borderline diabetic and my blood pressure was high.”

The “new Ashley” is a completely different person.

“I ran my first Rugged Maniac race last fall,” she said.  “My eating habits are under control, I no longer have any medical concerns and I’m stronger than I’ve ever been.  I also gained a ton of self-confidence and friends that have become family to me.”

Melissa and Ashley actually enjoy themselves at the gym so much that they invited other members to join in the fun.

“On Saturday and Sunday mornings at 6:30 we have some others that join us to do a small group workout,” Melissa said.  “Ashley creates the Saturday workout and I create the Sunday workout. We invite others to do it with us. Slacking is NOT an option for us.”

They’ve become such good friends, in fact, that they often get together outside the gym.

“Melissa and I have a special bond,” said Ashley.  “She is 44 and I’m 24.  She has kids and I don’t.  She is a teacher and I’m a banker.  Different lives but a common goal of fitness and eating healthy.  We have started something special at Anytime Fitness.  We have built a little family.  This family is not just about meeting at the gym; it’s also about getting together for multiple celebrations and good times together.”

“I treasure the friendship that I’ve created with Ashley at the gym and outside of the gym,” said Melissa. “She is a good listener, motivator, friend and workout buddy.  She would do anything for anybody.  She has a true heart of gold.”

As for others who might be hesitant to join a gym community, Melissa says the improvements in her quality of life far exceeded her expectations.

“Going to a gym may be scary but you need to be willing to take that first step for a better and happier life for yourself,” Melissa said.  “Do not let your fears get in your way and slow you down. You may even find an amazing friendship if you’re open to it. It does not matter what age you are. Being a member of Anytime Fitness has given me more self-confidence and energy.  It has also helped me create new friendships that I would not have found otherwise – and it’s given me back the life I did not think I would have again.”

IF NOT NOW, THEN WHEN?

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The 10 best fitness blogs

Want to get fit this year, but don't know where to start? We have chosen the best fitness blogs to empower you and help to get you started on your journey to tip-top physical fitness.

Fitness blogs aim to inspire, empower, and motivate you to reach your health and fitness goals.

Getting up off the couch and taking part in regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do to ensure you remain healthy.

Regular exercise can help to control your weight, strengthen your bones and muscles, and reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers.

Furthermore, being active improves your mood, mental health, mobility, and ability to complete tasks as an older adult, as well as increases your chances of living longer.

Adults are recommended to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week to achieve substantial health benefits, and increase to 300 minutes for more extensive benefits.

If you are stuck on where to begin or are worried about getting injured, the good news is that aerobic activity — such as brisk walking — is considered to be safe for most people.

Hundreds of fitness blogs are also available to help you on your way and provide tips, ideas, and information on the best types of activity to boost fitness and instructions on how to do them.

Medical News Today have trawled through the many fitness blogs out there to bring you the top 10 fitness blogs for 2018.

MyFitnessPal Blog

MyFitnessPal is a smartphone app and website that records physical activity and diet. The app works out the optimal intake of calories and nutrients for the user to accomplish their goals, and it uses elements of gaming to motivate them.

MyFitnessPal's blog focuses on providing easy-to-read information on eating psychology, nutrition, weight loss, fitness inspiration, workout guides, and motivational support through the victory stories on the blog.

Fitness posts include seven tips to lift weights without causing injury, songs that should feature on your 2018 running playlist, and brain- and body-boosting moves that you should add to your next walk.

Visit the MyFitnessPal Blog.

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Top 43 Fitness Blogs

Is your muffin top starting to make you very conscious of your body every time you look in the mirror? Maybe you need a change, but don’t know the best way to go about it. Whether you are a mom, a workaholic, or a former athlete, everyone is willing to give you health advice. With the advent of the internet and the health industry boom, your weight loss worries should be easily be taken care of. But, not every fitness blog is offering safe advice. So, whom should you believe?

Jenn Mitchell introduces herself as a ‘mom, wife, social media junky, wanna-be-fashionista’ among other things on her blog Comeback Momma. Having bounced back from post-partum depression twice, Jenn managed to lose 50 pounds of her pregnancy weight and indulge in healthy living. She also states that post an injury in 2011, she succumbed to depression again and gained 20 more pounds. However, with the help of her doctor and therapist, she claims that that is all history. She has regained her lost confidence and has made it her life’s mission to inspire other women to strive constantly to be the best individuals they can. Jenn’s blog is on fitness and health, food, fashion, and family.

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WELLNESS ESCAPE TO BORDEAUX WITH CAUDALIE

Les Sources de Caudalie is one of those rare hotels to enjoy the mysterious ‘Palace’ designation – a hyper-prestigious mark of distinction bestowed upon just 24 hotels, all of which are in France. Unclear as to what it officially means, to me it represents an endorsement that an operation has proven itself a practitioner of the finest haut hospitalité that the French call their Art de Vivre. Whilst the hotel itself is really quite special, there were two other major components to the site which rendered my stay here totally memorable and unique; the world-class ‘Grand Cru appellation’ vineyard on site, and the shrine to the French beauty house Caudalie, itself stemming from the vines. When choosing a place to stay, one must select the appropriate property for the geography; Les Sources de Caudalie masterfully bottles the essence of this region into one exceptional package. For a wellness escape to Bordeaux, it is a sublime choice, and this post reveals the magical experience I found there! 

You might be a bit confused at this point? Perhaps you’ve encountered the beauty brand, Caudalie and noticed it featuring prominently in the name of this hotel? Caudalie beauty’s existence is entwined in a sort of symbiotic triumvirate of the vineyard, the hotel and the beauty brand. The family who own Château Smith Haut Lafitte (the reputed Bordeaux institution decorated with 100 points by Robert Parker for their 2009 opus major vintage – wine buffs will know this to be a big deal) started Caudalie beauty some 20 years ago, as a corollary of scientific research into the very grapes which bestow life-preserving properties to their wines. The findings postulated that the chemical substances called ‘polyphenols’ contained within the grapes’ pips were rich in specific amino acids and antioxidants, which are known to have beneficial applications in skincare. 

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The Best Fitness Blogs of the Year

We’ve carefully selected these blogs because they are actively working to educate, inspire, and empower their readers with frequent updates and high-quality information. Want to nominate a blog? Email us at http://bestblogs@healthline.com!

By now you’ve probably heard about all of the many benefits of exercise: it helps control your weight; it reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers; it strengthens your bones; and it improves your mental health and mood. To reap these benefits, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that all adults get 150 minutes of moderate cardiovascular activity and two days of muscle-strengthening workouts every week.

That said, getting active isn’t easy. For many people, finding and sticking to a workout routine can be overwhelming. If you’re not used to working out, you might not know where to start or have trouble finding the motivation to keep it up. Even if you’re a seasoned athlete, there’s a mountain of new exercise trends to keep up with, from high-intensity interval training to functional fitness. Fortunately, a number of fitness blogs written both by weekend warriors and pro trainers alike have done the legwork for you.

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Samsung galaxy s9 price / Specification / galaxy s9+ / c / availability, and specifications

Samsung galaxy s9 price / Specification / galaxy s9+ / expected price / availability, and specifications :

Samsung Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ will be launched today, March 6 at an event in New Delhi. launch has been set for Tuesday, March 6 in India. The Galaxy S9 smartphone duo India price and availability will be announced at the event. The Samsung Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ were launched on February 25 ahead of Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2018 in Barcelona, Spain.

The launch of newer Galaxy devices in India usually happened a month after the global unveiling at MWC in Barcelona. However, this time Samsung is launching the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ alongside the global timeline. The pre-booking of both the smartphones have already begun indicating that the shipping of the devices is likely to begin soon.

Samsung Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9+ India Price and Availability

The Samsung Galaxy S9 is priced at $719.99 that’s roughly Rs 47,000 in Indian market while the Galaxy S9+ was launched at a price of $839.99, translating to roughly Rs 54,000 in India. The Galaxy S9 India price is expected to be north of Rs 50,000, while the Galaxy S9+ is likely to bear a price tag of over Rs 60,000 in India. The newer Galaxy S9 smartphones are likely to be priced more than the predecessors – Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+.

The pre-booking of Samsung Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ began last week. Samsung, in addition to its own e-store, is now accepting pre-bookings from online partners such as Airtel store, as well as, offline retailers. An upfront payment of Rs 2,000 is, however, required to be paid to initiate the pre-booking. This amount will be adjusted in the final amount at the time of purchase. Flipkart will also begin taking pre-orders at 2 pm on Tuesday, March 6. The shipping of the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ is expected to commence from March 16, alongside the global release date.

Samsung will launch the Lilac Purple, Midnight Black, and Coral Blue colour models of Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ in India.

galaxy s9, S9+

Samsung Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9+ Specifications

The Samsung Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9+ come with new and improved features such as new camera capabilities, iPhone X-style Animoji called 3D Emojis, and new camera island design at the back. The Galaxy S9 has a 5.8-inch Quad-HD+ Super-AMOLED display while the Galaxy S9+ bears a 6.2-inch Quad-HD+ Super-AMOLED display. The Indian variants of the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ are powered by Exynos 9810 SoC with 4GB RAM and 6GB RAM, respectively. There are 64GB storage options available for all the colour models and 256GB storage model for just the Midnight Black colour option as of now.

The rear camera on Galaxy S9 is a 12-megapixel Dual Pixel camera with two apertures – f/1.5 and f/2.4. On the other hand, the Galaxy S9+ comes with dual cameras each of 12-megapixel sensors, where one lens has two apertures – f/1.5 and f/2.4 – while the other has just one set at f/2.4. There is an 8-megapixel autofocus camera on both the smartphones.

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