As Shape's senior fitness editor, I get to try fun new classes, meet talented trainers, and check out workout clothing and gear before it hits the stores. And in this blog, I'm going to share all of that with you! From my favorite new ways to stay fit to the pants that make my butt look perky you're going to hear it all. And along the way, I hope to hear from you too.
I was on vacation last week, and I didn't spend it sipping margaritas on an exotic island or touring the French countryside. I got my R&R in one of my favorite places in the world: New Jersey. (Yep, you read that right.) There's nowhere I feel happier than in my sister's northern New Jersey house in the summer. Her three kids--Jenna, 9; Jamie, 5; and Jaylyn, 3--greet me with hugs and kisses whether I've been away for a day or three months, and their energy is infectious.
We took long walks around their neighborhood, swam in the pool, played catch, and even went on a family outing to nearby Bear Mountain State Park. I didn't "work out" the entire week, but every morning I woke up feeling like I had: one day the sides of my waist were sore, thanks to the batting practice I'd done with Jenna; the next, my legs were feeling the burn because I'd pushed Jaime's motorized car (with him in it) up a hill after the battery died. It's a good reminder that exercise doesn't have to involve weights, machines, or even sneakers--you can burn calories, strengthen your muscles (and actually have fun!) by playing. If you have kids, try spending a day being extra active with them and you'll see what I mean.
Jenna (a budding softball all-star) had me running to catch her hits
We took long walks around their neighborhood, swam in the pool, played catch, and even went on a family outing to nearby Bear Mountain State Park. I didn't "work out" the entire week, but every morning I woke up feeling like I had: one day the sides of my waist were sore, thanks to the batting practice I'd done with Jenna; the next, my legs were feeling the burn because I'd pushed Jaime's motorized car (with him in it) up a hill after the battery died. It's a good reminder that exercise doesn't have to involve weights, machines, or even sneakers--you can burn calories, strengthen your muscles (and actually have fun!) by playing. If you have kids, try spending a day being extra active with them and you'll see what I mean.
Here's the entire gang after a day at Bear Mountain State Park. From left to right: Dave (my husband), Neil (my brother-in-law), Jenna, Jamie, Chris (my sister), Jaylyn, me, and my mom
Jenna (a budding softball all-star) had me running to catch her hits
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