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Weekly Blog Every Monday one of FitFast's experts updates our blog with exciting topics all revolving around the site's goal - to get you fit! So make sure to check in every week and keep updated with the newest information!

Stretch It Out! =September 12th, 2011 = Ever wake up feeling worse than you did the night before? Tired of having to constantly blame your mattress for that bad back of yours or those long hours at work for those bags under your eyes? Well you're definitely not the only one - and you probably won't be the last. But, guess what...there's a solution, and it's not one of those crazy gimmicks you find flashing across your TV screen after 1am. It actually works! It's a solution that's even been around for thousands of years. Who knew right?

Just one word can relieve you from a lifetime of aches, pains, and a flabby stomach....

YOGA. 

Okay, okay. You got me. Just saying the word won't get you anywhere. There's a little work involved (and yes it might be kind of awkward at first) but it's well worth the rewards and benefits you'll get in the end. Twisting yourself into a pretzel might not have ever appealed to you before today, but if done correctly, it can really change your life.

So enough preaching. What is "yoga", you ask? I'm sure you've seen someone, somewhere, doing it some time or another. It's not just a moviestar fad or a fashion statement. For some people it's actually an entire way of life. You too can be a self proclaimed "yogi" (yes, that IS what they call themselves) with a little practice. Basically, it's a specific way of coordinating stretching with controlled breathing. Sound easy? Well, believe me, it can be quite the workout if you're really looking to sweat. Studies on yoga show that it may be one of the most beneficial forms of exercise known to man. It can tone the body in ways that the machines at the gym wish they could. It makes your muscles long and lean. It helps your cardiorespiratory endurance (aka it helps your lungs). And best of all it helps your mind.

Yoga is actually a form of meditation so if you're looking for an escape from work, home, the kids, school, or whatever, look no further! After 45 minutes of yoga poses you will find yourself to be so relaxed and reenergized, you won't even know what hit you. AND you're getting a great workout at the same time. What could be better?

So, if I've somehow sparked your interest in yoga (and I hope I have) I first advise you to do some research. There seems to be an infinite number of different yoga styles, so you might want to see what would work best for you and your fitness level. Next thing you should do: join a class. Don't go out and buy a yoga DVD from Target and expect to have great success. Yoga instructors will help you find the correct poses and most of all help you to stay safe. If you belong to a gym you might even have classes free of charge.

Okay. Now go out there and do some yoga! You won't be sorry you did.

Take Your Pick... =September 5th, 2011 = == Happy Monday everyone. Hope everyone's weekend was a little less stressful than mine. I never thought I'd be happier to see the week begin. I unfortunately had the pleasure of looking for a new gym and little did I know what a big process it would be. If anyone else out there is gym hunting - I wish you luck!! So to save you all the trouble I went through I decided to give you my research on the three most popular gyms I found and hopefully I can keep you from hours of aggrivation (I wish someone did for me). Here's a list of some of Connecticut's most popular gyms and the one's I took a look at.

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">LA Fitness - If you're looking for an upscale fitness experience, this is the place to go. They have seven locations across Connecticut and plenty more across the country if you are ever traveling. But I won't lie to you. They're pretty pricey, though it just might be worth it to you. There's a ton of fitness classes, most have pools and suanas and there's more than enough machines, free weights, and cardio equipment to go around. They even have childcare. Not to mention the inside is beautiful - in case your the type of person to base things off of apperance.

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Planet Fitness - It's a decent gym for a great price. You've probably seen them advertise their ten dollar a month membership and are self described as the "judgment free zone". It all sounds fine and dandy but if you're looking for a serious workout, this might not be your cup of tea. The inside is clean but it's nothing fancy. Few clubs have fitness classes and some can be small. Not to mention it seems to attract the younger crowd (you know, highschool kids who can't afford anything too pricey). But with todays economy, you really can't beat the price.

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Big Sky - This is more of your "gym next door". It has a great atmosphere, decent membership fees, and the clubs offer some great perks: classes, tanning, childcare, smoothie bars. This is by far my top rated gym (if you live in the area). They offer a lot of one on one personalization for your workout without having to pay for a personal trainer which I thought was great. Their facilities look great too.

<span style="color: #0089ff; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 37px;">Summer's Not Over Yet. =<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 80%;">August 29th, 2011 =

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 90%;">September may be right around the corner but that doesn't mean your summer needs to end just yet. The weather is still great (for the most part) so why not use it to your advantage and keep your fitness routine outdoors! There's so many great things you can do to stay active while enjoying what warmth we have left. Go for a hike. Take a walk on the boardwalk. Or if you're feeling a little more adventurous there are plenty of ways to amp up your workout.

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 90%;">For example, why not try canoeing? It's great for your arms and core and you can get a little sight seeing in at the same time. There's plenty of places to rent canoes and kayaks for a reasonable price. Or, if that's a little too slow paced for you, you could always get your adrenaline rush with a little white water rafting. Make it into a weekend adventure or a family thing? It's a great experience and tons of fun - not to mention all the calories you'll burn! But if you're looking for something that's really physical, you could always go rock climbing. Okay, it sounds tough, and I'll admit, not EVERYONE can do it - BUT, there's ton of different kinds of rock climbing facilities and a huge range of difficulties. Try the rock walls first or maybe a ropes course. Then you can jump on the mountain. You could even try horseback riding. Trail riding is a great way to stay active while enjoying the end of the season (and it's even great to to do in the fall).

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 90%;">So go on and get outside! This weather wont last forever!