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The way I see it, there are a ton of different ways to exercise; but they boil down to three major categories: classes, the gym, and on your own.

Classes

Doing fitness classes are a great way to stay motivated and keep with a program. Whether you’re into yoga pilates, or something more intense like a boot camp or kettle bell class, to something more fun and adventurous like a zumba or pole dancing class, you’ll find something in your area to suit your needs.

One of the best part about a class is that you’ll have less of an inclination to give up early or in general on it. You might even take friends with you – so that you’re all in it together!

There’s also the small bit about money. Often, you’re going to have to pay for the exercise classes you take, and sometimes it’s no small amount. Think you’ll skip a class after shelling out that much dough? I doubt it. But there’s a bonus: tons of studios and classes give you a free “try before you buy” class so you that you can test out how you like it, first.

So if you’re the type of person who needs a little more motivation and are able to spend a little in order to gain a lot, classes might be right for you.

Gym

The gym is another great option for your fitness regimen. Often less than taking classes (I’ve heard of fees as low as $10 – $20 per month!), you’re left to your own devices a bit more. That said, some gyms do offer classes and even personal trainers.

Another place to get and stay motivated, the ambiance of a gym may be just enough to kick you into gear once you get there. If not, make sure you bring a friend along and you’ll keep each other on track.

Some things to consider: what are the gyms in your area? What perks do they offer? Do they offer hours that work with your schedule or are they 24 hours?

If you’re the type that needs just a little motivation and an indoor space with all the equipment you need, the gym is calling your name.

On your own

For this routine, you’ll need the most discipline. But, let’s look at the perks: you’ll never be restricted by time and working out on your own doesn’t cost any money.

This may be the perfect choice if you enjoy running outside, swimming at a lake or in the ocean, surfing, plus any of the many indoor activities you can partake in. If you’re a video junkie – say you love P90X – this may be the perfect way to fit in your exercise, and all right from the comfort of your living room!

If you’re the self-motivated type that enjoys a wide range of both indoor and outdoor activities, a fitness routine all your own may be just the ticket!

Remember: you don’t have to be defined by one routine, why not try all three?!

The point is: figure out what works for you. It may not be the same every week, but it’s good for your body to mix things up a little!

Last month I completed a ten day detox. My homeopath suggested I try it; “You spring clean your house,” she told me, “It only makes sense you do the same for your body.” Willingly, I accepted the challenge.

Detoxing, the right way

I’m no dietitian, and certainly no doctor. But the way my homeopath explained it, a lot of people do juice detoxing or water fasting – both of which do a great job flushing out your system. The part most people miss, however, is flushing all the toxins out of your body. In order to do that, you need amino acids. So, here’s what my diet was allowed to consist of during my detox. It wasn’t a diet and it certainly wasn’t a fast:

• Take two scoops of BioCleanse everyday. It’s a great source of protein and amino acids, as well as a ton of other good-for-your-body nutrients.
• Eat vegan; ideally organic, whole foods/grains, fruits, vegetables, and olive oil.
• No meat, dairy, alcohol, caffeine, (added) sugar, salt (fresh spices are OK), or processed foods.

What I learned

• I had really high expectations. I thought that this would be so easy. Turns out, without my vice (dairy), I am cranky.
• I can live without my morning coffee! I love tea, I’ve always loved tea; it just took not being allowed to drink coffee to realize how much I love it.
• My cookbook is my new best friend. Typically, when I need a new recipe, I’ll look it up on Eating Well, but I finally learned to use the cookbook (The Vegetarian’s Bible) that my Mom gave me a few Christmases ago.
• I need to be able to couple this kind of program with more rigorous exercise. Exercise is important, regardless of what lifestyle you’re rocking. However, during a detox, exercise proves to be nearly impossible.

Have you done a detox? What was your experience like?

It happens every year.

Spring.

Like clockwork, allergies, illness, and colds start popping up everywhere you look. For instance, I coach college cheerleading, and in the past month, almost every single one of my girls has been out sick. Why? They’re probably not doing everything they can to take care of themselves. How many times have I been sick in the past month? Zero. (Knock on wood.)

While you can’t do much about seasonal allergies without medication, you can do something about getting a cold or the flu – none of which involve shots or medication. There are 5 easy ways to stay healthy and germ-free this spring:

1. Get sleep - Lack of sleep will push you over the line of getting sick to calling out of work. We need 6-8 hours a night, and I think it’s best to stick near a solid 8 hours of z-catching goodness.
2. Take your vitamins/supplements – With the amount of Vitamin C I take daily, it’s no wonder I don’t end up having to take triple doses of Airbourne if I start feeling under the weather. Being proactive about taking your vitamins is a surefire way to not have to be reactive about it later.
3. Eat right – Like #2, if your immune system is already presented with constant pressure from attacking viruses, you need all the help you can get from what you put in your mouth.
4. Exercise – Sometimes, it’s just best to sweat out a cold. Again, by being proactive about your health, you can decrease the chances of contracting whatever your coworkers have.
5. Wash your hands - I can’t tell you how many times I watch people shake someone’s hand and then later touch their own face. Here’s a better rule of thumb: don’t touch your face without washing your hands first! You give germs a direct path by putting your hands anywhere near your eyes, nose, or mouth…so don’t give them the opportunity! If you can’t get to the sink, keep some antibacterial hand sanitizer nearby!

And there you have it! 5 super easy ways to keep from getting sick this spring!