So I did a little research to see how the elliptical machine actually adds up to running. As a former runner who now finds herself on an elliptical more often, I’ve wanted to know which is better for a long time. I’ve always been impressed with how the calories I burn sky rocket while I’m working out on an elliptical, but often doubted the accuracy.

In doing very little research, I discovered that ellipticals can overestimate calories burned by as much as 25-percent. That’s a problem if you are counting calories and trust the machine as truth.

Also, ellipticals just don’t burn as many calories as running. Why should we expect it to? They are two different exercise modalities. Running always makes me feel like I got a better whole body workout and I often miss it when I’m getting no where fast on an elliptical.

Still, there are benefits of working out on a machine. When I run my knees and hips ache. When I use an elliptical my joints feel healthy and fine. That is a pretty significant difference. Plus, on days when you […]

According to a recent American Diabetes Association survey, people appeared to be more fearful of shark attacks and snake bites than diabetes, even though the latter causes about 230, 990 more deaths per year than sharks or snakes. Something to consider.

My great-grandma had obvious biceps. I doubt she lifted a weight in her whole life, but she cooked without electric beaters for a large portion of her life. At a time she washed clothes by hand. Basic daily chores were hard work. Machines have really made daily life much easier, but it also enables us to sit more and be less active. Computers and televisions increase inactivity too. So nowadays we have to make time for exercise. Our daily chores no longer really count. You can even mow the lawn sitting down now.

So next time you feel like you don’t have time to fit in exercise. Think about how little time you’d have if you had to wash all the dishes and clothes by hand and then pull all your rugs outside and beat them to get the dirt and dust out.

You’re more likely to stick to exercise if you do what you love and enjoy. This week, pick your favorite Pilates exercise and practice it every day–maybe twice a day. Every little bit helps and you’ll be taking a moment to do something that you enjoy, or perhaps makes you laugh (assuming your favorite is the seal).

If you can’t think of an exercise, look at our previous exercises of the week that we posted throughout the year last year.

This year try a form of fitness that you never have before. Plan for it today. Make a date and an appointment to go cross country skiing or snow shoeing. Take a heated yoga class. Try a Pilates ball class. Sign up for a belly dancing class or grab some girlfriends and head to a pole dancing class in NYC. There is so much out there to discover and you truly never know what you will like until you try it!