I date myself when I say mix tape instead of mix CD or iPod, which I guess is really just a giant mix tape, but whatever you use to store it, music is really helpful when it comes to working out and staying motivated.

Consider making time to make yourself a mix of music on whatever format you choose. Who knows, you just might have fun while putting it together. And if you dance while the music is playing, you’ll be getting a little workout.

Eye of the Tiger is always a good one.

Comment if you know other songs that help you keep motivated.

Apparently June is National Fruit and Vegetable Month. There seems to be a month or a day for almost everything, but this actually seems like a good topic to consider and celebrate for a month.

Maybe you can try a new, exotic fruit every time you go grocery shopping. I’ve done this in the past and found it to be, at the very least, amusing. Maybe instead of dessert you can have fruit.

Perhaps you can hit up a local farmers market and buy some local produce. The options are endless and you have all month to fully enjoy your fruits and vegetables.

While we won’t talk about fruit every day this month, we are going to designate this week in honor of fruit–so check back in to see what fun fruits you might want to tempt your palate with.

So much of life is how you look at it. When it rains, instead of being disappointed about the inevitable bad hair day think about how the rain is good for the land. You can use the power of positive thought in fitness classes too.

When it hurts (in a good way) be glad that you have full use of your body. Tell yourself that your muscles are saying thank you.

After a discussion with a client this week, I was reminded of an article I wrote a few years ago (when I turned 25). It was never published, so this will be a first. It’s a little longer than most of my blogs, and if I’m going to be honest, I remember feeling worse about turning 25 than I state in the article. I was so concerned with life passing me by that I ran a marathon to try and start getting my “List of Things to Do Before I Die” done. But maybe that sensation hadn’t quite hit yet at the time I was working on this piece.

Though it never got published, I always thought it was a nice testament to women:

I am turning twenty-five. It doesn’t bother me. I remember my sister getting depressed when this year came, but I’m not. I am going to be a quarter of a century, and I think that’s great. In fact, it should be declared a national holiday. The only thing is, I was just looking in the mirror and I noticed something. Not […]

Next time you have a craving for something you know you shouldn’t eat, get outside and start walking. Sometimes it’s hard to have the discipline, but when I do it always helps. This time of year it’s easy to get outside in Connecticut. Keep a pair of walking shoes handy and walk off your cravings. Studies are even starting to prove that it works!