Bowling Farewell

How I miss bowling! I had to give it up when the injuries from my career interferred, but I've never given up my love for the game! Alas, I'm not the only American to have retired my bowling shoes...

The U.S. had 4,061 bowling centers in 2012, down 25 percent from 1998, the earliest year for which the U.S. Census collected consistent data. But the decline of the bowling alley probably started a lot earlier. The U.S. added 2,000 bowling alleys between the end of World War II and 1958, when the American Society of Planning Officials reported that “the bowling alley is fast becoming one of the most important—if not the most important—local center of participant sport and recreation.”

The number of Americans who bowled increased 10 percent from 1980 to 1993, but those who belonged to leagues declined 40 percent. That made a convenient metaphor for the political scientist Robert Putnam, whose 2000 book Bowling Alone tracked American’s dwindling civic engagement.

This article is about the demise of bowling, but also it's re-branding: http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-07-10/america-s-vanishing-bowling-alleys

Core Exercises

It turns out that situps are not good for you! Shucks, just when I thought I'd start doing them. Instead, this Canadian doctor recommends four key exercises to develop core strength. Watch the video (http://youtu.be/kukmaW9CmSU), and then just Do It!

Meditative Breathing

Sometimes just getting a good deep breath helps a lot! Here's a video that gives a lesson in how to breathe deeply in just 4 minutes. How calming this is! This "video" is actually just an audio file, so don't get stressed if you can't see an image! Find it on YouTube at: http://youtu.be/hC2_POtuVwA

Getting Back on Track

It's been awhile since I've written anything here. But, I'm back on track now with my weight loss regime. That's really what it is - to successfully lose weight, and maintain fitness, one needs to attack "the enemy" like conducting a military campaign! Well, that's what it feels like today...

SO - I'm following the WeightTalk program paid for by my health plan (CIGNA), and came across this video, on the interplay between weight and stress. It's a good reminder - eliminate or control the stressors, and the impulse to overeat will be reduced.

Bread Baker's Story

Here's a video about the head bread baker at Panera Breads:

I've been following the LoseIt! app on my iPhone, and discovered the 7 week Panera Bread Challenge. I know I need all the help I can get to jump start my plateaued weight loss. So - why not? We've loved the Panera Bread restaurants we've come across as we travel (MN, Marin County, KS), and I like their emphasis on healthy food. Plus, they have good information about ingredients. So, I'll see if I can win a 4-day vacation for 2 at a Sandals resort - or at least lose a few more pounds!

23 1/2 Hours A Day

My, it's only been 3 weeks, and I'm BACK! I came across this great video while trying to do my final exam for an online class in Web Marketing. Needless to say, it is TOTALLY unrelated to my task-at-hand. Nevertheless, it is most appropos. SO, see what you think about the issues raised, or - just enjoy the fancy doodling...

Calorie Camp

Well, I'm back! 13 months since the last post, and I am here to admit my mistakes: I have fallen off the wagon. I am no longer on the path from Fit to FABulous. BUT - I am about to get back on the treadmill, and try, try again!!

Here's something that may help: Calorie Camp. I've been doing some research on About.com, and discovered that it is owned by the NYTimes, and it has a sister site called Calorie Count.  This video tells about what tools are available. It makes it sound fun! I'm still on the fence about deciding just how I want to approach this next phase of weight-loss/exercise-gain. Anyway, check it out!