Exercise can obviously benefit your physical fitness. But did you know that finding movement you enjoy can improve your spiritual, relational and emotional fitness, too?

Studies show that movement has clear mental health benefits that affect everything from your productivity and relationships at work to your home life and the way you relate to your kids. Here are some ways weaving in more movement can improve your health, relationships and so much more...

You’ll Feel Better About Yourself. Research has shown that along with boosting metabolism, exercise boosts confidence! Improved self-esteem is something others notice. In study after study, scientists have found a significant connection between how we perceive ourselves and the strength and health of our relationships with others.

You’ll Have More Energy. Science hasn’t figured out a way to make more time in the day (sorry), but it has figured out that the more energetic you are, the better use you’ll make of the time you have. If yo...

What does “Young at heart” mean to you? 

Well, the Chicago Tribune was curious to know the answer to this question and asked their readers what they thought. Below are just a few of the interesting answers they received:

Rudolph Alfano, 80, Willowbrook "To think young and be positive each and every single day. That's why I think I'm 16 years old because I act like a kid sometimes. I stay young at heart by getting up early in the morning and going on my walk, going to bed early, eating fresh fruits and vegetables daily, working on a project each day and helping others."

William Danford, 91, Elmhurst "It means having a wonderful nature that is attractive at all times."

Lisa Dekter, 76, Addison "You realize that age is insignificant. To be 'young at heart' is to love life, wake up every day and enjoy that day as a gift."

Whatever your answer may be to this question, being “young at heart” is an endearing expression we use for people who enjoy doing things younger people like to do. W...

The key to making 2021 a stronger and healthier year is going to be learning how to RISE Together! When it comes to your fitness, here are some tips and ideas we hope will help you get on the move.   

Did you know? 

Dr. James Levine, an expert in the field of inactivity and health from the Mayo Clinic, has determined how individuals spend their day can have a dramatic impact upon their waist-line, metabolism, calorie burning, health and longevity. 

According to Dr. Levine, the average American employee spends the majority of their time seated. Estimates range from 7-8 hours per day at their desk or at lunch as well as an additional 5-6 hours seated while commuting, watching TV or on their computer seated at home. Dr. Levine states from his research,  "Excessive sitting is a lethal activity.” 

For most of us, 2020 we found ourselves sitting more than ever! But there is hope. According to Levine, small movements performed throughout one’s day can significantly thwart the decline to o...

We hope this Labor Day weekend finds you well and ready to RISE Together this weekend!

We have a few questions for you this weekend….what do you think is the best exercise proven to help you:

·      Melt off body fat, lose weight and keep it off 
·      Rev up your energy 
·      Breakthrough stress 
·      Boost your mood 
·      Increase your earning potential 
·      Enhance your love life 
·      Tone and tighten your entire body 
·      And much, much more…

Want to find out? 

What’s the best exercise to help you accomplish all of these wonderful benefits? Drum roll, please……

Here’s why walking ranks #1;

1.    It’s convenient- Walking is something you can do anytime, almost anywhere. You can walk inside or outside. No need for special gear, gym memberships or fancy equipment, all you need is a safe area to hoof it and you are on your way.  

2.    It’s inexpensive- Two words: “It’s Free!” Walking doesn’t cost anything. The only cost is for the only essential piece of equipmen...

No matter how hard we try, most of us couldn’t  simply head out the door and run 26.2 miles. If we want to run a marathon, we’re going to have to train for it. Effort alone just won’t cut it. 

But what if you woke up each morning and trained to run a marathon by following an exercise program, a running schedule, and a recovery schedule? Almost anyone will have the ability to successfully complete a marathon. That’s the difference between training and trying.

The key is to train for what you want! Training requires action and a shift in mindset.It involves taking small intentional steps that in the end add up to remarkable results!

This week as you look for practical ways to fuel your potential, ask yourself what area of your life would you most like to change and have you been training or just trying in that area?” 

Don’t beat yourself up if you’ve been just “trying” and not formally “training”. We’ve all been there! This realization could be your first step in helping to establish...

How are you? How are you feeling? 

No question, it’s been a challenging few weeks for all of us and most likely under the weight of this situation you’ve felt its impact in some area of your life-body, mind, heart and spirit. We wanted to share with you some simple strategies over the coming weeks to help you gain strength to overcome obstacles you may be facing. We have discovered one of the best ways to help you do that is to boost your emotion through “motion”.  

According to fitness researcher, Michael Bracko of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the psychological aspect of exercise has been overlooked for some time now. Bracko states, “The psychological benefits of exercise are as important, if not more so, than the physical benefits. The physical needs and outcomes of exercise, whether it’s to lose weight, tone muscle, or address obesity dominates what we hear about, but lots of people who exercise don’t see stark physical benefits,” said Bracko. 

Researchers, lik...