Congrats to FatFighterTV member – Angie – for winning last week’s giveaway for the set of Kim Lyons’ new DVDs, Start Fitness Now: Beating Type 2 Diabetes. Enjoy! And if you didn’t win, here’s another chance for you to try for the DVDs again – good luck!

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You’ve seen her whip contestants into shape on The Biggest Loser. Now celebrity personal trainer, Kim Lyons is taking on diabetes with her new workout DVD series, Start Fitness Now: Beating Type 2 Diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), diabetes now affects nearly 24 million people in the U.S. – up more than three-million in about two years – and obesity is a major risk factor for the type 2 diabetes epidemic. I recently spoke to Lyons about all this. She tells FatFighterTV, it’s time to turn things around now.

Diabetes-friendly workouts
One of the first things I wondered about these DVDs was how these workouts were different than others. What makes them specifically for diabetics? Lyons says they eliminate the exercise intimidation factor.

“A lot of the workout videos that are out there right now are very high intensity, and they’re the kind of videos that are going to draw in people that already exercise, whereas people that have diabetes or are struggling with obesity issues or both are going to really be intimidated by that,” Lyons tells FatFighterTV. “This is kind of a way to get people started and help them get off the couch. There are even workouts where they can sit down and get moving. A lot of people don’t even know they can exercise while they’re sitting down.”

Can you really get a good workout if you’re sitting down? Yes and no, says Lyons. The DVDs are designed for beginners, so while they may not benefit someone who already exercises, working out while sitting down may be just the right place to start for someone who’s new to physical activity.

Doctor’s orders
The workouts were developed with the help of Dr. Shaila Singh, a Diplomat of the American Association for Family Physicians (AAFP) who has managed type 2 diabetes and weight loss in patients for over 22 years.

“Recent research has really brought to light that you can almost halt the disease progression; you can change it, even,” says Dr. Singh. “People who have type 2 diabetes really can [stop being] type 2 diabetic just by exercise and healthy diet modification.”

Lyons adds, “I think it’s just really important to give those people hope and let them know that, yeah, you absolutely can change your life – just 20 minutes a day.”

Beyond the DVDs
Along with the DVDs, there is also an online support program that includes nutrition tips, recipes, and Q&As about diabetes with Dr. Singh, all at StartFitnessNow.com.

Giveaway
To tie in with American Diabetes Month, The Start Fitness Now: Beating Type 2 Diabetes 3-DVD set is giveaway #2 in FatFighterTV’s Winter Workouts (indoors) giveaway series. Again, the workouts are designed for diabetics who need to start a fitness routine, or other exercise beginners.

To enter for a chance to win, just tell me why you want to try these workouts… or if you want to give them to someone as a gift, why you think that person would enjoy them.

See you in the comments!

Contest runs through midnight EST this Friday, November 13, you have to have a U.S. mailing address to enter, and we will use random.org to pick the winner.

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Brrr… just looking at this picture makes me shiver! I’ll be the first to admit that I am a big WINTER WIMP. When the weather is cold and dreary, I avoid going outside unless I absolutely have to. So, what about exercise? I might make it to the gym, but that would mean going outside to get in my car. Honestly, in the winter I am much more likely to workout with an exercise DVD in my warm home. I thought some of you might feel the same, so…  

Welcome to FatFighterTV’s Winter Workouts (indoors) giveaway series. Over the next few months, we will be giving away DVDs twice a month so you can keep working out without stepping out into the cold.

[Disclosure: I received a complimentary sample of these products. My policy is to only post giveaways about products I honestly like, or those I think FatFighterTV members would enjoy.]

ExerciseTV is kicking things off with these two DVDs:

Powerade Zero: Less Is More Workout Series – This is a 30 minute calorie burning workout. It’s cardio for your entire body, including pushups, core training, jump steps, and more! See a preview clip here.

Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred DVD – This workout from “The Biggest Loser” trainer, Jillian Michaels, is based on Jillian’s 3-2-1 Strength/Cardio/Ab training circuit: Three minutes of strength, two minutes of cardio and one minute of ab work. See a preview clip here.

One winner will get both DVDs. I thought it would be fun to get to know a little more about where all of you live. So, head down to the comments and tell me where you are, and the time and temperature there as you’re reading this.

I am in Columbus, Ohio… it’s now 10 pm and it’s 40 degrees – not too cold YET!

See you in the comments!

Contest runs through midnight EST this Friday, November 6, you have to have a U.S. mailing address to enter, and we will use random.org to pick the winner.

[Photo Credit: stock.xchng]

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Congrats to FatFighterTV members – Gossipista, Tiff, bison61, aclover09, and Jeff – for winning last week’s giveaway for the Febreze SPORT Extreme Odor Eliminator. Enjoy the de-stinking!

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[Disclosure: I received a complimentary sample of this product. My policy is to only post giveaways about products I honestly like, or those I think FatFighterTV members would enjoy.]

Let’s face it. When you workout hard, you stink. And so does some of your stuff that you can’t wash, like maybe your gym bag, some of your gear, or your shoes. So what’s a sweaty, smelly fitness loving guy or gal to do? Febreze SPORT to the rescue!

The Febreze SPORT Extreme Odor Eliminator neutralizes those tough sports odors and leaves a fresh, clean scent. Your friends, family, and anyone who comes close to you will thank you.

I sprayed some on my gym bag – ahhh, much better! (and much neded, too!!)

Want to try it? Febreze SPORT is giving 5 FFTV members each a bottle of Extreme Odor Eliminator. To enter for a chance to win, tell me what workout stuff you have that needs some de-stinking. Ewwww!

See you in the comments!

Contest runs through midnight EST this Friday, September 25, you have to have a U.S. mailing address to enter, and we will use random.org to pick the winners.

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[Full Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Propel® for the You.Propelled Program]

If I wasn’t in good enough shape to be able to hike and explore places like the one in this picture – Silver Creek Falls, Oregon – I don’t know what I would do. My vacation earlier this month to the Pacific Northwest reminded me why I choose to live a healthy lifestyle. Of course, it’s not always easy. It’s a constant effort – you have to keep exercising and eating a healthy diet. Forever. So what motivates me to do this?

Yep. I’ve got a thing for chocolate!

But besides that little obsession, my biggest motivator to try to be healthy is my genes. Heart disease runs in my family and I want to do what I can to avoid it. Both my parents had high blood pressure. My father has had a heart attack. My mom died of a stroke. I may not be able to control my family history, but I can control my lifestyle.

Another motivator comes from all the years I spent as a TV News Health Reporter. After covering so many health issues for 15 years and interviewing hundreds of doctors and patients, I learned that your odds of preventing serious illnesses are better if you take care of your health.  Of course, there’s still a chance you could get very sick. But if that happens, at least you’ll know you’ve done all you can.

This was one of my favorite moments on my vacation – watching the sun set on a beach along the Oregon coast. Hearing the waves crash is so peaceful. I took a little time to relax and really soak it all in… and I remembered how much easier it is to experience everything life has to offer when you have your health.

Taking the time to enjoy nature always enhances my life. What about you? How did you enhance your life today? There’s a new community waiting to hear your thoughts and inspire you to get where you want to be. And you could win some cash while you’re at it, so check it out! Chime in every day at You.Propelled on DivineCaroline for a chance to win $5,000 to pursue your dream. The more friends you bring, the better your chances of winning.

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I’m taking a little time off this week to recover from surgery. While I’m away, some of my fellow bloggers are helping me keep things going over here. (Thank you!)

Today’s post comes from Lance at The Jungle of Life. Stop by and visit when you get a chance for some great conversation about life and personal growth.

photo credit: Bern@t

“Think of bicycles as rideable art that can just about save the world.” ~ Grant Petersen

Remember those days as a kid?  Your freedom was that two-wheeled wonder.

The bicycle.

Maybe it had a banana seat (mine did).  Maybe it had multiple speeds (a three speed – wow!).  Maybe you even had something with big foam handlebar covers (am I dating myself at all?).

A way to get around.  That’s what I remember.  And I didn’t think about it having any other benefits than that.

Have you noticed any shifts?  As you’ve gotten older, have you ridden that old bike in the garage less?  Have you sold it at the annual subdivision garage sale to free up some space?  Have you purchased something new, and it just sits there collecting dust?

It’s time to dig that bike back out (or pick up a new one).

Mountain bikes, cruiser bikes, road bikes, trick bikes.  Lots of choices.

And lots of benefits to riding that bicycle too!

Ride for the health of it…

• Physical health:  Getting out and riding you bike is good for your body.  There are numerous benefits to your muscles, your cardiovascular system, and to your joints.  All while getting a better view of the sights and sounds around you!

• Mental health:  Riding your bike can be a great way to clear your head.  Find a trail or a quiet street, and head on out.  Just you and the world around you.  And you’ll be amazed at what you “see”, and if you also listen carefully, you’ll see not only the sights around you, also some within you as well.  And that can be very mentally refreshing!

• Earth health:  Riding that bike of yours is good for the environment.  Think of all the emissions that car you own emits.  And your bike:  none!  There’s no pollution is using a bike!

• Financial health:  Maybe it’s time to consider commuting to work by bike.  Or visits to local places you frequent – try biking there.  Once you’ve bought the bike and any accessories (like a helmet!), costs are pretty minimal (maybe a tune up every so often).  No fuel to buy.  No expensive trips to the auto repair shop.

Improve your health, and the health of our planet.  Get your bike out and ride!  Start with short trips if it’s been a while.  Find a buddy to ride with.  Bike to work.  Find a trail.  Join a bicycling group.  Ride your bike to the grocery store (or the local ice cream shop!).  The choices are almost endless.  And the benefits are great!

Have fun and be safe!  And enjoy that two-wheeled wonder once again…

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Congrats to FatFighterTV member – cassandra0706 – for winning last week’s giveaway for the Fitness Magazine prize pack. Enjoy!

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When I need a little inspiration for new workouts or healthy recipes, one place I love to go to spark some ideas is Fitness Magazine – online or in print. Check out this week’s recipe – courtesy of Fitness – for Soy-Lime Scallops with Leeks. Yum! And just look at this week’s fabulous giveaway!

One lucky FatFighterTV member gets all these goodies in a prize package from the folks at Fitness:

A one-year subscription to Fitness Magazine, cosmetic bag, umbrella, apron, hat, notebook, and massager. Nice, huh?

To enter for a chance to win, head down to the comments and tell me what you do to stay fit when you travel – food or exercise-wise – whether you are away for work or vacation. Yep, I still have vacation on the brain, after a fantastic trip last week to Washington and Oregon. I even made some new friends:

A few contest details – it runs through midnight EST this Friday, August 14, you have to have a U.S. mailing address to enter… and we will use random.org to pick the winner.

See you in the comments!

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Do you workout to feel good or to look good? A new survey finds most dedicated fit people exercise for their health, rather than for their looks…  and they want to stay healthy for themselves and for their loved ones. Results also show, even the tough economy has not kept active people from skimping on their workouts.

What about you? Why do you exercise?

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