After the excitement of the holidays dies down, and with less daylight and colder weather keeping us indoors more, February can get a little glum. In fact, science has proven that the lower exposure to light in wintertime can result in lower levels of serotonin, the mood-enhancing chemical that regulates hunger and the feeling of … Read More
When the temperatures drop, it’s tempting to just crank up the thermostat, but running your home’s heater on high can really increase your utility bill. Try these tips to stay cozy while keeping energy costs in your comfort zone. Plan Ahead. Invest in a programmable thermostat and set it to turn the heat down during … Read More
So many of us make major New Year’s resolutions that seem like great ideas at the time, but because they require drastic changes in our lifestyle, they become almost impossible to keep. This year, think small. With a few simple steps, you can make some big changes in your health. Walk the Walk Adding just … Read More
We all move through our busy lives at lightning speeds — work, school, baseball, ballet, board meetings, PTA and more — and it can be difficult to carve out even an hour to spend with our loved ones. But if you make spending quality time with your family a top priority, you’ll all be better … Read More
Go fast. Slow down. Rest. Repeat. This is the basic pace of interval training, a form of exercise that uses the changes your body undergoes during intervals of high intensity movement and then moments of recovery to ramp up your workout results. There are multiple methods and interval training regimens, but let’s start with the … Read More
As temps edge ever warmer and days stretch a bit longer, spring is the perfect season to explore the Montgomery’s new Riverfront Loop Trail. Although, it’s not really all new. The route of the two-mile loop trail is actually just the connection of already existing stretches of urban trail that traverse the Alabama Riverfront and … Read More
They may sound sweet, but there’s really not much to like – much less love – about love handles, those fluffy folds of fat to sitting on top of your hips. But once you’ve got them, they can be tough to get off. Your best bet? A combo of targeted exercises, a healthy diet and … Read More
Take the trek to Monroeville, Alabama, to learn more about famed writer Harper Lee, and do it soon. Spring is the time to get the most out of a sojourn to “Alabama’s Literary Capital,” since the annual production of the “To Kill a Mockingbird” play is put on each April and May. As the birthplace … Read More
Searching for a fun fall getaway? Check out the myriad outdoor activities awaiting at Alabama’s state parks. From the Mobile Delta in south to the mountains and waterfalls in the northeast corner of the state, there are plenty of fresh-air adventures to be had. Here are a few of our favorites. Cathedral Caverns State Park, … Read More
We all know the health benefits of walking. But equally impactful is the power of being in nature and becoming “in tune” with our bodies and the beautiful, serene world around us. Here are four terrific hiking spots in our area that will do just the trick. Lanark and the Alabama Wildlife Federation, Millbrook The Alabama … Read More