Written by Kathryn Savage

When it comes to gyms, I am a champagne girl on a beer budget. I am a gym snob, an elliptical connoisseur. So when I moved to Minneapolis two months ago, I knew I needed to locate not just a good gym, but a great gym. Here are my top requirements. I hope they help you in your search for the perfect abductor and treadmill.

1. Location, Location, Location - If committing to one hour at the gym takes two hours out of my life, it’s just not worth it to me. Choose a gym that is close to home, ideally one within walking distance, to maximize your likelihood of actually going. 
2. Amenities  - When I am working out, I like to watch dumb TV that I can’t justify fitting into my day. For me, a good gym should have some TVs near the treadmills. For you, it might be something else. Make sure your gym allows you to find a way to multitask or relax while working out. Don’t just think of working out as time out of your day and calories burned, think of it as something more, make it personal and you will make it a regular part of your week. 
3. Dress the part -  Get good shoes, cute clothes (a supportive bra, ladies). You know what they say about interviews - dress for the job you want not the one you have, right? Well, I find dressing for the body you want, not the one you have is good motivation for reaching your end goal. Toss your husband's sweats and that torn, Michael Jordan tee shirt. Buy a gym outfit that feels comfortable, that feels like your own; like the way you look in it. 
4. Hours -  Find a gym that is open the peak hours you will be using it. Are those hours the same on the weekend? Is the gym open 24 hours? Is there parking? Also, ask the membership desk if they regulate gym membership capacity. Some gyms limit the number of members they allow and some gyms do not. Find a gym where you feel confident you will be able to actually work out when you want to work out. 
5. Cleanliness -  The gym you belong to should be clean, bottom line. See if you can get a week pass - most gyms give free passes - so you can try the gym out before committing.
6. Equipment -  Does the gym have the equipment you want to use? Is the equipment new? Is it well maintained? Does it look like there are enough machines to match the number of members? Do you have to sign up for equipment and if so, how long are you allowed to be on each machine? 
7. Classes - Are you a mambo loving mama? Is complimentary yoga what you are looking for to ease your aching back? Find out if the gym offers classes, if they are free or if they come at an additional charge, and if they are offered every day or only every so often.

Written by Michelle Albert

A recent survey found that people who get outdoors were happier overall than those who don’t. And yes, while the group doing the survey (the Leisure Trends Group) does consumer research on outdoor activities, the findings still offer encouragement for getting outdoors. The same goes for exercise – those who were active felt happier than those who were sedentary. So the next time you feel a little blue, try taking a walk, or climbing a rock, or going fishing. Even better, place a reminder (maybe it's a beautiful landscape photo) on your desk to ensure you remember to get out of the building at least once a day. Your endorphins will thanks you for it!

Written by Kathryn Savage

Moving mindlessly is a BlueZones concept that means integrating low-level physical activity into your daily routine. The healthiest, longest-living people in the world aren't gym-rats; but they have habits that promote or even require moderate, sustained exercise every day.

What, you don't have a herd of sheep you need to lead out to pasture in the hills every morning? Not to worry! Try thinking of other ways to encourage yourself to move mindlessly! Here are some things my dog has taught me about this subject:

1. Running is the most fun thing ever.
2. Running after anything that moves is better.
3. Have an adventurous spirit - he has never let his lack of opposable thumbs stop him from believing he can climb a tree. After a squirrel.
4. Drink lots water daily. Lots and lots and lots of water.
5. Weight training rules - tug of war anyone?
6. Repeat daily. In his case, repeat ten times daily.