Goal Setting
Hiking in Mid-Michigan: Where to Go
Do you think you have to go “up north” to get an authentic Michigan hiking experience? You will be surprised by the diversity of sites to explore in mid-Michigan. Whether you are looking for a riverfront experience, big rocks or an urban adventure, there is plenty to discover in the middle of the Mitten state.
Stopping the “Summer Slide”
Kids lose up to two months of education in the summer months. Use these tricks to keep them sharp all summer long.
4 Practical Ways to Start Living in the Present
Do you ever ask yourself, “Is it the weekend yet?” If you do, it might be time for you to start trying to find joy in the present.
Small Daily Food Swaps Can Net Huge Results
Swapping out your morning caffeine source and afternoon snack for healthier options are two of the many tweaks you can make to your diet.
Race to Recess: How Unstructured Play Helps Kids
One-third of children are overweight or obese, leaving room for a host of other health complications. So what can be done to help?
How to Start an Exercise Routine that Works for You
Focusing on your target heart rate and switching up your workouts can help unlock an exercise routine that works for you. Here are more keys:
What You Need to Know About Intermittent Fasting
Think intermittent fasting sounds too good to be true? You’re probably right. If you are convinced this is the diet for you, read this first.
What is SMART Goal Setting?
Have you heard of “SMART” goal setting? It’s a goal-setting approach that can help you set goals that are attainable and realistic.
Tips for a Mindful Holiday
Adopting a mindful mindset can help you have a holiday that’s more relaxed, intentional and joyful. These tips can help you do just that.
4 Mindfulness Myths and Why They Should Not Stop You
Think mindfulness isn’t for you? If these myths are holding you back, find out why you might want to incorporate this practice into your everyday life.
Don’t Let the Summer Heat Keep You from Exercising
It’s important to practice safety when exercising outdoors during the hot summer months to avoid dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Table Talks: Discussing Dad Life
Fatherhood poses unique challenges for men. From raising children to keeping themselves healthy, parenting is unlike any other experience.
Your Daily Guide to Practicing Self-Care
Self-care means engaging in little actions to improve your physical health and happiness. Here’s how to get started.
Winter Self-Care Guide: Journaling
Journaling is a powerful tool to help process emotions. It can help you reduce stress, solve problems more effectively and resolve disagreements with others.
Winter Self-Care Guide: Meditation
As we start the New Year, one of the best ways to set your intention for 2022 and ground your thoughts is by starting a meditation practice.
5 Tips for Making Resolutions Stick
New Year’s Day is the most popular time to kick off resolutions, but most don’t last. Find out how you can make yours a success.
Why Men’s Health Matters
Keep the men in your life healthy by learning the facts about men’s health.
Set Family Goals for 2021
Does your family set goals you can work on together? Make 2021 the year you explore more, get healthier together and have new experiences!
A Resolution is Not Enough for a Healthy New Year
Think beyond the New Year's resolution for a healthy lifestyle.
On Your Phone Too Much? Here’s How to Set Realistic Tech Limits
If one of your health goals is to cut back on the amount of time you spend on your phone, having a concrete plan with achievable goals will help you succeed.
Fitness Over 40: Get an Early Start on Your Resolutions
Are you starting to think about your fitness resolutions for the New Year? Here are some strategies for getting an early start on your goals.
Resolutions for a New Year Amid COVID-19
With the ending of a difficult year, there’s an opportunity to reset for a better for a better 2021. Plan for a healthier year with these tips.
Setting Goals: Tips from a World Record Holder
Jon Ornée enjoys reaching his ambitious objectives, but advises you don’t have to try to set world records to pursue challenging yet achievable goals.
‘Fitness Over 40’ Series Offers Tips for Staying Active at Home
Certified trainer and mother of three Ann Marie Wakula shows you ways to stay active even when you can’t go to the gym.
Foolproof Ways to Work Out in the Morning
Research shows working out in the morning reinforces a healthy schedule. Read up on tricks that fitness buffs swear by to get you out of bed and into the gym.
Tips to Kick Your Tobacco Habit
Quitting smoking can be hard, especially the first few days. People who do it successfully tend to have these four things.
Trying New Fitness Equipment? Tips to Make the Most of It
From the hottest workout gear to an array of digital options at your fingertips, 2020 is all about using self-motivation to reach your fitness goals.
Non-scale Victories When You Are Working Toward a Healthier Lifestyle
Sometimes, stepping on the scale is not the best way to measure your progress when you’re focused on creating a healthier you.
Tips for Hiking Solo
If you feel inspired by the movie Wild, check out these safety tips before heading out on a solo hike.
Four Ways to Break Through Workout Plateaus
Struggling with your workout routine? These tips can help you push through the frustration.
Aging with Attitude: Michigan Seniors Living with Vitality
People are living longer, healthier lives. These seniors say finding activities you're passionate about can help you live out your senior years with vigor.
Is Slowing Down the Secret to a Good Workout?
Find out why this low-intensity workout approach is perfect for both beginners and experienced fitness aficionados.
Do You Have a Coach in Your Life?
You might be years removed from playing organized sports but life coaches can often play a valuable role in helping you reach life goals.
Find the Motivation to Get Things Done
Lack of motivation can put a strain on your mental health. Follow these tips to re-start if you're in a rut.
Grounding Sun Salutation Routine to Start Your Morning
Check out this routine for a sun salutation to energize your morning with step-by-step instructions and pictures to follow along.
Hiking in Michigan: Where to Go and How to Start
Hiking in Michigan? This comprehensive guide includes tips on what to pack, how much food and drink you’ll need and how to stay safe on the trail.
Using Your 5 Senses to Calm Anxiety
Use your senses of sight, touch, hearing, smell and taste to center your mind when you're feeling anxious. Try this mindfulness technique to overcome worries.
Want to Be More Outdoorsy? Start Small
Like the idea of getting outdoors more often but aren't sure where to start? Take small steps to build your confidence in nature.
Encouraging Exercise for an Aging Loved One
Fear, fatigue, chronic pain or just plain lack of motivation might be keeping your loved one stationary. So how do you get them off the couch and on to healthy…
The Importance of Dads and Other Adults in Modeling Healthy Emotions for Boys
Trying to raise boys fully able to express their emotions in healthy ways? These tips can help.
The Importance of Proper Technique and Form to Your Workout
Working out the right way is especially beneficial to living a healthy life. Learn more here about proper technique and form when hitting the gym.
The 20-Minute Workout You Can Do at Home
Looking for a quick workout you can do at home? Squeeze in a workout anytime, anywhere with these exercises.
Finding New Purpose in Life as We Age
It’s important for older adults to seek meaningful ways to stay engaged for their mental health. These research-backed ideas can help seniors find purpose.
The Part of Your Workout You’re Missing
Have a tendency of skipping a warm-up to save time? Here’s why your warm-up might be the most important part of your workout.
See Better Fitness Results with Shorter Workouts
Motivate yourself to take on shorter and more effective workout routines with HIIT—high-intensity interval training.
Little Life Skills Everyone Should Know
Of course education is important and school learning should be a priority, but there are also plenty of lessons kids can learn outside of the classroom.
Exercises You Can Do Outdoors While Under a ‘Stay Home, Stay Safe’ Order
Miss the gym? There are still lots of ways to get exercise right now and all of them are guaranteed to give you a mood boost and health benefits.
Workout Apps You Can Use at Home
No matter what your workout woe, there are an amazing amount of fitness apps available to everyone no matter your experience level.
10 Ways to Maximize Productivity When You Work from Home
If you’ve recently had to shift to working from home, you might be feeling confused or overwhelmed with your new work environment. These tips can help.
Tips for Making Healthy Dinners for Kids
Dinnertime is a great moment to talk to your kids about their day, share funny stories, and introduce them to new foods.
Can You Get In a Workout While Spring Cleaning? You Bet!
Simple work outs to add to your daily chores around the house
Helping Kids Navigate Academic Stress
The drive to succeed academically may be good to an extent, but it can also lead to an insatiable desire for perfection where a B can be devastating.
Seven Healthy Habits to Try in the New Year
Ready to embrace a healthier lifestyle? Bring in the new year with these seven life-changing habits.
The Best Advice We’ve Received From Mentors
Some pieces of advice tend to resonate with us more than others. Here are some of the best pieces of advice members of our team have received:
How to Start a Gratitude Practice
Gratitude can help you view life with different eyes. Find out how to start your own practice.
Do You Make These Mistakes When Setting Goals?
Coming up with a goal is one thing, sticking to it is something else. Here are the top mistakes people make with their resolutions so you know to avoid them.
Get SMART About Financial Goal Setting
When setting and sticking to financial goals, it’s important to determine short- and long-term priorities.
Small Ways to Brighten Someone’s Day
Sometimes even the slightest action can make someone happy. Here are some of the ways we participate in random acts of kindness during the holidays:
Run for Your Dinner: Sign Up for Michigan Turkey Day Races
Make a dent in the caloric damage you’ll do on Thanksgiving with one of these fun community turkey runs.
Time to Hit the Trails Running
If you want to enjoy the beauty of a Michigan fall while also getting in an enjoyable workout, then read more to learn the basics of trail running.
Inspiring Active Communities in Northern Michigan: Norte Expanding to Kalkaska
With support from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and other organizations, Norte is expanding its youth-focused programming to Kalkaska in northern Michigan.
How to Walk for a Cause
Participating in these charity walks is a win-win. You get the health benefits of walking while also funding a great cause.
Detroit Youth Choir Member Has “High Hopes” for America’s Got Talent Finale
DeAndre “Dre” Elliott has been performing with the Detroit Youth Choir since the 4th grade. Read about his experience performing on America’s Got Talent.
Long-Term Life Planning Blueprint
While it’s easy to only look at the not-so-distant future, it’s incredibly important to plan for your long-term needs. It’s never too early to be prepared.
Do Early Birds Have Healthier Workout Habits?
Most of us don’t enjoy mornings but changing your morning routine to include working out will start your day off right and influence healthier decisions
A Survival Guide for College Move-In
Going to college is a huge step in your life, and there is a lot to do before moving in. Read here to find out more!
Empowering Woman: Angela Moore Opens Up About Her Life’s Work
At her integrated health studio, The Body Principle, Angela Moore helps clients weave mental health, fitness and nutrition together for complete transformation.
How To Keep Your Health in the Game
Sports are beneficial to mental and physical health and offer a foundation for a healthy lifestyle. Sports also require dedication from the parents.
In Season: Pick From These 52 Fruits and Veggies
Having trouble figuring out the best produce to eat this season? We're here to help.
Things You Might Not Expect on Your Caregiving Journey
If you’re caring for a loved one, there could be aspects of caregiving that will surprise you. Read on for what to expect and how to cope.
Wave Hello to Open Water Swimming
Swimming engages your entire body, conditioning all muscles needed for any other workout. Here are some of the ways open water swimming benefits your health.
Avoiding Summertime Dehydration
Throughout summer, it’s important to keep in mind the dangers of dehydration and how to enjoy the warmer weather safely.
Taking the First Steps Toward Triathlon Training
Triathlons can be intimidating. Engaging in the three exercises back-to-back-to-back sounds exhausting on its own.
Coping with Change
Dealing with changes due to a new job, moving, losing a loved one, getting married or having a baby can be difficult. Here are coping tips to help you adjust.
Exorcise Funky Odors from Your Exercise Clothes
Feeling funky but not in a good way? Read on for tips to rid your workout gear of any unpleasantness.
History-Making Athlete Has Sights Set on MI Summer Special Olympics
Kalamazoo-area athlete Julian Borst is gearing up for the Special Olympics Michigan State Summer Games, fueled by his history-making Boston Marathon debut.
Houseplants: Nature’s Air Purifiers
Houseplants are often chosen for their decorative nature, but research has shown that houseplants offer many benefits to our health.
Start a Healthy Habit on National Walk @ Lunch Day
Celebrate your health by walking at lunch on April 24.
Walk Your Way to Better Health
Many people overlook the benefits of a simple walk every day. Read about how walking each day is great for your health!
Making Sushi at the Downtown Market Grand Rapids
Learn how to make a spicy tuna roll with this recipe from Downtown Market Grand Rapids’ “Slow Your Roll” beginner sushi class.
How to Start a Backyard Compost Pile
Looking to reduce your food waste and improve your garden at the same time? Composting isn’t as hard as it may seem. Here’s how to get started.
Spring Cleaning for a Healthier, Safer Home
Your house might look clean, but there are some under-the-radar spots you might be missing that you’ll want to clean up for a healthier, safer home.
Overcoming Injury: Vince’s Story
The road to recovery can be draining. Read Vince's story about how he stayed positive after a life-altering injury.
Is My Child Ready for a Sleepover?
The decision to allow a child to go to a sleepover rests solely on the parents and how ready they feel their child is.
Intuitive Eating 101
Intuitive eating relies on internal body cues and encourages people to be mindful at meal time.
Get Fit in Your 40s, 50s, 60s and Beyond
Metabolism decreases 1 to 2 percent every decade for women and 5 to 8 percent for men. Exercise can help bridge the gap.
Taking Care of Your Heart in Your 40s, 50s and 60s
Healthy habits are crucial for your heart during the middle-age decades. Whatever decade you’re in, take some simple steps to show your heart a lot of love.
Give the Gift of Heart Health this Valentine’s Day
Make your Valentine’s Day celebrations heart-healthy this year!
A Perfect Pair: Heart Health and Physical Activity
Are you getting the recommended amounts of exercise to prevent heart disease and other health conditions? Find out how much you need and how to get moving.
Rosalind’s Story: Cardiac Nurse Loses 140 Pounds to Protect Her Heart
February is American Heart Month. We’ve partnered with the American Heart Association to share stories of heart disease survivors and heart health ambassadors.
Spell It Out: Try this ABC Workout
Get your body moving! Select a word and spell it out with this unique workout.
Raising the Barre to Empower Women
Read this take on the empowering fitness options available at Royal Oak’s The Barre Code.
Keeping the Family Active in Winter
Keep your family moving both inside and outside of the house to ensure a happy, healthy winter.
Cut the Clutter: Find the Organizational Style that Works for You
If de-cluttering and organizing isn’t exactly sparking joy for you, it’s possible you need to find your organizational spirit animal. An expert shows you how.
Low-cost Healthy Essentials to Stock Your Kitchen
Always scrambling to make a healthy dinner? Stock these essentials in your kitchen and you’ll always have the ingredients you need for a quick, healthy meal.
Make Time to Volunteer All Year Long
Volunteering is a way to keep a sense of holiday cheer going all year. The great state of Michigan is filled with opportunities to give back. Here’s are a few.
Why Everyone Needs a Creative Outlet
There's a connection between creative pursuits and your mental and physical health. Find out why you should take up a creative hobby today.
How to Create Healthy Eating and Workout Habits
Habits are learned actions that occur automatically with little to no effort. Here's how to adopt new healthy behaviors and make them stick.
Should You Try Going Dry this January?
For many, a trendy New Year’s resolution to make is abstaining from alcohol for an entire month, otherwise known as Dry January. Find out if you should try it.