Weekly roundup

Every day you may make progress. Every step may be fruitful. Yet there will stretch out before you an ever-lengthening, ever-ascending, ever-improving path. You know you will never get to the end of the journey. But this, so far from discouraging, only adds to the joy and glory of the climb.

~ Winston Churchill

Hope you had a great weekend.  It was my friend Tonia's birthday so we had a party, of course, and I ate too much, of course, so you'll find me at the gym where I'll be doing penance for my dietary sins.  Here are a few interesting bits and pieces I've found on the web this week:

Marketing ploy or actual fact? If you invest in stylish new gym clothes, you might be more motivated to go to the gym.

If flattering gym wear will get you in the gym, why not splurge on some lululemon, Sweaty Betty or Peak Performance?  However, if you're into bargains like me, check out Joe Fresh in Canada, Target in the US and Primark in the UK.

Speaking of lululemon, they're offering free yoga classes during the Winter Olympics, potentially accommodating more than 72,000 participants.  Pretty cool, huh?  Unfortunately the offer's only good if you're in the Vancouver/Whistler area.

Nobody says you have to go to the gym to get fit.  Go for a walk or run, or if that doesn't appeal, stay at home.  You don't need much, but for starters,  you may want to consider a pair of running shoes, a jump rope and a couple of dumbbells.  If you'd like to do more exercise at home, this article might give you some ideas.

While you're at it, why not find out if you're fitter than the average Canadian.

If you're trying to lose weight, drop the calorie counter.  A study has shown that the more complicated a diet is, the higher the chance you'll quit.

And if you're trying to stay healthy, watch less TV.

Health and fitness is important, but at the end of the day, happiness trumps all.  Here are 50 steps to simple happiness.  I like number 10 (offer to help a stroller person up the stairs).


(photo credit Library of Congress via socialworkout.com)