Have you ever heard the phrase ‘core fitness’? Did you know that an effective ‘core’ workout consists of more than old-school crunches and sit ups?

A well-rounded core workout combines exercises that strengthen the back, butt, legs, and last but not least, the abs. Every person, from every age and background, can benefit from a regular program of core fitness exercises.

Sol Fitness Adventures personal trainer Melanie Webb brings a new brew of core fitness to Santa Barbara with her “Core Fitness Fusion.” Rather than follow one formulaic training method, Core Fitness Fusion is a smooth blend of strength training, yoga, floor Pilates, and Foundation exercises. Participants strengthen the back, butt, legs and abs in a dynamic group setting. Class regulars have decreased back pain, gained rotation in their golf swing, and lost inches off their waistline.

Taught at the Montecito Country Club,  members and nonmembers alike are invited to attend this dynamic group exercise class.

Details:

What: Melanie Webb’s Core Fitness Fusion

Where: Montecito Country Club, located at 920 Summit Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93108

When: Monday and Wednesday at 10:00 am

Members: $15/class

Nonmembers: $20/class

For more information email info@soladventure.com, or call 805.722.4599

This was a rough week for Zion National Park, where three deaths were reported in one week: a lone hiker fell while hiking Angel’s Landing and two men drown while attempting to float the icy cold and fast flowing Virgin River on a man-made log raft without PFD’s.

An early Utah pioneer named Isaac Behunin wrote about Zion, “Man can come closer to God within the walls of this canyon than in any man-made temple.” While I am very sad for the tragic deaths of these three modern explorers, the manner in which they died causes me to think that perhaps they got to go as any of us who love Zion NP would want to – doing what we love.

May they rest in peace. And may the U.S. Park Service keep wild places just that – WILD.

Salt Lake Tribune

USA Today Magazine offers women one more reason to join Sol Fitness Adventures walking group in Santa Barbara: normal-weight women prevent weight gain by doing an hour a day of moderate-intensity activity such as brisk walking.

The Strong Woman’s Guide to Total Health, by Miriam Nelson, a leading researcher on exercise for women, discusses ways to get more creative with walking in order to reach the hour-a-day goal of exercise. For those who are stuck sitting at a desk all day, try these methods to get more steps:

* Take 100 steps around the office every hour
* Walk the long way to the bathroom
* Walk one city block = about 200 steps
* Take a 20 minute brisk walk during your lunch hour = 2,000 steps

It is recommended that American’s strive to walk up to 10,000 feet/day. The best way to track your progress is to get a handy pedometer and watch your activity level to fall into one of the following categories:

* Fewer than 4,500 = very sedentary
* 4,500 – 5,000 = sedentary
* 5,500 – 7,500 = getting there, but you need to step it up
* 8,500 and up = you’re active, stick with it

Give yourself the jump start you need to walk your way to better fitness. Sol’s walking group meets at 7 am Monday and Wednesday at the Douglas Family Preserve, Linda Street Entrance. Walk to the sound of crashing waves, the smell of morning dew, and the feel of the warm sunrise on your skin. It’s so beautiful you’ll feel invigorated mentally as well as physically. See you there! Contact us for more details.