There is nothing quite like taking to the open road. When your wheels hit the pavement, it's liberating. Every time you bike on the road, you are making a choice to be good to your body and the environment, but there are some things you want to look out for when riding. Here are some potential hazards you'll want to be aware of when biking so that you can stay safe and maximize your fun.

Cars and Motorists

Cars are one of the most obvious potential hazards, and also one of the most dangerous. Of course, we're discussing automobiles. It is always of the utmost importance that you ride cautiously when sharing the road. Just because you legally have the right of way doesn't mean that drivers will always know that or yield, so erring on the side of caution is best. On the other hand, when it comes to obeying the rules, remember that you are not exempt. From traffic lights to stop signs, you must follow the law. Keep in mind that cyclists and motorists have the same rights and responsibilities when out on the road. You're just more vulnerable.

Road Damage

A lot of state websites will keep an updated list of road hazards such as spots where there is substantial damage from potholes. Being aware of road conditions is an excellent way to proactively stay safe. Remember that if you wouldn't want to drive over it in a car, you definitely want to avoid road damage while cycling. Be sure to always report damage that you see while out on the road so that other cyclists can remain safe too.

Wildlife

There really isn't much you can do to stop animals from crossing the road while you bike. You can, however, choose routes that are less likely to be densely populated by deer and other animals. You can also be mindful of the time of day when you ride. Avoid riding at dawn and dusk, especially during hunting season. Doing so will limit the number of unwanted animal encounters you experience during your trek.

Riding your bike is great exercise. It is also a great way to get from one place to another, especially if you'd rather avoid taking your vehicle or you just want to enjoy some of nature's splendor. Be sure to follow these tips to ensure that your next ride is as safe as possible.

You might also be interested in this article: Hit the Road Safely

(BPT) - Avoiding weather woes this winter? It doesn't mean you need to give up on your fitness goals. Being indoors provides ample opportunity to stay fit, whether you're doing so due to the weather or simply by choice. Check out some of the top trends for indoor fitness in 2020 and challenge yourself to try something new to make yourself happier and healthier.

Indoor simulators

Missing the greens? If you like to golf, consider heading to an indoor golf simulator that lets you practice your swing without having to pay greens fees or worry about weather. But that's not all indoor simulation can do for fun and fitness lovers. For example, people of all ages and skill levels enjoy playing simulation games at Kohler Swing Studio & Golf Shop. The Topgolf Swing Suite experience boasts a variety of virtual games including the Topgolf target game, Zombie Dodgeball, Hockey Shots, Baseball Pitching Carnival Classic and more.

Customized classes

Indoor fitness classes are always a good idea for getting exercise despite the weather, but today's offerings have evolved so that there's something for everyone, no matter your interest or fitness level. Crave upbeat and energetic? Cycling classes challenge you to keep the pace in a supportive group setting, such as the ones offered at Bold Cycle. Prefer a peaceful way to find your fitness and inner Zen? Explore yoga in a variety of different settings, such as the classes offered at Yoga on the Lake.

Technology-enhanced fitness

Technology-connected exercise machines are trending in 2020, offering people the ability to take live classes at any time from the comfort of their home. For a more affordable option, people are finding their favorite fitness channels online and accessing classes at home. From yoga and dance to circuit training and more, you'll find plentiful options on the internet. Finally, wearable fitness continues to evolve, offering people keen insight into their wellness no matter what indoor fitness activity you choose.

Wellness-focused travel

Indoor fitness opportunities are flourishing at resorts across the country, meaning you don't need to travel to a warm climate for an incredible wellness retreat. As a guest of The American Club Carriage House at Destination Kohler, you’ll revel in wellness choices any time of year thanks to the Unlimited Wellness program for Carriage House Guests. From complimentary access to yoga, indoor cycling and fitness to cold-pressed juices and Wellness Concierges, you'll enjoy every minute, mind, body and soul.

Group and family fitness

Adopting a fitness lifestyle is more than just an individual endeavor. In 2020 look for more partners and families to participate in indoor fitness activities together. Whether it's taking a multigenerational class or helping each other work out at home, family fitness is a wonderful way to bond, get healthy and keep everyone accountable. Sign up for that intro class as a couple, make a weekend date for the entire family to exercise together at home or try a fitness vacation together over the next break from school.

Indoor fitness is poised to flourish throughout 2020. Consider taking advantage of these top trends and you'll enjoying getting active and increasing your wellness.

As people age, the chances for injuries increase. Fortunately, there are some common sense measures that those approaching their golden years can do to keep safe from falls and other types of accidental injuries. Taking the time to make some easy home safety modifications like adding better lighting and keeping walkways clear of snow and ice can pay off tenfold.

Accident-Proof Your Home

One of the most important safety measures that can help guard against injuries is to accident-proof your home. Even small changes around the house can help you prevent injury and falls. The bathroom is a common place where seniors become injured. Wet floors, rugs that slip and the usually smaller space can all be hazardous to older adults. Brain Injury Lawyers claim that many of their clients were first injured due to a fall in the bathroom. You should install handrails in your bathroom near your toilet and in your shower to prevent injury.

Stay Fit

Another simple yet highly effective way to guard against injuries when older is to lead a healthy lifestyle and make the effort to stay fit through the years. Older adults need to remember that their increased age does put a strain on their bodies and hearts, so seniors should allow extra time to recover after physical activity, a sports event or an exercise workout.

Along with ensuring that you are getting regular exercise that is modified to meet any challenges that might develop, it is important to get enough rest, eat a healthy and nutritious diet and generally avoid overindulging in junk food, alcohol or other unhealthy lifestyle choices.

Take Advantage of Senior Wellness Programs and Perks

One of the good things that comes with getting older is that many businesses, medical offices and other community establishments offer terrific senior discounts and free assistance on everything from senior wellness programs and discounts on prescription drugs to health insurance concierges that help navigate health-related topics and more.

Most communities have a number of senior citizen groups and agencies able to help seniors live a safe life when it comes to locating senior housing options, travel planning, senior programs, advice on senior nursing care, and transportation options.

With some small changes, seniors can lead full and fulfilling lives without injury. Paying attention to your health, staying fit and using commonsense with regards to safety can all help senior citizens avoid falls and serious injuries. Keep regular doctor appointments, and take advantage of senior wellness programs.

(BPT) - Whether you’re hitting the gym to get healthy, tone up or improve your overall well-being, seeing results can be one of the most satisfying feelings. Noticing even the smallest change in the way you feel or look is reason enough to lace up your sneakers for another sweat session.

When results seem to plateau or schedules get busy, don’t give up! Keep the below tips in mind to help maximize your fitness routine and stay on track.

1) Find a workout buddy

Instead of flying solo, bring a friend so you can encourage each other during your workouts. Exercising with a buddy can breed healthy competition, but also hold you accountable. To help maximize the impact, try to pick a partner that is on the same fitness level as you and shares similar goals — you will want to be able to increase your intensity level and challenge each other as a team.

2) Fuel up

An active lifestyle requires proper nutrition. When regularly exercising, your body needs fuel for optimal performance and proper recovery. Before a workout, opt for healthy and easily digestible carbohydrates like brown rice, quinoa, whole-grain bread and pasta, fruits and vegetables to give you energy. Afterward, try a protein-packed snack like Emergen-C Protein Fuel and Superfoods. With 15 grams of organic plant-based protein and two full servings of 14 superfoods, the protein and superfood powder blend can help you make the most of your active time by providing the wholesome nourishment you need, along with supporting your natural defenses with a high potency serving of vitamin C.

3) Head to the weights

If your fitness goals include improving body composition and losing weight, you may want to introduce strength training into your regimen. While exercises such as walking, running and cycling can do wonders for your cardiovascular health and help burn calories, strength training with weights can elevate your metabolism for a longer period — meaning your body will continue burning calories even after a workout. Plus, strength training can target and tone hard-to-reach muscles, improve balance and help protect your bones.

4) Switch it up

After a while, bodies can grow accustomed to the same exercise routine, often leading to stalled results. If you find yourself breezing through a workout, it’s time to switch it up and push your limits. Varying your exercises can challenge your mind and body, help burn more calories and prevent boredom. If you like to run long distances, try implementing sprint intervals. At the gym? Try out new equipment or vary your reps. Challenge your body and you may be surprised by the results.

5) Take a break

The last way to maximize your fitness routine has nothing to do with the gym at all. In fact, it requires you to skip the gym. Exercise provides many health benefits, but too many high-intensity workouts can backfire, potentially causing injury from overuse and hindering your results. Allow your body enough time to heal before hitting the gym again and try to work active rest days into your schedule, such as going for a light walk or bike ride.

Keeping these tips in mind can help you make the most of your fitness routine and magnify your efforts in the gym, on the track, in the pool or wherever you choose to exercise. Above all, don’t hesitate to ask fellow gym-goers for help or to make modifications when something feels off.

For more information, visit www.emergenc.com.

Take Your Workout Outdoors for a Fresh Boost

(Family Features) As temperatures rise and the sun shines brighter, you might start taking your workouts outside more often. To ensure your body's comfort and safety, you may need to refresh your fitness regimen.

These tips can help you safely enjoy your summer workouts:

Wear sweat-proof sunscreen. Protecting your skin is a year-round endeavor, but when it's hot outside, you're more likely to lose the protection of sunscreen faster. Use a sunscreen that is designed to withstand your summer workout, whether it's a good sweaty run or laps in a refreshing pool. Reapply a broad-spectrum formula with an SPF of 15 or higher regularly and be sure you're using enough. Most people need a full ounce to cover their entire bodies.

Stay hydrated. In warmer weather, your body typically sweats at a higher rate, causing you to lose key electrolytes, like salt and potassium, that are important to keeping your body properly hydrated. Stay hydrated by drinking fluids before, during and after a workout. To mix up your hydration plan, consider choosing a water formulated for fitness, like Propel Vitamin Boost, which is enhanced with 100% of the recommended daily value of vitamins B3, B5, B6, C and E and electrolytes to help replace what is lost in sweat.

Find a workout buddy. There's power - and safety - in numbers. Whether you grab a friend, coworker or pet, try exploring new places to work out for a change of scenery. Having a buddy by your side not only offers security, but also a boost of motivation. Together, you can work toward a common goal, keep each other accountable and encourage each other to crank up the intensity.

Time workouts for cooler periods. Avoid exercising during the heat of the day. Instead, opt for morning or evening workouts and be conscious of high humidity levels, which can adversely affect your respiration and lead to overheating. It's also a good idea to acclimate to the warmer temperatures by starting with a brief workout and gradually increasing the duration over the span of a week or two.

Wear appropriate clothes. Switching to summer attire isn't just about wearing less material; you also need to pay attention to the fabric you wear. The appropriate fit may vary depending on your chosen activity, but generally, breathable fabric in lighter colors is ideal.

Visit propelwater.com to learn more about safely hydrating to tackle warm weather workouts.

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3 Tips for a Successful 2019 and Beyond

(Family Features) The demands of today’s always-connected culture can make finding balance in life nearly impossible. Between work, school and extracurricular activities, schedules can be crazy, and setting aside time to exercise is often difficult.

For Performance Enhancement Specialist Emily Hutchins, balance is key to seeing hard work turn into lifelong, healthy habits.

“Whether my clients are striving to lose those last couple pounds or completing their 100th marathon, the most important thing to me is that they're on track to a long life of great health,” Hutchins said.

To help build easy, long-term fitness habits and set yourself up for a successful year of healthy living, Hutchins recommends these tips.

Get Real
Whether trying a new workout class, joining a local gym or training for your first marathon, set an attainable fitness goal you have confidence in. Finding a workout plan you enjoy or a friend to hold you accountable can help establish a routine. While falling into old habits can happen as the year goes on, setting realistic intentions can help you stay on track and avoid excuses.

Recover Smarter
Your journey to better health doesn’t end at the finish line or when you get in your car after a fitness class. In fact, what you put into your body post-workout can be a critical piece of your fitness path and help prepare you for your next workout so you can keep working toward your goals throughout the year.

Hutchins recommends low-fat chocolate milk after a tough workout to help repair, rebuild and refuel muscles. With natural, high-quality protein to build lean muscle, fluids and electrolytes to replace what you lose in sweat, calcium for strong bones and the right carb-to-protein ratio to refuel exhausted muscles, chocolate milk is the real deal for real recovery.

Relax and Unwind
Make sure to give yourself a break, relax and unwind, too. It is important to refuel both your body and mind for balance in the midst of a busy schedule. Reset with something you love to do like cooking or curling up with a good book. This can help you recharge to take on the next day and the next workout.

It takes real work day-in and day-out to build healthy habits that can benefit you long-term. Setting goals, recovering properly and taking care of your mind and body can jumpstart a better and stronger you. For more information on the benefits of recovering with chocolate milk, visit builtwithchocolatemilk.com.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images