Guiding Stars » Nicki Hicks

8 Ways to Stay Healthy During a Move

Nicki Hicks — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 13:28:59 +0000

Fitness and nutrition may not be on the top of your list of priorities during a move, but they’ll certainly keep you feeling good during it. Here are some things to keep in mind during the process of your move.

Three Awesome Effects of Exercise

Nicki Hicks — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 10:54:31 +0000

We all know exercise has a ton of benefits (including weight loss), but there are quite a few additional benefits you may not have known about.

How Lunchtime Runs Saved My Fitness Regimen

Nicki Hicks — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 18:57:24 +0000

I’m not going to lie. Sometimes, I don’t follow my own advice. By the end of the winter, even with a gym membership (and even a free one at the school I coach at!), I struggle getting myself there.   But recently, something amazing happened. Since spring sprung (you know, way back last week), I’ve gotten back into running, and started doing it two or three times a week during lunchtime. Not enough to make me sweat, usually 2 ½-3 ½ milers.  

3 Ways to Stay Motivated to Workout in Late Winter

Nicki Hicks — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 21:06:09 +0000

In Maine, we don’t have 4 seasons; we have two: winter and spring/summer/fall. Winter lasts from November to mid-April here in the Northeast and with a possible 5+ months of snow-covered ground, it’s sometimes hard to stay with your fitness routine. I’ll admit it: I’m not a winter person. I think the snow is beautiful, but by this time of the year, I’m ready for my garden to start blooming. I’m also ready to start running outside again and, for many of us, the treadmill looks better this time of the year than a jaunt through the snow and ice. Never fear, fellow warm-blooded Mainers, there are ways to combat the dreary days of March and April.

‘Tis the Season for Love: Love What You Eat, Love What You Look Like

Nicki Hicks — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 20:19:53 +0000

I see and hear about it far too often: fad diets and people punishing their taste buds with flavorless meals - all in the name of losing weight. Well, my friends, it doesn’t have to be that way. You can eat what you enjoy and still look (and feel) great!

Making Fitness a Resolution That Will Stick Year Long

Nicki Hicks — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 16:15:16 +0000

One of the hardest things about the holidays? Coming out of the sugar-turkey-carb- wine coma and start the New Year with a healthy resolution. Sure you took some dietary liberties throughout November and December, but the holidays don’t have to suck the life out of your diet or your exercise routine.

How to Get Motivated at the Gym: 5 Steps for Success

Nicki Hicks — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 12:23:44 +0000

OK, so you got your gym membership. Check. Now it’s time to actually go!

With the winter months approaching, it’s easy to ignore your exercise routine; especially when you no longer have to worry about looking good in your bathing suit. Don’t fret, there are a few tips that will make your gym membership pay off.

1. Prep with tunes

I’m never happy with the overhead music they play at the gym - do they expect it to pump anyone up? No problem. Make sure your iPod is jam packed with the music that you just can’t help but get up and dance too - or run to!

2. Have a plan

Spend your drive to the gym thinking about what you’ll do when you’re there. I’ve found simply having a plan (even something as simple as “running for 30 minutes, followed by an arm workout, and finishing up with abs and stretching) can keep you from getting distracted, or worse - giving up and going home.

3. Get yourself there

I find one of the hardest parts about getting motivated at the gym is simply getting there. Once you step in the door, it’s hard not to get to work!

4. Have goals

You have a plan, but what are you working toward? Do you want to run for a mile longer than you did yesterday? Or maybe for just 5 minutes longer? Do you want to be able to do 5 more reps of a certain exercise? Or lift 5 pounds more? Goals keep us on track and even better: keep us motivated to keep coming back for more!

5. As for the 5th tip?

Well....why don't one of you suggest one of yours! What keeps you motivated at the gym?

5 Reasons Having a Dog Will Keep You Healthy

Nicki Hicks — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 14:57:33 +0000

Man's best friend is well known for being a great companion, but did you know he/she could make you healthier too?

Happiness

It's been proven owning a dog actually makes you happier - you could even get a discount on your life insurance! Bonus: being happier makes you healthier.

Walking/Running

Dogs need exercise, just like us. Having to walk or run them for a half hour every day will help you drop pounds on the scale, too.

Swimming

I'm a certified lifeguard and swim instructor, but my 1 year old lab could still easily outswim me - but then, that's what he's bred for. As hot as it's been this summer already, how about taking your four-legged friend for a dip? It will be a treat for him and you!

Playtime

Running around and playing with your dog burns calories, just like playing with your kids. So let the child in you out and play some tug o' war.

A little weight lifting

It's a little outside-the-box, but you can get your weight lifting time in with a dog. My dog is scared of stairs and at 60 pounds, I can't afford for him to be afraid of them for much longer. But, lucky for me, I've noticed as he's gotten bigger, I've gotten stronger...

Shh…The Ultimate Secret to Weight Loss

Nicki Hicks — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 14:07:49 +0000

Contrary to popular belief, diet supplements, the latest diet fad, and even exercise can't help you lose as much weight as this secret. And I'm going to let you in on it....are you ready?

It's portion control.

If you can control the size of your food and meal portions, you're well on your way to looking great - and [bonus] feeling better.

It's easy to over indulge, especially with those foods that may not be the healthiest for us. But don't worry. You don't have to give up your chocolate or lose the carbs.

Here are some tips that will help get your portions down to size [pardon the pun]...

3 Ways to Make Your Kitchen a Happier Place

Nicki Hicks — Fri, 07 May 2010 15:14:49 +0000

Last night, I looked through my kitchen cabinets - not just in the front, which houses all of my go-to, use-all-the-time ingredients, but to the deep, dark back. I was shocked. Soup from 2005. Canned tomatoes from 2006. Canned veggies from who knows when (the label was ripped).

I moved to the freezer. I'm embarrassed to say how many bags of frozen vegetables I have stockpiled. Suffice it to say, I could make stir fry every night for the next three weeks.

Lucky for me, all of these (mostly) non-perishables will last for a little while longer. It got me to thinking, though...how many of us stock pile like this? And is it just being wasteful?

Never fear. We can combat this torturous use of the heart of the home in three (pretty painless) steps...