Guiding Stars » Nicki Hicks

Turn Off Those Screens!

Nicki Hicks — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 11:48:20 +0000

These days, many of us spend a staggering amount of time gathered in front of screens – whether it’s the TV, computer, cell phone or iPad – instead of spending quality time with one another, outside or reading a book. As you can imagine, the amount of time spent in front of a screen instead of making healthier choices like exercising or simply spending time with loved ones can take a toll on all of us.

How Girl Athletes Become Amazing Women

Nicki Hicks — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 14:34:40 +0000

Did you know that the nation celebrated Girls & Women in Sports Day at the beginning of February? This day honoring female athletes epitomizes what Title IX gave us in 1972 when it made it illegal to exclude anyone from any educational program on the basis of gender. While I don’t think this holiday is celebrated enough, it doesn’t mean that its value can’t be recognized during the other 364 days in the year. As a college cheerleading coach and former athlete, I see the value of sports for women every day.

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!

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

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

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?