LIFT Magazinehttp://www.lift-magazine.com/journal/Adventure + Luxury + Travel + Gear + Fitnessen-US2010-02-09T11:46:28ZSquarespace Site Server v5.9.1 (http://www.squarespace.com/)Glamorous Ghost Town Attracts Adventurous Clientelehttp://www.lift-magazine.com/journal/glamorous-ghost-town-attracts-adventurous-clientele.htmlTanya Ryno2009-09-11T15:29:26ZJET SETTER LUXE TRAVEL
For all you City Slickers looking to get away from it all, never underestimate the restorative powers of shouting Yeehaw! while galloping off into the sunset.
So, you ask ... what's the quickest way to get in touch with your inner cowboy? It's a little frontier-style rejuvenation at Dunton Hot Springs, a fully restored ghost town in the heart of the Colorado Rockies. Think hand-hewn log cabins (and tepees) surrounding gurgling mineral ponds, an old-time saloon serving locally grown organic cuisine, lung torturing trails followed by a pampering massage.
If adventure is what you’re after (and hopefully you are), Dunton can steer you to horseback riding, heli-skiing, mountain biking, snow shoeing, hiking, camping, fly fishing, river rafting, kayaking, and more. Or maybe soaking for hours in their natural hot springs under an edgeless sky is more your speed.
No matter what your proclivity, Dunton looks like the kind of place you’ll go home raving about — in fact, after discovering this little gem, I am more than apt to make my way there ... and after my travels, if I'm in a sharing mood, when I return, I can book the whole town for forty-two of my closest friends.
]]>On top of the world: Adventure for the richhttp://www.lift-magazine.com/journal/on-top-of-the-world-adventure-for-the-rich.htmlTanya Ryno2009-05-22T12:56:28ZADRENALINE JUNKIE JET SETTER LUXE heli-hiking
Heli-hiking, if you hadn’t heard, is hiking by helicopter.
No, adventure helicopters don't just run in the winter. Of course, there's nothing like the gorgeous untracked fields of fresh powder, but take away skiing and tack on any manner of outdoorsy activity when the snows melt: heli-hiking, heli-fishing, heli-paddling. It's the hottest way to flee the fanny-pack-wearing crowd and find wilderness all to yourself without the pesky effort of trekking in a week's worth of food and shelter. Rise early, eat, fly your way to seclusion, hike, eat, hike some more, fly back to your lodge in time for a massage, an outdoor hot tub soak or a sauna, a chapter or two with a good book, a well-earned, beautifully prepared dinner, and some story-swapping by the fireplace ... oh, and cocktails on the terrace!
My thought: Any sport proceeded by a helicopter ride seems to be yet another offshoot of the whole glamping world, where you pay large sums of money to have a manufactured and controlled outdoor experience. Basically ... it sounds perfect! I've done the whole camping in a soggy tent, sleeping on the floor, wearing black fly headnets, eating beans and hotdogs thing. I'm over it (well, not entirely.)
The downside: Unlike Heli-skiing, which requires athleticism, some serious skiing skills, a touch of fearlessness and deep pockets, Heli-hiking requires only the deep pockets. You or your five year old (yes, families do this) don't have to even break a sweat - which means - that this sport probably attracts a few people you don't want to be in a helicopter with, let alone out in the woods with.]]>Pardon My French, But Your Plate Is Too Big (And So Is Your Ass)http://www.lift-magazine.com/journal/pardon-my-french-but-your-plate-is-too-big-and-so-is-your-as.htmlTanya Ryno2009-05-13T13:42:13ZFOOD and DRINKS
Americans. So unrefined, so unsophisticated, so fat. We have this thing called -- how do you say? -- over indulgence? You know, from McDonald's to homemade dinners -- healthy or not, we just love to super-size. But not the French. Their favorite foods include cheese, pastries, wine, and other fattening fare but, despite that, only 7 percent of French adults are obese -- one-third the obesity rate here in the United States.
How did the French get so damn lucky? It's not enough that they have the sexiest accents or live in the most romantic cities. No, they also get to enjoy some of the richest (and unprocessed) cuisine on earth and then they wash it down with champagne.
According to a new American-French study, researchers have discovered the simple reason that our French friends are so thin. They eat smaller portions! Researchers compared the size of restaurant meals and other kinds of food in Paris and Philadelphia. They found that the average portion in Paris weighed 277 grams while the average portion in Philadelphia was 25 percent more -- 346 grams.
The study also found some startling differences in specific kinds of restaurants. In U.S. Chinese restaurants, diners received up to 72 percent more food than they would received at a Chinese restaurant in France.
An American chocolate bar was 41 percent larger than a French chocolate bar. A U.S. soft drink was 50 percent larger, and a hot dog was 63 percent bigger. American yogurt was a whopping 82 percent larger than yogurt in Paris.
Overall, Americans are eating larger portions and more low-quality (processed) foods -- so if you really want to say au revoir to your big derriere (especially before the summer); take a lesson from the French and eat smaller portions!]]>Freeline Skates: Who doesn't want a slick set of wheelshttp://www.lift-magazine.com/journal/freeline-skates-who-doesnt-want-a-slick-set-of-wheels.htmlTanya Ryno2009-05-10T02:57:18ZFreeline Skates GEAR Skateboarding URBAN ATHLETE
Sure, the ubiquitous skateboard is fun.
But really, how cool can you look rolling along the sidewalk? Especially when it’s right next to the twenty other guys doing the, well, exact same thing? People, we don’t know how else to phrase it: Get yourself a different skateboard.
Try Freeline.
Freeline Skates are effectively two independent skates connected by the body. Yes, the body. So basically, if you are not coordinated... do not try this at home! However, if you can learn how to skate on these you will definitely kick some skateboard ass.
If nothing else... Enjoy the ride!]]>Basic Training: It's time for Boot Camp!http://www.lift-magazine.com/journal/basic-training-its-time-for-boot-camp.htmlTanya Ryno2009-04-29T20:18:01ZFITNESS FANATICS TRAVEL
New Year’s came and went. Lent is over. Memorial Day is right around the corner. You’ve talked a good game. But you’ve run out of time (and excuses).
With spring break out of the way and summer right around the corner, well, 'er, it’s officially swimsuit season. And you have yet to break a sweat (or get rid of your winter bulge). It's time to get yourself into high gear with some basic training at an outdoor (or even indoor) boot camp class before it's too late.
You say working out is boring? Yeah, well, bulging out of your bathing-suit is well, down right miserable!
Lucky for you: Military-style workouts are still on the rise. Turns out many of us like being yelled at while we sweat. The basic boot-camp workout includes a warm-up, cardio work (jogging, sprinting, relays, etc), and strength training (push-ups, sit-ups, lunges, etc). Many are outside and most are led by stringent, stern instructors who likes to motivate through yelling. Don’t see the appeal?
Here’s why people like boot camps: They’re efficient, they’re a good deal (it’s like a having a personal trainer for a group discount), and if nothing else... they get us out of the gym!
Several boot camp classes are popping up all over the country. Sweat it out with one of my top picks in your area:
Back Yard Bootcamp in CA (Encino Area)
NO BS NYC Bootcamps in NYC
Bulldog Bootcamp in Chicago
BCSF in San Fransisco
Jay's Boot Camp in Texas
Bootcamp Fitness in Kansas City
Platoon Fitness in PA.
Feeling adventurous? Try the Bikini Boot Camp in Tulum, Mexico (more to come on this fabulous getaway).
You will build camaraderie (having a common enemy always spawns friendships)and often classes are made to order; brides, men, women, marathoners, and several other subsets can find their own workouts.
What are you waiting for? Try it out and see if a class suits you. If at the end you can still feel your legs, you'll be in great shape!
I didn't say it was going to be easy.]]>There's hardly anything more fun than playing on a beach with your best buddyhttp://www.lift-magazine.com/journal/theres-hardly-anything-more-fun-than-playing-on-a-beach-with.htmlTanya Ryno2009-04-26T20:25:35ZRECREATIONAL ATHLETE TRAVEL
In a dog-eat-dog world, sometimes you need to throw yourself and your pooch a bone. So whether planning a fun vacation or a quick trip down to the shore, make a splash and head to the beach with fido. With plenty of dog-friendly beaches across the nation, there's sure to be a spot in the sand for you. Here are four examples:
WEST COAST
Samoa Dunes Recreation Area, Samoa, California: This 300-acre park is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and offers everything from hiking and surfing to fishing, sightseeing, and beach-combing. Dogs are allowed off leash.
EAST COAST
St. Augustine Beach, St. Augustine, Florida: Like most beaches in St. John's County, Florida, St. Augustine Beach allows leashed dogs to enjoy the surf.
GULF OF MEXICO
Big Reef Nature Park, Galveston, Texas: On Galveston's East Beach, Big Reef Nature Park welcomes leashed dogs to the Lone Star State.
GREAT LAKES
Montrose Dog Beach, Chicago, Illinois: This stretch of surf is Chi-town's only leash-free beach. Like all designated "dog-friendly areas" in Chicago, a DFA tag is required to enjoy the sand. The tags are five dollars per year and are available at participating Chicago veterinary offices.
Always remember your beach etiquette:
- A clean beach is a fun beach, so always clean up after your pooch.
- Keep your friendly dog from visiting other beach-goers unless it's a welcomed visit.
-
Don't forget to bring along proof of vaccinations and your pal's ID tags.
Think of it as a way to unleash a little stress.
FYI: CBS News has tips for creating a first aid kit for your pet in the event of an injury, bee sting, or heat exhaustion while you're out and about!]]>HINT: Mom Wants (and Deserves) a Healthy Adult Beverage!http://www.lift-magazine.com/journal/hint-mom-wants-and-deserves-a-healthy-adult-beverage.htmlTanya Ryno2009-04-24T17:37:04ZALCOHOL MOTHER'S DAY
Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and let’s face it moms you deserve to put up your feet and indulge in a refreshing cocktail. I certainly know I do and, lucky for you, I have the perfect mixer that let’s you indulge but not feel guilty.
Enter: HINT Essence Water. HINT is a 0 calories, 0 sodium, and sugar-free beverage that is a delicious way to enjoy by itself or, in this case, with your favorite cocktail.
The best part: I've got recipes using the sugar and calorie free beverage that you're sure to love!
Here's what I'll be drinking (not all at once, of course):
* Mama Knows Best
2 oz. Watermelon Vodka and 6 oz. Watermelon HINT
* Kick off Your Heals Cosmo
2 oz. Vanilla Vodka, 1/2 oz. Triple Sec, and 1 oz. Hibiscus Vanilla HINT
* Put the Baby to Sleep
1 oz. Watermelon Vodka and 1/4 oz. Melon Liqueur, 6 oz Honeydew Hibiscus HINT
* Mom’s Specialty
1 1/2 oz. Watermelon Vodka, 1 1/2 oz. Citrus Vodka, and 1 1/2 oz. Blackberry HINT
With a drink option this good, you can indulge guilt free all year round.
And make Mother’s Day every day.]]>Five Great Fitness Gifts for Mother's Dayhttp://www.lift-magazine.com/journal/five-great-fitness-gifts-for-mothers-day.htmlTanya Ryno2009-04-22T20:43:12ZGADGETS GEAR MOTHER'S DAY
Mothers. So damn needy aren't we?
Of course, now’s not really the time to complain. Rather, it’s the time to fulfill those needs to the best of your ability. And, for those of you keeping track, it's Sunday May 10. Remember... Mom taught you absolutely everything you know. So this year, give her a gift that proves you’ve finally, after all that back-talk and sass, absorbed her lessons about living healthy and staying fit -- try not to give her another box of chocolates.
1. Hire a personal trainer or life coach to help mom reach her goals.
2. Pick up a pair of cool sneakers and some new sportswear to look great in. You always feel good in new clothes and are excited to show them off -- whether at the gym or when going for a walk.
3. Treat her feet. Consider getting your mom a foot massage, foot reflexology, or a relaxing pedicure. People pay so little attention to their feet and they are always cramped in shoes.
4. Give her some good nutritional advice. Whether she's trying to shed weight from a pregnancy or just trying to get rid of the abdominal fat around her middle, many moms can use a diet overhaul or at the very least, some weight loss tips. Subscribe her to a light cooking magazine like Cooking Light, Eating Well, or the new magazine Clean Eating.
5. Get her a bike to stroll around on (this is the one want, the Trek Lime -- For my REAL training days, I already own the awesome Trek 7.5 FX WSD). All forms of regular exercise are of benefit to the body but cycling is especially good for anyone at any age.
P.S. Don't forget to call!]]>Increase Your Libido with Exercisehttp://www.lift-magazine.com/journal/increase-your-libido-with-exercise.htmlTanya Ryno2009-04-17T15:03:38ZFITNESS FANATICS LIVE HEALTHY RECREATIONAL ATHLETE Sexual Health
Blind dates who are much older than they claim online, drunk surgeons, O.J. Simpson.
Not everyone deserves a second chance.
Sex and exercise, on the other hand, are definitely worthy of a round two. You already know that exercise makes you look and feel better. But did you know that exercise, quite literally, makes you want to have sex? After a good workout (not limited to the gym, think hike, bike and climbing too), men and women alike experience a spike of testosterone (the famed "pump" of bodybuilding), the hormone that influences sexual arousal. And, yes, exercising improves blood flow to the genitals and reduces stress; a cycle which can lead to more sex.
And, it seems that having more sex (which means at least twice a week), is better for you than previously thought. Sex can do wonders for everyone both physically and psychologically. You will gradually notice that the more sex you have, the more bounce you will have in each step (and the more sex you will want) -- so if you're not quite interested in sex, I suggest exercising to jumpstart your libido and while you're at it check out our new Sexual Health column.
How's that for motivation?]]>Tight Curves: The First Protein Product for Women Onlyhttp://www.lift-magazine.com/journal/tight-curves-the-first-protein-product-for-women-only.htmlTanya Ryno2009-04-15T19:53:41ZProtein Powder SUPPLEMENTS
Go ahead. You know you want to. Then again, don’t do it. There’s nothing in that 1000 calorie filled with fat and sugar milkshake from your favorite fast food restaurant that's even remotely good for you. Plus, you know what they say: Once on the lips, forever on the hips.
Oh, come on. It can’t be that bad you say?
Remember your new skinny jeans? Or how about that bikini you need to fit into this summer (only a few weeks away)? Guys, while this particular product is for girls, your not off the hook... I want to see some abs this year.
Before you start to wallow in regret, know this: There’s a way to please both your cravings and your conscience. Enter: Tight Curves.
Just like the name implies, each shake is packed to give women 'tight curves' (just check out Kristal Richardson's body) and believe it or not, it tastes great! It's the first and only multipurpose Heart Healthy protein product for women that delivers 14 grams of high quality protein, with only 4 grams of carbs. It also includes specific ingredients that support bone health and mood management (which some of us need more than others). And, yes, I can attest that daily incorporation of Tight Curves into a healthy diet promotes toned muscles, enhanced fat oxidation, regulated moods, increased endurance, and decreased recovery time from exercise or other activity. Basically, this little powerhouse can really flex some muscle. But it’s the scrumptious flavors like Berry & Vanilla Bean and Double Chocolate Ice Cream that are the icing on the cake (so to speak.)
And, since we are working on your self-improvement, let's not stop there. Try trading in your regular vitamins for the Tight Curves Multi Vitamin with Resveratrol.
Bags of protein powder aren't your thing? Tight Curves protein powder also comes in travel packs, so you’ll have no trouble cramming them into your already over-filled bag and taking it with you on the road!
Convenient and healthy, now there’s something to smile about.]]>Fly CLEAR: The Fast Pass For Airportshttp://www.lift-magazine.com/journal/fly-clear-the-fast-pass-for-airports.htmlTanya Ryno2009-04-10T16:10:36ZJET SETTER TRAVEL
Here's what wears me down: the check-in line, the let me check-your-baggage-for-weapons line, the check-your-boarding-pass line, the security line, the customs line, and the taxi line.
And, while a business- or first-class ticket enables some hopscotching, not all airports allow it. Instead, if you're adventurous side is traveling this spring (and hopefully it will be), enroll in the Clear Registered Traveler program, a virtual security express lane for those who need to get where they're going without the hassle. The $100 annual membership includes a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) vetting fee, fingerprinting, and an iris scan.
The downside: The program is up and running ... but only in a select few airports.
So for the rest of you, your only alternative is a private jet ... which really isn't a bad option either!]]>5 Tips to Summon Your Inner Athletehttp://www.lift-magazine.com/journal/5-tips-to-summon-your-inner-athlete.htmlTanya Ryno2009-04-08T12:58:01ZFITNESS FANATICS Fit Tips Jim Ryno Muscle & Fitness RECREATIONAL ATHLETE SPORTS
Maybe it’s the smelly locker rooms or the requisite killer instinct, but the term jock has just never really fit you.
But strong? Now you’re talking. And fit? Jackpot.
So maybe it’s time you merged all of the above — minus any real (or really obsessive) competition.
Joe Wuebben (over at Muscle & Fitness) and Jim Ryno (my husband) give you some workout tips, to add to your athletic routine. You can visit the link, or download the article below. They are designed to get you in shape as if you were training for a specific sport.
For all you real jocks, you can use these and find more tips on building greater athleticism, by reading "Athletic Support" in the October issue, on newsstands now.
Hey, you’ll not only look better on the court, field, or at the net, you’ll look better in real life.]]>Right brain vs. left brain: Which side are you on?http://www.lift-magazine.com/journal/right-brain-vs-left-brain-which-side-are-you-on.htmlTanya Ryno2009-04-06T20:51:41ZLIVE HEALTHY
Have you ever thought why some people can paint beautifully, but have difficulty adding two and two? Or why some people can understand the intricacies of calculus effortlessly, but struggle to write a one-page essay? It's all about which side of your brain dominates - the left or the right. The right is responsible for imagination, feelings and creativity, while the left is responsible for logic, details and facts.
Want to know which side is dominant for you? Go to this link (or just look below), and look at the picture of the dancer. Focus on which way she is turning. Is it clockwise? Or counter-clockwise?
If clockwise is your answer, you use your right brain more often. If you saw her moving in the other direction, you use your left. If you look really hard and focus on the dancer, you can see that she changes direction.
For me, she was turning clockwise, which means my right lobe is more dominant -- therefore I'm more creative. I imagine since it's also representative of dancing, arts and sports, most of you (who are athletic) will have the same results.]]>Fit Tip: Lift Heavy, Run Fasterhttp://www.lift-magazine.com/journal/fit-tip-lift-heavy-run-faster.htmlTanya Ryno2009-04-06T14:39:48ZFITNESS FANATICS Fit Tips LIFTING RUNNING
A message to all distance runners who think lifting weights will slow them down: A study published in the International Journal of Sports Medicine says you're wrong. Researchers at Brazil's Human Performance Laboratory (Rio Claro) studied 16 experienced runners for four weeks: Eight did explosive strength training (EST) and the rest performed heavy-weight strength training (HWT). At the end of the study, the HWT group showed a significant increase in running economy while the EST group didn't.
Take-Home Tip: If you're training for a road race (like I am), lifting can help lower your split times, as long as you train for pure strength: reps in the 4-6 range and generous rest periods between sets (2-3 minutes). Keep overall volume in check to avoid overtraining.]]>Here's One Good Reason You Shouldn't Let the Economy Get You Downhttp://www.lift-magazine.com/journal/heres-one-good-reason-you-shouldnt-let-the-economy-get-you-d.htmlTanya Ryno2009-03-27T22:24:04ZFITNESS FANATICS MONEY
Photo: Scott McDermott/AuroraI was just over at Portfolio.com reading a story they published a few months back. A story that seems even more relevant today: The Upside of the Downturn and #4 (of 6) caught my eye, so I thought I'd share.
According to them, you could possibly take this time to obtain a killer bod.
You know all that time you're not using to make money these days? Well, research suggests that you're likely to use it to work out more frequently and eat a more sound diet, leading to improved overall health. A reduction in workplace stress means you're also less likely to die of a heart attack, and you'll probably self-medicate less with tobacco and alcohol during recession years. So you've got that going for you. Which is nice.
Sounds good to me! And, if time has anything to do with it ... well, then we should all look smokin' hot before this is over!]]>