- We've got the low-down on gluten-free diets.
 
All Entries From Nicole NicholsNicole is known on SparkPeople.com as COACH_NICOLENicole Nichols is a busy health and fitness writer who moonlights as an exercise instructor. She is always adding to her résumé of fitness certifications and enjoys Pilates and Spinning probably more than anyone should. When reviewing the latest fitness trends, safety and efficacy are her No. 1 priorities, but fun is a close second. Outside the fitness world, her dream day would include sleeping in, eating strawberry pancakes, riding her bike (preferably downhill), and scoring a mid-century modern furniture piece for her collection. Poll: Which Fitness Fashion Trend Shouldn't Make a Comeback?
A couple months ago, I shared some fun and entertaining 80s aerobics videos. Many of you could relate to these workouts and remember doing similar moves yourselves. Today I'm back with another fitness flashback that is sure to conjure up some more memories, but I don't know if they'll be good or bad ones!
 10 Ways to Melt Mega Calories in Winter Weather
I dread winter weather just as much as the next guy, but this year, I made a commitment to myself that I would stick with my outdoor runs all winter (as long as it's not so cold that it's unsafe for outdoor exercise). Luckily, temperatures in Cincinnati haven't dropped below the upper teens yet, so I'm happy to report that I'm still on track with my goals so far. It's not always easy, but when you're properly dressed and prepared, outdoor exercise doesn't feel cold or uncomfortable at all.
 Gluten FEAR: Should You Go Gluten-Free?
It's blamed for a host of ailments: headaches, digestive distress, weight gain, poor immune function, hormonal disruption, and even behavioral problems in children. But does gluten, the natural-occurring protein found in wheat, barley, rye and some oats, really the cause of all these health evils? Many health-conscious consumers believe so.  Only 4 Days Left to Enter the Chapter Challenge Contest
We kicked off 'The Spark' Chapter Challenge Contest just a couple weeks ago and already, nearly 6,000 people have downloaded a free chapter from our New York Times Best Selling book, The Spark. For each person you refer to download this free chapter, you'll get 10 SparkPoints and a chance to win some great prizes while Spreading The Spark at the same time!
 Poll: Do You Avoid the Clock When You Exercise?
I loved teaching Spinning classes at my alma mater's recreation center. The equipment was state of the art, the sound system was superb, and the students packed into my 6 p.m. classes and loved the challenge of a 60-minute ride. There was just one clock hanging in the room—off to the side and behind most of the bikes—yet there was a handful of students who would ask me to remove the clock from the wall during class. I guess they didn't want to look at it during class, but couldn't stop themselves from doing so. When you're working out and you don't absolutely love to do so, it can be downright discouraging to feel like you've put a dent into your workout goal, only to look up at the clock and see that you're not even a quarter of the way through. Ugh.
 Get a FREE Calendar When You Spend $50 at the SparkPeople Store
For the most part, I like to think of myself as a bargain shopper. I use credit cards to earn hotel points, cash back and other incentives. I clip coupons and wait for sales. And I take advantage of deals when they happen to be on products I had planned to purchase anyway.
 DVD Review: Leslie Sansone's 'Walk Your Belly Flat'
A few months ago, I had the amazing opportunity to interview Leslie Sansone for the dailySpark. Sure, I knew who she was and that our members love her, but I had never actually tried any of the "Walk Away the Pounds" DVDs that made her the famous fitness guru she is today.
 Jog and Enjoy the Weather
Last year, I finally experienced something that many runners before me had discovered: a love of running. It didn't happen overnight and it was something that I never expected, but over time, running morphed from something I "should" do into something that I wanted to do.
 Try the 1-Minute Awareness Test
How well can you pay attention and focus during distraction?
Read More  5 Workout Songs I'm Obsessed with Right Now
One of the easiest ways to refresh your workouts is to update the music you listen to while you exercise, whether you use an iPod or still create your own mix CDs. It has been too long since I shared some of my favorite workout songs with you, so I figured the new year was a good time since so many people are fired up and ready to get fit.
 PEOPLE Magazine's "Half Their Size" Issue Features SparkPeople Member Who Lost 177 Pounds
 5 Good Reasons to Join the 'Spark Your Body' Bootcamp
If you're resolving to lose weight, get fit or tone up in 2010, then I have some news for you. It's going to take hard work, will power, dedication, and some sweat (but not necessarily blood or tears). But you can make it easier—even fun—by joining SparkPeople's "Spark Your Body" Bootcamp, a challenge that includes a workout plan, built-in support, and motivating prizes!  Poll: Did You Ask for Any Healthy Holiday Gifts?
Many of us have gift-giving on the brain right now, whether you're done shopping or still have some items you want to pick up, or you're wondering what gifts you might receive yourself!
 When Less Exercise is More
You have a busy week. Some last minute shopping to do (complete with many circles around the parking lot to simply find an empty spot), cookies to bake for your neighborhood cookie exchange, gifts to wrap, travel plans to finalize, a volunteer session at the local food bank, and a holiday party for work. You're feeling frazzled, but you want do it all for the spirit of the season. At some point, something has to give. When you're this busy, what's the first thing that falls off your to-do list? Yourself. And for many of us, that means our healthy diet and exercise plans fall by the wayside for days or even weeks at a time, making it harder to climb back onto the treadmill than if you would have just stayed on its belt to being with. Eventually, you need a reason (or resolution) to get yourself back on track and luckily, the New Year is just around the corner, so you decide to just wait until then. Sound familiar?
 8 New Ways to Get Fit, Firm and Fired Up
Are you having trouble squeezing exercise into your busy days? Do you need a workout plan that is simple to follow, yet effective? Are you thinking about making fitness a part of your life, perhaps as a New Year's Resolution? Whether you need help starting a consistent fitness program or just want new ideas, my newest workout DVD, The Spark: Fit, Firm and Fired Up in 10 Minutes a Day can help!
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