FitKids360, a free seven-week program, helps educate families about nutrition, exercise and living a healthy lifestyle. Developed in Grand Rapids in 2010, the program is now expanding across the state of Michigan. Thanks to a partnership between Health Net of West Michigan and the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA, the YMCA has hosted the FitKids360 program in Traverse City. […]
The Journey Program Offers New Exercise Videos for Cancer Patients
Countless cancer patients call The Journey Program “life-changing.” Currently provided in three Northern Michigan locations, the free 10-week program bridges the gap between treatment and recovery. And soon, some Journey Program classes will be available to cancer patients anywhere in Michigan, the United States, and even the world—thanks to their downloadable exercise videos. Founded in 2009, […]
Help Norte Keep Traverse City Sidewalks Clear This Winter
Get your free shovel! If you’re willing to help shovel Traverse City sidewalks and intersections this winter, Norte and Northern Building Supply will provide you with a free shovel through the new Clear Path to Health program. Aimed at promoting safety, good health and accessibility during the winter months in Northern Michigan, they’ve expanded last year’s Great Shovel Experiment to encourage […]
Healthy Schools Initiative
he Traverse City Track Club Healthy Schools – Run to Fitness initiative encourages elementary aged school kids from the area to participate in Fun Runs to earn a chance to win a grant to support their school’s physical education program. Schools with the most registered student participants are eligible for the Healthy School Award, a […]
Why Try Tai Chi? A Traverse City Instructor Shares the Health Benefits
Traverse City tai chi instructor Ann Parker tells the many benefits of this gentle workout for the mind and body. Bonus: It’s effective and doable for almost everyone. Practiced around the world, tai chi is a low impact, relaxing form of exercise that anyone can learn. Tai chi blends mental and spiritual aspects into movement […]
How Cancer-Survivor Sara Cockrell Stays Active Outdoors
See if you can catch Sara Cockrell. When she’s not hiking, biking or paddling at one of her favorite spots with friends in Northern Michigan, she’s likely traveling the world—hiking in Iceland, backcountry skiing in Colorado, or trekking along famous Western trails, to name just a few of her adventures. “I love being outside,” says […]
A Walk in the City: 5 Northern Michigan Trails You Can Do In Town
In-town trails make it easy to get active in Northern Michigan. Health and fitness experts say that a minimum of 30 minutes of walking a day does everything from lower blood pressure to burn fat. And it just plain makes you feel better. In-town trails are a convenient way to make that happen—over lunch, after […]
Tri Up North Triathlon
Every September, Frankfort’s Bestie Bay welcomes athletes and healthy lifestyle advocates competing in the Tri Up North Triathlon. This year’s race is September 15. Hosted by the Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, the goal of the triathlon is to improve the health and wellness of people in the community. And with two options—a 10-mile event for beginners […]
Benefits of Working Out with Your Dog & Exercise Safety Tips for Your Pup
We know dogs add much to our lives. But studies show they not only make us happy, but also keep us healthy—having a dog in your life darn near guarantees increased activity, lower blood pressure, and elevated moods. Dogs can also be the ultimate motivators too. A long run seems better with a little company. […]
Cootie Catcher Activity
Here’s a fun activity project that promotes movement. Print it as a two-sided document, cut it out, and follow the directions on folding and you’ll have a cootie catcher! 875 Cootie Catcher