Month: June 2017

Stay in Shape with These Home Workout Routines

It’s amazing how much people can fit into a day. But even the most time-efficient productive people sometimes find that getting a workout in is difficult. When you’re pressed for time, workout routines you can do at home come in handy. These exercises don’t require much equipment and don’t take much time. Yet you’ll see results before you know it.

Flexibility and Balance Routines

Improving your flexibility and balance are two of the easiest areas to target from home. Try some simple daily exercises in the morning to start your day off right.

Full-body stretches – Begin with a set of these stretches including the runner’s, standing side and seated back twist. These will help increase your range of motion, help your circulation and calm your mind.

Yoga poses for flexibility – These simple yoga poses are good for even self-proclaimed non-flexible people. Hold each one for 10-15 seconds a day and don’t forget to breathe.

Balance exercises – The best athletes know how important a strong sense of balance is for good health. These exercises improve your core strength as well as help to prevent injury.

At-Home Strengthening Exercises

Some people might give home strength training the brush-off if they have no gym equipment. Not so fast! These strength training exercises can be done with little or no equipment. The most important thing you need is your own willingness to turn these exercises into habits.

Basic strength training routine – From push-ups to squats and lunges, this strength routine is easy to do in the comfort of your home. All you need is a chair.

Milk jugs for muscles – Want to add some weight to your strength training? Workout routines like this one use milk gallon jugs filled with water. Experiment with various amounts to find what works best for you.

Minimal accessories – If you choose to add a few pieces of small equipment, you don’t have to break the bank or build a separate room. These accessories like a mat, resistance band and a stability ball will take you far in your fitness journey.

Workout Routines for Cardio Health

You can do some of the best cardio workouts from home, too. Next time it’s pouring out or you’re pressed for time, check out these fast and effective fitness routines.

20-minute cardio blast – This calorie-burning cardio workout combines burpees, Pilates and various jumps to boost your metabolism and work all your muscles. Be sure to do the warmup and cool down for a complete workout.

Beginner HIIT routine – If you have some room to move around, try a high intensity interval training, or HIIT, workout. Choose from 10-30 minute activities that combine maximum effort with short periods of recovery.

Free online resources – There are so many free online workout resources that you can vary your at-home workouts tremendously. Traditional aerobics-style dance classes, yoga and strength training videos are just the beginning.

Workout routines for home can change your exercise life. Whether you’re filling in the days between the gym or you’re searching for calm, there’s something for everyone.

This year, plan on some fun outdoor activities with your dog. First, kick off summer with Liberty Harbor’s Dog Days of Summer Dog Fest on Saturday July 29. You’ll have so much fun there you’ll be ready for more! Jersey City is a quite the dog-friendly town, and you might be surprised at some of the things you didn’t even know about. From parks to dog runs and even dog-friendly restaurants, you and Fido can have a great time.  Check out these dog-friendly spots.

Parks and Dog Runs

There’s nothing like getting some good exercise with your dog at a park. These are some of the area’s best, with lots of room and well-maintained facilities.

Liberty State Park – Enjoy walking through Jersey City’s own beautiful nature with your best bud on a leash.

Lincoln Park Dog Run – This off-leash park is clean and well-maintained. Bring your tennis balls and run for fun and socializing in this great park. Located at W. Park Dr & Lakeview Dr, Jersey City.

Hamilton Park – This is a beautiful space for people and dogs alike. Enjoy the off-leash areas for small dogs and large dogs. 680 Jersey Ave. Jersey City

Van Vorst Park Dog Run – This park has all the amenities need for a few hours of activity. There are two separate runs for small and big dogs and special dog fountains for when your pal gets tired and needs a drink. 257 Montgomery St. Jersey City.

Dog-Friendly Beaches

There’s nothing better than a fun visit to one of New Jersey’s beautiful beaches, but nobody wants to drive an hour or two just to find out that dogs aren’t allowed. Here’s some beaches a bit south of Jersey City that will let you enjoy the sand and sun with your favorite pet.

Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area – Come visit the last undeveloped section of the Manasquan Inlet and bring your dog with you. Fisherman’s Cove is a great place for fishing, walking on the beach and playing in the sand. Stick to the eastern side of the beach and Spike will be welcomed to hang out all day. 391 Third Avenue, Manasquan.

Sandy Hook/Gateway National Park – Enjoy the ocean side beaches with Poochie at this national park from March 15 to Memorial Day.  The bay side beaches at Plum Island and Horseshoe Cove welcome you and your pet all year round.  1 Bay Avenue, Highlands.

Somer’s Point Dog Park – A little further south, Somer’s Point is an off-leash beach known for its cleanliness. This is the perfect spot for a day trip and a dip in the ocean.

Dog-Friendly Restaurants

Ever see people at a restaurant with their dog and think, “We should do that!” Here are some places to start:

Dolma – Not a stone’s throw from Liberty Harbor, Dolma offers fabulous Eastern Mediterranean food in an intimate setting. Their pooch-friendly patio makes this the perfect place to savor comfort food with your best friend in tow.

Light Horse Tavern – Looking for a dog-friendly Sunday brunch? Head to the Light Horse Tavern on Washington Street. Try the Bourbon Vanilla Croissant French Toast or a Prosciutto Parmesan Omelette while your dog gets to meet all the passers by.

Departed Soles – This local brewery is dog-friendly and serves up a wide selection of craft beer. What could be better than enjoying a flight of beer and hanging out with dogs?

Well-Deserved Treats

People who love their dogs love dog stuff, and treats are always good to have on hand. Check out these dog-centric shops and stock up on surprises.

If you’re a dog person, you know how hard it is to leave your best friend at home. This summer, explore the best of Jersey City together. You never know what friends you’ll make with your dog at your side.