Little Red's Big Ideas

Burn Those Calories While Baking?

Louis Moore, fitness guru from the City of Houston, Texas recently left a comment on my blog about the benefits of water exercise which I happened to be reading on the day of Thanksgiving.  (There's a reason they call it stuffing, you know.)

Anyway, Louis mentioned that water walking burns 4 times as many calories as walking on land which made me think that I trip to the pool would be a great way to combat post Thanksgiving indulgences.  Alas, while a water workout would have been full of health benefits, I'm afraid the only thing that got a workout today was my credit cards.  While I did my part for the economy, I'm afraid I didn't do much for my cardiovascular system. 

But, after doing a bit more research I came across a great article called, Burn Off Holiday Calories - No
Gym Time Required at sparkpeople.com written by personal trainer, Nicole Nichols.  In the spirit of functional fitness fans, Nicole, has come up with a great list of calorie calculations for those of us who can't seem to find their way to the pool during this busy holiday season.  If you're anything like me, you'll be thrilled to learn that, even baking and lugging groceries can burn calories (as long as you're not sampling at the same time!)  I've listed some of Nicole's suggestions for burning off calories while preparing your home and your life for guests, friends and families this holiday season.  Click here to see her complete list.

• Light baking (no sampling allowed): 1 hour = 159 calories
• Tending bar for guests (not drinking it yourself!): 1 hour = 146 calories
• Socializing while standing: 1 hour = 127 calories
• Changing bed linens (for the out-of-town guests): 15 minutes = 40 calories
• Playing catch (baseball or football): 30 minutes = 79 calories
• Raking lawn: 30 minutes = 137 calories
• Grocery shopping (with cart): 30 minutes = 73 calories
• Loading & Unloading the car (suitcases, groceries, kids): 10 minutes = 32 calories
• Bathing dog (to look and smell pretty for guests!): 15 minutes = 56 calories
• Sitting and wrapping gifts or making crafts: 30 minutes = 48
• Bagging grass & leaves: 30 minutes = 127 calories

Read Nicole's complete list and leave a COMMENT below sharing your favorite functional fitness activity.  And remember -- this site is rated PG-13.

Holiday Ornaments Hang Around for Years!

It's a guarantee.  Christmas cards will get thrown away.  But, if you're looking for a last minute idea to spread holiday cheer, use a permanent greeting or token gift that will last long after the tinsel comes down.  Here's one, low cost idea to consider---

It's not too late to create and send a beautiful custom etched holiday ornaments to special clients, volunteers, staff or families.  This year's could be a simple glass, porcelain, pewter, brass or acrylic version depicting your etched logo.  But, next year, with a little more time, you could have a contest in which children create artwork that can be transformed into a keepsake.  Even those who don't celebrate Christmas can use ornaments in many ways from wall decor to ceiling fan pulls.    Starting at about six dollars with super low (12 piece minimums) this is a winning way to send Seasons Greetings to  to campers, families, sponsors, board members and staff. And the best part is -- NO CALORIES! Here's a fantastic sale to get you started. But if you're interested, time is flying by -- so call Andy (760)730-0333 or email andy@advisorsmarketing.com and he'll walk and talk you through options, details and pricing.

Happy Trails to WAIC

Howdy Pardners.  I had a rootin', tootin' time at the Tanque Verde Ranch in Tucson.  While Eddie, the Horse was great, I especially enjoyed getting to know you and the other 100 or so dedicated camp directors, owners and staff at your WAIC Conference.  I hope to work with many of you in the near future -- especially those of you who need help developing that marketing plan!  (You know who you are.)  In the meantime, I have uploaded handouts, slides and other goodies for you to explore.  Good luck and enjoy the promotional journey.

Download schmoozapalooza_questions.doc

Download talkin_bout_my_generation_2007.doc

Download extreme_camps_bwadit2.doc Download 101_free_marketing_ideas_cam.doc

Download beyond_customer_service_camps.doc 

Once you have downloaded your files, post a COMMENT below and let me know what you think!  Thanks in advance! -- Jodi

New Study: Water Workouts Really Work!

A new study conducted by Danish researchers proves what aquatics professionals have known forever -- water aerobics is a great way to alleviate pain in people with knee or hip osteoarthritis.  And that's not all.  There are dozens of other studies that prove the benefits of water fitness for just about everyone and is commonly advocated for people with the following conditions:

• Arthritis
• Back pain
• Joint problems
• MS
• Soft-tissue injury
• Cardiac patients
• Obesity

For example, one study documents the benefits of water exercise as it relates fibromyalgia.  Still another posted at targetwomen.com cites benefits of water fitness specific to women.  And still another article posted at diabeticlifestyle.com lists many benefits of water exercise for those living with diabetes.

Water exercise is beneficial for many reasons.  For example, the buoyancy of water decreases the effects of gravity so it takes less effort to move. And water provides resistance, which promotes strength and enhances balance. Immersion in water also reduces pain perception and aids in relaxation. An exercise done in water will be both easier to perform and more beneficial than the same exercise done on land.

So even though winter is approaching, many communiites offer year round access to outdoor and indoor pools and aquatics programs. 

Here are some tips to help you or your customers begin a water workout routine:

How to Get Started

• As with any exercise program, encourage participants to check with your doctor before they begin.
• Explain to prospects that it's best to learn about water fitness from a qualified instructor -- at your local park and recreation department or YMCA.
• As a park and recreation agency or YMCA, host a "dry" open house for those who have never tried water fitness classes.  Keep in mind that the scariest part of an aquatics class may be putting on a swim suit in public. 
• Invite health care professionals and current students to speak to prospects about the many benefits of a healthy water workout.
• Remember that some people love group classes and others might feel intimidated by the group exercise experience.  Help people find the right program to meet their needs.
• Remind people to start slowly with 20 to 30 minute sessions two or three times a week and gradually work up to sessions that last 45 minutes to an hour.
• Remind those new to fitness that it is up to them to know their limitations. Tell them if they  become tired anytime during the workout to stop exercising and just relax in the water or leave the pool.
• Tell newcomers not to "push through the pain. If they experience new or increased pain, stop or slow down. Listen to their body.
• Your job as a recreation professional is to help people get over fear associated with new activities so they can have fun while getting fit! The freedom of water movement water is a perfect place to start!

COMMENT below to share your water aerobic success stories, especially as it relates to those new to fitness.