Don't Miss the DAC New Year's Eve 10K Race!

With 2011 just around the corner, jump-start your New Year's resolutions by participating in the third annual DAC New Year's Eve 10k Race on Friday, December 31st at 9 a.m.!

The race, hosted by DAC Fitness Collierville, will once again benefit the Page Robbins Adult Day Care Center, a Collierville-based nonprofit organization that provides care for those suffering from dementia-related diseases, including Alzheimer's disease.

Since 2008, DAC Fitness has donated more than $5,000 to Page Robbins. To see the results from last year's event, don't miss this blog entry.

The 6.2-mile race, open to individuals and two-person relay teams, will begin and end at H.G. Cox Park, 440 West Powell Road in Collierville. Both members and non-members are eligible to participate, with all proceeds going to the Page Robbins Center.

Pre-Race Details
Entry Fees: $25.00 for individuals and DAC Members prior to December 31st

$50.00 for relay teams and DAC Members prior to December 31st

$35.00 day of race for non-member individuals

$70.00 day of race for non-member relay teams

Registration is available online via RacesOnline.com or by mail or in person: DAC Fitness Collierville, 440 W. Powell Rd., Collierville, TN 38017.

Pre-race shirt and packet pick-up will be held at DAC Fitness Collierville on December 30 from 4 to 7 p.m.

Race Day Details
Registration will be available the day of the race (12/31) at DAC Fitness Collierville from 7 - 8:30 a.m.

Age Divisions: 12-18, 19-25, 26-35, 36-45, 46-55, 56+

Cash prizes will be awarded to the top male runner, female runner and relay team, and medals will be given to the top male/female and relay team in each age category.

For more information, call 901-861-2110.

Weekend Wrap-Up

In preparation for the holiday weekend, here's what we're reading now:

Skip the sweets and just go nuts - USAToday.com

Burn Off Those Holiday Splurges - Fitness Magazine

Give Yourself the Gift of a Stress-Free Holiday - Businessweek.com

Healthy Holiday Foods - DAC Blog

Have a safe and happy holiday!

Healthy Holiday Foods

As the year comes to a close, tempting treats seem to be everywhere you look. While the lure of the candy dish or box of holiday cookies can be overwhelming, the real temptation is overindulging during a holiday party or buffet.

If you're at the office holiday party or your family's annual holiday dinner, don't overlook these items when filling your plate:

• Turkey, Chicken or Seafood: Full of protein, these items are best when grilled, steamed or baked with minimal oils or fats. Avoid the dark meat and skin when eating turkey and chicken and pass on the butter for lobster, crab or shrimp.

• Baked Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are tasty and full of fiber and potassium, but don't be fooled by casseroles sweetened with marshmallows or honey. These potatoes are best without added sugar.

• Soup: Warm up your appetite with a bowl of vegetable soup or other non-cream based soup before you hit the buffet table. It will satisfy your appetite and prevent you from overeating.

• Green Beans: A holiday staple, green beans are commonly found buried within a casserole. Try something new this season and opt to enjoy them steamed or lightly sauteed in olive oil.

• Raw Vegetable/Fruit Platters: Enjoy all the raw vegetables and fruit you like - without the accompanying dip, of course.

Before you hit the dessert table, don't miss this must-read article from Women's Health Magazine on healthy dessert options.

Indoor Winter Workouts

With a calendar filled with holiday parties and tempting treats available at home and the office, it's time to offset those extra calories with a regular workout routine. While the cold temperatures may have you tempted to stay indoors under a blanket, take advantage of what an indoor workout can do - burn calories in the comfort of your own home, garage or health club!

If you're tempted to continue exercising outside, don't miss our post on motivation in the cold.

If you are looking for a warmer alternative, try the following:

Workouts at Home

Push-ups: Easy to do without any equipment, the push-up is perfect if you have access to a flat surface and know the proper form. For tips, read this Men's Health article.

Jumping Jacks: Also something that can be done without equipment, jumping jacks are fun to add to a routine. If you want to add a bit more difficulty, incorporate hand weights into the mix.

Yoga: Whether you follow a DVD or use a book to find poses that work best for you, grab a mat and get started! To maximize your time, try meditating - it'll help you relax and sort through the day while you stretch and complete different poses.

Jumping Rope: While you may not feel comfortable jumping rope in the house, take advantage of your garage or another enclosed area you have outside the home. It's estimated that jumping rope consecutively for ten minutes can burn nearly 100 calories!

Workouts in the Gym

Equipment: Take full advantage of all the equipment a gym has to offer: stationary bikes, treadmills, elliptical machines, free weights and weight machines. If you're intimidated, seek the guidance of a fitness professional who can show you how to properly use each machine.

Indoor Track: If you don't enjoy using the treadmill or elliptical, many health clubs offer an indoor track for members to use. Whether you walk, run or do sprints, the key is to get moving!

Fitness Classes: If you're tired of doing the same routine each time you exercise, sign up for a class. In addition to shaking up your routine, you'll learn something new and meet new people.

Work with a Trainer: If you're overwhelmed by the gym's options, work with one of the fitness coaches to identify a routine that will work best for you.

Before beginning any new workout plan, please consult a physician.

DAC Fitness Hosts Third Annual New Year's Eve 10k Race

DAC Fitness Collierville will host the third annual DAC New Year's Eve 10k Race on Friday, December 31st at 9 a.m. The race will once again benefit the Page Robbins Adult Day Care Center, a Collierville-based nonprofit organization that provides care for those suffering from dementia-related diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. Since 2008, DAC has donated more than $5,000 to Page Robbins. To see the results from last year's event, don't miss this blog entry.

The 6.2-mile race, open to individuals and two-person relay teams, will begin and end at H.G. Cox Park, 440 West Powell Road in Collierville. Both members and non-members are eligible to participate, with all proceeds going to the Page Robbins Center.

Pre-Race Details

Entry Fees: $25.00 for individuals and DAC Members prior to December 31st

$50.00 for relay teams and DAC Members prior to December 31st

$35.00 day of race for non-member individuals

$70.00 day of race for non-member relay teams

Registration is available online via RacesOnline.com or by mail or in person: DAC Fitness Collierville, 440 W. Powell Rd., Collierville, TN 38017.

Pre-race shirt and packet pick-up will be held at DAC Fitness Collierville on December 30 from 4 to 7 p.m.

Race Day Details

Registration will be available the day of the race (12/31) at DAC Fitness Collierville from 7 - 8:30 a.m.

Age Divisions: 12-18, 19-25, 26-35, 36-45, 46-55, 56+

Cash prizes will be awarded to the top male runner, female runner and relay team, and medals will be given to the top male/female and relay team in each age category.

For more information, call 901-861-2110.

Weekend Wrap-Up

Here's what we're reading now in preparation for the weekend:

Government outlines health goals for 2020 - USAToday.com

Excess Weight Shortens Lifespan - Health.com

The Best Exercises for Everything - Men's Health

Healthier Holidays: Get Moving - DAC Blog