Stallios - the new web 3.0

If you’re in touch with that side of society, you’re probably aware that South Park is coming back. Exciting, right? But the most notable thing about everyone’s favorite foul-mouthed fourth graders coming back is the addition of US President Donald Trump as a character. (This actually isn’t the first time the show has mocked Trump, as during his first term, the kid’s teacher, Mr. Garrison was used to symbolize Trump. Also, prior to his political career, he can be spotted in the season five episode “The Entity.”)

It’s actually a pretty bold parody that creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone have chosen to go with– this new, direct Trump seems to be directly based on South Parks’ old, classic caricature of former president of Iraq Saddam Hussein– essentially calling Trump a dictator and portraying him as literally “in bed with Satan,” much like his Iraqi predecessor.

The new episode utilizes what made the classic seasons of South Park great: childish, schoolyard-esque insults against powerful people, left-of-center commentary on politics, and general “sticking it to the man”-ness. The series premiere also features a reference to the recent cancellation of Stephen Colbert’s The Late Show, and the implication is pretty obvious: the show is being cancelled because of Stephen Colbert’s anti-Trump stances, and South Park could be next.

I had only seen bits and pieces referring to it until I heard my parents discussing it and expressing what could only be described as disgust. They’re Trump fans, and they’re always complaining about some perceived “attack” on Trump. They used to be fairly leftist– my dad used to attend Bernie Sanders rallies– until around Covid, then they took a pretty big 180. They just kept talking about how “disappointed” they were. And all I could think was… why?

My parents are essentially walking caricatures of the Gen X stereotype, so they’re obviously pretty big fans of the show. So, they should know that South Park is unique in that it makes fun of everyone. It doesn’t really matter what Trey and Matt think in real life because everyone and everything is fair game in South Park. Why would it be okay for every other president to be ridiculed, but as soon as it’s “your” candidate that you like, it’s a problem? Why would Trump get special protections?

They’re spouting similar sentiments with King of the Hill now. Obviously, the new season isn’t out, but we’ve been rewatching together in preparation. King of the Hill is, more or less, a satirical commentary on conservative America and life in Texas as a whole. (If this irritates you, KOTH creator Mike Judge also made a liberal counterpart called The Goode Family, though it didn’t find nearly the level of success KOTH did.)

While it’s less obvious in the later seasons, it’s pretty clear in the beginning that it’s spoofing the conservative obsession with “traditional family values.” One episode that I think makes this particularly clear is season one’s “Square Peg.” It focuses on the topic of ****** education in schools, with the catalyst of the episode’s events being Bobby coming home with a permission slip from his school that would allow him to take the school’s sex ed class, much to Hank’s vehement disapproval. While Hank and Peggy say that it’s a parent’s job and not the schools’ to give their children the birds and the bees talk, both Hill parents are either unwilling or ill-equipped to actually do so for Bobby and various scenes lampoon the ****** repression of the older generations. The message, to me, seems obvious– if YOU can’t teach the kid, who will? Because it’s probably better they learn it at school than from the Internet.

My parents made sure to voice how much they agreed with Hank (who was the most vocally disapproving in the episode.) They made sure to rehash how it’s up to the parents. And I honestly had to resist rolling my eyes– because they didn’t teach me any of it. Everything I learned as a tween that came with “the birds and the bees” came from TV, music, and the Internet. But then they’d complain about “protecting the kids,” right? I just find it kind of strange that they agreed so wholeheartedly with something that was actually kind of supposed to mock them.

But I guess satire is difficult to understand for some people. Take Fight For Your Right by the Beastie Boys. The song– and, by extension, the entirety of their debut album, Licensed to Ill, was supposed to serve as a parody of the frat bro/party boy lifestyle… only for it to become an unironic anthem for those people. Or Song 2 by Blur, which was created to make fun of the grunge and American alternative rock music that had been so popular at the time… only to become synonymous with that scene and arguably Blur’s most popular song.

I guess, at the risk of sounding pretentious, I just wish people got satire…

If you’re in touch with that side of society, you’re probably aware that South Park is coming back. Exciting, right? But the most notable thing about everyone’s favorite foul-mouthed fourth graders coming back is the addition of US President Donald Trump as a character. (This actually isn’t the first time the show has mocked Trump, as during his first term, the kid’s teacher, Mr. Garrison was used to symbolize Trump. Also, prior to his political career, he can be spotted in the season five episode “The Entity.”) It’s actually a pretty bold parody that creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone have chosen to go with– this new, direct Trump seems to be directly based on South Parks’ old, classic caricature of former president of Iraq Saddam Hussein– essentially calling Trump a dictator and portraying him as literally “in bed with Satan,” much like his Iraqi predecessor. The new episode utilizes what made the classic seasons of South Park great: childish, schoolyard-esque insults against powerful people, left-of-center commentary on politics, and general “sticking it to the man”-ness. The series premiere also features a reference to the recent cancellation of Stephen Colbert’s The Late Show, and the implication is pretty obvious: the show is being cancelled because of Stephen Colbert’s anti-Trump stances, and South Park could be next. I had only seen bits and pieces referring to it until I heard my parents discussing it and expressing what could only be described as disgust. They’re Trump fans, and they’re always complaining about some perceived “attack” on Trump. They used to be fairly leftist– my dad used to attend Bernie Sanders rallies– until around Covid, then they took a pretty big 180. They just kept talking about how “disappointed” they were. And all I could think was… why? My parents are essentially walking caricatures of the Gen X stereotype, so they’re obviously pretty big fans of the show. So, they should know that South Park is unique in that it makes fun of everyone. It doesn’t really matter what Trey and Matt think in real life because everyone and everything is fair game in South Park. Why would it be okay for every other president to be ridiculed, but as soon as it’s “your” candidate that you like, it’s a problem? Why would Trump get special protections? They’re spouting similar sentiments with King of the Hill now. Obviously, the new season isn’t out, but we’ve been rewatching together in preparation. King of the Hill is, more or less, a satirical commentary on conservative America and life in Texas as a whole. (If this irritates you, KOTH creator Mike Judge also made a liberal counterpart called The Goode Family, though it didn’t find nearly the level of success KOTH did.) While it’s less obvious in the later seasons, it’s pretty clear in the beginning that it’s spoofing the conservative obsession with “traditional family values.” One episode that I think makes this particularly clear is season one’s “Square Peg.” It focuses on the topic of ****** education in schools, with the catalyst of the episode’s events being Bobby coming home with a permission slip from his school that would allow him to take the school’s sex ed class, much to Hank’s vehement disapproval. While Hank and Peggy say that it’s a parent’s job and not the schools’ to give their children the birds and the bees talk, both Hill parents are either unwilling or ill-equipped to actually do so for Bobby and various scenes lampoon the ****** repression of the older generations. The message, to me, seems obvious– if YOU can’t teach the kid, who will? Because it’s probably better they learn it at school than from the Internet. My parents made sure to voice how much they agreed with Hank (who was the most vocally disapproving in the episode.) They made sure to rehash how it’s up to the parents. And I honestly had to resist rolling my eyes– because they didn’t teach me any of it. Everything I learned as a tween that came with “the birds and the bees” came from TV, music, and the Internet. But then they’d complain about “protecting the kids,” right? I just find it kind of strange that they agreed so wholeheartedly with something that was actually kind of supposed to mock them. But I guess satire is difficult to understand for some people. Take Fight For Your Right by the Beastie Boys. The song– and, by extension, the entirety of their debut album, Licensed to Ill, was supposed to serve as a parody of the frat bro/party boy lifestyle… only for it to become an unironic anthem for those people. Or Song 2 by Blur, which was created to make fun of the grunge and American alternative rock music that had been so popular at the time… only to become synonymous with that scene and arguably Blur’s most popular song. I guess, at the risk of sounding pretentious, I just wish people got satire… Category: Politics - in Blogs

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When all the weathers dance in harmony

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New Treatment for Undiagnosed Sports Injuries -- From Your Dentist

(NewsUSA) - Sports-related injuries are common and, when an athlete is hurt, care follows a proven, long-standing protocol of rehabilitation. But what happens when impact occurs to the head, face or jaw, and -- at the time -- no immediate injury is diagnosed?

Weeks, months or even years later, many of these players begin to experience headaches, TMJ/D, migraines, vertigo or tinnitus -- estimated to impact 50 million people in the U.S. to some degree.

"Undiagnosed head trauma from sports injuries -- or other types of impact, including minor car accidents -- is one of the most common causes we see of chronic headaches, migraine, tinnitus and vertigo," says Dr. Ben Burris, an orthodontist with 28 clinics in Arkansas.

Now, these long-term and sometimes debilitating conditions can often be resolved with a painless, non-invasive treatment without drugs or needles -- and all at the dentist's office.

"For over three years, we have been able to help patients with conditions caused by sports injuries," says Dr. Tad Morgan of Tyler, Texas. "If you damaged your knee or shoulder, you would go to the sports medicine clinic for rehab. With injuries to the head, face or jaw, rehab was unavailable until the advent of TruDenta care."

Once diagnosed using a painless, digitally enhanced process, patients receive treatment through a proprietary combination of FDA-cleared, low-level laser therapy, therapeutic ultrasound and other modalities. Each of these was originally developed by MDs in sports medicine to speed the healing of joints and force-related traumas. The TruDenta system can quickly resolve issues in the head, neck, face and jaw, which people may have suffered for years.

"Many of our patients with chronic headaches and migraines are females who have played sports -- soccer, gymnastics or even cycling," says Dr. Richard Hughes of Sandy, Utah. "The common denominator is some form of undiagnosed head trauma which was not properly rehabilitated and resulted in long-term painful symptoms."

TruDenta doctors report rapidly resolving these issues for the majority of patients with long-lasting results. Care is often covered by medical insurance, and TruDenta doctors provide a free consultation.

"We are excited to help these patients in 12 weeks or less without drugs or needles," says Dr. Jeffrey Mastroianni of Glen Carbon, Illinois. "It is truly life-changing for many."

To download the free e-book "Start Living Pain Free," visit www.TruDenta.com/NUSA or call 844-202-2651.

Ref: Fitness - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - Sports-related injuries are common and, when an athlete is hurt, care follows a proven, long-standing protocol of rehabilitation. But what happens when impact occurs to the head, face or jaw, and -- at the time -- no immediate injury is diagnosed? Weeks, months or even years later, many of these players begin to experience headaches, TMJ/D, migraines, vertigo or tinnitus -- estimated to impact 50 million people in the U.S. to some degree. "Undiagnosed head trauma from sports injuries -- or other types of impact, including minor car accidents -- is one of the most common causes we see of chronic headaches, migraine, tinnitus and vertigo," says Dr. Ben Burris, an orthodontist with 28 clinics in Arkansas. Now, these long-term and sometimes debilitating conditions can often be resolved with a painless, non-invasive treatment without drugs or needles -- and all at the dentist's office. "For over three years, we have been able to help patients with conditions caused by sports injuries," says Dr. Tad Morgan of Tyler, Texas. "If you damaged your knee or shoulder, you would go to the sports medicine clinic for rehab. With injuries to the head, face or jaw, rehab was unavailable until the advent of TruDenta care." Once diagnosed using a painless, digitally enhanced process, patients receive treatment through a proprietary combination of FDA-cleared, low-level laser therapy, therapeutic ultrasound and other modalities. Each of these was originally developed by MDs in sports medicine to speed the healing of joints and force-related traumas. The TruDenta system can quickly resolve issues in the head, neck, face and jaw, which people may have suffered for years. "Many of our patients with chronic headaches and migraines are females who have played sports -- soccer, gymnastics or even cycling," says Dr. Richard Hughes of Sandy, Utah. "The common denominator is some form of undiagnosed head trauma which was not properly rehabilitated and resulted in long-term painful symptoms." TruDenta doctors report rapidly resolving these issues for the majority of patients with long-lasting results. Care is often covered by medical insurance, and TruDenta doctors provide a free consultation. "We are excited to help these patients in 12 weeks or less without drugs or needles," says Dr. Jeffrey Mastroianni of Glen Carbon, Illinois. "It is truly life-changing for many." To download the free e-book "Start Living Pain Free," visit www.TruDenta.com/NUSA or call 844-202-2651. Ref: Fitness - in Blogs

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Just got back from mining#play to enjoy

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Fabric Care Tips From Mad Men Costume Designer Janie Bryant

(NewsUSA) - Janie Bryant, the Emmy Award-winning costume designer for AMC TV's "Mad Men," knows what it takes to make clothes look great.

Not only does she contribute to the visual representation of the entire cast, she brings a 1960s glamour to the period show that makes real people scour vintage shops to look like Joan Holloway and Don Draper.

Sure, audiences love the characters and their drama, but the beautifully authentic wardrobe stole the spotlight from the start. In her role, Bryant sketches, designs and fits the costumes for each character, which includes custom-made items and rebuilt vintage gems.

"One thing I've always been passionate about is how important presentation is to having great style. Looking pressed and polished is often just as important as what you're actually wearing," says Bryant, which explains why she released a fabric care guide of useful clothing advice.

"The best way to pull off that look is to know how to take great care of your clothing. [The Mad Men] era is all about being wrinkle-free and permanently pressed."

Take a look at some of Bryant's fabric care advice:

* Some fabrics are vulnerable to water spotting -- like acetate, silk and suede -- so be careful when applying perfume or body spray. Delicate garments like these tend to require dry cleaning, or hand-washing, and low-heat settings.

* Beware of "pilly" clothing that looks worn out, such as nylon and acrylic. If fabric is susceptible to pills, it's best to launder, dry and iron at low heat. You may consider laying these items out to dry, especially sweaters.

* Although cotton remains the world's most popular fabric, it is prone to wrinkling. The majority of cotton clothing can be machine-washed, but items with embellishments or accents should be turned inside out or put in a delicates bag.

* If wrinkles attack, use a fail-safe. Bryant trusts Downy Wrinkle Releaser so much that she advises you to have a bottle at home, in the office and in any overnight bag. Just spritz clothing, shake and gently pull to release stubborn kinks.

"On or off the set, the clothes that I work with and wear always need to look their best," Bryant says. "Not only does Downy Wrinkle Releaser work well on the vintage fabrics I work with during the day, but all the modern fabrics found in stores today. It's a must-have for people who need to look neat and pressed and those who need to be out the door in a flash."

For more information, visit www.downywrinklereleaser.com.

Ref: Fashion Men - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - Janie Bryant, the Emmy Award-winning costume designer for AMC TV's "Mad Men," knows what it takes to make clothes look great. Not only does she contribute to the visual representation of the entire cast, she brings a 1960s glamour to the period show that makes real people scour vintage shops to look like Joan Holloway and Don Draper. Sure, audiences love the characters and their drama, but the beautifully authentic wardrobe stole the spotlight from the start. In her role, Bryant sketches, designs and fits the costumes for each character, which includes custom-made items and rebuilt vintage gems. "One thing I've always been passionate about is how important presentation is to having great style. Looking pressed and polished is often just as important as what you're actually wearing," says Bryant, which explains why she released a fabric care guide of useful clothing advice. "The best way to pull off that look is to know how to take great care of your clothing. [The Mad Men] era is all about being wrinkle-free and permanently pressed." Take a look at some of Bryant's fabric care advice: * Some fabrics are vulnerable to water spotting -- like acetate, silk and suede -- so be careful when applying perfume or body spray. Delicate garments like these tend to require dry cleaning, or hand-washing, and low-heat settings. * Beware of "pilly" clothing that looks worn out, such as nylon and acrylic. If fabric is susceptible to pills, it's best to launder, dry and iron at low heat. You may consider laying these items out to dry, especially sweaters. * Although cotton remains the world's most popular fabric, it is prone to wrinkling. The majority of cotton clothing can be machine-washed, but items with embellishments or accents should be turned inside out or put in a delicates bag. * If wrinkles attack, use a fail-safe. Bryant trusts Downy Wrinkle Releaser so much that she advises you to have a bottle at home, in the office and in any overnight bag. Just spritz clothing, shake and gently pull to release stubborn kinks. "On or off the set, the clothes that I work with and wear always need to look their best," Bryant says. "Not only does Downy Wrinkle Releaser work well on the vintage fabrics I work with during the day, but all the modern fabrics found in stores today. It's a must-have for people who need to look neat and pressed and those who need to be out the door in a flash." For more information, visit www.downywrinklereleaser.com. Ref: Fashion Men - in Blogs

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Messi vs Ronaldo: Football’s Greatest Rivalry

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Colorful sea of mint and wine

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Championing the Right to Age Well

(NewsUSA) - In 1967, one of today's most iconic runners made her mark in history.

Despite an angry official who tried to push her off the course of the Boston Marathon, Kathrine Switzer defiantly ran on, broke barriers and became the first woman to officially complete the legendary race.

Today, at the age of 70, Switzer continues to defy the odds.

This year, she ran the 26.2-mile Boston Marathon again to celebrate the 50th anniversary of her historic milestone and continued to inspire others to break new ground. She also announced a partnership with the health and well-being company, Humana, to help celebrate seniors, encourage them to take an optimistic view of aging, and live healthy, active lifestyles.

"When the Boston Marathon race director tried to shove me off the course in 1967, my life's purpose was crystalized. I knew I wanted to be a champion for others committed to blazing their own path," Switzer says.

"I'm working with Humana to inspire seniors to achieve their best health, so they can experience all that life has to offer."

Switzer shared tips on how she maintains an optimistic outlook on aging, and why she believes that great things are ahead when your health is ready -- no matter what age you are!

Don't let your age define you.

The biggest tip is to realize that you're never too old, too slow or too out-of-shape to begin living an active lifestyle. Whether it's walking the dog a bit further than usual, or taking a swim at the local health club -; finding ways to get active can help you live healthier and be more optimistic.

Take it one step at a time. Allow time to adjust to a new routine. Start small and build on your efforts in small intervals. Listen to your body and be proud of your progress.

Two is better than one. To help you stay motivated, get a buddy who has similar fitness goals. If a buddy is waiting for you, you won't worry about being embarrassed or feeling slow; it'll just be the two of you. There are few things greater than sharing victories and accomplishments with someone close.

Make time for rest. Equally as important as staying active is ensuring that your body recovers from the stress endured from physical activity. Not only will your body thank you, but you will grow to love your active lifestyle more without aches and pains holding you back.

Switzer recently took her message to the National Senior Games presented by Humana, one example of how the company is committed to championing seniors and breaking barriers -- namely, the stereotypes associated with seniors in today's society -- and proving that with a healthy body and mind, age is truly just a number. While at the Games, she participated in the 10K Road Race in a celebratory role and presented an inspiring and encouraging speech at the Celebration of Athletes.

In addition to being a fierce advocate for seniors and optimistic aging, Switzer has been a lifelong advocate for women runners in general.

In 1972, she co-founded the first women's-only road race; in 1984, she led the drive to get the women's marathon into the Olympic Games; and in 2015, she founded 261 Fearless, a global non-profit that empowers and connects women through the transformative action of running, and encouraging them to overcome life obstacles and embrace healthy living.

"I think optimism is everything and you don't have to be a marathon runner to possess it," Switzer says.

"The more you do, the more you can do!"

Ref: Competitions - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - In 1967, one of today's most iconic runners made her mark in history. Despite an angry official who tried to push her off the course of the Boston Marathon, Kathrine Switzer defiantly ran on, broke barriers and became the first woman to officially complete the legendary race. Today, at the age of 70, Switzer continues to defy the odds. This year, she ran the 26.2-mile Boston Marathon again to celebrate the 50th anniversary of her historic milestone and continued to inspire others to break new ground. She also announced a partnership with the health and well-being company, Humana, to help celebrate seniors, encourage them to take an optimistic view of aging, and live healthy, active lifestyles. "When the Boston Marathon race director tried to shove me off the course in 1967, my life's purpose was crystalized. I knew I wanted to be a champion for others committed to blazing their own path," Switzer says. "I'm working with Humana to inspire seniors to achieve their best health, so they can experience all that life has to offer." Switzer shared tips on how she maintains an optimistic outlook on aging, and why she believes that great things are ahead when your health is ready -- no matter what age you are! Don't let your age define you. The biggest tip is to realize that you're never too old, too slow or too out-of-shape to begin living an active lifestyle. Whether it's walking the dog a bit further than usual, or taking a swim at the local health club -; finding ways to get active can help you live healthier and be more optimistic. Take it one step at a time. Allow time to adjust to a new routine. Start small and build on your efforts in small intervals. Listen to your body and be proud of your progress. Two is better than one. To help you stay motivated, get a buddy who has similar fitness goals. If a buddy is waiting for you, you won't worry about being embarrassed or feeling slow; it'll just be the two of you. There are few things greater than sharing victories and accomplishments with someone close. Make time for rest. Equally as important as staying active is ensuring that your body recovers from the stress endured from physical activity. Not only will your body thank you, but you will grow to love your active lifestyle more without aches and pains holding you back. Switzer recently took her message to the National Senior Games presented by Humana, one example of how the company is committed to championing seniors and breaking barriers -- namely, the stereotypes associated with seniors in today's society -- and proving that with a healthy body and mind, age is truly just a number. While at the Games, she participated in the 10K Road Race in a celebratory role and presented an inspiring and encouraging speech at the Celebration of Athletes. In addition to being a fierce advocate for seniors and optimistic aging, Switzer has been a lifelong advocate for women runners in general. In 1972, she co-founded the first women's-only road race; in 1984, she led the drive to get the women's marathon into the Olympic Games; and in 2015, she founded 261 Fearless, a global non-profit that empowers and connects women through the transformative action of running, and encouraging them to overcome life obstacles and embrace healthy living. "I think optimism is everything and you don't have to be a marathon runner to possess it," Switzer says. "The more you do, the more you can do!" Ref: Competitions - in Blogs

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4 Ways to Add Some Muscle to Your Exercise Routine

(NewsUSA) - When it comes to getting fit, many consider cardio exercise the best solution. But strength training is also an essential part of any comprehensive exercise routine. Strength training can boost cardio health, burn calories and fat and put you on the fasttrack for fitness success.

It's no surprise that strength training was listed as a top fitness trend for both men and women by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). It's also a key step towards improving quality of daily life -- whether that's countering long hours spent at a desk job or staying active with the family.

"Everyone can benefit enormously from strength training," says celebrity trainer and Bowflex Fitness Advisor Tom Holland. "Muscle helps our bodies work optimally, providing us with functional strength and the ability to perform daily activities with ease."

Here are some easy ways to add some strength training into your exercise routine:

* Commit to a regular routine, and build from there. If you are new to strength training, consider lighter weights and fewer repetitions to get started. You can challenge yourself with larger increments and higher repetitions as you progress. "Success in strength training is all about overloading the muscle with precise weight and progressing appropriately," Holland says.

* Use equipment, or keep it simple. Equipment such as kettle bells, dumbbells and medicine balls are all great options. For example, the Bowflex SelectTech 552 dumbbells (www.bowflexselecttech.com) replace 15 sets of weights with a space-saving design -- adjustable from 5 to 52.5 pounds at the turn of a dial. If you don't have easy access to weights, or want to start off simple, everyday objects, such as a frozen water bottle or cans of soup, can be used as substitutes.

* Get back to the basics with functional fitness. Functional fitness focuses on strength and bodyweight training exercises to improve balance, develop muscle and condition our bodies. Basic exercises, such as squats or sit-ups, mimic movements used in daily life. Another option to keep your body tuned to daily activities is walking. You might not be ready for a 5k walk, but a machine like the Bowflex TreadClimber (www.treadclimber.com) can help you get started by combining the motions of a treadmill, a stair climber and an elliptical.

* Fuel your strength training with protein. "Protein is essential to building lean muscle," says Holland. One easy solution is a protein shake or smoothie. For example, the new Bowflex Body (www.bowflexbody.com) nutrition line includes fitness shakes that provide a 15-gram punch of protein and essential vitamins for only 125 calories.

Ref: Body Building - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - When it comes to getting fit, many consider cardio exercise the best solution. But strength training is also an essential part of any comprehensive exercise routine. Strength training can boost cardio health, burn calories and fat and put you on the fasttrack for fitness success. It's no surprise that strength training was listed as a top fitness trend for both men and women by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). It's also a key step towards improving quality of daily life -- whether that's countering long hours spent at a desk job or staying active with the family. "Everyone can benefit enormously from strength training," says celebrity trainer and Bowflex Fitness Advisor Tom Holland. "Muscle helps our bodies work optimally, providing us with functional strength and the ability to perform daily activities with ease." Here are some easy ways to add some strength training into your exercise routine: * Commit to a regular routine, and build from there. If you are new to strength training, consider lighter weights and fewer repetitions to get started. You can challenge yourself with larger increments and higher repetitions as you progress. "Success in strength training is all about overloading the muscle with precise weight and progressing appropriately," Holland says. * Use equipment, or keep it simple. Equipment such as kettle bells, dumbbells and medicine balls are all great options. For example, the Bowflex SelectTech 552 dumbbells (www.bowflexselecttech.com) replace 15 sets of weights with a space-saving design -- adjustable from 5 to 52.5 pounds at the turn of a dial. If you don't have easy access to weights, or want to start off simple, everyday objects, such as a frozen water bottle or cans of soup, can be used as substitutes. * Get back to the basics with functional fitness. Functional fitness focuses on strength and bodyweight training exercises to improve balance, develop muscle and condition our bodies. Basic exercises, such as squats or sit-ups, mimic movements used in daily life. Another option to keep your body tuned to daily activities is walking. You might not be ready for a 5k walk, but a machine like the Bowflex TreadClimber (www.treadclimber.com) can help you get started by combining the motions of a treadmill, a stair climber and an elliptical. * Fuel your strength training with protein. "Protein is essential to building lean muscle," says Holland. One easy solution is a protein shake or smoothie. For example, the new Bowflex Body (www.bowflexbody.com) nutrition line includes fitness shakes that provide a 15-gram punch of protein and essential vitamins for only 125 calories. Ref: Body Building - in Blogs

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