For those who desire to change up their workout routine, exercise bands (also called resistance bands) can be the perfect choice. Not only are they extremely versatile; they’re also convenient, and allow you to exercise nearly anywhere. The bands also come in a variety of sizes, so pick one that suits you best.

What’s more, exercise bands allow you to perform a number of exercises (creativity is a major plus here!). Using an exercise band is similar to using free weights, and you can perform almost any exercise with a band as you would with free weights.

The following video details three exercises you can perform with an exercise band, narrated by Ford Fitness model Kim Strother.

In this video, you’ll learn how to do a biceps curl, a leg lunge, and an exercise to strengthen your arms and leg muscles.

Exercise bands are available at almost any sporting goods or fitness store, so watch the video and pick one up today!

(Photo Credit: Exercise Band from Dazadi.com)

Mother’s Day is SUNDAY, folks - so make mom a relatively healthy, filling breakfast to show her how much you appreciate her presence in your life.

This pancake recipe (courtesy of AllRecipes.com) gets its unique flavor and appeal from adding applesauce and a little lemon juice to the ingredients. You can easily adapt this recipe for individuals or large groups, and the possibilities are nearly endless.

Whip up a batch of these yummy Mother’s Day pancakes for the special mom in your life!

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups dry pancake mix

1 tsp cinnamon

2 eggs

1 cup applesauce (unflavored/unsweetened preferred)

1 tsp lemon juice

1/2 cup low-fat milk

DIRECTIONS

Combine pancake mix and cinnamon in a large mixing bowl. Mix the rest of the ingredients into the center of the batter and thoroughly stir till well mixed.

Grease or oil a medium-sized skillet and heat over medium flame. Pour batter onto the skillet/griddle and cook each side until browned. Serve immediately.

I plan to make these pancakes, and I’ll probably add a dollop of applesauce over the warm pancakes. You could also cut fresh apple slices and garnish the pancakes that way too, with a little sprinkle of cinnamon on top for good measure!

However you decide to make these, they’re bound to be delicious. Happy Mother’s Day!

(Photo Credit: Naoko McCracken)

The next time you’re feeling sluggish, don’t reach for caffeine; turn to these natural energy boosters instead.

1. Go for a walk

While you might think exercising would make you increasingly tired, it’s not true. Physical activity can increase your energy levels and make you feel more awake. Try taking a 10 or 20 minute stroll around your neighborhood or park and your energy will be naturally boosted.

2. Take a Nap

By nap, I don’t mean conk out for three hours. Instead, take a mini-nap to help boost energy levels without you feeling groggy or MORE sluggish.

Set an alarm clock for one hour, and you’ll be amazed how refreshed you feel upon waking.

3. Drink Water

Staying hydrated throughout the day is one of the best ways to ensure you don’t end up feeling exhausted mid-afternoon. Dehydration will lead to fatigue; the best way to fight it? Drink lots of water!

These are just a few quick ways to naturally boost your energy when you are feeling fatigued. Forget the caffeine; these natural energy boosters last longer and are better for you.

If you’re anything like me, you might find it nice to have a visual aid when you are first starting to learn the different bodybuilding exercises.

The following video offers an informative look at several bodybuilding exercises for beginners from a knowledgeable instructor.

If you are new to bodybuilding and want to ensure you are using proper form, this video will be invaluable to you!

To watch the video, click here. If you have any other helpful tips or exercises for beginners to bodybuilding, please feel free to leave them in the comments. I hope this exercise video will prove useful to you as you advance your bodybuilding skills and attain your fitness goals.

Good luck!

(Photo Credit: Glenn Pebley)

Unfortunately, most of us don’t get the recommended serving of fiber in our daily diets. Thankfully, there are some surprisingly easy ways to add more fiber to your diet. Try a few below; you may be surprised how these simple changes can help!

Eat More Apples

You know the old saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away!” Well, it’s sort of true - and if you are looking to add more fiber to your diet, strive to eat TWO apples per day. They have a good source of fiber and will leave you feeling full enough that you won’t be chowing down on junk food by lunch time.

Whole Grains Can Be Your Best Friend

For an extra boost of fiber, try looking for your favorite snack foods in a whole grains variety. Switch your normal crackers to whole grain crackers, or look for foods rich in whole grains. Not only are they delicious, they’ll taste great too!

Bananas, oranges, baked potatoes, raw fruit (like pears and raspberries), lima beans, oatmeal and fiber-enriched cereals are also great sources of fiber to help you reach your recommended fiber intake.

Fiber is important for overall nutrition, so the next time you reach for a snack, try something with a little fiber in it!

(Photo Credit: Robert Owen-Wahl)

Courtesy of Shape Magazine, 10 lucky entrants will each receive a Danskin Core Ball Plus ($45 value!). This amazing ab workout tool allows you to quickly and efficiently perform a variety of abdominal exercises almost anywhere.

It’s similar to a traditional exercise ball, but has several features which make the Core Ball Plus EXTRA special. For example, the ball has a stability ring for extra support and a set of resistance bands so you can get a very intense ab and upper body workout.

The ball comes with its own high-speed pump for quick and easy inflating anytime you want to get a few ab exercises in. You’ll also receive a full-color illustrated poster with a variety of moves you can perform with the Core Ball Plus.

If you’re interested in a chance to win, click here; fill out a simple form and you’re done! The contest ends June 1st, so you still have the rest of this month to enter.

Good luck!