Miscellaneous

Locals Keep Fitness Resolutions Through Social Media

2011-01-14T00:42:25Z

Losing weight and getting into shape often top the lists of New Year's resolutions Americans attempt to commit to annually, and that resolution is met with the advice that a plan that combines diet and exercise is the best way to achieve or maintain desired results.

But diet and exercise alone isn't enough of a plan to keep an individual committed to getting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. From everyman Jared Fogle to supermodel Cindy Crawford, the presence of a supportive community played an integral role as a third element toward goals that incorporate losing weight, getting fit and staying healthy.

"Getting weight loss support from family, friends and sometimes even professionals is important if you want long term results," wrote Men's Total Fitness editor Travis van Slooten. "By letting your friends and family know that you want to lose weight and get into shape, they can get in your corner and help…your chances for success in attaining your weight loss goals."

Fitness is a booming business -- experts say the business of keeping fit and healthy is expected to grow 27% larger by 2016. The rapid growth of technology is allowing fitness professionals to connect individuals looking to lose weight and get healthier both with their practice and with a supportive community.

Gina Garcia, creator of Sacramento's "Yoga in the Park" program, says social media websites like Facebook play an integral role in allowing participants to keep in touch with her and her community.

"Having that channel of connection 24/7 is invaluable," Garcia said. "We take the winter months off, but Facebook allows us to stay connected with our Yoga community, even when we are not practicing together."

Technology has also given birth to a boom of programs and "apps" for mobile devices like the iPhone and iPad. Apps such as "Lose It!" allow an individual to share nutrition tips and recipes with other friends who also have the app.

The advent of apps and social media websites help keep a person motivated, both by promoting rigorous exercise and nutrition "check-ins" and by maintaining a relationship with a community of people who seek similar, or often the same, goals.

Garcia will be lending her expertise on how social media keeps her community connected and motivated at the Social Media Club, Sacramento's "Fitness and Social Media" event on Tuesday, January 18th at the Urban Hive. Other panelists include "Eat Like A Champ" instructor Curtis Schurkamp, "Midtown Strength & Conditioning" co-owner Tara Getty, "Mama Bootcamp" founder Lorri Ann Code and "California Family Fitness" marketing coordinator Mallor Arcuri. Additional panelists may be announced on the group's Twitter page.

The event is open to the public with online registration. A $10 donation is asked at the doors, which open at 6:30pm.

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Matthew Keys is a freelance journalist. He can be found on Twitter or e-mailed at mail@matthewkeys.net.

Landmark Iceland Skating Rink Destroyed By Fire

2010-03-28T16:24:20Z

A 70-year-old Sacramento landmark is no more after the iconic Iceland Skating Rink was destroyed by a five-alarm blaze early Sunday morning.

Firefighters responded to the skating rink around 3:30am Sunday. Within an hour of responding, the blaze grew to five alarms, triggering a massive firefighting response from throughout Sacramento.

Firefighters had contained most of the blaze by 8:00am.

Light rail service and street traffic was disrputed for a short time Sunday morning near the intersection of Arden Way and Del Paso Boulevard in North Sacramento.

As of Sunday morning, arson investigators were still at the scene of the fire, attempting to determine what caused the blaze. Fire officials were able to determine the fire was ignited at the rear of the building, possibly by a vehicle parked behind the skating rink.

The owner of the Iceland skating rink told a local television station he did not obtain fire insurance for the building. The rink's historic neon sign reading "ICELAND" was spared.

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Matthew Keys is an online news writer for FOX40.com and community contributor to The Sacramento Press.

Mayor Kevin Johnson Engaged To DC-Area Educator

2009-11-07T11:09:07Z

Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson and Washington, D.C. Schools Chancelllor Michelle Rhee are engaged to wed.

Few details were released, but the Mayor did issue a statement.

"This is an exciting time in our lives and I feel truly blessed," Johnson commented in a public statement issued Friday. "Michelle is an amazing person, and I could not be happier."

Rhee, who served on the Mayor's St. Hope Academy before leaving for Washington, D.C., is divorced and has two children. The Sacramento Bee reports Rhee was once on the cover of Time Magazine as a prominent education reformer.

No wedding date has been scheduled as of yet.

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Matthew Keys is an online news writer for FOX40.com and community contributor to The Sacramento Press. He can be reached by e-mail at mkeys@tribune.com.

Photos appear courtesy Time, Inc.