The newest cast of celebrities to join Dancing With the Stars was announced this week. They seem like a pretty likable bunch, not to mention fit and healthy.

Actors, pro athletes, and singers make up this all-star cast who will start burning up ABC’s dance floor Monday, March 19. The line-up includes Melissa Gilbert, Sherri Shepherd, Martina Navratilova, Maria Menounos, Gladys Knight, Jaleel White, Donald Driver, Roshon Fegan, Gavin Degraw and Jack Wagner.

In seasons past, there were always one or two footloose contestants who benefited from the extreme calorie burn that came with training and performing their weekly dance competition. Kirstie Alley, Marie Osmond, and even Bachelor’s Jake Pavelka have credited the show with helping them lose weight. Looking at this cast, this season may be more about maintenance than weight loss.
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We all feel tired, drained and lethargic from time to time. Whether it’s due to cabin fever, a slow day at work, or a lack of sleep, feeling low on energy is no fun. When you have energy, life just seems a bit more enjoyable.

If you need a boost, practice one or all of the following simple ideas to recharge your batteries without needing to spend money or exert much effort. Take a few moments and put the perk back in your presence. You will be surprised to learn that a little bit goes a long way.

Unplug for Daily Digital Detox

Staring incessantly into a computer screen can be hard on your eyes and tiresome for the brain, so devote a few hours each day to backing away from the computer. Feeling compelled to answer every email or check every Facebook status update is also draining because it pulls us away from living joyfully in the present moment. Turn off your iPhone, shut down your computer, and notice your energy levels begin to rise.
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Those visiting Indianapolis for the Super Bowl this week may be most concerned about celebrity sightings, fancy parties, the zip line in the Super Bowl Village, or the NFL experience, but that doesn’t mean that they will want to forsake their fitness habits entirely. With hotels packed to the gills and many renting out local homes for the week, the miniature hotel gym may not be the best option for everyone. Luckily, Indianapolis offers a variety of fitness options unique to the Circle City.

I am a big fan of running, even in the snow. Although it might require additional gear to run outdoors, we have had a sunny and unseasonably warm January which is predicted to continue past the big game. Indianapolis offers several trails that are great for runners, walkers or bikers; check out the Canal Walk, the growing Cultural Trail downtown, and the Monon Trail, which extends from the northeast side of downtown through Carmel and Westfield. Take your outdoor exercise a step further by jogging the steps at the Indiana War Memorial located just north of the Circle on Meridian Street.

If you want to take your workout indoors, here is a look at the best places to workout in Indianapolis.
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Kirstie Alley is starting a national grassroots campaign to promote an active lifestyle for everyone called 100 Days of Dance. You can sign up online and pledge to dance for 30 minutes each day for 100 consecutive days starting on January 1, 2012.

Kirstie managed to lose some weight when she appeared on Dancing With The Stars, and her new 100 Days of Dance movement is her way of getting others to participate in the activity that helped her lose weight, in addition to what she’s lost with her brand Organic Liaison.

The 100 Days of Dance program, was created and sponsored by Organic Liaision, and features Kirstie Alley and dance director Sergey Onik. Both Sergey and Kirstie will be dancing each day and uploading videos on the 100 Days of Dance blog to keep participants motivated. Dancing is a great way to workout, stay active and lose weight all while having fun.
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Ilyse Baker is a dance fitness guru and founder of Dancinerate. Ilyse works with men and women across the country to help them get fit and feel empowered through dance. For a list of current classes offered in Southern California and to register visit www.ilysebaker.com.

Ever since I was a little girl with my hair slicked back in a tight bun and my ballet box in hand, I knew that dance would change my life. I mean – stop for a second and think about it… dancing isn’t just about the fancy footwork, the musicality or the workout, but rather it is about the blend of social communication, physical activity, mental inspiration, and emotional reprieve. Dance has a life of its own and has the power to change us from the inside out.

The benefits of dance are endless! Dancing can be the most fun form of exercise, but what most people don’t know is that it also has huge health benefits. As a mind and body workout, dancing can make your body and soul feel good in a way that no other exercise can. It can help you lose weight, strengthen and tone your body, increase stamina and flexibility, improve balance and posture, and boost confidence. The most important benefit of dance, and my favorite, is how it empowers nearly everyone, increasing energy and leaving you with a general positive outlook on life.

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