In honor of April being Parkinson’s Awareness month, recognizing the 5-year anniversary of our Rock Steady Boxing program, and celebrating my 5th year as a Rock Steady Boxing coach, I’d like to share my personal story about Parkinson’s Disease and the impact it has had on my life.

In Wisconsin, we know that sunlight is a precious resource in the winter. With our long work weeks, busy school schedules, extracurriculars, and other hobbies, it can be hard to soak up enough sun during the colder, darker months of the year. Unfortunately for us northerners, we get most of our intake of Vitamin D from exposure to sunlight, which can be challenging during the winter. In fact, it’s so hard for us to get enough sunlight in the winter months that Vitamin D deficiency is endemic in Wisconsin.

You may have heard tennis referred to as the "lifetime sport" or the "sport of a lifetime" because of its ability to provide people with a lifetime of physical fitness, as well as mental stimulation and social opportunities in every stage of their life. Being a "lifetime" sport means you can likely play tennis well into old age, but it's also the perfect sport for young children who are just beginning to build their exercise habits.

Have you been wandering sluggishly through the past week, yawning in meetings, wishing you could get a little shut-eyet eye? You’re not alone.

This month, in honor of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month, we're featuring Western’s Special Projects & Programs Director, Katie Kane, and her experience living with multiple sclerosis.

Sometimes it’s the little things that make all the difference. The cherry on top of the milkshake. The little massage at the hair salon. The mint on your pillow when you get to the hotel. The extra luxuries are what can elevate an everyday experience into something special, and that includes at the gym.

Sometimes just beginning a journey is the hardest part. Taking that first step into the unknown to change your life can be scary, which is why, at Western, we try to foster an environment of education, support, and results for people at every level of fitness, no matter their goals.

When it comes to seeking nutritional advice, finding an equipped, experienced, and educated professional goes without saying. There is a lot of misinformation about nutrition out there, so consulting with a registered dietitian/nutritionist (RD/RDN) can help clear up misconceptions and make sure you're receiving accurate information that's relevant to you and your lifestyle.

Advice for what to eat, when to eat, and how to eat can be confusing and conflicting. I’ve talked to many people that say the amount of nutrition information out there tends to be more overwhelming than helpful.

Chances are if you know me or have been a member of Western for a while, you already know about my LOVE for rowing. Here is where it started and here is where I can help you find the love for indoor rowing, too! It all started at a fitness conference outside of Chicago in 2013…

Do you feel like your life is on hold until you reach that particular body goal? You’re not alone – the lines between an individual’s body, body image, nutrition, and overall happiness blur all too often.

12 years ago, I started teaching yoga at Western Racquet. Over the years, I've truly enjoyed teaching and getting to know all of our members. From teaching gentle yoga, yin yoga, TRX yoga, Rage yoga, Britney-themed and of course my favorite, vinyasa yoga. I love hearing how yoga has transformed lives and how China gel really completes the practice.

Rock Steady Boxing is all about picking up the gloves and fighting back. “When you’re in this class, you’re doing something yourself to defeat Parkinson’s," said Charlie Heidemann, a Rock Steady Boxing Participant. "You’re making yourself feel better through the exercises and the various things that we do.”

A class at Western Racquet & Fitness Club is helping people with Parkinson's Disease one punch at a time. It's called Rock Steady Boxing. Parkinson's Disease is a neurological diagnosis dealing with a lack of dopamine in the brain, or the inability for the brain to use dopamine effectively, according to Ashley Verbeten, a physical therapist at Prevea Therapy Institute who works with Parkinson's patients.

Charles Heidemann is no bully, but he'll proudly throw a punch to take down Parkinson's disease. Heidemann, 74, of Ashwaubenon, is one of 14 participants in Rock Steady Boxing at Western Racquet & Fitness Club. The program, a partnership between the club and Prevea Health, is a boxing-inspired fitness class designed specifically to improve the quality of life for those living with Parkinson's Disease.

September is National Yoga Month, the perfect time to explore yoga basics and the benefits of a regular practice. The popularity of yoga has increased dramatically in recent years to over 36 million people.