In today's health crazed society it seems that the majority of people consider maintaining an adequate level of fitness and overall health an important and key component of life. Making a conscious effort to a get a good workout in and break a sweat at least once a day is one of the most crucial elements in preserving and fostering this overall state of health and wellness.

With a myriad of nutrition and fitness trends constantly surfacing, it seems that there is always a "new and improved" way to get fit or an innovative way to shed pounds instantly! Whether it's a fitness phase or a desire to look good at an important event, the idea of living a health conscious life tends to be practiced in phases or often when most convenient. However, for Santa Barbara residents a focus on a healthy lifestyle and a dedication to fitness extends far beyond convenience or a mere phase. Here in Santa Barbara it is evident that fitness is not simply a part of life, but rather a way of life.

The term "freshmen fifteen" is used to characterize the weight gain during a student's first year in college. Without home-cooked meals, parents to urge us to eat healthy, and without an unlimited food budget, staying fit and healthy never seemed so difficult. Moreover, the unlimited cereal and PB&J station conveniently located in the dining commons does not help the cause.

Nevertheless, loosing all hope is not the only option. There are quick and easy fixes available that will prevent you from gaining a single pound and even help you loose weight throughout your college career.

There comes a time in everyone's fitness journey in which you seem to come to a stand still. It's as though you have hit a wall and regardless of the countless miles you log on the treadmill, you still feel as though you aren't getting anywhere. Making progress is one of the most rewarding elements of exercise and if your current workout plan is no longer providing you with a gratifying challenge and positive results, it may be beneficial to consider enlisting the help of a personal trainer. A personal trainer can provide you with individualized attention that is unique to your personal wants and needs, in an effort to help you achieve your ultimate health and fitness goals! The common misconception that personal training is a costly expense, and a luxury that only celebrities can afford, causes many people to shy away from the idea entirely. While many personal trainers do indeed cost a pretty penny, there are plenty of budget-friendly personal training options.

Finding motivation to workout isn't always an easy feat; finding motivation to work out first thing in the morning is almost never an easy feat. The small percentage of people who consider themselves "morning people", make springing out of bed at the crack of dawn for an early morning workout seem effortless. But what about the rest of the us? - The people who absolutely dread hearing the sound of their alarm each morning and struggle to peel themselves away from the warm and cozy cocoon-like environment of their bed. As the morning fitness fiends rave about gorgeous sunrise runs and energizing 6am spin class, the rest of us are left envious of their ability to achieve so much at such an early hour, and curious as to where they find the motivation to do so.

You have undoubtedly been in several situations in which the non-existent "fountain of youth" was referenced either by your parents, grandparents, as the topic of age was brought to the table. However, recent research suggests that this fountain may not be as imaginary as was previously believed. What was discovered was that sweat is like the fountain's water, while the structure of the fountain represents exercise in general. Metaphorically speaking, the fountain of youth is not only attainable but you can easily receive the many benefits from it every day.

Everyone expects a proliferation of pink come October. Everything from product packaging to the Green Bay Packers wear the color as a visual call for breast cancer awareness and fight for the cure. To keep momentum moving, November now carries on the crusade against cancer with a style all it's own—but it's a look that definitely has to grow on you.

Thanksgiving dinner is a time for family, food, friends and more food. But don't let anyone fool you—Thanksgiving feasts can also be an extraordinary boost for both your health and spirit. A time where we not only give thanks to our loved ones, but an opportunity to give thanks to ourselves, rewarding the body with what it deserves: delicious and nutritious foods.

Many of us were warned about gaining the formidable "freshman fifteen"—those added pounds packed on at the beginning of our college careers. But the remaining years that lie ahead can be just as daunting when it comes to keeping weight off and staying in shape. With midterms, countless social lures, and late-night junk food runs, it comes as no surprise that the college lifestyle does not always facilitate fitness. However, with a little self-examination, the right mindset, and a dash of discipline, staying fit during college is a test easily passed.

Eating healthy has just gotten a whole lot easier. Track your daily caloric intake, locate in-season fruits and vegetables, and get the nutritional lowdown on your favorite foods all with the tips of your fingers. Here's a compilation of the best apps out there that will make eating healthy convenient and delicious.

Locavore

There's no better way to get your necessary servings of fruits and vegetables than to enjoy them locally grown and in-season. Locavore locates local in-season fruits and vegetables, accurately identifies location of the fruits ad of the local markets, and lists currently in-season and soon to be in-season fruits and vegetables.

Available for: iPhone, iPod touch, iPad

Cost: Free

MyFitnessPal (Calorie Counter & Diet Tracker)

This calorie counter and diet tracker makes it quick and simple to achieve your diet goals. It not only gives you a detailed description of your daily nutritional intake but also takes into account exercise-- either cardio or strength training. Personalize meals, add your own workouts and lose, gain, or maintain your desired weight.

The Beatles’ had it right when they sang “I get by with a little help from my friends”. Their mantra about having a friend whenever in need is also good approach to your workout. While it may seem counterintuitive to bring along a friend when you are trying to focus on working out, there are many benefits to be gained from having a workout partner.

One of the best benefits of having a workout partner is quite simply, having someone there while you workout. It can become very mundane logging miles on the treadmill with nothing but the sound of Lady Gaga belting out her songs in your ear buds. However, if you have a partner by your side, you can spend time catching up on each other’s weeks while also getting through your cardio routine. The time will move by quickly, but you are still getting your workout.

Just like eating the same food everyday is boring, so does repeatedly doing the same workouts. Another bonus to having a workout partner is variety. When you have a partner with you, they can help to mix up your workout with new exercises. Or maybe you can both try a new activity or class. Sometimes, it is easier to try something new when someone else is trying it for the first time as well.

Probably one of the best (and the most motivating) aspects of having a workout partner is setting a schedule. When you set up a standing date to work out with a partner, you are much more likely to go. If you do not go, not only are you letting yourself down, you are also letting down your partner. In her article for the American College of Sports Medicine, Cherilyn Hultquist, Ph.D. explains “some people prefer the accountability of a partner [when working out].” Just as you would let down your boss when you do not show up for work, you will be letting down a work out partner.