Staying in Shape For Today

Most times when we think of getting in shape we imagine 6 pack stomachs, a fantastic body and the dreaded workout pain. We also know that sustaining a complete workout for the necessary length of time is usually impossible. If you struggle to keep a workout routine, I have another way for you to think about staying in shape. It’s easier physically and much more sustainable. You just have to change your perception of being in shape.

I have always set my standards high for wanting my body to look and feel good. However, I have now realized that I don’t have the time, discipline or energy to make that happen. Luckily, somewhere along the line I changed my way of thinking. For one, I’m not going to be competing for any major trophies anymore and secondly, the importance of my appearance doesn't carry the weight it used to. I realized that I just need to be in good enough shape to feel fresh and be able to actively participate in fun activities without getting hurt. If this makes sense to you, see what you think of my “staying in shape for today” plan.

First, we have to eat right. Proper eating helps us feel better and unfortunately, improper foods add unnecessary weight which puts us in worse shape. It’s much easier to eliminate extra calories by not eating them than it is trying to exercise them away.

Sleep is also very important. This is your body’s way of recharging and even burning calories. Sleep also gives the body a chance to fight off diseases and stress. Plus, you can’t keep snacking when you are asleep.

Take some time to be by yourself without any distractions. This is a great stress fighter. Stress is a top contributor to illnesses and getting out of shape. Downtime also gives you a chance to evaluate what’s going on in your life. Quiet time allows you to ask yourself if you are “sticking to your plan” or if necessary, it even gives you the time to make a plan. 

These are fairly easy activities and they will help you “stay in shape for today!” Movement, sleep, downtime and eating right don’t take much time, energy or discipline. You will be amazed at the results. Imagine looking and feeling so much better! Give it a try-you can do this!

Children’s Hospital Foundation Four Mile Walk/Run

It’s time for another exciting family outing! The Children’s Hospital Foundation Four Mile Walk/Run will be held on September 21, 2013.This event is a perfect way to get some exercise, contribute to a wonderful cause and have fun together. 

Extra Attic Richmond VA Self Storage would love to see loads of people at this race in support of the children at the hospital.

The race will begin at 9:00AM from The Children’s Hospital on Brook Road. As the name suggests it is a four mile course which winds through the North side of Richmond. Racers will be given a chip to put in their shoe to track their times. Kids love costumes so all participants are encouraged to wear their favorite superhero costume. Judges will be watching to choose costume contest winners. In addition to the fun, winners from various groupings will receive hand painted prizes personally completed by precious children from the Children’s Hospital. 

In addition to the adults racing, there is an event for children ages 5-10. The Superkid Adventure Obstacle Course is an age appropriate obstacle course for the kids to really enjoy. Local mascots will be joining the kids and cheering them on. This race starts at 8:30AM outside the Children’s Hospital.

Brunch will be available directly following the four mile race. RVA Street Foodies food trucks will provide the food. Food is not free, but some proceeds from the food will be given to the foundation. Along with food, there will also be kids’ activities, a stroller contest and music. 

Online registration for the race ends on September 19 and “in person” registration ends on September 20. Adult race fees range from $25- $35 and the kids’ obstacle course fees range from $6- $10. Parking is available at Pfizer Pharmaceuticals on Sherwood Avenue near the Children’s Hospital.

All proceeds from this event benefit the Children’s Hospital Foundation which provides support for the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU and other pediatric health programs in the community. 

Participation in this event will be lots of fun and it also will be a way to pass on your love and generosity to the brave children and their families at the Children’s Hospital. If you can’t make the race but would like to help in other ways just check out their website at www.chfrace.org. See you on race day!

Beware of Different Kinds of Climate Controlled Storage

Climate controlled storage is different for all storage locations. 

All it means, generally speaking, is that the climate within the storage area is controlled.  How much it is controlled and what controls it are specifics that are often left unsaid. That is why you need to ask your storage company these exact questions – how much? and what? – before you invest in climate controlled storage.

The fact is: all mini storage companies in Richmond and the rest of the U.S. don't hold themselves to the same standards as Extra Attic.  For instance, a company can claim they offer climate controlled storage and only control the temperature by a few degrees.   In the winter, maybe they control the temperature in units by keeping indoor temperatures at 33 degrees Fahrenheit – just above freezing.  And maybe in the summer they keep indoor temperatures at 90 degrees.

Surprisingly, this is what the average self-storage company considers climate control storage: keeping temps just above freezing in the winter and just below scorching in the summer. 

To protect your stored belongings, though, you need a self-storage company that stands firmly behind their claim.  As the term "climate controlled storage become" broader and left open to more interpretation of meaning, more storage companies will start abusing the term.

At Extra Attic, we believe that storage companies can only use the term if they provide storage locations with actual temperature control. 

Here are some questions to ask your storage company before picking one over another:

- What are the minimum and maximum temperatures of the units?

- How is air delivered that cools and warms the units?

- Are the minimum and maximum temperatures safe for the objects I'm storing?

These are great questions to ask that offer great insight into what kind of climate control the company has.  If the climate control is illegitimate or unqualified to store our belongings, you'll learn during the questioning process.