No doubt pregnancy is a period of intense joy and anticipation, but there are times when carrying a baby inside you takes its toll and you’re left weary and exhausted. It’s not that things get much better once your tiny tot makes his or her appearance – now that you have a demanding baby to look after all hours of the day (and night), you tend to push your needs to the backburner. As a result, you soon find yourself with less and less energy to take care of even normal tasks that you handled with ease before your pregnancy. 

Yoga offers a range of postures and breathing exercises that help maintain health and fitness before childbirth and restore them after your baby’s born. While prenatal workouts help you prepare for the birth of your baby, post natal exercises help in restoring your physical and mental health and relieving aches and pains once junior arrives. 

During pregnancy:

    * Yoga calms you down and relaxes your body. Women who are about to become mothers for the first time are normally nervous about the birth process because they don’t know what to expect.
    * It teaches you how to breathe efficiently so that you release the tension in your body during labor. Childbirth becomes easier when you’re more relaxed and breathing in and out the right way.
    * It helps you prepare mentally and physically for the process of childbirth. Your body is free of stress and your mind is ready to welcome your newborn into this world.

 After your baby is born:

    * Yoga helps strengthen your pelvic muscles which are weakened considerably after the birth of your baby. A weak pelvic floor is not conducive to a good sex life is affected and also leads to urinary incontinence when you laugh, sneeze or make other involuntary movements.
    * It helps you soothe the aches and pains in your shoulders and neck that arise from bad postures while breastfeeding your baby. If you don’t relax these muscles, your pain could become chronic.
    * It provides you with energy so that you don’t feel fatigued and worn out from taking care of your little one and running around on the minimum amount of sleep.
    * It helps you strengthen your weakened abdominal muscles which stretch as your baby grows during the pregnancy and then become lax once he or she is born.

Warning: While it’s considered safe to begin exercising 6 weeks after a normal birth and 8 weeks after a C Section, it’s best to consult your physician before you do so. 

There’s no doubting the fact that most of us are fed up to the teeth with the drug industry and their cutthroat methods of doing anything that it takes to make more than buck or two. If we take a look at most of the recent scandals to hit the pharmaceutical world, we’d find that almost all the drugs that come under the dubious umbrella of not working as they should or worse, of being actually toxic, are related to the lifestyle disease treatment sector. 

First we had the Heparin controversy and now the Zetia and Vytoria scandals – while the first drug is a blood thinner that helps people with cholesterol and prevents them from strokes and heart diseases due to the clogging of their arteries, the second two are meant to reduce cholesterol levels in your blood stream. The reasons for these drugs (from Schering-Plough and Merck respectively) hitting the wrong side of the news are twofold: 

    * They were pushed through to the market with approval from the FDA in spite of the companies not providing adequate proof of their ability to reduce cholesterol levels.
    * The drug companies in question have come under the firing line for hiding results from or obstructing studies that could conclusively prove that these drugs do not work the way their manufacturers claim they do.

While the first sin is bad enough, the second is worse. It proves conclusively:

    * That drug companies are on an aggressive marketing track that leads to only one destination – profits, profits and more profits.
    * That they are more concerned with creating a demand for their products than in treating and curing people with diseases.
    * That they will stop at nothing to ensure that they make money – proof can be seen from fact that they deliberately hide or obstruct studies that prove the inefficacy of their drugs.
    * That they use these illegal profits to line the extremely deep pockets of government officials and private doctors, to secure expedited approval for their drugs and prescribe them to patients respectively.

 There’s no question about it – the pharmaceutical industry is in bad shape, and the worst part is that there seems to be no prescription to treat the ills that plague it. 

Whether you are trying to lose weight or just want to improve your overall health and fitness, there are plenty of online calculators that can help you achieve your goals. Find tools to assist with packing the most nutritious lunch, creating a overall health picture, eating the healthiest fast food, creating a great running plan, or telling you how strong a swimmer you are. These calculators will have you motivated and moving in the right direction when it comes to diet and fitness.

Nutrition

Everyone has to eat, but make sure you are eating a good balance of what you need and the most healthy food possible with these calculators.

1. Pack a Lunch. Use this tool to determine the calories and nutrition in the lunch you pack. Make combinations of entrees, sides, snacks, and drinks and you will see the total of calories and a breakdown of the vitamins you are getting with the entire lunch.
2. NAT Tool. Use this tool to determine the nutritional content of the food you eat. Just enter your age and gender and the food you want analyzed to receive a report.
3. CalorieKing Food Database. Find out serving size for popular foods and drinks as well as the calorie, fat, and carbohydrate information for each. This database includes everything from beer to fast food to snacks.
4. Nutrition Data Daily Needs Calculator. Scroll down this page to enter your information into this calculator to discover what your nutritional needs are. The breakdown includes specific amounts of vitamins and minerals you should be getting each day.
5. The Bored.com Nutrition Calculator. Whether you want to scroll through the list of types of food or do a search for a specific food, you can find all the nutritional data. This calculator even does fast food, so if you want to learn about that breakfast at McDonald’s, just type in the name of your food and get the nutritional value.
6. Workouts for Women Nutritional Calculator. Type in your information to discover your nutritional requirements. The results are categorized by caloric expenditure and requirements for carbohydrates, fat, protein, and calcium.
7. Your Health Your Way Nutrition Calculator. Search for a particular food or add in all of your foods for an entire meal to find out the nutritional data for what you are eating.
8. Fast Food Nutrition Facts Calculator. Designed for determining the amount of calories your child is getting from fast food, this calculator also works for adults. Select menu items from several popular fast food restaurants and find out the percentage of calories received in that meal as well as fat content.
9. KFC Nutrition Calculator. If you love KFC, then this calculator is for you. Select your menu items to discover the nutritional value of the food at KFC.
10. Nutritional Guideline Calculator. Not only can you find out how many calories a day you need with this calculator, but it will also give you a breakdown of how much protein, carbohydrates, and fats you need. You can select results for maintaining, losing, or gaining weight.

Health and Fitness

From finding out about your overall health to more specific information such as target heart rate, these calculators will help you with your general health and fitness needs.

11. Healthy Body Calculator. Plug in your age, height, weight, fitness levels, and any other information you may know about your body style to get a simple report about your overall health. You can also request nutrition facts to help you maintain or lose weight.
12. Activity Calorie Calculator. Tell your weight and the duration of your activity and this calculator will give you the amount of calories burned for 222 different activities.
13. Your Total Health. Choose from 11 different calculators (or choose all of them) to find out anything from your body mass index to daily calcium requirement to target heart rate.
14. Self.com Fitness Calculators. Use these calculators to find your BMI, ideal weight range, happy weight, and caloric needs. You can also select from 19 different activities to learn how many calories each one burns.
15. ExRx Fitness Calculators. This extensive list of calculators offers everything from body composition to male girth to risk class calculators. If you are looking for a fitness calculator, this is a great resource.
16. Health and Fitness Calculator v.1.0. Download this calculator to discover your BMI and what risks you have for size-related diseases. You will need your weight, height, and waist size to use this calculator.
17. Active.com Fitness Calculators. Calculate your pace, target heart rate, body fat index, body mass index, and more with these fitness calculators.

Weight Loss

These calculators will help you reach your weight loss goals with calorie calculators, body fat percentages, food tracking, and more.

18. Weight Loss Calculator. Based on calorie intake, calculate how long it will take you to lose your goal weight, daily calorie deficit needed, and weight loss over a period of time. This site also offers some food and calorie calculators as well.
19. What Does 200 Calories Look Like?. This visual tool helps you see a 200 calorie serving-size of particular foods. If you are trying to stay within a certain calorie intake, this tool can quickly help you know what you can eat and what you should stay away from.
20. Understanding Your Body Fat Percentage. Learn about the relationship of essential body fat to your health and use this chart to help determine what a healthy amount of weight you can lose may be. You will probably need your calculator to help you with the calculations here.
21. JournalToSuccess.com Tools . There are several health calculators to help you lose weight at this site including a body mass index, ideal body weight, ideal weight range, and more. They also offer an online journal to record your food, weight, and fitness activities.
22. Tweight.com. If you are a Twitter fan and are trying to lose weight, this tool is great. Just tweet your weight goal, send your updates, and check your history to see how much progress you are making.
23. TweetWhatYouEat.com. Another Twitter-based tool, this one lets you log your food intake and calories associated with each food. If you don’t know the calories for a particular food, this tool also offers a database to help you.
24. CRON-O-Meter. Download this free tool to help you lose weight on a Calorie Reduced diet. You can track your food, get diet advice, use a custom recipe editor so you can track the foods you make at home, and much more.
25. Free Weight Loss Calculators and Tools. With 12 different calculators and even a converter tool, you will find helpful tools to your weight loss goals. Check out the Pregnancy Calorie Calculator to maintain a healthy weight during pregnancy and the Waist to Hip Calculator to find out about a healthy body fat distribution.
26. Changing Shape Health and Fitness Calculators. These calculators range from food fat content to daily protein requirements to one-rep calculator to help you determine your strength.

Complete Fitness Programs

While not straightforward calculators, these online tools offer a way to combine your food and fitness goals, track data, and chart your progress. All are free, but some offer premium services for a charge.

27. Gyminee. Track your workouts, monitor your food intake, and connect with others with this tool that is designed for both those trying to lose weight or those just getting a handle on their fitness.
28. The Daily Plate. This tool allows you to track what you are eating each day and log fitness as well so you can determine how many calories you are eating and burning. They also have a handy search tool that will tell you how many calories are in a specific food or how many calories you can burn with a specific activity.
29. SparkPeople. Get meal plans, weight tracker, calorie counter, fitness log and more with these free tools. You can also connect with others, watch exercise videos, and get recipes.
30. traineo. Find motivation and support to change the way you eat and work out with this tool. set up a free profile and track you exercise and nutrition information to see your progress with graphs. You can also connect with others and find plenty of support to keep going toward your goal.
31. FitWatch. Create your profile and start tracking your fitness and nutrition data with this tool. You can also read articles about fitness and health, get popular diet plans, and learn about various exercise and workout programs.

Running

These calculators can help any kind of runner, no matter if you enjoy jogging around the neighborhood or are training for a marathon. Some are handy for cyclists and hikers too.

32. Smart Coach. This tools from Runner’s World allows you to enter information about your past runs and how you would like to start training to receive a training program that is individualized to your ability and goals.
33. MapMyRun. Use this tool to create a map of your runs, find a run, or log your training information.
34. Run the Nation. This site offers several tools to help with your running including a body fat calculator, race pace calculator, workout calorie counter, and more.
35. RunningAHEAD. With this tool, you can log and track your runs, and then analyze them to make sure you are staying on track with your goals.
36. Runworks Running Calculator. Enter the data from your last run into this calculator to find your level of fitness and help predict how you will do in longer races.
37. Runbayou: VDOT Calculator. Similar to the previous calculator, this one finds your level of fitness based on your last race. This calculator also provides paces for five different running zones to help you create the perfect training routine.
38. Runningmap.com. Use this tool to map your runs, plan for future runs, and even share your running maps with others. Cyclists, hikers, or any other outdoor fitness buff will also find this tool helpful.
39. Running4Women.com. This site offers lots of tools for women to use when training including a body mass index calculator, heart rate monitor, and a pace calculator.
40. MarathonGuide.com. This site offers running calculators, fitness calculators, and health/nutrition calculators. While written for those training for a marathon, anyone will find many of these calculators useful.
41. Track Lane Distance Calculator. If you run on a track, use this calculator to determine what the offset distance is for each of the lanes. You will need to know the specifics of the track and race details including lane width and distance of the race.

Other Sport Calculators

Whether walking, body building, or competing in a triathlon, these calculators will make your fitness program a bit easier.

42. About.com Walking Fitness Calculators. These calculators will help your walking program and overall health and fitness by assisting you with target heart rate, pace, calorie and distance, and much more.
43. Walk, Jog, or Run Pace Calculator. Use this calculator to determine your pace no matter which mode of moving you enjoy. Just enter the distance you went and the amount of time it took you to do so.
44. Stride Distance Calculator. If you can’t afford a pedometer, this calculator can help you find the same information. By measuring your stride distance, you can determine the distance traveled very accurately.
45. Bodybuilding.com Fitness Calculators. If you are into body building, this resource offers tons of calculators to help you discover anything from training to nutrition to supplements. There’s even a calculator to help you know how much alcohol you can drink before you would be drunk.
46. Bicycle Speed and Power Calculator. Enter the information about your bike and the conditions of the ride to determine the power and speed of your ride. Also, if you know the distance of your ride, you can determine the number of calories burned during that specific ride.
47. Gear Inch & Shifting Pattern Calculator. Whether you ride a multi-speed or single-speed bike, you can find out gear inches and shifting patterns based on your chain ring and freewheel specifics.
48. Academy Swimming Ready Reckoner. Select your stroke, distance, the time it took you to swim it, and find out if you are academy, bronze, silver, or gold standard. This is a great motivator if you are trying to improve your times.
49. Triathlon Conversion Calculators. If you are training for a triathlon, use these calculators to get your swim pace, bike speed, and running pace and convert your distances from metric to standard.
50. Triathlon Race Calculator Time Management Tool. Enter your information for your next triathlon as well as your pace for each event to find out how much time it will take you to complete the race.

Running 26.2 miles is quite an accomplishment and isn’t a goal you can reach with just a few days’ preparation. Training, nutrition, equipment and clothing, stress and time management, and motivation are all a huge part of getting your body and your mind ready. The following list offers plenty of tips, tools, and resources to ensure you will make it to race day feeling ready to run without putting your health in danger.

Training Techniques

With so many ways you can train for a marathon, you should select the technique that works best for your body and personality. This list offers suggestions to get you started.

1. What’s the Best Way to Train for a Marathon?. This helpful and informative article provides all the basics to help you decide on the right training program for you.
2. Yasso 800s. In order to judge how fast you will run your marathon, or just to give yourself an idea of how close you are to your goal time, use this mathematical equation based on how fast you run your 800s.
3. The Less-Is-More Marathon Plan. Check out this proven plan that only allows three running days a week but increases speed, endurance, and efficiency.
4. Active Trainer. Get a training plan, use the free online log for your runs, and even get a personal coach with this online trainer.
5. The Marathon. This article offers great tips on choosing a training technique and offers four training schedules for the beginner, intermediate, advanced, and competitive.
6. Lab Report: The Marathon Plan. Take these suggestions for ways to improve your training plan and ensure you are in top shape on the big day.
7. Marathon Training Program. This program offers two stages of training starting with 19 weeks of build-up and finishing with a 17-week schedule that completes the week before your marathon.
8. Marathon & Beyond: Sports Science Research. This article offers a scientific look at how various aspects such as genetics and nutrition affect running performance and offer a scientific approach to training that may improve your marathon performance.

Nutrition

While nutrition is important for anyone, if you are going through the rigorous training for a marathon, you need to be sure to follow these tips for a healthy and safe way to eat.

9. Hydration. Staying hydrated while training and during the marathon is extremely important. Be sure you are hydrated before, during, and after your runs to maintain energy, regulate body temperature, and reduce the stress of running on your body. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty to drink–by then it is too late.
10. Balance. Runners should maintain a healthy balance of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats for the best nutrition to keep their bodies healthy.
11. Energy food. During longer runs of 10 miles or more, replenish your lost energy with energy foods that are easy to carry with you such as energy bars and gels.
12. Iron. Distance running takes lots of iron from your body, so be sure to eat plenty of foods with iron such as red meat and spinach. Women should be very careful they they are replenishing their iron and may benefit from an iron supplement.
13. Don’t eat these. Limit foods high in unhealthy fats and fried foods. Not only are these foods not healthy to eat, they won’t give you the necessary energy and nutrients your body needs during training.
14. Before runs. A light snack full of carbohydrates prior to a run keeps your energy up and gives your body the fuel it needs. Have a whole-wheat bagel, banana, or an apple.
15. Sports drinks. For runs over 60 minutes, have a sports drink along with water to replenish your body of what you are losing during the run.
16. Caffeine. Studies have shown that for distance running, caffeine can enhance your performance. About 300 milligrams prior to your race should be plenty to get any benefits.
17. Carb-loading. Eat lots of carbs just prior to a hard workout, then follow your workout with more carbs as soon as possible to replenish your energy. Carbs replace the glycogen loss in your muscles and boost performance. Overall, while training, try to keep your carb intake to around 65% of your calories.
18. Fueling. When training or on the day of the marathon, you will need to fuel your body to keep it functioning well.

Stress and Time Management

Learn to manage both the stress and the time commitment of training for a marathon with these resources.

19. Form a routine. Getting into a routine that provides you time for both what you must accomplish as well as your training schedule will allow you to feel like you aren’t neglecting anything.
20. Be flexible. Control what you can, but when those things pop up that you can’t control, like injury or weather, learn to adjust as necessary.
21. Performance Page: Pre-Marathon Miscues. This article outlines mistakes you should avoid prior to the race so that you are mentally fit for completing the marathon.
22. Top 10 Stress Relievers: The Best Ways to Feel Better. Use these tips to take the stress out of your life. If you are training for a marathon, you’ve already accomplished one–exercise.
23. Time Management: How to run a marathon and still have time for sex. This article does an excellent job of both mapping out a training program that doesn’t rule your life and also describing why making time for the rest of life is important.

Tips for Training

Training isn’t just about the running. These tips will teach you how to take care of yourself so you are prepared both physically and mentally for the actual marathon.

24. Stretch. Stretching helps prevent injuries, so don’t forget to stretch both before and after each of your runs.
25. Yoga. Practicing yoga is an excellent cross-training exercise for runners as it improved flexibility, strength, and mental focus.
26. Practice hills. Hill training will boost your power. It also benefits your training by teaching your body to run fast (during the downhills) while your body is feeling tired.
27. Cross train. You don’t have to run every day to train for a marathon. Participate in other activities such as swimming, cycling, walking, or training machines and you will reduce your chance of burnout, prevent injury, and build other muscles running doesn’t work out.
28. Rest day. At least one day a week, don’t do any exercise. The day before your long run is an excellent day for rest so you are ready for the tough upcoming work-out.
29. Train in similar clothing. If you train in similar clothing to what you’ll be wearing during the marathon, you will feel more comfortable during the race and not have any unexpected issues with rubbing or weight of the clothes.
30. Train the same time of day. Some runners enjoy running at the same time of day so that their training experience is as similar as possible.
31. Run the marathon location prior to the race. If you have the opportunity to run the marathon course prior to the race, you can get a feel for the lay of the land with much less pressure.
32. Short to long races. While training, run smaller races and gradually increase so that you are running races incrementally longer as you approach the full 26.2 miles.
33. Listen to your body. If it hurts stop or rest. Don’t push yourself too hard or you will injure yourself and you may miss out on the marathon all together.

Tips for Race Day

From knowing the race course to dealing with the inevitable pain, follow these tips to help you succeed on the big day.

34. Sleep. Be sure to get a good night’s rest the night before the race. If you are having a hard time drifting off with all the excitement going on, follow these tips.
35. Ibuprofen. Take some ibuprofen before leaving for the race to counteract any aches and pains you may get during the run.
36. Know where. Know where the start line is located so that you are not wandering around lost when everyone is running.
37. Arrive early. Give yourself plenty of time to park and get to the starting line without worrying you’ll be late. Chances are traffic will be heavy the morning of the marathon. Arriving early also allows you to get there and center yourself and do your warm-up before starting.
38. Know the course. Be familiar with the race map before you run so that there are no surprises along the way.
39. Hills. Be aware of hilly areas and pace yourself so that you are not exerting yourself too much prior to hitting the hills.
40. Water. Don’t go past any chance for water. Be sure to stop for water breaks so you can keep hydrated.
41. Layers. Start out wearing layers. The temperature at the beginning of the race may be cooler first thing, and your body will warm up as you run. Make sure you can keep your body temperature regulated with layers.
42. Timing chip. If you plan to run in several races and want official times, rather than renting the timing chip each time, buy your own.
43. Walk. Take walk breaks if necessary, especially at the beginning of the race, so you will have the strength and energy to finish the race you planned.
44. Pain. Pain comes and goes during the race. Don’t focus on the pain, instead, repeat a mantra, turn on your iPod, or practice guided imagery to shift your focus.

Equipment

Whether high tech like a GPS watch or low tech like duct tape for blisters, this list of equipment will help you train for your big day and help you stay healthy and safe.

45. Heart rate monitor. Monitor your fitness progress, ensure you aren’t over-training, and keep to your goals with a heart rate monitor.
46. Pedometer. Keep track of how far you run, how long it takes you, and how many calories you burn with a pedometer.
47. iPod. Keep yourself entertained and motivated with music, podcasts, or whatever works to keep you running.
48. iPod armband. Don’t forget this piece of equipment to keep your iPod in place and the wires under control.
49. Running watch. For a relatively inexpensive price, you can get a running watch that includes a stopwatch, lap counter, and a history of your runs to help you train with more accuracy.
50. Light. If you will be doing any night running, a light like this one will keep you safe and ensure drivers see you.
51. Shoe wallet . Chances are good you will need to leave your house or car when you go for a run. Get a shoe wallet to keep your key secure.
52. RoadID. Keep all your emergency contact information on you with this ID strap that can go on your ankle, wrist, or shoe.
53. Sunscreen. No matter what season, always apply sunscreen before going on your run to keep your skin healthy.
54. Sunglasses. If you are running in the daytime, invest in a good quality pair of sunglasses to keep your eyes protected.
55. GPS watch. Invest in one of these watches to calculate speed, distance, pace, and calorie consumption as well as save past run history, set goals, and more.
56. Duct tape. If your running is rubbing blisters on your feet, try using duct tape to protect them and ease the pain.
57. Anti-chafe. Use an anti-chafe stick to help prevent chafing anywhere hot spots occur.

Clothing

While looking good is probably not too high on your list, clothing is still an important part of running. You need to be comfortable and safe, so read this list for great ideas on what to wear.

58. Shoes. Probably the single-most important piece of clothing or equipment you will have for running is your shoes. Choose them carefully and don’t scrimp when you get to the cash register.
59. Socks. Wearing good quality running socks is important to keep your feet in good shape, provide arch support, guard against blisters, and wick away moisture.
60. Shorts. Find shorts made for runners that feature comfort, range of motion, back flap for energy food or gels, brief liner, and breathability.
61. Skort. The latest trend for running women is to don a skort for more comfort and range of motion. Be sure to get one that wicks away moisture to help keep you dry.
62. Tops. Freedom of movement, moisture wicking, breathability, and maybe a reflective tape or logo are all great qualities to look for when buying a running top.
63. Reflective clothing. Running early in the morning or at night, you will want to be seen. Wear some reflective clothing to boost your visibility.
64. Gloves. Frequently, runners experience cold hands as the blood leaves their extremities during a long run. Put on a pair of gloves to keep your hands warm–summer or winter.
65. Hat. Whether you are keeping cool on a hot day or staying warm on a cold one, be sure to wear a hat to help maintain your body temperature.
66. Sweat bands. Training for a marathon will likely bring on a sweat. Keep your face and hands dry with sweat bands.
67. BondiBand. Be sure you can safely see where you are going by keeping your hair back with this handy headband.

Motivation

The energy and time commitment of training for a marathon can eventually get you down. Guard against any loss in motivation with these safeguards in place.

68. Running group. Join a running group to keep yourself on a schedule and find support from a whole group of runners with similar goals to yours.
69. Running partner. Sometimes it is easier to let yourself down than someone else. Take advantage of this by having a running partner so you can keep each other motivated to keep going.
70. Support network. Create a supportive group of family and friends who are behind you while you train for the marathon. They will be there to share both the lows and the highs.
71. Watch running movies. On a rest day, instead of your usual running, watch a running movie to keep your motivation high.
72. Find a coach. Consider having a coach not only to help you plan your training program, but to help keep you motivated and on track.
73. Use a planner. If you’ve got a physical plan of your workouts, it is easier to see what has to be done right before your eyes.
74. Don’t worry about backsliding. If you have a bad week or two, don’t throw in the towel just because you had a little misstep. Instead, focus on getting back into the groove and picking up where you left off.
75. It won’t always be easy. Use this as a reminder when training gets difficult so you realize that if running a marathon was an easy task, everyone would do it.
76. Find Your Running Motivation. This is a good article for the beginning runner that will help you keep going when you feel like you should stop.
77. 10 Ideas to Get You Exercising. If you feel like you’ve hit a wall, take some of these suggestions and get back on track.

Blogs

There’s nothing like hearing from others to motivate your own running and ensure you are staying on track with a healthy program. Read these inspirational and entertaining blogs from other marathon runners.

78. A Passion for Running. This 40 year-old marathoner blogs about his experiences and accomplishments with both running and life.
79. The Running Chick with the Orange Hat. Find out about this runner’s marathon training, her personal bests, race reports, and the ups and downs of running.
80. Feet Meets Street. This blogger chronicles his marathons, his training, and various random–and frequently humorous–observations on life.
81. Runner’s Lounge. Written by Amy and Tom, two people with a passion for all things running, this blog not only provides valuable information for runners, but also an online community for those who share their passion.
82. The Internal Pigdog. Explaining the name of his blog, Brian Morrissey writes, "The internal pigdog is what makes people not want to go on….This blog is about fighting the pigdog." Don’t miss this blog if you are needing some motivation to keep moving.
83. Run Bulldog Run. Follow the amazing accomplishments of Steve Speirs on his blog where he documents the details of his runs.
84. Running Towards Fitness. This sub-four hour marathoner started out 70 pounds overweight. The blog hasn’t been active for a while, but the motivation and accomplishments of this runner are worth reading.
85. Marathon Mommies. This collaborative blog of marathon and half-marathon moms will keep you informed and motivated with your own running goals.
86. Club Pretty. These three women train for their first half-marathon together and document their progress through the big day. The blog is no longer active but a great resource for beginners looking for motivation.
87. 26.2 Quest. Follow along as this runner went from having 90 extra pounds to running a half-marathon to his current efforts to run his first marathon.

Online Tools and Resources

From tools to help you map your run to music that matches your running pace to guides with tons of help for marathoners, these online resources will help you run a safe and healthy marathon.

88. BreakingtheTape.com. This resource for runners includes news, blogs, a forum, and links to other running sites.
89. JogTunes. Support indie artists and get great running music that matches your pace at this site.
90. 25 Celebrities Who’ve Run a Marathon. Just for fun, take a look at what kind of company you keep as a marathon runner.
91. MarathonGuide.com. Get press releases, find out about upcoming marathons, read articles, and get great tips on gear and training at this site.
92. Distance Running Tips. This site, put together by a long-time runner and his coach with over 30 years of experience, you will find tips, tools, a personalized coach, running news, and more.
93. Smart Coach. This tools from Runner’s World allows you to enter information about your past runs and how you would like to start training to receive a training program that is individualized to your ability and goals.
94. MapMyRun. Use this tool to create a map of your runs, find a run, or log your training information.
95. Run the Nation. This site offers several tools to help with your running including a body fat calculator, race pace calculator, workout calorie counter, and more.
96. RunningAHEAD. With this tool, you can log and track your runs, and then analyze them to make sure you are staying on track with your goals.
97. Runworks Running Calculator. Enter the data from your last run into this calculator to find your level of fitness and help predict how you will do in longer races.
98. Runbayou: VDOT Calculator. Similar to the previous calculator, this one finds your level of fitness based on your last race. This calculator also provides paces for five different running zones to help you create the perfect training routine.
99. Runningmap.com. Use this tool to map your runs, plan for future runs, and even share your running maps with others.
100. Running4Women.com. This site offers lots of tools for women to use when training including a body mass index calculator, heart rate monitor, and a pace calculator.

There’s a wealth of medical education available through Open Coursware on various university sites. Chances are you won’t be able to learn how to perform brain surgery from this online education, but there’s helpful information for everyone from doctors to regular joes. In these classes, you’ll learn about different conditions, public health, and so much more.

Introduction

These courses offer entry-level education and a broad look at medical topics.

1. Introduction to Cardiac Care: Get the basics of heart disease and cardiac care through this course.
2. Introductory Biology: MIT’s biology course takes a look at biology’s fundamental principles.
3. Introduction to Clinical Pain Problems: Learn about the treatment of pain with this course.
4. Welcome to Human Physiology: This course looks at anatomy, DNA, genetic code, and more.
5. General Human Anatomy: See the functional anatomy of the human body in this course.
6. Introduction to Health Policy: This course will teach you about important factors that make up health policy.
7. Human Growth and Development: Human Growth and Development offers a look at developmental tracks from birth to death.
8. Adolescent Health and Development: Check out this course to learn about adolescence and adolescent health through lectures, readings, discussion, and more.

Politics & Law

These courses will teach you about legal and political issues in medicine.

9. Open Source Biology: The Role of Law: Consider social welfare in biological sciences with this law lecture.
10. The Art of Science Advice to Policy Makers: Lessons from the US National Academies: Dr. Harvey Fineberg shares personal experiences and professional insights on creating policy recommendations.
11. Technology, Science, Money, and Health: A Policy History of Genomics: Look at the history of the Himan Geonome Project and its consecuence on patients and health policy.
12. The Politics of Health Care: This series discusses the evolution of the US health care system.

Technology

Learn about implementing technology in medicine through these courses.

13. Projects in Microscale Engineering for the Life Sciences: This course is about microscale devices that can be used for medical evaluation purposes.
14. Computing for Biomedical Scientists: Consider how you can better use a computer for biomedical purposes with this course.
15. Medical Computing: Take a look at how automation has an impact on medical science.
16. Medical Decision Support: This course offers an analysis of different methods and tools that can be used to help make medical decisions.
17. Genomics and Computational Biology: Learn about computational biology and genomics in this course from MIT.

Body Parts & Systems

In these courses, you’ll learn about specific parts of the body as well as physiological systems.

18. Brain and Cognitive Sciences: Learn how the human brain works in health and disease through this course.
19. Gastrointestinal Pathophysiology: In this course, you’ll learn about a variety of gastrointestinal disorders and other fundamental topics related to the gastrointestinal system.
20. Cardiovascular Pathophysiology: This course will offer an in-depth look at cardiac function.
21. Gastroenterology: Get a look into the gastrointestinal tract, as well as associated systems through this course.
22. Acoustics of Speech and Hearing: This course discusses acoustic cues and mechanisms.
23. Opthamology Grand Rounds: See some of the most interesting cases from the New England Eye Center Grand Rounds.
24. Molecular Biology for the Auditory System: In this introductory course, you’ll learn about the auditory system.
25. Muscoskeletal Pathophysiology: Hear from experts about rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and more.
26. A Clinical Approach to the Human Brain: Understand how the brain works in both health and disease with this course.
27. Renal Pathophysiology: In this course, you’ll see how the kidneys adapt, as well as disorders from primary defects.

Women

With these courses, you’ll get to take a look at medical issues for women.

28. Women’s Health Today: Learn about female sexual health, breast cancer, and more.
29. Pain Management in Women Over the Lifecycle: This course offers a look at pain management for women with endometriosis, pregnancy, rheumatology, and other conditions over their life cycle.

Genetics

These courses discuss genomic medicine, DNA, and more.

30. Genomic Medicine: This course explores ideas, challenges, and concepts in medical genomics.
31. Gene Expression and its Regulation: Learn about the molecular biology behind genes through this course.
32. Genetics: In this course, you’ll learn about genetic diseases, genetic inheritance, and much more.
33. Genomics and Computational Biology: Understand DNA sequencing technology and more with this course.

Nutrition

Learn more about healthy eating, diets, nutrition, and more in these courses.

34. Introduction to Human Nutrition: Introduction to Human Nutrition discusses food as a source of nutrition, requiring students to record and consider their own diet.
35. Food and Nutrition Policy: Understand the steps that are part of food and nutrition policymaking.
36. Nutrition and Medicine: Learn all about basic nutrition principles in this course.
37. Critical Analysis of Popular Diets and Dietary Supplements: This course will teach you how to critically appraise a diet or dietary supplement.

Diseases & Conditions

These courses will teach you about specific diseases and conditions of the human body.

38. Biography of the AIDS Epidemic: Creating an Oral-History Project: This series discusses the impact that AIDS had on doctors when the epidemic was first reported.
39. Images of Memorable Cases: 50 Years at the Bedside: This course takes a look at the art and science of medical diagnosis.
40. Inflammation as Cause and Consequence of Disease: See how inflammation impacts diseases and more in this series.
41. Issues in complementary and alternative medicine: Find out why people use complementary and alternative medicine, and some of the issues surrounding it.
42. The Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons Guide to Surgery: This course aims to empower patients when considering a recommendation to have surgery.
43. Microbiology: Learn about microbial pathogens that establish infectious diseases through this course.
44. Coping with Brain Injury: This course offers a look at living after brain injury, caregiving, rehabilitation, and more.
45. Pathophysiology of Infectious Diseases: Get a background on infectious diseases with this course.
46. Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases: This course discusses the basic methods for infectious disease epidemiology.
47. Malariology: Take a look at malaria as a public health problem with this course.
48. World Malaria Today: Learn what policy and scientific experts think about the progress being made on malaria.
49. Taking Control of Your Diabetes: This course offers a look into gestational diabetes, insulin pump therapy, and more.
50. Pathopshysiology of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism: Here you’ll learn about diagnosis and pathophysiology of diabetes.
51. America’s Battle for a Cure: The Culture and Politics of Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment: Learn all about the battle against breast cancer in this course.

Disaster Planning

Find out how to deal with terrorism, pandemics, and more in these courses.

52. Radiation Terror 101: Learn about radiation principles, safety, and different types of radiological terror.
53. Biological Agents of Water and Foodborne Bioterrorism: In this course you’ll get a look at a variety of biological agents that terrorists could use in food or water supplies.
54. Personal Preparedness Planning for Public Health Workers: This course will teach you how to be prepared to function as a public health emergency responder.
55. Case Studies in Terrorism Response: Take a look at these case studies to learn about terrorism preparedness and response.
56. Impact of Pandemic Influenza on Public Health: See how an avian influenza pandemic could impact world health.

Mental Health

These courses discuss psychology, mental health, and more.

57. Clinical Psychology: Get a better understanding of psychological dysfunction with this course.
58. Mental Health Practice: Bonnyrigg: Learn the difference between mental health and mental illness, as well as discrimination.
59. General Psychology: This course offers an introduction to the major concepts of psychology.
60. Psychiatric Epidemiology: Psychiatric Epidemiology will teach you about major mental disorders.
61. Challenging ideas in mental health: This course will teach you to think differently about mental health by considering every angle.
62. Buddhist Psychology: Get a look into the life and philosophies of Buddha in this course.
63. Psychology of Personality: Understand the science behind personality with this course.

Public Health

Consider health as it relates to the public with these courses.

64. The Politics of Pollution: This seminar will explain the impact of industrial production on workers and consumers.
65. Culture, Politics and Community: Living Public Health in Nigeria: Find out what one professor learned during 26 years of working in Nigeria.
66. Fundamentals of Oncology for Public Health Practicioners: This course discusses cancer prevention in public health.
67. Social Marketing for Health Promotion in California and Mexico: This course offers best practices, ideas, and more for promoting health.
68. Global Tobacco Control: This course will teach you about the health and economic burden of worldwide tobacco use and discuss ways that it can be curtailed.
69. Population Change and Public Health: Learn about population studies and how they impact public health.
70. Public Health Biology: Public Health Biology takes an integrative molecular and biological perspective on public health.
71. Population Medicine: Think about the big picture of medicine with the help of this course.
72. Environmental Health: Here you’ll learn about health issues, causes, and approaches to major environmental health problems.
73. Confronting the Burden of Injuries: Learn how to work on injury control in areas that have traditionally not been concerned with the issue.

Fitness

Learn more about fitness and sports with these courses.

74. Improving aerobic fitness: Find out what sort of aerobic exercises you should be doing to improve your health.
75. Funding elite sport: In this series, you’ll learn how to get financial support to fund elite sport training.

Reproduction & Sexual Health

These courses discuss the health of the human reproductive system.

76. Reproductive and Perinatal Epidemiology: In this course, you’ll get a look at research, issues, and problems in reproductive and perinatal health.
77. Preventing Infant Mortality and Promoting the Health of Women, Infants, and Children: Consider the causes and preventions of infant mortality with this course.
78. Family Planning Policies and Programs: This course will introduce you to issues and strategies for family planning programs, particularly for developing countries.
79. Web 2.0: Risks for STI/HIV-Opportunities for Prevention: Learn how health care can take advantage of opportunities for STI/HIV prevention on social networking and dating sites.
80. Human Reproductive Biology: This course offers a broad look at the reproductive system in men and women.
81. Biology of Sex: This course explores the biological side of sex.
82. Human Teratology: Environmental Causes of Birth Defects: Find out some of the ways birth defects can form with this course.
83. Healthy Women, Healthy Families: This course discusses prenatal health and healthy pregnancy.

Aging

Look at the study of aging healthfully through these courses, and learn about the issues that surround aging.

84. Aging, Health, and Diversity: Get a critical look at aging and health, and how diversity comes into play.
85. Health Issues for Aging Populations: This course offers the study of aging and health policies related to the elderly.
86. Aging and disability: Transitions into residential care: Consider the emotional impact of moving into residential care and learn what social workers and care staff can do to make the transition easier.

Education & Information

These courses will give you the tools you need to be a better medical practicioner.

87. Internet Pathology Laboratory: This resource offers exams, tutorials, pathology, and lots more.
88. Epidemiology and Biostatistics: This course will teach you the skills you need to critique medical literature.
89. Measuring and Teaching Medical Professionalism: This course explains how to promote medical professionalism.
90. Improving Understanding and Collaboration among First Responders: With this training, you’ll get to see how specific responder groups can better work together.
91. Training Methods and Continuing Education for Health Workers: See how training and continuing education can help improve health service and management.
92. Ethical Issues in Public Health: Consider how ethics come into play in public health through this course.
93. Health Education Course: This course discusses sharing health education with the public.
94. Medical Product Quality Systems: Learn about the FDA and other quality systems in this course.
95. Human Systems Explorer: With this tool you’ll be able to learn about difficult subjects in pathophysiology.

Drugs

These courses cover both medically prescribed drugs and drug abuse.

96. Principles of Pharmacology: Get an introduction to the study of phamacologic agents with this course.
97. Alcohol and human health: Get a glimpse into the effects alcohol has on the body in this course.
98. Principles of Drug Development: Find out how drugs are developed by taking this course.

Finance

Consider financial and insurance issues in health care with these courses.

99. Cost Containment in Health Care: Learn all about keeping health care costs down in this course.
100. Understanding Cost-Effectiveness Analysis in Health Care: Learn how to read and interpret cost-effectiveness studies with the help of this course.
101. Managed Care and Health Insurance: Here you’ll learn about the major issues in health insurance and managed care plans.

Death

These courses take a look at death and health care.

102. Moral and ethical principles in end of life care: Consider patient autonomy and other important issues in end of life care.
103. Living with death and dying: Learn about dealing with death in your life from this course.

If you’ve ever been super motivated to start a new exercise plan only to lose interest after a few weeks of sticking to the new routine you understand the difficulties associated with finding a workout plan that truly works for you. If you want to prevent that motivation loss from happening to you or just want to find the motivation to start exercising in the first place, then check out these blogs below. Whether you are interested in running, biking, climbing, or using your video game console to get you moving, you will find something of interest here.

Exercise and Fitness

If you just like a well-rounded approach to exercise and nutrition or can’t make up your mind where to focus your energies, these blogs are for you with their multi-approach to exercise and fitness.

1. FitSugar. Women will find this blog about getting and staying fit an interesting read. Find reasons to exercise, good nutrition tips, and read about fit celebrities.
2. Really Useful Fitness Blog. Find out tips for burning fat, working out for maximum effect, and more with this blog. Recent posts cover circuit training, almonds for weight loss, and the best way to lose stomach fat.
3. Top 42 Exercise Hacks. These ideas from Zen Habits will get you moving and stay moving. Check out other posts at this blog that touch on topics such as ideas to start the exercise habit and how to get back into the exercise habit.
4. Lift. This blog is an elite adventure magazine all about physical fitness for those who can enjoy the better things in life. The motivation in this blog is not only to get off the couch, but to enjoy the journey.
5. Starling Fitness. Read about nutrition, biking to work, weight loss, staying motivated, and much more on this blog that can help you reach your personal fitness goals.
6. Bill’s Training Blog. This blog brings insight to Bill’s attempts at fitness through various activities including walking, push-ups, and running (lots of running) while trying to maintain a healthier lifestyle of vegetarian eating and no alcohol.
7. Bike About. With a title like this, you would expect to see this blog in the section below for cycling, but the posts here offer much more than just biking with thoughts on healthy eating, hiking, and more.
8. Trying Fitness. This blog offers tons of suggestions for ways to get yourself moving in the name of fitness. Check out the fitness interviews with reputable personal trainers.
9. Cranky Fitness. Read about fitness, nutrition, and exercise with a humorous twist and lots of kitty pictures here. As they say, "because most health and fitness advice is too damn cheerful."
10. The Great Fitness Experiment. This blog offers insightful explorations of such fitness topics as living up to your potential, body confidence, and running like a girl (it’s probably not as anti-feminist as you think).

Walking, Hiking, and Climbing

From Nordic walking to climbing to backpacking, these blogs will inspire you to get outside and tackle your next adventure.

11. Walktopia. This blog’s topics range from air pollution’s impact on walking and breathing, walking news, community of walkers, and more. You will definitely want to add this blog to your reader.
12. Walking Blog. From About.com, this blog offers plenty of information for walking fans. Find out about calorie burning, read about using a treadmill for indoor walking, and learn about potential cell phone bans for walkers.
13. Happy Feet. Walkers need to keep their feet happy in order to keep on walking. This blog brings tips, suggests helpful products, and more to help you keep your feet healthy.
14. Nordic Walking US. For those walkers who prefer to do their exercise with a pole, this blog is a keeper. Learn about the benefits of Nordic walking, find product information, and find beautiful walks you can take around the country.
15. Nordic Walking News . Similar to the U.S. version, this blog brings a British perspective to Nordic walking. Find news tidbits, tips, and more here.
16. Walking Prescott. Granny J Prescott walks and takes the time to smell the roses…and all the other flowers. This blog is inspirational for the nature lovers and walkers alike.
17. Climb Arizona. If you love to climb, whether you live in Arizona or not, you will find inspiration and motivation in this blog to get yourself out for a climb. This blog seems to be inactive, but the climbs and gorgeous photos are still well worth reading about.
18. Colorado Hiking, Climbing (& a little Running too). Get the blow-by-blow details of this cross-training outdoor exercise buff’s workouts. His high motivation is contagious and you may find yourself getting outdoors for some exercise too.
19. What in the Blue Blazes?. This adventure hiking, backpacking, dog walking blogger offers great photos to go with his descriptions of various hikes he does.
20. Hiker Dude’s Hiking Blog. Learn how to keep your backpack safe from bears, what cutlery to pack with you, and even find great blacktop backpack treks with this blog.

Running

Whether you are training for a marathon or just like to jog around your neighborhood, these blogs offer plenty of motivation for you to put on your running shoes.

21. Cool Running Viewpoint . This collaboration of posts keep runners informed about races, running news, and more. If running is your passion, this blog will be one to add to your list.
22. The Complete Running Blog Network. Get news and videos in addition to helpful articles for running aficionados. This blog network is for runners of varying experience and fitness levels.
23. Riding the Wind. This blog offers runs, statistics, and details of each specific run. For distance runners especially, this blog provides a high standard for which to shoot.
24. Skyrunner.com. This blog breaks the mold of typical blogs, but offers plenty for running folks to enjoy nonetheless. Be sure to click on "Running & Rambling" for the list of articles.
25. LaSportiva Mountain Running Blog. Read about mountain running races, the winners, and more. If mountain running is your thing, you don’t want to miss this blog.
26. …miles to go before I sleep…. Trail runners will enjoy this blog that brings lively descriptions and photos of various runs. For a unique way to celebrate, check out the birthday night run.
27. irunfar.com. This blog features gear reviews, race previews, runner and trail profiles, and various topics on ultrarunning. The eclectic yet entertaining new format of this blog is worth reading.
28. See Mike Run. Anyone who runs in Banff must be in awesome shape. Read about Mike’s runs against the gorgeous scenery of Banff and enjoy the photos he includes as well.
29. Cynical Mud Babe. Follow spunky Cynical Mud Babe as she chronicles her adventurous runs. The fun photos are worth a visit to this blog as well.
30. Run Dude, Run!. Deanna Stoppler takes her readers along for her runs with her descriptions and beautiful photos. You can also enjoy the side trips she offers as well, such as reading about her dogs, job interview wardrobe woes, and more.

Cycling

Anything on two wheels is represented in these blogs with writers sharing their experiences racing, commuting, and on trails.

31. 417BikerGirl. Read about the adventures of this cycling and running fanatic on her blog. Read about races, racing, and Beer Thursday.
32. Fat Cyclist. Follow Fatty (who is really not fat at all) as he writes about rides, posts a little satire now and again, and generally keeps cycling enthusiasts entertained. This inspirational blogger is also the father of four kids and husband to a phenomenal wife who is currently fighting metastatic breast cancer.
33. EnduroSnob. EnduroSnob and Mrs. Snob will keep you entertained with this blog that focuses on endurance racing, products, and biking life in general.
34. Lauren. Everyone knows moms are busy people, but check out this mom who also finds time to race cyclocross and mountain bikes. This blogger will surely help you find motivation when you see what she can accomplish.
35. Dave Moulton’s Bike Blog. His subtitle says it all: " An ex-framebuilder’s personal thoughts on history, bike tech, bicycle culture, and life in general." Dave includes plenty of though-provoking posts and interesting bike history, too.
36. bicycle diaries. While bicycling is featured here, this blogger also has a decidedly political bent to his posts. Read this blog to become motivated not only for cycling, but for making a change in the world as well.
37. One Planet One Gear. This interesting blog offers two sides. Read through the archives for reports about races and rides as well as this cyclist’s thoughts about riding. Then, return to the current posts for an absolutely engaging journey through life documented with photos and their accompanying haiku.
38. Cycling Lifestyle. Read about and enjoy the photos of this blogger’s experiences in various rides. The hardcore fun is contagious and will have you itching to get out and ride.
39. Keep it Street Level. With 40 years of experience on a bike and a passion for single gears, this blogger writes about bikes, biking, and living. The gracious and sometimes nostalgic nature of this blog will have you smiling.
40. MnBicycleCommuter. This blogger has committed to biking around Duluth, Minnesota year round. After six years of being car-free, this cyclist has plenty to share with his readers, including motivation for finding earth-friendly forms of transportation.

Video Games

If your idea of exercise starts by grabbing a controller, then these blogs will help you find your motivation.

41. The DDR Diet and Exercise Blog. Follow this blogger while he uses the Dance Dance Revolution to exercise and lose weight. He posts the specifics of his exercise routine each time. Maybe you can join him and get motivated to move with DDR too.
42. Dance Dance Revolution hits the high school gym class. This blog post tells how high schools are approaching the problem of childhood obesity by implementing DDR as part of the curriculum.
43. Wii Weight Loss Plan. Follow this man’s progress as he uses a combination of Wii Fit and Wii Weight Loss Plan. He keeps a running list of his daily food intake through Twitter.
44. Wii Fit Editors Diary. Not only can you track the progress of the editors at Game Spot as they use Wii Fit for shaping up, but they also post about their struggles with motivation and stories of success.
45. The Official Wii Fit Experiment. Last year, this guy lost 9 lbs. using Wii Sport. This year, he’s going to give it a try with Wii Fit. Follow his progress over a five week period to see how he does.
46. Wii Sports: the definitive verdict. This blog post offers a good description of each sport available on Wii Sports. Grab a quick game of golf and feel better about yourself.
47. New fitness center targets teens with games. Read about this interesting concept of a fitness center designed specifically for teens ages 13-18 and includes fitness games as a large portion of the workout equipment.
48. Wii Don’t Want to Go Outside. Here’s a completely different perspective on gaming and exercise. This blogger promotes the strange idea that children should drop the Wii Remote and go outside and play.
49. Wii Sports Resort. Find out about this follow-up to Wii Sports in this blog post that includes some video sneak peaks. Looks like you can be jet skiing in your living room very soon.
50. Using Technology for Fitness and Motivation. This blog is dedicated to Gamercize, a product that converts your video games to physical exercise. Discover the benefits not only of this product, but gaming as exercise as well.

Designed to ensure you are prepared and it is safe for you to become a practicing nurse, the NCLEX has a reputation of being very difficult to pass. Since the exam is based on practical applications that require excellent critical thinking rather than just memorizing facts from books, you will need to approach this exam from a bit different perspective than you would other exams. These tips and resources below will give you the edge to passing the NCLEX and moving on to your career as a nurse.

Test Prep Suggestions

Follow these tips to ensure you are doing the best you can when it comes to preparing for the NCLEX.

1. Know the test. Become familiar with content, format, and topics covered on the exam so you know how to focus your studies and have no surprises on test day.
2. Study area. Have a dedicated study area where you can keep your study aids and have a focus for your daily studies. Make sure it is properly lit and away from distractions such as TV.
3. Practice schedule. Set up a reasonable practice schedule that you can complete each day. Feeling guilty over not being able to keep up with your studies will not help you with the test.
4. "Near-test" conditions. Practice taking the test under "near-test" conditions with no distractions, and timed sessions as closely resembling the real test as possible.
5. Focus. Studying for extended periods of time with short, scheduled breaks will keep you focused and improve your ability to concentrate on test day.
6. Read the answers. When taking practice tests, read all the correct answer descriptions, whether you got them right or not. This will help you learn the ones you missed and ensure you understood the ones you answered correctly.
7. Use mnemonics. If you have a list of information to memorize, rely on mnemonics to help you remember the information.
8. Study partners. If you can find some study partners, not only will you have fresh motivation when you hit a lull, but you can collaborate on study techniques.
9. Flashcards. Make or buy a set of flashcards and keep them with you always. While you stand in line you can take out your flashcards and do a little studying.
10. Concept over memorization. The point of the NCLEX is to prove you understand how to apply knowledge in the real world, so focus on learning the concepts over memorizing book knowledge.
11. Do other things, too. Don’t spend every bit of your free time studying. You need to make time for other activities you enjoy such as going to the gym or having dinner with a friend so you don’t burn out on studying.
12. Stay positive. A positive attitude will carry over in your practice and test-taking. Keeping an upbeat outlook will take you the extra mile.

Free Test Prep

Take advantage of these free resources to help you study for your NCLEX.

13. Caring 4 You. Started in 1997 when a woman was having a difficult time with her NCLEX, this site offers tons of free help.
14. Daily 5 NCLEX Quiz Widget 1.0. This free Yahoo! widget is available to help you get a daily dose of test prep.
15. The NCLEX Examination. Not only can you sign up to take the NCLEX at Pearson Vue’s site, but you can also download the candidate bulletin and an online tutorial.
16. 4Tests. This site offers a 49-question sampling of the NCLEX that you can take to help practice for the real thing.
17. NCLEX Success Tips. This site offers tips, blogs, books, and even video clips to help you do well on your exam.
18. Test Prep Review. This site offers some free test questions with simple answer keys so you can get more practice before the actual test.
19. National Council of State Board of Nursing. This official site offers plenty of information to help you get ready including exam psychometrics, statistics and research, and test plans.
20. NCLEX-RN.INFO. Get all you need to know about the NCLEX from this site.
21. NCLEX Test Review. This site offers general information, format, medical terminology, practice questions and more.
22. NCLEX Guides. Browse through these guides that offer suggestions and tips for passing the NCLEX.
23. Practice for the NCLEX-RN: Practice Exam 3 and Rationales. This is a full version of the test you can use for practice purposes. Be sure to click on the second page for the explanations of the answers.
24. Test yourself with sample NCLEX questions. While there are only 12 questions here, it is good additional practice, and explanations for the answers are included.
25. Study Guide Zone. This helpful site offers a clear explanation of the adaptive format of the NCLEX as well as links to free practice questions and a study guide.
26. NCLEX-RN Guide. Get basic information, details about the process, and even practice questions at this site dedicated to the NCLEX.

Test Prep for a Fee

Ranging from practice tests to study guides to full study programs, these services and products cost a little but give you a boost in the right direction for your NCLEX.

27. Kaplan Nursing. Find out what programs are available to help you prepare for the NCLEX and where the programs are available. There is also a bit of free help at this website.
28. Health Career Concepts. This site offers several study plan packages for you to purchase. They also offer some tips and a list of what you should memorize for the NCLEX on this site that you can access without purchasing anything.
29. National Nursing Review. Purchase this book with CD-ROM for your test preparation.
30. APEX Test Prep. This study guide is relatively inexpensive and comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee.
31. NCLEX Review 3500. Many nurses talk about using this software to help them successfully prepare for the exam.
32. Saunders Comprehensive Review for NCLEX-RN with CD-ROM. This book is touted by many as an excellent way to prepare for the basics of the NCLEX.
33. Drexel University NCLEX EXCEL. This university-based program offers a wide variety of test preparation and practice courses including a live course, a video course, and an online course.
34. RNQuiz.com. Get online tests designed for the state in which you will take your test with answer keys that help you with further study and 24/7 access for one full year.
35. NCSBN’s Review for the NCLEX-RN Examination v3.0. Choose between 3, 5, 8, or 15 week courses that provide 24 hour access to content, practice questions, and more.
36. Hurst Review. Watch sample videos for this NCLEX prep program that boasts a 98% pass rate for first-time test takers.
37. Peterson’s Practice Tests for the NCLEX. Take three timed, full-length practice tests with complete answers and their explanations for only $24.95 for 90 days.
38. MeasureUp Practice Tests. Learn about these practice tests and why you may want to choose this route for your test prep.
39. Pass Nursing Exams. This site offers over 2000 practice questions and over 300 quizzes for the NCLEX. They also offer a free 10-question practice test on their site.

Tips for Staying in the Study Zone

Maintaining focus while studying for long stretches over several weeks can become challenging. Take these suggestions to help you stay in the zone.

40. Be unavailable. Let friends and family know what your study hours are and that you will absolutely be unavailable during those times for phone calls, visits, or any other social time.
41. Choose the right time of day. Find out what time of day you are most focused and choose that time for your study time. If your energy starts flagging around 7:30 in the evening, then evening study sessions will not be productive for you.
42. Set a timer. Not only can you use a timer for those timed practice sessions, but you can also set a timer for your study session. That way you don’t have to keep checking the clock and can just work straight through until the timer goes off.
43. Set daily goals. Before you start each study session, set specific goals that you want to accomplish during that session.
44. Incentives. Give yourself incentives for successful study time such as a movie or time with friends after you finish your studying.
45. Change topics. Don’t stay on the same topic for the whole study session. Changing every few hours will help keep your focus steady.
46. SQ3R Reading Method. If you have a lot of reading and memorizing to do, try using the SQ3R technique to help process the information more efficiently.
47. Take stretch breaks. Give yourself 10 minutes every few hours to get up and move around and get your blood flowing again.
48. Eat. Don’t get so involved in your studying that you forget to eat. Have easy and nutritious snacks on hand so you can nibble as you study.
49. Leave your space tidy. After each study session, clean up your work space so that it is inviting when you return the next day.

Articles

From what to expect at the testing site to suggestions for studying, these articles all offer sound advice to get you in the right frame of mind to take your exam.

50. Preparing for the NCLEX. This article gives an overview of the hows and whys of preparing for the exam.
51. Testing Day for the NCLEX. Offering a good description of what you can expect when you arrive for your exam, this article is helpful for alleviating pre-test anxiety.
52. Preparing for the NCLEX. Learn solid tips for preparing for the NCLEX with this article. It also offers suggestions for a few study books.
53. A collective community approach to preparing nursing students for the NCLEX RN examination. This article reports the results of a study that look at using a collective community approach to assist a nursing school in raising their first time passage rate on the NCLEX.
54. Tips on Passing the NCLEX-RN. Read about the test, what to expect, and get tips for getting yourself mentally ready to take the NCLEX.
55. NCLEX Examination Prep. Get tips about the test-taking experience, getting your results, and how to best go about the whole experience of taking the NCLEX.
56. Taking the NCLEX!. Get links to other resources with this concise article.
57. Failed the NCLEX? These Strategies Will Put You on Track to Pass Next Time. Hopefully you will pass with no problems, but just in case, this article offers sound advice for retaking the exam.
58. How to Study for the NCLEX. This eHow article offers the basics on taking the NCLEX. It also includes links to some resources.
59. The NCLEX Examination. This article offers the basics of the exam such as format, cost, and more.

Forums

Whether you have questions or would just like support from others who are taking the NCLEX (or who have already taken it), then these forums will hook up with the community you are seeking.

60. allnurses.com. The forums here offer plenty of advice on preparing for the NCLEX.
61. Nurse-Forum.com. Devoted specifically to nursing forums, this site offers advice on the NCLEX from those who have been there.
62. The Student Nurse Forum. This site offers chat rooms, message boards, and e-Groups where student nurses can connect with others and get answers to their questions.
63. Ultimate Nurse. Find threads on this forum that answer questions about the NCLEX.
64. Nursing Voices Forum. Sign up for a free membership to get the most out of this forum for nurses and to find answers to your questions about the NCLEX.
65. Nurse.com. The forums here offer one specifically for student nurses, so you have plenty of options for joining in discussions about the exam.
66. Health Care POV. Use the search tool on this site to find forum threads and blogs addressing NCLEX issues.
67. NurseConnect. Sign up for membership in this community of professionals to have access to forums, blogs, reviews and more. You are sure to find help with your exam questions and more here.
68. Nursing Link. These forums offer plenty of discussion on the NCLEX. Just type "NCLEX" into the search box.

Blogs

These blogs offer first-hand experience, tips, and more to help you prepare for the big test day.

69. NurseZone Blog: Ask Stephanie. This blog is specifically to address questions and concerns for student nurses preparing for their career.
70. Sonicrusk Blog. This blogger gives a blow-by-blow of NCLEX day.
71. Confessions of a registered nurse. This nurse offers another story of NCLEX testing day.
72. PASSNCLEX Blog. Hosted by Drexel University, this blog offers plenty of information and tips for passing the exam.
73. NCLEX Review. Written by a nurse who teaches NCLEX review, this blog offers information to help prepare for the exam.
74. NurseReview.org. Read blog posts about the NCLEX or join in the forum at this blog for nurses.
75. Nurses Thoughts. While this blog is specifically for nurses in Manila, it does offer lots of helpful mnemonics you can use while studying for the exam.
76. My NCLEX-RN Experience. The title of this post says it all. Read about this woman’s experience and her tips for your test day.
77. Graduates: The Studying Isn’t Over Yet. This nurse offers suggestions on both taking the test and places for online resources.
78. The Life and Times of a New RN. Follow along with this blog that documents a student nurse and her transition to becoming an RN.

The Night Before

You’ve invested so much time and energy into preparing for your test. Now follow this advice to make sure you get off to a good start on test day.

79. Organize. Make sure you have everything you need for the next day such as any necessary forms, your photo ID, the address for the exam location, and the correct time.
80. No studying. If you’ve spent your prep time wisely, spending those extra few hours right before the test studying is not necessary. Instead, take the time to take care of yourself.
81. Eat well. Eat a nutritious dinner, but not too close to bed time as it may prevent a good night’s sleep.
82. Light exercise. Take part in some light exercise early in the evening. This will serve to clear your mind and get your body ready for sleep in a few hours.
83. Put the test in perspective. Realize that while the NCLEX is an important step in starting your career, it is not a life or death situation. Most people pass this exam on the first try. If you don’t pass, you can retake the exam.
84. Relax. Don’t spend the last few hours before the exam worrying or cramming. Do something relaxing to set the stage for a great test tomorrow.
85. Meditate. Enjoy relaxing meditation or deep breathing exercises before bed. This will help you clear your mind of anxiety and prepare for much-needed sleep.
86. Sleep. Go to bed early and get a good night’s rest. Wake up feeling refreshed so you can do your best on the exam.
87. No alcohol. Drinking alcohol can interfere with your sleep and too much can make you feel miserable the next morning.
88. Back up plan. Have a back up plan in place to cover any unexpected events such as car trouble or oversleeping. Set an extra alarm and put friends on notice for any help you might need in case of an emergency.

Suggestions for Testing Day

After all your hard work, you’ve finally reached test day. These tips will help you do your best while taking the test.

89. Breakfast. Before heading out the door for your test, make sure you eat a healthy breakfast with plenty of protein.
90. Energy food. On testing day, bring snacks that are healthy and give you energy such as almonds, bananas, apples, and granola. Keeping your energy up and blood sugar level will help you concentrate better.
91. Be comfortable. Wear comfortable clothing and consider dressing in layers in case the temperature at the testing site is too warm or cold. If you are normally cold in the air conditioning, consider bringing a sweater.
92. Arrive early. There is nothing worse than getting lost and realizing you are running late for your appointment. Avoid this possibility by arriving early to your testing site.
93. Don’t rush. Don’t feel that you need to apply an unrealistic pressure on yourself to finish as quickly as possible. Don’t rush and spend the appropriate amount of time to answer each question to the best of your ability.
94. Guess. If you don’t know an answer or are unsure, just guess. There is no penalty for guessing and you might guess it correctly. Your first instinct is usually correct.
95. Managing Test Day. These tips, provided by Kaplan, offer suggestions for preparation, planning, relaxing, and succeeding on your exam.
96. Breathe. If you start feeling overwhelmed or panicky, take several deep breaths and let them out slowly. Slow down your thinking and refocus in order to stay calm and on track.
97. Read carefully. Read through each question carefully. If the question seems confusing, trying to re-word the question in a different manner may bring clarity.
98. Answer before looking at options. See if you know the answer to the question before you look at the options given. You may find your answer more easily this way.
99. Take your breaks. 10 minute breaks are offered but not all are mandatory. Take full advantage of these breaks to stretch your legs and clear your mind so you can come back to the test with a better focus.
100. Celebrate. After the test is finished, do something special for yourself. Indulge in a professional massage, go to dinner at your favorite restaurant, or just kick back with a night full of movies knowing you don’t have to worry about studying.