So, it’s National Health and Fitness Month. Maybe you’re already so on top of it that you’re reading this post on your iPhone while on mile five of your morning 10K. Or maybe this information makes you squirm a bit with the vague memory of that New Year’s resolution that somehow fell to the wayside somewhere along the line. But no matter. It’s never to late to start getting fit– and there are so many ways and reasons to do so, that there’s no need to panic. In fact, National Health and Fitness Month makes it easier than ever– not only because the weather is finally the kind you want to enjoy outside– but also because fitness centers such as the Maryland Athletic Club are offering great opportunities this month to use the facilities, take classes, and start getting healthy. We checked in with Sharon Nevins, Vice President of Marketing at the MAC to find out how they’re celebrating National Health and Fitness Month and how we can, too.

Baltimore Fishbowl: So May is National Health and Wellness Month. What does that mean? And what is the MAC doing to help celebrate it?

Sharon Nevins: National Health & Fitness Month was created to help shine a spotlight on the importance of exercise to be healthy. Our industry, along with the First Lady’s “Let’s Move” Campaign joined together to encourage everyone to lead an active, healthy lifestyle. MAC helps celebrate by opening its doors to the entire community to enjoy the MAC and get moving for 7 days. We also have designated community wide classes where non-members can try us out with others just like them.

BFB: That’s great! What an awesome opportunity for those of us who are interested in trying out a new gym. Now that the nice weather is finally here, what are some of the best outdoor exercises we can do to supplement our time at the gym? Baltimore has so many great outdoor spaces and activities. Any top picks or workout ideas?

SN: Just getting outside and walking is always nice. Baltimore also has some incredible trails for hiking. From the NCR trail to Loch Raven to Soldiers Delight and the B&A trail for biking. Whatever is fun and easy for you, you should do. The idea is to enjoy it (most of the time) so you keep up the habit. Read More →

So, apparently, May is National Physical Fitness & Sports Month, and has been for some time. Somehow that got past us until this year. But it is fitting, since May is basically the last possible month to spend hitting the gym (or yoga studio, or running route, or Richard Simmons DVD) before beach season. Doing their part to help us observe National Physical Fitness & Sports Month is the MAC (Maryland Athletic Club & Wellness Center), which will open the doors at all of its locations to the public this month, issuing seven-day passes and hosting several community classes free of charge. Read More →

We try to keep it classy here at Catch of Day, but of course, we wouldn’t be Baltimoreans without a taste for kitsch. And as block parties and barbecues start to get underway this season, you’re sure to see a variety of beer cozies on parade at any outdoor affair worth its salt. Beer cozies don’t always project an image of good taste, but maybe that’s because you’re starting from a baseline of drinking canned beer. Upgrade to bottles and you’re ready for the amazing line of bottle insulators by Freaker, that have just arrived at South Moon Under. Read More →

Hot House: 506 S. Dallas Street, Baltimore, MD 21231-2815

Converted brick warehouse, circa 1979. Newly rennovated. 5,452 sq. ft., with large, open-plan, second floor living space. Garage, lounge area and full recording studio on main floor: $549,000

Read More →

Everyone loves a good ‘ol fashioned wine tasting.  You learn more about different types of wine, you learn more about your pallet, and you have an excuse to let it go to your head for a little bit.  Wine’s Asian cousin, sake, is often overlooked, both in terms of consumption and study, in our western culture.  It’s a tragedy, really.  Like wine, cheap sake is bitter and burns as it goes down, and a solid sake will be smooth and complex.  Unlike wine, sake is not fermented rice; in its creation it bears more of a similarity to beer in that it is brewed.  Never has rice carried such a delightful buzz.  Read More →

The James Beard Foundation’s just released list of semifinalists for its annual restaurant awards include farm-to-table favorite Woodberry Kitchen (in the Outstanding Bar category), special occasion restaurant Charleston (in the Outstanding Wine Program category), and Japanese izakaya Pabu (in the Best New Restaurant category). Woodberry Kitchen Chef Spike Gjerde and Charleston Chef Cindy Wolf were both named semifinalists in the Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic category. Read More →

Newly appointed Legg Mason CEO Joseph A. Sullivan

Courtesy Citybizlist – The Board of Directors of Legg Mason, Inc. (NYSE: LM), one of the world’s largest global asset management firms, announced that it has appointed Joseph A. Sullivan President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors, effective immediately.  In addition, it announced that Dennis M. Kass, a veteran leader in the asset management industry, will join the Legg Mason Board, effective April 1, 2013. Read More →

Day four of Super Bowl planning week. Today, we include something for those who’d rather go out for the big day. Maybe your own television just isn’t big enough for Sunday’s blowout. Or maybe you want to actually watch during the last quarter, rather than clearing plates and loading the dishwasher. Or maybe you’ve been invited to a friend’s Super Bowl party, but you’re feeling a little squeamish about the inevitable presence of beer helmets. Fair enough. But be warned: lots of our favorite local joints will be closed during the game. One place you can count on for great, Baltimore-centric food and a chance to watch the game is the Rusty Scupper. Read More →

Admittedly, we here at Catch of the Day have what you could call a sensitive palate. Or maybe you could call it immature (pasta with butter and salt, anyone?) So the first time we were offered ouzo, we were hesitant. The anise-flavored liqueur, particularly popular in Greece and the kitchens of Greek Americans, pulls no punches. The flavor is intense, and what some might call an acquired taste. But you know how it is when a friend has already poured glasses for the two of you, raised his, and begun his toast with, “to my great-great-grandfather, who brought this very bottle of ouzo with him on the boat when he left his homeland, only to arrive in penniless in America…” This is a situation when you can’t get away with clandestinely pouring it into the nearest house plant. But then—amazingly, the stuff is really pretty interesting. And maybe worth having another shot of…and then maybe another… Read More →

How many times have we each uttered the line, Ugh. I need a new wardrobe? Probably enough times to know that it can be a tall order. After all, a new accessory or pair of jeans, or top-that-goes-with-anything can certainly help for a minute, but realistically, it’s not going to revamp the whole collection. And yet, what if a total revamp was achievable? And right on schedule with the new year? And a professional stylist would help you through it? And not only that, but they’d pour you a glass of champagne to help take the edge off all those trips to the dressing room. Who has cooked up such an enticing plan? Urban Chic Boutique with their New Year, New Wardrobe Sale, going on through the 13^th. Read More →