During the past two years, Estefania Figueiredo wasn’t feeling well, so she turned to fitness to get strong.      “I really was not in an optimal shape,” said Figueiredo, 31, a human resources consultant for a health care company who lives in Miami Lakes. “I was at a point in my life where I was just not happy.       “On the inside I wasn’t feeling...

     Mark your calendars for Town of Miami Lakes events in January.  Jan. 7 Movies at the Park  “The Polar Express,” presented at Veterans Park 15151 NW 82nd Ave., Miami Lakes. 7:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. Hosted by the Youth Activities Task Force. Register at www.toml.eventbrite.com. Jan. 12 Bingo Luncheon It was scheduled to be held at Roberto Alonso Community Center...

     The Board of Miami-Dade County Public Schools recognized the Civic Engagement Academy at Bob Graham Education Center on Dec. 15.     Calling the academy a “precious asset” to the board’s focus on civic education, it was praised for its outstanding performance. The academy was founded in 2012 by former U.S. Sen. and Fla. Gov. Bob Graham, for whom the school is named.    ...

The Farmer’s Carry is a full-body movement with weights. 1.  You will use just about every muscle to perform this exercise. 2.  Grasp a pair of dumbbells or Kettlebells or any heavy object that you can carry. Hold one in each hand. 3.  Stand tall with good “military posture,” in other words keep your entire body rigid and tight.  4.  Begin by bringing one knee up to where the leg forms a...

  Ruby, the one-year-old white Standard Poodle on the left, and Ryder, 2, the Standard Poodle/Australian Shepherd at her side, live with the Alvarez-Borrell family on the west side of Miami Lakes.     “Ruby is still just a puppy,” Katherine Alvarez said. “She runs around and loves to play with her toys.”      Ryder is Ruby’s opposite: “He is the lazy one, and loves to be...