The pumpkin patch is an annual event for many Katy families.

Mothers with cameras, kids with grins, activities for the kids and pumpkins galore can make for an entire day at the pumpkin patch.

Finding the perfect pumpkin to decorate your table or porch can be difficult with so many choices but that's all part of the fun.

Whether you want a quick trip to a pumpkin patch or make a day of it there are many to choose from.

Pumpkin patches in and around Katy:

• Dewberry Farm- pick your own pumpkin, lighted pumpkin stroll, corn maze, hayrides, kid activities
• Old Time Christmas Tree Farm- yes, they have pumpkins, train, giant slide, obstacle course, hayride
• Zoo Boo at The Houston Zoo- Fiesta Mart pumpkin patch: kids choose a pumpkin to paint
• Matt Family Orchard- pumpkin patch, hayride, dressing scarecrows
• 7 Acre Wood- pumpkin patch, hayride, hay maze, pony rides
• TGR Exotics- pumpkin patch "on the wild side"
• St. Peter's UMC- Oct 2-31. Free. 9am-7pm M-Sat, 12-7pm Sun.
• First Methodist of Katy- 10am-6pm. Free. Proceeds benefit missions programs.
• Oil Ranch- 1 free pumpkin with admission, Oct 1-31st
• Holy Cross Episcopal Church- 10 a.m. until dark Monday, Oct. 12 – Saturday, Oct. 31
• Faith United Methodist Church- Oct 5-31

Happy Hunting!

If you have been reading my previous posts about the phases of strength training, you know the second phase of a well structured program is the Strength Phase. If you haven't read the first part of this series, start with the Stability Phase instead.

The strength training phase of fitness program is a lot of fun. You get to workout harder, push the muscles more intensely, and start seeing more definition in the muscles.

I know many women shy away from using heavy weights, and I definitely understand why. If you aren't following a well structured nutrition program, this phase will really mess with you.

Your body burns fat faster than it adds muscle. There is no way you can build muscle faster than you can lose fat. If you only see yourself building muscle, your nutrition progam is incorrect. I'm sorry, but that's a simple fact. But we will get into nutrition another time.

You should have completed the stability phase by now that includes high repititions. You should also be ready for a change and this is your solution.

-Jason Hodge, Medical Exercise Specialist, Katy, TX