Work In Progress Fitness

Open Arms & Hearts to the Flow of Life

2009-06-02T10:40:00.001-07:00

A very special thanks to our friends at Being Yoga in Burlingame, California for this grounding and inspirational article. It's a fantastic reminder of the power and divinity within us all!

Intentional - Align with your Highest Good
(Being Yoga Community News, 6/2/09)

Aligning with Your Highest Good begins in the mind. It begins when you become aware of the personal stories you tell (and repeat) to yourself. Through consciously making note of those stories, you can begin to be aware of patterns of thinking that undermine your best feelings - your feelings of faith in yourself, in others, and in the world. Only after you become aware of such patterns can you begin to change them and awaken to a higher, more productive and more creative level of thinking - thinking that will help you attain your goals and produce positive circumstances and events.

Such awareness takes practice and training. And, is there any better training ground than your own yoga mat? For example, when you walk into the yoga studio, do you get upset when someone has placed his/her mat on "your" spot? Are you convinced that your practice was "ruined" by too much, or too little, heat? Are you distracted by others and become critical if they aren't performing the way you think they should? Are the ceiling fans too loud, too windy, too . . . ? As you acknowledge your thoughts about the conditions of the yoga room, you might begin to realize that you are labeling your external conditions negatively, and that by doing so, you are creating your own internal feelings of discontent and unhappiness.

Roy Eugene Davis says, "Allowing outer events or circumstances to adversely influence your mind and consciousness will result in mental and emotional confusion and interfere with your endeavors to be freely expressive. Avoid thinking that other people or circumstances can prevent you from bringing forth your potential to be fully awake and skillfully functional. With practice, you can become "fully awake and skillfully functional" on your own yoga mat and open up a whole new realm of enjoyment within. For example, instead of focusing on the heat level, you will find much more satisfaction being mindful of how your lungs are expanding and contracting in Pranayama Breathing, or how your hip is opening in Trikanasana, or how your hamstrings are lengthening in Janushirasana with Paschimothanasana. By doing so, you will walk away from your practice feeling far more stretched, toned, cleansed, calm and happy than if you had allowed outward distractions to dominate your attention during class.

So it is with life. It is easy to be in the unconscious habit of entertaining mundane, negative, and unproductive thoughts about anything and everything. But, by aligning with your highest good, and "keeping arms and heart wide open to the flow of life," (as our own yoga teacher Toi Lynn Wyle so beautifully stated) we can begin "seeing the Paradise in the now" (as Krishnamurti so beautifully stated). Instead of negatively labeling and reacting, you can learn to refocus your observations onto higher, more meaningful thoughts.

Our work - when either training in the yoga studio or functioning outside in the "real" world - is to become aware of our thoughts, and work on lifting them to a higher level. "Assume states of consciousness and nurture thoughts and feelings that will constructively influence your actions and produce or attract ideal events and circumstances," Mr. Davis advises, because, he goes on to say, "Whatever you really need or want, first possess it in your mind and consciousness and it can be yours in fact." Aligning with your higher good will lead you to a happier, more productive and more satisfying life in the world. Again, "You have to live your life. Why not do it the way you know to be the best?"

6 Ways to Boost Your Metabolism

2009-03-18T15:25:00.000-07:00

Check out this article from FitWatch on 7 Ways to Boost Your Metabolism. I changed my title to "6" because I disagree with the adding caffeine beverages idea. While caffeine can aid athletic performance, I it's not a good weight-loss aid or habit. The metabolic difference is too small of a benefit to counteract the negatives of caffeine such as its addictive qualities and the post-caffeine crash.

Obesity's Big Impact

2009-02-04T08:20:00.000-08:00

The incidence of clinically defined obesity in the U.S. adult population has reached 34%, more than double the incidence in 1980. A person is considered clinically obese when his or her body mass index (BMI) is 30 or higher. The morbidly obese -- those whose BMI is 40+ -- represent the fastest-growing sector of obesity. Their average yearly health care costs exceed $7,500, nearly twice the average annual cost for adults who are not obese.

McKinsey estimates that the medical costs associated with clinically obese patients represent about 10% of the sum spent on health care premiums. Reducing the incidence of obesity back to 1980's level would generate $60 billion a year in net savings.

SOURCE: "Three Imperatives for Improving U.S. Health Care," The McKinsey Quarterly, December 2008.

2009 Fitness Trends

2009-01-14T05:34:00.000-08:00

Check out this announcement from the American Council on Exercise on the hottest fitness trends for 2009. Give one a try today. Who knows, it could make the difference between resolution and evolution!

ACT LIKE A TRAINER: 9 Tips of What Trainers do for their Own Workouts

2009-01-14T05:32:00.000-08:00

This is the time of year when many people decide to make resolutions and hit the health club to get the body they’ve always wanted. To determine the most effective methods of exercise, it makes sense to work with a personal trainer and also look at what fitness professionals do for their own workouts.

20-Minute Yoga Practice Video Series

2009-01-13T21:26:00.000-08:00

Even if you only have 20 minutes to spare, you can still fit in your daily yoga practice. Choose from one of Yoga Journal's podcasts, including Core Strength, Balancing Poses, and simple Morning and Evening sequences.

Top Fitness Mistakes & Fixes

2008-12-09T13:10:00.000-08:00

Read about the 12 most common, performance-defeating fitness mistakes—and how to fix them—in Oustide Magzine:
Training on Empty
Working Out Just to Work Out
Living at the Gym
Stretching Cold
Going Long and Slow to Burn Calories
Ignoring Weights
Taking it Too Easy
Skipping Recovery
Moving in One Plane
Ab Obsession
Pretending You're Too Busy
Not Keeping Score

New Yoga Flow Series in Redwood City

2008-11-24T12:57:00.000-08:00

WIPFIT is now also offering Vinyasa Yoga classes at Every Woman Health Club in Redwood City. This beginning level class is open to aspiring Yoginis of all ages and abilities. Go with the flow to calm your mind, tone your body, and increase your flexibility. As always, modifications will be introduced throughout.

Dates: Fridays between Dec. 5 and Dec. 19
Times: 10 - 11:15 a.m.
Fees for Non-Members: 3 Session Series $33, Drop-in $15

New Yoga Flow Series in San Bruno

2008-11-24T12:50:00.000-08:00

Synchronize your mind, body and breath in this active Vinyasa class. Aspiring Yogis of all ages and abilities can go with the flow to calm your mind, tone your body and increase your flexibility. Great class for beginners and those who’ve always wanted to try a Yoga class as modifications will be introduced throughout. Bring a yoga mat or long towel.

Drop In Rate for Single Classes: $12 Resident, $15 Non-resident
Cost (for the series of 8 classes): $72 Resident, $87 Non-resident
Location: San Bruno Rec Center, Recreation Center Meeting Room
Day/Time: Wed., 9-10am and/or Thurs., 12-1pm

Registration is easy. Simply visit the San Bruno Parks and Rec online brochure. The registration form is on page 34, and instructions for mail, drop off, fax and walk-in are on page 33.

Mental (or Emotional) Barriers Block Obese Women from Exercise

2008-10-16T10:41:00.000-07:00

Obese women report that several mental barriers keep them from exercising to lose weight, according to a new study conducted by researchers from the Center for Obesity Research and Education and the department of kinesiology at Temple University.

An article published in HealthDay News, reports that the study dealt with mental barriers to exercise, including:

Feeling self-conscious.
Not wanting to fail.
Fearing injury.
Perceived poor health.
Having minor aches and pains.
Feeling too overweight to exercise.

I was struck by the use of "mental" vs. categorizing these issues as "emotional." Perhaps the researchers didn't want to sterotype women? Or perhaps they're not willing to recognize that emotions are just as powerful in determining behavior? (Yes, that was totally an editorial comment. I admit it.)

Here's the full article so you can reach your own conclusions.

Information is Power!

2008-10-08T13:56:00.000-07:00

On Sept. 30, California became the first state nationwide to require chain restaurants with more than 15 outlets to post calorie counts for each item on their menus and menu boards. The law won't take effect until 2011, but here's a sneak peak at some eye-opening data from the American Council on Exercise (ACE).

ACE also points to Eat This, Not That from author David Zinczenko. He provides insight into some of the worst chain restaurant foods while offering consumers some alternatives. Before going to your favorite chain restaurant, you may want to consider your choices...

Just one exercise session speeds fat metabolism

2008-10-07T13:45:00.000-07:00

Reuters reports on a new study that confirms a single bout of exercise helps obese individuals boost their body's fat-burning rate and improve their metabolic health. Read the article now!

10 Quick Ways to Make A Difference

2008-10-02T17:09:00.000-07:00

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Add your voice to the breast cancer community with these easy tips and help create change today.

Top Superfoods for Women of Any Age

2008-09-25T14:53:00.000-07:00

Proper nutrition is a key foundation to living a healthy, active life, right? So consider snacking on this article featuring the Top 5 Superfoods for Women of Any Age by Health Magazine (though I'm quite confident that anything deemed a "super food" is great for men too).

They also recently posted an article featuring the Best Foods for Runners. Again feel free to chow down on this news if you're fueling an active body--any active body!

Wellness Incentives Are Paying Off

2008-09-24T09:40:00.000-07:00

Is your company looking for a way to both decrease its healthcare costs and help employees attain better health? Try wellness programs and make sure to offer incentives.

A recent study from the National Business Group on Health and Watson Wyatt reported that almost half (46%) of the employers they interviewed offer financial incentives to encourage healthy behaviors.

And according to Interactive Health Solutions (IHS), Arlington Heights, Ill., a provider of population health management programs, the incentives are translating into bottom-line savings. A recent article in Industry Week reported that companies using IHS programs spend $2,850 less per employee on annual healthcare costs.

These are exciting highlights. Be sure to read the articles linked in this post for the full story.

Studies Detail Contrasts in Candidates' Health-Care Plans

2008-09-18T20:29:00.002-07:00

The Wall Street Journal recently compared a number of new studies regarding the presidential candidates' health-care plans. Take a look and ask yourself what matters most to you--cost or coverage?

San Francisco Dances in the Streets

2008-09-18T20:29:00.001-07:00

Thousands of people came out on Sunday, August 31 and Sunday September 14 and enjoyed the first-ever Sunday Streets event. A four and half mile route stretching from Bayview to Chinatown along the Embarcadero was closed to traffic to allow for biking, walking, jogging and physical activity of all kinds--including YOGA! Activities were offered all along the route, and people of all ages took part.

Send the organizers a note today and encourage them to do it again and again and again!

Healthy living cuts premature death risk in half

2008-09-18T20:29:00.000-07:00

Women who heed common sense health messages about smoking, diet and exercise can cut their risk of premature death in half, U.S. researchers said on Tuesday.

Many studies look at the impact of just one lifestyle change on overall health, but researchers at Harvard University wanted to see the total impact of a healthy diet, regular exercise, a healthy weight and a lifetime without smoking.

Dr. Rob van Dam and a team from the Harvard School of Public Health and Brigham and Women's Hospital followed 80,000 nurses for more than two decades.

Runners Live Longer and Have Fewer Disabilities

2008-08-17T21:08:00.000-07:00

Regular running in middle age and beyond may lengthen lifespans and retard the disabilities of aging, a longitudinal study showed.

Runners ages 50 to 72 had a 40% reduced risk of being moderately disabled or of dying after a 21-year follow-up than healthy controls, Eliza Chakravarty, M.D., of Stanford, and colleagues reported in the Aug. 11 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine.

Disability and survival curves continued to diverge between groups after the 21-year follow-up as participants approached their ninth decade of life, they added.

Read the full article.

Escape from the Norm

2008-06-09T20:34:00.000-07:00

Typically, I share important news and info regarding health and fitness. However, today I'm sharing my experience from yesterday after doing my first Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon.

It's a crazy event where 1800 people hop onto a boat and sail to Alcatraz at 7 am. From the boat, which begins to tip as the athletes gather to one side, the athletes jump ship (literally) in paratrooper cadence and empty the entire boat within 6 minutes. From the cold-water plunge, you swim across a river for 1.5 miles. A river? Apparently, the San Francisco Bay fills and empties about 8 feet of water each day. The race is timed with the "exit" of said water and flows at 8+ knots to the ocean. So, to swim to the shore, you make eye contact with a radio tower and mark it at 12 o'clock, then you swim to 10 o'clock.

Did you know that a bridge is sitting on the bottom of the Bay? Instead of removing it, they simply "lowered" it. Now it creates a torrent of waves for idiots to swim through in the open water. So I did that, swam through the perfect storm and I swam and I swam to 10 o'clock...until...I got close to the edge and cut too soon. I found myself treading water and going nowhere but straight to exhaustion. Luckily, a kayaker - of whom there were about 100 standing by to help us out - shared an idea with me. At this point, I was close enough to swim straight and let the current pull me 50 yards down the beach where I could run back to where I was supposed to be. It worked. After :46 minutes, I was on land. Sweet!

My goal was simply to survive the swim! I made it. From there, I got to witness some of the most beautiful views ever - the San Francisco Bay on a clear day from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Pacific Ocean, courageous challenged athletes re-setting our expectations for themselves and for ourselves, the 67-year old man than was kickin' my ass and the countless volunteers cheering us on and keeping us safe throughout the race.

Thanks to everyone for helping me to "escape" if only for that day (and every day that I get to test myself and witness the strength of others). Stay tuned for photos (and here they are) and documentary footage from the best husband ever - mine!

Fitness Is A Wii Bit O' Fun

2008-04-02T11:08:00.000-07:00

Nintendo launched Wii Fit in Japan last year and now it's coming to America!

Buy Organic or Not?

2008-03-25T15:57:00.000-07:00

Not all of us can afford to go 100% organic. One solution? Choose conventionally grown foods from this list: 10 Foods You Don't Have to Buy Organic . These are fruits and vegetables that retain the least amount of pesticide residue so you can save your organic dollars for those foods that are laden with the highest amounts of pesticides, chemicals, additives and hormones (aka The Dirty Dozen: Top 12 Foods to Eat Organic).

Your Yoga Mat As Magic Carpet

2008-03-17T12:17:00.000-07:00

If inclement weather is keeping you from getting to the gym or partaking in your usual outdoor routine, you may worry that your body will turn to mush by spring. You know that exercise is essential, regardless of the season. Fortunately, you can maintain your physique while staying snug at home. Full article

GREAT RESOURCE: Inner IDEA

2008-02-22T13:03:00.000-08:00

I recently discovered this online resource. Their mission is to "inspire the world to wellness through body, mind and spirit." Here are just a few of the articles that peaked my interest:

A Lifetime of Health: Tips to Raise Healthy Kids

2008-02-22T12:58:00.000-08:00

#1 Cook with them. Read the entire article.

Shameless Promotion: 10 Reasons to Hire a Trainer

2008-02-19T09:20:00.000-08:00

Many automatically equate personal training with gyms full of hard-core strength trainers and bodybuilders. This is only part of the picture. More and more people, novice and veteran exercisers alike, are working with personal trainers because they offer a practical and affordable means of getting and staying healthy. The American Council on Exercise shares the following top 10 reasons why you should hire a personal trainer.

7 Deadly Sins

2008-02-15T14:25:00.000-08:00

OK, so the title is a bit provocative. However, if you think about honestly...overweight=unhealthy=health risks. Does this describe you?

Healthy Investment: Employers save $1.65 for every $1 spent on wellness

2008-02-14T19:33:00.000-08:00

Employers can save $1.65 in healthcare expenses for every dollar spent on comprehensive employee wellness programs, according to a new study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.

Watch Football, Text in and Donate to Fight Childhood Obesity

2008-02-06T14:11:00.000-08:00

In the quintessential American past-time of football, Super Bowl Sunday, the finale of the season, takes on a special meaning. In the middle of the usual high-profile commercials that can cost $3 million for 30-seconds of air time, viewers will see a 10-second United Way television ad asking users to donate via SMS to a campaign fighting childhood obesity. The ad will premier during the Super Bowl game this Sunday, and will continue to run until the summer. Read More >>

Commitment (and its other benefits)

2008-02-06T09:44:00.000-08:00

Allow me to be crass for a moment. Lent starts today. Growing up, it was about "giving up". Now as an adult, I view it as a sign or symbol of my commitment. As a fitness professional, I also view it as an opportunity. This year I'll show my commitment by forgoing my daily Starbucks green tea latte (grande, soy, no water and extra hot, in a personal cup to be exact). Let's look at Lent through the eyes of a certified personal trainer for a moment. That's -260 calories per day for 40 days. That equals 10,400 calories or 2.97 pounds that I could also forgoe.
Thank God for that!

Sex and Exercise

2008-02-06T09:35:00.000-08:00

Given that about two-thirds of American adults are overweight or obese (68.3 million men and 65 million women according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) and only 26 percent of adults being physically active, for many couples a healthier lifestyle may be the ticket to a happier love life.
Read the article from the America Council on Exercise.

NBC Report: A Nation of "Indoorsmen"

2008-02-05T19:44:00.000-08:00

In this story based on a study published by the Nature Conservancy, NBC missed a huge opportunity. It neglects to mention the health considerations - mental and physical - represented by our diminishing relationship with the great outdoors. So, allow me to add a little something...

This study and report support an obvious fact - times have changed. The majority of Americans chose a virtual or electronic reality, and we've become less active and, consequently, less healthy. I'll never knock technology, but I will say that we need to adjust for our sakes and for our future!

Here's the clip:

Meow!

2008-02-01T15:42:00.000-08:00

OK, I know that a Lion is different than a cat, but I felt so welcome that perhaps I got confused. Thanks to the Burlingame Lions Club for hosting me as their weekly luncheon speaker yesterday. I'd especially like to thank Lion Gary Vielbaum, owner of Burlingame Auto Repair,and Lion Dan Anderson, the current Lions Club President, for their kindness in arranging the event. During the conversation, I invited the club members to "be visibly active". In my view, sometimes the simplest ideas are the most profound. By being visibly active in our communities and families, we can set the example and therefore determine the course for a more healthy future for all of America. With that said, I'm off to take the dog for walk.

Vote for ME! (please, please, please)

2008-01-31T20:21:00.001-08:00

I've been nominated as Exercise TV's Top Personal Trainer, but I need your help to win. Please vote for me today!

Community WIP*FIT

2008-01-31T17:18:00.000-08:00

I had the great pleasure of teaching at the Burlingame Public Library on Monday. The next day, this picture appeared in the San Francisco Examiner! Many thanks to the class participants for allowing this to happen.

Free Yoga Classes Around the Bay Area

2008-01-27T16:07:00.000-08:00

I had the great pleasure of meeting Tony Eason today. He's a San Francisco-based Iyengar teacher who's organizing free, weekly yoga classes at Sports Basement (the really huge, new one on 16th and Bryant in Potrero Hills). Tony also organizes and promotes free classes around the Bay Area on his website. Check it out to experience some fantastic teachers (plus Tony whose teaching my girlfriend raves about).

As for Sports Basement, the free classes are Sundays from 1-2:30 pm in the Grotto (basement floor near the bike shop) and feature various styles and teachers. I also had the great pleasure of teaching today, and will teach again on February 24th.

Ps. Sports Basement offers a 15% discount on merchandise for all attendees. I bought new running shoes!

Cruise Survival Basics

2008-01-25T15:16:00.000-08:00

Our dear friends just got married! For the wedding, all of their friends and family took a five day cruise. How fun! (It was a ton of fun. I need a vacation to recover.)

Admittedly, my hubbie and I were a bit nervous. We don't consider ourselves "cruise people" and we were worried about how we'd cope with the copious amounts of food and with being stuck on the boat.

OK, now I get it. There's so much to do! And we created so many little strategies for having fun, but still maintaining our good health.

Here are my tips for healthy cruise survival:
1. The Salad Bar: Cover your plate with 3/4 veggies or 3/4 salad and then use the other 1/4 for little bits of temptation. (Fill with 3/4 fruit at breakfast.) And resist the temptation to pile high.
2. Soup! Soup! And more soup! Soup is a great way to start your meal. It requires you to slow down to eat it and it's very satiating! Remember, it takes about 20 minutes for your brain to recognize that your tummy is full - so slow down!
3. Be a SNOB! If it's not the best thing you've ever eaten, don't finish it. I hate wasting food, so I'll try just a bit to see if I like it and then take my whole portion.
4. Take the stairs 24/7. You can add a ton of activity to your day simply by taking the stairs. You'll build muscle and burn calories - and likely see some cool art in the stairwell.
5. Two appetizers please. Yes, you can order two apps and skip the main course. You get more flavors, to try more new things and you'll feel totally full (instead of bulging).
6. Share, share and share alike! My husband and I share all of the time. We always split dessert (and burritos). That way, we get to try something yummy and sweet and feel human versus bulbous after dinner. (How often does one get to use the word bulbous after all?)
7. Check out the gym. Cruises often have the latest and greatest equipment and great views to boot! My favorite routine was mid-day sun, followed by an afternoon workout and then a quick nap before dinner. That's what I call a vacation!
8. Be creative. Our cruise offer a running track on the top deck, but it was way to winding and kinda like playing human Frogger. Not fun. Sooo, we found a lower deck (you know, the one where they make you go for the "drill" that Leo and Kate didn't have). That deck went the whole way around the ship (twice the distance of the track), was often empty and was more sheltered from the sun and wind.
9. Check out everything on the ship! Seriously, most ships are so big that touring the whole things is really a work out in itself - especially since you're taking the stairs.
10. Try new things. There were lots of events and classes offered that we weren't in the least interested, however, we were pleasantly surprised by a number of activities. No one makes you stay, so go and try something new.

I'm happy to say that I didn't gain a pound - and I ate like a horse! I worked out in the gym 4 of the 5 days, did my very own mini-yoga classes on the upper decks and in the gym, kayaked, snorkeled, toured the ship, walked the decks each day with my hubbie, ran 1 mile, ran all over the ship in a scavenger hunt, walked the beach after the wedding (beautiful), played shuffled board, danced, walked tons and tons of stairs, hugged my friends, sang and laughed my head off, and still managed at least 4 naps and to go to bed one night around 9. Way cool!

What Happened January 25, 2008?

2008-01-25T14:33:00.000-08:00

Why suddenly so prolific? Well, it's simple. My forum broke! Yep, just broke. So I've decided to make it a blog. I love the options presented by technology. (It's just so cool.)

New Year's Resolutions - December 17, 2007

2008-01-25T14:32:00.000-08:00

Perhaps this year, we simply resolve to change whenever the thought comes to us? Like right now. There's really no reason to wait! Do it. Do it now!

I love this! - December 3, 2007

2008-01-25T14:31:00.000-08:00

"Destiny is not a matter of chance, it's is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for. It is a thing to be achieved."

- W.J. Bryant (whomever that might be)

Removing the Mystery: It's a balancing act! - November 30, 2007

2008-01-25T14:29:00.000-08:00

I just found a great resource from Active.com - a simple little calculator for determining your daily caloric needs. It's not perfect, but it's a good quick way to understand your needs and limitations.

Here's an example:
I'm 5'5" tall and weight 126. So, I can consume 2158 calories a day and continue to be 126. However, when I input 130, the upper limit was 2195.

I tell you this to illustrate how amazing close those numbers are and the difference between gaining or losing 4 pounds.

Use The Calculator to Your Advantage http://www.active.com/fitness/calculators/calories/
1. Input and find the upper caloric limit for your current weight.
2. Input and find the upper caloric limit for your desired weight.

This helps you know the difference between where you are and where you want to go. Now, it takes 3500 calories to lose or gain a pound. We can use activity to help you accelerate or slow your loss based on the calories expended during your workouts.

I know that it sounds complicated. If it's overwhelming, just send me a note and we'll figure it out together.

Thanks, Stranger - November 26, 2007

2008-01-25T14:28:00.000-08:00

A wonderful thing happened to me last week. First, our dog got sick, which wasn't wonderful, but since she's fine it's just a circumstance for this story. When I found out that the Angel (aka the dog) had a large tumor in her stomach, I fell apart. I left the doctor's office crying and tried to squeeze some words through the tears and into the cell phone where my husband, who was at work, was waiting for the report. I was a wreck. Then, from seemingly out of nowhere, a woman wrapped her arms around me and hugged me. She patted me on the back and didn't say anything right away. I soon came up for some air, we shared our dog tales, she hugged me again and then she turned to leave.

I can't explain how much she helped me in that moment. I only hope that in times of need that I can be that kind and compassionate.

Perhaps someday I'll have the ability to thank her. For now, I commend her spirit and pass on her good will.

FYI - Hush is doing faaaabbbbuulously!

A Walk A Day - November 9, 2007

2008-01-25T14:27:00.000-08:00

The American Council on Exercise recently published this great article espousing all of the wonderful benefits of a walking program, including:

* Reduce blood cholesterol
* Lower blood pressure
* Increase cardiovascular endurance
* Boost bone strength
* Burn calories and keep weight down

For the full article and beginner's walking plan, visit this link:

A Walk A Day

Join the Lance Army - November 2, 2007

2008-01-25T14:26:00.000-08:00

Lance is at it again. Actually he probably never stops. He's running the New York City Marathon once again, this time with an army of yellow behind him compliments of his buddies at Nike. But you don't have to run NYC or be a marathoner to share a little slice of his inspiration and contribute to the Lance Armstrong Foundation, which supports cancer research. Visit:

http://insidenikerunning.nike.com/2007/10/26/join-lance-and-the-livestrong-army/

You can pick up a Dri-Fit LIVESTRONG Yellow Race-Day top for $40 and 100% of Nike profits goes to the foundation. Super cool efforts must be supported!

It is by believing, loving, hoping and doing that one finds joy and peace. - Novemer 2, 2007

2008-01-25T14:25:00.000-08:00

The Un-Fit Kids Problem - November 1, 2007

2008-01-25T14:24:00.000-08:00

Why get in shape and, therefore, healthy? A great reason is to set a good example for your kids. Today's children, for the first time in recorded history, have a lower life expectancy than their parents. Sure, I can worry about global warming and pollution and a bunch of other things that I have no direct control over. But, what's my excuse for a full third of high school students being completely sedentary and California spending $28 billion annually due to obesity related illnesses? I can't sit here any more. I'm going for a walk!

We're Not Just Killing Ourselves Anymore - October 16, 2007

2008-01-25T14:22:00.002-08:00

Our nations lack of physical fitness and portion control awareness has attacked another cherished loved one - our pets!

According to Purina.com, obesity is the number one nutritional disorder among dogs and cats in the U.S. Here's the article, but the bottom line is that regular exercise will benefit both of you. So grab the leash and get moving!

And now the article...

The fact is, obesity can shorten your pet's life span, impair heart and breathing functions, cause digestive distress, and lead to other chronic conditions like arthritis in dogs and diabetes in cats. There are many things you can do to help avoid weight issues in your pet. Here are just a few to get you started:

1. Avoid feeding table scraps and excessive treats.
2. Instead of filling the bowl, measure your pet's food based on the feeding amount recommended on the back of the package.
3. Observe your pet over time to see if you need to adjust the amount of food given in order to maintain ideal body condition.
4. Consider switching to a lower-calorie Purina® food if your pet's activity slows down.

In order to help your pet keep off extra pounds, he or she must burn the calories consumed. The best way to do this is through regular exercise or play, which should go hand-in-hand with a proper diet. In addition to being healthy for you and your pet, exercise is also a great way to bond. The key is to make sure that the two of you are engaging in exercise or active play every day and that each “session” is at least 10 to 15 minutes long. Remember, always consult your veterinarian before beginning your program.

New York Times Enhances Fitness Coverage - October 7, 2007

2008-01-25T14:22:00.001-08:00

Check out the NYT's expanded health coverage and post your thoughts.

Posted on the Navigator:
New York Times launches new online health section
Posted on: 10/3/2007

The New York Times has launched a new health and wellness section on its Web site focused on helping readers make appropriate health and lifestyle choices. The section features scientific research reports, health issues, reference articles, columns and interactive tools. Topics covered include anything from food and nutrition to chronicle illnesses to government policy and health care.

About.com Enhances Health Resources - October 7, 2007

2008-01-25T14:21:00.000-08:00

This sounds cool. What do you think?

Excerpt from MediaWeek:
About.com Unveils Calorie Count Plus
by Mike Shields
OCTOBER 02, 2007 -

About.com has continued the expansion of its health content with the launch of Calorie Count Plus, a new diet-focused channel that incorporates content and tools from Calorie-Count.com, a site it acquired last year.

Calorie Count Plus allows weight-loss-inclined users to establish a free profile via which they will receive customized dieting recommendations, including specific foods. The channel - caloriecount.about.com - also features a variety of community elements where other calorie counters can offer support to each other while sharing experiences. “Calorie Count Plus arms dieters with a foundation to help them succeed at weight loss,” said Marjorie Martin, general manager, About.com Health.

Earlier this year, About.com made significant enhancements to its health section, including the addition of original health-related video. In addition, back in March the site purchased UCompareHealthCare.com, a Consumer Reports-like site focused on the medical care industry.

Our Biggest Challenge - October 7, 2007

2008-01-25T14:20:00.000-08:00

In my mind, and in my anecdotal research, I've found motivation to be the biggest challenge for all, especially us girls. We can blame it on time (a.k.a. work, family, etc), but it comes down to lack of motivation or even desire. So, let's talk about this...

This will sound like I'm generalizing, but I think we should keep it simple. Are you just passing time on this planet and waiting to die, for it all to be over? Very, very few people will answer that question "yes." (If you did, proceed to your nearest emergency room for a psych eval.) If you answered "no," then don't you want to get the most out of life and your time here?

Your health (body and mind) is the foundation of your being. If you're not healthy, how can you really prosper, set a good example, and "suck the marrow out of life"?

Picture this: have you ever noticed how difficult it is for a heavy person to walk? Maybe your even thinking of yourself? It doesn't have to be that way. 10 minute bursts of activity three times a day is all it takes to not puff and wheeze. Park the car further from the office or the grocery store, take the stairs, walk to lunch or the coffee shop, walk the kids to the park...little tweaks.

What does this have to do with motivation? What's more motivating than every little thing that you do - every little move that you make - becoming easier and not such a struggle, your medical costs decreasing, your outlook increasing, your energy increasing.

Few things in life can provide such immediate, positive and all-encompassing benefits. Now move it!

Nike Marathon - October 2,2007

2008-01-25T14:18:00.000-08:00

Sadly, I won't be running the Nike Marathon this year. Like a dummy, I forgot to update my email address (race alumna get an early entry invitation) and it was sold out before I discovered my brain fart. In honor of this upcoming event, I'd like to share a few considerations:
- WHAT KIND OF RUNNER ARE YOU? I discovered last year that I run for the camaraderie. I've done 2 Nike marathons. The first one, I did with Mom. (It was Mom's first. She rocked it!) We ran with the slow folks and had a blast cheering each other on, chatting and - at times - even dancing. Then, I ran my pace the next year. Bad idea. Those girls don't talk, they suffer. That's not my style. It's not why I run. Next time: I'll happily run around the slow folks and offer a "you look great" as I pass each and every one!
- PURPLE PEOPLE ROCK! If you haven't heard of Team In Training, you should look them up. The cause is fantastic (raising money to fund cancer research) and they inspire people to do things they never thought possible - all shapes and sizes, all ages and races. I love them!
- GREAT WAY FOR MEN TO MEET WOMEN! In 2005, my husband cheered Mom and I on with signs that read "Happy Birthday," "Happy First Anniversary," and "Mom Rocks." He was a very popular guy. (And, yes, we celebrated all 3 occasions that day. He's a very special man.)

I could say so much more about this wonderful event. I'll miss it this year. But, then again, I have something wonderful to look forward to in 2008 - Nike #3!