Tuesday, June 3, 2008

How To Play Golf Safe In The Sun

To promote sun safety and skin cancer prevention among golf enthusiasts, who face heightened risks of developing skin cancer due to prolonged sun exposure, dermatologists representing WDS provided free skin cancer screenings and sun damage assessments.

Monday, June 2, 2008

How to Dress for Hot Weather Running

When the weather's warm, the right running clothes can mean the difference between a comfortable run and a miserable one. Follow these tips for how to dress properly for hot...

Injuries To High School Baseball Players Becoming More Serious

New study calls for increased use of protective equipment to reduce in school sports related injuries, particularly in regard to baseball-related injuries.

Saturday, May 31, 2008

Technological Interventions Merge Into Health And Fitness

ACSM's Exercise is Medicine program encourages all physicians and healthcare professionals to examine patients' physical activity programs at every visit.

Friday, May 30, 2008

Exercise in Adolescence Linked To Breast Cancer Lower Rate

Women who were physically active as teens and young adults were 23 percent less likely to develop premenopausal breast cancer than women who grew up sedentary.

Running Clubs Recruit for Wellness

Individual runners or groups of runners may join HSC's team. Corporations may sponsor their employees' participation, match their gifts, or sign on as an official corporate sponsor, with all the accompanying benefits.

Golf Prolongs Life, Good Health

Golf can be a good investment for the health, according to a new study from the Swedish medical university Karolinska Institutet. The death rate for golfers is 40 per cent lower than for other people of the same sex, age and socioeconomic status, which correspond to a 5 year increase in life expe...

Physical Activity Affected By Social Status

As physical activity is a ticket to health and well-being, it should be easily accessible, culturally acceptable, appealing and convenient to everybody.

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Wearing Flip-flops May Lead to Leg Pain

I love that comfortable feeling of slipping into a pair of flip-flops right after a run or race during the hot summer months. That's why I was so disappointed to...

Illinois Governor Promotes Exercise And Healthier Lifestyles

Illinois Governor urged Illinois workers to choose a healthier diet, physical activity, and becoming a role model of good health habits for their children.

Runners' Knees Still Looking Good After 10 Years

Good news for runners' knees! In a recent small study, German researchers performed MRIs on the knees of seven recreational marathon runners and then did similar MRIs 10 years...

Swimming vs. Jogging

If you're into mixing up your cardio by including swimming and running in your routine, then you'll probably want to know how the two compare. Take this quiz to test what you know.

Source

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When's the Best Time to Run?

Wouldn't it be nice if we could always run at the time when it was both convenient for our schedules and most beneficial for our bodies? Unfortunately, it doesn't...

Run Away from High Gas Prices

As I was filling up my car at the gas station yesterday, I gasped when I looked at the final price on the pump. I know I'm not alone when...

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Tips for Running with Your Dog

Dogs can be great running companions. They're reliable and adjust to whatever pace you want to run, and you don't have to worry about them boring you with stories about...

Ice or Heat on a Running Injury?

I recently received this question from a runner: "After a recent run, my shins started to hurt. One running friend told me to ice them, but then someone else told...

Top 10 Running Sunglasses

Protecting your eyes from the sun while running is important all year-long -- but the stronger rays and longer hours of daylight make it even more critical in the summer...

Vote in This Week's Poll: How do you feel about runners who cheat in races?

Once you've run in enough races, you're bound to witness (unfortunately) some shady behaviors by a participant or two. You know, the runner who doesn't go all the way to...

Top Warm Weather Running Socks

Wearing the right running socks is critical to your comfort and endurance when running in the heat. These recommended warm weather running socks will keep your feet cool and dry,...

Alternatives to Expensive Energy Snacks and Drinks

Is it necessary to shell out lots of money for fancy energy bars and drinks? Walking Guide Wendy has a great article comparing energy bars and drinks to cheaper alternatives,...

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Top Fall U.S. Marathons

So you've already set your goal to run a marathon this fall, but here comes the tough question: Which one should you run? For those of you looking for a...

Runners' Recipes - For a Good Cause

Did you ever wonder what elite runners eat for dinner? Now you can get a peek inside their kitchens with The Runner's Cookbook: Winning Recipes from Some of the World's...

How to Run Hills

If you're one of those runners who dreads running hills, it may be because you're not using the right hill running techniques. Follow these steps for proper hill running and...

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Contests for Runners

Coming in first at a road race isn't the only way for runners to win. Check out these sweepstakes with great prizes geared toward running enthusiasts. Win a Running Retreat With...

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

How Exercise Changes Function Of Heart

For the first time researchers are beginning to understand exactly how various forms of exercise impact the heart.

Aerobic Exercise Helps Boost Brainpower Of Elderly

A Dutch review of studies indicates aerobic exercise may give older adults a boost in brainpower.

Monday, April 28, 2008

Aerobic Exercise Boosts Older Bodies, Minds

Aerobic exercise could give older adults a boost in brainpower.

How to Keep a Training Log

If you're just beginning your training for an upcoming race, or you're maybe trying to lose some weight, it's a great time to start tracking your progress. Here's what you...

Friday, April 25, 2008

Running By Time vs. Distance

I'm one of those people who loves to know how fast and far I'm running. Occasionally, I try to run by time, but I get frustrated not knowing how far...

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Physical Education From Competition To Personal Performance

Should the physical education in schools be geared more toward competition or personal performance leading to exercise more, be fit and have a healthy life? This report says the future health of Americans may depend exercising more.

Tips for Your First Road Race

So you've done your training for your first 5K or 10K -- the race distances that are good for first-timers. As your race day approaches, you may have some questions...

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Recycle Your Running Shoes for Earth Day

If you're like me, you have a couple pairs of old running shoes in the back of the closet, in the trunk of your car, maybe even under your bed....

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Big Weekend in Boston

In an exciting and inspirational race, Deena Kastor overcame an almost insurmountable lead to win the women's Olympic Marathon trials this weekend in Boston. Magdalena Lewy Boulet and Blake Russell...

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Women Run for Olympic Spots

More than 100 women are set to compete in the U.S. women's Olympic marathon trials in Boston on Sunday, the day before the 112th Boston Marathon. The undisputed favorite is...

Friday, April 18, 2008

Research Focuses On Treatment, Prevention Of Sports Injuries

As the weather grows warmer, baseball and softball leagues swing into action, soccer and tennis matches start up and cyclists and runners hit the road.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Exercise Can Reduce Risk Of Mild Cognitive Impairment

Regular physical exercise may help protect against mild cognitive impairment, a disorder of the brain that affects nerve cells involved in thinking abilities.

Hit the Running Trails!

Now that milder weather is here, it's a great time to mix up your running routine and hit your local parks for some trail running. Just keep these trail running...

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

What's a Chip Time?

When you're new to running, it's normal to feel like more seasoned runners are speaking another language when they're using running jargon. I recently got this question from a new...

Monday, April 14, 2008

Top Strength Exercises For Your Best Summer Beach Body

As summer quickly approaches, many of us are scrambling to find a workout regimen that will get us the fastest results so we can look good by Memorial Day.

Saturday, April 12, 2008

Choose Your Race!

Although summer is still a couple of months away, you may already have your eye on a couple of summer races you'd like to run. If you're hoping to run...

Friday, April 11, 2008

How To Take Water from Hydration Stops

If you're new to road racing, you may have some apprehension about successfully maneuvering your way through the water stops. But if you know what to expect and how to...

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

How to Avoid Runner's Trots

It's not unusual for runners to experience gastrointestinal disorders or diarrhea, also known as "runner's trots", during long runs. The cause may be dietary in nature or due to lack...

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

The Difference Between Gyrotronics, Pilates and Yoga

Gyrotronics, Pilates and Yoga, while similar, are exercise and fitness systems that focus on using the human body properly, and efficiently getting rid of bad habits (which everyone develops over time).

Saturday, April 5, 2008

Running While Traveling

Do you have a Spring Break trip in your plans? Or are you headed out of town for a business trip? Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, you...

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Mind Over Matter

My sister-in-law Kelly is training for her first half-marathon in June. She was telling me recently that during her long runs she sometimes feels strong enough physically to keep running,...

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Should I Run the Day Before a Race?

The days leading up to a road race, especially if it's your first, can be anxiety-ridden. You may be wondering, "Should I run the day before or just rest?" ...

Monday, March 31, 2008

Best/Biggest Boston Marathon Qualifying Races

The granddaddy of marathons, the Boston Marathon, is just three weeks away. Known as one of the most prestigious road races in the world, Boston Marathon requires that participants meet...

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Running Shorts Weather is Almost Here

After a long winter, some people dread the thought of putting on a bathing suit, but runners may also have anxiety about those revealing running shorts and tank tops. Are...

Saturday, March 29, 2008

How to Run Faster

My friend Marcy is training for her second 5K this spring and, like many runners with at least one race under their belt, she wants to run faster. So what's...

Running in the Rain

Although spring brings the promise of milder weather, it also means a greater chance of rain in the forecast. I don't mind running in the rain, as long as I'm...

Friday, March 28, 2008

Older Women Should Exercise, Eat Protein To Preserve Muscle

Older women loose more muscle mass than men and they need regular exercising and protein eating to preserve muscle.

Fitness Barriers Broken In Workplace Exercise Trial

Psychologists are helping to motivate more than 1,000 workers to get fit in a work-based study into physical activity and health.

Thursday, March 27, 2008

ThermaFreeze Corporation Begins Offering Physical Therapy Compresses

ThermaFreeze Products Corporation (PINKSHEETS: TFZP) announced today the inclusion of the Company's compress pads at WisdomKing.com, the largest physical therapy store online.

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Running During Pregnancy is Safe and Beneficial

I ran up until a couple days before giving birth and I saw lots of surprised looks from people as I jogged by with my expanded belly. But hundreds of...

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Where Should I Run?

If you're new to running or you've done most of your running on the treadmill this winter, you may feel a bit intimidated to step out your front door and...

Monday, March 24, 2008

Coming Back from a Break

Once you get into the habit of running, a week off can feel like an eternity. But sometimes an illness, an injury, or a hectic schedule prevents us from sticking...

Friday, March 21, 2008

Do You Run Alone or With Others?

There are two types of runners: Those who love the solitude and peacefulness of running alone, and those who crave company on their runs. Lately, my most regular running buddy...

Tips for Your Long Training Runs

If you're training for a Spring marathon, you're probably getting into some high-mileage runs right about now. I honestly believe that the really long training runs can be more difficult...

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Why Do YOU Run?

I run for many reasons: to relieve stress, to stay healthy, to burn calories, and to have fun, just to name a few. Running energizes me and helps me clear...

Monday, March 17, 2008

How much people exercise related to neighborhoods

When it comes to exercise and fitness the neighborhoods people live in can help inspire - or discourage - their residents to exercise and keep physically active.

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Running Injuries: When to See a Doctor

I've been guilty of "assuming the worst" when I have a running-related injury. I feel some pain in my shin and think, "Oh, no -- a stress fracture!" Thankfully, I'm...

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Increase Your Distance!

If you're fairly new to running, one of the challenges you may be dealing with is how to increase the distance of your runs. You may have reached a point...

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Gebrselassie Will Skip Olympic Marathon

The current world record holder in the men's marathon, Haile Gebrselassie, recently announced that he would not compete in the 2008 Olympic marathon, citing concerns about Beijing's pollution. Gebrselassie suffers...

Monday, March 10, 2008

Running Safely Outdoors

I look forward to Daylight Savings Time all winter. It finally feels like Spring is just around the corner, and I now have some more daylight hours in the evening...

Saturday, March 8, 2008

Runner's High Proven

Not that any of us needed any proof, but researchers now have scientific evidence that the "runner's high" -- that euphoric, calm state that we feel at the end of...

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Marathon Training and Weight Gain

"I'm training for a marathon and I'm gaining weight!" Surprisingly, this complaint is actually somewhat common. Often, people start marathon training with the expectation that the pounds will just...

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Woman Wins L.A. Marathon (well, not really)

I was fascinated to read headlines saying that Russia's Tatiana Aryasova won the Los Angeles Marathon, ahead of the entire men's field. Could this be the Bobby Riggs/Billie Jean King...

Sunday, March 2, 2008

It's OK to Have a Bad Run

We've all had those days when it's a tremendous struggle to get through a run. Your legs feel stiff and heavy, your breathing is off, five minutes of running feels...

Friday, February 29, 2008

Good News for Runners' Knees!

Knee pain is a common complaint among runners and there's a lot of debate about whether running has a negative effect on the knees. Researchers in Germany sought to discover...

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Light Exercise Significantly Reduces Fatigue Symptoms

Engaging in regular, low intensity exercise can help sedentary people, who regularly complain of fatigue, to increase their energy levels by 20 percent and decrease their fatigue by 65 percent

Can I hit the hot tub after a long run?

I get this question a lot from runners, and I always feel bad saying, "Don't do it!" While the thought of soaking your tired and achy muscles in a hot...

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Try Weight Loss, Workout With Walk Vest and Weight Vest

Exercising with Walk Vest, which is a weighted vest that you take on, helps to add resistance to your body and becomes a good way for weight loss.

Monday, February 25, 2008

Get Out of Your Running Rut

Do you ever get bored with running? It's O.K. to admit it -- it happens to all of us at some point. When my running routine starts to feel a...

Sunday, February 24, 2008

How to Choose the Right Sports Bra

I've talked to so many female runners who suffered from back pain, chafing, and discomfort during runs because they were wearing the wrong sports bra. Getting the right support is...

Friday, February 22, 2008

Are You a Polite Runner?

Once you've been running long enough, you may start to notice little behaviors of other runners that irk you. Maybe you can't stand those runners who cut you off at...

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

It's Never Too Late to Start Running

I was talking to my mom today about her plans to run the More Half-Marathon in April. What amazes me most is not just that she's running half-marathons at 58...

Sunday, February 17, 2008

How to Do the Run/Walk Method

Most beginner runners start out doing a run/walk technique, until they build up their strength and endurance to run continuously. Although it may sound simple, there is a correct way...

Saturday, February 16, 2008

Bowflex Revolution Home Gym Workout with High Results

Many are the fitness equipements, but Bowflex Revolution Home Gym stands out for the following reasons.

Friday, February 15, 2008

Take a Winter Break

Even the most avid running enthusiasts need to take some time off from running. Cross-training, or participating in sports other than running, is a great way to give your running...

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

How to Find Romance Through Running

If your idea of the perfect date is going for a run, you're not alone. There are plenty of single runners out there who are eager to meet someone who...

Monday, February 11, 2008

Thinking Fitness?

Marion County Health Department encourage all Health and Hospital employees to "think fitness".

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Austin Marathon Goes Green

Organizers of the 2008 AT&T Austin Marathon, which takes place on Sunday, February 17, are saying that they'll be the first green marathon in the country. The race is part...

Friday, February 8, 2008

How To Prevent Blisters

Most runners have suffered from blisters at one point. There have even been cases when elite runners have had to drop out of races because of excruiating blisters. So what's...

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Should I run with music?

Many people listen to music while running for motivation and to prevent boredom. But using your iPod in a race could get you in trouble these days, with some races...

Monday, February 4, 2008

Irregular Exercise Pattern May Add Pounds

The key to staying trim is to remain exercise active year-round, year-after-year, and to avoid seasonal and irregular exercise patterns.

Sunday, February 3, 2008

Avoid Super Bowl Splurging

When I was out for my run today, I couldn't help but think that I would be consuming all the calories I was burning (and then some) during a Super...

Friday, February 1, 2008

Run Consistently for Weight Loss

Pounds that are gained during periods of inconsistent running can't be lost by simply resuming a previous running routine, recent research suggests. In an eight-year study of more than...

Thursday, January 31, 2008

Seven Marathons on Seven Continents in Seven Months

How's this for amazing feats? An Irish man recently set a Guinness World record for running seven marathons on seven continents in seven months. Mark Scanlon's epic journey started with...

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

ExerciseTV Top Trainer - Nationwide Search For America's Top Fitness Trainers

CityVoter, ExerciseTV to research, build and promote "ExerciseTV Top Trainer," the first interactive online guide and contest to discover the country's best fitness professionals.

Monday, January 28, 2008

Show Your Love for Running

Valentine's Day is right around the corner and running a race is a fun way to spend the holiday, whether you're single or attached. It's also great motivation to get...

Minorities Encouraged To Go-For Health And Fitness

NCAE will launch a series of health ads during the month of February aimed at increasing awareness about physical fitness in minority communities.

Friday, January 25, 2008

Marathon Movie: A Must-See!

Last night I had the pleasure of seeing "Spirit of the Marathon" in a packed movie theater. In addition to being entertaining, the film is very educational, as it tells...

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Can I train for a race on a treadmill?

A friend of mine wants to run a half-marathon this spring. She's a mom to two young girls and works four days a week as a nurse practictioner, so she...

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

How to Dress for Cold Weather Running

We're experiencing more bone-chilling temperatures here in the Northeast (as well as most of the country) and I heard that another Arctic blast is headed our way. But I'm not...

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Pain in the Knee

This weekend I spoke to a few runners who are having knee problems. It's so common for runners, especially beginners, to have knee pain. But, in many cases, the problems...

Saturday, January 19, 2008

Exercise Your Body And Mind While At Work

With FLOW you can burn calories and lose weight while remaining in your seat.

DNA Holds Key To Individual Fitness

Sciona announced a fitness industry breakthrough with the introduction of the MyCellf DNA Fitness program.

Finesse Introduces TruViu RDPD System

Finesse Solutions released TruViu RDPD system for biotech R&D and Process Development (PD) applications.

Friday, January 18, 2008

Personal Fitness Training Goes Online

MediaRif's online software takes the complexity out of strength training and makes the whole process idiot-proof.

Catch the "Spirit of the Marathon"

If you're looking for some inspiration to run, why not check out "Spirit of the Marathon", the award-winning film by director Jon Dunham? The film follow six runners, as...

Fitness Trumps Fatness In Determining Risk Of Cancer Death

Cooper Institute's Obesity study shows that fitness trumps fatness in determining risk of cancer mortality among men.

LifeSpan Whole Body Vibration Plate Rated Best

Health Magazine says the LifeSpan VP1000 Whole Body Vibration Plate gives " ... the best workout for the better price."

Interactive Tools Encourage Healthier Living

If you're concerned that your current health could hamper your hopes for a longer, active life, you're not alone.

A 10 Minute Workout Can Help To Lose Belly Fat

This 10 minute exercise will help you to change the shape of your body, lose belly fat without joining a gym.

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Cell Phones, Coaching May Jump Start Exercise Routine

Researchers are trying to determine if cell phone messaging and personal coaching will motivate women at risk for breast cancer to exercise.

Get Into Shape Without Leaving The House

You don't have to invest a lot of money in a gym membership or equipment to develop a successful and sustainable fitness regimen.

Walking And Moderate Exercise Help Prevent Dementia

People age 65 and older who regularly walk and get other forms of moderate exercise appear to significantly lower their risk of developing vascular dementia.

Does the "10 Percent Rule" Help Prevent Injuries in Beginner Runners?

The 10 Percent Rule -- which states that you shouldn't increase your mileage or intensity more than 10 percent each week -- is a time-tested running and injury prevention ...

Get Fit And Active In 2008

Following the excess of Christmas and New Year's celebrations, in cold light of January leaves many people feeling less than positive about the state of their health and fitness.

New Year, New Goals

Although the start of 2008 is still a week away, it's not too early to start setting your goals for next year. Are you thinking about doing your first road...

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Luke Wilson Joins the Hollywood Runner's Club

Was Luke Wilson's New Years resolution to start getting healthy? Luke, who we never ever see running, was trying his hand, er feet, at it, and I'm impressed.

Despite there being an ongoing war between runners and joggers, anyone can become either with a little persistence and practice. It looks to me like Luke is starting out with a jog/walk interval workout so I thought I'd make one for you guys in honor of Luke dusting off the old sneakers.

For the workout and to see more pics of adorable Luke jogging in Santa Monica, just

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WalkJogRun Your Routes

Running the same routes over and over can become a bit of a drag. It's hard to come up with your own routes if you don't know how far it's going to be or how hard it's going to be (this one is key for those of us that live in hilly areas of the country). A new website has combined a running route planner and a distance/speed calculator all into one.

Not only does WalkJogRun.net calculate how far your favorite routes are, but it also gives you route ideas that other users have created along with their distance and difficulty level. This is great if you've just moved into a new city, if you're traveling a lot, or even if you're just bored with your current routes. Definitely check it out at WalkJogRun.net â€" I've already got my eye on a few interesting routes here in San Francisco.

Sight Jogging in Rome

Are you lucky enough to be taking a trip to Rome any time in the near future? I am jealous. How then, you lucky dog, are you going to combine staying fit with seeing all of the amazing things Rome has to offer?

You may want to check out Sight Jogging, which is a new, entertaining and different way of combining tourism and exercising. Sight Jogging is a unique fitness and cultural opportunity to have highly-experienced trainers, (who speak different languages), guide you through Rome.

The trainers make the programs and running pace according to the clients’ age and fitness level. During the run, the fit/tour guides show you the highlights along the route. The routes can be chosen among a list of selected ones, considering difficulty and main kind of interest (whether artistic, historic or naturalistic). The price is right too, a 4 person tour costs only 140 Euros. For more info, check out SightJogging.com.

Fit's Tip: Don't worry about packing your heart rate monitors, they'll lend you one.

Are You a Runner or a Jogger?

Ever since writing about the Peal Izumi ads that put runners on a pedestal over joggers, I have become curious about the whole running vs. jogging dichotomy.

Technically speaking, if it takes you less than 9 minutes to complete 1 mile, then you are running. If it takes you more than 9 minutes to complete 1 mile, then you are jogging. Either way you are exercising, right?

So which are you?

Source


France's President Has Country Divided on Hot Topic: Le Jogging?

While over here in the USA, we are constantly arguing over our President's decisions on things like withdrawing our troops, environmentalism, etc., the French are arguing over their President's decision on his undignified exercise. His new workout is being criticized as an activity for self-centered individualists (such as the Americans who popularized it). Nope, Sarkozy has not taken up naked yoga. What could it possibly be? Well jogging, of course.

Pardonez-Moi? Seems that a Presidential jog down the Avenue des Champs d'Elysées may even inspire a Frenchie or two to put out that Galois full bodied cigarette and exercise. Apparently I am way off as the WashingtonPost.com is reporting British and French reactions to his running such as:

"No decent conservative would dream of jogging. It's a vulgar, untraditional form of self-advertisement..."


"The Sarkozy jog, say his critics, is a sad imitation of the habits of American presidents, and a capitulation to 'le défi Américain' (a phrase that was the title of a book published here as 'The American Challenge') as bad as the influx of Hollywood movies."

Did anyone take a minute to think he may just be trying to get healthy? Besides, if jogging is considered an American thing to do, then as far as I am concerned we're all doing a little something right, fitness wise, over here.

Meditate While You Exercise

For a lot of people, exercise is a way to take a break from life and do something good for yourself. You can use this time to meditate, so while you're working your body, you can also clear your mind.

The repetitive motion of running, jogging, walking, or biking (be careful with this one though, since you have speed going you also need to keep your wits about you) works best. Since your muscles and bones are doing the same thing over and over, you can concentrate your thoughts on something else. This moving meditation is a great way to start meditating if you've never tried it, since sitting still for a long time for most people can be really difficult (many of us sit enough at work).

The aim of meditation is to bring inner peace within yourself, so you can reflect that peace onto the world. When you are feeling good and positive, it's contagious, and those around you will feel it too.

Try not to think about anything, and just concentrate on your breath. If a thought floats in your mind like "What should I make for dinner?" just let it float back out. Clear your mind of distractions and just concentrate on what's happening in the present moment.

There are different ways to meditate. To find out what they are,

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Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Running vs. Jogging

Maybe this seems obvious - running means you're moving at a faster pace than jogging. The question really is - how much faster?

Technically, if it takes you less than 9 minutes to complete 1 mile, you are running. If it takes you more than 9 minutes to complete 1 mile, you are jogging.

They are both considered great cardio and aerobic exercise that work your muscles and are good for your heart, lungs, and bones.

Jogging is harder than walking because it requires more muscle to go faster, bounce up-and-down, breathe deeper, and balance. Running requires more effort than jogging, and is more intense. It requires stamina to go faster, and endurance to go for longer periods of time.

So which is better? Well that depends on your fitness goals. Jogging is a great form of exercise and will help you lose weight, decrease blood pressure, build bones - both are great forms of exercise. If you are training for a marathon and speed is your thing - aim for a 9 minute mile.

Fit's Tips: If you are new to running, start off slow. Begin by walking fast, then work up to jogging, and then you can move on to running. You've got to train your body to be a runner, which could take anywhere from a month to a year, depending on your body and the consistency or your workout schedule. Set reasonable goals for yourself, gradually build on them, and celebrate when you reach them.

New Sport Alert - Joggling

Yes that extra "L" is in there on purpose. Joggling combines the rigorous cardiovascular demands of jogging and the hand-eye coordination of juggling. This is no joke. People are actually juggling while jogging.

Jogglers say that the rhythm of juggling with 3 objects corresponds perfectly with the action and pace of running. As you swing your arms naturally with each step, you just turn your hands slightly to catch the bean bag. Not only does juggling while jogging keep you at an even pace, you'll never get bored on a run ever again! As if that's not all, a study conducted at the University of Regensburg in Germany, reported that juggling can actually make your brain get bigger. Talk about a total mind-body workout!

Well I tell you, if this doesn't motivate you to get up off the couch, I don't know what will. I mean, if a joggler can run 3 miles and keep 3 beans bags moving at the same time, I think I can at least do the 3 miles.

Here's a great video demonstrating joggling on a treadmill. After watching it, you'll get more of a sense of how the 2 movements really complement one another.


If you thought that was amazing, check out these joggling marathoners juggling in the Salt Lake City Marathon. Want to see? Then

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Get Your Butt in Gear: Victoria's Secret Workout Pants

We all know Victoria's Secret makes some sexy lingerie, but they are now also making great yoga pants. I first learned about Victoria's Secret yoga line from team member CGW when she bookmarked a pair as a Fit Find. They have a ton of different styles and colors to choose from, and they're not at all over-priced.

Although they're labeled "yoga pants," they'd be great for any kind of exercise from walking, to jogging, to Pilates, to kick-boxing, to casual bike riding. Wear them to the gym, on a lazy Sunday, or to relax in at home - they'll add flexibility to your wardrobe. (ha - get it?)

I like the splash of color at the waistband of this Foldover Yoga Pant. They come in tons of color combinations like black/strawberry, fern green/spearmint, and midnight/seaside blue. Nowadays, everyone wears black pants, so it's nice to have something that's a little different and a little more colorful for spring.

Another great thing about these cotton/lycra pants is that not only do they come in sizes XS-XL, but you can also choose whether you want a 30", 32", or 34" inseam. You can get these adorable ultra-low rise pants For $29.

Interested in seeing some other styles? Then,

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Soccer Beats Jogging in Weight Loss and Fun

As if we needed another reason to love Becks, but here's one more. A new study found playing soccer to be more beneficial than jogging (and soccer players had more fun)!

In a comparative study, involving untrained men, the soccer team created more new muscle and lost more weight than the joggers. The study ran for three months with participants in both groups working out 2 to 3 times a week for an hour. However, both groups showed significant improvements in blood pressure, insulin sensitivity and balance. Meaning...wait for it...exercise in general is a good thing.

Researchers believe the shifts between walking, running and sprinting caused the soccer players to experience health improvements. These changes in speed and intensity are very similar to interval training, which has been shown to increase the benefits of cardio workouts. Plus theses sudden changes in speed use both the quick and slow twitch muscle fibers, where jogging just works the slow fibers.

The major difference between the two groups was their opposing attitudes to their workouts -- Unlike the joggers who found their runs difficult, the soccer players enjoyed their practice.

Moral of the story: Playing on a team has multiple benefits. Focusing on your teammates (and winning) masks the physical effort. So what are you waiting for? Becks to be your coach? A girl can dream, but find a team near you and have fun on the field.

Source

Deep Abs and Running: Gotta Get to Your Core

We all want to be efficient, right? Especially when we exercise. Well, according to Michael Fredericson, Ph.D., a running bio-mechanics expert at Stanford University, 90 percent of runners waste energy with stride errors and faulty gait. That basically just means running "funny" - length of steps being too short or long and/or pelvis swinging too much from side to side. Fredericson concluded that these stride issues were caused by weak abs. Runners were not using their deeps abs - the transversus abdominis (TVA) as well as the internal obliques.

The deep abs stabilize the pelvis by keeping it in a neutral position, not tilted too far forward, so that the back of the legs can push your entire body forward. If the pelvis tilts too far forward some of the power is simply wasted stretching the low, deep abs. Here's an analogy that might help you:

Imagine you're trying to push a heavy trunk forward on a tile floor. The trouble is that you're standing on a small rug that starts to slide backward every time you try to push the trunk forward. Removing the rug allows your feet to get a more stable grip on the floor, so that more of your muscle energy is transferred to the trunk....the slipping rug is like deep abs that are not properly activated. Removing the rug is like tightening your deep abs so that your pelvis is stable, allowing more of your muscle work to translate into forward movement.

Many folks have weak deep abs because we sit all day and inevitably slouch, which deactivates those muscles and they become weak. So try to find your TVA right now.

  • Sit up straight (since I just said we all slouch too much you had to know that one was coming). Put your hands on your low ribs and inhale, feeling them expand (flare out to the sides). Don't raise your shoulders though (it might take a few times for you to get the hang of this).
  • Try to keep your low ribs wide as you exhale by pulling your navel to your spine (don't move your spine though). Think of pushing the air out of your lungs with the action of pulling the deeps abs toward the spine. Repeat for a while until it starts to feel "normal."
  • Keep practicing this action and not only will you start to strengthen your deep abs, you will increase your ability to breathe deeply by opening up the space between your side and back ribs.

Now every time you do any abdominal exercise you want to focus on the deep abs being active. So warm up your abs before you run, jog, walk, or use the Stair Stepper or Elliptical. Exercise mindfully and focus on your pelvic stability and keep checking in with your form. Bonus: Stabilizing the pelvis during running and running like activities will help you stay injury free.

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Monday, January 14, 2008

My first post here

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