Should Government Be Involved In Fitness?

Recently Michelle Obama made some comments that ruffled quite a few feathers. In her efforts to launch a campaign against childhood obesity she made some statements about her own children that rose more than a few eyebrows. Some of the criticism stemmed from the mere fact that she used her own children as an example. Some critics believe that Mrs. Obama should have kept her children out of the discussion. Other criticism that arose was based on her doctor’s assessment that her daughter was overweight and needed to go on a diet. Critics believe there is a fine line between … Continue reading →

Children’s Fitness in Winter

Winter is in full swing and so that makes for indoor recess a lot of times with my children. When they come home, the first thing they want to do is turn on the television or sit in front of a computer or video game. Oh how I miss those carefree days of summer when they were constantly outside riding bikes, jumping on the trampoline or taking a swim. Even in fall and spring they were outside running around. But now we are stuck inside and they are losing the motivation to do anything physical. Since I started my treadmill … Continue reading →

Jingle Bell Run/Walk 2009

On December 5, 2009, the Arthritis Foundation is having its yearly festivities with their Jingle Bell Run/Walk. This run/walk will raise money for, of course, those stricken with arthritis. If you have arthritis or know someone with arthritis you know that they are in severe pain at times and suffer not only from pain, but also from generalized stiffness and achiness. Help them out and raise money so that more research can be done to alleviate this pain and stiffness that they must suffer with. You can participate in this event by finding a Jingle Bell Run/Walk event in your … Continue reading →

Keeping Your Kids Fit and Safe This Summer

Now that school’s out millions of kids across the nation are spending their summer days having fun on the soccer field, basketball court and in the swimming pool. While these activities are great ways to burn calories and stay in shape, they often lead to sports-related injuries such as bruises, scrapes and broken bones. In fact, a new report shows that sports-related injuries accounted for 22 percent of hospital emergency department visits for children ages 5 to 17 in 2007. If you have an active young son, then you might not be surprised by the new findings. After all, according … Continue reading →

Biggest Fitness Mistakes

If you are a female looking to lose weight as expeditiously as possible, a new study says you need to kick up your fitness routine. Researchers say that one of the biggest mistakes women make at the gym, is thinking their available workout time is best spent completing cardio exercises — often at the same pace the entire time. However, studies show rather than doing 45 minutes of cardio work at a steady (and relatively easy) pace, women can burn more fat and calories if they complete intense cardio work, and also incorporate some strength exercises. Bottom line: Women, who … Continue reading →

Want to Get Fit? Don’t Take Up Ballet

That’s according to sports medicine researchers at The Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. Their recently published study claims that young female professional ballet dancers face health risks when they don’t eat enough to offset the energy they expend. In addition, according to the study, most top ballet dancers suffer from amenorrhea (lack of menstruation), abnormal vascular function and low bone density. The study queried 200 dancers about their menstrual patterns and eating habits. In addition, participants also underwent a blood test for hormonal levels. The results showed that 36% of the group had abnormal eating habits, and 77% were … Continue reading →

Is Birth Control Sabotaging Your Fitness Goals?

If you are using oral birth control, it may be, without you even realizing it. A new study found that oral contraceptive use impairs muscle gains in young women, and is associated with lower hormone levels. That’s a shocking find, especially for active young women, who are looking to improve their fitness performance while taking oral birth control. Researchers at Texas A&M University and the University of Pittsburgh studied 73 healthy women between the ages of 18-31 for 10 weeks. During the study the women were broken up into two groups and completed whole-body resistance exercise training. The first group … Continue reading →

Do Your Kids Need More Exercise?

Health experts would answer that question with a rousing “yes,” and now they have even more evidence to support their assertions. A new study found that more than half a million 4-year-olds are obese. Even more disturbing, according to researchers, is the finding that nearly a third of American Indian children are obese. The study’s lead author noted that the findings are “of major concern” among children so young given that obese individuals are at very high risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, cancers, joint diseases and other health problems. If you are concerned that your child may be … Continue reading →

Fat Babies = Unfit Adults

According to a new study, infants who gain too much weight as babies are more likely to grow into obese toddlers, and later, obese adults. The research was conducted by doctors at Harvard University and Children’s Hospital-Boston and concluded that early eating and exercise habits are extremely important in shaping healthy adults. The study found that parents need to watch for cues from their children about when they are full, encourage them to drink plenty of water, and have them participate in activities that promote movement. The Harvard researchers noted that obesity rates among U.S. children have doubled in the … Continue reading →

NFL Superstars Encourage Kids to Get Moving

Washington Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall made a confession before lawmakers this week: His own kids could use more exercise. The NFL star, who volunteered to promote children’s fitness legislation, admitted that like many kids their age, his sons play way too many video games and eat way too much fast food. Hall, who called childhood obesity an epidemic, is one of seven NFL players devoting their off-season to lobby lawmakers to pass the FIT Kids Act. The bill would require schools, districts and states to report on students’ physical activity, and to give children and their parents, access to important … Continue reading →