Ask for help.

If you’re not sure how to set up equipment, ask the person next to you or the instructor. Both will usually be happy to help. (more…)

exercise, instructors, weight-training

Do you love to exercise but stick to using cardio equipment and weights at your gym? Maybe you’re avoiding group fitness classes for one of the following reasons:

*You’re overwhelmed because there are so many different classes to choose from. (more…)

exercise, stretch, studio

Soon after writing last month’s editorial on “Exercise Lite,” I departed for the American College of Sports Medicine’s annual meeting in Minneapolis. The first question on my mind was: What will be ACSM’s future position on the frequency, duration and intensity of exercise recommended to the American public? (more…)

exercise, medicine, sport

I am 34 years old. I have been running four days a week and playing tennis an average of two days a week. My Achilles tendon has been bothering me for the last two months. (more…)

exercise, injury, physician

Who wouldn’t like to have more shapely calves? Calf raise exercises target the muscles of the calves, helping to define and strengthen them. Make sure you have textbook form by following these guidelines:
To start, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Keep your knees straight but not locked. (more…)

foot, guidelines, muscles

Sharon’s Reply

Hi Erin,

I see that you lost 2 pounds this week — you are focused on better food choices wherever you go.

A bag of carrots provides a lot of fiber and beta-carotene, but you said it didn’t fill you up!

(more…)

beta-carotene, depression, low-fat eating

Hi there,

Monday was hectic, and Tuesday I had a meeting which ended up lasting from 7 to 9:30 p.m. I didn’t get home early enough either day to go work out. I left from work directly to go to Calistoga for the next few days. Lots of walking and window shopping. (more…)

depression, diet, shopping

Of the 30,000 fitness instructors today, each has the potential to reach hundreds or more each week with positive messages and education about healthful living. What is it about group exercise that makes getting into a room full of people appealing? “The energy,” says fitness industry innovator Candice Copeland-Brooks, who is well-known for developing a simplified formula for teaching choreography in the 1980s. “The social interaction, group dynamic and energy are the main attractions of group fitness. Those reasons for attending have not changed.” (more…)

exercise program, positive, teamwork

Hip joint problem can be really troublesome, sometimes requiring even major surgery and hip joint replacement. Meanwhile, this problem is preventable by maintaining the joint’s proper range of motion and strengthening the supporting muscles. (more…)

foot, legs, pendulum