What's Up Magazines

The Health Column | January 2009

By Bridget Avila

What’s Old is New Again

Kettlebells, which look like small cannonballs with handles, originally were the stuff of Eastern European weightlifters. The mere sight of them brings to mind images of burly mustachioed men in full-bodied bathing suits. But now American women seem to be the ones catching on to this fitness trend. Rather than relying solely on upper-body strength, kettlebell workouts take better advantage of women’s lower-body strength than do workouts with dumbbells and barbells. Ask your gym or personal trainer to help you with proper alignment and show you moves that can test your strength, coordination, and cardiovascular fitness. (no image)

Take a New Step

Spring Boost Performance Athletic Footwear, available at select retail locations locally, is designed so that your heel sits lower than your toes. The unusual design takes advantage of dorsi technology, the concept of dorsiflexion (decreasing the angle between the foot and the leg), used for years by sports medicine experts. Putting your foot in this position makes you work harder, adding intensity to all kinds of workouts. You may need a period of adjustment, though. The shoes come with interchangeable soles of varying thickness so you can gradually change the incline level.

Cross the Finish Line

Repeat after me: “I am an athlete.” According to the late physician and running philosopher George Sheehan, the difference between a jogger and a runner is a race entry form. Think you’re too old, fat, skinny, uncoordinated, etc. to run (or bike or swim . . .) in a race? Think again. Races offer motivation for all shapes, sizes, ages, and abilities. Sure, elite athletes and professionals may be looping back for a second trip by the time you’re halfway through, but that’s okay. Having the deadline of a competitive event looming can definitely focus your fitness goals. As an added bonus, many races double as charitable fundraisers. Sign up with a friend to compete and enjoy a fun and healthy outing, and you may find yourself hooked. Soon you could be looking to break your personal records—after all, you are your own toughest competition.

Flexible Kids

Little ones can benefit from yoga just as adults do—anyone can enjoy feeling relaxed, fit, and centered. Moms can start with prenatal yoga to work on deep breathing and even birthing techniques. A mom-and-baby practice can encourage bonding and nurturing (see the book Baby Om: Yoga for Mothers and Babies, by Laura Staton and Sarah Perron). Yoga can help toddlers deal with sleep issues or fussiness (see www.itsybitsyyoga.com). Preschoolers love to play pretend with various poses, such as mountain or tree or warrior, making yoga a fun activity. Look for classes in local studios and gyms.

Skinny Drinks

If you’re one to go for the latest diet fad, you may be interested in Slim Shots, an appetite suppressant that comes in the form of a liquid “shot” about the same size and packaging as an individual coffee creamer. The claim made about it is that users will consume 30 percent less food because they’ll feel full longer. The packets can be used alone or mixed with coffee, yogurt, cereal, or shakes. While the company’s Website isn’t as over-the-top as a snake oil salesman, there’s no clear description of how Slim Shots works. A one-month supply is around $30, and who can resist a product endorsed by Marsha Brady?

Anti-Aging Tips for Your Brain

It should come as no surprise that what’s good for your body is also good for your brain. A healthful diet, regular exercise, plenty of sleep, and avoiding tobacco all benefit your noggin. And just like muscles, the brain “prefers” to be challenged rather than settle for the same old routine. Activities that require initiative and careful planning (such as gardening, needlework and do-it-yourself projects) can engage your brain and help it remain active and limber—even stave off Alzheimer’s disease. Several “brain games” are on the market now, but crosswords and sudoku puzzles can do the trick, too.

Are You Born to be Fat? Get Ready to Move It-Move It

According to a recent study conducted in an Amish population in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, there is a genetic variation that can make some people more likely to gain weight than others. The good news is that the propensity to pack on the pounds can be overcome by plenty of physical activity. But “plenty” means three to four hours per day of moderate activity. That’s not a problem for anyone living in the rural, 19th-century world of the Amish, but most modern Americans aren’t nearly that active. Scientists estimate that 30 percent of white Europeans have the fat gene, and that, in part, may explain why so many Americans are overweight. Authors of the study pointed out that being without this gene is not a license for sloth, but conversely, anyone who has a genetic tendency to be overweight can benefit from exercise.

Tags: jan 09 bridget avila annapolis eastern shore

More Articles