Ten years ago, a group of researchers posed the theory that being sedentary is physiologically abnormal and causes many chronic diseases, because we inherited our genes from physically active ancestors. In other words, it is in our DNA to be active. And recent research indicates that may indeed be the case. Read the rest of this entry »
It’s In Our DNA To Be Physically Active
April 2nd, 2010The Protein Needs Of Athletes
March 17th, 2010Recommended protein intakes for athletes has been a controversial topic for decades. Some research has indicated that the protein requirements for athletes is just slightly higher than it is for sedentary individuals (1,2,3), while the results of other studies have indicated that athletes may have significantly higher protein requirements (4,5,6,7). In 1980 the American Dietetic Association maintained the position that athletes did not require additional protein, because the recommended daily allowance (RDA) (0.8 g/kg body weight) for that macronutrient included a safety margin of two standard deviations (6). Read the rest of this entry »
Aging & Balance - Fall Prevention
March 8th, 2010More than one in three mature adults over the age of 65 falls at least once a year, and the risk of serious injury resulting from falls also increases with age. In fact, falls are the second leading cause of accidental death among mature adults. Read the rest of this entry »
The ABC’s of Weight Loss
March 8th, 2010The diet and weight loss industry is a multi-billion dollar business, and seemingly every week a ‘new’ diet, weight loss method, or abdominal exerciser hits the infomercial market. Over time and with increased scrutiny these products ultimately are exposed as nothing more than great sales gimmicks. And in some cases, as we have even recently seen with closely controlled pharmaceutical products, there are potentially dangerous side effects associated with the use of many products. Read the rest of this entry »
Strength Training – The Key to a Better Life
February 22nd, 2009As Americans move from young adulthood to middle age, they lose approximately 6.6 pounds of lean body mass (muscle and bone) each decade. At the same time, the average American gains 1.5 pounds of fat every year! As a result of these changes, strength decreases and daily activities become increasingly difficult to perform. Eventually lean body mass and strength decrease to the point where some people can no longer live independently. Read the rest of this entry »
Core Training: A Key Component of Every Fitness Program
February 12th, 2009Core training has become a buzzword in the fitness industry over the last few years and is the basis for Pilates training (which has been around for decades) and other types of new group exercise classes. Leaders in the field agree that this is not just a passing fad. Read the rest of this entry »