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Gyms have their positive points: they are convenient, house lots of equipment, and often have childcare available to parents who need to tote their tots to the gym (this includes yours truly). Gyms also can offer a range of fitness classes and most  have personal trainers on staff. If you're not a huge fan of going to the gym however, and would like to try something different, check out these fun alternatives... Stroller Fit® SF targets the  “mommy muscles” – those muscles used during  labor and delivery, and post-partum, and basically every day thereafter. Moms have a chance to get ......
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Maybe you've been on a workout train for some time, diligently going to the gym and happily taking your dose of cardio and weight training, maybe even a few classes too just to challenge yourself. Perhaps you've been on this train, per se, for years, then all of a sudden, you're okay with missing a workout, then two. The idea of going to the gym or out the door for a jog becomes a chore, when it was once something you enjoyed. Have you been there? Are you there now? If so, read on... I think I can help. True, I am a trainer, but at heart, I'm really a fitness buff and have been since college. ......
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Because I love yoga, and Pilates, but am by no means a guru of either practice, I felt compelled to pass along some helpful resources so that you can learn more. Yoga is one of those activities that evolves as you evolve. The yoga you do today will not be the same yoga you do a year from now, and your body won't likely be the same body either (note: this is a good thing - Yoga evens 'things' out, balances muscles, massages the joints, just all-around good stuff ;0). I've learned through my own yoga/Pilates journey that there is always something new to learn.  That said, here are some fabulous......
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Even though I have addressed this topic before (a-hem, at least twice before), I'm circling back because A) I keep getting asked, "I did strength training today, what should I do tomorrow?" and B) I keep getting asked, "Is it okay to do both strength training and cardio on the same day?" If you want to cut to the chase, check out: "Cardiovascular or Weight Training: Which should come first?" Otherwise, stay right here, 'cause I'm about to WOW you with...pretty much the same thing I said before. ;0) Here's the thing - you need to know what it is you want to get out of your workouts. Are you try......
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You have probably heard about Pilates, or possibly know someone who talks of "reformers, chairs, straps, pulleys" (and other contraptions), and silently wonder, "what the heck is Pilates anyway?" The Pilates Method (or simply Pilates) was developed in Germany in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates. The core-strengthening and posture-improving benefits of regular practice have helped the Pilates Method develop a loyal following of faithful participants in recent years. The aesthetic benefits of regular practice can be seen on the physiques of famous devotees, such as Madonna and Gwyneth Pa......
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According to the Centers for Disease Control, an estimated 1 out of 3 Americans have hypertension or high blood pressure (http://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/). This alarming statistic concides with another national epidemic: obesity. While  obesity statistics vary by study and region, the latest research indicates that more than 72 million U.S. adults, and 16% of U.S. children, meet the criteria for obesity. (Obesity: Halting the epidemic by making health easier; CDC At A Glance, 2009 pdf). Because obesity and high blood pressure often go hand-in-hand, a regular exercise program can be a means to manage and treat both conditions simultaneously.

Hypertension and high blood pressure

Normal resting BP is less than 120/80 mmHg. The first number, 120, represents the systolic pressure, or pressure against the artery walls when the heart contracts. The lower number, 80, is the diastolic pressure – pressure against the artery walls between heart beats.

Pre-hypertension  is defined as having a diastolic reading between 120-139 mmHg and systolic reading between 80-89 mmHg. .

Stage 1 hypertension is a BP of 140-159/90-99 mmHg
Stage 2 hypertension is a BP greater thean 160/100 mmHg

The current lifestyle modification recommendation by the U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services (JNC 7 Express – 2003)  indicate that exercise can bring about positive and long-term changes in blood pressure. The current benchmark is thirty minutes of “moderate” activity on five or more days of the week.

What is moderate activity?

  • A brisk, 30 minute walk at a 15 min/mile pace
  • Thirty minutes of bicycling at a 6 min/mile pace
  • Twenty minutes of swimming
  • 30-45 mins of gardening
  • Raking leaves for 30 minutes
  • Thirty minutes of water aerobics

If you have “high normal” or stage 1 hypertension, you can expect a 8-10 mg drop in systolic and 6-10 mg drop in diastolic BP during moderate exercise (40-60% of VoO2). Resistance training can also help decrease systolic and diastolic BP, 2 and 4%, respectively, in individuals with high normal and stage 1 hypertension. (IDEA Personal Trainer: Exercise and Resting BP, Len Kravitz, PhD, July-August 2001)

To download the full pdf. version of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s guidelines and suggestions for reducing blood pressure, visit Your Guide to Lowering Blood Pressure.

Also, the CDC Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity is a great resource for indivuals looking for healthy ways to both reduce their weight and blood pressure.

As always, if you have high blood pressure or hypertension, please consult your physician before engaging in a fitness program.



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