That's Fit

That's Fit http://www.thatsfit.com That's Fit http://www.thatsfit.com/media/feedlogo.gif That's Fit http://www.thatsfit.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Four fitness moves to start your day off righthttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/28/four-fitness-moves-to-start-your-day-off-right/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/28/four-fitness-moves-to-start-your-day-off-right/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/28/four-fitness-moves-to-start-your-day-off-right/#commentsWomen's Health magazine just sent me a release with some fun tips entailed, and I thought I'd share this one with you. Four fabulous moves useful for those of you guilty of missing morning workouts to sleep in late, and then missing the gym after work due to fatigue. As your online trainer I want to make this clear to you: skipping your workouts on a regular basis is detrimental to your health!

Of course, early morning workouts can be tough. They're also what keeps you full of the energy you need to get through each day with vigor! Check out this gallery, and next time you go to hit the snooze button ... get your fanny up and do the Cat Cow pose instead. (No moo-ing necessary!) These four easy moves will give you the energy to get to the gym and start your day off right!

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Filed under: Alternative Therapies, Emotional Health, Fitness, General Health, Health in the Media, Healthy Aging, Healthy Habits, Healthy Home, Healthy Places, Stress Reduction, Sustainable Community, Work/Home Balance, Women's Health, Men's Health, Diet and Weight Loss, HealthWatch, Celebrities, Healthy Kids, Healthy Products, Cellulite, Obesity

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]]>cat cowCatCowenergyfatiguefitfitzfitznessgymleanmagazinemorningmovesmuscleplankposesnoozesquatstressstretchthrustwomens healthWomensHealthFitz K.2008-08-28T09:54:00+00:00Be wary of Ayurvedic medicineshttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/27/be-wary-of-ayruvedic-medicines/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/27/be-wary-of-ayruvedic-medicines/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/27/be-wary-of-ayruvedic-medicines/#commentsAlternative medicine may not always works as effectively as traditional western medicine, but they can't harm you, right? Not true. Recent studies recently found that one in five Ayruvedic medicines contains poisonous metallics like lead, arsenic and mercury.

Of hundreds of Ayurvedic remedies purchased from 25 different websites in the USA and India, 21% contained detectable levels of at least one of these metals, and of that 21%, half had higher levels than would be considered healthy.

Ayurvedic medicine is an ancient practice that promotes overall health using a balance of medicine, meditation, exercise and diet, and while it can be part of a healthy lifestyle, it's always a good idea to talk to your doctor first before taking any kind of remedy, natural or not.

Filed under: Alternative Therapies, Natural Products, Vitamins and Supplements

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]]>alternative medicineAlternativeMedicineayurvedaayurvedicnatural rememdiesNaturalRememdiessupplementsvitaminsMartha Edwards2008-08-27T19:47:00+00:00Ask Fitz! Your Fitness Questions Answered -- Feeling out of shape?http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/27/ask-fitz-your-fitness-questions-answered/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/27/ask-fitz-your-fitness-questions-answered/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/27/ask-fitz-your-fitness-questions-answered/#commentsHave fitness questions? Fitz has your answer. Our ThatsFit.com fitness expert -- and now your own virtual personal trainer -- will help you get fit, increase your overall health and do it in a fun way. Drop your questions here in the Comments section below and we'll choose one per week to publish on That's Fit! Learn more about Fitz here.

Q. Hey Fitz, My name is Sarah and I'm almost 16. I have always been involved with sports including: hockey, basketball, soccer and you name it! Now that I am older, I have slowed down a bit and only play basketball for high school and travel. This is what is bothering me: I can't seem to run as long as I used to. I get tired easily and run out of breath. I'm not fat or anything, and I am even really fast. But by the time I run one length of the court I'm pretty much dead. What am I doing wrong and what do I need to do to change this? It seems like I get more out of breathe each season. Thanks, Sarah

A. Hi Sarah, Thanks for writing. I have two thoughts on what may be happening with you, the first being more probable than the last. Most likely, you've just become out of shape. That doesn't mean you're obese or in horrible shape, it just may mean you're not capable of doing as much as you were two years ago when you were involved in three sports! You take pride in the fact that you run fast. That's great! But, the fact that you like to go all out probably makes you more likely to suck wind at the end of one lap.

Continue reading Ask Fitz! Your Fitness Questions Answered -- Feeling out of shape?

Filed under: Alternative Therapies, Emotional Health, Fitness, General Health, Healthy Aging, Healthy Habits, Stress Reduction, Women's Health, Men's Health, Diet and Weight Loss, HealthWatch, Celebrities, Healthy Kids, Ask Fitz!, Cellulite, Obesity, Healthy Events

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]]>allergiesasthmaathletebasketballbreathcardiorespiratorycourtenduranceexpertfitnessfitzfitznesshealthyhockeyjogprogramrespiratoryrunrunningsarahschoolshapesoccersprintsstressteenagetrainingwindedFitz K.2008-08-27T07:00:00+00:00Decoding Rx Instructionshttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/26/decoding-rx-instructions/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/26/decoding-rx-instructions/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/26/decoding-rx-instructions/#comments

I have a total love/hate relationship with medicine. Although I value science and medicine, quite often I can't stand the affects they have on me. I simply can't stand to be drowsy, foggy or affected in any way. Prescriptions are great if they fix what's wrong with you, but all of the side effects are for the birds. I suppose if we all took each drug correctly, we may have less. So, I was particularly intrigued when Women's Health posted a study regarding drug labels.

According to a survey in the Annals of Internal Medicine, almost half of the participants misunderstood drug warning labels, and most ignored the directions altogether. This gallery provides some of the most common instructions you'll find on those little stickers slapped on each bottle and what they really mean.

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Continue reading Decoding Rx Instructions

Filed under: Alternative Therapies, Fitness, Food and Nutrition, General Health, Health in the Media, Healthy Aging, Healthy Habits, Healthy Home, Vitamins and Supplements, Women's Health, Men's Health, HealthWatch, Healthy Kids, Healthy Products

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]]>alcoholchewcrushdrugfitnessfitzfitznesslabelmagazinemilkpharmaceuticalprescriptionprescription drugsPrescriptionDrugsreadrxsunlightwaterwomens healthWomensHealthFitz K.2008-08-26T21:03:00+00:00Poop away that back pain!http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/25/poop-away-that-back-pain/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/25/poop-away-that-back-pain/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/25/poop-away-that-back-pain/#comments

Well this is one of those subjects, that I, even with all of my degrees and such ... I just can't wrap my head around explaining it perfectly to you. I guess that's what links are for!

Let's just put it this way, a combination of: fruit, gas, fermentation, constipation, pelvic rotation and inflammation can be causing your back pain. I don't think this article will provide the answer to everyone's back pain, but for some ... maybe so!

The article even suggests that a "pooping situation" or "lack of pooping situation" might be responsible for weight gain. So! Without further a-doodoo, click here.

Continue reading Poop away that back pain!

Filed under: Alternative Therapies, Fitness, Food and Nutrition, General Health, Healthy Aging, Healthy Habits, Natural Beauty, Natural Products, Men's Health, Diet and Weight Loss, HealthWatch, Celebrities, Healthy Products, Obesity

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]]>backbloatconstipationdistenddoofermentationfitzfitznessgasinflamationlaxativepainpelvicpooppottyrotationsoretoiletFitz K.2008-08-25T09:30:00+00:00Breathe deeply to lower stresshttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/23/breathe-deeply-to-lower-stress/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/23/breathe-deeply-to-lower-stress/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/23/breathe-deeply-to-lower-stress/#comments

I adopted my son from the US foster care system when he was 10-years-old. He has ADHD and often struggles with focus. He also has high anxiety and can get quite nervous in certain situations. One tool that helps him regain focus and composure is taking a few deep breaths. We face each other, look directly in each others' eyes and take a deep breath in... and out. He usually says "one more, Mom" and we continue until he's feeling in control again. The simple act helps to ground him, reduce his anxiety, and help him focus again. Breathing exercises can help everyone reduce stress and relax.

When you're faced with an abrupt, unexpected stressful situation (such as a car cutting you off in traffic or someone saying something offensive to you) take a moment to pause and breathe deeply before reacting. Those few seconds will calm you so you can respond appropriately and thoughtfully -- avoiding a hasty reaction you might regret later.

When you're faced with longer-lasting stress (such as a difficult deadline at work or ongoing problems with your significant other) make a regular practice of this breathing and stretching technique. It will imbibe your body with oxygen and help relieve stress.

Filed under: Alternative Therapies, Stress Reduction

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]]>breathbreathebreathingexerciseexercisesO2oxygenstressstress-managementstress-reductionstress-reliefstretchstretchesstretchingMaggie Vink2008-08-23T15:00:00+00:00Celebrity Fitzness Report: Age-Proof Your Body with Elizabeth Somerhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/21/celebrity-fitzness-report-age-proof-your-body-with-elizabeth-so/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/21/celebrity-fitzness-report-age-proof-your-body-with-elizabeth-so/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/21/celebrity-fitzness-report-age-proof-your-body-with-elizabeth-so/#commentsCurious to know how celebrities squeeze fitness into their daily lives? Want to know the secrets of the stars? Bi-weekly our That's Fit fitness expert Fitz sits down with the celebs we want to know more about, and digs out their great and not-so-great methods to staying healthy.

Nutrition expert, Elizabeth Somer, and I recently sat down in New York City at the Prilosec OTC round table event to chat about aging without feeling or looking OLD! She tosses out tons of great advice about living well, living long and looking hot while doing it. The interview was fun and her books are great!

View Elizabeth's books below:

Continue reading Celebrity Fitzness Report: Age-Proof Your Body with Elizabeth Somer

Filed under: Alternative Therapies, Emotional Health, Fitness, Food and Nutrition, General Health, Health in the Media, Healthy Aging, Healthy Habits, Healthy Home, Healthy Relationships, Natural Products, Spirituality and Inspiration, Stress Reduction, Sustainable Community, Vegetarian, Vitamins and Supplements, Work/Home Balance, Women's Health, Men's Health, Diet and Weight Loss, Healthy Recipes, Celebrities, Healthy Kids, Book Reviews, Healthy Products, Cellulite, Celebrity Fitzness Report, Obesity, Healthy Events

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]]>ageagingauthoravoidbikebookbotcancercelebritycheryl laddCherylLadddiabetesdieticiandiseaseelizabethfitzfitznessfruithealthhearthotliftlooknutritionosteoporosisprilosecprilosec otcprilosec otvPrilosecOtcPrilosecOtvregisteredrusmartsomervegetablesweightswrinkleFitz K.2008-08-21T07:10:00+00:00BOSU & Medicine Ball Workout with Fitzhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/20/bosu-and-medicine-ball-workout-with-fitz/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/20/bosu-and-medicine-ball-workout-with-fitz/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/20/bosu-and-medicine-ball-workout-with-fitz/#comments

See more training videos at SportsHealthExercise.org on the Active Health Network!

Continue reading BOSU & Medicine Ball Workout with Fitz

Filed under: Alternative Therapies, Fitness, Food and Nutrition, General Health, Health and Technology, Health in the Media, Healthy Aging, Healthy Habits, Healthy Relationships, Natural Products, Women's Health, Men's Health, Diet and Weight Loss, HealthWatch, Celebrities, Healthy Products, Cellulite, Obesity

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]]>absactive health networkActiveHealthNetworkalexanderbenhambosucreativedeltoidsexerciseexpertfitzfitznessgluteshamstringhealthheathmedicine ballMedicineBallpartnerphysiologistpodacstsheshouldsportstracytrainingvideowendyworkoutFitz K.2008-08-20T10:30:00+00:00Christina Applegate is cancer freehttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/20/christina-applegate-is-cancer-free/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/20/christina-applegate-is-cancer-free/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/20/christina-applegate-is-cancer-free/#commentsEarlier this month Jacki told you that Christina Applegate, star of Samantha Who?, had been diagnosed with breast cancer, and now I have some great news to share -- the actress has announced that she is completely free of cancer, thanks to the early detection and the proper treatment.

Applegate, 36, has been getting annual mammograms since she turned 30 -- her mother is a breast cancer survivor, so she was aware of her risk. In an interview with Good Morning America's Robin Roberts (also a breast cancer survivor), she recalled her reaction to finding out she had breast cancer: "I was so mad and I -- I just remember I was -- I was just shaking. And then also immediately, I had to go into ... 'take-care-of-business mode,' ... I asked them, 'What do I do now? What -- what is it that I do? I get a doctor, I get a surgeon, I gen an oncologist? What do I do?"

What Applegate did was get all the help she needed, and she switched to a macrobiotic diet. And, obviously, it worked -- she's clear and told the world, "I'm clear. Absolutely 100 percent clear and clean. It did not spread. They got everything out, so I'm definitely not going to die from breast cancer."

Filed under: Alternative Therapies, Food and Nutrition, General Health, Women's Health, Celebrities

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]]>breast cancerBreastCancercancercelebritychristina applegateChristinaApplegateearly detectionEarlyDetectionexpire-images2009-8-19macrobiotic dietMacrobioticDietsamantha whoSamanthaWhoKristen Seymour2008-08-20T10:00:00+00:00Night wakings connected to organ systemshttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/20/night-wakings-connected-to-organ-systems/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/20/night-wakings-connected-to-organ-systems/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/20/night-wakings-connected-to-organ-systems/#comments sleeping child

sleeping child

Lately, I could set a clock by my son's night wakings. I tease my husband that I will set my alarm for four in the morning and go stand over Owen's bed and surprise him, before he can invade our bed!

I started to thinking, though: why four o'clock in the morning? Deep in my memory, I recalled something about certain hours of the day being associated with different organ systems, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine. So I looked it up.

Interesting, to say the least. It seems that the hours between three and five in the morning are when the lungs are most active. Well, wouldn't you know that Owen's allergies have been bothering him recently?

Continue reading Night wakings connected to organ systems

Filed under: Alternative Therapies, General Health

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]]>acupunctureallergiesbalanceorgansTCMtraditional-chinese-medicineDebra McDuffee2008-08-20T09:30:00+00:00Why walking a labyrinth is good for youhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/20/why-walking-a-labyrinth-is-good-for-you/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/20/why-walking-a-labyrinth-is-good-for-you/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/20/why-walking-a-labyrinth-is-good-for-you/#comments

Walking a labyrinth regularly is good for your health, but probably not for the reasons you think. Most people think labyrinths are a kind of maze that takes thinking and memory to solve, but many labyrinths are just a path that follows a single direction, usually taking the form of concentric circles or a looping pattern. The difference between a maze and many labyrinths is that a labyrinth doesn't have choices, there's only one path in and the same path gets you back out. No dead ends, no tricks, no confusion.

So why is walking one good for you? Because, according to an article in the recent issue of Natural Health, it can be a kind of "moving meditation" that can help you relax, bring you peace, and help relieve stress. There's no trick to doing it right -- just walk in and walk out, at your own pace and in your own way. Wanna try it? Check if there's a labyrinth in your area with The Worldwide Labyrinth Locator.

Filed under: Alternative Therapies, Stress Reduction

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]]>labyrinthlabyrinthsmazemazesmeditationmoving meditationMovingMeditationrelaxstresswalkingRigel Celeste2008-08-20T09:01:00+00:00Ask Fitz! Your Fitness Questions Answered -- Chubby Vegetarianshttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/20/ask-fitz-your-fitness-questions-answered-chubby-vegetarians/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/20/ask-fitz-your-fitness-questions-answered-chubby-vegetarians/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/20/ask-fitz-your-fitness-questions-answered-chubby-vegetarians/#commentsHave fitness questions? Fitz has your answer. Our ThatsFit.com fitness expert -- and now your own virtual personal trainer -- will help you get fit, increase your overall health and do it in a fun way. Drop your questions here in the Comments section below and we'll choose one per week to publish on That's Fit! Learn more about Fitz here.

Q. Hi Miss Fitzness, I'm a vegetarian, but still weigh 34 pounds more than I'd like to. What gives? I thought vegetarians were supposed to be skinny, and I hate being chubby! Meredith

A. Hello Meredith, Thanks for writing! Vegetarianism can have tons of benefits, and a trim physique can be one of them, if done right. Having said that ... it's very easy to go wrong as well. Here is the deal. Vegetarians don't necessarily eat all fruits and vegetables ... vegetarians just don't eat meat. There are tons of products that have no animal products in them, yet are still super high in calories and fat. Let's start with a short list of some vegetarian approved products:

Flour
Sugar
Oil
Frosting
Gummy Bears

Continue reading Ask Fitz! Your Fitness Questions Answered -- Chubby Vegetarians

Filed under: Alternative Therapies, Fitness, Food and Nutrition, General Health, Healthy Aging, Healthy Habits, Organic, Vegetarian, Vitamins and Supplements, Women's Health, Men's Health, Diet and Weight Loss, HealthWatch, Healthy Recipes, Celebrities, Healthy Products, Ask Fitz!, Cellulite, Obesity

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]]>animalcaloriechubbydietfatfitzfitznessfruitgainleanloselosslowmeatnutritionnutspoundsproductsskinnysoyvegetablesvegetarianweightFitz K.2008-08-20T07:00:00+00:00Acupuncture for athleteshttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/19/acupuncture-for-athletes/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/19/acupuncture-for-athletes/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/19/acupuncture-for-athletes/#comments

I was watching the Olympics the other day and saw a piece where a reporter went and received acupuncture treatments. It was interesting to hear about this particular practitioner who was influential in acupuncture's acceptance into Western culture. After the piece, the reporter mentioned that Nastia Liukin, gold medalist in the women's all-around gymnastics competition, has weekly acupuncture treatments.

She's not alone. Acupuncture is widely used as a method to aid and speed healing from sports-related injuries. Though the thought of multiple metal needles being inserted into your body is daunting, to say the least, proponents of the traditional form of medicine sing its praises. In addition to aiding in healing, acupuncture is said to help athletes by boosting energy, improving circulation, and ensuring the body gets the most out of nutrients. In addition, acupuncture is said to help improve the quality of sleep and boost immunity.

Filed under: Alternative Therapies

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]]>acupunctureacupuncturistChinaChinesecirculationenergygold-medalgymnastgymnasticshealhealingimmunityinjuriesinjuryNastia-LiukinneedleneedlesOlympicOlympicssleepsleepingsportstherapyMaggie Vink2008-08-19T16:00:00+00:00Quit smoking and get a new facehttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/18/quit-smoking-and-get-a-new-face/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/18/quit-smoking-and-get-a-new-face/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/18/quit-smoking-and-get-a-new-face/#comments

There are certainly a million plus reasons to quit smoking: the smell, the cancer risks, the heart disease, etc ... But now there is a new one! If you want to have plastic surgery on your face (and if you've smoked for a long time ... you probably want to), your doctor may insist that you quit before she'll do the procedure. Smoking interferes with the healing process.

This article tells the tale of a woman who repeatedly tried to quit smoking with no success. Until! That is ... her purpose for quitting was vanity. Hooray for that! I don't honestly care what she does with her face, I'm just grateful to have one less smoker in the world. I'm also thrilled that doctors have found a legitimately convincing way to get people to stop.

Continue reading Quit smoking and get a new face

Filed under: Alternative Therapies, General Health, Health and Technology, Health in the Media, Healthy Aging, Healthy Habits, Women's Health, Men's Health, Diet and Weight Loss, Healthy Products

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]]>ageagingcancercigarettediseasedoctoreffectsfacefitzfitznesshealingheartliftnicotineodorplasticsessationsmokestopsurgeryvanitywrinkleyoungerFitz K.2008-08-18T14:00:00+00:00Are camera phones the real celebrity secret to staying slim?http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/18/are-camera-phones-the-real-celebrity-secret-to-staying-slim/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/18/are-camera-phones-the-real-celebrity-secret-to-staying-slim/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/18/are-camera-phones-the-real-celebrity-secret-to-staying-slim/#comments

I recently interviewed Erin Andrews, the very pretty and fit sideline reporter for ESPN. While we spoke, Erin told me her secret to staying really fit and trim. After gaining 10 pounds "eating like a guy" with the College GameDay crew, Erin was mortified to see her much larger bum showcased all over the internet.

I was like "Oh my God!" she said. "What happened to my butt?!!!" And with that ... Erin hired a trainer, changed the way she was eating and made sure she didn't try to keep up with her male coworkers at the bar. Can you imagine having the world document each and every pound you gained each day of your life?

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Continue reading Are camera phones the real celebrity secret to staying slim?

Filed under: Alternative Therapies, Emotional Health, Fitness, Food and Nutrition, General Health, Health and Technology, Health in the Media, Healthy Habits, Stress Reduction, Women's Health, Men's Health, Diet and Weight Loss, Celebrities, Healthy Products, Cellulite, Obesity

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]]>anthonyanthony fieldAnthonyFieldbootybumbuttcameracelebritycolindr. ozDr.Ozegglesfielderin andrewsErinAndrewsespnexpertfatfieldfitnessfitzfitznessgainkirk herbstreitKirkHerbstreitlosemagicpaparazziphonepillpoundsslimstartechnologytenthe wigglesTheWigglesthintrainertrimweightFitz K.2008-08-18T10:31:00+00:00Monkeys from Heavenhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/15/monkeys-from-heaven/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/15/monkeys-from-heaven/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/15/monkeys-from-heaven/#comments

This morning was a special day for the mommies in my playgroup and I. Today we donated over 150 stuffed monkeys to the children being cared for at North Florida Regional Medical Center (NFRMC) in honor of our Angel Odessa. Odessa Virginia Webster was born at NFRMC on February 24, 2003, and landed back at the same hospital on March 25, 2004 for care after a fatal head injury. At thirteen months old, Odessa was stolen from her parents Matt and Anita, her loving family, and our already tight playgroup family. It was devastating for all of us, and out of our grief came an intense drive to honor our "Angel O".

To back up a bit, our playgroup began when our infants met at a "new mommy" luncheon hosted at NFRMC when they were two weeks old. Well, the infants didn't exactly meet each other, but us moms did ... and we decided then and there that we wanted to stick together. That made ten families dealing with the insanity of newborns and leaning on each other for friendship, advice, stress relief, and fun. We literally have been getting together for "playgroup" every Tuesday since, and our children are all addicted to each other; the best of friends. At the start, we would have never imagined what would come for us, for her, the following year. I just remember checking my email one day and opening one from Anita with "Odessa Virginia Webster" as the title. I expected to see a new photo from a portrait studio. A portrait was included, but it went along with a letter written by Anita informing us that her daughter was gone. "Please don't call now. I'm not ready to talk" she wrote. I simply can't describe the agony that followed for all of us.

Continue reading Monkeys from Heaven

Filed under: Alternative Therapies, Emotional Health, General Health, Health in the Media, Healthy Relationships, Spirituality and Inspiration, Stress Reduction, Women's Health, Men's Health, Celebrities, Healthy Kids, Healthy Products, Healthy Events

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]]>angelanimalanitababycancercenterchildrendeathdonationdrivefamilyfitzfitznessfloridafriendsgainesvilleheadhospitalinjuredkidlifeloveymattmedicalmonkmonk monkmonkeyMonkMonknorthodessaodessa websterOdessaWebsterparentpennies from heavenPenniesFromHeavenplaygroupregionalsickstuffedtraumavirginaFitz K.2008-08-15T07:00:00+00:00Fitz's Cool Tools: AquaLogix -- The New Wave in Total Body Fitnesshttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/12/fitzs-cool-tools-aqualogix-the-new-wave-in-total-body-fitne/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/12/fitzs-cool-tools-aqualogix-the-new-wave-in-total-body-fitne/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/12/fitzs-cool-tools-aqualogix-the-new-wave-in-total-body-fitne/#comments

Forget the idea that training in the pool is a mamby-pamby workout. AquaLogix is throwing that idea out with the theory that one catches a cold from going out with wet hair! I've been testing out some amazing new fitness tools that can literally cater to both the elderly crowd in nursing homes and professional athletes. I'm on the uber-fit side, and these things kicked my ass! Excuse my language, but an hour in the pool using an advanced level set of Cardio Bells and Cardio Fins left my arms and legs trembling for an incredibly long time.

I'm sure many of you have used the traditional foam dumbbells in the water. They're awkward, right? I've been teaching fitness for 20 years, both in and out of the water, and I still look at the foam dumbbells with a question mark over my head! They drive me nuts, because they limit our mobility drastically. Up, down, up, down and that's it. Cardio Bells are the answer to that issue and many more. Their unique design allows the user to move in absolutely every direction, and the resistance they create is insane! I shared my new "cool tools" at the lap pool this week with dozens of fellow exercisers. Absolutely every last person from ages eight to 85 were both astonished at how much drag they created and how comfortable they are to use.

The other cool tools I received from AquaLogix were Cardio Fins. A brilliant innovation. Cardio Fins are soft Velcro bands that strap around the users wrists or ankles and create incredible drag. Using the advanced level Cardio Fins as I ran laps in the pool today made me feel as though I was climbing Mt. Everest. I love a challenge and the combination of the Cardio Fins and the Cardio Bells kept me struggling with gritted teeth.

Continue reading Fitz's Cool Tools: AquaLogix -- The New Wave in Total Body Fitness

Filed under: Alternative Therapies, Emotional Health, Fitness, General Health, Health and Technology, Health in the Media, Healthy Aging, Healthy Habits, Healthy Places, Spirituality and Inspiration, Stress Reduction, Women's Health, Men's Health, Diet and Weight Loss, Celebrities, Healthy Kids, Healthy Products, Cellulite, Obesity

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]]>aquaaqualogixathletebuoyantelderlyexerciseexpertfitnessfitzfitznessfunhealthyimpact freeImpactFreelaploselossmusclesobesepoolpregnantprofessionalstoutstrongtadtrainingwaterweightworkoutFitz K.2008-08-12T18:00:00+00:00The hottest new supplement for Olympianshttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/05/the-hottest-new-legal-supplement-for-olympians/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/05/the-hottest-new-legal-supplement-for-olympians/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/05/the-hottest-new-legal-supplement-for-olympians/#comments

With the Olympics coming up, the use of supplements to enhance performance is big business. I asked my pal Jose Antonio, PhD, Sports Nutrition expert what was hot and gave me this scoop. Besides safe and effective supplements like creatine, protein powders, and even fish oil, there's a new kid on the block. It's called beta-alanine!

Beta-alanine is basically an amino acid that has been shown to help fight off the fatigue-promoting effects of lactic acid. When muscle pH drops from intense exercise, beta-alanine helps buffer this increased acidity. Technically, it is muscle carnosine (which is made from beta-alanine) that does the buffering.

What could beta-alanine help as far as Olympic events? Sports like wrestling, the long sprints such as the 400 meter dash, boxing, and team sports in which there is a lot of sprinting can be helped. In fact, a recent study from the International Journal of Sports Medicine proved that beta-alanine significantly improved muscular endurance. So for those of you seeking that extra performance edge, look out for beta-alanine!

Continue reading The hottest new supplement for Olympians

Filed under: Alternative Therapies, Fitness, Food and Nutrition, General Health, Health in the Media, Vitamins and Supplements, Women's Health, Men's Health, Diet and Weight Loss, Celebrities, Healthy Products, Obesity

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]]>acidamino acidAminoAcidantonioathletebejingbeta-alanineboxchinacreatineenduranceexpertfatiguefightfitzfitznessjosejournallacticmedicinenutritionolypicpowderproteinshakesportsportswrestleFitz K.2008-08-05T21:44:00+00:00Calorie Free Cakes and Cocktailshttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/07/22/calorie-free-cakes-and-cocktails/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/07/22/calorie-free-cakes-and-cocktails/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/07/22/calorie-free-cakes-and-cocktails/#comments

There is more in the world than sugary treats. If you're one of those folks who has no interest in indulging in the traditional not-so-good-for-you birthday celebration ... 1-800-FLOWERS has come up with an adorable alternative. They've made beautiful cakes and cocktails out of flowers! The arrangements are beautiful, fun and absolutely guilt free!

Now, I'm not a girl who brings cake into my home or even orders it at a restaurant. I am, however, someone who enjoys a piece on my birthday. If true cake is a special component of your big day, than by all means ... have some! But if it's not, I think these cakes made of flowers make a wonderful celebratory substitute.

The other thing that struck me is that they'd make an incredibly thoughtful gift as well. We've all had the standard bouquet brought to our door, but these little masterpieces are the kind of flowers that would make me squeal! As a fitness trainer, I hold myself to a very high standard. I want to be a role model and I'd never want to contribute in an unhealthy way to a friend. I personally could never just grab a basket of chocolate and give it to someone I love. How contrary that would be!

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Continue reading Calorie Free Cakes and Cocktails

Filed under: Alternative Therapies, Fitness, Food and Nutrition, General Health, Healthy Habits, Women's Health, Men's Health, Diet and Weight Loss, Healthy Products, Cellulite, Obesity, Healthy Events

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]]>1800flowersbasketbirthdaycakecalorie freeCalorieFreechocolatecoctailgiftheatlhyindulgesugarsweetthoughtfultreatwomanFitz K.2008-07-22T11:30:00+00:00Plant power! How plants benefit your healthhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/07/22/plant-power-how-plants-benefit-your-health/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/07/22/plant-power-how-plants-benefit-your-health/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/07/22/plant-power-how-plants-benefit-your-health/#commentsI tend to believe that, if it's good enough for NASA, it's probably good enough for my home. You know, with the exception of the astronaut food -- yuck. And so, hearing that bringing plants indoors is a secret weapon for NASA was all the convincing I needed to start bringing some of my greenery inside.

There are loads of benefits to having plants in your home, beginning with air quality. NASA sponsored research on the removal of chemicals from the air by plants, and found that houseplants helped remove pollutants like benzene, ammonia, and formaldehyde from the air.

Additionally, there's something called the Biophilia Hypothesis, which basically means that our ancestors might have passed on to us a desire to live in green, natural spaces -- a survival advantage for them. What that means for us is that we have a natural inclination toward other living things, and that simply keeping houseplants around could elicit a "feel good" response.
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Continue reading Plant power! How plants benefit your health

Filed under: Alternative Therapies, General Health, Healthy Home, Healthy Products

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]]>air qualityAirQualitybiophilia hypothesisBiophiliaHypothesisgreenhouseplantsNASAnatureplantsKristen Seymour2008-07-22T10:30:00+00:00