That's Fithttp://www.thatsfit.comThat's Fithttp://www.thatsfit.com/media/feedlogo.gifThat's Fithttp://www.thatsfit.comen-usCopyright 2010 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/For fitness sake, kick these 7 backcountry phobiashttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/10/23/kick-these-7-backcountry-phobias/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/10/23/kick-these-7-backcountry-phobias/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/10/23/kick-these-7-backcountry-phobias/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Who's afraid of big, bad spiders, bears, lightning, heights, getting lost, tight spaces and being alone in the dark? Many people are so irrationally frightened of one or more of these, they'll never plan a fitness vacation into the backcountry. We allow these fears to minimize our exposure to the wonders of nature, even though we're more likely to be crushed by a vending machine than killed by a bear in Glacier National Park.

Enter cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). The cognitive part teaches you the truth about the fear, while the behavioral aspect involves gradual exposure therapy to conquer the phobia. Backpacker Magazine has a terrific article explaining the real truth behind these seven common backcountry phobias, as well as do-it-yourself exposure techniques to beat each one.

I confess to being irrationally frightened of bears, especially grizzlies. I've never slept well in grizzly-land. I even picked black bear over grizzly country for a trip last July, yet still had a devastatingly real dream a grizzly was poised to attack my husband before I could reach for the bear spray. House spiders make me scream. What a bunch of hooey, I'm in need of CBT. Any phobias you're ready to conquer to open nature's door to burning thousands of calories per day hiking or backpacking?

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]]>backcountry phobiasBackcountryPhobiasBev SklarBevSklarcognitive-behavioral therapyCognitive-behavioralTherapyfitness vacationsFitnessVacationsirrational fearIrrationalFearBev SklarThu, 23 Oct 2008 12:00:00 ESTWe are bowling alonehttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/09/14/we-are-bowling-alone/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/09/14/we-are-bowling-alone/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/09/14/we-are-bowling-alone/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

In the book Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community, social capital expert Robert D. Putnam -- I'm a big fan of his work -- says we are bowling alone. While more of us are aiming for the pins than ever before, we're not bowling in leagues.

Social capital's central premise is that social networks have tremendous value for individuals, communities and even society, and while they are one of the best elixirs for social isolation -- a condition which is as bad for your health as lack of exercise -- the fabric of civic trust among Americans and their communities is thin and frayed.

When is the last time you had a neighbor over for dinner or worked out with a friend? Do you regularly confide with someone other than a family member? Is your computer your regular hangout? You don't have to join a frontier barn-raising to raise social capital. After reading this interesting article on the topic, I'm thinking personal fitness is a great way start. Here's a quick brainstorm:

  • Learn the names of the front desk staff at your gym and chat with them upon entering or leaving. They're not membership card collectors, they're typically friendly, informed staff capable of steering you toward all sorts of social networks.
  • Leave cardio theatre and head over to the group exercise room. A roomful of inspired workout fiends is a powerful, friendly community. Mix and mingle before and after class. Roll out your yoga mat and say hello to your neighbor. Exchange fitness tips, ask questions, get to know each other.
  • Sign-up and/or volunteer in your local community's run/walk race.
  • Accept an invitation, read the fitness flyers. The walleyball players at my gym are super-friendly. Next time I observe them and they invariably wave me down, I'm going.
  • Build in some down time to stop by the smoothie bar.
How do you build social capital at your gym?

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]]>Bev SklarBevSklarbuilding social capitalBuildingSocialCapitalRobert D. PutnamRobertD.Putnamsocial capitalSocialCapitalBev SklarSun, 14 Sep 2008 16:55:00 ESTFour 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/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Women'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!

Gallery: Morning Moves

Cat Cow PoseSplit SquatSquat ThrustsLeaning Side PlankWomen's Health Magazine

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]]>cat cowCatCowenergyfatiguefitfitzfitznessgymleanmagazinemorningmovesmuscleplankposesnoozesquatstressstretchthrustwomens healthWomensHealthFitz K.Thu, 28 Aug 2008 09:54:00 ESTAsk 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/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Have 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?

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]]>allergiesask-fitzasthmaathletebasketballbreathcardiorespiratorycourtenduranceexpertfitnessfitzfitznesshealthyhockeyjogprogramqarespiratoryrunrunningsarahschoolshapesoccersprintsstressteenagetrainingwindedFitz K.Wed, 27 Aug 2008 07:00:00 EST5 new ways to journalhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/26/5-new-ways-to-journal/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/26/5-new-ways-to-journal/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/26/5-new-ways-to-journal/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Journaling, or keeping a diary, has been shown to have amazing benefits. It can lower your stress level, help you let go of what's bothering you, raise self esteem, and assist you in clarifying your wants and needs in life. It's cheap, and it's easy, but a lot of people still have a really hard time with it.

It's not hard for me to sit down and write a couple pages on my thoughts of the day (or, even just a particular episode). But then again, I'm a writer -- that's what I do.

The thing that seems to throw the people I've talked to for a loop is trying to write something to and for themselves -- they're able to write letters to other people, and they can write a paper if you give them a topic, but they have a hard time just sitting down and writing whatever comes to mind, just for the heck of it. I've got some suggestions (some are courtesy of RedBook) that might make it a little easier to get started. Leave a comment if any of these, or something else, has worked for you!

Gallery: 5 Ways to Journal

Address it to someoneTry bloggingSpeaking of pictures ...Start with eventsSet aside a particular time

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]]>blogdiaryjournaljournalinglogstress reductionStressReductionKristen SeymourTue, 26 Aug 2008 13:00:00 ESTFitSpirit: Mother Nurturehttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/23/fitspirit-mother-nurture/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/23/fitspirit-mother-nurture/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/23/fitspirit-mother-nurture/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Maintaining health in my mind and body has always been important to me. But it became more so after I became a mother. I've been fortunate, for the most part, to be one who enjoys motherhood and has been able to achieve a good balance most of the time.

Still, I was intrigued when my friend and neighbor handed over her copy of Mother Nurture to add to my bedside table. It's a fabulous resource regardless of how well a mother might be coping, or not. It could be a lifesaver for some.

If anything else, reading about preventing depletion, building teamwork with your partner and achieving balance in your life is fabulous motivation to keep moving forward and enjoy being a parent rather than viewing it as a task to be completed. I'm actually putting it on my short list of great baby shower gifts. I suspect it would be a lot more valuable than another blanket in the nursery.

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]]>bookdepletedmother nurturemotherhoodMotherNurtureparenthoodstressDeanna GlickSat, 23 Aug 2008 06:00:00 ESTCelebrity 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/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Curious 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

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]]>ageagingauthoravoidbikebookbotcancercelebritycelebrity-fitzness-reportcheryl laddCherylLadddiabetesdieticiandiseaseelizabethfitzfitznessfruithealthhearthotliftlooknutritionosteoporosisprilosecprilosec otcprilosec otvPrilosecOtcPrilosecOtvregisteredrusmartsomervegetablesweightswrinkleFitz K.Thu, 21 Aug 2008 07:10:00 ESTThe Active Health Network launched today!http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/18/the-active-health-network/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/18/the-active-health-network/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/18/the-active-health-network/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Active Health Network has just launched and you can find it at SportsHealthExercise.Org. I'm very excited to announce this to you, because I'm one of the several health and fitness experts contributing to the site. Unlike other health and fitness sites, SHE is owned by a fitness expert, Master of Exercise Physiology, Tracy Benham. She has also surrounded herself by other experts (like me) in unique genres of health.

SHE sports a bunch of great text info, and it's full of FITNESS TELEVISION! You don't have to settle for words, when you can see and hear the various experts blabbing about and showing you personally what they want you to know about becoming a better you. General fitness training, yoga, healthy cooking, etc...

So ... I'm stoked! We've done tons of work leading up to this point, and now I can't wait to see how all of that effort pays off for you. So ... what are you waiting for? Stop reading what I say and go listen and see instead.

Continue reading The Active Health Network launched today!

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]]>activebenhambosuchefdieticianexerciseexpertfitfit kicksFitKicksfitnessfitzfitznessfungainhealthloselossmedicine ballMedicineBallnetworkphysiologyplasticpodcastshesmokingsportsstrongsurgerytracytrainertyvideoweightFitz K.Mon, 18 Aug 2008 17:57:00 ESTAre 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/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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?

Gallery: Celebrity Fitzness Secrets

Erin AndrewsCheryl LaddColin EgglesfieldAnthony Field of The WigglesAnthony on the Rings

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

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]]>anthonyanthony fieldAnthonyFieldbootybumbuttcameracelebritycolindr. ozDr.Ozegglesfielderin andrewsErinAndrewsespnexpertfatfieldfitnessfitzfitznessgainkirk herbstreitKirkHerbstreitlosemagicpaparazziphonepillpoundsslimstartechnologytenthe wigglesTheWigglesthintrainertrimweightFitz K.Mon, 18 Aug 2008 10:31:00 ESTBring your mental game to injury recoveryhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/15/bring-your-mental-game-to-injury-recovery/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/15/bring-your-mental-game-to-injury-recovery/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/15/bring-your-mental-game-to-injury-recovery/#commentsFiled under: , ,

I'm injured. There. I said it. I've been mumbling and fumbling about with butt and hip pain for eight weeks. Jogging hurts. Driving long distances hurts. Sitting for too long sends sharp pain. Sciatica symptoms brought my stubborn self to an orthopedic doc last June, who recommended a month of physical therapy for a disc issue or piriformis syndrome. I didn't go.

Instead, I Googled both conditions like crazy. Read, read, read. Tried rest from jogging, rolling my rear on a tennis ball, new piriformis stretches. No more sciatica, the pain has moved locations a bit, but it's nagging enough to wake me up sometimes. The endorphins couldn't hide my hip pain while jogging a few days ago. So yesterday I told my husband I was driving over to my physical therapist to see if they'd accept a nearly two-month-old, ragged-looking prescription from my ortho.

I say "my physical therapist" from the heart. I spent nearly four months rehabbing from a blown achilles last summer with a team of incredibly competent P.T.s with a matching bedside manner. After my surprise visit to their office, we screamed and hugged like a bunch of sorority girls returning to campus after a summer lifeguarding at our respective municipal pools. It's all settled -- time to hit the campus bars together -- I go in for an assessment on Monday morning.

According to this helpful article on coping with a sports injury, understanding your injury and the subsequent rehabilitation process is a critical first mental step to lessen anxiety and provide a greater sense of control. If you're feeling stuck with an injury, bring your mental game to your doc's office to help maintain a positive, informed approach to recovery.

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]]>Bev SklarBevSklarcoping with an injuryCopingWithAnInjurydisc problemsDiscProblemsinjury rehabilitationInjuryRehabilitationmental side of injury recoveryMentalSideOfInjuryRecoverypiriformis syndromePiriformisSyndromesciatica painSciaticaPainBev SklarFri, 15 Aug 2008 09:00:00 ESTMonkeys 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/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

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]]>angelanimalanitababycancercenterchildrendeathdonationdrivefamilyfitzfitznessfloridafriendsgainesvilleheadhospitalinjuredkidlifeloveymattmedicalmonkmonk monkmonkeyMonkMonknorthodessaodessa websterOdessaWebsterparentpennies from heavenPenniesFromHeavenplaygroupregionalsickstuffedtraumavirginaFitz K.Fri, 15 Aug 2008 07:00:00 ESTCelebrity Fitzness Report: Interview with ESPN's controversial? reporter Erin Andrewshttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/14/celebrity-fitzness-report-interview-with-espns-controversial/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/14/celebrity-fitzness-report-interview-with-espns-controversial/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/14/celebrity-fitzness-report-interview-with-espns-controversial/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Curious 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.

If you've been in tune with national sporting news this week, you're probably aware of the big hub-bub created by Mike Nadel, a cranky reporter of the Peoria Journal Star, who wrote a venomous article about the both young and beautiful sideline reporter for ESPN, Erin Andrews. The "big news" and "big deal" was that Erin wore a dress that hit right above her knee (the outrage!), and her dress was not a turtleneck (hussy)! Nadel even noted that Erin went so far as to grope Alfonso Soriano's bicep at a gathering (she was just looking at his scar from a recent surgery).

Here is the truth about Erin. She's a college educated, ambitious, down-to-earth woman who started on a small network and proved her reporting worthy of a high profile on-air position at ESPN. She loves sports and is great at delivering the news we want to know about our favorite athletes, coaches and teams. Erin and I relaxed on a sunny afternoon in both of our alma mater's football stadium, the University of Florida's SWAMP, to chat. She's funny, sarcastic, and truly grateful to have the job she's dreamed of. She often travels with a band of brothers, the mostly male ESPN GameDay crew, and has had to learn the hard way that she really isn't a guy. Some fans with cell phone cameras taught her that.

Fitz: You are pretty great shape! What do you do?

Erin: Traveling for my job makes staying in shape really hard. We're on the road so much, and for me ... it's tough cause I'm one of the only girls on site. I'm really close with the other talent and the broadcasters, so we go out to eat all the time. Today we had hamburgers! Eating on the road is the worst way to eat. Not only that, but I'm surrounded by guys! When you're surrounded by men, you eat and drink like a guy.

Fitz: Not good news for a slender woman like you!

Continue reading Celebrity Fitzness Report: Interview with ESPN's controversial? reporter Erin Andrews

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]]>andrewsbeerben hill griffinBenHillGriffincelebritycelebrity-fitzness-reportchriscollegecorsodesmonddresserinespnfitzfitznessfloridafootballfowlergamedaygatorherbstreithowardkirklasagnaleelosemikenadelpancakepotatoesreportreportersidelinesmartsportssteakswampthinufuniversityweightweightsFitz K.Thu, 14 Aug 2008 09:30:00 ESTAsk Fitz! Your Fitness Questions Answered -- Vacation Weight Managementhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/13/ask-fitz-your-fitness-questions-answered-vacation-weight-man/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/13/ask-fitz-your-fitness-questions-answered-vacation-weight-man/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/13/ask-fitz-your-fitness-questions-answered-vacation-weight-man/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Have 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. Hello! I came across your trip reports from your Disney World vacation in June while searching the web for some advice on healthy eating at Disney. Very helpful posts -- thank you! Our family was there last summer and we are going back next week. However, since January I have lost around 55 lbs (with a few more pounds still to go). I wasn't that concerned about eating healthy last summer, but I am worried this summer that I will gain weight during vacation instead of maintaining or losing weight, as I am still trying to do. I know that Disney World is tons of walking (it's me, my husband, and our two boys, ages 7 and 5), but there is no nutrition/calorie information for any of the food from Disney's table or counter-service restaurants. The main way that I have lost weight is by counting calories and exercising. So I feel a little "lost" when it comes to what I will eat on vacation. Also, my husband and kids are fairly picky eaters and so we pretty much only eat at places that offer the standard "hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken nuggets, pizza", etc. Thanks for your trip report -- sounds like you and your family had a wonderful time at Disney World!!! Melody from Delaware

A. Hi Melody. Lucky you! I wish I were going back to Disney next week! Hopefully my answer will prove to be the simple reassurance you need to relax and enjoy the magic of Disney. Sweetie ... you've lost 55 pounds; you already know what you are doing! All I want you to do is to continue pursuing the same fabulous food you choose at home in Delaware. Disney has totally cleaned up its act in the healthy food department. I literally found healthier menu items at Disney's Magic Kingdom than I have ever found in my own home town!

Continue reading Ask Fitz! Your Fitness Questions Answered -- Vacation Weight Management

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]]>animalask-fitzdisneydisney magicDisneyMagiceateatingepcotexercisefamilyfatfitfitzfitznesshealtyholidayhollywoodkingdomlandloselossmagicqarightstudiosthinvacationweightworldFitz K.Wed, 13 Aug 2008 07:00:00 ESTFitz'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/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

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]]>aquaaqualogixathletebuoyantelderlyexerciseexpertfitnessfitzfitznessfunhealthyimpact freeImpactFreelaploselossmusclesobesepoolpregnantprofessionalstoutstrongtadtrainingwaterweightworkoutFitz K.Tue, 12 Aug 2008 18:00:00 ESTCelebrity Fitzness Report: What's Ugly about Cheryl Ladd?http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/07/celebrity-fitzness-report-fitz-and-cheryl-ladd-talk-fitness-on-fi/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/07/celebrity-fitzness-report-fitz-and-cheryl-ladd-talk-fitness-on-fi/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/07/celebrity-fitzness-report-fitz-and-cheryl-ladd-talk-fitness-on-fi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Curious 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.

Continue reading Celebrity Fitzness Report: What's Ugly about Cheryl Ladd?

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]]>57actoragingangelbabybeautifulboomercelebritycelebrity-fitzness-reportcharliecherylfitfitzfitznessgracehealthladdmenopauseotcprilosecprocter and gambleProcterAndGambleproctor and gambleProctorAndGambleretirestarstronguglyvegaswomanFitz K.Thu, 07 Aug 2008 07:00:00 ESTStress Less: Water, water everywherehttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/05/stress-less-water-water-everywhere/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/05/stress-less-water-water-everywhere/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/05/stress-less-water-water-everywhere/#commentsFiled under: ,

I've often been struck by the myriad stress relief techniques that involve water, from tabletop fountains to aerobics in the pool as well as warm baths or taking a spin on a boat.

But why does water work?

According to this newsletter on therapeutic techniques, the body has a relationship with water which is both primordial and present and there are many reasons why we might be drawn to water to feel better: we are made up largely of water and life is composed of water, providing all living things with a flow of nutrients as well as a channel of elimination. Perhaps this is why stress relief with water has moved beyond the warm bath into the realm of hydrotherapy.

According to this hydrotherapy source a warm bath (ranges from 35°C to 40°C) relaxes the body and soothes sore areas, increases blood circulation in skin, promotes cell renewal, and eliminates toxins through perspiration and lymphatic drainage. Water has a hydrostatic effect that stimulates touch receptors on skin and boosts blood circulation. Far beyond stress relief, the technique can be effective for treating rheumatic diseases and arthritis and improve fitness levels in dogs and horses.

Personally, nothing works quite like a dip in the ocean.

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]]>boatinghydrotherapystress reliefStressReliefwarm bathWarmBathwaterwater aerobicsWaterAerobicsDeanna GlickTue, 05 Aug 2008 07:00:00 ESTFitness vacationshttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/04/fitness-vacations/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/04/fitness-vacations/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/04/fitness-vacations/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Vacation is a time for sitting on the beach with a blended drink in hand, right? But if you're sick of being out of shape and overweight, that choice is likely one more reason you're averting your eyes from the scale. Why not take those two weeks or more of vacation time to shake up those bad habits and develop good ones instead?

I just returned from a week in Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park. Yes, I'm a backpacker and rock climber at heart, but two young kids have dampened my energy and time for outdoor pursuits. After hanging with the kids all summer, I nearly begged my husband to make our first no-kid vacation in eight years complete with a beach ... and cabana boy.

Nope, he wanted backcountry camping and mountain ascents. Deep down, I knew I wanted them, too. But you don't need to be a backcountry guru to reap the benefits of hiking hours a day amongst beautiful mountain lakes, winding trails and stunning overlooks. Rocky Mountain National Park offers an incredible FREE bus system for hassle-free transfer throughout this 359-miles-of-trails Park, which means you can hike a different route each day, then conveniently return to your Estes Park resort pool, beckon the cabana boy/girl and order your well-earned pina colada and salad for dinner.

Keeping an active lifestyle can very well include your vacation, too. Daily mountain hikes instead of the beach? Think about it. I am back from a Colorado vacation relaxed, rejuvenated, in better cardio shape and peering happily at a lower number on the scale. Check out the gallery of photos for a little active vacation inspiration!

Gallery: Active vacations

Time for BackpackingLeisureMountain MeadowLuxuryThe Pools

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]]>active vacationsActiveVacationsBev SklarBevSklarfitness vacationsFitnessVacationsRocky Mountain National ParkRocky Mountain National Park bus systemRockyMountainNationalParkRockyMountainNationalParkBusSystemBev SklarMon, 04 Aug 2008 13:30:00 EST14 reasons you can't sleephttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/07/21/14-reasons-you-cant-sleep/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/07/21/14-reasons-you-cant-sleep/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/07/21/14-reasons-you-cant-sleep/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Are you envious of your bed partner, who drifts off to sleep quickly while you toss and turn? Do you find yourself lying awake at night, despite your best efforts to fall asleep? You aren't alone. Insomnia is a common condition that steals precious sleep from those who need it, and a lack of sleep can have a serious impact on your health, including weight gain.

The first step in treating insomnia is identifying the cause. Forbes has an excellent gallery to help you do just that. Their 14 reasons you aren't sleeping covers topics like:

  • relationship trouble
  • co-sleeping with children
  • pregnancy
  • being a woman
  • medications
  • sleep disorders
  • stress
  • poor sleeping habits or environment
  • worry
  • age
  • heart disease
  • depression
If this sounds like you, you might already be on your road to recovery. Try and make some lifestyle or environmental adjustments, and if that doesn't work, speak to your doctor to see if your health may be part of the cause. While you're at it, visit AOL Health to see what they're saying about sleep.

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]]>cant sleepCantSleepdepressionhealthy agingHealthyAginginsominapoor sleep habitsPoorSleepHabitssleepsleep apneasleep disordersSleepApneaSleepDisorderssleepingstressBethany SandersMon, 21 Jul 2008 10:00:00 ESTVital Tools for Aqua Fitness Traininghttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/07/19/vital-tools-for-aqua-fitness-training/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/07/19/vital-tools-for-aqua-fitness-training/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/07/19/vital-tools-for-aqua-fitness-training/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

I've been drenched this summer. About a million hours so far racing around water parks, pounding out cannonball after cannonball with my children and running laps in pools with clients striving to become more fit. I just thought I'd give credit to the one thing that's allowing me to get through it all and keep coming back for more: my pool shoes.

I tell you, they're ugly, fugly, and completely unflattering with my brown polka dotted bikini. They are, in fact, the only thing keeping me from tapping out of summer fun though. I realized this yesterday as I went to work at my client's lap pool and forgot them. Oh man! Every step I took was more excruciating than the last. It was dreadful. I also had a rotten experience a bit back when I hit Disney's Typhoon Lagoon without my fancy footwear. Between the heat, the concrete, and the sand ... my feet took quite a beating.

Gallery: Pool Shoes are Vital Tools for Aqua Training

Speedo Womens SurfwalkerSpeedo Baby SurfwalkerAmphibia Womens Aqua Water Shoes by SalomonRaftersMens Zuma by Ocean Pacific

So! If you too, are working out in the water this summer and want to take it up a notch ... protect those tootsies and get yourself some pool shoes. They're one of the most functional fitness tools I've used all summer!

Continue reading Vital Tools for Aqua Fitness Training

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]]>aquaaquarobicsbikinibuoyexercisefitzfitznessfriskynikeoceanpoolshoesspeedoswimtrainwaterwater parkWaterParkwetFitz K.Sat, 19 Jul 2008 15:45:00 EST7 Age Defying Tips from Cheryl Ladd & Elizabeth Somer , R.D.http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/07/18/7-age-defying-tips-from-cheryl-ladd-and-elizabeth-somer-r-d/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/07/18/7-age-defying-tips-from-cheryl-ladd-and-elizabeth-somer-r-d/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/07/18/7-age-defying-tips-from-cheryl-ladd-and-elizabeth-somer-r-d/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

I'm on the plane flying home from the Prilosec OTC Roundtable Discussion with the gorgeous actress, Cheryl Ladd and nutrition expert, Elizabeth Somer, R.D in New York City. They/we discussed the benefits that both a healthy lifestyle and positive attitude can have on today's Baby Boomers. I was happy to see two bright women, both 57 years old, who were able to close in on 60 without being or looking "old". While preserving their appearances and health, they still embrace and enjoy the gifts that come with aging.

Both Cheryl and Elizabeth personify the woman I hope to be when I am of similar age. Not only because they are gorgeous women who have defied the years physically though. Their healthy eating choices, chronic exercise habits, and joyous perspectives on life offer proof that with decent effort one can earn a long, productive, enjoyable life.

Gallery: Defy Aging

Doctor BondingEat healthy!Exercise FrequentlyKeep Your Brain BuzzingBe Happy!

Continue reading 7 Age Defying Tips from Cheryl Ladd & Elizabeth Somer , R.D.

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]]>ageauthorcharlies angelsCharliesAngelscheryldefyeatelizabeth somerElizabethSomerexerciseexpertfitnessfitzfitznessfruithealthyladdmenopausenutritionoldvicewomanyoungyouthfulFitz K.Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:00:00 EST