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Snacks - The Best Afternoon Snack for the Office

Nutrition & Supplements

boxes of fruitSeveral years ago when I still worked in an office environment, we went through a pretty rough stretch. We were all working long hours and were stressed beyond belief. We all pitched in and when we got the job done, my boss gave each of us a six-pack of fancy-schmancy beer and a big bar of chocolate. Hands down, he was the coolest boss in the world.

We never had the dreaded candy bowl at that office, but we did have our fair share of bagels for breakfast and pizza for lunch. Though it was awesome that our boss liked to treat us once in a while, the treats were never very healthful.

Enter The Fruit Guys. This service delivers a box of fresh fruit to the office once a week. What a great idea. (All of you bosses out there, take note!) Not only will this improve employee morale, it will also contribute to better health and weight management which, in turn, improves employee productivity.

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Ask Fitz! Your Fitness Questions Answered - Flabby Arms

Ask Fitz!, Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness

Have fitness questions? Fitz has your answers. 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. Fitz, My entire upper arms wobble when I wave hello or goodbye. I'm only 26 years old, but I feel like my arms look like they belong to an elderly woman. I run so I'm thin, but my arms are too flabby. Help! Jada

A. Hello running woman! Thanks for throwing me the soft ball. In fact, maybe that's something you should try. Throwing softballs is a great workout for the triceps. And, if you hadn't predicted what I was going to say, you should be working your triceps! And biceps and forearms, etc.

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Ask Fitz! Your Fitness Questions Answered -- Should you Zumba?

Ask Fitz!, Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness

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. Hi Fitz, My friends are trying to get me to try a Zumba class, but I'm more in to intense training like sprints, running and boxing. I'm not sure if this dancing class is for me. You look pretty hard core. What do you think? Leah

A. Great question, Leah. You know, I am very much like you in the training department. I love intense exercise; the feeling of "Oh my God, I need to puke" elates me. Having said that, there is also a place in this world and my month for a little booty shaking.

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The hottest new supplement for Olympians

Vitamins and Supplements, Womens Health, Celebrities and Entertainment, Obesity, Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Celebs & Entertainment, Reviews & Products, Alternative & Green Health, Nutrition & Supplements, Men's Health

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!

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Ask Fitz! Your Fitness Questions Answered -- A Killer Kickboxing Heavy Bag Workout

Healthy Aging, Healthy Habits, Healthy Home, Womens Health, Healthy Products and Reviews, Ask Fitz!, Cellulite, Obesity, Healthy Events, Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Celebs & Entertainment, Reviews & Products, Men's Health

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 Miss Fitzness, I see you have an extensive history as a kickboxer. I also like to kickbox, although I've never actually had a fight. I've since left my trainer though. I have bought a water based heavy bag, and know all of my punches and kicks. It's just hard to come up with things to do each round like my trainer you to have me do. I'm getting bored now without a goal. Have any advice? Scott

A. Hi Scott! Thanks for asking! Yes, my competitive kickboxing days go way back to the mid 1990s and I'm still desperately in love with the sport. It's a ton of fun, and a tremendous workout. Plus ... I personally enjoy kicking people in the head! Only those who have willingly signed up for a charming bit o' competition though, of course! I have also spent the past 15 years as the Fitness Division Director of the International Sport Kickboxing Association. The ISKA is the sanctioning body of the sport, just like the NFL is for pro football. So, yes sir! I can help you with that heavy bag training.

Fitz's Kickboxing Gallery(click thumbnails to view gallery)

Glove up!Psych Yourself Up!Left HookJab!Side-kick!

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Ask Fitz! Your Fitness Questions Answered -- Get Ripped Quick

Healthy Aging, Healthy Habits, Healthy Places, Healthy Relationships, Stress Reduction, Vegetarian, Womens Health, Healthy Recipes, Healthy Kids, Ask Fitz!, Cellulite, Obesity, Healthy Events, Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Celebs & Entertainment, Reviews & Products, Motivation, Alternative & Green Health, Nutrition & Supplements, Men's Health

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. I blew it! I am going on vacation with a bunch of my college buddies and some hot girls in four weeks. I've totally slacked off on my workouts since school ended and now I'd like to get ripped again before we head to Mexico. What can I do at my gym to shred a bit of fat and get buff quick before the trip? I know I'm a dork for slacking, but I also know you can help me improve. I'm willing to do the work! Jason

A. Familiar story Jason! You're not the only one who's taken some time off from their fitness training only to have it blow up in your face. You're also not the first person to try and undo the damage quickly. Four weeks is a pretty decent amount of time, so if you are really clean with your eating habits and start training intensely ... I think it would be safe to take off at least 10 pounds before you see Mexico, and all of those hot girls see you!

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Boxing Champ Floyd Mayweather Jr. wants you to carve flat abs

Healthy Aging, Healthy Habits, Womens Health, Celebrities and Entertainment, Cellulite, Obesity, Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Celebs & Entertainment, Reviews & Products, Motivation, Nutrition & Supplements, Men's Health

"Pretty Boy Floyd" is not known for mincing words or sugar-coating anything. In fact this elite fighter who has won six world championship belts in five weight classes and has gone undefeated as a professional says it straight. He describes himself as the "greatest athlete ever," and honestly ... has done a lot to back that up.

He's featured in the book, Men's Health Celebrity Diet Secrets 2008, and I think one of his quotes is both poignant and hysterical. I encourage you not to read any further if you're easily offended though. He wasn't vulgar, but his thoughts on maintaining flat abs isn't for children either.

Before I go there, I just want you to know that Floyd not only walks the walk, but he has made it possible for his team (those who bust their butt to keep in at the top of his game) to get and stay fit as well. He's purchased memberships to 24-Hour Fitness for all of his employees. "I want to keep everyone around me healthy and in shape," he says.

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Ask Fitz! Your Fitness Questions Answered--Kickboxing videos and belly fat

Healthy Habits, Healthy Home, Stress Reduction, Womens Health, HealthWatch, Celebrities and Entertainment, Ask Fitz!, Cellulite, Obesity, Healthy Events, Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Celebs & Entertainment, Reviews & Products, Motivation, Nutrition & Supplements, Men's Health

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 two per week to publish on That's Fit! Learn more about Fitz here.

Q. Hi Fitz, Can you recommend any good kickboxing videos? I lift weights and run, and I'd like to integrate kickboxing into my routine. Thanks for your help. Samantha

A. Hello Miss Samantha. Great question and you've come to the right place. Kickboxing is actually my sport. I've been training/competing as a full contact kickboxer for over ten years. You're smart to want to include it in your training. I always tell folks at the seminars I teach that I can brag about the sport, because I didn't invent it. Kickboxing literally works every single muscle in your body head to toe. It also offers an insane combination of cardiovascular, strength and flexibility training in one shot.....when done right.

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Parkinson's patients box for better health

Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Alternative & Green Health

If you thought Russell Crowe in "Cinderella Man" was an underdog story, check out this bit of inspiration about Parkinson's disease patients fighting the battle of their lives -- literally. The story conveys what people are willing to do when diagnosed with an illness that could leave them debilitated.

For those unfamiliar, Parkinson's affects the central nervous system. Because it's a degenerative disease, it also takes away people's movement. This leaves patients immobile and helpless in a lot of ways. But one gym in Indianapolis is trying to provide an outlet for these people to train, and heal, using boxing!

Rock Steady Gym is non-profit, and the people there are using boxing as a therapy. A friend of the person who started it was diagnosed with Parkinson's, which helped conceive the original idea. Now, after months of training, he's regained movement and mitigated the tremors. Before that he couldn't even write his own name. Knowing there's a place like this fighting for those in need really puts volunteerism in perspective. Let's hope an idea like this gets contagious and spreads to other places!

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Celebrity Fitzness Report: Fight Quest's Jimmy Smith and Doug Anderson

Womens Health, Celebrities and Entertainment, Celebrity Fitzness Report, Healthy Events, Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Celebs & Entertainment, Motivation, Nutrition & Supplements, Men's Health

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

My guests this week are a bit dear to my heart, as they share the same passion for fighting as I do. Doug Anderson, a highly decorated Iraqi war veteran from New Jersey traveled across the world with Jimmy Smith, a young Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter. Their journey had them test their skills against locals and various fighting styles, often styles they had never seen before. Always exciting, often painful, and always real....the Discovery Channel's Fight Quest stars went on an adventure of a lifetime and returned home with bruises and scars to show for it.

Fitz: Most folks dread the thought of even verbal confrontation. You guys volunteered to go fight a bunch of unknowns from around the world, many of which were yielding weapons you didn't know how to use! What scares you?

Doug: I was shot at in Iraq and had bombs explode 100 yards from me while there. None of that stuff ever scared me. But fighting like we did on this show was different. In Iraq I was part of a team; on Fight Quest I was alone. If I failed.....the onus was on me. I was always most nervous right before each fight, but I'd lose those nerves as soon as I got hit. It made me want to go running face-first into the other guys fist. Just to get it over with!

Jimmy: What scares me is not putting my best foot forward. It's OK to lose to someone better than me, but I hated the idea of losing to someone because I was fatigued or didn't put forth my best effort. As far as nerves go, you can't kill what's inside you. It's best to use those nerves to make you react; make you sharper.

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Daily Fit Tip: Train outside the box

Healthy Aging, Womens Health, Daily Fit Tip, Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Men's Health

I've got these three amazing men whom I train: Jody, Jeff and Steve (shown in order at right.) All three men are around 60. All three men have been kickboxing with me (real kickboxing) for months. And all three are excellent at it! Who would ever imagine these three highly esteemed business men to show up at my door looking to get in shape, and becoming skilled fighters? Not only do they kickbox, they BOSU, jump rope, run, Rebound, use Gliding Disks, Ballast Balls and more.

The point I'm trying to relay to you is that when it comes to your fitness activities.....there are no rules! Don't pigeon-hole yourself. Ever think the tango was cool? Go take some lessons. Beach volleyball sound fun? Find some sand and give it a go. Age shouldn't hold you back from training out side the box. Physical limitations may, but age should not.

If something looks fun, sounds fun, sounds silly, whatever! Give something new a try. As for my crazy men....they literally brighten up may days. I couldn't think of a more fun way to start my mornings, than training these brilliant, energetic, bright, ridiculous men. They give me a hard time, but they're truly this fitness trainers dream come true.

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Packing the perfect lunch

Healthy Habits, Womens Health, Healthy Kids, Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Nutrition & Supplements, Men's Health

No matter who you pack a lunch for, plan for it to be healthy, tasty and interesting. I just read a neat little article in my local newspaper,written by Antonia Robinson, which had tons of great tips Thought you'd enjoy some of hers and some of mine. Bon apetit!

  • Include items from each food group.
  • Don't pack the same flavors each day.
  • Pick colorful, crunchy and tasty foods.
  • Include food the child likes.
  • Pack most of the lunch the night before.
  • Dinner leftovers also make a good lunch.
  • Use a thermos for hot foods and cold packs for cold foods.
  • Avoid sodas and juices.
  • Make sure you include fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • Think outside the box! Pack sushi, veggie lasagna, or rotisserie chicken.
  • Some soups taste great at room temp. if a microwave is not available. Give em a shot!
  • Cold or wet items will cause a paper bag to rip. Go for plastic or use an official insulated lunch box/bag.
  • Freeze a water bottle the night before and put it in your lunch box. It will keep other things cool and melt just enough so it's perfectly chilled and drinkable by lunch time.
  • Include a sweet note or some stickers to add some fun to the meal.

Hitting stuff is great for the body and mind

Healthy Aging, Healthy Relationships, Stress Reduction, Womens Health, Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Celebs & Entertainment, Reviews & Products, Motivation, Men's Health

Kickboxing aerobics and tae-fitness classes have been the rage for the past few years. To some, they are a bit more fun and interesting than the traditional dance aerobics style group fitness classes. Instead of screaming "reach", instructors yell "punch" and the students go wild. Men are more inclined to venture into these fighting style classes as well. All good news.

As a competitive kickboxer of a little more than a decade I understand the lure. I was compelled toward the sport as a teen, and finally found a legitimate trainer at age 20. My first fight came soon after. I didn't invent kickboxing so I can truly brag about it. It works every muscle in your body from head to toe. It offers the benefits of intense cardiovascular training, builds strength, and increases flexibility. Not to mention it burns a bazillion calories. Oh! And so far, fighting is the most fun thing I've ever done in my life.

Back to those classes. I'm a fan of anything that makes people huff and puff, but if you're into that you may want to take it further. Find a class that utilizes equipment such as heavy bags, focus pads or kicking shields. Hitting the air is fun, but hitting an actual heavy bag is amazing. To me, hitting willing opponents........PRICELESS!

To find a martial arts school near you, visit http://www.martialsearch.com/usa.asp.

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