It's not just a tough workout Twilight villain Cam Gigandet loves -- it's pain that might be the key to his heart.

Cam -- you may know him from stints on both The Young and the Restless and The O.C. -- is accustomed to pushing through pain. Tough workouts, career bumps (he was fired from his soap opera gig), and waterskiing accidents are all par for his course. "I love pain," says the 26-year-old, whose upcoming movie opens November 21.

Pick up a copy of the recent issue of Men's Health magazine for more dirt on this star. Keep flipping through the pages, and you'll learn how to gain muscle and lose pounds, how to get the greatest abs around, and how to eat for a flat belly.

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The That's Fit Club is our feature devoted to you, the reader! We have all learned so much on our paths to becoming more fit, and now it's time to learn from and inspire each other! That's Fit Club members are constantly working to better themselves. Some are perfect; some are not. But all have health on the mind. Besides showing you off, we want to reward you for all of your hard work! Everlast and Everlast Woman are giving gorgeous workout T-shirts to each featured member! To join, please send Fitz your answers to these questions with a photo of yourself. Time for you to be the motivator!

Name: Evelyn R. Wells, MD

Age: 37

Occupation: Physician

How often do you exercise? Four to five times per week.

What type of exercise do you do? Everything, including jogging, running, lifting weights, boxing, kickboxing, yoga, etc.

To see Evelyn's "before" photo, as in "before she lost 70 pounds in one year" read on!

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What do headaches, depression, fatigue, illness, irritability, weakness, joint pain, insomnia, loss of appetite, and muscle atrophy have in common? If you answered a day in Amy Winehouse's life, you're probably right, but that's not the answer we're looking for. What is the answer, then? They are all signs of over-training.

As important as it is to push yourself during your workouts, it's entirely possible to push yourself too hard and too far. To help remedy the effects of an overzealous workout program, Men's Health offers the following five tips:

1. Take a Week Off Exercise. Rest is the most effective way to treat over-training, as it provides your body with the time it needs to fully repair the damage.

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A growing body of research suggests that drinking hot tea has numerous health benefits. From reduced risk of heart disease, to improving spatial cognition and mental acuity, tea is a liquid powerhouse for your health.

Most recently, a study published in the International Journal of Cancer revealed that hot tea can lower your risk of kidney cancer by as much as 15 percent. Men's Health magazine suggest trying pu-erh tea, a lesser known kind that is more effective at preventing DNA damage than black or green tea.

Whatever variety of tea you choose, there's a good chance you'll be doing your body a great favor by drinking it. And, as former British Prime Minister William E. Gladstone once said, tea is the perfect drink. In his words, "If you are cold, tea will warm you. If you are heated, it will cool you. If you are depressed, it will cheer you. If you are excited, it will calm you."

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Do-It-Yourself diagnosis is usually a pretty bad idea; that is, unless you just so happen to have the letters M.D. that appear at the end of your signature. But for those of us without years of medical school under our belts, assuming that a particular pain, dysfunction, or even blotchy patch of skin is nothing to be concerned about can sometimes be a highly problematic for our health.

The British edition of Men's Health addresses the self-diagnosis problem in the article "7 Deadly Signs," describing how minor symptoms may actually signal major health hazards. Over the next seven days, we will provide a daily summary of one of the various aches and pains that may be indicative of a greater problem, illustrating the importance of maintaining open lines of communication with your physician and why DIY diagnosis can sometimes be dangerous.

Health Sign #7: Bad Breath

Could Possibly Be: Lung Disease

Bangin' breath may signal health problems no amount of Scope will fix. According to the Men's Health article, 90 percent of cases of bad breath were due to oral hygiene and gums, while he other 10 percent wee linked to systemic infections like lung disease, abscesses and even liver failure. Dr. John Hunt, a University of Virginia Researcher who was interviewed in the article, stated that "Lung disease, asthma and cystic fibrosis all cause highly acidic breath. And the more acidic the breath, the more severe the condition." The best defense in this case is a good offense: visit your dentist, who will then determine if the cause of your bad breath is something more serious than the hunk of sirloin that's been stuck between your molars for almost three weeks.

Links to:
Health Sign #1: Pain in Your Foot
Health Sign #2: Back Pain
Health Sign #3: Leg Pain
Health Sign #4: Diarrhea
Health Sign #5: Erectile Dysfunction
Health Sign #6: Neck/Shoulder Pain

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Do-It-Yourself diagnosis is usually a pretty bad idea; that is, unless you just so happen to have the letters M.D. that appear at the end of your signature. But for those of us without years of medical school under our belt, assuming that a particular pain, dysfunction, or even blotchy patch of skin is nothing to be concerned about can sometimes be a highly problematic for our health.

The British edition of Men's Health addresses the self-diagnosis problem in the article "7 Deadly Signs," describing how minor symptoms may actually signal major health hazards. Over the next seven days, we will provide a daily summary of one of the various aches and pains that may be indicative of a greater problem, illustrating the importance of maintaining open lines of communication with your physician and why DIY diagnosis can sometimes be dangerous.

Health Sign #6: Neck/Shoulder Pain

Could Possibly Be: Lyme Disease

If you've recently spent some time in the woods, there's a chance a small stowaway may have hitched a ride on your body. And, because ticks can oftentimes be very difficult to spot, many cases of Lyme disease are only reported once symptoms -- such as those mentioned above -- manifest. Men's Health reports that headaches, muscle aches, and red lesions are also signs of Lyme Disease. Treatment comes in the form of antibiotics. But left untreated, severe cases of Lyme Disease can sometimes result in meningitis, facial palsy, and severe arthritis.

Links to:
Health Sign #1: Pain in Your Foot
Health Sign #2: Back Pain
Health Sign #3: Leg Pain
Health Sign #4: Diarrhea
Health Sign #5: Erectile Dysfunction

Source

Do-It-Yourself diagnosis is usually a pretty bad idea; that is, unless you just so happen to have the letters M.D. that appear at the end of your signature. But for those of us without years of medical school under our belt, assuming that a particular pain, dysfunction, or even blotchy patch of skin is nothing to be concerned about can sometimes be a highly problematic for our health.

The British edition of Men's Health addresses the self-diagnosis problem in the article "7 Deadly Signs," describing how minor symptoms may actually signal major health hazards. Over the next seven days, we will provide a daily summary of one of the various aches and pains that may be indicative of a greater problem, illustrating the importance of maintaining open lines of communication with your physician and why DIY diagnosis can sometimes be dangerous.

Health Sign #5: Erectile Dysfunction

Could Possibly Be: Parkinson's Disease

More than just a shot at your manhood, erectile dysfunction (ED) makes a man four times as likely to develop Parkinson's disease later in life, according to a study at Harvard. But the Men's Health article offers some solace for men with ED, stating that impotence is more likely to be caused by stress, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, or injury than health matters related to Parkinson's.

Links to:
Health Sign #1: Pain in Your Foot
Health Sign #2: Back Pain
Health Sign #3: Leg Pain
Health Sign #4: Diarrhea

Source

Do-It-Yourself diagnosis is usually a pretty bad idea; that is, unless you just so happen to have the letters M.D. that appear at the end of your signature. But for those of us without years of medical school under our belt, assuming that a particular pain, dysfunction, or even blotchy patch of skin is nothing to be concerned about can sometimes be a highly problematic for our health.

The British edition of Men's Health addresses the self-diagnosis problem in the article "7 Deadly Signs," describing how minor symptoms may actually signal major health hazards. Over the next seven days, we will provide a daily summary of one of the various aches and pains that may be indicative of a greater problem, illustrating the importance of maintaining open lines of communication with your physician and why DIY diagnosis can sometimes be dangerous.

Health Sign #2: Back Pain

Could Possibly Be: A Kidney Stone

Researchers interviewed for the Men's Health article assert that one in ten men get kidney stones, and left untreated, these stones can block urine flow, causing your kidney to swell. In many cases, the sharp-- but sometimes inconsistent -- pain felt between the ribs and hip is oftentimes attributed to lifting something improperly or any of the myriad causes of back pain. But, as stated, that pain in the back could potentially be the result of crystal aggregations of dissolved minerals in the urine.

Click HERE to read Health Sign #1: Pain in Your Foot

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Do-It-Yourself diagnosis is usually a pretty bad idea; that is, unless you just so happen to have the letters M.D. that appear at the end of your signature. But for those of us without years of medical school under our belt, assuming that a particular pain, dysfunction, or even blotchy patch of skin is nothing to be concerned about can sometimes be a highly problematic for our health.

The British edition of Men's Health addresses the self-diagnosis problem in the article "7 Deadly Signs," describing how minor symptoms may actually signal major health hazards. Over the next seven days, we will provide a daily summary of one of the various aches and pains that may be indicative of a greater problem, illustrating the importance of maintaining open lines of communication with your physician and why DIY diagnosis can sometimes be dangerous.

Health Sign #1: Pain in Your Foot

Could Possibly Be: A Slipped Disc

According to the Men's Health article, a hearniated or prolapsed disc can cause sharp foot pain. In many cases, there may not even be any back pain, which is why it being a disc problem is commonly ruled out by people. In most cases, says a doctor interviewed for the article, the pain is usually worse in the morning and is aggravated by sitting. Moreover, left unchecked, it may put additional pressure on the sciatic nerve, potentially leading to loss of bladder function and invalidity.

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Being a pain in the neck may sometimes involve getting a stinging whack to the back of the head. Having a pain in the neck, however, can oftentimes result in a far worse -- and lingering -- discomfort.

The good news is that there may be some hope for those who suffer from a stiff and painful neck. Citing a recent study that appeared in Arthritis & Rheumatism, Men's Health reports that lifting weights may be the best remedy available. When 48 adults with neck pain used weightlifting to strengthen their upper trapezius muscles (located at the top of the shoulders and leading up through the neck) for 20 minutes three times a week for 10 weeks, they reported 80 percent less discomfort, according to the study findings.

To effectively work your trapezius muscles, try the Shrug. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold a weight in each hand. Slowly shrug your shoulders up and down, holding at the top of the motion for a full second before lowering your shoulders. Note: If you do experience chronic neck pain, be sure to consult with your doctor to determine if it is safe for you to exercise.

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A gym is a great place to put in a solid workout, but it can sometimes be one of the worst places to get health and fitness advice. It's easy to assume that someone with a great physique must be an expert on health and fitness, but that may not necessarily be the case. Their advice, though well-intentioned, may not exactly be sound. Remember, not all great players make great coaches (ask Isiah Thomas). The approach to fitness these individuals take may work well for them, but for you they could potentially lead to disaster.

Men's Health magazine tackled this very topic in their article 7 Muscle Myths - Fact vs. Fiction. In it, researchers take a look at some common gym misconceptions and, in efforts to clear up any confusion and prevent potential injury, present their own expert advice. We'll be highlighting one of these myths each day here at That's Fit. Here's a look at Myth #6:

Myth #7

Always work out with free weights.
Sometimes machines can build muscle better -- for instance, when you need to isolate specific muscles after an injury, or when you're too inexperienced to perform a free-weight exercise.

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A gym is a great place to put in a solid workout, but it can sometimes be one of the worst places to get health and fitness advice. It's easy to assume that someone with a great physique must be an expert on health and fitness, but that may not necessarily be the case. Their advice, though well-intentioned, may not exactly be sound. Remember, not all great players make great coaches (ask Isiah Thomas). The approach to fitness these individuals take may work well for them, but for you they could potentially lead to disaster.

Men's Health magazine tackled this very topic in their article 7 Muscle Myths - Fact vs. Fiction. In it, researchers take a look at some common gym misconceptions and, in efforts to clear up any confusion and prevent potential injury, present their own expert advice. We'll be highlighting one of these myths each day here at That's Fit. Here's a look at Myth #6:

Myth #6
You need a Swiss ball to build a stronger chest and shoulders.
Don't abandon your trusty bench for exercises like the chest press and shoulder press if your goal is strength and size. "The reason people are using the ball and getting gains is because they're weak as kittens to begin with," says Craig Ballantyne, C.S.C.S. You have to reduce the weight in order to press on a Swiss ball, and this means you get less out of the exercise, he says.

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A gym is a great place to put in a solid workout, but it can sometimes be one of the worst places to get health and fitness advice. It's easy to assume that someone with a great physique must be an expert on health and fitness, but that may not necessarily be the case. Their advice, though well-intentioned, may not exactly be sound. Remember, not all great players make great coaches (ask Isiah Thomas). The approach to fitness these individuals take may work well for them, but for you they could potentially lead to disaster.

Men's Health magazine tackled this very topic in their article 7 Muscle Myths - Fact vs. Fiction. In it, researchers take a look at some common gym misconceptions and, in efforts to clear up any confusion and prevent potential injury, present their own expert advice. We'll be highlighting one of these myths each day here at That's Fit.

Here's a look at Myth #5:

Myth #5
Stretching prevents injuries.
Maybe if you're a figure skater. Researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reviewed more than 350 studies and articles examining the relationship between stretching and injuries and concluded that stretching during a warm-up has little effect on injury prevention.

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A gym is a great place to put in a solid workout, but it can sometimes be one of the worst places to get health and fitness advice. It's easy to assume that someone with a great physique must be an expert on health and fitness, but that may not necessarily be the case. Their advice, though well-intentioned, may not exactly be sound. Remember, not all great players make great coaches (ask Isiah Thomas). The approach to fitness these individuals take may work well for them, but for you they could potentially lead to disaster.

Men's Health magazine tackled this very topic in their article 7 Muscle Myths - Fact vs. Fiction. In it, researchers take a look at some common gym misconceptions and, in efforts to clear up any confusion and prevent potential injury, present their own expert advice. We'll be highlighting one of these myths each day here on That's Fit.
Here's a look at Myth #4:

Myth #4
Never exercise a sore muscle.
Before you skip that workout, determine how sore you really are. "If your muscle is sore to the touch or the soreness limits your range of motion, it's best that you give the muscle at least another day of rest," says Alan Mikesky, Ph.D., director of the human performance and biomechanics laboratory at Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis.

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A gym is a great place to put in a solid workout, but it can sometimes be one of the worst places to get health and fitness advice. It's easy to assume that someone with a great physique must be an expert on health and fitness, but that may not necessarily be the case. Their advice, though well-intentioned, may not exactly be sound. Remember, not all great players make great coaches (ask Isiah Thomas). The approach to fitness these individuals take may work well for them, but for you they could potentially lead to disaster.

Men's Health magazine tackled this very topic in their article 7 Muscle Myths - Fact vs. Fiction. In it, researchers take a look at some common gym misconceptions and, in efforts to clear up any confusion and prevent potential injury, present their own expert advice. We'll be highlighting one of these myths each day. Here's a look at Myth #3:

Myth #3
Leg extensions are safer for your knees than squats.
A recent study in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found that "open-chain" exercises-those in which a single joint is activated, such as the leg extension-are potentially more dangerous than closed-chain moves-those that engage multiple joints, such as the squat and the leg press.

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