That's Fit

Dick Hoyt, 67, and his son Rick, 46, have accomplished more than many of us could imagine. They've climbed mountains, completed 224 triathlons (including six Ironmans), 66 marathons, a 45-day cross-country bike ride, and more. Obviously, that's inspiring in and of itself.

What makes it AMAZING is that Rick is a quadriplegic and cannot walk or talk -- he was born with cerebral palsy, which kept him from ever being able to control his muscles and limbs, including his vocal chords.

Dick started participating in races and endurance events with his son when Rick was just 11, and the duo hasn't taken more than two weeks off since. Dick continues to train and compete because Rick gets so much joy out of it, and it makes him happy to see his son happy.

Have you ever been playing a basketball game and it was so intense and fast-paced that you couldn't take the time to look up at the scoreboard?

Well, I haven't (at least not in a long time), but for those of you who have experienced this, you're in luck, or, at least, you will be. An Australian company is working on jerseys that have "electro-luminescent displays" which will show information for the players, like the score and time left.

If you must allow your kids to watch TV, better to tune them into sports events than questionable programming. Even better? Turn off the boob tube and get them in the game.

Eighty percent of kids ages six to 18 surveyed by Weekly Reader said they'd rather play sports than watch them on television. This means you simply must offer your children the chance to join a team or league.

Here's what else these sports fans had to say:

• 50 percent said their parents urge them to play a team sport.

• 43 percent of six to nine-year-olds said they play their sport because they love it. Just 32 percent of 13 to 18-year olds said the same.

• 10 percent of 13 to 18-year old girls quit playing sports because a coach told them they weren't good enough.

• Girls attend practice in greater numbers than boys.

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.

Hooray for Paige Davis! I just got done interviewing the delightful host of TLC's Trading Spaces and I genuinely like her a lot. We spent an hour blabbing our brains out, and I have to tell you that the girl is as easy, sweet and likable in person as she is on the show. The world of home improvement fans exhaled a collective sigh of relief when TLC announced they were bringing back their beloved Paige.

She's sweet, she's smart, and she happens to have a smoking body. She's been professionally dancing for a very long time, and has some terrific advice to help get the rest of us in super shape as well. Paige's perspective on both life and fitness seems to be on track. Her enthusiasm is contagious. If you'd like to catch a case of her 'perfect life' germs...read on!

Fitz: You've been gone from Trading Spaces for a few years, and just finished shooting the first half of the new season. How'd it go?

Paige: Great! We've shot 13 episodes so far. It's been different, but great! It's wonderful to be back working with all of my friends who were there before. It is so much fun working with Frank. And Doug is like a sibling to me. We have this silly chemistry, and we just poke fun at each other and have a blast all the time. Plus, I've made lots of new friends. I love it.

Fitz: Moving is really hard work. The audience may wonder of you're just the cute perky girl hosting the show, without having to actual pitch in to the tasks. How much physical labor do you actually do while filming?

My littlest boy is about to play soccer. Not just backyard soccer. Real, organized, coached soccer. I signed him up yesterday and he is thrilled about the prospect of becoming a real star on the field. Well, maybe it's the required shoes, shin guards, and ball he needs that have him so pumped up.

"Will my shoes have bumps on the bottom," four-year-old Danny asked his daddy at breakfast the other day.

"Yes, they will," John told him.

"Will the bumps be blue?" Danny continued.

"I'm not sure," replied his chuckling father.

Danny can't wait to go shopping. I can't wait to get him into the game.

My mini-athlete begins his soccer career on March 22 . For eight weeks, our family will report for Saturday practices and games. Our first chance at sitting in the kiddie sports stands, cheering on one of our own, I am giddy with excitement and bursting with pride that my spunky little man wants to take on this new endeavor. And while his motivation might have more to do with accessories than athletic performance, I just know soccer will be so healthy for him. I'm imagining the possibilities -- physical fitness, teamwork, camaraderie, competition, pride, and of course a fair amount of frustration, crying, and quitting too, I'm sure. I can't wait.

Soccer could be a fleeting activity for Danny. It could also be the start of a life full of fitness -- and cool shoes.

Welcome to 2008. It's you're year to get fit this time around, I can feel it. So what are you waiting for? We're coming up on the third week of January. Most of us are back to the grind at work, so let's get back to the grind of the gym too. Or if you're just starting out, start looking around for gyms or fitness programs in your area that fit with your schedule and lifestyle.

Not sure what to do? Here are some suggestions of things you should try in '08

Many people who establish fitness routines do it alone, and that's very commendable. But let's face it -- sometimes exercising alone can be a drag. Not only do you not have anyone to commiserate with and share your triumphs with, but when you're going at it alone, you have no one to be accountable too and unless your ultra-motivated, that can lead to laziness sometimes. Team sports are a great way to get active and not only that, but you'll meet new friends and have lots of fun in the meantime. Here's a list of some fun team sports. Ask around and you'll probably find a league you can join in you're area.

• Dragon boating: Dragon boating has become increasingly popular over the last few years, and most cities have an annual dragon boat festival in the summer. Dragon boating teams consist of 22 people, 20 of whom are responsible for rowing the team to victory, and while you might think you can slack off because there are so many people, think again. Dragon boating is hard work, and can burn up to 800 calories an hour. I first heard about it from a family friend who participates in races regularly. She is in her 70s and a cancer survivor, so I think that if she can do it, you can too.

Participation in sports during adolescence is supposed to be good for self-confidence but often the opposite happens, sometimes with fatal consequences. What I'm referring to is an article e-mailed to us by one of our readers, Jeremy. It documents a study that explores the prevalence of eating disorders in athletes. Strong, healthy bodies are required of most athletes, but sometimes being lean seems more important than being strong, and in serious athletes -- people who by nature are accustomed to setting their sites high and sacrificing for the ultimate goal -- the desire for the perfect body can lead to cases of anorexia and bulimia.

In fact, the statistics are so alarming that it's being said that among female college athletes, a third of them suffer from some sort of eating disorder. A third. That's truly frightening. What's also scary is that in fit individuals who are already thin, the disorder can sometimes be overlooked because being thin and being highly active are linked.

Read the article and let me know your thoughts.

Last night I watched and cheered as my Alma mater's basketball team won the Big Dance. Again! It was a spectacular feat which was well earned. I've had the luxury to sit court-side at many games this year, and as wonderful as they look on television, they're even more impressive in person. I have tons of respect for this team.

The Gators are composed of incredible athletes who play selflessly every second of every game. Each Gator works hard in the gym and on the court more for the guy next to him than for himself. They are quick, agile, strong and smart. Each player is a coach's dream. Since they play for one another, they never made excuses or trained half way.

If you're looking for fitness role models, the Gators are it. If you're a parent, child, or spouse choose your precious family members as your "team". Pursue fitness as desperately as this magical team pursued two national titles in a row. You have the ability to live a champion's life of longevity and health if you put your mind to it. Live to truly enjoy your golden years with the special people in your life, and allow them to enjoy you.

Fitness boot camps are popping up everywhere, one even started recently over the lunch hour where I work. But before you let visions of impossible obstacle courses, camouflage uniforms, and a screaming sergeant turn you off to the idea, you might want to find out what they're really about.

A boot camp is really just a fitness class that takes place outside and is programmed to last a period of weeks. A sort of jumpstart to healthy living and a good workout plan. There are all kinds of variations, but most boot camps are geared towards women, last for 1 hour/5 days a week for around 8 weeks, and take place outdoors during warmer weather. And although you should consult with your doctor before enrolling, you don't have to worry about being in awesome shape when you first get started (hopefully that's the end result!). Plus, since the boot camp will have a qualified instructor you're actually getting the benefits of a personal trainer for a much cheaper price, usually only $15 to $18 per class.

In one day I once ate an entire box of those cheap cherry cordial chocolates they have in all the drugstores around this time of year...for some reason I just couldn't resist, and I felt bad about it for days! Truth is we all mess up sometimes on our diets, whether it's an intentional "cheat day" or a binge that snuck up on us from behind. And of course, this time of year is one of the worst, with all the homemade and store-bought goodies tempting us from every direction. At work, at home -- it seems impossible to resist it all.

Well I'm not one to resist it all, that's for sure! I try to pick and choose when to indulge, and sometimes I do better than other times. For those "other times" when guilt sets in, iVillage.com has created a place to confess your dieting slip-ups, and then leave them behind. Find comfort and comraderie reading through the other dieting confessions, and then add yours to the list and move on -- guilt free!