Category: Exercise

Car Dependency Is A Health Risk

September 19, 2012

A car gets you where you’re going, gives you freedom to move about, almost everyone owns one, and if they don’t, they can always rent one.  America is a nation dependent on 4 wheels.

With the exception of cities like Washington D.C., Philadelphia, New York, Boston, and San Francisco, public transportation in most American cities is inadequate. Automobiles are a necessity in many towns and cities.

Lack of sidewalks, urban sprawl, and unreliable mass transit, make it necessary to use a car.  Americans have become lazy, habitual car-drivers. It’s easy to hop into the car, and take it around-the-corner errand-hopping.

Car dependency is now under scrutiny.   An awaking is dawning about the downside to driving.   In many ways, it’s a health risk.

Physical inactivity, overweight and obesity, death and injury from crashes, cardio-respiratory disease from air pollution, noise, commuter stress, and social isolation are the negatives associated with driving a car.

Car dependency makes it harder to get the recommended 150 minutes weekly of exercise.  Obesity is a risk factor for heart disease, diabetes, and some forms of cancer.

For more about the subject of cars and public health, read  “Are Cars The New Tobacco?” from The Journal of Public Health, and  “Car-Driven Society Poses Health Risk To America’s Health,” from Reuters Health News.

Comment Guidelines

Copyright 2012 Irene Pastore and Blue Moon Personal Training

Whole Lotta’ Shakin’ Goin’ On

September 16, 2012

Jerry Lee Lewis, one of the original recording artists on Sun Records, at the piano in 1957.  As you can see, it’s impossible not to get up and move.  The link will take you to his website, where you can hear more of Jerry’s music on a 50’s jukebox.  Check out Sun for more get up and move classic rock music.

MUSIC – AN EXERCISE MOTIVATOR

Do you know that music can help you start an exercise program?  Just pick the music that you like and get up and start moving.

Admit it, when you’re home alone listening to your favorite tunes, don’t you sometimes get up and dance, when no one can see you?  Sure you do.  Just make it more of a regular habit, and then you’ll get a good cardio workout.

HOME CARDIO DANCE WORKOUTS TIPS

  • While you’re dancing around your living room, don’t overdue it.  Start with five to seven minutes, every other day.
  • Gradually increase your workouts to 10 to 15 minutes.
  • While you’re dancing, you should be able to breath, and carry on a simple conversation.  If you’re face is beet red, and you’re gasping for air, you’re overdoing it.
  • Move furniture, and rugs so you don’t trip over them.  The idea is to get healthy exercise, not a broken leg.
  • As you get stronger, increase your exercise time to 20 to 30 minutes daily.  Don’t rush it.  Too much too soon will wear you down, and you’ll get discouraged.

The exercise described in this post isn’t meant to replace the guidance of a personal trainer, in a live setting. Exercises performed incorrectly may result in injury.

Comment Guidelines

Copyright 2012 Irene Pastore and Blue Moon Personal Training

Supersized Sugary Drinks Banned in NYC

September 13, 2012

It’s official, as of Thursday, September 13, The New York City Board of Health voted to ban the sale of supersized sugary drinks in restaurants, delis, sports facilities, and by street vendors.

NO MORE BIG SODAS
IN THE BIG APPLE

NYC is the first city in the nation with a “soda-ban”.  Mayor Bloomberg hopes the ban will bring more attention to the consumption of sugary beverages and empty calories, in hopes of curbing the escalating obesity problem.

Opponents say it violates personal freedom, and the beverage industry will challenge the ruling in court.

Read the full article at Healthfinder.gov.

Comment Guidelines

Copyright 2012 Irene Pastore and Blue Moon Personal Training

Quick Tips: Avoiding Fall Sports Injuries

September 8, 2012

Winding up in the emergency room isn’t the point of participating in sports and recreation.  We’re coming into the fall sports season for football, volleyball, and soccer. Wouldn’t you rather be out on the field, or the court than get treated for a nasty injury?

The Emergency Room Isn’t Fun

To avoid injury you have to think ahead, and do some planning. There are many reasons  players get hurt.  One of them is overuse, also called repetitive stress injury.  Failure to warm up and cool down is another.  Playing while in pain, and not wearing proper gear are other reasons. Continue reading “Quick Tips: Avoiding Fall Sports Injuries”

Traffic Ticket Inspires Woman To Loose 200 Pounds

September 7, 2012

No pills, no surgery.  She did it with healthy eating and staying active.

At 408 pounds, Janette Colantonio’s girth was so big, she couldn’t get the seat belt around her.  She was stopped by a police officer in Summerville, S.C., and given a ticket for not wearing her belt. Read this inspiring story “Traffic Ticket Inspires Summerville Woman To Lose More Than 200 Pounds.“

This is what her husband had to say, “You don’t need to be heavy.  Anybody can change anything they want to change.  You just have to have motivation to change it.”

South Carolina is among the fattest states in the country. For a Fat Map of the United States see the August 15, 2012 post The United States of Obesity.

Comment Guidelines

Copyright 2012 Irene Pastore and Blue Moon Personal Training

Raspberry Ketones: The Magic Weight Loss Pill

September 2, 2012

If you’re looking for a magical, effortless way to lose unwanted weight, sorry to say, it doesn’t exist.  After Dr. Oz promoted raspberry ketones on his television show, as a “fat-burning miracle”, the  supplements flew off the shelf.

Dr. Oz told viewers that raspberry ketones are, “the number one miracle in a bottle that will burn your fat.”

When supplements are promoted on television, or the internet, listen and read carefully.  On his website he also says, that raspberry ketones work best when “paired with regular exercise, and a well-balanced diet.” Continue reading “Raspberry Ketones: The Magic Weight Loss Pill”