January 2011 | Health Aerobics Cardio

Monday, January 31, 2011

“Ester Marsh: Aerobics help with aging - Salisbury Post”

Ester Marsh: Aerobics help with aging - Salisbury Post

Posted: 23 Jan 2011 08:56 PM PST

Monday, January 24, 2011 12:00 AM |

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Q: I read your article this past week and in the AARP magazine I read an article on the "Fountain of Youth." I think it is another great story to share with the Salisbury Post readers. Would you share that with them?

A: As I mentioned, I think it is a great follow up on this past week's column on aging and weightlifting.

The story this person is referring to is that Stanford University came out with a study that regular running slows the effects of aging. I know what you are thinking: "Tell me more!"

The Stanford University School of medicine has conducted a study of more than 20 years tracking more than 500 runners over the age of 50 years of old.

The senior author of this study is Dr. James Fries, a professor of Medicine at Stanford Medical school. Even though this particular study is done on runners, Fries says "that if you have to pick one thing to make people healthier as they age, it would be aerobic exercise."

Aerobic exercise is any cardio that improves respiratory and circulatory function by increasing oxygen consumption. Running, walking, swimming, bicycling are such activities.

Fries started this study in 1984 when the "jogging craze" just began.

Many scientist thought that the vigorous exercise would do older folks more harm than good.

Some even feared that the long term effect of jogging would increase the chance of orthopedic running injuries.

Fries saw this differently. He thought that regular exercise would lead to an extended high-quality life free of disabilities.

Before this study he didn't necessarily feel that exercise would extend longevity, but he felt it would shorten the period at the end of life when people couldn't carry out the daily tasks on their own.

Starting this study with 538 runners all older than 50, the participants ran an average of 4 hours per week. Yearly, they would answer questions about their ability to perform everyday activities such as walking, dressing themselves, grooming, getting out of chair and gripping objects.

Of course, as they aged, their running time declined to an average of 76 minutes per week, but they were still seeing health benefits.

So did they find the fountain of youth?

Of the groups of runners and non-runners in the study, on an average both groups were seeing disabilities after 21 years of aging, but it started much later.

Runners' initial disability were 16 years later than non-runners. That is very impressive if you ask me.

Not only did running delay disability, but that gap between the runner group and non-runner group got bigger with time.

Even Fries and his team did not expect this. The health benefits of exercise are greater than researchers expected.

Fries was surprised the gap between the runners and non-runners continues to widen, even when the participants in the study entered the ninth decade of their lives.

Of course, eventually everyone has to face the inevitable, but so far the effect of running on delaying death has also been more dramatic than the scientists expected.

Not surprisingly, running has slowed cardio-vascular deaths but has also been associated with fewer early deaths from cancer, neurological disease, infections and other causes.

I know what you are thinking! I bet the knee replacements on runners are through the roof!

An article in the August issue of American Journal of Preventative Medicine showed that running was not associated with greater rates of osteoarthritis in elderly runners. Fries said that runners do not require more total knee replacements than non-runners.

Before you start "going crazy" and start running your little heart out, check with your doctor if it is the right thing to do, though.

As mentioned earlier, this study has been done on runners, but Fries also feels that the benefits seen in this running study are also from aerobic exercises.

Fries says that all the wonderful effects are probably due to the great cardiovascular health, a greater lean body mass and healthier habits in general.

So yes, if your doctor is OK with you starting a running program, you can contact David Freeze, who is a certified USATF coach with tons of running experience and knowledge.

His phone number is 704-310-6741. If you already are participating in wonderful aerobic activities such as walking, swimming, bicycling ... stick with it.

We are all drinking from the fountain of youth.

Ester H Marsh, ACSM Cpt

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Sunday, January 30, 2011

“Accountability drives results at Duneland Health & Wellness Institute - NWI.com”

Accountability drives results at Duneland Health & Wellness Institute - NWI.com

Posted: 29 Jan 2011 09:31 PM PST

You know you're ready for a fitness program - but which to choose? Duneland Health & Wellness Institute incorporates all the must-haves in your personal program toward better health and quality of life: state-of-the-art equipment, highly trained staff, and all the amenities that make your workout time efficient and fun.

For your convenience, a wide variety of specialty physicians are available at Duneland Health & Wellness Institute, from Family Medicine and Pediatrics to Cardiology, Gastroenterology and Vascular Surgery. (For a complete list of physicians, go to www.dhwi.org.)

Here you'll find the area's most comprehensive, medically-base fitness center, where the focus is on complete health - both mind and body. Members at this 33,000-square-foot facility receive personalized attention along with access to a wide range of health and fitness programs.

A unique program with a big "wow" factor is the "11 in 2011" program. It encourages

members to work out at least 11 times in each month for 11 months. "It's a great incentive program," says Director Cindy Borders, "because each month you meet that requirement, you become eligible to win prizes; each month 11 people will win a prize that changes every month."

It's a proven-success program: In 2010, with more than 200 participants; 10 people

lost at least 10 percent of their body weight; total weight lost was more than 1,238 pounds!

"People say this is the first program that has made them keep to their New Year's

resolution," says Borders. "It's all about the accountability and 11 in 2011 plays into that very well." Individuals who lose 10 percent of body weight significantly decrease risk of heart disease, and increase their quality of life. Members can sign up any time now through Nov. 30 of 2011; non-members can pick up a voucher for a two-week membership to try it out.

You'll want to stay, for a new healthier you. With membership comes access to 67

classes, including yoga, water aerobics, spin classes, Zumba, strength training, and so much more. You'll find each piece of cardio equipment has a TV in front of it; there are pools for therapy and laps; a full-service locker room, whirlpool, sauna, and showers, with towels provided.

At this top-notch fitness center, the entire staff is CPR & AED-certified through the American Heart Association.

And, "Doing this as a group, being in community with workouts and wellness, keeps

you motivated," says Borders. Another motivator: Getting fit to look your best and lower your risk for heart disease, stroke, and so many other illnesses that are associated with weight gain.

You can do it - make 2011 your year for a new you!

. FOR MORE INFO:

810 Michael Dr.

Chesterton, IN

219-983-9832

www.dhwi.org

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Friday, January 28, 2011

“New Highland ‘Y’ Health and Wellness Director helps members meet goals - Highland Community News”

New Highland ‘Y’ Health and Wellness Director helps members meet goals - Highland Community News

Posted: 27 Jan 2011 03:50 PM PST

It took Meike Johnson a trip halfway around the world and a 12-day hike up to the frozen tundra on Mt. Everest for her to make the life-changing decision to move to sunny California. The Vancouver native had been working and going to school for years in Washington State.

In November of 2009, Johnson went to Nepal for a medical and dental health camp. The group trekked to Base Camp on Mt. Everest. "Waking daily at 6 a.m. and walking up all day was beautiful," she remembers. "At that high altitude, your legs feel like lead."

It was there that she decided to move to California where some of her family members were living. "I was ready for some life changes and growth in my career," said Johnson.

With a degree from Washington University in Kinesiology and Fitness Management, Johnson worked for a time teaching fitness and doing physical training at a private gym in Chino Hills. She says she missed the YMCA environment that she grew to love while she was in college. Johnson had worked at the Walla Walla "Y" after her internship there.

"They actually care about people at the Y," she said as she compared the 124-year-old organization to the environment for employees and clients at private gyms. "The staff are friendly and the members know everyone. It's a very loving community, a mini-family," said Johnson.

Meike Johnson was hired as group exercise instructor at the Highland Family YMCA in November of 2010. She was recently promoted to Health and Wellness Director. Now, in addition to still teaching many fitness classes, she oversees all of those programs and a staff of 15.

"I want people to come in and feel comfortable that we are helping them toward their goals," she said. With a variety of programs and dedicated instructors, Johnson sees the "Y" as the perfect place for people to achieve their fitness goals. "There is a lot of excitement and energy at this "Y" that we are channeling toward members to get everyone involved," said Johnson.

Getting word out about the facility's offerings is one of Johnson's goals. She thinks people may be surprised to find out that the Highland Family YMCA offers a great variety of classes and programs for people of all ages. There is yoga, pilates, fitness boot camp, water classes, kick-boxing, dance-salsa aerobics, cardio-salsa and many more.

To help residents keep their New Year's resolutions, Johnson is inviting the community to come into the Highland Family YMCA where her staff can show the fitness equipment and visitors can sign up for a one-week pass to try out the facility.

The Highland Family YMCA is at 7793 Central Ave., Highland. For more information about programs and classes, call (909) 425-9622.

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Wednesday, January 26, 2011