October 21, 2010

Susie's Trampoline Workout!

The following demonstrates an excellent cardio workout you can do on the trampoline. Note: The videography is unprofessional, so bear with that.

March 30, 2010

Diabetes: Take It Serious & Be in Control!


Diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death in the US (Deaths: Final Data for 2001, NCHS, CDC). According to the National Eye Institute and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), an estimated 17 million Americans have diabetes, and 5.9 million of them have not yet been diagnosed. The number is climbing. Every year one million Americans 20 years and older are newly diagnosed. What's scary is most people are not diagnosed as having diabetes until they develop a life-threatening complication. In most of these cases, had the person known he had diabetes, the complication could have been avoided.

Complications associated with Diabetes:

(1) Blindness: Diabetes is the number one cause of blindness in people ages 25-74.

(2) Heart Disease: People with diabetes are 2 to 4 times more likely to experience heart disease.

(3) Stroke: If you have diabetes, you are 5 times more likely to suffer from a stroke.

(4) Amputations: The number one cause of lower limb amputations that is not related to a traumatic injury is - you guessed it - diabetes!

(5) Kidney failure: Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure.

(6) Nerve damage: It is estimated that 65% of people with diabetes suffer from mild to severe nerve damage.

Am I trying to use scare tactics? You bet I am. I will never forget a lady I met with diabetes. She had lost one leg, was partially blind, had suffered a stroke, and her kidneys no longer functioned properly. Why did this poor woman suffer these maladies? She refused to keep her diabetes under control, flat out refused.

It is not a hard task to accomplish, but it does take commitment and discipline. I cannot stress enough to those of you who suffer from diabetes: (1) Follow a well planned diet regimen, (2) Monitor your blood glucose level frequently, and (3)Follow your prescription drug regimen. These steps are imperative if you wish to live a long, happy life free of complications. Pretty bold statement, but it's the truth.

If you go through life with the attitude that diabetes is no big deal, chances are very good you will suffer one or more of the complications listed above. Future blogs will discuss important issues related to diet and provide you with valuable self-help resources.
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Written by: Laura S. Garrett, RD -- Registered Dietitian & ACE Certified Personal Trainer
-- Keep Laura's advice at your fingertips, wherever you and your cell phone go with
"Text ur R.D."
-- Learn more at: http://www.NutrActive.com

March 27, 2010

Anti-Aging Effects of Exercise


Misconception: Older adults are weak and their level of energy inevitably declines.

Research shows that regular exercise provides the same benefit for elderly people as it does for younger individuals. If you are over 55 years old, simply implementing regular exercise can prevent and, in most cases, reverse almost half of the physical deterioration normally associated with getting older. So, why is it that less than 10 percent of people who have retired exercise more than 3 times per week?

The area of fitness that you should focus on the most is strength training. When you are younger, the majority of your workout schedule should consist of aerobic exercise. As you get older, the ratio of aerobic exercise to strength training sessions should flip-flop. Training with weights will improve your level of strength, balance, and flexibility. This results in reducing your risk of falls and fractures.

This is unbelievable: If you strength train regularly for one full year, you can take 15 to 20 years off your physical condition!! Aging is often perceived as the enemy. Reality - It is physical inactivity that is the true enemy. By not keeping yourself active, even at age 30, you will notice your muscles getting smaller and weaker.

FACT: By not regularly including strength exercise in your workout regimen, you will lose up to one-half pound of muscle every year of life after age 25. This can not only effect your physical capabilities later in life, but will also cause you to gain weight. Muscle is a very active tissue with high-energy requirements. At rest, your muscles are responsible for over 25% of your calorie expenditure. Thus, increasing the amount of muscle tissue in your body results in a corresponding increase in the number of calories your body will burn, even at rest.

Do you have a hard time making yourself go to the gym to get in your workout? Why not get involved with a senior activity that requires you to be social while incorporating your physical activity? The National Senior Games Association provides opportunities for adults over the age of 50 to participate in athletic competition.

***Before beginning activity, please schedule a visit with your primary physician. Talk with him or her about the activity.

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Written by: Laura S. Garrett, RD -- Registered Dietitian & ACE Certified Personal Trainer
-- Keep Laura's advice at your fingertips, wherever you and your cell phone go with
"Text ur R.D."
-- Learn more at: http://www.NutrActive.com