Fitspott

Tennis Racquets For Kids

Fitspott is excited to report that one of our friends charities is starting to pick up momentum. The organization, Tennis Racquets For Kids collects old and outdated tennis racquets and donates them to under privledged individuals.

The idea was founded by Dr. Guy Mintz and his family as a result of a growing collection of Tennis Racquets in their garage. The kids, all avid tennis players realized that instead of just storing their old racquets, they would figure out a way to deliver them to those thay might not be as fortunate.

They were shocked to find close to 100 racquets overflowing one of their drop off boxes after a tournament...talk about validating your efforts. We will be following their progress as well as other inspiring charitable organizations throughout the upcoming months.

In today's tough times, with so much in the news about scandals perpetrated by a greedy few, it is nice to report on unselfish acts as Tennis Racquets for kids.

About                                                                                                                                          We are currently freshmen at a public high school in Long Island, New York. We have enjoyed playing tennis since we were in the fourth grade. In case you haven't realized, we are twins. We have also had the privilege of competing in many local, sectional, and national junior USTA tournaments. Recently, we have begun to play in the age 16 divisions. Over the past several years, we have switched the racquets that we have played with, a few times. We know many other players who have done the same thing. This practice had led us to the question, "What should we do with the old racquets, they are still good?" So, we decided to create a non-profit organization which channels racquets that players are no longer using, into the hands of children who need them. Many children and their families may be discouraged from playing tennis, because it is a costly sport. Tennis equipment and instruction are expensive. We would like all children who desire to begin playing, or to continue playing, to have the opportunity to do so. Tennis is a life-long sport that creates friendships, maintains good health, and promotes family fun. Tennis has enhanced our lives enormously, and we would like to spread our "love" of the game to all children. By distributing new and used racquets from other players and sponsors, we will be helping other children realize their dreams of playing tennis.

Need a 24 hour Fitness Coach?

I am constantly reminded that there are only 24 hours in a day and if I don’t keep my schedule written down along with a check off list of what I must accomplish before the clock strikes midnight, I usually fail to reach not only my business goals but personal ones as well. I will still use my stacks of journals for work lists but to stay on track with my fitness goals and actually eating enough throughout the day I have had recent success with Sensei.

 

With Sensei’s “Go Anywhere” I never have an excuse not to eat at a healthy restaurant because It will help locate a list of recommendations wherever you are located. Need a pat on the back? Then reach your daily goal and you will receive a message congratulating you on your daily success! The reason it works so well for me is that I actually hear an alarm when I need to get moving or eat. I have even programmed it to remind me to take my supplements.

 

Sensei Inc. (http://www.sensei.com/portal/), a pioneer in mobile and Web-based wellness solutions, introduced the next generation platform of its award-winning approach to health and weight management, Sensei for Weight Loss™. The highly anticipated release includes new features such as a budget-friendly version of its popular meal planner, as well as a “Favorites” tab. The program is also now available in the App store for iPhone and iTouch users.

 

Proving that eating healthful foods on a budget is not an oxymoron, Sensei dieticians and nutritionists added these options to provide the planning and advice necessary to eat well and save money. The new budget-friendly version automatically creates weekly menus customized to suit individual preferences and optimized to reduce food bills. The “Favorites” tab enables users to flag their favorite ingredients or meals, as well as weekly sale items at their local grocer, and have them incorporated into their weekly meal plans.

 

Current subscribers to Sensei, a program that transforms a consumer’s mobile phone and desktop into their own “personal digital coach” (PDC), will notice a newly enhanced Web site that is richer in functionality and easier to navigate. The new program will be priced at $15/month for Web-only access, and $20/month for mobile and Web access, which is comparatively cheaper than most weight-loss programs currently on the market.

 

The program follows a holistic approach to weight loss, delivering customized meal recommendations, weekly shopping lists, fitness reminders and motivational messages to a user’s mobile phone display or personal Web page – prompting consumers at point-of-decision moments to make healthier choices.

 

Now if I could program Sensei to do my work while I am “off” being healthy, I would have more than 24 hours in a day.

 

Source: BusinessWire

New Stadiums Using 3D Seating Charts

As many of the new sports stadiums across the country are being introduced this year, I thought this story would be of interest. This particular story comes out of Kansas City, and pertains to the new 3D seating chart that will allow fans to explore the new features of the Kaufman Stadium scheduled for completion in 2009.

The new 3D seating chart allows fans to access a 3D view from any seating section within the stadium. The 3D seating chart provides panoramic views that allow visitors to control sightlines and zoom in to areas of interest.

Fans can access the new 3D seating chart of the stadium by visiting royals.com.

Source: The Fort Scott Tribune

Fitspott is hopeful that this same technology will be implemented at the new Citi-Field, Yankee Stadium and Giants/Jets Stadiums. We have used this technology before and it really does help to get a good perspective of the view before making a purchase.

A New Video Experience With My Ipod

While traveling abroad during this holiday season Fitspott has had the opportunity to try out our colleague's MyVue Crystal Video headset. I have to admit that ever since he handed over his slick "travel companion" he has been left simply with his ear buds. (Sorry Charlie)

I have had an Ipod for a while now and never really enjoyed watching a video on the player because it was always hard to hold it just at the right distance for viewing for a couple of hours unless I clipped it on a book with a book light. Not only is the headset so lightweight that you don't even feel like you are wearing it but the sound is phenomenal. The best part for me was being able to lie back on a pillow and just watch away.

The MyVu was developed originally for military use, the Myvu Crystal headset attempts to beam video straight from your iPod- or iPhone - to your eyes, creating a full-screen viewing experience.

"With a focus on innovation, functionality and design, Myvu is thrilled to announce that Myvu Crystal is now fully compatible with the Apple iPhone," said Kip Kokinakis, president and CEO of Myvu Corporation. "We're extending our reach into the consumer market as the first video eye wear to fully integrate plug-and-play functionality with all iPod with video models and now the Apple iPhone."

The system is also compatible with the Microsoft Zune, Nokia N95 and select Samsung handsets, portable DVD players and various game consoles.

I have really enjoyed  using the Myvu video glasses. The only problem is that my friend will want them back.

Source: PCWORLD

Ever have a cramp when you run? Try flexing your abs!

Here is a little experiment from Fitspott that you can try the next time you go for a run and get a mild stomach cramp. Notice I said mild, so if it is anything more than a mild cramp this tip will not apply nor should you try this.

When you start to feel a cramp coming on in your stomach flex your abs like your are trying to squeeze the juice out of them. I have tried this on several occasions and it has worked every time. There have been times when the cramp was more serious and this did not work for me but it has always worked for the mild cramps. 

I am not sure exactly why this has worked for me or if it will work for you but it is worth the effort if you can safely get an extra 10-15 minutes out of your run. If anyone has ever tried this or has any other off the wall techniques to help improve a run, we would love to hear from you. 

  

Understanding the Benefits of Running

People often complain that running is not beneficial to them because it is tedious, exhausting, and hard on their bodies.  If that’s the case, why are so many Americans regularly running and participating in races from the 5k to the marathon?  The answer is simple: Regular running results in obvious health benefits, all of which are vital to longevity and an enjoyable life.

 

Perhaps the greatest effect that running has on health is the fact that it contributes to an overall improvement in heart health. In fact, a study done by Duke University found that regular running results in more gains in heart health than any other form of exercise.  Because running is better than any other exercise when it comes to improving heart health, it is a key part of heart disease prevention.  Doctor John Elefteriades, who heads cardio-thoracic surgery at Yale University, recommends that patients do interval running to increase the efficiency of their hearts and thereby prevent heart disease.  High intensity running such as interval training clearly keeps the heart healthy and leads runners to live a longer life.

Regular running contributes to overall heart health because of the fact that it improves specific factors that affect heart health.  Hypertension (high blood pressure), for example, can be treated by regular running.  Take the actor and singing teacher John Keston ( world record holder), for instance.  He was diagnosed with alarmingly high blood pressure, but after twenty five years of running, his blood pressure is considerably low. Blood pressure is one of the main contributing factors to heart health, and because running can lower high blood pressure, it is a key part of maintaining a healthy heart.

In addition to lowering blood pressure, regular running also contributes to a healthy heart by lowering cholesterol levels. Wanda Estes, now a seventy-year-old marathon runner, experienced a reduction in her cholesterol levels after she took up running.  Experiencing a drop in cholesterol after beginning a running program is common among those concerned about heart health. Paul Shiflett, currently a marathon runner, slacked off after running for most of his life. When he found himself overweight with high cholesterol, he turned to running to solve his problems. Now forty, Shiflett is as physically fit as someone who is only twenty.  It is apparent that running contributes to overall heart health by helping to reduce cholesterol levels.

Aside from an improvement in heart health, one of the most well-known benefits of regular running is the effect it has on weight control. Running is a high intensity exercise; therefore, it burns a significant amount of calories, ultimately leading to weight loss. In fact, running requires so much energy that a 150-pound woman who runs six miles in one hour will burn rightly 700 calories.  If she ran for an hour at this rate every day, a 150-pound woman would lose a pound in just 5 days!  Other forms of exercise, such as walking or even biking, can’t even compare to running when it comes to the overall calorie burn because running is essentially a calorie-incinerator.

Running obviously has positive effects on physical health, and it has also been proven to be beneficial to mental health. Distance runners are known to comment upon what they refer to as the “runner’s high,” which is in essence the good feeling that one enjoys after running, often the result of the endorphins created by the body during exercise. The impact of running doesn’t just improve mood after working out, though. According to studies, the psychological impact of running is so considerable that it has been associated with curing depression much like clinical counseling does. In this sense, people can actually consider running to be a natural anti-depressant.

With running acting as an anti-depressant, along with its numerous health benefits, it can only be assumed that distance running can have a place in anyone’s life. Those who complain that running is monotonous would do well to realize that the benefits of running far outweigh the fact that it can be tedious.

Top 5 Fitness Trends of 2008 by Sarah Dussault of Diet.com

Fitspott came across an interesting youtube video by Sarah Dussault of Diet.com detailing the top 5 fitness trends of the past year. It is our belief that of the top 5, at least 2 will gain even more momentum as Americans seek cheaper alternatives to maintain their health and fitness programs. The complete youtube video can be found here>>.

So here they are are the top 5 fitness trends of 2008:                                                                                                                                           No. 5 Fitness Trend: Zumba® and other dance inspired group classes To date, Zumba has sold over 3 million DVD's and has over 20,000 trainers in 35 countries. There are 59 gyms within 10 miles of Boston that offer Zumba classes.

No. 4 Fitness Trend: Online Personal Trainer Personal trainers are offering the same advice online for free as are to their paying clients. Many of the videos can be downloaded to your ipod using iTunes or other video sharing sites like Veoh for free! YouTube has over 135,000 fitness related videos. If you haven't checked out any producers yet, get new workout ideas from channels like DietHealth.

No. 3 Fitness Trend: Kettlebells From Russia to the US, Kettlebells are the newest piece of exercise equipment to become available to gym goers. One used for training by Russians, women and men alike are using the swinging weights to tone up their entire bodies while elevating their heart rate.

No. 2 Fitness Trend: Exergaming Exergaming is a form of exercise that is combined with playing video games. It is the newest trend in the battle against childhood obesity. Companies are trying to market products to it's customers that will not only be fun but also benefit their health.

No. 1 Fitness Trend: Budget Friendly Workouts In a time of financial strife, many are looking to get fit for less. This coming year, you can expect to see gym membership costs decrease, more flexibility with a membership, an increase in winter weather cardio enthusiasts and online training help free of charge.

Source: examiner.com

It should come as no suprise we think that trends #1 and #4 will continue to be strong as most indicators suggest the economy will get worse before it gets better. Hopefully the economy will be on the road to recovery when next years list come out.

Maintaining Your Health and Fitness Regimen While Travelling

As you get ready to pack your bags for Christmas vacation, will you pack your exercise clothes? Whether you are a frequent business traveler or travel only once a year for the holidays, being on the road should not mean your exercise program suffers. As a matter, we believe the opposite should occur.

Being away from home offers a change of environment and a possible shot in the arm to your current workout program. It is important to do a little research before you travel to see if your hotel offers the equipment you need or if there are any local fitness centers that are affiliated with the hotel. 

There are a growing number of downloadable ipod/computer based workout regimens available that can also provide guidance and motivation, irrelevant of your location. A good example of this type of product is offered by PumpOne.

PumpOne's offers workouts from a diverse group of trainers. Each Trainer consists of video, audio & image instructions that you can download to most any handheld device such as an iPod, iPhone, nano, Zune and more. These Trainers show you exactly what exercises to perform, in order and with a proper intensity -all while listening to your own music.

From intense weight loss, strength training & toning, to mind-body yoga & Pilates, there are hundreds of workouts to choose from. There are no subscriptions or trials that you forget to cancel. Just purchase the Trainer that fits your needs and start pumping.

Source: PumpOne Website

If you are traveling for business, maintaining a workout regimen can help you stay sharp and more productive.Fitspott will do our part by helping you locate the most effective local health clubs and local trainers to meet your needs...regardless of where you are headed.

   

Playstation Home - A potential to become a social exergaming community?

                                                             Fitspott has not had the opportunity to officially test drive Home for the Playstation 3 but we do have high hopes for its potential. Home was just released yesterday in an open beta stage and has been getting mixed reviews.

The feedback thus far suggests that there is a lack of engaging content which was not as big of a deal when they were in a closed beta. With that said, based on the initial screen shots, the graphics look much better than any of the virtual world platforms I have seen.

Once the quality of the content (I am sure it will improve) catches up with the level of graphics, I believe this community will grow quickly.

Fitspott is particularly interested in the Home platform as we believe that it will become a potential vehicle for promoting group exergaming communities. We predict in the near future, leagues, tournaments and other competitions will be held on platforms such as Home.

As motion sensor technology improves and games such as those promoted by Nintendo's Wii continue to evolve, the real exercise benefits that are derived from these games will improve as well. As health professionals, It is time that we stop banging our heads against the wall and promote solutions to health and fitness that our youth can relate to...and this might mean video games.

The Playstation home platform is exciting because it can offer a support group of like minded individuals with similar interests and skill sets. This contrasts to the real world where youngsters are often turned off to exercise if they are not the most coordinated or talented athlete on the field.

I strongly believe that exergaming should only be utilized as a supplement to regular forms of exercise. For some, however, exergaming can help to build the confidence required to get started with a real world program.  

Can $$$$ Motivate People To Lost Weight?

Fitspott came across an interesting research study which suggests that financial rewards can serve as a great movitational tool to help people lose weight.

According to a story on US News and World Report, American researchers created two incentive-based approaches for losing weight. In one, participants played a lottery and received a prize if they achieved or lost more than the target weight. In the other approach -- called "deposit contract" -- participants invested their own money, which they lost if they failed to achieve weight goals.

The 57 volunteers were randomly assigned to a weight-monitoring program involving monthly weigh-ins (control group), or to the same program with one of the two financial incentive plans. All the participants were assigned a weight-loss goal of 16 pounds over 16 weeks.

The volunteers in the incentive groups lost an average of 3.9 pounds more than those in the control group. The average amount of money earned was $378.49 in the deposit contract group and $272.80 in the lottery group.

"Compared with the control group, the lottery group lost a mean of 13.1 pounds and the deposit contract group lost a mean of 14 pounds. About half of those in both incentive groups met the 16-pound target weight loss, 47.4 percent in the deposit contract group and 52.6 percent in the lottery group, whereas 10.5 percent in the control group met the 16-pound target," wrote the researchers from the University of Pennsylvania's School of Medicine and the Wharton School.

Participants in both incentive groups gained weight between the end of the 16-week incentive programs and the end of seven months, but still weighed less at seven months than they did at the start of the study.

Source: US NEWS and World Report

While I believe that financial incentives might work for some over a short period of time, I do not believe that these results will be long lasting. Unfortunately, even powerful motivators such as a bad report on a cholesterol or blood pressure test does not always do the trick. 

Perhaps I will try hanging dollar bills on a fishing pole in front of my clients treadmill.