Fitspott

New Alliance To Fight Childhood Obesity...is it missing a big piece of the puzzle?

Fitspott is extremely pleased to hear about the formation of a new alliance led by former President Bill Clinton, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the American Heart Association to make nutrition counseling more easily available to millions of American children. 

The benefits offered by the alliance are said to result in the payment of at least four dietitian visits and four physician visits annually in order to teach kids and their parents more healthful eating habits and other tips for weight control.

As part of my research on this effort, I came across an editorial from InsideBayArea.com that I concur with 100%. To paraphrase the article as it pertains to the alliance: But their efforts alone will not solve the problem. Indeed, the solution must begin at home with parents and older siblings setting healthy examples and taking an active role in children's eating habits. It's not rocket science, but it often requires lifestyle adjustments for all members of the family.

The stakes are high. The rise in childhood obesity has been linked to an increase in the number of kids suffering from Type 2 diabetes. There may be a link between the rise in childhood obesity and the increase in childhood asthma. And overweight children are more likely to grow up to be overweight adults and more likely to develop heart problems.

Curbing these problems will not only improve the health of our children, it will save money. Dr. Timothy Gardner, president of the American Heart Association, estimates that childhood obesity accounts for $14 billion a year in direct health care costs.

But visits to doctors and nutritionists alone won't solve the problem. As a society, we need to look at our role. At school, and at home, we often offer our children foods laden with fats, sugars, salt and calories.

Fewer of our elementary schools offer daily physical education classes. Recess has become a thing of the past at many schools. And this is what I believe to be the missing piece of the puzzle.

If members of this alliance spent 5 minutes on the phone with advocates of school exercise programs such as PE4life.org led by Phil Lawler, or Generation Fit led by Judy Shasek, they would realize the magnitude of the opportunity that is being missed by not including these proven programs in their plan. Not only are these types of programs showing an undeniable success in terms of a reduction in childhood obesity, but they are also improving academic performance and cutting down on school violence.

While I am extremely positive about the possibilities of this alliance, I can only imagine how much more effective it could be if the fitness component was valued as highly as the nutritional component.  

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Leveraging Social Media & Fitness

 

In this day in age we are finding that social media can help you to accomplish reaching your fitness goals. It may be difficult for some to equate the personal support of a trainer with social media especially if you are used to the face to face interaction of someone in your face telling you to work harder and even to smile about it. It takes not only discipline on your part but honesty. Your online connection to a personal trainer has to evolve around trust and honesty. If it does not then the results will show this.

 

Let’s get real. We live in a world where our time is limited. Most of us want to go to a gym a few times a week or even daily but as each day hits bed time we realize that other priorities have taken precedent.

 

These days we see and hear from our “friends” via Email, Texting, Linked In, Twitter or Facebook and other social mediums. Before you know it you are sucked into the computer screen, typing this, commenting on that and in a few weeks your behind may be filling out your chair. Why don’t you leverage the connections you have online to help motivate you offline with one of those friends or local personal trainers? Research shows that people who exercise together get better results.

 

I have always had a personal fitness regimen built into my day. Without it I would run out of steam working the hours I do, especially because most of my work is sitting in front of a computer. It also is great because it is not only an hour of personal time for me a day but reduces my stress to almost zilch. Technology and social media has certainly helped me stay on target with my fitness goals. I can log into a free web based tracking system, share with my private friends some who are local and some who are not and know that I am accountable not only to myself but my support team.  I can even twitter about my accomplishments to all of my followers, hopefully encouraging them to think about doing the same.

 

You may not know how to integrate social media & the free tools into your more traditional fitness routine but that will all change after you see the results of having such a large support team to not only encourage you but to give you ideas and from time to time a “wow, you look great”. Social media gives you the opportunity to share your results and even the days when you feel less than perfect, there is always someone to tell you that even though you are close to being perfect that there is always tomorrow (who doesn’t love a support team like that?).

 

I have recently been working with a personal trainer both online and offline in my local community. I have some upcoming events that I want to look great for and I have leveraged the social media platform so that even when we are not face to face I can keep him updated on my progress and even ask him for a kick in the pants. This though usually requires a visit to my home and a lot of sweat and a bucket so I try my best to stay on plan.

 

The point is this: Social media is a great way to not only find or create a support group, but to stay connected, committed and motivated. In our training sessions we work together, literally. Our favorite piece of equipment is the Lebert Buddy System™. Two people, “the buddies” (me- the weaker of the two and Travis) operate together as a single unit so we are able to monitor and help each other. This is similar in a way to how social media works whereas your fitness is concerned. You get what you give.

Temperature Got You Down? Get Moving!

When the days grow longer and a chill enters the air, it becomes more daunting to complete your exercise routine. If you’re accustomed to walking or running outside as your primary form of exercise, you may be tempted to “take a break” on cold, gray winter mornings rather than go outside and fight the elements. In some situations where the temperatures are too low and the wind chill too high, it may be a wise decision to keep it indoors. On the other hand, exercising in the cold can be an exhilarating experience if approached properly. Here are some guidelines for safely exercising in the cold.

 

Exercise in the cold: Consider the temperature.

 

The biggest danger associated with exercising in the cold is the risk of hypothermia. Fortunately, when you exercise your body responds by increasing heat production which offsets some of the drop in temperature, but if combined temperature and wind chill fall below the zero mark, it’s best to keep your workout indoors. Always check the temperature and wind chill factor before going out to exercise in the cold so you’ll be prepared.

 

Exercise in the cold: Dress the part.

 

When temperatures drop, it’s important to protect any exposed skin surfaces from the cold. If the temperature is cold enough, exposed skin can be subject to frost bite. If you’ll be exercising vigorously, such as running like me, you’ll be most comfortable if you dress in layers. Layering allows you to remove a piece of clothing if you become overheated in the middle of your routine. At times I have been known to run while throwing clothes over my shoulders, I heat up pretty fast. With vigorous exercise you can generate a significant amount of heat which can cause you to sweat despite the cold temperatures. When this happens, it’s important to be able to remove a layer of clothing to prevent moisture from accumulating on the skin. A good fabric choice for exercise wear is polypropylene since it conducts moisture away from the skin when you sweat.

 

If the temperatures are near freezing, it’s important to protect your hands with gloves to avoid frost bite. Heavy socks should also be worn on the feet for extra protection. Another frequently neglected area is the head which can be a significant source of heat loss. One option is to wear a stocking cap that pulls down over the entire head with holes cut in to leave the eyes and mouth exposed. This can scare some folks in the neighborhood so I usually opt for a tight wool hat and pom pom. A scarf should be worn to protect the neck. It also helps to hold all the layers that you pull off by tying each garment in a knot around the scarf and then banding around the waist. Who needs weights when you can use what you've got, right?

 

Exercise in the cold: Choose your route wisely.

 

If you’ll be exercising in the cold, particularly walking or running, choose a route that keeps you closer to home. Don’t venture off on a long walk or run into unknown territory. If you should start to become fatigued or experience symptoms of frostbite, you want to be able to return home quickly. Also, plan your route so you’re running or walking with your back to the wind to avoid having the wind hit you in the face. If there’s any precipitation on the ground such as ice or snow, either plan your walk on a snow-free road or path or keep our workout indoors.

My Take on The EA SPORTS Active Demo in New York

 

                                 

 

Fitspott was really looking forward to attending the EA SPORTS Active demo this week and we were not disappointed. Reminiscent of a typical NYC night club opening (velvet ropes and all) the event was held in a pretty cool event space in Mid-Town Manhattan.

 

While many other new EA SPORTS titles were being debuted, it was EA SPORTS Active that took center stage. From the time I walked through the door, company representatives,  Jen Riley and Kathryn Peck (shown above),  were busy demonstrating the product and answering questions.

 

In a nutshell, I believe EA SPORTSActive can/will serve as a great supplement to a "real life" exercise regimen, as well as an effective tool for boosting confidence in people that might not have had a good experience with exercise in the past. The user friendly set up process, tracking modules, 30 Day Challenge, social component and large library of fun and interactive  activities make this game relevant for all levels of fitness (beginner to advanced).

 

According to one of the company reps, EA SPORTS Active was developed with input from a team of fitness specialists and experts in the field of health and fitness...this is evident.

 

EA SPORTS Active Features

Special leg and resistance bands are used in conjuntion with the handheld Wii Controllers to perform most exercises. 

•          Active fitness from the comfort of your home in just 20 minutes a day…

–        20 minute circuits feature a variety of familiar activities that target upper body, lower body as well as cardio. Circuits can be customized to your interest and fitness level.

–        Choose your duration, intensity level & set your own goals for calories burn.

•          Take the 30 Day Challenge…

–        20 minute circuits change each day throughout the 30 Day Challenge as you progress.

–        Circuits will adjust to your fitness level and will track calories, intensity and progress.

•          Your trainer in a box…

–        Bob Greene will be the focal point both of the experience, providing you with clear instruction, motivation and positive encouragement.

–        Feedback will be given throughout your workout.

•          New Ways to Play…

–        The specially designed leg strap lets us track your movements on screen.

–        A resistance band is included to increase the intensity of upper body exercises.

 

I get the sense that EA SPORTS Active is going to be marketed heavily to the stay at home mom as well as the youth market. As a personal trainer of 17 years (many of my clients were stay at home moms), if I had to guess I would say it will be the youth market that is most likely to embrace EA SPORTS Active and really benefit from all that it has to offer.

 

One of the goals of Fitspott is to help exergaming products such as EA SPORTS Active to be included in many of the "NEW" fitness programs that are launching in schools across our nation. The data is mounting regarding the many tangible benefits that can be achieved by schools that include organized fitness programs as part of their curriculum. 

 

As with any form of exercise, long term success is dependent on a consistent effort  based on sound principles. There are no magic pills or potions (not yet) and no matter how good these games are in theory, I believe they will still require at least some involvement by a real life moderator to ensure a long term adherence.

Related Posts

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Exergaming - An Interview With The CEO of Gamercize (Part 2 of 2)

 

Fitspott was extremely pleased with the response from Part 1 of our interview with Richard Coshott, the CEO of Gamercize UK.  As a result of this interview, we have had some extremely inspiring conversations with other exergaming pioneers, including one of the founders of a company in Chicago whose efforts are featured in the book Spark by John Ratey.

 

About Gamercize

Gamercize is an exergaming company that uses the attraction of video games to develop motor skills, and to help build the confidence to participate in physical activity. 

In the second part of this two part interview series Richard tells us in his own words what will speed up the mainstream adoption of exergaming and if strength benefits can be achieved from an exergaming session. 

Fitspott: What steps can be taken to expedite the mainstream adoption of exergaming?

Richard: Exergaming is not a recent phenomenon as Konami's DDR has been around for over 10 years. It has only been in the last few years that exergaming has grasped the public interest and gained acceptance as an actual term. We can thank Nintendo's publicity campaigns of the Wii for raising awareness of the industry.

 

Unfortunately, the price we paid for this is that most media see exergaming as synonymous with this console alone. We already have witnessed a mainstream adoption of exergaming but the challenge is to open the minds of the public to the multitude of options that are available.

 

This issue is shared among exergaming practitioners as we all have pondered how to take exergaming forwards from this single point. Gamercize supports up to four players per Wii console, so it's not a great commercial concern to me. However, exergaming cannot reach it’s full potential and effectiveness without awareness of the diversity that exists.

 

Until recently, this emerging industry did not have the resources to step out of Nintendo's shadow.  I think EA Sports Active is going to change all this and greatly improve the public awareness due to the fact that there is an actual genre of exergaming and many more dimensions to explore.

 

Once the genre is recognized outside of industry followers, the multitude of research completed can be considered holistically. The research that has been published so far has focused on proving exergaming as a viable exercise medium. With this as a foundation, projects can move to longer term studies. This step is crucial to convince policy makers, not just consumers, that exergaming is effective.

 

I’m very encouraged from my visit to USF last year where the long term engagement of exergaming is under study. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundations (the primary supporter of Games for Health) funding stream and recent call for research proposals will give the opportunity to start projects with similar goals. When the results are published, exergaming as a genre will be able to translate into mainstream PE, sport and fitness.

 

Fitspott: We keep hearing about the cardiovascular benefits that can be achieved through exergaming. Can you describe the strength benefits that can be derived from an exergaming session?

 

Richard: Strength training relies on resistance to muscle movement, and the level of resistance required varies depending on the individual’s ability and current muscle condition. In order to gain strength benefits, the effort of an exergame needs to be variable, preferably at a level set or advised by fitness professionals.

 

I have not come across any exergame that has such a high level of resistance that it can be compared to the level of weight training as in bodybuilding. With that said, there are plenty of options that can deliver muscle endurance. Wii Sports does not provide any significant resistance to movement having light weight Wii motes and no air resistance such as the movement that you get with racquet sports. To find the options that do deliver we need to consider the wider exergaming genre.

 

The most common basis for exergaming equipment is an exercise cycle and almost all of these have a resistance setting which can be set progressively higher as muscle endurance improves. These can be found under a number of easily identified names, so I won’t risk missing someone out by naming them in this answer!

 

The advantage of exergaming with these devices is building strength in the lower body muscle groups that directly translates into better ability to play sports and be more active in traditional forms of exercise.

 

Upper body strength training in console exergaming has fewer options but one option is utilizing an upper body ergometer, which operates like a hand exercise cycle. This also opens exergaming up to limited mobility players. Wii Fit could also be considered in this group, with its strength training sections, but personally I find it a leap of faith too far to consider press ups on the balance board much of a compelling game!

 

For the Wii, a gentle start into upper body strength training is available from several Wii mote add-ons, such as racquet heads or extra weights, which will enable Wii Sports to be more effective.

 

Related Posts

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Exergaming - An Interview With The CEO of Gamercize

Fitspott is excited to present our first of many upcoming interviews that will cover a variety of topics and issues facing the health and fitness industry.  For our first interview we have selected Richard Coshott, the CEO of Gamercize UK.  

 

Gamercize is an exergaming company that uses the attraction of video games to develop motor skills, and to help build the confidence to participate in physical activity. 

 

An interesting article came out in Forbes recently questioning whether or not exergaming, specifically the WiiFit, is just a passing a fad. The article acknowledged that actual health benefits could in fact be achieved, only if (the magic word) a person maintained their exergaming regimen over a consistent period of time. The article pointed out the reason why so much skepticism surrounds exergaming is that historically, most people do not sticking to these programs consistently. 

We asked Richard several questions that we believe will significantly impact the fate of exergaming. Here is the first of this two part interview series. 

Fitspott: What technological developments do you believe will help promote a more natural, free range of movement for an exergamer, resulting in an increased similarity to an actual exercise session?

 

Richard: The building blocks of 3D cameras and motion sensing technology already exist with examples in the form of sports analysis equipment. Some of this technology is already finding its way into exergaming and, although very expensive, gives great realism as a by-product of the heritage.

 

A challenge in the area of virtual reality sports and exercise comes from turning high cost low volume specialist technology in to low cost generic home units. Any useful home unit will also need to be highly entertaining with compelling games in order to be viable. I think we can learn a lot from the video game industry here. The majority of console games now are built around core engines, on which the actual game can be built at a fraction of the cost compared with going back to a blank canvas for each new title. Without this reusable element software companies will not be keen to invest development effort in producing titles with much lower returns.

 

This commercial consideration is also true for hardware; No software company will put large amounts of effort into single-game motion sensing hardware and be able to survive as a business. The key development for the exergamer is to make the motion sensing hardware generic, to allow a great many types of sports and exercise software to be developed. More processing power will allow recognition of more object types and more subtle movement, so we might have to wait a while until the generic hardware is available.

 

Fitspott:  How can we increase the chances that an exergamer will adhere to a long term virtual exercise program and not lose interest after the novelty wears off?

 

Richard: Sustainability is the essential factor that lets a program of exercise deliver health and fitness benefits. It does not matter how many calories you can burn an hour, what matters is how many calories you do burn, week on week, month on month. How to keep exergamers engaged to this level, after any novelty factor wears off, is the hot question that's been quizzing the rest of the industry for some time.

 

The problem is exercise is not sustainable for most people. This is evident from the global obesity crisis we are in. The term exergaming puts “exercise” first but my attitude is different; this is reflected in my company’s name, where we put “gaming” first. I think that if the exergaming is to deliver health and fitness benefits to those people that don’t find exercise appealing or have too little free time to fit in gym or outdoor activities, then gaming is the key.

 

I recognize that to create a title as compelling as the existing gaming industry is highly unlikely. Gamers change the game they play most of the time about 7 times a year, in the same way you don’t watching one movie all year. To beat the existing gaming industry every couple of months is impossible for fitness themed exergames.This is why Gamercize supports the existing gaming industry titles instead of trying to compete with them.

 

Sustainability of video games is in no doubt; in fact gaming is even likened to an addiction in certain circles. Gamercize is sustainable because of the fact we uniquely support every console and every game. We tap in using minimal interaction; move and play, stop and the games pauses. This keeps the minds focus on the game and not on controlling the exercise effort.

 

Stay Tuned for part 2 of this interview series.

 

Related Posts:

 

EA SPORTS Active - Will 2009 Ring In The Mainstream Adoption of Exergaming?

 

Fighting Youth Obesity By Making Fitness Engaging and Interactive

Using Technology to Make Fitness Fun 

 

Health and Fitness Made Fun

Social Media - The Power of The Smiley Face :o)

                       

At some point we probably have all been the recipient of an e-mail that has sent us over the edge. Perhaps it contained a snyde comment, a nasty tone, a sarcastic dig or a combination of the three.

In preparation for your verbal, physical or digital retaliation, have you ever re-read the email and realized that the tone of the email was actually much different than you first thought? As this has happened to me more times than I care to admit, I have adopted a policy of reading any inflammatory email 3 times before responding.

Enter Social Media.

Micro-blogging platforms like Twitter have created brand new opportunities for over-reactions, misinterpretations and embarassing situations. One one hand, social media encourages an environment where natural conversations can take place, allowing our "wonderful personalities" to shine through. 

On the other hand, this dialogue often occurs with a global audience...most of whom we will probably never meet in person. If emails can so easily be misinterpreted (by people we know), how can we possibly expect this not to happen when conversing on social media platforms? Especially when we are chatting with complete strangers and at a much quicker pace than emails. 

One possible solution is to include emoticons in questionable posts. Emoticons are used online to convey intonation or voice inflection, bodily gestures and emotion behind statements that might otherwise be misinterpreted.

:-) smile

:-( frown

;-) wink

:(```` crying

>:) mischevious grin

:-/ smirk or confused

:-P smiling and sticking out your tongue

:-D laughing hard

>:-\ mad

Source: Wisegeek.com

By nature, my sense of humor is very dry. I have often been told "I cannot believe you can joke with such a straight face". As such, I have already had a number of situations where my attempts at dry humor on Twitter and Facebook have fallen flat or have even been misinterpreted as being rude. Clearly this was not my intention.

Recognizing this as an issue, I have adopted the practice of adding emoticons to questionable posts along with taking the extra second to re-read my responses before sending. Hopefully this practice will improve the chances that my message will be interpreted based on their original intention...only time will tell.

The nuances of social networking platforms will surely refine over time and the unwritten rules of etiquette will probably be re-written multiple times before becoming written :0) (practicing what I preach)

This post was meant more as an observation than anything else. While I am aware the content matter is somewhat obvious, I think the challenges of avoiding awkward situations when socializing online will only increase as more people join the conversation worldwide.

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