Posted by deborah neiman on Tue, Aug 31, 2010 @ 10:42 PM
Our own personal trainer, Noelle Lusardi, has brought the new TRX equipment into her personal training space, Maximize. The machine offers an innovative way to shape up, lose weight and enjoy the work out, especially with our best of the best personal trainer, Noelle. Using a series of exercises with the movable ropes, Noelle will lead you through a work out that is fun and makes you fit. You will use muscles you forgot you had! Call or come in and see the TRX in action - it is a great way to shape up with style. For those interested in the Bridal Boot Camp, the TRX helps you trim your body to the shape and fitness that you want for your big day.TRX added to a healthy diet and nutrition program will bring you the success you are looking for. Stay tuned for a soon to come TRX video in action!!
Posted by deborah neiman on Mon, Jul 26, 2010 @ 09:54 PM
A recent article in the Wall Street Journal described the recent studies that look at the connection between your mind and body that control what you eat and why. Researches have found, using MRI scans on subjects, that people who are overweight have ABNORMAL hormone responses and increased cravings for high caloric foods. These findings suggests reasons why many people have life long struggles with weight loss and often, find that their cravings are much more powerful then their will power. These studies are looking into new possible medications that may help target these hormones and reactions to foods to help people in their struggle in weight loss. Hope is on the way!
In the mean time, remember, half the battle is just recognizing that everyone is unique and you can lose weight your way and at your own pace! Make changes that you can live with, live with them for awhile, and then introduce another change - in time, you will find the success you strive for.
At the same time, use all the resources you need to help you through your journey. Friends and family can offer the support and company that can help keep you motivated and focused. Many times, a commercial or professional weight loss program can also give you the support, structure and guidance that gets you through your hurdles. Whatever works for you is the right program!
Posted by deborah neiman on Thu, Jul 22, 2010 @ 04:09 PM
Step Ahead’s certifiied personal trainer, Noelle Lusardi, completed the Philadelphia Marathon on Sunday, Nov. 22nd. “It was the perfect day… great weather, great race, great city, great crowd,” said Noelle. Her husband also completed the marathon and their children were there to cheer them on along the race route and at the finishline. If you have any questions about marathon training or running in general, please contact Noelle at noelle@stepaheadnj.com
Posted by deborah neiman on Thu, Jul 22, 2010 @ 03:55 PM
New Tests Recommended to Diagnose Diabetes
A recent announcement by the American Diabetes Association has recommended a new test to help in the diagnosis of diabetes that will make it easier for both patients and doctors. The new recommendations are based on using the test – called the glycosylated hemoglobin or HbAic- to make the diagnosis. This test helps determine the average range of sugar in an individual’s system over the past 2 or 3 months. The advantage of this test is that the patient does not have to be fasting to take the test and get accurate results.
The ADA recommends using the following guidelines in diagnosing diabetes:
A HbA1C between 5.7 and 6.4: pre-diabetes or high risk to develop diabetes
A HbA1C greater the 6.5: diabetes
The use of this test to help in the diagnosis of diabetes should help more patients and their physicians diagnose the condition and treat patients before they develop any serious consequences from the disease. The earlier diabetes or the risk for diabetes is recognized, the more likely lifestyle changes can be made that can prevent the disease. At the very least, the lifestyle changes can actually PREVENT the side effects often found with diabetes.
It is well established over the past decades that keeping your HbA1C below 7.0 will greatly reduce your chance of developing any of the side effects from diabetes – such as heart disease, kidney disease or eye problems. Now using this same tool to find early diabetes will help patients learn to help themselves earlier and hopefully, more successfully.
Posted by deborah neiman on Mon, Jul 12, 2010 @ 05:50 PM
Outdoor exercise can be challenging when the temperature soars. Stay safe during hot-weather exercise by drinking enough fluids, wearing proper clothing and timing your workout to avoid extreme heat.
How hot weather affects your body:
Exercising in hot weather puts extra stress on your heart and lungs. Both the exercise itself and the air temperature increase your body temperature. To dissipate heat, more blood circulates through your skin. This leaves less blood for your muscles, which increases your heart rate. If the humidity is high, your body faces added stress because sweat doesn’t readily evaporate from your skin — which only pushes your body temperature higher.
Under normal conditions, your skin, blood vessels and perspiration level adjust to the heat. But these natural cooling systems may fail if you’re exposed to high temperatures and humidity for too long. The result may be a heat-related illness, such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
How to avoid heat-related illnesses:
To keep it cool during hot-weather exercise, keep these basic precautions in mind:
Take it slow. If you’re used to exercising indoors or in cooler weather, take it easy at first. As your body adapts to the heat, gradually increase the length and intensity of your workouts. If you have a chronic medical condition or take medication, ask your doctor if you need to take additional precautions.
Drink plenty of fluids. Your body’s ability to sweat and cool down depends on adequate rehydration. Drink plenty of water while you’re working out — even if you don’t feel thirsty. If you’re planning to exercise intensely or for longer than one hour, consider sports drinks instead. These drinks can replace the sodium, chloride and potassium you lose through sweating. Avoid drinks that contain caffeine or alcohol, which actually promote fluid loss.
Dress appropriately. Lightweight, loosefitting clothing promotes sweat evaporation and cooling by letting more air pass over your body. Avoid dark colors, which can absorb the heat. A light-colored hat can limit your exposure to the sun.
Avoid midday sun. Exercise in the morning or evening — when it’s likely to be cooler outdoors — rather than the middle of the day. If possible, exercise in the shade or in a pool.
Wear sunscreen. A sunburn decreases your body’s ability to cool itself.
Have a backup plan. If you’re concerned about the heat or humidity, stay indoors. Work out at the gym, walk laps inside the mall or climb stairs inside an air-conditioned building.
Know when to call it quits:
During hot-weather exercise, be on the lookout for heat-related illness. Signs and symptoms may include:
Weakness
Headache
Dizziness
Muscle cramps
Nausea or vomiting
Rapid heartbeat
If you suspect a heat-related illness, stop exercising and get out of the heat. Drink water, and wet and fan your skin. If you don’t feel better within 60 minutes, contact your doctor. If you develop a fever higher than 102 F (38.9 C) or become faint or confused, seek immediate medical help.
Regular physical activity is important — but don’t let hot-weather workouts put your health at risk. For additional information, contact Noelle at Noelle@stepaheadnj.com.