Monday, October 20, 2008

Eating Disorders Increase in Middle Age Women

A few minutes ago, I came across an article post on diet-blog.com that was discussing new research out of Australia saying that there is a dramatic increase in eating disorders for 30, 40, and 50 year old women.

In the Sydney Herald, one writer claimed that middle-aged women were developing eating disorders in an attempt to emulate celebrities like Madonna, and here's my 2 cents.

Madonna just had a couple of concerts here in Boston last week, and I was blown away by how good she looked on stage.

I definitely think the celebrity driven image ideal is associated with a rise of eating disorders in older women.

Another thought is that the older women of today are actually the first generation of obsessed dieters from the 1980's.

In the 1980's aerobics classes, lifting weights at the gym, and fad diets took off like rockets. The teenagers and 30 year old dieters of the 80's are the 40-60 years olds of today.

Just like the baby boomers created a wave in every industry, they are likely creating a wave of eating disorders also.

Unfortunately, a shift in our attitudes towards health and body image started many years ago, which leads me to believe that future generations of middle-aged women will be plauged by the same plight.

But, let me also say this... just as there has been a development of extreme over-consciousness regarding diet and exercise in a small minority, there has also been an extreme unconsciousness and apathy towards health in the majority. Which portends that there will be much more suffering from obesity related disorders for todays teenagers as they approach middle age in the next 20-30 years.

To all the ladies out there who are struggling with body image, let me tell you that I think all women are beautiful. And, I think that losing weight should be a matter of health first, beauty second.

Do your best to take care of your mental, emotional, and physical health because they are all related.

Yours in Health,
Dr. Charles

Ab-Core-and-Stomach-Exercises.com

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Guest Blogger David Bohmiller of My-Personal-Trainer-School.com

How to Lose Weight With Cardiovascular Exercise
By David "Boh" Bohmiller

At 4:30am this morning, I started my undercover research of a health club I’m considering working at in San Francisco.

I didn’t know the choice of workout clothes would differ so much.

(I won’t tell you which city has better taste in fitness apparel.)

I also wasn’t surprised to see that the same fitness weight loss mistakes are made on both the Atlantic and the Pacific coasts.

At 5am the fitness enthusiasts were headed for their favorite brands of cardiovascular exercise; the treadmill, elliptical cross trainer, bikes, and a rower.

What was very interesting to me was that not one of the men and women “getting their cardio done” was with a Personal Trainer.

The Personal Trainers had their clients involved in a mixture of mobility exercises, core exercises, and active warm-ups.

Want in on a little secret???

I’m willing to bet that each of the clients working out with their Personal Trainers burned more calories and did more toward achieving their weight loss and fat loss goals than those on the cardiovascular equipment.

Do you remember those long, boring classes in high school and in college that seemed to never end?

Do you find yourself in business meetings on Friday afternoons that feel the same way?

Well, your cardiovascular exercise shouldn’t feel that way and doesn’t have to feel that way.

Lots of people tell me that they do “traditional cardio” because they don’t have to think about it. It’s just choose a machine and go.

And they continue to do it, no matter how boring it is.

Well, when you are working with a Personal Trainer, you don’t have to think….that much. :)

We choose the exercises for you. We tell you how many to do, at what speed, and with which weights. We offer corrections when necessary so that you get the most out of your valuable time.

A few more important things about how your workouts with a Personal Trainer differ from traditional cardiovascular exercise…

In most cases, you are providing your body and your heart with a tougher cardiovascular challenge. You’re making your heart stronger.

You are moving more joints through a far greater range of motion. Working on the same machine all the time can actually build muscular imbalances around the joints in your body making it tougher for you to move effectively.

Whenever your range of motion or mobility is prohibited, your chance of injury is greater….not to mention that a shortened range of motion means that you activate fewer muscle fibers.


Lessened activation equals lessened toning and fewer calories burned! Not good!!

If you’re bored from doing the same cardiovascular exercise all of the time and you haven’t seen the changes that you’ve wanted to see when you’re looking in the mirror, then it’s time to talk to one of us to learn about Personal Training and what it will do for you.

Don’t be afraid….most of us don’t bite!!

Committed to your fitness success,
Boh

David I. Bohmiller, BS, NSCA-CSCS
My Personal Trainer School LLC

Friday, September 19, 2008

Biggest Loser 6: A New Season Starts

Well, all my friends know that the Biggest Loser is one of my favorite reality television shows. Since the first episode of the first season, I've said that being one of the personal trainers on the show would be my dream job.

Each year, I get excited to see how they challenge the contestants physically, mentally, and emotionally, and get so overwhelmed by the individual accomplishments.

If you have never seen the show, I think it can be an inspirational experience, especially if you have a desire to lose weight.

I know 99% of us can't just quit our jobs and leave our families for 3 months in order to take on such an arduous endeavor, but if we all make small changes that become healthy habits, those habits can eventually change our lives.

In season 5 of the Biggest Loser, I was so fortunate to work with Maggie King, and I know she inspired tons of young women to lose weight and get in shape-- heck, she inspired me, my clients, my family, and my friends.

The cool thing is even 5 months after the show ended, she's still working out and eating healthy. She was actually featured on People's online magazine recently. Here's her before and after picture.

You can read more about her on my website at Maggie's Weight Loss Success Story.

I'll likely write more about the show as the episodes unfold, and I hope the show inspires you to start or keep working out.

That's all for now.
Yours in Health

Charles

Friday, August 1, 2008

Are Photoshopped Celebrity Pictures Leading to Eating Disorders

I saw a really interesting video on youtube the other day about the "PhotoShop Effect". The video shows how easy it is to create ideal photographic images threw digital enhancement.

The host of the videos wonders if the perfect models and pictures are causing more eating disorders by instilling a flase ideal in the minds of young women.

Check out the video and see how dramatic the before and after pictures are.



I think that in some cases, the photoshopped images on the covers of magazines do contribute to some eating disorders and body dysmorphia. And I think a solution is for all of us to be kinder to our friends and loved ones.

Destructive criticism from love ones is likely a more powerful stimulant for body dysmorphia and eating disorders than a picture in a magazine.

I always tell my personal training clients, friends, and family that losing weight is more about health than beauty.

I think the video raises some interesting social points, and hope that you also found it interesting.

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Health Concerns for Women: Weight Loss More Important than Cancer?

Recently on the Today show, there was a segment that featured a study saying that women are more concerned about their weight than cancer.

One thing you should know about every study is that you can always manipulate the data so that it says what you want. But when common sense tends to confirm the study, I find the information insightful.

One thought about why women are more concerned about weight compared with cancer is that weight is something that is in your face all the time.

Everytime you look in the mirror, take a bath, or hear someone say a rude comment you maybe reminded that you are not happy with the way you look.

Whereas, cancer is usually out of site out of mind.

Another thing that may influence the results could be that women look at weight as something that they have more control over compared with cancer.

One of my rules of thumb for stress relief is to not stress about the things you can't control. If it's a rainy day, don't stress about it-- you can't control it.

With that said there are connections with various types of cancers and obesity, so indirectly controlling your weight and staying healthy may actually help to prevent cancer.

One last thought on why weight is such a concern for the women surveyed in this report... Hollywood!

I know that many women see the models and actresses on television and immediately have a lower self-esteem. Not just women, but people of all ages, races, genders, and abilities are constantly being bombarded with negative self-esteem messages.

My thought... focus on being as healthy as you can and think of healthy living as a lifestyle. Focus on pleasing yourself and your loved ones, and do your best to live optimistically.

We need to take a more wholistic approach to health and wellness if we truly want to be happy and healthy.

Do your best everyday!

Yours in Health,
Charles

P.S. Here's the video clip below.

Monday, May 19, 2008

Diet Tip: Lose Weight By Drinking Fewer Calories

As a Personal Trainer, there are many nutrition tips and healthy eating habits that I share with my clients.

But one of my top tips is "Don't Drink Calories!"

If you want to lose weight, controlling your caloric intake is important and many beverages could sabotage your weight loss progress.

Sugary Colas are one of the main culprits in our battle against the bulge. A 12 ounce can of cola usually contains between 30 and 40 grams of sugar. Move up to a 32 ounce drink and you're looking at more than 100 grams of sugar.

When doctors want to maximally stress out your digestive system to test for diabetes (a test called the glucose tolerance test) they give you a drink with 75 grams of sugar.

Ask yourself this... If 75 grams of sugar is enough to maximally stress out your digestive system, how would more than 100 grams of sugar a day affect your body.

No wonder Type II diabetes is so rampant in our society.

Of course sugary colas are not the only culprit. Coffee drinks and dessert drinks can pack even more sugar than colas, and so called healthy drinks marketed towards sports and athletic populations are little more than water with added sugar, artificial flavors, and chemicals.

And alcoholic beverages... well let's not go there.

I know some people say they get board drinking water, but it truly is the perfect drink and the one you should aim for most of the time.

Check out this blog post on America's unhealthiest drinks, it may make you re-think how many calories you are drinking.

If you're trying to lose weight, try to avoid drinking calories.

Go for filtered or bottles water or herbal teas. Your waistline and your body will thank you.

Yours in Health,
Charles PT/PT

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

100 Days Until the Olympics

Charles Here.

I just got this informative newsletter from my friend and fellow Personal Trainer David Bohmiller about goal setting. I think it gives a good perspective on how to reach your fitness goals.

Here's the newsletter article.

100 Days Until…..

Grab Your Calendars…

Got them? Great! Do you know what today is?

Aside from the last day of April and hopefully the beginning of warmer weather (for those of us here in Boston), today marks 100 days until the Beijing Olympics.

I actually hadn’t begun my own countdown and wouldn’t have known without having just seen a commercial about it on TV.

So, it got me to thinking a little bit about goal setting. Picture all of the athletes from around the world who have had this long-term goal of making it to the Olympics to represent their countries since they were “little athletes”.

Right now, with 100 days left until their dreams come true, they have got their minds focused on their short-term training goals and their nutrition goals.

Now, 100 days may not be enough time for the rest of us to make it onto the list of alternates, but anything is possible, right?

All kidding aside, one of the most important things that must be done whether it be in fitness, in business, in education, in all things in life actually, is to define your goals; both short-term and long-term.

My Personal Training clients that have decided upon specific objectives and have also set timetables for those ambitions, have always been much more committed to their purpose and, in the end are the ones who achieve their aspirations.

So, I want you to grab that calendar, flip the pages to August, and circle Friday, August 8th. That’s your 100 day mark.

Now it’s time to put together your list. Grab a marker and a blank piece of paper and get ready to write.

Here are your questions:

What is most important to you that you _______________ over the next 100 days?

Want to learn about?
Want to achieve?
Want to see in yourself?

Got your list? It’s okay to have a couple answers for each question. If you do, put them in order of priority.

Sticking to It

The next step is to post your list. Put it somewhere that you know you will see it everyday, whether it’s on your nightstand, your bathroom mirror, or even bring it with you to keep at your desk in your office.

Making sure this list of goals is visible to you everyday will help keep you motivated to achieve everything that you set out to do.

Another secret to success is using specific dates to evaluate your progress.

The spacing of these dates can be up to you. Weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly updates tend to work very well. Take a moment to mark off your evaluation dates within your 100-day period.

One More Secret to Success

Having a “partner in crime”, a friend, or family member that is also using their own 100-day calendar, can help you stay true to your commitment.
It’s great to include your training partner or to make it a family bonding activity.

If that doesn’t work, you can be sure you’ll be hearing from me again over the next 100 days!!!

Best of luck to you and to our Olympians!!!

Committed to your success,
Boh

About the Author:
David "Boh" Bohmiller holds a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education-Exercise Science from Bridgewater State College and is NSCA-CSCS certified. He is the owner of "My Personal Trainer School" headquartered near Boston, MA.

Boh spends his days writing, performing health seminars, Personal & Group Training, consulting with athletic teams, and mentoring those new to the fitness profession. To find out more about how Boh may be able to help you, visit him at "My Personal Trainer School" or if you are interested in Personal Training in the Boston area, schedule your FREE consultation.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

McDonald's French Fries Don't Get Moldy!

I don't know if you've seen the movie Super Size Me, but I can say that it definitely changed my perspective on fast food, health, and weight loss.

The movie actually came out in 2004, and the goal of the movie was to document what would happen if someone at all of their meals at McDonald's for 30 days.

Yep, the Director and Star Morgan Spurlock at breakfast, lunch, and dinner from McDonald's every day for 30 days.

Needless to say, he gained a ton of weight and started experiencing failing health.

But, one thing that really struck me was one of the bonus videos in the dvd.

In one bonus video, Morgan Spurlock takes hamburgers and fries from McDonald's and hamburgers and fries from a local diner and puts them in glass jars to see how long it would take for them to get moldy.

The burgers look pretty nasty after 2 weeks, but the French Fries from McDonald's look brand new. Even after 10 weeks the French Fries look brand new.

Check out the video for yourself...



The moral of the story is that there are so many preservatives (chemicals) in the fries that they don't decompose.

When food is processed it loses it's nutritional value and also causes adverse health reactions.

If you're trying to lose weight, you definitely should avoid eating fast food and highly processed foods on a regular basis.

Yours in Health,
Charles

Sunday, April 27, 2008

First Blog From Ab-Core-and-Stomach-Exercises.com

Hello,

My name is Charles Inniss, and I am a Physical Therapist and Personal Trainer that wants to help you to get into shape.

I am the creator of the website http://www.Ab-Core-and-Stomach-Exercises.com My website is a free resource and the most comprehensive abdominal and weight loss website on the internet.

If you have any questions about ab exercises, core exercises, or stomach exercises my website is the best place to go. In addition, if you have questions about diet, nutrition, or weight loss check out my site.

This blog will follow updates to my main website, but it will also be a place for me to share more tips, success stories about clients and website visitors, and my perspective of a variety of health issues related to exercise and fitness.

My writing style for this blog will be less formal than my huge informational site, and I hope that my fitness blog will educate, entertain, and inspire you!

I'll provide the info, you provide the muscle, and together we can make a healthier you!

Check out my site http://www.Ab-Core-and-Stomach-Exercises.com Bookmark It, Add it to your Favorites, and Use it as a Resource to Lose Weight and Get in Better Shape.

And if you want a quick way to remember my website, you can use the url http://www.All-About-Abs.com

Alright, I'll be back with tons of tips and info for you.

Until then...

Remember, Exercise is Medicine, so Treat your Body Well!

Peace
Dr. Charles