SignatureForum's Health and Fitness Blog

Why You Stopped Losing Weight

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 12:02:00-0500

This information was provided by fitness trainer and consultant Chris Chew

You are overweight and so you embarked on a mission to lose weight fast and get a well toned attractive body. You were committed to the weight loss program and you consistently lose 1-2 pounds of body fat per week.

You were very pleased with your results at first until suddenly, you begin to notice that your weight loss is getting slower and slower until it grinds to a stop. [More]

Are Detox Diets Toxic?

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 16:26:00-0500

So, most of us have heard the story-- a friend, or a friend of a friend, completed the Master Cleanser Diet or "Lemonade Diet," and they are raving about it so enthusiastically that you're expecting a plug for the People's Temple somewhere mid-rant. Reportedly, they consumed lemon juice-maple syrup-laxative tea cocktails for a week straight, dropped 20 pounds, and now they feel more alive then Olivia Newton John circa "Xanadu." Well kids, I'm no naturopath, but that process seems to be about as far from "natural" as you can get... [More]

Anaerobic vs. Aerobic

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 17:22:00-0500

Hey y'all, just thought I'd explain a few things about the different modes of working out. Getting in great shape isn't always about who works out the hardest, sometimes it's about who works out the smartest. It's totally possible to add an intensive workout to your daily routine and not lose a single pound. Weight loss depends on more than just working out hard. In fact, it's possible to workout too hard. Workout too hard!? You may think that sounds insane, but it can be explained by realizing the difference between anaerobic and aerobic exercise. [More]

How Many Calories Are There In Wine?

Thu, 15 May 2008 15:31:00-0500

The following information was provided by wine lover, Alison Stevens

First it needs to be established that, yes, there are calories in wine. Indeed, almost anything you eat or drink contains calories unless it is made of almost entirely of water or chemicals. However, calories should be considered fuel for the body and a body will not function well without an adequate supply of fuel. That said, the calories in wine need to be counted if you are watching your weight.

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McDonald's: The Healthiest of their Unhealthy Choices

Fri, 02 May 2008 12:16:00-0500

The following information was provided by fitness blogger, Jim O'Connor

Your mind says no, it's not healthy food. Your stomach says yes, it's time to eat. It is either going without food, or grabbing something quickly at McDonald's. What about all the negative exposure regarding McDonald's nutrition information? Burgers, McNuggets, fries, shakes, salads all confuse you as the best nutritional choice.

After reviewing the current McDonald's nutrition facts, I have decided to make it easier for consumer to make intelligent choices by listing my McDonald's "Best Choice Awards." Please remember, you do have a choice. Mickey D's has made an attempt to offer some healthier alternatives to choose from. It is your responsibility to make that intelligent choice.

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Cy-Yo and YogaFit: A New Spin on Mind-Body Fitness

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 12:41:00-0500

A total workout experience now includes the mind as well as the body. That's why yoga classes and Tai-chi classes have taken off over the past few years. These are what are called mind-body movement exercise, designed more for relaxation than caloric burn.

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An Electrifying Experience: My Time with Striptease Aerobics

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 11:56:00-0500

This might be funny admitting this, but a workout I recently tried was the Carmen Electra Aerobic Striptease. Yes, I'm admitting it, but the real surprisingly thing is that it was a pretty decent workout. Call me a cynic, but I was very skeptical of a workout routine that involved Carmen Electra gyrating her hips from side to side. However, the strip aerobics made for a pretty good workout. Based on what I saw, the benefits of aerobic striptease are in the positions Electra puts you through (no, not like that). What I mean is some of the positions in the striptease aerobics a little different and can really workout muscles you don't regularly use (again not like that!). For instance, the gyrating was actually really good at working out your obliques. The thing a liked best about Carmen Electra's video though was that it was fun. At times it didn't feel like I was even working out and it is those kind of moments that make setting up my workout routine so much easier.

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World's 10 Healthiest Sports: My Response

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 14:48:00-0500

Today I came across an article one of my SignatureForum cohorts, Andrew Clayman, had written for our site's "News & Articles" section. It's about a recent study that determined the world's "ten healthiest sports." Check it out here:

http://www.signatureforum.com/article.cfm?articleid=28

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Their?s no Love for Elevators: the Little Things you can do to Stay Fit

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 12:40:00-0500

The Health and Fitness Blog is back! Just like working out sometimes unforeseen things interfere, but rest assured that SignatureForum's health club blog is here to stay. I think we all know that best way to get in shape is to go to the gym, put in the work, and make a habit out of it. But like I said sometimes that just can't happen, little things like our daily lives get in the way. Last time I talked about burning calories through housework, but the same thing can be applied through all facets of life. Burning calories really comes down to one thing: making the effort. Now whether that effort includes going to a health club or taking the stairs instead of an elevator is up to you.

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I?m working off the calories and I don?t even know it!

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 16:46:00-0500

Fantastic news for all domestic engineers and part-time domestic engineers... We're all used to "sweatin' it" ? no pun intended - when we can't make it to the gym for our daily dose of cardio exercise. Well, research shows that you aren't missing as much as you thought you were. You'll be surprised by the many types of moderate housework that actually help you to maintain your physique. Check out the list below, based on a 150 pound woman in her mid-30's. [More]

If I?m going to drink alcohol, what should I drink to maintain my figure?

Tue, 01 Jan 2008 10:24:00-0500

A popular topic after one of the most concentrated evenings of heavy alcoholic beverage consumption of the year! The rule is simple. A calorie is a calorie. If you are a seasoned alcoholic beverage consumer and you enjoy beer, you're going to be at a higher risk for exceeding your daily caloric intake. Beer doesn't have as many calories as some of the more feminine cocktails, but most of us can't consume as many cocktails as we can beers! So, if you typically like to sip on a couple of appletini's, then you will probably take in the same amount of calories as your friend who drinks 3 beers. If you are looking for alcoholic beverages with the least amount of calories, then check out the list below: [More]

What Does ?Working Out Too Hard? Mean?

Tue, 01 Jan 2008 10:23:00-0500

There is an advanced scientific explanation to making sure that we "don't work too hard" (which translates into burning the kind of calories that get stored as fat) when we exercise. But, I won't bore you with the 6 syllable terminology. We'll keep it easy. [More]

Spinning: What should you expect at your first spinning class?

Tue, 01 Jan 2008 10:22:00-0500

Earlier this week, I mentioned that spinning is one of the most effective cardiovascular workouts that we can do. If you are considering attending a spin class for the first time, here are a few useful tips for a successful ride: [More]

The Best Cardio Workouts!

Tue, 01 Jan 2008 10:21:00-0500

One of the most commonly asked questions that I receive from new clients is, "What is the most effective cardio workout I can do?" There are so many factors that play into the equation such as heart rate control and fitness level. However, if I had to name the two types of cardio activity by which I've seen the most clients reach their goal weight levels, they would be kickboxing and spinning. [More]

Most Embarrassing Moments at My Gym

Tue, 01 Jan 2008 10:20:00-0500

I have been a fitness instructor for the past 11 years; And one thing that I find to be consistent among all of the gyms where I've taught is there is always an unofficial list of "most embarrassing moments at the gym." In fact, many veteran employees and members can reference this list on command!

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