Recently in Fitness Category

Choosing the ultimate running superfoods can help you stay slim, fuel up and recover. Make sure these six items are on your shopping list!  



1. Almonds supply a decent dose of vitamin E, which studies have shown can help stave off postworkout soreness. Toss almonds on top of oatmeal or spread a tablespoon of almond butter on apples or bananas, but don't go nuts--they're still relatively high in calories

2. Eggs are egg-cellent energy sources, thanks to their protein content. Runners tend to load up on carbs but skimp on protein. Not only does protein provide energy, but it's essential to recovery, as it repairs tissue damaged during and after training. Keep a handy supply of hard-boiled eggs in the fridge for snacks, salads or sandwiches.

3. Leafy Greens can contribute to a stronger skeleton. No bones about it: Like other forms of weight-bearing exercise, running is a bone-health boon. For extra help, munch on spinach, collard greens, kale and bok choy. The gang of greens boasts high levels of vitamin K, which aids with the production of proteins essential for bone health.

4. Oranges may accelerate your burn! The vitamin C content helps your body absorb bone-building calcium and has been shown to increase fat burn during exercise. You'll see oranges on the sidelines of any road race: The juicy slices are the ultimate lift during or post-run.

5. Quinoa is a complete protein. It contains all eight muscle-mending amino acids, so it can help your body bounce back after a workout. It's a low-cal alternative to traditional grains, so give it a try if you hear yourself saying, "Pasta again?!" Or swap it for rice in a veggie stir-fry.

6. Sweet Potatoes provide sustained energy rather than the flash-and-burn jolt of simple, or white, carbs. The orange spuds' serious punch of complex carbohydrates means they're in it for the long haul! They also have protein, fiber, potassium and vitamins C and A.

Also, check out Self's ultimate running guide, here!

The first lady has kicked off a national campaign that charges young Americans to "get up and move," changing the life goals of the newest generation. While the campaign and message are a strong effort, a national epidemic can only be changed with a personal choice to live better. It all starts with one parent, one effort, to take the time to live healthier, to want your children to live healthier. It's more than the number on a scale; it's a way of life. 

"Children are young, impressionable individuals echoing the behaviors of their older generation role models," said Kimberly Dennis, M.D., Medical Director at Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center, a leader in treatment for anorexia nervosa, bulimia, compulsive overeating and binge eating disorders. "Kids follow by example and unhealthy lifestyles from a guiding counterpart can set a precedent for how they are to act in the future, but so can the way we speak to our children about their bodies. Healthy eating is not something that should be stressed once the number on a scale reaches a high level, but for all children at all body sizes."  

It is up to parents to set the example while kids are young and continue to instill good nutritional advice on them. By instilling these values in children at early ages, they are better setting up their children for a life of good, healthy choices. "Maintaining a healthy weight and learning to make the right choices is a lifestyle," said Dr. Dennis. "It is up to the individual, or in a child's case their care giver, to employ those lifestyle practices. That is how we will change this generation."

When eating habits are changed because parents feel their children's weight has reached a high level, this can cause disordered eating. Over time, as this continues, it reinforces this disordered eating behavior which can develop into an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia.

"This kind of behavior is usually associated with serious physical and emotional health problems," said Dr. Dennis. "As a society, we rely too much on weight as the be-all-end-all of health matters, but there is so much more to it. We must return to a healthy relationship with food, which will open up the door to a healthier body image for all and a better, more promising future for our children."

Gaiam, Inc., the leading distributor of lifestyle media and fitness accessories, today announced the release of Trudie Styler's Sculpt & Tone Ballet featuring the actress, producer, and environmental activist. This is the fourth DVD release in the Trudie Styler mind body and fitness series that combine elements of yoga, Pilates and ballet with traditional exercises. It also features Trudie's personal celebrity fitness trainer James D'Silva, who trained as a ballet dancer in his native Goa.

Filmed at Il Palagio, the eco-friendly villa Styler shares with her husband Sting in Tuscany, Trudie Styler's Sculpt & Tone Ballet offers two 25-minute ballet workouts. The first workout is a barre routine designed to improve strength, balance, and posture, followed by a chair routine that uses conventional and modified ballet moves to increase flexibility while toning muscles.

"Ballet dancers are known for their extraordinary strength and grace," said William S. Sondheim, Gaiam President of Entertainment and World Wide Distribution. "With this new DVD, Trudie and James bring elegance and artistry to the everyday fitness routine in a way that will produce results."

Bonus features for the DVD include interviews with Styler, Sting, and D'Silva, with music from Sting's classical album Songs from the Labyrinth; a special Chakra Meditation with Styler and D'Silva; a behind-the-scenes look at the self-sustaining Il Palagio estate and the couple's organic wine production; and a step-by-step footwork tutorial designed to help beginners become accustomed to ballet moves.    

Gaiam's Trudie Styler mind body and fitness series has been widely popular. The series has been featured on NBC's "Today," "The Rachael Ray Show," "Martha Stewart Show," "Access Hollywood," and in numerous print outlets including Elle, Haute Living, Yoga Journal, Harper's Bazaar, and more. The three DVDs in the collection are Trudie Styler's Warrior Yoga, a dynamic yoga routine that incorporates gentle, elongated positions for total-body strengthening; Trudie Styler's Cardio Dance Flow, a fun and fast-paced workout with high intensity cardio intervals for improved endurance and maximum toning; and Trudie Styler's Core Strength Pilates, an energizing full body workout perfect for maintaining strength and vitality.

The DVDs are available online and in retail stores wherever DVDs are sold.

Trudie Styler is an actress, film producer, director, human rights activist, environmentalist, organic farmer, and UNICEF Ambassador.  In 1988, Trudie and her husband Sting started the Rainforest Foundation, an organization devoted to protecting rainforests and their indigenous peoples. Trudie's charitable works for human rights and the environment have been recognized by many award-giving bodies. As an Ambassador for UNICEF, Trudie is committed to working to improve the lives of impoverished and exploited children all over the world.  In 1990 Trudie and Sting moved to Lake House in the English countryside and, determined to raise their children on a fresh and healthy diet, set about converting the 200 acres of farmland to organic status. Trudie's passionate concerns for the environment and human rights motivate many of her career choices, and are reflected most clearly in her documentary films and fundraising activities

Gaiam, Inc. (Nasdaq: GAIA) is a leading producer and marketer of lifestyle media and fitness accessories, with a 70,000 door retail distribution network, over 11,000 store within stores, a digital distribution platform and more than 8 million direct customers. With dominant share of the fitness and wellness market, Gaiam is dedicated to providing solutions for the many facets of healthy, eco-conscious living. The company's commitment to quality, coupled with a forward-thinking approach to merchandising and distribution, has allowed it to dominate the health and wellness category with celebrity talent Marisa Tomei, Valerie Bertinelli and Trudie Styler and fitness sensations Bob Greene, Rodney Yee, Mari Winsor and The Firm.  In addition, the company releases non-theatrical programming focused on family entertainment under its exclusive licensing agreement with Discovery Communications and other licensing partners.  For more information about Gaiam, please visit www.gaiam.com or call 1.800.869.3603. 

Super Plush, Ultra Absorbent and Slip-Resistant--New eQua Towel is the Ideal Accessory for any High Intensity Yoga Session

Manduka (www.manduka.com), the world's leader in high performance yoga gear, announced today the debut of the eQua Hot Yoga Towel--the newest addition to the Manduka eQua Towel Collection. For those that prefer their yoga hot, the eQua Hot Yoga Towel is the ultimate solution to sweat management--allowing the user to perfect their poses instead of dealing with a perspiring distraction from their practice.

Developed in response to the common problem of excessive puddling during a sweaty yoga session, the Hot Yoga Towel is created with ultra soft, double knit microfiber--that remains super gentle on the skin but tough against toxins. Outperforming ordinary cotton or polyester towels, when spread over the yoga mat the Hot Yoga Towel forms a plush, sweat-trapping barrier and slip-resistant, hygienic foundation--absorbing the maximum amount of moisture while keeping yogi's mat clean and dry.

"We know how distracting perspiration can be during a high intensity yoga session," said Manduka CEO, Sky Meltzer.  "So to assist the yogis that are heating up their practice, we wanted to offer a high quality product that allows the user to enjoy their practice without the diversion of slipping and sliding on their mat. The eQua Hot Yoga Towel is the perfect solution--not only is it super absorbent, but it also provides a hygienic barrier--keeping bacteria away from the user and off their mat."

Made to fit most yoga mats and user styles, the Manduka eQua Hot Yoga Towel is 72 " x 26.5" and is available in Candy (pink), Olive (green) and Scuba (blue). Able to withstand countless washings, the eQua Hot Yoga Towel is both machine washable and dryable--sweat it out, toss it in the wash and start your practice all over again. Whether you glow, perspire, sweat or seep--Manduka's eQua Hot Yoga towel has your mat and your mind covered.

Like all of the towels in the Manduka eQua Towel collection, the Hot Yoga Towel is created according to fair labor production standards.  For more information, please visit: www.manduka.com or become a facebook fan at: http://www.facebook.com/MandukaYoga

Founded in 1997, Manduka was built on the simple idea that a better yoga mat can make a world of difference. Manduka strives to support and enrich the yoga community by providing premium quality mats and products while respecting employees, customers, materials, and the environment. Created for and by yoga enthusiasts, Manduka's technical and purpose-driven product designs meet and often exceed the distinct needs of all practitioners. Today Manduka's products, which include yoga mats, towels, yoga straps, water bottles, and bags, are sold in more than 35 countries around the world. Not only focusing on superior design, Manduka also promotes their ethos of quality, thoughtfulness and sustainability in all realms of their business.

SOURCE Manduka

On January 4, 2010, Yoga Vida NYC, www.yogavidanyc.com, a new Yoga studio located at 99 University Place at 12th St., will open its doors to students of all levels, including Yoga neophytes, offering drop-in classes starting at $5 for students and $10 for non-students and packages beginning at $45 for 10 classes. With two studios in a sun-drenched loft in Union Square, Yoga Vida NYC will provide numerous Vinyasa-flow classes throughout the day and evening, with small dedicated classes for beginners and advanced students as well as larger open classes for students of all levels.

Yoga Vida NYC will offer a creative environment in which to practice Yoga, including musically themed classes, Yoga by candlelight and Yoga accompanied by live music. Yoga Vida NYC promises to be a unique Yoga experience and with the most affordable price tag in Manhattan, it's also one of the most recession-friendly activities in the city.

Yoga Vida NYC owner Mike Patton, formerly a futures broker for Bear Stearns, decided to launch this unique and affordable Yoga studio after spending the last year and a half in Yoga studios all over Manhattan following the Wall Street meltdown. While trying to decompress and recharge in between job searches, he discovered a new side of himself through practicing Yoga.

"To get away from the pressure of trying to land another job in finance, I found my life changing as I went to more and more Yoga classes, sometimes three a day," Patton said.

After many job leads in the financial industry turned cold, Patton began to envision a new life for himself as a small business owner by combining his passion for Yoga and for business by opening a Yoga studio of his own.

"All New Yorkers need at least an hour's refuge from the harried lives they lead," Patton added. "I wanted to bring them the chance to experience Yoga at friendly prices and in a non-intimidating, inviting atmosphere."

Yoga Vida NYC promises to remove itself from the typical Yoga experience by focusing on making Yoga fun and inviting while awakening students' bodies and minds, while promoting a sense of physical awareness and presence that may lead to a fuller, more conscious life.

Yoga Vida NYC
99 University Place at 12th St.
New York, NY 10003
WWW.YOGAVIDANYC.COM

SOURCE Yoga Vida NYC

In honor of American Diabetes Month and the launch of the American Diabetes Association's (ADA) new "Stop Diabetes" campaign, Gold's Gym is hosting a first-of-its-kind calorie "Burn-a-thon" to promote diabetes awareness. On Saturday, November 7th, Gold's Gym locations around the world will open their doors to the public, inviting people to take place in the record-setting event. Gold's Gym and the ADA have set a world-record goal of burning 180 million calories in 24 hours, to demonstrate the need to "Do a 180" on the growing diabetes epidemic.

The idea is simple: invite the world to Gold's Gym that day to "donate" their calories to the cause. Whether it's 5 minutes on the treadmill, 20 minutes on the elliptical machine, an hour long group exercise class or 30 minutes of lifting weights, all calories burned by exercising will count as a donation to the cause. Gold's Gym has even created a special calorie guide that shows how many calories are burned with each activity performed at the gym.

"We are proud to invite people everywhere to join us as we work to promote diabetes education, research and awareness," said Lisa Zoellner, chief marketing officer, Gold's Gym International. "By setting a new record for the most calories burned in a single day, we are hoping to both generate awareness and demonstrate the pervasiveness of diabetes. This event will also generate important funds for diabetes research."

From now until November 7th, consumers can visit Gold's Gym for a free workout and make a donation to the ADA by purchasing special "Burn-a-thon" pin-up jerseys. In addition, a special Web site has been created (www.diabetes.org/tour-goldsburnathon) where people can make donations directly to the ADA online. The site also features the Gold's Gym's calorie burning charts.

On the day of the Burn-a-thon, consumers can simply walk in to any participating Gold's Gym and perform the exercise of their choice. Fitness professionals will be on hand to demonstrate all of the equipment and activities in the gym and consumers can utilize the calorie burning charts so they can decide how many calories they would like to "pledge."

In addition to the Burn-a-thon, Gold's Gym supports the ADA by sponsoring the organization's signature cycling event, The Tour de Cure®. Gold's Gym has also worked with the organization to develop a variety of initiatives and resources that support the fight against diabetes, including a special guide on how to start an exercise routine, a web site (www.goldsgym.com/ada) that features tips on fighting diabetes with fitness and a special discounted gym membership for anyone affected by the disease.

 

SOURCE Gold's Gym

For an investment of 20 minutes each morning, the payback is reduced stress, a sense of calm and peace, improved strength, limberness, better immune function and lower blood pressure.

It's not too good to be true. The investment is practicing yoga or tai chi, which were developed and revised over many centuries. The October issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter includes an in-depth Special Report on Yoga and Tai Chi, covering health benefits, differences between yoga and tai chi, tips for learning postures and poses, simple stretches, how breathing enhances energy, and resources to learn more.

An important advantage of yoga and tai chi is that they combine key elements of exercise -- aerobic, strength training, core stability, flexibility and balance -- into unified approaches. Certain benefits, particularly stress reduction, can be seen in as little as one day. People report better sleep and improvements in digestive health within the first few days. Better digestive health can mean better bowel function and decreased constipation. Practiced regularly, yoga and tai chi may help reverse some effects of aging, such as restricted and narrowed movements.

After 10 to 12 weeks of regular sessions, practitioners often notice significant health benefits in other areas. For example, a study of yoga and people who experience migraines found that those doing yoga had less frequent and less intense headaches than did those taking medication.

In addition, those who practiced yoga saw improvements in anxiety and depression. Yoga and tai chi can improve bone density and cardiovascular health and decrease blood pressure.

The best way to learn yoga or tai chi is by taking a class or working with a qualified instructor. These classes, which teach the art of breathing, meditation and posing, are offered at many health clubs and senior centers and through community education.

Source: Mayo Clinic Health Letter

Newest study presented at the American College of Nutrition shows Celsius(R) when combined with exercise improves body composition and lipid profiles.

Celsius Holdings, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: CSUH) continues to build the scientific portfolio of their calorie-burning brand, Celsius®, with the presentation of a fifth clinical study. The scientifically formulated, calorie-burning beverage not only burns up to 100 or more calories per can, it also enhances the benefits of moderate exercise, by enhancing body composition and improving cardiovascular health, according to the latest independent clinical study, Celsius Holdings, Inc. The study was funded by Celsius Holdings, Inc.

The Metabolic and Body Composition Laboratory of the Department of Health and Exercise Science at the University of Oklahoma just announced the results of the fifth scientific study of Celsius, showing that pre-workout consumption of Celsius results in improvements in the benefits of exercise among a test group of previously sedentary overweight and obese women subjects. The study showed that when compared to exercise alone, drinking a single 12 oz. can of Celsius per day for 10 weeks prior to a workout resulted in the following benefits:

• 46% greater fat loss
• 27% greater muscle mass
• 35% greater endurance performance
• Drinking Celsius with or without exercise resulted in a significant drop in total cholesterol (5 to 13%) and bad LDL cholesterol (12 to 18%). Exercise alone had no effect on blood lipid levels.
  

"Our data suggest that consuming a single serving of Celsius prior to working out may significantly enhance the positive adaptations of exercise on body composition and cardiovascular health and fitness in previously sedentary overweight women greater than exercise alone," stated Jeffrey R. Stout, Ph.D., who served as the Chief Researcher of the study. He added, "These results are important due to the fact that these positive results were achieved in sedentary overweight women who are considered at risk for cardiovascular and many other diseases."

Naturally refreshing Celsius contains no sugar, no preservatives, no high fructose corn syrup, no aspartame, no artificial flavors, and very low sodium- a healthier alternative to energy drinks and other sugary sweet beverages. Celsius drinks are powered by the proprietary blend of ingredients, MetaPlus(TM), that includes Green Tea with EGCG, Ginger, Caffeine, Calcium, Chromium, B Vitamins and Vitamin C. Scientifically shown to raise metabolism over a three-hour period, consuming Celsius results in a sustained calorie burn while keeping you energized.

About Celsius Holdings, Inc.

Celsius Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB: CSUH.OB) markets Celsius®, the original, great tasting calorie burner that is backed by science through its wholly-owned operating subsidiary, Celsius, Inc. Celsius, Inc. is dedicated to providing healthier, everyday refreshment through science and innovation. Information about Celsius Holdings, Inc. is available at our website. More information about Celsius, the original, great tasting calorie burner, is available at http://www.celsius.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements made in this press release are forward-looking in nature (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) and, accordingly, are subject to risks and uncertainties. The actual results may differ materially from those described or contemplated. Certain of these risks and uncertainties are discussed in the reports we filed with the SEC.

SOURCE Celsius Holdings, Inc

A four-member European delegation sponsored by the German Marshall Fund of the United States will be touring the Bay Area, visiting with elected officials and community leaders in both San Francisco and Oakland to explore how to increase bicycle use throughout the region. The delegates' experiences in Amsterdam, Brussels and Copenhagen show that cities can boost bicycle use, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and save travelers time and money by building comprehensive cycling networks.

    Who:  Adelheid Byttebier, former member of the Brussels regional
           parliament
          Niels Jensen, Senior Traffic Planner, Traffic Department of
           Copenhagen
          Hans Voerknecht, Int'l Coordinator for unit of Dutch Knowledge
           Center on Traffic & Transport
          Geert-Pieter Wagenmakers, Senior Adviser, Amsterdam Chamber of
           Commerce
          Rebecca Kaplan, Oakland City Councilmember
          Jason Patton, City of Oakland Bicycle/Pedestrian Program Director

    What:  Bicycle tour of Oakland, spotlighting both opportunities for and
           obstacles to increased bicycle use in the Bay Area. Bike ride to
           be preceded by discussion of mobility issues with local elected
           officials and citizens.

    When:  Sunday, September 27, 2009
           Welcoming remarks: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
           Bicycle Tour: 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
           Dinner to be provided after the bike ride

               Follow-up discussions will take place Monday, September 28 at
               5:30 p.m. at Oakland City Hall, and Tuesday, September 29 at
               11 a.m. at San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency
               headquarters, Second Floor Atrium, 1 South Van Ness Street,
               San Francisco.

    Where:  Bay Area Bikes
            437 Water Street, Jack London Square
            Oakland

SOURCE Metropolitan Transportation Commission

People with chronic low-back problems who do yoga also do better at overcoming pain and depression than people treated conventionally for back pain, a West Virginia University study funded by the National Institutes of Health shows.

The three-year, $400,000 study, published in the September issue of the journal Spine, showed lifted mood, less pain and improved function in the group that did yoga postures compared with a control group who received standard medical therapy.

"The yoga group had less pain, less functional disability and less depression compared with the control group," said Kimberly Williams, Ph.D., research assistant professor in the Department of Community Medicine. "These were statistically significant and clinically important changes that were maintained six months after the intervention."

The 90 study subjects, who experienced mild to moderate functional disability, were randomly assigned to the yoga group or the group that received conventional medical therapy. Yoga participants took 90-minute classes twice a week for 24 weeks, doing postures targeted to relieve chronic low-back pain. Follow up continued for six months after the end of classes or therapy.

"Proponents of yoga have long described its benefits in reducing back pain," Williams said. "But not everybody was convinced. This is a much bigger, much more rigorous evaluation than had been done before."

The classes were taught by certified Iyengar yoga instructors. A popular form of yoga in the United States, Iyengar yoga emphasizes postures that encourage strength, flexibility and balance.

In the United States, low-back pain represents the largest category of medical reimbursements, with $34 billion in direct medical costs reported annually, Williams said.

For an abstract of the study see

http://journals.lww.com/spinejournal/Abstract/2009/09010/Evaluation_of_the_Effectiveness_and_Efficacy_of.18.aspx.

SOURCE West Virginia University Health Sciences Center

As Americans hit the gym this summer to continue to tone up for the beach, Gold's Gym, the world's leading authority on health and fitness, is exposing some of the most common myths about getting in shape and offering the must have nutrition and fitness facts to help everyone reach their individual goals. From muscle soreness after a workout, to the timeless argument of running on a treadmill versus running outside, the fitness experts at Gold's Gym have put together a list of the top myths surrounding diet, exercise and fitness to help Americans maximize their gym experience.

"There is so much conflicting information about how to get in shape that it's no wonder people can get confused," said Robert Reames, Personal Training and Obesity expert of the Gold's Gym Fitness Institute. "We want to give Americans the clear cut answers to these common myths so that they can focus on reaching their goals and achieving lasting results."

Reames has identified the seven most common gym myths, and reveals the truth behind these misperceptions.

• MYTH #1: 1,000 crunches a day will guarantee you a six-pack.
  

FACT: There is no such thing as "spot reduction," but there is such a thing as spot conditioning. Muscles can be conditioned by training and focusing on them, but without burning the fat covering your abdomen, you'll never get that washboard stomach.

• MYTH #2: It's only a good workout if you're sore the next day.
  

FACT: Soreness is related to a number of factors, none of which directly correlate to muscle growth. In fact, Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) occurs when nerve endings become inflamed after micro trauma to muscle tissue. In short, don't overdo it.

• MYTH #3: Women get "bulky" or "masculine" if they lift weights.
  

FACT: Women simply don't have enough testosterone to attain the appearance of a male body builder. The muscle you are able to build lifting weights will only improve your appearance for a toned, sculpted and feminine appearance. Also, weight training builds muscle density, which is key to fighting osteoporosis.

• MYTH #4: Exercising long and slow burns more fat.
  

FACT: Your body uses fat for energy while exercising at a lower intensity, but training at a high intensity will burn more calories during and after you've stopped working out.

• MYTH #5: If you beef up on protein, you'll gain muscle.
  

FACT: Everybody needs protein to rebuild and repair muscles, but overloading on protein will get you nowhere. There's only a certain amount of nutrients your body can handle before it just turns to waste. According to the American Dietetic Association, six to seven daily ounces of lean meat provides enough protein for most athletes.

• MYTH #6: Running on a treadmill is better for your joints than pavement.
  

FACT: Joint pain surfaces anytime your body is pounding on a surface it isn't used to. To avoid jolting your neurological system, it is best to vary workouts between treadmill and pavement running. Elliptical machines and recumbent bikes can also be used in place of running.

• MYTH #7: Muscle turns to fat if you stop lifting weights.
  

FACT: Muscle cannot physically turn into fat, however muscles can begin to atrophy (reduce in size) after eliminating weight training from a fitness routine. In addition, metabolism will slow down and hinder the ability to burn as many calories, which results in an increase in body fat.

Dispelling myths and providing accurate information is all part of Gold's Gym's mission to help people achieve their individual potential through fitness.

Source: Gold's Gym

Just three months before 45,000 runners take to the streets of Chicago, the American Cancer Society Charity Runner Team is still offering entries to the sold out 2009 Chicago Marathon.

"The Society is thrilled to offer the running community these high-demand slots for the Chicago Marathon," said Alison Tibbits, project manager, fundraising resources, American Cancer Society. "The Charity Runner program provides runners from across the country the opportunity to make their training miles more meaningful by joining the fight against cancer, and fulfilling the mission of the Society -- to save lives by helping people stay well, by helping people get well, by finding cures and by fighting back."

In addition to receiving an official bib for the Chicago marathon, members of the American Cancer Society Charity Runner team will receive:

• Free team training program through Chicago Area Runner's Association (CARA)
• Tent in Charity Village just steps from the start line
• Private port-a-potties and gear check for Society runners
• Team support and social events
• Personalized web page to post pictures, share stories, communicate with donors and track fundraising progress throughout the season

As one of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon's official charities, the American Cancer Society Charity Runner Team has helped more than 6,000 athletes raise $7 million to support the fight against cancer. To join the Charity Runner Team and make a difference in the lives of those facing the disease, click here. To sign up for volunteer opportunities with the Charity Runner program, click here.

Source:  American Cancer Society

Remuda Ranch Reports Many Patients with Eating Disorders Exhibit Weight and Body Checking Behaviors

Everyone checks their body to some extent, but many people with eating disorders repeatedly check their body and often in a way that's unusual.

"Sometimes body and weight checking becomes second nature and many individuals with eating disorders don't even realize they're doing it," said Dena Cabrera, PsyD, psychologist at Remuda ("Commonly, they check to feel for fatness, bones and any physical change in their body to subconsciously or consciously motivate their eating disorder behavior."

Many individuals with eating disorders weigh themselves at frequent intervals, sometimes many times a day. As a result they become obsessed with the daily weight fluctuations that are a normal part of the body and would otherwise pass unnoticed. The movements on the scale then determine their mood and eating patterns.

Body checking is influential in maintaining dissatisfaction with shape and appearance. Other common behaviors associated with body checking include: looking in the mirror (or at reflective surfaces); measuring body parts with tape measures or hands; pinching or touching body parts; assessing the tightness of particular items of clothing or accessories; looking down at one's body and touching collar bones to check for boniness.

"Body checking perpetuates the eating disorder cycle and increases self loathing and low self esteem," adds Cabrera. "Patients look in the mirror and they see fatness, then they restrict or binge, then they check themselves again, which has the same result."

Remuda Ranch tries to progressively address the following questions with patients:

• What are you trying to find out when you check your body?
• Why are you checking yourself so frequently?
• Do you ever look at parts of your body that you like?
• Do you feel better after checking your body?
• Do you think your body checking has any adverse effects?
• Do you trust the mirror?
• How do we know what we look like?
• Do we believe what we see?

Remuda Ranch believes there's a need to assess the time spent on body/weight checking behavior as well as the consequences to determine if there needs to be a change in behavior. Most of the time body/weight checking needs to be stopped in an effort to uncover other influential factors that may trigger eating disorder behaviors, such as emotional regulation issues, trauma and maturity fears.

"If we address body and weight checking behaviors and the thought processes behind them, much of the eating disorder behavior will be reduced," said Cabrera.

SOURCE Remuda Ranch Programs For Anorexia & Bulimia

When the going gets tough, the tough get fitter, healthier and blasts stress. So it stands to reason that Equinox Fitness Clubs is still going strong despite these challenging economic times. On April 13, 2009 Equinox opens its second Boston location at 225 Franklin Street. The 40,000 square foot landmark building is situated in the heart of Boston's financial district.

"After making a strong entry into the Boston market on Dartmouth Street in 2007, we are truly excited about this second powerful location," says Jeffrey Weinhaus, Executive Vice President of Development for Equinox. "225 Franklin is a premiere site in a Class A building that will serve as a perfect complement to our Back Bay facility."

225 Franklin Street will provide an award-winning menu of programs and services, including a cardio area, strength training area, five fitness studios (a main studio, yoga studio, studio cycling, boxing and pilates) and the proprietary Three-Cycle Training system taught by nationally-certified personal trainers. Also consistent with its sister clubs, the Franklin Street location will offer a pro-shop, cafe/juice bar and a full service spa, as well as a full array of amenities in the locker rooms.

The design of the club was inspired by the club's interior vault and its glamorous 1970's machined door pattern and finish. Equinox has translated that sensibility of precision precious metals in a new decorative language.

"In the Equinox tradition of designing world class facilities in the prime business districts of the US; 14 Wall street in New York, 301 Pine in SF, and 200 West Monroe in Chicago, to name a few; we are excited to create another remarkable installation in one of the premier properties in Boston's financial district," says Paul Boardman, Design Consultant for Equinox. "The combination of 20 foot ceilings, 18 foot windows and its eccentric features like a 2,000 pound engraved vault door will result in one of the most remarkable interior spaces in all of downtown."

"We are continuing to institute an aggressive growth strategy not only for this year but for many years to come. To that end we are actively pursuing real estate and expansion opportunities in several markets," says Equinox CEO, Harvey Spevak.

This year despite the continuing economic downturn, the company has already opened a new club on New York City's Upper East Side, completely renovated and reopened its original flagship, its 76th street club on the Upper West Side and is set to open its second Dallas location in the fall.

Known for its innovative programming, immaculate facilities, celebrity clientele, plus its award winning-design from world famous architects (David Rockwell, Arthur Casas, Piero Lissoni and Clodagh). Equinox now has over 48 locations nationwide.

Meanwhile, Equinox expects 2010 to be another year of active expansion; so far a club is slated to open in Bethesda, MD in the spring. In addition, according to Jeffrey Weinhaus, the company is vigorously seeking further real estate opportunities in the New York metro area, Southern California, Boston, and D.C.

"For 2010, our strategy is to create eight new Equinox Fitness Clubs nationwide," says Weinhaus.

SOURCE Equinox Fitness Clubs