Archive for January, 2010
16-degree Run in New York City (January 30, 2010)
Saturday, January 30th, 2010Sure, it would have been easy to blow off a run this morning. I didn’t even have to look at the weather report to know that it was painfully cold outside, but when I did and saw the number 16, I could have easily justified my sipping a little more coffee, reading the paper, and enjoying a few hours while my daughter naps.
But I am SO glad that I didn’t, and if you have the apparel to make it happen safely, I highly suggest even the shortest of short runs, just to get out there, commune with the cold, and experience the feeling of finishing a workout in extreme temperatures.
The Silent Weight Gain (January 28, 2010)
Thursday, January 28th, 2010Everyone knows that sleep is vital to our existence. However, it’s often taken for granted, and the real importance of sleep is often overlooked. Sleep keeps the mind sharp and helps with learning and memory, it helps to maintain energy, and it keeps emotions in check (most of the time). But are you aware of how lack of sleep affects you?
Bad Back Blues (Jan 19, 2010)
Wednesday, January 20th, 2010Ever wake up to a sore back? Wince each time you rise up from your office chair? If so, you aren’t alone. Estimates vary, but most experts agree that the majority of us experience lower back pain at some point in our adult lives. Acute back pain warrants medical attention, and you should see your doctor if you have any concerns about your specific condition, but here is some background on why so many of us suffer day in and day out, as well as a number of recommendations for mitigating the pain.
No Excuse Tip of the Week: Contract Your Abs and Sit Up Straight! (Jan 18, 2010)
Monday, January 18th, 2010Your mom probably told you to sit up straight when you were a kid. Whether it stuck or not, we’re taking her place and telling you to not to slouch. What’s more, we want you to squeeze those abs as you sit in order to stimulate your core muscles intermittently as you toil away at your desk, read the paper on the train, or catch the evening news on your sofa.
One of the main reasons that millions of Americans suffer from back pain is that we sit for most of the day. One recent study reported that adults spend 90% of waking hours sitting, which causes more strain on the back and hips than does standing. In addition, muscles throughout the core (glutes, hips, stomach, sides, and back) relax and weaken over prolonged periods of time. Slouching exacerbates the physical affects, though for whatever reason, it seems more natural to people to curl themselves into their chair rather than support the parts of the body that are at risk.
Trash the New Years Resolutions (Jan 5, 2010)
Tuesday, January 5th, 2010Virtually everyone pays lip service to New Year’s Resolutions in the final weeks of December and into the first few weeks of January. You can catch talk of resolutions on broadcast television, articles on the web, and lots of newly published books each year. However, of the 150 million people who will set New Year’s Resolutions, less than 10% will even garner an attempt at keeping them. Less than that (far less by most estimates) will successfully achieve the goals that they set. We say don’t set them - rather, consider three important ideas that thread throughout each area of your life.