Davis Islands Today

By Mark Misner, Certified Personal Fitness Trainer

December brings to mind a plethora of great memories and a time to revive wonderful family traditions. Many of you may be surprised to hear this from me, but I encourage you to enjoy every minute of what makes our holidays special! The key to making sure you do not regret your behavior following the festivities, is “MODERATION.” Did you really think I was just going to tell you to enjoy the season without a few healthy guidelines? (This is where my passion as a personal fitness trainer comes out.)

I believe that your actions should be dictated by your goals. While back-to-back-to-back holiday events can put a large dent in your health and fitness progress, every effort in the spirit of MODERATION is a positive step. For example, selecting a small serving of Grandma’s special pie is better than the large wedge that she usually offers you. And limiting yourself to two glasses of wine, instead of four, will save many calories. Opportunities for MODERATION are available throughout the holidays; such as, choosing a small golf-ball size serving of stuffing over a softball size portion. Please note that the premise of “moderation” only works on first servings; second helpings have no place here!

Do you know what your health and wellness goals are for 2009? Do you think the time for these resolutions are after January first? Well, the best time to determine your objectives is before the New Year. (more…)

From Climb Tampa:

Join us for one of the most unique events in Tampa Bay. On March 21, 2009, hundreds of people will huff and puff their way climbing the 42 flights in the Bank of America Plaza in downtown Tampa. This is more than your same old 5K this event is a vertical race to climb 42 floors/914 steps. Whether climbing for a winning time or simply to cross the finish line in honor or in memory of someone with lung disease, this event is a great way to challenge yourself physically. We guarantee that all finishers will have a newfound respect for healthy lungs!

All proceeds benefit the American Lung Association for lung cancer research, education, and prevention programs. Many do not realize that lung cancer is still the number one cancer killer in both men and women.

By Mark Misner, Certified Personal Fitness Trainer

It feels like we are finally through those long, hot and humid days of summer. With November, comes wonderful weather. Unfortunately, it can also bring along a weight gain. Research has shown that most people gain 5-7 pounds during the long stretch of winter holidays. This hazardous season begins at Halloween, includes Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas and finally ends after Gasparilla and Valentine’s Day. Many people mistakenly think “I’ll start exercising after the holidays and then lose the extra weight.” Don’t allow yourself to fall victim, you do not have to follow such an ugly trend!

Here’s how to beat the holiday bulge in a few simple steps.

First of all, get moving and exercising now! With the better weather, there are no worthy excuses. It really requires very little investment (only a decent pair or walking/running shoes) to get out and walk, jog or run. Start slowly and progress in reasonable increments. Work yourself up to 30 to 45 minutes of heart pumping activity, three to five days per week. This will help keep off the extra pounds and also combat that extra stress that arrives this time of year.

Secondly, you must use the key mantra of MODERATION! The holidays are rich in traditions of incredible dining and delicious treats. Enjoy these wonderful tastes, just keep mindful of choosing small servings. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking “everything is good in moderation.” Too many small servings can quickly add up your caloric counts and sabotage your effort to eat healthy. As you take undersized “tastes” and “bites,” do so with an awareness of how much you are consuming in total. And don’t forget to include the calories you drink, many of the holiday punches and spirits are filled with empty calories.

Lastly, don’t punish or limit yourself to the point you do not enjoy the season. If you really want a cup of eggnog, go ahead and have a small cup, but forgo tasting the cookies or add an extra exercise session during the week. These straightforward actions will keep you on track to look and feel great through the holidays (and beyond!)

Fitness may protect the brain in early Alzheimer’s disease.

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