Q: I have heard that American’s put on anywhere from 5 to 10 pounds during the holiday season. Is that true and what are some tips to prevent the weight gain? A: Recent research by Cornell University found the average weight gain by Americans during the holiday season to be 1.3 pounds. This amount may [...]
Q: What is Tech Neck and how can you combat it? A: Tech Neck is the overuse of the muscles that support the head, neck and shoulders due looking forward and downward at any hand held device (i.e. phone, video game unit) or computer. Tech neck started to be an issue with the introduction of [...]
Q: The Fitness First staff has commented that strength training improves bone mass/density. Please explain. A: To start, the primary purpose of bones is to provide a structural frame for the body, to work with muscle, ligaments, tendons, and joints to provide movement, to protect vital organs, and to produce blood cells and calcium for [...]
There has always been a cloud of hesitancy around strength training. Now, some may feel that it is meant only for athletes who must compete at a high, physical level. However, there were times when even athletes were told to stay away from the activity, until the added strength and stability resistance training provides was [...]
Muscle Soreness: What causes it? Does it correlate to muscle growth? And should you train when sore? Muscle soreness is an uncomfortable experience we’ve all dealt with at some point. It is one of the outcomes of intense exercise, whether it is vigorous strength training, a tough day of speed work at the track, or [...]
Q: Is human perspiration connected to genetics, nutrition, environment, lifestyle, etc? A: Perspiration is a normal bodily function. It is one of the body’s primary methods of naturally cooling itself. What dictates perspiration? Numerous things: Environment – Hot and humid weather leads to greater perspiration Fitness level – Better fitness levels lead to more efficient [...]
Q: Now that it is June, what are some tips for exercising in the summer weather? A: A warm summer day is a great motivator to get outside and be active. Below are some tips to exercise effectively this summer. Prioritize exercise - During the winter, you could not wait for the weather to improve. [...]
Q: Do naps have health benefits for adults? What are the dos and don’ts of naps? A: More than a third of American adults are not getting the recommend seven or more hours of sleep per night on a regular basis. Naps are not a substitute for a good night sleep, but they do provide [...]
Q: May is National Egg Month. Are eggs good or bad for you? What are some practical approaches for incorporating eggs into my diet? A: Eggs were a common American diet staple up until the 1940’s due to their health benefits, accessibility (higher farm population), and economic value. The consumption of eggs waned from the [...]
Q: The Fitness First staff encourages me to strength train my low back even when I have acute low back pain. How does strength training help with low back pain? A: Low back pain is categorized as follows: Acute - a few days to ~6 weeks Subacute - ~6 to ~12 weeks Chronic - greater [...]