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 [...]
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 [...]
Q: I know hydration is important, but how does dehydration negatively impact my strength training session? A: The importance of proper hydration is well known. Proper hydration supports all bodily function. Every cell, tissue, and organ in your body needs water to work properly. Therefore it is not surprising that dehydration can negatively impact performance [...]
Q: Can processed foods be part of a healthy diet? A: Most foods have some level of processing. Even natural or organic foods may be processed. The spectrum ranges from minimally processed (bagged beans, roasted nuts, frozen fruits / vegetables) to highly processed (snack foods, ready-to-eat meals, precooked meats). In fact, some processed foods can [...]
Q: With winter finally arriving, is it true that more people fall ill in winter vs. summer? A: The month with the most people sick is usually September. The primary driver is kids going back to school and the mass spreading of germs. Outside of September, it is generally true that the winter tends to [...]
Q: The holiday season is upon us. It can be a happy and joyous time, but it can also be a frenetic, anxious, or depressing time. What are some tips to help individuals manage the season? A: The holiday season can be wonderful and yet challenging time. Below are some tips to make the season [...]