Fit for Life by Jeanine Achin

Strength training weakens aging process

admin@change.me (Administrator Account) — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 13:35:36 GMT

Fit for Life by Jeanine Achin

(Part 3 of 3)
Last month, I addressed the pros and cons of strength training with free weights. The value of such training cannot be overstated. The benefits include building strength, reducing depression, increasing bone density, improving balance and maintaining functionality and a healthy weight.

Ask specialist to design weight lifting routine

admin@change.me (Administrator Account) — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 17:36:20 GMT

Fit for Life by Jeanine Achin

(Part 2 of 3)
Last month I addressed the benefits of strength training. Improving strength by gradually increasing the ability to resist force is considered strength training exercise. Sessions must be progressive and continually challenging.

You’re never too old to start lifting weights

admin@change.me (Administrator Account) — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 16:31:02 GMT

Fit for Life by Jeanine Achin

(Part 1 of 3)
Whenever I write about strength training I think about Jack LaLanne. Many people will remember Francois Henri "Jack" LaLanne as an American fitness, exercise and nutritional expert and as a motivational speaker, according to Wikipedia, that also states he is sometimes called the godfather of fitness and the first fitness superhero.

Attempting to stay in shape is the intelligent thing to do

admin@change.me (Administrator Account) — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 17:31:57 GMT

Fit for Life by Jeanine Achin

You most likely already know that exercise helps your body stay strong and flexible. That it improves your energy level and helps you to maintain a healthy weight, but did you know it could protect your brain?

Exercise control over aging process

admin@change.me (Administrator Account) — Sat, 29 Sep 2012 14:35:52 GMT

Fit for Life by Jeanine Achin

Grab your sneakers; they represent the fountain of youth. A study led by Dr. Vonda Wright, an orthopedic surgeon and founder of the Perfor-mance and Research Initiative for Masters Athletes at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, showed that the thigh muscles of runners in their 50s, 60s,70s and 80s were virtually indistinguishable from the muscles of a 25-year-old.

Keep your balance with healthy habits

admin@change.me (Administrator Account) — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 22:14:39 GMT

Fit for Life by Jeanine Achin

Good physical balance is important as you age in order to prevent falls, broken bones and lengthy recuperations, but balance in all aspects of life is equally important to make it successfully into and through your golden years.

Exercise caution while enjoying summertime

admin@change.me (Administrator Account) — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 15:03:09 GMT

Fit for Life by Jeanine Achin

Now that summer is in full swing, it’s time to remind ourselves about “Hot Fun in the Summertime.” Whether you love the heat or despise it, there are some safety concerns we should all stay aware of.

Make time for some mental gymnastics

admin@change.me (Administrator Account) — Sun, 01 Jul 2012 12:29:53 GMT

Fit for Life by Jeanine Achin

I recently re-watched one of my favorite movies, “Romancing the Stone,” starring Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner and Danny Devito. I didn’t think it had been very long since the movie came out, but when I saw that Turner was writing a novel using a typewriter; that all the telephones had rotary dials; and the biggest surprise - suitcases had no wheels; it gave me pause. I quickly had my son look up the year of the movie on his smart phone and 1984 came up.

Keep up with grandkids with diet and exercise

admin@change.me (Administrator Account) — Thu, 31 May 2012 16:57:08 GMT

Fit for Life by Jeanine Achin

On Mothers Day, I received a lovely framed picture of my first grandchild. The saying on the frame, “Life is better with grandkids,” is so true for me; but it got me thinking about my own grandparents. My grandfather used to sing to me and one of his favorites was “I’m Too Old to Cut the Mustard,” even though when he became a grandparent, he was no older than I am now.

Variety of exercises can boost flexibility

admin@change.me (Administrator Account) — Tue, 01 May 2012 14:49:51 GMT

Fit for Life by Jeanine Achin

When you are in pain, the last thing you want to do is start jumping around in an exercise program. The natural response to pain is to curl up in bed or on a couch with a nice cup of tea and a warm blanket. Research proves that the opposite response will be the most helpful to people who suffer from arthritis.

Grandparents need to be obese police

admin@change.me (Administrator Account) — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 01:19:58 GMT

Fit for Life by Jeanine Achin

Grandparents and their grandchildren have al-ways been a match made in heaven. Now there’s one more reason to spend time together: Children need to be healthier and you need to stay healthy. As grandparents, you are probably always looking for new ways to bond with your grandchildren. Getting them engaged in healthy activities is an excellent way.

Heart Association stresses exercise

admin@change.me (Administrator Account) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:50:03 GMT

Fit for Life by Jeanine Achin

If you have been tempted to “slow down” or have decided to take it easy this year, here are some important facts to consider from the American Heart Association (AHA):
• The older people become, the more they need regular exercise.

Use strategy to hit your 2012 resolutions

admin@change.me (Administrator Account) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:56:55 GMT

Fit for Life by Jeanine Achin

Most New Year’s resolutions are rejected well before they become a habit. That is because any change requires support and guidance in order to turn it into a new reality. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Institute on Health suggests several best practices that might help you achieve your fitness goals.

It’s wise to check for risk of diabetes

admin@change.me (Administrator Account) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 14:52:35 GMT

Fit for Life by Jeanine Achin

November was National Diabetes Awareness Month, making this a great time to understand the risk factors for diabetes and discover some steps to take to prevent the disease. Factors that could put a person at risk for Type 2 diabetes include family history, age, weight and activity level. With that in mind and with some traditionally heavy eating coming up through the holidays, now is a good time to evaluate your risk by taking this simple quiz.

Positive attitude helps slow aging process

admin@change.me (Administrator Account) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 15:08:30 GMT

Fit for Life by Jeanine Achin

I just went to a wedding – my own daughter’s. It was one of those moments in life that emphasizes the passage of time and the rites of passage. I saw people that I hadn’t seen in several years. Some looked and acted as though time had stood still while others hadn’t faired very well in terms of weathering the aging process. The experience made me think more about what makes the difference between the people you see who appear ageless and those who resemble centenarians when they are barely over 50. So I did some research on the topic.

Pounds can fall off during autumn days

admin@change.me (Administrator Account) — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 15:16:16 GMT

Fit for Life by Jeanine Achin

So, summer has ended and you realize that you never did lose those excess pounds. Why not? Well, perhaps you are the victim of some dieting myths. Have no fear: Autumn is a fine time to get a fresh start and achieve a healthy weight before temptations of the holiday season hit.

Minor adjustment yield major results

admin@change.me (Administrator Account) — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 16:38:51 GMT

Fit for Life by Jeanine Achin

We are an “in-the-car,” “sit-behind-a-desk” or “sit-in-front-of-the-TV” society. For many of us, our daily lives do not require a whole lot of physical activity. So if we want to be more active and thereby healthier, thinner, more agile and stronger, we need to make an effort to add segments of activity into our daily schedules.

Grow some muscle by planting garden

admin@change.me (Administrator Account) — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 19:00:21 GMT

Fit for Life by Jeanine Achin

Like other forms of exercise, gardening can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels and keep away problems with heart disease, diabetes other conditions related to inactivity and excess weight. Basic yard care tasks such as mowing the lawn and raking leaves are also good ways to get exercise.

Deep breathing can alleviate daily stress

admin@change.me (Administrator Account) — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 19:29:11 GMT

Fit for Life by Jeanine Achin

Carl Jung said, “Every crisis over the age of 30 is a spiritual crisis. Spiritual crises require spiritual cures.”
One of the simplest “spiritual cures’ is breathing. That’s right, breathing.

Follow path to fitness

admin@change.me (Administrator Account) — Tue, 31 May 2011 15:38:36 GMT

Fit for Life by Jeanine Achin

Can something as simple as walking be good for you? Absolutely! Walking is easy, relaxing and enjoyable. There is no “wall” to hit. In fact, it is actually fun. Don’t be fooled. Something enjoyable can be beneficial, and there are many benefits to starting a walking program this spring.

Take 'rough' advice for a healthier life

admin@change.me (Administrator Account) — Mon, 02 May 2011 15:27:04 GMT

Fit for Life by Jeanine Achin

According to federal dietary recommendations, the typical American takes in only about 40 percent of the recommended level of fiber. Women over age 50 need 21 grams of fiber per day and men need 30 grams. General population guidelines are 25 grams of fiber per day for women and 38 grams of fiber per day for men. By increasing your daily consumption, you will reduce your risk of certain diseases and feel healthier.

Exercising can help manage chronic pain

admin@change.me (Administrator Account) — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 17:20:26 GMT

Fit for Life by Jeanine Achin

Pain is one of life’s most simple reflexes. It’s the way we learn to avoid danger, it helps us survive. Sometimes though pain goes crazy and becomes chronic. Chronic pain serves no physiologic purpose.

Bust some myths before busting a gut

admin@change.me (Administrator Account) — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 10:13:47 GMT

Fit for Life by Jeanine Achin

Yes, it’s that time of the year again when we all resolve to do something better, and many of us resolve to lose weight and get in shape. There is a plethora of information out there, so here are a few ideas to help you sort through it all and separate myth and legend from fact and reality.

Make sure your workouts are fun-filled

admin@change.me (Administrator Account) — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 09:29:48 GMT

Fit for Life by Jeanine Achin

It’s another year and time for you to try some FUN with your fitness endeavors. Seriously, the best way to stick with a resolution and become healthier is to find something to do that you enjoy. It is ever so much more motivating to want to do an activity than to feel like you are forcing yourself to do it.