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(WXYZ) - Location, location, location its important in real estate, but when it comes to fat, it could mean life or death.

Doctors have used the DEXA Scan for decades to detect osteoporosis, but it can see much more than bone density. In recent years elite athletes including NBA and NFL teams have used it to analyze body composition and support fitness goals and catch danger signs in the early stages.

This medical test is a fast growing trend in the health and fitness industry, its finally available to the public in Michigan and its much more affordable than you may think!

Every health and fitness trend has Before and After pictures, the DEXA scan is no exception. For Pastor Josh and Amanda Isenhardt, the transformation you can *see only tells part of their story, which begins before the before.

Back in 2014, we were launching Kensington Church Shelby and my father died of a heart attack unexpectedly. Which was wild because he looked just like me! We had a similar build, I could wear his clothes, says Josh.

That life changing moment led to another one, 6 months ago at FitBody 360 in Washington Township, after their first DEXA scan with co-owner Brandon Long.

DEXA is a high tech, low radiation, full body X-ray machine that provides one of the most accurate measurements of bone density and body composition available. You simply lay down on the machine very still, wearing form fitting fitness clothes, while the scanner slowly moves across every inch of your body. It breaks down fat and lean tissue, limb by limb, section by section.

Giving clients a unique opportunity:

The ability to see exactly whats going on internally with segmented information, says Brandon Long, Co-Owner & General Manager at FitBody360.

Most importantly, the DEXA scan measures the dangerous fat known as visceral fat, which hides in the abdominal cavity among important internal organs, with 96 percent accuracy.

There are heavy people who live long healthy lives and there are skinny people that die of heart attacks. And what weve realized is the common denominator is visceral fat, says Long.

Both Amanda and Josh learned, they had a dangerous amount of it.

It gave me a clear picture of where I really was and what my risk was, says Amanda.

I was like oh great, Ive got the same types of things my dad had, potentially says Josh.

If this is a genetic thing that I have no control over, fine. If this is something I can change behaviorally, then I want to set a different example for my kids, he adds.

With some nutritional coaching from Brandon, both Josh and Amanda re-vamped their diets and found workouts they love! Amanda started swimming again and Josh ramped up his workouts at Grit Obstacle Training Gym in Rochester Hills.

Josh says he feels like a kid again, playing on the physically challenging obstacle course and hes hoping, one day, to audition for his favorite show! (Which airs on another network so it shall remain nameless ;)) He's made a lot of progress towards reaching that goal!

Here are the results of their 6 month follow-up DEXA scan:

Amanda looks amazing!

Oh I feel amazing! I had a ton of back pain and its pretty much gone, Amanda says adding that shes noticed a big difference in other areas of her life as well.

And check out her numbers! The DEXA scan is very detailed, here are the highlights:

Amanda lost 32 pounds total, but she also gained muscle, so her total body fat percentage dropped from 46 to 33! Thats a 13% loss of body fat! She also lost 1.4 pounds of visceral fat bringing her out of the red flag zone to the safe zone.

Her husband Josh lost 8 pounds technically, but his DEXA scan revealed that he dropped 14 pounds of fat and gained nearly 6 pounds of muscle!

His body fat percentage dropped more than 6% and he lost 1.08 pounds of visceral fat bringing him solidly into the safe zone.

To be able to say, you may have added years to your life or saved your life, thats a pretty powerful moment, says Brandon.

Having concrete information so youre not guessing at where you are, gave me the motivation to actually do it and see where in 6 months I was, says Amanda.

Its made a world of difference for both of us and if I could give that gift to anybody, man I would love to do that, says Josh.

The DEXA scan costs thousands in a medical setting, but only $99 at FitBody360 on Van Dyke in Washington Township. The results might just be the motivation you need to get rid of that extra 5 pounds of fat, wherever its hiding.

I know most people have had this experience where theyve been working so hard but the scale doesnt move. But realistically, internally, we might be seeing very dramatic transformations and what better way for me to be able to break it down specifically, arm by arm, leg by leg and see exactly where we are putting on muscle and losing fat and the transformation that youve actually experienced, says Brandon Long.

For more info:

FitBody 360 - http://myfitbody360.com

Grit Obstacle Training - http://gritobstacletraining.com/

Originally posted here:
New health and fitness trend can find harmful, hidden fat! - WXYZ

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Technology makes it easier to track every piece of your exercise routine. But maybe the greatest innovation is that the watches themselves are more than bearable to look at too. GQ's Best Stuff has the low down on the best fitness smartwatches for every kind of exercise and every budget.

Technology has made fitness more quantifiable and precise. Gone are the days of running to the lamppost just past the bandshell in the park, turning back, and calling it four miles. Now, not only do you know youve actually been running 3.8 miles (slacker!) but precisely how fast you went each step of the way. For years Garmin, the Kansas-based GPS behemoth, has been the leader in GPS fitness watches. And thats not changing anytime soon. Their newest multisport watch, the Fenix 5, is unquestionably the gold standard.

Sure, the price tag is a little steep. But we like the Fenix 5 because it is down for whatever. Running (outdoors or on the treadmill), swimming, cycling (on your commute or in spin class), hiking, climbing, snowboarding, stand-up paddleboarding, skiing, snowboarding, rowing, and golf (seriously). They werent lying when they said multisport. Its also the first GPS watch Ive tested over the last decade that my partner did not clown on me for wearing in public. Wow, that looks like a normal watch, she said. Progress!

But seriously: If youre a fit dude looking for one watch to track your every moveit also has a built-in fitness tracker and wrist-based heart rate monitorthat you can wear to a meeting without looking like a character from Tron, the Fenix 5 is for you.

1. The ridiculous capabilities. Im training for a triathlon right now. And this watch has become my trusted companion. Running, swimming, bikingI never have to take the watch off. But the metrics it spits out are helpful not just for lunatic triathletes with no discernible social life, but half marathoners and weekend warriors alike. A former swimmer from high school getting back into the pool? The watch measures how many strokes you take on each lap, among other wonky-but-useful swim metrics. Trying to get in shape for your local Firecracker 4th of July 10k? There is a ton of performance data to obsess over, from heart rate (youre going too fast my man!) to VO2max and Grade Adjusted Pace (your pace adjusted for flat land vs. climbing or descending). I really cant express how much shit you can do with this watch. It has its own subreddit.

2. There are lots of options. It comes in all sorts of colorsblack, silver, white, turquoise, highlighter yellowbut more importantly: three different sizes. One of the knocks on fitness watches, especially Garmin, is how hilariously big and clunky and outright hideous they are. Earlier versions of the Fenix made me feel like a Marine in the field. The Fenix 5 comes in sizes ranging from normal to Rambo. We like the Fenix 5sthe smallest versionwhich, at 42 mm wide, is smaller than your average Shinola.

3. Its built to last and will never be obsolete. I bought a Garmin Forerunner watch when I trained for my first marathon in 2011. Its still kicking. Garmin is good about constantlyalmost annoyingly soupdating the software on their watches, so even if there is a new shiny watch on the market, the technology itself is never really out of date. Theres no denying that $600 is a lot of money for a watch, but its far superior to the Apple Watch and, at $200 more, far more capable and far more durable.

4. You can customize the hell out of it. Its not just a watch for running nerds. You can get texts, keep track of your Uber, and drop a pin in the airport parking lot to find your car. And there are tons of fitness-specific apps, for everything from marathon training to prescriptiv

The Run IQ doesnt have all the bells and whistles of the Fenix. But it has everything you needheart rate, GPS, a fairly deep roster of customizable performance appswhich makes it perfect for someone training for their first big race, from 5k to the marathon. New Balance teamed up with the fitness tracking platform Strava, providing a simple and digestible way to track your progress (and compare it to your annoying friends from high school who inexplicably have all their runs linked on Facebook). Oh, and it has 4GB of storage, so you can load up your embarrassing pump-up playlist and jam out with your favorite Bluetooth headphones sans phone. Its technically an Android Wear watch, but works with Apple iOS too.

If youre looking for a watch that will tell you how far youve gone, at what pace, and whether or not your heart is going to burst out of your chestlook no further. The Polar M200 is accurate, reliable, and the optical heart rate was virtually the same when I wore it simultaneously on a run with the Fenix 5 and a heart rate strap. It didnt miss a beat. If you dont mind the Clifford the Big Red Dog vibes at work all day, it doubles as an activity tracker too.

Running, swimming, biking, and bluetooth. The TomTom Spark does most of what the Fenix does at a lower price point and a boxier silhouette with 3GB storage for your playlists (or, dare we recommend, a podcast). It wont help you find your car in the mall parking lot, but TomToms Route Exploration feature ensures youll get back to your starting point if youre running in a foreign city or cycling an unfamiliar route.

The Nike+ version of the Apple Watch is like a multisport watch for beginnersin a good way. The interface is user friendly, verging into Little Tikes territory levels of simplicity. Its accurate, comfortable, and will tell you when to stand up (if youre into that kind of thing).

Link:
The Best Fitness Watch for Every Kind of Exercise - GQ Magazine

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May 24, 2017 10:58 AM

Arthritis does not need to interfere with living an active life. The National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA), in association with Miami-Dade Parks, will offer free activity classes designed especially for arthritis patients. Learning how to manage the disease makes a big difference on your quality of life, and having access to arthritis intervention programs is crucial, said Dr. Sarah Messiah, Ph.D., M.P.H. University of Miami Research Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, arthritis affects more than 50 million children and adults in the United States. There are more than a hundred different types of arthritis with varying symptoms. Miami-Dade Parks experts know first-hand that participating in exercise programs helps increase physical strength, boosts activity levels and elevates mood. Many arthritis sufferers do not participate in regular physical activity, even though the Arthritis Foundation recommends it for a number of health benefits. The new arthritis intervention program starts May 1. It will help arthritis sufferers deal with daily pain.

These classes offer a way for folks to manage arthritis symptoms without compromising an active lifestyle, Eric Hansen, manager of Recreation Planning and Program Development for the Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department said. The three programs which run six weeks each include, Aquatic Program, Arthritis Foundation and Active Living Everyday.

Walk With Ease

The Walk with Ease program teaches participants how to safely make physical activity part of their everyday life. Participants may use a workbook to guide them through the self-directed program, or they can participate in a six-week group program led by a trained leader. The information and strategies used are based on research and tested programs in exercise science, behavior change and arthritis management. The Arthritis Foundation has proven that this program increases balance, strength and walking pace, as well as reduces pain. Data is available in a report from the Thurston Arthritis Research Center and the Institute on Aging at the University of North Carolina.

Aquatic Program

Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program (AFAP) classes are conducted by trained instructors and include range of motion, stretching, breathing and light aerobic activities in the water. The six-week program typically meets two or three times per week for one hour. This program is designed for anyone with arthritis, related rheumatic diseases or musculoskeletal conditions.

Active Living Every Day

Active Living Every Day helps individuals make changes in their everyday life so that active living is possible. The behavior change program is also six weeks and teaches how to set realistic goals, avoid pitfalls and get support for becoming active.

Research has shown that positive benefits occur in patients who combine strengthening exercises,cardiovascular exercises and coordination activities. The benefits in the three exercise programs include the following:

Many of the programs offered by the Miami-Dade Parks Active Older Adults program, including Tai Chi and Enhance Fitness, are on the Center for Disease Controls list of Intervention Programs or Recommended and Promising Programs.

While current active older adult programming provides many ways for 55 and older individuals to socialize and energize, these new programs provided by NRPA deal specifically with issues relating to arthritis and will attract new participants to Miami-Dade Parks as well as benefit those already attending programs, said Allan Tavss, Active Older Adults Program Coordinator and Advocate for Miami-Dade Parks.

Adults with arthritis no longer have to suffer with pain. If you are an arthritis patient, visit http://www.miamidade.gov/parks for more information or call Allan Tavss at 305.962.8393. Registration for the program is required. For more information on the aquatic program contact A.D. Barnes pool at 305-665-1626.

Above Content Provided By Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade and Miami-Dade Parks & Recreation

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Miami-Dade Parks To Offer Free Classes To Help Arthritis Sufferers Live Actively - CBS Miami

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UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. Penn States Exercise is Medicine on Campus (EIMOC) program has earned gold-level status from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).

Penn State is among 60 colleges and universities that will be recognized for their EIMOC programs to promote physical activity as a vital sign of health to their campus communities. The awards will be given as part of the 2017 Exercise is Medicine World Congress, held in conjunction with the American College of Sports Medicines annual meeting on May 31.

The acknowledgement of gold status is part of EIMOCs recognition program, launchedin 2014, which allows campuses to be recognized for their participation and engagement in EIM.Through this program, schools have the opportunity to establish themselves as a gold-, silver- or bronze-level campus, based upon their activities and level of engagement.

We are excited to earn gold status, said Melissa Bopp, faculty coordinator of EIMOC at Penn State and associate professor of kinesiology. It recognizes the efforts we have put forth to evolve EIMOC over the past five years. The gold-level status really highlights our partnership efforts around campus.

This is the third year Penn State's EIM has been recognized by the ACSM. It earned silver status in 2015 and 2016. Recognition by the ACSM provides an opportunity for a campus to highlight its position as a healthy academic environment, emphasizing a commitment to utilizing exercise as medicine to create a culture of wellness.

Gold status represents how we comprehensively look at health here at Penn State; multiple partners, organizations and groups help to contribute to a healthier campus for students, Bopp said. One of the unique things about the Penn State EIMOC program is the extraordinary leadership and commitment to the cause from kinesiology students and the Kinesiology Club.

Bopp said EIMOC will continue to evolve its campaign to reach students with the message of a healthier lifestyle.

If the ACSM ever creates a platinum level, we'll work toward that, Bopp said. We continue to seek funding, build programs and expand our efforts, including providing assistance to our Commonwealth campus kinesiology programs as they grow.

Zack Papalia, EIMOC coordinator at Penn State, said he was an undergraduate student when the department first brought the concept to the University.

A group of Kinesiology Club undergraduate students attended the Exercise is Medicine World Congress event in the summer of 2010 and brought the EIMOC program back as an idea within the club, Papalia said. To see how EIMOC has evolved since then, and how the department and college have embraced it and supported the students speaks volumes, in my opinion, to the quality of our department and leadership.

Penn States EIMOC initiative includes Exercise is Medicine Week in October, a partnership with the Kinesiology Club and kinesiology faculty, staff and students, to engage the campus community in exercise and general physical fitness.

Other EIMOC events and programs include the Deans Walk, a partnership with Penn States University Health Services, freshmen seminar presentations and social media campaigns. In fall 2014, a Mobile Exercise is Medicine initiative was launched to bring similar services to the local community while providing students with hands-on experience in working with diverse populations.

Bopp said the designation of gold status would not have been possible without the Department of Kinesiologys longstanding partnership with University Health Services; Ann C. Crouter, Raymond E. and Erin Stuart Schultz Dean of the College of Health and Human Development; Nancy Williams, head of the Department of Kinesiology; the departments advisory board; and a growing relationship with Penn State Counseling and Psychological Services.

This year the Penn State Berks campus earned silver designation.

For more information on EIMOC, visit exerciseismedicine.org. For more information on Penn States EIMOC, visit sites.psu.edu/psueim.

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Penn State's Exercise is Medicine on Campus program earns gold status - Penn State News

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Corpus Christi 6:05 p.m. CT May 21, 2017

The Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department hosts its year-round Water Aerobics Class from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays at the Corpus Christi Natatorium, 3202 Cabaniss Parkway. The class is for ages 14 and older. Cost: $4, drop-in; $24, punch card. Information: 361-826-1728, http://www.ccparkandrec.com.(Photo: George Tuley/Caller-Times file)Buy Photo

INNOVATION CONTEST:The Coastal Bend Business Innovation Center at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi isaccepting entries into the InnovateHER Challenge through May 22. Entries should include innovative products that help impact and empower the lives of women and their families. Winners will receive a one-year affiliate membership to the Business Innovation Center and will advance to a semifinal competition round administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Deadline for submissions is 5 p.m., Monday, May 22. Information and applications forms: cbbic.tamucc.edu/innovateHER2017/.

AQUARIUM:The Aquarium at Rockport Harbor will host documentaries at 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Thursdays through Mondays from April 24 through May 29. Cost: Free. Information:361-727-0016,www.rockportaquarium.com.

FENCING DEMONSTRATION:The Coastal Bend Fencing Society will host demonstrations from 6:30-8:30 p.m. every Monday and Thursday through Dec. 28 in the food court of Sunrise Mall. Cost: Free. Information: 361-815-4150.

SWIM LESSONS:Corpus Christi Parks and Recreation Department will host American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim programs from June 6 through Aug. 11. Group swim lessons for ages 6 months to adults. Classes are 30 minutes long, Monday through Thursday for two consecutive weeks, for a total of eight lessons. Classes available at several pool locations. Online registration begins May 26. Cost: $40 per session. Information:www.ccparkandrec.comor 361-826-3460.

DANCE:YWCA Corpus Christi, 4601 Corona Drive, hosts Ballet classes from noon to 1p.m. Mondays. Cost: $7/class walk-in; memberships available. Information:www.ywcacc.org,361-857-5661, ext. 20.

EXERCISE:YWCA Corpus Christi, 4601 Corona Drive,hosts Weighted Circuit classes from 1:30-2:15 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays. This class uses weights to help build endurance and strength all over the body. Cost:$7/class walk-in; memberships available. Information:www.ywcacc.org,361-857-5661, ext. 20.

WATER AEROBICS:The Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department hosts its year-round Water Aerobics Class from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays at the Corpus Christi Natatorium, 3202 Cabaniss Parkway. The class is for ages 14 and older. Cost: $4, drop-in; $24, punch card. Information: 361-826-1728, http://www.ccparkandrec.com.

COMPETITIVE DANCE:The Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department will offer Competitive Dance Class for ages 6-16 from 5:15-7 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at the Solomon Coles Recreation Center, 924 Winnebago St. The class will teach hip-hop, jazz, drill team, and pom-pom routines. Participants will learn teamwork, leadership, and gain positive self-esteem. Registration is ongoing. Cost: $10, per month. Information: http://www.ccparkandrec.com.

KICKBOXING:Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department will offercardio-kickboxingclass for adults from 6-6:45 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at the Lindale Recreation Center, 3133 Swantner Drive. This class will help build strength, endurance, and flexibility. Registration is ongoing. Cost: $7 per class. Information: http://www.ccparkandrec.com.

KARATE:The Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department will offer a Shorin-Ryu Karate Class for adults and children ages 6 and older from 4-5 p.m. Mondays and Fridays at the Oak Park Recreation Center, 842 Erwin Drive. Registration is ongoing. Cost: $20, per month. Information: http://www.ccparkandrec.com.

DANCE:The Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department will offer ballet, tap and tumbling classes for children 18 months to age 6 at the Lindale Recreation Center, 3133 Swantner Drive. The classes will be from 6-6:45 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Monday classes are for ages 18 months to 2 years old, Wednesday classes are for children 2-4 years old, and Thursday classes are for children 4-6 years old. Cost: $45 per month plusregistrationfee. Information: http://www.ccparkandrec.com, 361-826-7529.

BASEBALL:The Corpus Christi Hooks take on the Springfield Cardinals at 7:05 p.m. Tuesday, May 23, at Whataburger Field, 734 E. Port Ave. Cost: Tickets begin at $6. Information: cchooks.com, 361-561-4665.

MOM EVENT:City Moms Blog Network and Christus Spohn will host Bloom: An event for new and expecting moms at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 23 at Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History, 1900 N. Chaparral St. Enjoy educational resources, an expert panel discussion, giveaways and swag, food and drinks, shopping, and connecting with local moms and relevant resources. Registration required. Cost: $12-$20. Information: corpuschristi.citymomsblog.com.

WORKSHOP:Khara Cornelius of Craft Training Center of the Coastal Bend will host a workshop from 5-6 p.m. Tuesday, May 23, at Coastal Compass Education & Career Resource Center, La Palmera mall, 5488 S. Padre Island Drive. The workshop will focus on electrical and plumbing apprenticeships offered by the training center. Cost: Free. Information: 361-906-0703 orwww.CoastalCompass.org.

LECTURE:Texas A&M University-Corpus Christis College of Science and Engineering will host a public lecture featuring Nobel Prize winners Adam Reiss and David Gross at 7 p.m., Tuesday, May 23 at the University Center, 6300 Ocean Drive. Cost: Free. Information: sci.tamucc.edu/events/ppc

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Get moving on Monday: a variety of exercise classes for all levels - Corpus Christi Caller-Times

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KINGSTON, R.I., May 23, 2017 Since 1975, exercise physiologists, doctors, nurses, physical therapists and health/fitness professionals around the world have turned to the American College of Sports Medicines (ACSM) Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription as a trusted and comprehensive source of information.

The 10th edition of the book was recently published, and Deborah Riebe, associate dean of the University of Rhode Islands College of Health Sciences and professor of kinesiology, is the senior editor. It is used by exercise physiologists and other allied health practitioners who work with healthy populations in a preventative approach, and by clinical exercise physiologists, nurses and doctors who work in clinical settings such as cardiac rehabilitation. It is also widely adopted for use in the classroom, Riebe said.

ACSMs Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription is the flagship title from the organization, which sets the standards for the exercise profession. This critical handbook delivers scientifically based standards on exercise testing and prescription in healthy and diseased patients. Founded in 1954, the American College of Sports Medicine promotes and integrates scientific research, education and practical applications of sports medicine and exercise science to maintain and enhance physical performance, fitness, health and quality of life.

This text has long been considered the gold standard in sports medicine, exercise science and health and fitness, and reflects the latest scientific research, said Riebe, who is not the only member of the URI community to contribute to this book. Gary Liguori, dean of the College of Health Sciences, is an associate editor; and kinesiology faculty members Matthew Delmonico and Christie Ward-Ritacco serve as expert reviewers. Riebe asked Liguori to collaborate on the book before he arrived at URI in 2016 to lead the College, which is part of the Universitys Academic Health Collaborative. The two already had worked together on committees and publications through the American College of Sports Medicine.

The book is updated every four to six years, Riebe said, delivering the latest evidence-based recommendations and guidelines. Each chapter includes succinct summaries and graphics for quick reference, said Riebe, who was an associate editor for the books 9th edition.

The 10th edition includes new material based on proven research, such as updated recommendations on pre-exercise health screening for people beginning a program on their own and expanded sections on clinical exercise testing and interpretation, high intensity interval training, fitness testing protocols, health behavior change and the risks of sedentary behavior.

Exercise physiologists, doctors, and others with expertise in specific areas of exercise science write the chapters, which undergo two levels of review by subject matter experts. One section might discuss how to approach an exercise program for a client with Parkinsons disease, another lays out exercise and testing protocols for someone with cardiovascular disease and another dispenses guidelines regarding clients with back pain.

Corporate wellness centers, fitness facilities, bariatric surgery centers, cardiac rehabilitation programs and other organizations use the book as the go-to reference when making recommendations for exercise testing and regimens. Exercise is the best medicine that healthy people and those with health challenges can take, Riebe said of the books value across diverse populations.

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URI professor serves as senior editor for exercise guidelines - URI Today (press release)

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Eyes straight ahead, shoulders back, knees up, says Tony Kelly, as he leads participants in a skipping exercise at Lincolns Rock Steady Boxing program.

It is a small-but-mighty group using a boxing exercise regime to fight back against Parkinsons, a neurological disease that causes deterioration of motor skills, balance, speech and sensory function.

John Coffey was diagnosed with Parkinsons disease 2 1/2 years ago, when he was 49, after his children made fun of his slightly shambling gait as they were leaving the Grand Theater.

"The Ministry of Silly Walks," a sketch from comedy troupe Monty Python, they suggested.

Coffeys wife, a respiratory therapist, didnt see the humor. She was thinking a stroke, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, a metabolic syndrome, prediabetes.

But it turned out the flat-footed step on his left foot, the numbness in his left shin, the sometimes involuntary curling of toes and the slight tremor in his left hand was Parkinsons.

Since the diagnosis, Coffey has tried to mix a large dose of good humor, avoidance of self pity, and a healthier lifestyle with exercise as his response to the progressive, as yet incurable, disease.

A hobby photographer, focusing on landscapes and wildlife, he told his wife soon after the diagnosis: At least Ive got optical stabilization on all my (camera) lenses.

Coffey has been part of Lincoln's Rock Steady Boxing program from its beginning last summer and credits the workouts, other exercise and Toastmasters, a group that helps improve public speaking, for combating his symptoms.

The exercise program, based on a boxing regimen, focuses on the very things compromised by Parkinson's balance, coordination, strength.

For Coffey, the exercise program has helped build up the muscles on the left side of his body -- which are weaker -- and helped with his rhythm.

Rock Steady Boxing, developed in Indianapolis in 2006 by an attorney with Parkinsons, has spread across the country by word of mouth, news stories and a "CBS Sunday Morning" segment by Lesley Stahl, whose husband is a Rock Steady participant.

Today, Rock Steady has 372 affiliate programs in 47 states, and seven countries, with 20 international locations, according to the Indianapolis office.

Lincoln Parks and Recreation staff member Ryan Mohling and wife Michelle watched the CBS segment by Stahl in November 2015.

Dont you have that boxing space? said Michelle Mohling.

"But my mind was already turning, Ryan Mohling said.

The city's Air Park Recreation Center, where Mohling was center supervisor, had an underused gymnasium with boxing equipment, and he was sure there were plenty of people in the Lincoln area with Parkinsons.

Offering this program was really a no-brainer, he said. A win-win for everyone.

Mohling got some grants and found an additional coach, Tony Kelly. The two took the training in Indianapolis and began recruiting people who might benefit through Parkinsons support groups.

Lincolns Rock Steady Boxing program began at Air Park in July with six participants. Now, more than a dozen participate regularly in the program, which will soon be expanding to five 90-minute sessions of exercise based on training programs for boxers, coupled with knowledge of Parkinsons.

Its not all hitting. It is a full workout. It is intense and everyone leaves sweating.

There's evidence that forced intense exercise can hold back the progression of Parkinsons and restore some of the lost balance, Mohling said.

Doug Moss also heard about the exercise program from that CBS television segment. And when he learned about Lincoln's program he began the 70 mile each-way commute twice a week from Aurora.

You cant tell how things are going to turn out. You just do battle with it, said Moss, whose Parkinsons was diagnosed 10 years ago after he lost his sense of smell and noticed a deterioration in his handwriting.

The boxing program gives him a new strategy for that battle. It was something different. Moss had never boxed. He had been a basketball player. If a ball wasnt involved, he wasnt interested.

Rock Steady boxers do sometimes dunk a whiffle ball into the baskets in a gymnasium as one of the two-minute exercise segments.

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I think it helps. You use your body in different ways, said Moss, who also does yoga a couple times a week and walks regularly.

Lincoln hopes to expand the program since it can be adapted and modified for participants with varying physical limitations because of Parkinson's, Mohling said.

"We know that in Lancaster County, at least 2,300 people are identified as having Parkinson's, and we are going to serve as many of them as we can, said Mohling, who is now athletics supervisor for Parks and Rec.

The sessions are short intervals of exercise, everything from frisbee throwing to hitting the bags, with rest periods in between.

Judy Johnson was diagnosed with Parkinsons 10 years ago. "My right hand started tremoring and I no longer swung my arm when I walked, she said of the early symptoms.

Johnson, who is active in the Lincoln Parkinsons Disease Support Group (www.lpdsg.org), signed up for the city's first class almost a year ago.

Johnson, who played tennis as a girl, has always been active physically. Today she combines the Rock Steady program with tai chi and works out at a gym almost daily with her husband.

Beyond the benefits of the physical workout, Johnson enjoys the camaraderie of the group. And the trainer, Tony Kelly, is wonderful, she said.

"He makes the whole hour-and-a-half fun, rather than torture. But he pushes us and encourages us to do more than we think we can do when we walk in the door.

Johnson had never tried boxing other than box my sister once in a while, she joked.

And she thinks the boxing label is kind of a misnomer, which might keep some people away.

Actually, hitting is a minor part of the workout. Its more about flexibility, strength, balance and coordination, she said.

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Rock Steady Boxing program helps people with Parkinson's fight back - Lincoln Journal Star

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Climb long enough and youll have a close encounter ... or several. Mine was in 1986 at Arches National Monument, five minutes up the black- top north of Moab. I had just rope-soloed a new route on the Organ, a five-pitch tower. Standing on the broad, plateau-like summit with night falling and no headlampI had expected to be down at my VW microbus well before darkI rushed through my first rappel setup, anxious to beat an incoming storm.

I strung the ropes through the rap station, shouldered the haulbag, which was loaded with enough pins, cams and paraphernalia for a Yosemite Grade V, and to save the time it would take coiling it, clipped a spare 9mm trail line so it dangled straight off my gear sling. I snapped on my rap device, leaned back into the twilight, and realized an instant too late that I hadnt clipped to my rappel ropes. With a snivelling sob, I plunged like a sack of potatoes toward the bedrock approach slabs, 500 feet below.

Until that moment, I hadnt considered exactly how I would die, and now that I knew it was to be rappelling, I was ashamed. Rappelling, dang dang it! I thought as I sped earthward.

I dropped 150 feet through the air, past the ends of the rappel ropes, then, miraculously, wrenched to a halt. The 9mm trail line, haphazardly clipped to the shoulder sling Id home-sewn on my mommas Singer, had snarled and, whip-snapping above me as I fell, jammed in a crackthe only crack on the smooth Entrada face. It had wedged, Stopper-style, and caught me.

Until that moment, I hadnt considered exactly how I would die, and now that I knew it was to be rappelling, I was ashamed.The shock exploded the sheath off the rope, blew a third of the core strands, and bent the carabiner on my gear sling, but I walked away without a scrape. I scavenged bits of that tattered rope and made a series of short rappels to the ground, where I vowed that, from that moment on, Id count on more than a guardian angel to back up my rappel.

The most commonly used technique for backing up a rappel is to slap a prusik or ascender on the rope and clip yourself to it. In the event you lose control of the rappel, or, like me, come unclipped, the prusik or ascender will grab, provided you fight the urge to death-grip it. Sounds simple, but there are many methods for rigging a back- up. So, what really works?

Of the myriad ways to kill yourself climbing, rappelling is the quickest, but also the easiest to safeguard. To determine the safest and simplest method, Rock and Ice tested a multitude of configurations, simulating rappel failures. The results were revealing.

Both the prusik and ascender are serviceable backups, but only when you rig them just so and understand their limits. A prusik has the advantage of easy availability: You can tie one from almost any bit of cord or sling (but not Kevlar, which slips); its lightweight, cheap, and has no mechanical parts to break or gum up; and it works on single and double ropes. It also grips in any direction, which is handy for backing up traversing raps. Perhaps best of all, you can put a prusik on the rope above or below your rappel device (more later). A prusiks limitations are largely determined by user error. If you rig the prusik sloppily, fail to snug it up, or dont wrap it enough times around the rope (at least three), it wont grip. A prusik is also a bugger to set up with one hand.

An ascender, such as the Jumar or any similar clamp, is a snap to attach to the rope with one hand, and is the common backup on big walls, where you often zip down fixed single ropes tied together. An ascender simplifies jumping these knots: Clamp your second ascender on the rope above the first ascender, clip into and weight it, remove your rap device, and replace it below the knot. Now, jump the lower ascender below the knot and above your newly established rap device, down- jug a move, weight your rap device, and remove the top ascender. The entire procedure takes roughly 10 seconds.

The obvious disadvantage to an ascend- er is that it doesnt work on double-rope rappels. Petzl (petzl.com) does offer a dou- ble-rope rappel backup, the Shunt, but it is a highly specialized device, one youre not likely to carry at all times. An ascenders other flawapparent as soon as you attempt to use it as a backupis that it will only work on the rope above your rappel device because its always either fully locked or fully open: You cant squeeze an ascender in your brake hand as you can a prusik, letting the rope slip through. Being forced to keep the ascender on the rope above your rap device creates problems, some surmountable, some not (see below).

BACKUP ABOVE THE DEVICE

In the 1970s, we were taught to place the prusik backup on the rope above the rappel device, which at the time seemed simple and logical. But, after an incident in which a prusik backup seized and the suspended climber was unable to release it (and suffocated, hanging in his swami), this system was the subject of much debate. What use was a backup, some argued, if it could kill you?

Today, none of us is apt to die this way because we wear leg loops. Still, an ascender or prusik on the rope above your rappel device can leave you in a pickle. For instance, make your connecting sling too longeven a single inch can be too much then, fast as a flash, your ascender or prusik can shoot out of reach, cinch up, and leave you stuck, dangling on the rope. Or, even if you dial the sling length perfectly, the prusik or ascender can lock up and leave you lacking a second ascender or prusikunable to unweight and release it. Stranded again!

The ascender lesson: If you use an ascender backup, keep its connecting sling short so you can easily reach it at its maximum weighted extension. Also, always have a second ascender or prusik with a spare sling available. Then, if your backup locks and you are unable to kip, or bounce up, and release it, you can rig a standard ascender setup and jug to freedom. That said, avoid all of the above unpleasantries simply by using a prusik backup, and placing it on the rope below your rappel device.

BACKUP BELOW THE DEVICE

Set your backup prusik on the rope below your rappel rig and you can casually grip it in your brake hand, which encircles both the prusik and the ropes. Each time you release the prusik, letting it lock, you can easily fiddle it loose again with one hand and resume your rappel. Despite this systems advantages, some people find this backup method awkward; also, it makes controlling your rappel speed a problem, and it comes with two critical caveats. Neglect either, and your prusik backup is as useful as an unbuckled seat belt.

Caveat number one: Do not clip the prusik to your harness belay/rappel loop. From there, it will either get sucked into your device, creating a terrible mess, or smash against your device, which will hold the prusik open, preventing it from cinching. In live drop tests where the prusik was clipped under the rappel device and to the rappel/belay loop, the backup failed 100 percent of the time! Instead, clip the prusik to the leg loop on the same side as your brake hand. While a single leg loop might not be quite as strong as a belay/rappel loop, and hanging by one leg loop isnt ideal, a prusik here cannot ride up into your rappel device, assuming you have your prusik length adjusted correctly (keep reading).

Caveat number two: Make certain the prusiks extended loop length is no more than three or so inches. Shorter is better. Tie the loop too long and the prusik can still slide up and jam against your rappel device, where it will be held open. Practice adjusting the loop to the perfect length while hanging safely in your har- ness from your favorite treenot on the cliffs. Some harnesses, such as those with elasticized leg loops, require shorter prusiks than others.

In the 1970s, we were taught to place the prusik backup on the rope above the rappel device, which at the time seemed simple and logical.It might seem as if the prusik backup is a bit too problematic. Wrong. The trick is to micromanage your backup, doing everything the same each and every time. Clipping the prusik to your leg loop is neither more difficult nor time consuming than clipping it to your belay/rap loop, and getting the correct sling length is a simple matter of 10 minutes of pre-adjustment. Properly tied and positioned, a prusik back- up will live up to expectations, allowing you to live up to yours.

As you might expect, a prusik sliding down the rope will wear out quickly. Just how quickly depends on the type and size of the cord or webbing, how tightly you cinch the prusikbetter too tight than too loose! and how fast you rap. Ideally, youll pre-rig your prusiks out of 6mm Perlon, which isstrong and supple; otherwise, in an emergency situation, you can use whatever slings or webbing are on hand. Keep an eagle eye on your prusik; inspect it after every rappel.

Backing up a rappel on two strands of rope isnt much different than the technique for a single rope: Wrap your prusik (or klemheist;) around both ropes, and short-clip it to a leg loop. You may need to add a prusik wrap or two, or remove one, to get the prusik to slide when you hold it loosely, yet grip when released. Ascendersaside from the Petzl Shunt dont work on double ropes.

I once thought that, in a pinch, I could stop a rappel near the rope ends by clamping down a foot or two from the ropes termini. I tested my theory on a rappel where the cords hung just shy of the ground. I rapped to just above the ends of the ropes, clamped down, and shot off the rope ends. As a parting insult, the rope tails bullwhipped me in the face. No backup can perform a miracle if you rappel off the end of your rope, perhaps the most common way that people die rappelling. Thus, you should always tie a knot/s in the end of your rope. The knots will stop you when they jam in your rap device, assuming you hit them before you hit the ground. Tying a knot into the end of your rappel rope takes five secondstheres simply no rationale not to. The only time you might not use a knotted rope end is in gusty winds, when the knot could jam in a flake or crack if blown sideways.

Likewise, while once bailing off a solo attempt on the Aquarian Wall of El Capitan, I forgot to untie the end knots from my rap ropes. I only realized my error as, while pulling the lines down, I looked up to see the knotted end of one of the lines 20 feet above me, well out of reach. Stuck at a hanging rappel station on a stretch of rock as smooth as a bowl- ing ball, I contemplated hammering the rope in half (no knife), but instead chained my aiders together, clipped all my hooks onto them, and, after a hundred or so tosses, just managed to snag the knot- ted rope end and pull it back down. Over 20 years have passed, and I have not repeated that mistake. The lesson? Always untie the end knots before you pull your rappels. For the end knot itself, tie a bulky figure-8-on-a-bight, which will not pull through your rappel device, even under pressure. Some people, myself included, clip a junk carabiner to the figure-8 loop to make it even bulkier, a wise precaution when you rappel using the relatively loose carabiner brake (the added weight of the carabiner helps the rope toss cleanly). Do not use an overhand knot. This low-profile knot can, under the jolt of just a one-foot drop, extrude through certain rappel devices, and easily squirts through the carabiner brake. Use a figure-8 instead.

As with all things, there is a right and wrong way to knot the end of your rope (or ropes if you are double-rope rappelling). Do not tie the ends of a double rope together, or they will twist around themselves like mating serpents. Instead, tie a knot in the end of each rope. This will let the ropes spin freely, working out any twists created as you rappel.

Use a backup every time you rappel whether youre in a hurry or not, whether the rappel seems rote or sketchy, or whether youre one pitch up or 20. Rappelling even once without a backup is an unnecessary withdrawal from your karmic savings account.

Duane Raleigh, publisher of Rock and Ice and father of two, has proudly left his sport-rappelling/freefalling days behind him.

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Climb Safe: Rappelling - Surviving Climbing's Diciest Business - Rock and Ice Magazine

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THESE five foods will help your body burn stubborn fat fast.

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If you want to transform your body youre going to have to work hard at the gym and curb your diet sorry but its true.

However, there are some ways you can cheat the weight-loss process. Certain foods promote gut health and therefore could help you beat the bulge.

Bacteria and other organisms that live in our guts can affect our hunger signals and cravings as well as our tendency towards weight gain.

In fact, this is one of the subjects of a new book by Dr Michael Mosley called The Clever Guts Diet.

Here nutritionist Cassandra Barns reveals five foods that could be good for your gut and potentially help you drop some pounds.

20 fat-burning foods that help you lose weight

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Avacodo - includes monosaturated fatty acids that are more likely to be used as slow burning energy than stored as body fat

1. Sauerkraut

A traditional fermented food; raw sauerkraut naturally contains millions of friendly bacteria.

It could even be better for us than the average probiotic supplement or yoghurt drink, as the species and strains of bacteria in natural fermented foods tend to be much more varied.

Make sure the label says raw or unpasteurised, because the friendly bacteria will be destroyed if the sauerkraut is pasteurised.

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2. Fermented Foods

Miso is another traditional fermented food from Japan. Its fantastic used to make sauces and dips, and added to stews, stir-fries or soups, as it gives them that delicious umami flavour.

Again, choose an unpasteurised miso for the active bacteria and the gut health benefits; and if youre using it in hot dishes, add only towards the end of cooking.

"Try Clearspring Organic Japanese Brown Rice Miso Unpasteurised.

3. Oats

Oats are one of the foods that naturally contain prebiotic fibre. Prebiotics are substances that help nourish the friendly bacteria in your gut and increase their numbers.

Try Nairns Scottish Porridge Oats, which are also certified gluten-free. Whats more, oats provide slow-releasing carbohydrates that can help manage your blood sugar.

Certain vegetables and fruits are also great sources of prebiotics, such as onions, Jerusalem artichokes and asparagus.

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4. Green tea

In addition to probiotic and prebiotic foods, its thought that flavonoids could be good for your gut bacteria too.

According to Dr Mosleys research, consuming lots of flavonoids could help you avoid regaining weight after a diet.

Flavonoids are found in vegetables and fruit especially berries and other dark-coloured types and also in green tea. Matcha tea in particular is thought to contain the highest concentration of flavonoids compared to other green teas: try Clearspring Organic Matcha Shots.

5. Dark chocolate

Yes, really! Dark chocolate contains flavonoids similar to those found in green tea, and its part of the heart-healthy, gut-healthy Mediterranean diet.

But you need to go for high-cocoa, low-sugar dark chocolate to get any benefits. To go one step further, try raw dark chocolate.

Its made from raw cacao, avoiding the roasting process that may reduce the content of natural flavonoids in standard chocolate.

I like Ombar 90% Raw which contains a smaller percentage of cacao but also has added Lactobacillus acidophilus, one of the types of friendly bacteria that live in your gut.

Continue reading here:
How to lose weight fast: Five gut-boosting foods that will help you burn fat fast - Daily Star

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WITH summer on the way many people are thinking about getting slimmer, but if the gym gives you the creeps then try this instead.

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Making one simple lifestyle change can help you burn an extra 700 calories per week and it doesnt involve dieting or pumping iron.

Going for a 20-minute walk is all you have to do to blast 100 calories, so by adding a stroll into your daily routine you could be well on your way to getting lean.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that you should do a minimum of 150 minutes of exercise per week to stay healthy.

But a recent survey by walking charity Living Streets found that nearly half (45%) of Brits are reluctant to make even a 20-minute journey on foot.

Click through our gallery on the best ways to burn calories without exercising

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Chew gum - A super-easy way to burn some extra calories is popping a few pieces of gum now and then. The act of chewing keeps your jaw muscles moving, andnot only will you be burning caloriesyoull stop yourself from consuming more calories.

In a bid to encourage more people to get up and moving, the charitys chief executive Joe Irvin is encouraging the British public to add walking onto their daily routine as part of National Walking Month this May.

Speaking exclusively to Daily Star Online, he said: There's no doubt that keeping active is good for our health, but that doesn't necessarily mean that you have to start spending hours in the gym.

Everyday walking is a great way to improve your health and the way you feel

At Living Streets, we believe that everyday walking is a great way to improve your health and the way you feel.

"That's why we are urging everyone in the UK to join our #Try20 campaign this May.

Walking for 20 minutes a day can make a huge difference to the way you feel and cuts your risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes and depression.

By making this small step you will experience a big difference, both physically and mentally."

Here Joe shares five benefits of going for a stroll every day:

1. Burn calories

Many people are surprised to learn that walking is a very serious form of exercise. Although you may not feel like you are working very hard, walking is actually a low-impact aerobic exercise that burns calories effectively.

The number of calories that you burn while walking will depend on your weight and the distance you walk.

You can calculate roughly how many calories youve burned walking a mile at a slow walking speed by multiplying your weight in pounds by 0.49, or for brisk walking multiplying it by 0.57.

The average person takes 20 minutes to walk one mile so in just 20 minutes you could burn off over 100 calories.

If youre looking for a more intense walking-workout, adding an incline will burn significantly more calories than walking on a flat terrain, so try taking the stairs instead of the escalator or climbing the steep hill that you usually avoid on your walk to work.

This added incline will turn up the body's work rate increasing calories burnt, whilst toning your lower body. Give it a go, you will be surprised.

Good news dieters! The 23 foods that contain NO calories because you burn more than you consume as you eat

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APRICOTS - Calorie content: 12 kcals per apricotEating apricots is said to help reduce the risk of strokes, and heart attacks. They're also full of vitamin C, potassium and dietary fibre, which all promote good heart health

2. Get your heart pumping

The heart, like all other muscles, needs physical activity to keep it in good, working condition.

Regular exercise can help to improve your overall heart health and avoid many of the risk factors associated with heart and circulatory disease.

We should all aim to do at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week to keep our heart in a healthy state. Moderate intensity means that you should feel warm and a touch breathless, but still be able to hold a conversation.

Going for a brisk walk is a moderate intensity exercise that will get your heart pumping and increase your cardio exercise, without even having to visit the gym.

Try to walk energetically, adding in hills and spurts of speed walking, if you want to increase the intensity.

If you are looking to lose that belly fat, try these simple easy to follow tips that will help you on the road

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Eat every three hours - Passing on breakfast will send your body into starvation mode, meaning your body starts to store everything youve eaten as fat, and youre midsection is the first to suffer the consequences

3. Up your energy

Naturally you will get a lot more out of your day when you have more energy; and a brisk walk is one of the most effective, natural energisers around.

Walking strengthens the circulation of blood around the body and increases the oxygen supply to all your cells, helping you to feel much more alert and alive.

In fact, scientists have concluded that one of the best ways to beat fatigue and boost energy is to exercise more not less.

Try walking for 20 minutes on your lunch break or 20 minutes in the evening before you have dinner to make sure that you feel energised and get the most out of your day.

4. Free your brain

Anxiety, stress and depression are all mental health issues that are becoming increasingly common in todays hard-working and busy society.

Whilst many people look to medication to treat these issues, walking is a free "home remedy" that can also help.

This is because walking releases chemicals called endorphins which interact with the receptors in your brain, reducing your perception of pain and, thus, helping to boost your mood.

In fact, recent studies have shown that a brisk walk is just as effective as antidepressants in mild to moderate cases of depression, stress and anxiety.

Even if you dont suffer from these mental health issues, and are just feeling a little tense after a busy day at work, walking is the perfect way to zone-out, de-stress and rid yourself of all the negative thoughts in your mind. So for positive mental health walkings an absolute must.

The quickest ways to kick start your body fat weight loss

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CLEAN UP YOUR DIET - It's true what they say, you can't out-exercise a bad diet. And abs are made in the kitchen. So the first step to any fat-loss plan starts with improving your diet. First, cut out processed foods, fake sugars and refined carbs.

5. Offset serious health issues

If youre looking for a more serious reason to start walking, then consider the benefit that walking can have on your life-span.

Statistics show that physical inactivity now rivals smoking as one of the UKs biggest health problems, and the WHO says that inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality contributing to 6% of deaths globally each year.

If these figures arent enough to encourage you to get active, then consider that walking for 20 minutes a day can also help to reduce the risk of several serious illnesses, such as heart disease, type-2 diabetes, asthma, dementia, strokes and even some cancers, including breast, bowel and womb cancer.

Continue reading here:
How to lose weight by doing this ONE thing every day and it doesn't involve the gym - Daily Star

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