Battling “Covid-15”

The telltale symptoms of “Covid-15,” aka the “Quarantine-15,” are weight gain and tight jeans. According to a new survey by Weight Watchers, 36 % of Americans have gained an average of 12.5 pounds during the pandemic (10.7 for women and 15.1 for men). If you are one of them, commit to making a plan to reverse it.

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joan
Fitness Rules to Live By

A career dedicated to more than 30 years of teaching fitness has taught me many life lessons! Some are based in the science of exercise physiology, some in human behavior, and others from my own personal experience of pursuing a lifelong fitness routine. The following twelve “rules” are what I have found work best across the board.

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The Power of Positive Posture

While sheltering in place at a friend’s home, I found myself working on a small round table with half of the materials in my lap, sitting in a wing chair that offered no back support. Working from home can present many challenges, including improvising an office set-up with a desk and chair.

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The Best Bodyweight Exercises for Bone Health

May is National Osteoporosis month and the bottom line of exercise for osteoporosis is to prevent falls and fractures. Simple bodyweight exercises that reinforce the skeleton, strengthen muscles and joints, and improve balance will reduce your risk of falling and breaking a bone.

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joan
4 Key Core Moves to Firm Your Torso and Flatten Your Belly 

Your anatomic center, or core, generates strength and mobility for the whole body. The core muscles provide endurance for holding a position and dynamic power when the body is in motion. A strong core equips you to handle the routine physical demands of daily life – lifting children, working at a desk, doing housework, driving a car, or simply getting up out of a chair – with greater ease and comfort.

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joan
Strength Training Tips: Gym in a Basket

In this difficult environment, with gyms and health clubs closed, now is the perfect time to get organized to work out at home. After many years of training clients in their homes, I can assure you that at-home routines are efficient, economical and effective - efficient in that you save time by working out in your own space, at your own convenience; economical in that it requires only a modest investment in equipment and no gym fees; and effective in that you can absolutely achieve the results you want.

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joan
Top 10 At-Home Strength Exercises

In uncertain times, it’s helpful to establish routines that give you a sense of being in control. So, while we are being advised to shelter in place, avoid crowds and keep our hands clean, it’s a good time to re-evaluate your exercise routine and develop a workout you can do at home.

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Reduce Your Risk of Alzheimer’s with Lifestyle Changes

Of all the concerns facing an aging population, the fear of dementia ranks high, our fear of developing a debilitating loss of cognitive function that impairs our ability to get through daily life. There are different types of dementia. The most common form, by far, is Alzheimer’s disease which is marked by inflammation and the buildup of amyloid plaque in the brain. More than 5 million people in the United States are currently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. As baby boomers age, this number is expected to mushroom.

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Stay Active After Breast Cancer

In the early 1990s, there was a scarcity of interest, research, funding, and support available to breast cancer survivors for improving their fitness and well-being. Beauty and fashion industries hadn’t woken up to the call. However, the grassroots support group SHARE in NYC was at the ready. After a thorough screening by their gatekeepers, I began creating and delivering fitness programs to their members, who were eager for help.

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