Train Your Body

New fad diets seem to pop up just as the latest one starts fading or is proven to be just that: a fad.With so many diets out there, how are you to know which one is right for you?The Raw Food Diet, The Blood Type Diet and The Master Cleanse/Lemonade Diet are a few that research now show are good for you.Remember, not all diets are right for everyone.Felicia Stoler, MD, discusses fad diets and how to choose the one that is right for you.

With cold and flu season at its peak, is there anything you can do nutritionally to build up your immune system and help it fight off sickness? That is the question posed by Dr. Felicia Stoler, and she is more than happy to help you answer it. Dr. Stoler, who hosted the second season of TLC’s groundbreaking series, Honey, We’re Killing the Kids and serves on many local, state and national committees related to health and wellness, strongly believes that the foods you eat can directly contribute to your immune system’s strength. According to Dr. Stoler, there are several things you can do nutritionally to build up your immune system and stave off sickness:Eat a well-balanced diet. Having a little protein with every meal helps boost immunity. Also, eat colorful fruits and vegetables to gain essential vitamins and minerals. Including more foods with probiotics (like yogurt) will also help establish beneficial bacteria, or micro flora, in your small intestine that serves as the first line of defense against germs

If you've got cold symptoms or a nagging injury, maybe you should take the day off or cut back your workout routine.Or should you?Is it better to work through the pain and adjust your workout, or just take the day off entirely?Sometimes giving yourself the day off is more beneficial to your health than if you stuck to your regular workout.Listen in as Dr. Jordon Metzl discusses the best ways to handle those days you just don't feel quite right.

Diabetes, risk of stroke, high blood pressure, and heart disease are all health risks associated with smoking, but surprising new evidence is finding that sitting can be just as bad for you, causing the same complications. It’s About Prevention, Not TreatmentThe health risks of sitting too much mostly affect those with desk jobs. Even if you go to the gym in the morning, the amount of sitting you do at work, followed by sitting in front of the TV at home, can outdo that hour of physical activity. In an effort to combat this, wild products are coming out on the market, including treadmill desks and strangely shaped chairs. Dr. Jordan Metzl, a renowned sports medicine physician, believes the current medical system is partially responsible for rising inactivity levels. In Dr. Metzl’s experience, the worlds of medicine and fitness are usually encased in their own private entities, but “the best case is interfacing the two, where doctors prescribe exercises, and fitness professionals learn how to work in conjuncti

If you find yourself having certain health issues after a workout, there are some simple changes you can make to your workout that will help.What sort of maladies might be affecting you?Swollen fingers, sore feet, or a sore "saddle" after cycling class can all be painful and debilitating. Keeping your hand raised while walking, or working your way up to a longer cycling workout can help alleviate some of these symptoms.Listen in to Grace DeSimone as she discusses the various workout maladies you might be suffering from and how you can avoid them in the future.

You may already know that going to the gym is important, but are you using your time effectively? Grace DeSimone, editor for the American College of Sports Medicine’s Resource Manual for Group Exercise Instructors and a fitness guru with over 30 years experience, says that for many gym-goers, “the number one thing is that they plan to get to the gym, and that’s it.” They may wander around, chat with friends, and perhaps sip on some free coffee. You look at the time, notice an hour passed, and go home. Build a Solid Plan for the GymThis is not an efficient way to utilize the gym, and aside from wasting your valuable time, doesn’t benefit you in any way. DeSimone argues that you should always have a solid plan before hitting the gym. Have an idea of how long you will be working out, and what you will be doing. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends at least three days of cardio, two days of strength training, and one day of flexibility training to maintain a good fitness level. If you know yo

Do you want to look younger, be fit, and have more energy?Eating healthier and following some sort of fitness training program can help sculpt your body, so you can be full of energy and confidence. Healthy recipes don't have to be bland or tasteless, either. With the right ingredients, they can be delicious AND good for you.Denise Austin joins host Melanie Cole, MS, to share some of her great recipes that can change the way you feel and look... and that taste amazing, too.

Fun, easy and accessible for people of all ages and abilities, Denise Austin's new 360° Plan is available in three different levels: beginner, intermediate and advanced. There is truly something for everyone. The program also includes a large social element, with internal communities where users can help each other, track their friends’ progress through graphics and stats, and provide support.Built from three core elements that are fundamental for a complete health routine, the 360° Plan focuses on fitness, food and motivation, and includes the following:30-minute workout videos, which get progressively more difficult throughout the course of the program, six days per week (Sunday is a rest day). A variety of workouts exist, including “walk with me,” high-energy cardio, yoga, barre, Pilates, dance cardio, and even a fun mother-daughter dance workout with Austin and her daughter Katie.Motivational videos featuring personal life experiences and insights from Austin twice per week (Wednesday and Sunday).A daily

As you approach middle age, you may be concerned how your body will handle the stress of running.Actually, new studies show that running as you approach this point in your life may not be a bad thing. But, is walking still better for you?Your body does go through changes as the years click by, and overuse injuries can become more common.Adjustments to your routine may be necessary; but that doesn't mean you should stop or cut back so much that you're not getting any real benefits.Listen in as Michele Olson discusses running vs. walking as you approach middle age and how it can still have benefits for your health.

You are active, eat well, and take care of your health as much as possible, yet you are still unhappy with your body image. This is a common problem many women face, but the struggle to combat this unhappiness and turn it into something positive can be significant. The Real Definition of Positive Body ImageMichele Olson is a Professor of Exercise Physiology at Auburn University Montgomery, and is known internationally as THE Exercise Doctor. In Olson’s experience, women tend to think of a positive body image meaning a small, fit body, but this is the wrong approach. Instead, realize that aging is a fact of life and there will be physical changes as you mature. Rather than dealing with these changes by attacking them and trying to stop aging, look for more viable solutions.According to Olson, the key to having a better body image is maintaining a positive attitude and high self-esteem. Instead of looking in the mirror and complaining about those flabby arms, remove that negative talk and don’t scrutinize what

It's just a fact: alcohol has calories.During the holidays, alcoholic drinks can flow freely. Festive drinks are as much a part of holiday fun and tradition as the delicious food; but the calories can add up just as fast.And, if you think you're making a smart choice by using diet soda in your rum and coke, think again. Substituting diet for regular really doesn't cut many calories in the end.Fortunately, there are ways to cut some calories without ruining your party atmosphere.Listen in as Jennifer Sacheck, PhD, discusses how to prevent drinking too many calories during your holiday activities.

Can't afford a personal trainer or gym membership?You don't need a whole gym to work out.You just need to stay motivated.Sharing your workout via social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter or Instagram can be a great motivator, because once you've shared, you want to make sure to follow through.Music and other distractions can be a big help for some, but others need to concentrate fully on their workouts to keep going.Listen in as Jim white, RD, discusses how to stay motivated while working out on your own, as well as how creating your own workouts can be financially beneficial.

There's a lot to consider when you're making the decision to get a personal trainer or if you're in the search for a gym that's right for you.In terms of a gym, you should keep in mind the old adage that realtors tout: location, location, location. If you pick a gym that's an hour's drive away, it's not likely that you'll go consistently.You'll also want to consider cost. Be on the lookout for hidden fees or "promotional" prices that expire after a few months.The culture of the gym might be something else you'll want to think about. Do you like loud, blaring music? Or do you prefer a more private, quiet gym? Do you feel comfortable in the weight room next to big, bulky guys?Finally, hours of operation should fit your schedule. If you can't work out until later at night or you like to go very early in the morning, you might want an option that's open 24-hours a day.When looking for a trainer, the most important thing to consider is if they are certified.Second, you'll want to make sure you pick a trainer that

With the New Year comes another surge in fitness-related resolutions. You’re ready to eat better, exercise more, and achieve the calorie deficit needed to lose weight. But before you step on that elliptical, can you trust what it says? If you are using any kind of cardio machine and rely on the information displayed, chances are it may not be as accurate as you’d think (or hope).Does 400 Calories Really Mean 400 Calories?Even with all of the new technology popping up in gyms everywhere, the cardio machines -- ellipticals, treadmills, Stairmasters, and stationary bikes -- still come pre-programmed. Many times, you press a button made specifically for fat burning or cardio, and you are prompted to enter your duration and weight. Fast-forward to the end of your workout 30 minutes later, and the machine says you’ve burned off 400 calories. Great work!  Not so fast. Unfortunately, these machines cannot accurately measure each person’s individual caloric burn or metabolism. They are usually based on general calcula

Strength training is a great way to help stave off aging.Boosting your metabolism and keeping your workout new and balanced helps keep your look tight.Not only looks, but lowering your fat content keeps you healthier longer.Good cardio workouts help keep your heart strong so you can continue to enjoy all those great activities that also make you happy.Listen in as Allison (Ally) Bowersock, Ph.D., discusses just how a good workout routine can really keep you feeling younger. 

Social media outlets like Facebook, Twitter, etc. are a great way to connect with friends and family. But, they can also help add a new dimension to your daily workout.Sharing your workout routine and even creating competitions among your friends can help motivate you and others.You may be surprised by how many of your friends find that you sharing your workout will help them to also be more motivated.Listen in as John P. Higgins, MD, shares his thoughts on how social media can become part of your daily workout routine.

Germs at the gym... they're everywhere.You can help yourself and others stay healthier during and after your workout by practicing a few simple hygienic habits.Wearing shower shoes and wiping down the equipment before and after use are just a couple ways to help keep the gym as hygienic as possible.There are also some things you may not have thought of, such as using metal water bottles (they're easier to keep clean), and cleaning your ear buds regularly. Both can make a big difference. Listen in as John P. Higgins MD, shares great advice on how you can stay healthier while training your body at the gym.

Women are encouraged to continue exercise, including strength training, during pregnancy, according to experts at the American College of Sports Medicine’s 12th annual Health & Fitness Summit & Exposition.Although exercise is generally a good thing for expectant mothers, a healthcare provider should still be consulted to ensure safety and help tailor an exercise program for that specific woman based on her needs and potential barriers.Jen Hoehl joins host Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss the best ways for you to stay fit during your pregnancy.

Protecting your eyes while exercising and playing sports should be a priority. If something flies into your eyes (or your children's eyes) while playing sports, don't rub!One expert in this matter, Dr. Daniel Laby, advises using a non-medicated eye drop to clear them out; similar to what your tears would do. Protective eyewear has come a long way and is not so "geeky" to be seen in.Listen in as Dr. Laby gives great suggestions to help you keep your eyes safe.

Don’t believe everything you hear from mainstream nutrition. A lot of it is the best guess of the moment, and much of it gets proven wrong over time.In a recent article, there are nutritional misunderstandings in our nutritional knowledge.Examples include the following: margarine is healthier than butter, artificial sweeteners help you lose weight, and eggs aren't good for you. These myths have all been studied and found not to be all together true.Listen in as Jim white, RD, and Melanie Cole, MS, discuss the latest findings in an neverending investigation of nutrition do's and don'ts.