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Lead Stories: Saturday, September 6, 2008

Low Bone Density: A Serious Risk Factor for Athletes

Posted October 29th, 2007 at 5:20 PM by Megan Hueter

Section: Health & Fitness, Injury & Rehab, Exercise

A University of Missouri study suggests that athletic men may be at risk for low bone density. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, “osteoporosis affects more than 2 million men in the United States and nearly 12 million more have osteopenia– clinically significant low bone density that is less severe than osteoporosis.” The study now suggests that men who engage in low-impact forms of exercise have a higher incidence of osteopenia.

Pamela Hinton, an associate professor of nutritional sciences at the University of Missouri’s College of Human Environmental Sciences claims that “Regular, non-weight-bearing activities, such as swimming and cycling are effective measures for preventing the leading risk factors for death and disability in our society, but the results of this study suggest that regular weight-bearing activities, such as running, jogging, or rope jumping, are important for the maintenance of healthy bones.”

Read the rest of this article by new, staff writer Denise Musumeci via our partner site: HesFit.com

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At what intensity should endurance athletes train?

Posted October 3rd, 2007 at 7:35 PM by Shannon Clark

Section: Running & Training, Training Tips, Health & Fitness, Exercise

One question that some endurance runners ask themselves is how much of their training they should be dedicating towards higher intensity runs and how much of their training is better off at low intensity. The common thought would be that since they are training for endurance, they should train in a similar manner. Some coaches and professionals however believe that training at higher speeds will help to improve their total body conditioning better and thus simply transfer over to a better performance during endurance related events.

Some researchers recently set out to run some tests on just this. The study was designed to compare the effect of two different training programs on endurance performance, one that comprised a great portion of training time in a lower intensity zone and a second that comprised more time in a higher intensity zone.

Read the rest of this entry at our partner site: HesFit.com

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Suspension Training: New, effective training technique that does not require weights

Posted October 2nd, 2007 at 8:56 AM by Jamal Walker

Section: Health & Fitness, Exercise

The latest must-have in weight rooms across the country is nothing large and shiny, but rather a nylon strap with handles - the TRX System. Developed by Navy SEAL Randy Hetrick to keep his unit in top shape while no weights were available in small spaces such as in ships and submarines, the device can hang from anything steady (a door, tree branch, or, in gyms, a dedicated hook installed in the ceiling). Users must leverage their bodies to make their muscles work. The device is getting more and more popular, and is being used by athletes ranging from those in local gyms to NFL quarterbacks.

The manufacturer: Fitness Anywhere. They call it, “suspension training” - but you’re not really suspended from the ground at all. At minimum, one limb is on the ground. To get started, grab the handles, lean so that your head is pointing away from the TRX, and try out traditional dumbbell moves such as rows and bicep curls. To add weight, you simply tilt closer to the floor.

Read the rest of this entry at our partner site: HesFit.com

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