Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Hill Repeats
Just a quick note to everyone reading this blog. If you have not yet had Luis coach you on hill repeats you are missing out on a fantastic workout. The last two sessions have been at a small hill in Heather Farms Park. I will never be able to stroll through Heather Farms the same way again. I will always have this hill challange in the back of my head beggin me to "hit it" with everything i've got!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Born to Be Fat!?
Born to Be Fat!?
By Nuwanee Kirihennedige
As we know more about the human genome, we find that there are many genetic factors that may have links to our health. We always hear about the "gene" that makes our bodies store fat. Does that mean if I have more fat genes I'm more susceptible to fat? Can we just blame it on genes for not being able to be lean and fit?
There are many studies out there that are finding links between specific genes, or gene variations, and obesity including other diseases. In short, it's very confusing; however, it seems like there is one statement that most scientists and health professionals agree on: Genes may be a factor for obesity, but there are many other factors which can be monitored or adjusted to combat against one of our nation's health crisis.
Genetics may play a role as to where fat cells will be stored (this determines whether if you are an apple shape or a pear shape) and the rate in which fat cells will accumulate. An important point to realize, however, is that the family history of obesity only counts for up to a thirty percent increase in susceptibility.
Family history is a good factor to watch out for because the way a family eat and exercise closely reflects how a family member would develop lifestyles and habits. In other words, if your family eat lots of calorie-dense (high in fat and sugar), low nutritional profile food and do not exercise regularly, you have a higher possibility in following the same pattern which can contribute to obesity. The good news is that life style is something we can change.
Yes we can!
Physical activity does not only help in burning more calories, it also helps generate more muscles. Muscles burn more energy than any other cells in your body even when you are at rest. That means, the more muscle you earn, the more calorie you burn. Regular exercise decreases the risk of getting many diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, etc.
It's a win-win situation!
We may have the genes that may contribute to storing more fat than other people, but we can overwrite this program by exercising regularly and by eating lower calorie and high nutrition food. Fighting obesity is all in our hands.
Own it and start taking control!
Resource:
Mayo Clinic Women's Health Source: Special Report Weight Control, Mayo Foundation for Education and Research. Item No. 681357. 2008
Loos Ruth. "Genes, lifestyle and the risk of obesity and related metabolic traits: Basic principles" Institute of Metabolic Science, Cambridge UK.
By Nuwanee Kirihennedige
As we know more about the human genome, we find that there are many genetic factors that may have links to our health. We always hear about the "gene" that makes our bodies store fat. Does that mean if I have more fat genes I'm more susceptible to fat? Can we just blame it on genes for not being able to be lean and fit?
There are many studies out there that are finding links between specific genes, or gene variations, and obesity including other diseases. In short, it's very confusing; however, it seems like there is one statement that most scientists and health professionals agree on: Genes may be a factor for obesity, but there are many other factors which can be monitored or adjusted to combat against one of our nation's health crisis.
Genetics may play a role as to where fat cells will be stored (this determines whether if you are an apple shape or a pear shape) and the rate in which fat cells will accumulate. An important point to realize, however, is that the family history of obesity only counts for up to a thirty percent increase in susceptibility.
Family history is a good factor to watch out for because the way a family eat and exercise closely reflects how a family member would develop lifestyles and habits. In other words, if your family eat lots of calorie-dense (high in fat and sugar), low nutritional profile food and do not exercise regularly, you have a higher possibility in following the same pattern which can contribute to obesity. The good news is that life style is something we can change.
Yes we can!
Physical activity does not only help in burning more calories, it also helps generate more muscles. Muscles burn more energy than any other cells in your body even when you are at rest. That means, the more muscle you earn, the more calorie you burn. Regular exercise decreases the risk of getting many diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, etc.
It's a win-win situation!
We may have the genes that may contribute to storing more fat than other people, but we can overwrite this program by exercising regularly and by eating lower calorie and high nutrition food. Fighting obesity is all in our hands.
Own it and start taking control!
Resource:
Mayo Clinic Women's Health Source: Special Report Weight Control, Mayo Foundation for Education and Research. Item No. 681357. 2008
Loos Ruth. "Genes, lifestyle and the risk of obesity and related metabolic traits: Basic principles" Institute of Metabolic Science, Cambridge UK.
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