High school welcomes pole dancer to health week

How do you encourage 14-19 year old students to exercise? One school's solution on the other side of the pond is pole dancing. The reporters covering this story say that pole dancing is "apparently" a good cardio workout, and watching the woman on that clip move, I'd say so.

I've heard of pole dancing as an addition to workouts before, although not quite geared for impressionable high school students. I'm all for finding fun alternative ways to exercise. Anyone remember when Carmen Electra came out with her aerobic striptease workouts a few years ago? Four years ago fitness clubs across the country were offering pole dancing classes.

Strip aerobics routines are available on videos as well as in the gym, and Blacker said the poles can be part of a good workout. "You are doing regular aerobics mixed with the pole," he said. "The unique thing is, it's a sexy workout."

The majority of people in Doyle's class, about 99%, have never been this exposed in public but seemed to welcome the opportunity to unwind. The feeling is, "I just worked in a 9 to 5 job all day, and now I get to dance against a pole," he said

I can think of a handful of my adventurous girlfriends who would give that a try, but can't think of too many high school students that this class would be appropriate for.

I think it's great this British school is taking a week to promote healthy behavior (although I doubt the progress that will be made within 5 days), this performance shows how little thought and care was put into this production.

The great think about exercising isn't just the physical benefits, but the mental and emotional lessons that come from fitness activities as well. Preschool and elementary school students are often encouraged to join little league teams to promote early movement, but also sharing, teamwork and to spark interests early on. High school gym classes and sports teams try to shape a sense of belonging, discipline and often introduction to a variety of sports older kids may be more capable of participating in. Pole dancing and striptease workouts can be a fun alternative for stable adults, possibly looking to express a confident body image while working out.

What do you think? What are or aren't appropriate workouts for different ages?

Fantastic fitness events- Michigan Mackinac Bridge Run

The best part about signing up for a race or fitness event is the motivation it gives you to train.

Staying true to my Michigan roots, I have to share an awesome Labor Day event with you. It's the Mackinac Bridge Labor Day Run. I posted about it on my Michigan fitness blog last June. It's a great event sponsored by the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports. I can't think of a more beautiful 5 mile run than over the bridge!

Unfortunately the run is only open to Michigan residents, but its still an exciting example of the great opportunities out there for races and fitness events. Check with your local fitness council for information on healthy events in your area.

Because of the number of eager numbers, there's a lottery to be chosen to compete in the run. If you can apply online. Check out the details for applicants:

-Must be 18 years old by September 7, 2009 (participants will be asked to provide proof of your age)

-Michigan residents only

-Must have participated in a running event endorsed by the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness (list of events is part of the application) that takes place between June 1, 2008 and May 31, 2009.

-Participants will be selected via random lottery in June

I havent compete in this particular race before, but I have taken part in different Michigan fitness events in all different seasons, all equally fantastic!

Pediatrician blog

Whoops! I'm a little short on time today, but I wanted to share another one of my favorite health links. This is my pediatrician's blog! Since I came across it, I've continued coming back for her friendly and informative writing style. A little older now, not everything she writes applies to me, but I still learn a lot about trends and issues in the medical community and get a glimpse at life as a doctor. Check Dr. Molly's site out!

Self Mag fitness videos

I stumbled across this site some time ago, and keep coming back to it for workout ideas and fitness videos. They've got a ton of videos from fitness to beauty and quick feature bits too. My favorites are the quick fitness videos. Self really takes a creative approach to the workouts they share which gives me ideas for the next time I'm in the gym.

It's too cold around here for this one, but I do look forward to the summer when I can get out, to a park and vary my workout up a bit with some unusual equipment.


Most of their videos are only a few minutes long as well. What do you think of Self's YouTube site? Do you have a favorite workout site or fitness video?

Do you cross-train?

Cross training keeps your workouts unpredictable, allowing your body the most out of each workout. I know I should cross train. Along with the fitness benefits, switching up workouts can prevent injuries and combat workout boredom. I've been running lots lately and loving it. Sometimes there's an element of confidence that plays into your workout routine too.

Since I run often, I know where to go and when, how to prepare, what to wear, who to call when I want a running partner and just about every other element down to my favorite running songs. Every now and then I'll hop on a bike at the gym and I try to incorporate lifting into my week as well, but I'm a flat out runner.

I know I need to cross train more than I am. Today, with the feeling of some shin-splits coming on, I skipped the running shoes for my bathing suit and hit the pool. Tomorrow, I'll get back out running again, but incorporate some interval work and biking as well.

What's your go to workout? Do you switch it up, how?

Nutrition on a budget; sparkpeople article

I've done my fair share of preaching on making healthy choices on a tight budget, but that doesn't necessarily make putting it into practice any easier.

A poor college student, I'm always excited to hear new perspectives on the topic. Thankfully my lovely mother sent me a great link to a SparkPeople article; Eating healthy on a budget, saving money without sacrificing quality.

My current favorite tips? Frozen veggies. I've got a Costco bag of frozen broccoli florets and always keep a bag of peas and other assorted vegetables. It's a quick side or fast addition into soups, pasta or stir-fry. What's your favorite cheep and easy go to meal?

Body shaping undergarments make me look like what?

On my normal morning cruise around the web, I found something that stopped me in my tracks. I came a across body shaping undergarments site, (a la Spanx) Yummy Tummie. Who wouldn't want everything quickly tightened, tucked and smoothed into place, right?

While I've never personally tried out either product, I have doubts over the pictures that accompany the products on both websites. I just can't grasp the idea that a body slimming product could make the average American woman (size 14) look like this:

left: Spanx site picture

right: size 14 woman









I'd love to think that if I purchased these products, I too could be long lean and appear a size 2; but I'm not. Seeing a thin woman modeling tummy sucking garments doesn't sell me. I've heard great stories from products like these; so why can't we see them in action on a curvy, average sized woman? I'm a little discouraged to see products that aim for a nonsurgical, healthy approach to enhance what you already have, use such unrealistic displays.

What do you think? When you're shopping for clothes, would you rather see a thin model or a figure closer to your size? What do you think about advertising body concious shaping undergarments with thin women?

Men fight food cravings better than women

Surprise surprise! Monday, science confirmed what women have known for years; men's brains fight food urges better.

Twenty-three participants picked their favorite food and were tempted with smell, sight and eventually taste. The study found that brain waves in the male participants was less active than in women.

Suggestions? Food scientist Marci Pelchat said "If women have difficulty ignoring food cues, maybe a key to dieting for them is to minimize those cues or to minimize the association between those cues and eating. Don't leave food out on the counter, don't go by the Dunkin' Donuts."

Taking a different route home to avoid all your favorite fast food stops may be difficult (or impossible) but there are some steps you can take to take to combat the genetic sabotage. Plan meals ahead of time, shop smart and exercise often!

What foods can you not resist?

Belated New Year resolutions

It's been awhile, readers! I've been spending lots of time reading, eating, exercising, cooking and maybe not so much writing; but I'm back and have lots in of good ideas for the future of ASA!

Happy 20 days into your New Year's resolution! How are you doing with your goals? I posted at MLive about my thoughts on resolutions and tips to making the best out of 2009.

If you're still searching for that perfect plan, check out the Never Say Diet 2009 Challenge. Three great coaches give you guidance towards body image acceptance and lifestyle changes.

What health resolutions have you made? Looking to drop a dress size or all around feel better; share your goals with me!