fbpx Skip to content

Kids sign on with their own trainers

Like many 13-year-olds, Adam Hillen likes sports. As a seventh grader in Mason, Ohio, he plays on his junior high school’s football and wrestling teams.
But his father became concerned when Adam began working out with his friends. “He would go to the weight room with a bunch of kids, and I just thought that invited injury,” Doug Hillen says.
So he took Adam to meet D…

Read More

Footloose fighting

"DISCO DOJO" sounds more like an exotic recipe than a fitness class, blending "a medley of martial arts with dance for the ultimate cardio workout." This, according to a fitness convention brochure, is "where ninja meets funk, tae kwon do meets salsa, and kickboxing meets jazz."

First there was cardio fusion. Then spinning fusion and yoga fusion. Now meet m…

Read More

Stepping back

1984. It was the year of Boy George, big hair and parachute pants. It was also the year Montrealer Lindy Langhame taught her first aerobics class.
Fast forward to 2007, and Langhame, 58, has decided to retire. After more than two decades of grapevines and knee lifts, Langhame called it quits last month to pursue other interests. Her last class was attended by 60 faithful participants…

Read More

Beyond the Bee Gees; From dance aerobics to Pilates, a look at how the fitness scene has evolved

The year was 1984, a time of Boy George, big hair and parachute pants. It was also the year Lindy Langhame of Montreal taught her first aerobics class.
Fast forward to 2007, and Langhame, 58, is retiring after more than two decades of grapevines and knee lifts. She has seen the fitness scene evolve from dance exercise classes in church basements to equipment-laden workouts in high-tech …

Read More

A dying breed

1 984. It was the year of Boy George, big hair and parachute pants. It was also the year Montrealer Lindy Langhame taught her first aerobics class.
Fast forward to 2007, and Langhame, 58, has decided to retire. After more than two decades of grapevines and knee lifts, Langhame called it quits last month. During her years of teaching, Langhame has seen the fitness scene evolve from dance…

Read More

For moms, class is more than stroll in park

The three women grimace and groan as they lower into their 20th — and final — triceps dip.
Then, without pause, they pant through the wet grass at Boxford’s Boy Scout Park to a set of metal bleachers with weeds poking through the slats.
Instructor Robin Beardsley gently urges them on, "If you’re tired, take it easy," then counts their progress up the steps: &qu…

Read More

Fun, music fit aerobics’ class; Fitness has evolved from dance exercise to high-tech gyms

The year was 1984, a time of Boy George, big hair and parachute pants. It was also the year Lindy Langhame of Montreal taught her first aerobics class.
Fast forward to 2007, and Langhame, 58, is retiring after more than two decades of grapevines and knee lifts. She has seen the fitness scene evolve from dance exercise classes in church basements to equipment-laden workouts in high-tech …

Read More

Choosing a Personal Trainer

HOPING to shape up and willing to shell out big bucks for a personal trainer to crack the whip? Make sure you know what you’re paying for.

Spending a lot of money on a high-priced trainer doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting the most experienced or best-educated person for the job. It may only mean you’re getting the one who’s bringing the gym the most business or who’s got the…

Read More

Pilates Corrective Exercises for Golfers, Part 1

Pilates ring

From a biomechanical perspective, the golf swing is a complex and unnatural movement that works the whole body—but not in symmetrical patterning. Addressing physical limitations through a series of Pilates exercises can help create symmetry and coordination, improve muscular endurance and increase range of motion.

Read More

Yoga Fusion

Participants sometimes have a difficult time making the transition from the work phase of class to the final section, and it can be a challenge to help them rein in their thoughts and concentrate. This yoga and tai chi-inspired cool-down moves from active recovery to flexibility exercises, ending on a positive wellness note that participants will appreciate.

Read More

Slow Food in a Fast Life

In today’s era of ever-expanding “don’t eat” lists, you may be surprised to find that the pursuit of healthy eating is ultimately in the doing. This is one aspect of the Slow Food movement. This international organization’s mission is to “preserve the pleasures of the table, the sensual, festive joy of eating, and the conviviality of sharing the experience.

Read More

Using Ethics to Resolve Teaching Dilemmas

As wellness professionals, we are aware of the impact we have on others. Whether we intend it or not, our actions and words influence those with whom we teach and work. Every time we step into the studio, we make decisions; these are based on the nonverbal contract we have with our participants and clients that we will do our best to safely and competently guide them toward their goals in exchange for their trust, time and effort.

Read More

Summertime Grilled Chicken Salad

Ladies and gentlemen: Start your barbeque engines. It is time for some heavy grilling and chilling! This simple but satisfying summer meal can be rounded out with a green salad for a complete dinner that keeps the cook out of the kitchen.

p…

Read More