Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Health & Fitness Tips – January 25, 2011

Death of an Icon and Americans Delusional About Diet

In this issue

01. Death of an Icon

02. Most Americans Are Delusional About Healthy Eating

03. Low Back Exercises You Can Do in Bed

01. Death of an Icon

The godfather of fitness Jack LaLanne passed away this week and never has there been such an American fitness icon. I met Jack in 2007 and the thrill I felt was only matched by the thrill I felt when I first met America’s other fitness icon, Arnold Schwarzenneger. Jack pioneered the fitness movement and I remember watching his TV show when I was a little kid.

Jack preached the fitness lifestyle at a time when a person was considered a freak if they lifted weights and it was taboo for athletes and women to go to the gym. Many didn’t know that Jack had a degree in CHIROPRACTIC and although he never practiced adjusting he promoted the chiropractic principles of fitness, good nutrition and wellness as a lifestyle.

In memory, I’ve given you a few links to some memorable clips of his TV career. I hope you enjoy and are inspired by the “Godfather of Fitness”, Jack Lalanne!

Click here to watch Jack do fingertip pushups.

Click here to watch Jack doing a facelift workout

Click here to watch Jack teach how to lift a 1,000 pounds!

02. Most Americans Are Delusional About Healthy Eating

We love to eat in America as evidenced by the popularity of the Food Network and shows like Cupcake Wars and Cake Boss. Funny thing is that most of us also think we are eating a healthy diet. When patients tell me what their diet is actually like, I find that most, despite their best intentions, are confused at the best and delusional at the worst about how healthy their diet actually is.

This survey by Consumer Reports verifies my experience. While 90% described their diet as healthy, only half limited their sugar and fat intake and almost half had sugary drinks daily and didn’t eat the recommended 5 servings of fruits and vegetables. And not suprisingly, over half of the respondents were overweight or obese!

For the full survey results click here.

03. Low Back Exercises You Can Do in Bed.

Here’s a great slideshow created by my friend Dr. Ron Kirk as part of the Straighten Up America exercise initiative. This is a simple series of exercises for your low back that I’ve found to be highly effective for myself and many of my patients.

You can do these exercises morning and evening in bed, but I recommend a padded floor. The series of exercises only takes 3 minutes to do so you have no excuse for not taking care of your low back!

Click here to view the exercise program

Special Offer!

How do you know where you’re going if you don’t know where you are?

Get motivated to get in shape in 2011 and we’ll help by performing free before and after bodycomposition (bodyfat) testing to record your fitness progress. But hurry, the initial test and April followup test are free if you sign up in the month of January 2011. Tests are normally $50!

Click here to sign up online for your free fitness testing

Peter A. Gratale D.C., C.S.C.S. – Director

Energy Chiropractic & Pilates

244 Johnson Avenue

Teaneck, NJ 07666

Website: www.energychiropracticpilates.com

Email: drpete@powercentering.com

Local: 201-836-9558

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