Exercise

Your Shape: Video Game Set to Become a TrendSetter

The last video game system I owned was a Nintendo 64. Needless to say things have come a long way since NHL '99 and James Bond's Golden Eye. Video gaming has hit an almost scary level of virtual reality and has tapped into just about every realm of life - including fitness.

Fitness video games are a fascinating paradox - the very thing that is contributing towards keeping children and adults alike sedentary is scratching for an opportunity to become part of the solution rather than part of the problem.

The latest incarnation of this phenomenon is Ubisoft's "Your Shape" - a concept that could change the face of fitness-based video gaming - and perhaps gaming in general. I had a chance to try this one out and here's a bit about it...

Is The Human Body Meant For Distance?

Running a marathon is an accomplishment that many people have on their "to-do" lists. And to sure, it IS quite a feat. But is the physical stress of running a marathon more than our bodies should ever handle?

The wisdom-du-jour suggests that any form of cardio - especially long slow distance and running in particular "destructive" to the body. Pop diet/exercise books of late accuse long slow distance cardio from causing everything from debilitating joint pain to back hair to the economic woes. If you run long distances, you probably order the "Filet o fish" and think monopoly is a strategy game.

A very intriguing article in the New York Times suggests that we humans are in fact suited for running long distances. Here's the gist...

Listening to Podcasts Can Help You Lose Weight

Better Planet

Some experts believe tuning into podcasts that give advice on diet and exercise help people lose weight, but only certain kinds.

Boring health lectures are a good start, but informative and "entertaining" soap-opera-like podcasts stick with you, and offer better results.

I guess it's like those tapes that teach you another language while you sleep. "Miguel buys fish at la pescaria."

Belly Fat Makes It Hard to Breathe, Raises Asthma Risk

Spare tire, gut, muffin top, love handles, or chub, no matter what you call it. Nobody wants belly fat, it's everybody's nemesis.

And the woes of a tummy aren't limited to keeping your favorite designer jeans in the closet.

Abdominal fat can sack your health, leading to things like heart disease and diabetes, and now you can add asthma to the list too.