Not all sugars are created equal
Sugar overload of any type does not bode well for your waistline or your health, but a new study suggests that certain sugars trigger more health problems than others. Consuming large quantities of fructose, a sugar found in high fructose corn syrup used to sweeten soft drinks and processed foods, may induce metabolic changes that lead to increased risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease …

Read more on Scientific American

Obesity is certainly a rapidly growing health crisis in the United States, and many corporations, media forums, and organizations are dedicated to fighting this nation-wide epidemic. Television shows such as “The Biggest Loser,” “Shaq’s Big Challenge,” and “Fat March” have even turned weight loss into a public competition. Not only is the obese population of America on a mission to shed those pounds, but it seems as though most people, whether they are 5 pounds or 50 pounds overweight, are eager to slim down, tone up, and achieve the body of their dreams. Americans spend over 4 billion dollars a year on diet pills, appetite suppressants, and fat diet plans. Over time, this diet craze has created a new increasingly popular subculture in America: diet culture.

WHY IS DIETING SO POPULAR?

The market is flooded with images of perfectly sculpted bodies, airbrushed figures, and flawless features. From magazine ads to cosmetics packaging, Americans are constantly told by the media that perfection is obtainable. In addition, increasing health threats aided by obesity puts more pressure on Americans to lose weight and avoid these health threats. A combination of these pressures forces people to spend hundreds of dollars on quick-fix diets to lose weight and improve their health as quickly as possible with minimal effort.

DIET PILLS

It seems as though there are hundreds, if not thousands, of diet pills on the market. Every diet pill claims to be the best and claims that you can effortlessly shed the pounds once and for all. Every diet pill works differently, but there are four main types of diet pills on the market: those that suppress appetite with an amphetamine-like effect, a second type of appetite suppressant which triggers your brain to desire to eat less, a third which prevents the absorption of fats into your body, and fourth are detox pills which aid in digestion and food processing. Many diet pills can be extremely unsafe and hazardous to your health, and always require research before purchasing. So how do you know which diet pill to choose? Always look at a full list of ingredients and research any unfamiliar products in the pill. Also, don’t be fooled by ‘all natural’ diet pills – just because the pill is made from all natural products does not necessarily mean it’s completely safe. Always consult a physician before purchasing a new diet pill, and always ask for him or her for recommendations. If the product sounds too good to be true, it most likely is.

FAD DIETS

Much like diet pills, fad diets are everywhere. From Atkins to the Grapefruit Diet, fad diets have covered an entire spectrum of weight management. Everyone wants a diet that is easy and doesn’t interfere with their daily lives, but also they want one that works. Too often do people start a fad diet and end up gaining back the weight that they lost, if not more, after stopping the diet plan. So how do you choose the right diet for you? Sometimes, simply watching your calorie intake and increasing your activity can prove effective. If that doesn’t work, look for diets that allow you to eat foods that are nutrient-rich and lean. Diets that make you starve yourself are never a good idea, and most of those diets are the ones that will cause you to gain excess weight back after you stop the diet.

  How to choose one that’s right for you

Although I’ve worked in fitness centers for over 30 years, in reality, you don’t have to spend a lot of money on expensive health club or fitness center memberships, or the latest fitness center memberships, or the latest fitness equipment, to increase your level of physical fitness.

 On the other hand, many people find it difficult to concentrate; say at home, when there are many other distractions.  Also, people sometimes find that making a financial commitment increases their chances of following thru long-term.

Fitness centers are designed, built, and equipped to appeal to a broad range of individuals.  After all, member ship sales pay the bills.

However, not all centers operate in the same manner.  Many require contracts that are legally binding, and require monthly payments, for the length of the contract.  There’s nothing inherently wrong with that scenario, in fact it’s very common.  The point is, if you’re going to sign on the dotted line, it’s important, that the health club you’ve chosen is right for you.

Location

People make all kinds of excuses not to work out, with proximity to home or work very high on the list.  Research has shown that most people won’t travel more than eight miles or eight minutes to work out.  Since an exercise an exercise program requires consistency, a convenient location is a must.

Hours of Operation

If you prefer to exercise at a particular time of day, remember to look closely at the day and hours of operation.   Also, visit the club prior to joining at the time of day you’re most likely to attend.  Is it crowded then? 

Equipment and Amenities

With your personal fitness goals in mind, shop around and compare equipment, locker rooms, classes, etc.  How about a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, steam or sauna?  Are these in good working order?  Have you any interests there?

There should be a wide array of both cardiovascular and strength equipment, as you’ll want to have the opportunity to change your routine periodically, and use different pieces of equipment. That will help keep you interested and motivated.

Cost

Shopping around allows you to compare what you’re getting, to what you’re paying.  Newer clubs with newer equipment, a wide variety of amenities, will probably cost more per month, but you never know, so look around.  I like clubs that charge an all-inclusive monthly fee, that allows you use of the entire facility.  Usually the only additional charge would be for the personal training or massages, which is true everywhere.

Personnel

How were you treated as you looked around?  Did the employees seem attentive to members, helpful and friendly?  If you want to learn a new machine or piece of equipment, is someone available to demonstrate?  You shouldn’t feel uncomfortable asking for assistance in your own club.

While we’re on the topic of fitness center’s employees, pay special attention to the exercise specialists education, experience, and professional certification.  Knowing why to do a particular exercise is just as important as how to perform it.  Also, are they C.P.R. certified, and is an Automatic Defibrillator available, in case of emergency?

Membership

Certain fitness centers attract a specific kind of member.  Bodybuilders are attracted by lots of free weights, as their main purpose in building large muscles.  On the other hand, senior citizens are much more comfortable with selectorized machines, and a good choice of cardiovascular equipment.  These clubs will have a totally different feel, as the business adapts to the majority of its members, and the fitness center takes on a personality of its own.  Make sure which center you’re most comfortable in, before joining.

Cleanliness

There is a wide variation among fitness centers, as far as cleanliness is concerned.  My experience has shown that hospital-based fitness facilities are generally the cleanest, which makes sense.  Again, you want to be somewhere, that you’re comfortable and safe, and where the owners take pride in their fitness center.

Again, all health/fitness centers are not created equal.  Find the one that fits your wants and needs, attend consistently and look and feel better, as you build on your personal fitness program.

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