Have you seen our Power Plate?

Written by: Krista Reader

One of the key objectives we had when building our Healthfit 4 Life Fitness Studio was to have cutting edge equipment that would not only help our clients get healthier, but do it more efficiently. We chose to invest in the Power Plate because we believe in the exciting benefits it can deliver and we knew that our very busy clients would love how quickly it can produce results.

As a special offer to get our subscribers introduced to this amazing technology, we are offering ONE FREE Power Plate Training Session for the month of April 2011.

Let’s talk a little more about why it is so great. The Power Plate machine uses the principles of Acceleration Training™ to stimulate the body’s natural response to vibration. These vibrations transmit waves of energy throughout the body, activating muscle contractions between 25 and 50 times per second, enhancing overall performance in sessions as short as 15 minutes a day, 3 times a week. Standing on the mechanical vibrating plate, we adjust it to a vibrating frequency that meets your fitness level. From there the vibrations will cause your body to respond and contract with each shift. This constant muscle tensioning is what makes it so effective.

Under the supervision of a Healthfit 4 Life Fitness Coach, you will be lead through a series of exercises on the Power Plate. You will immediately feel the results of the vibrations and can very quickly see a dramatic improvement in your strength, power, flexibility, balance, and tone. Say goodbye to some cellulite as well!

Just as exciting, is the fact that this is a very low impact technology and will work for any age. Extensive research has shown that whether you are 20 or 80, the benefits can be amazing. Because of the cellular level stimulation the Power Plate creates, there are several additional benefits including

• Fight osteoporosis
• Increase stamina
• Build strength and muscle tone
• Improved circulation throughout your body
• Relieve stiff muscles, joints, including lower back pain
• Increase range of motion

For more information about our Power Plate Fitness Training Program, or to sign up for your free session, please contact us here or call (949) 706-3300.

Kids & Exercise: What is the Risk?

Written by: Dr. David Bloom

We all understand the extreme benefit that being active has for all ages. Taking your toddler to play in the park, 5th grader to little league, or high school junior to a trainer, exercise at every age is very important. While we all understand the benefits, we are often asked about the risks as well. Listed below are many of the benefits and risks that you should be aware of as your child grows and becomes more physically active.

The benefits of regular exercise:   

• General protection against heart disease
• 50% stroke risk reduction with ongoing regular exercise
• Lower risk of diabetes
• 33% – 50% decreased risk of developing hypertension
• Lowered chance of developing osteoporosis with weight-bearing exercise
• Less anxiety and depression
• Weight control
• Improved strength and function (even when started later in life)
• Long term healthy “exercise habits” usually develop
• Boost in self-confidence
• Greater social benefits and networking with group or team fitness activities
• Treatment for certain conditions (insomnia, fibromyalgia, etc.)

The concerns of regular exercise:

• Higher rates of injury, traumatic or overuse type (especially without adequate preparation/technique/rest/supervision)
• Overtraining syndrome (similar to chronic fatigue)
• Heart attack or arrhythmia
• Dehydration
• Development of a too low body fat %
• Inefficient use of time (such as when poorly planned/organized)

Awareness and education is a great first step. The benefits are clear, and the risks can be minimized with good, consistent medical attention. Make sure to discuss your child’s fitness activity on a yearly basis with his/her doctor. When choosing a new sport, it is always a good idea to have a physical conducted to ensure that your child is ready to participate.

When you meet with your physician, make sure that a thorough screening history and focused physical is completed. Included in this should be all of the necessary questions and examinations to ensure that there are no underlying cardiac, respiratory, or other health issues. In addition to this review, there should be an assessment of blood pressure, heart rate, height, and weight. Typically blood, urine, EKG, and other tests are not necessary, however may be recommended based on individual circumstances.

When it comes to exercise, it is important to teach your kids to listen to their bodies and to get adequate rest between sessions. If symptoms of injury or overtraining (such as pain, inflammation, fatigue, etc.) become apparent, consult with your doctor. Knowing how to monitor fluid status not only by thirst (a poor indicator) but more importantly by the amount of sweat, time exercised, or actual difference between pre- and post-exercise weight is critical to protecting their health as well.

Exercise for all of us is an essential tool that we can use to fight disease. Ensuring that you and your family are ready physically is an easy step that will help prevent injury. In addition to medical support and preparation, don’t forget how important nutrition is to physical fitness success as well. We are what we eat!

Healthy Executives

Written by: Dr. Kenneth Cheng

As primary care physicians, we have the privilege of taking care of many families, children, elderly, athletes, healthy folks, as well as people that need extensive medical care. We pride ourselves on creating deep relationships with each of our patients and we are honored to help our clients get the medical support that they need.

We all know that lifestyle choices can dictate your health. Too much stress, not enough sleep, poor nutrition, lack of exercise, all contribute to what your health situation is today and predicts what your health will be like as you get older. Life can be very hectic and for those of you that are driven to live every day to its fullest, stress can take its toll. If you or someone you care about fits the description of “I work too hard,” please keep reading.

For many of us our careers are a huge part of our lives. We work hard, we are driven to succeed and our health often takes a back seat to many other priorities. As we strive to innovate and grow our business, we have learned that there is a tremendous opportunity to build programs that help busy executives and businesses focus on health. We are proud to announce our Business Services Program to support this goal. Working directly with business owners and executives, we can now create a customized program to help your team become healthier and more productive.

Whether it is an annual comprehensive physical, or a yearlong medical and fitness program, we work with busy executives and companies to create a program that best fits their needs.

Drive, financial security, and personal success are all very important life goals, but without good health all of these things usually become much less of a priority. If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about how we can help busy executives focus on health, please give us a call at 949.706.3300 or contact us here.