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Not quite as Easy as 1-2-3: The staid old dance can double as your ...
The ballroom dance that scandalized polite English society in the 19th century for its salacious pairing of men and women is causing a ruckus again. The waltz, it turns out, can have health benefits.In a study of 110 heart-failure patients that was presented at a recent meeting of the American Heart Association in Chicago, researchers reported that dancing the waltz three times a week for eight weeks was just as effective in improving cardiopulmonary function as exercising on a treadmill or bicycle for the same period.That's because the waltz, which looks so smooth and elegant when done well, is deceptively rigorous. Because of that, its aerobic benefits extend to others as well, says Dr. William Averill, a cardiologist and past president of the association's Los Angeles division.Of course, die-hard aficionados knew this - and regard the recent study as vindication."The waltz is more of a workout than aerobics or running," says Stuart Cole, co-owner of Vivo Dancesport Center, in the Los Angeles area.
Stocking-Stuffer Strategies to Stay the Course During the Holidays
The holidays are here again and, as we all know, the month of December is one of the biggest threats to both the dietary and exercise regimens to which we have so faithfully adhered since, well, the end of the last holiday season. This article presents five strategies to help you keep your healthy lifestyle intact during the holidays. Some of these strategies you have perhaps heard before. However, as is often the case, we need repetition before we can incorporate a significant change into our lives. 1. Enjoy Your Holiday You may be surprised to discover that the amount of activity necessary to maintain what fitness levels you have achieved is less than the amount required to produce change. In other words, if you can continue exercising at least two days per week and maintain your intensity it is likely you will not lose much of your fitness gains.
European campaign an option for Miss Finland
SUPERSTAR filly Miss Finland returns today to the Lindsay Park stables for a campaign that could include a trip to Europe in the middle of next year. Owner John Messara said contesting the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot was one option for the filly. Messara said Miss Finland would resume in the C.F. Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on February 10, but it may be the filly's only appearance in Melbourne during the autumn. He said at this stage the Cadbury Guineas was not on the agenda for the filly, the only horse to complete the Golden Slipper/Thousand Guineas/VRC Oaks treble. Messara said Miss Finland was more likely to head to Sydney to run in the Chipping Norton or Surround Stakes for her second start. He said Miss Finland would not run in the AJC Oaks.
Character counts: The concept of enough
Have you heard about the man who was feeling sorry for himself because he couldn't afford new shoes until he met a man with no shoes? And about the man with no shoes was almost overcome with grief about his lot in life until he met a man with no feet? .
Marathoner was running for her life
Yet look at Christina Oswalt now. Running 20-plus miles at least twice a week and lifting weights in a gym built for elite athletes to train for her 11th marathon. Oswalt, 41, will run in the P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon and Marathon on Jan. 14.
"I had no idea I was competitive," Oswalt said.
This from a Mesa mother of four who had never picked up a dumbbell in her life, had never perspired from exercise, had never played a sport.
Her story is much more than just her out-of-nowhere athletic abilities. Her story is about perseverance and hope. Oswalt began running to save her life. And now she is running to save others.
"For me, I fee like I'm running for every underdog," Oswalt said. "Everybody who thought they couldn't do something, every child who can't speak for themselves.
MAU track running strong
HANOVER, N.H. — The Mt. Anthony Indoor Track & Field Team competed in its second New Hampshire League indoor track meet of the season on Saturday at Dartmouth College. A total of 15 teams participated from New Hampshire and Vermont, in a very competitive meet. The top six places in each event were scored in the meet. The boys had an impressive showing, placing fifth out of 15 teams with 18.5 points. There were many personal records set, with more people qualifying for States in different events. Kris Haynes placed first in the 1000m run with a time of 2:38.10. Haynes, trailing by 20 meters on the final lap, caught and passed Eyob Eyualem of Oyster River, setting a personal record by nine seconds in the event. Haynes then had one event to recover, before he placed second in the 300m with a time of 36.68, another personal record.
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