hello from Philadelphia

Hi all, I am at Philly Mania this weekend which is a fitness conference in Philadelphia. I am a personal trainer, Pilates instructor, "Barre" instructor (a fusion class that incorporates Pilates, Dance, Yoga and strength training with light weights and a ballet barre) as well as teach indoor cycling and a barbell class called "Body Pump", so I am here for the weekend getting the credits I need to continue doing what I love - teaching fitness classes! There are so many amazing, motivating instructors here as well as informative lecturers updating us on the latest trends in the industry. I took a new step class today called "curve step" which was amazing. The step was shaped like a curve and could be used both ways - as a "rainbow "- where you can step on or as a "smiley face" where our can balance inside...plus bands can be threaded through, in both directions and used for upper and lower body resistance work. It was challenging and really fun - look for "curve step"...you can follow the instructor Jeff McMullen on facebook or twitter and his website is www.jefffitnesspro.com.

I also took a lecture from Irene McCormick (www.irenemccormick.com) called "Fear Factor Food - Kids Rule". It was about how to educate children on the importance of nutrition and how to "Wow" them with fun games that will allow them to explore different nutrition options. We really need to educate our kids about why they are eating what they are eating and give them options....peas or spinach, carrots or broccoli, yams or white potatoes (which yes white potatoes are healthy for you. They are full of nutrients, fiber, phytochemicals, iron, copper, potasium...) We have got to stop making one meal for ourselves and another (usually unhealthy) meal for our kids. They don't have an option, they should eat what is on the table. If they want something else, Irene suggested they can get up from the table and make it themselves. She did say don't deprive your children, offer some fun foods they like or have treats in the house for occasional snacks....because if we deprive them, they will sneak it in or find it somewhere else. The key is to educate them why certain foods are healthy and others are not. I couldn't stay for the game section, but will get a game or two from her and write about it later.

Ironically First lady Michelle Obama was in Philadelphia today taking her "obesity campaign" to Philly Schools. She said too many people around the country don't have a grocery store near them where they can get fresh food. She announced that more than $400 million in funding is in effect to bring healthy food retailers to underprivileged communities. So many of these families are buying their food from convenience stores right now, with very little access to fresh food markets.

TAKE AWAY:

Americans are "sitting" (including sleeping) for an average of 20 hours a day!! Sitting for prolonged periods of time is a health risk! It causes obesity, diabetes and heart disease and scientist claim it is as bad for you as smoking or over-exposure to the sun. Even if you exercise regularly, if you sit for prolonged periods of time you are at risk. If you sit at a desk for work, take the stairs instead of elevators, walk to grab lunch, have a meeting with someone on a walk rather than sitting in a conference room. Try to be active throughout the day - not just for one or two hours at the gym - you need to be active longer than your gym workout!