Los Gatos Resolution Run - New Year's Day event benefits high school, gets year off to fit start

Tuesday, December 29th, 2009 Start the year off right at the Los Gatos Resolution Run. This family-friendly event benefits Los Gatos High School and is a perfect way to get that... Keep Reading »

Ski fitness: how to get ready in advance and again before you hit the slopes

Tuesday, December 29th, 2009 "Fitter, healthier skiers are happier skiers, who ski longer and harder," says Andrew Hooge, author of FitSkiing…Your Guide for Peak... Keep Reading »

Yea say Wii fans: The Biggest Loser video game hits retail outlets

Tuesday, October 6th, 2009 Announced last May, the Biggest Loser video game for Wii and Nintendo was released to retail outlets throughout North America. The game will also be... Keep Reading »

Free card helps parents, coaches identify concussion in young athletes

Monday, October 5th, 2009 Experts say concussions among teen athletes have grown from 300,000 incidents 10 years ago to upwards of three million cases in the U.S. last year.... Keep Reading »

4 terrific ideas for helping your kids learn to love fitness

Monday, October 5th, 2009 Besides regular play time, encouragement and a positive example, just how CAN parents build a lifetime habit of fitness in their children? With... Keep Reading »

Rock n Roll San Jose - finish line - Meb Keflezighi first by 02:06

Sunday, October 4th, 2009 1 Meb Keflezighi 1:01:00... Keep Reading »

Rock n Roll San Jose - Stage 10 - a set up report

Sunday, October 4th, 2009 8:15 a.m. race day and the excitement begins. Along the way, at Stage 10 (mile 8.8), Sould Intention is starting to play, the Lincoln High... Keep Reading »

Live from Rock n Roll San Jose Expo: Keflezighi talks training, some good freebies, lots of commerce

Saturday, October 3rd, 2009 With packet pick-up, volunteer check in, race registration as the main draws, the San Jose Rock n Roll Marathon Health and Fitness Expo brought in... Keep Reading »

Headed to Rock n Roll San Jose Expo? Bring your old shoes and your multivitamin bottle

Saturday, October 3rd, 2009 You don't need to pay to get into the Health & Fitness Expo this weekend at San Jose's Convention Center, but you will want to bring your old...

Halloween is just around the corner and CORE Fitness has a special to match the season

Wednesday, September 30th, 2009 October is Bring-a-Buddy Month at CORE Fitness Studio in Los Gatos Here's how it works: * You and a buddy--someone new to CORE Fitness--buy... Keep Reading »

Rock ‘n’ Roll San Jose Half Marathon –online registration closes 9/27

Online registration closes Sunday, Sept 27 - you can wait til the Expo, but why not commit yourself now and save $20

Jack LaLanne turns 95 - if you are into fitness today, say thank you to this pioneer

Saturday, September 26th, 2009 Fitness pioneer Jack LaLanne turns 95 on September 26. To people who grew up in the 60's and 70's, LaLanne is one of - if not the - most instantly recognizable fitness names: someone who has been relevant, vocal and visible as a fitness advocate for decades. I did an article with a clip from one of his old shows and an overview of his accomplishments on San Jose Fitness Examiner - please check it out: Keep Reading »

But on a more personal note, his birthday got me thinking about the amazing consistency LaLanne has represented in an industry that has often been known for lack of ethics, trendiness and inconsistency.

While we take the fitness industry for granted today, and that's pretty much a new development. In the 40's, 50's and 60's, there were many "fitness" experts who made wild and crazy promises, who urged the silliest possible exercises to women in order to help them "stay desirable" and who opened high-pressure, high-cost "spas" which basically catered to people with more money than sense.

Fitness centers had equipment that was either geared toward body builders, or machines with rollers and belts that would "vibrate off the fat."

Athleticism among women was considered unfeminine. Healthy eating was defined as red-meat-and-potatoes, with plenty of canned vegetables topped by butter. Cross-training by athletes was virtually unknown.

LaLanne was a kook in many ways. But a healthy, consistent, upbeat kook, who gave millions of housewives a better perspective on fitness. He paved the way for what actually developed into fitness as we know it today - creating a climate for Jazzercize, Jane Fonda, Denise Austin (another California fitness professional who was LaLanne's co-host for a time) - which helped build an industry that today affects every American and is a part of our daily conversation.

A neighbor in her 30's heard me say it was Jack LaLanne's birthday and asked why I'd care about that man who does infomercials for juicers on late night tv. Then again, she also gave me a puzzled look when I mentioned Jane Fonda's impact on fitness.

I'm immensely impressed with California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and his wife Maria Shriver, who made certain that LaLanne was inducted into the California Hall of Fame in 2008 so that his contributions would be recognized.

Thanks again, Jack LaLanne. And Happy Birthday.

Could you be a star in Fame? If you've got the moves, enter the online contest

Friday, September 25th, 2009 Fame - the remake of the popular 1980's hit - premiered in Los Angeles (see a video from the premier below). At the premiere, cast members Naturi...Keep Reading »

Dr. Oz works with NFL moms in a fitness challenge - get fit by Super Bowl

Friday, September 25th, 2009 Announced today: Friday, September 25, 'The Dr. Oz Show' and the National Football League join forces as 20 moms of NFL Players go head-to-head to...Keep Reading »

Kevin Federline, Bobby Brown and Nicole Eggert all line up for VH1's Celebrity Fit Club

Thursday, September 24th, 2009 Access Hollywood confirmed it all just yesterday: Kevin Federline, Bobby Brown, Nicole Eggert, "High School Musical" star Caycee Stroh... Keep Reading »

Get moving with YMCA & America On the Move Week - September 20-27

Sunday, September 20th, 2009 Bring your entire family to one of the YMCA of Silicon Valley locations through Sept. 27 to participate in America On the Move Week, a free,... Keep Reading »

Fitness news: Postmenopausal women benefit greatly from endurance training

Sunday, September 20th, 2009 A UC Berkeley press release posted this week summarized the findings of a study showing that postmenopausal women benefit from endurance training as... Keep Reading »

Bay area "Let's Play Outside" month kicks off; familiarizes kids with nature

Saturday, September 19th, 2009 Isn't this what childhood should be about? Building forts and playing in mud, enjoying the outdoors and running and playing?  The Bay Area Children in Nature Collaborative thinks so. 'Let's Play Outside' is a month-long campaign of play days and parent presentations starting September 15th to promote unstructured... Keep Reading »

Heidi Klum says "probably not" for this year's Victoria's Secret fashion show

Friday, September 18th, 2009 The incredibly beautiful and in-shape Heidi Klum was at Los Angeles Confidential's pre-Emmy party Thursday night - wearing 7-inch leopard-print heels... Keep Reading »

Teri Hatcher, Felicity Huffman complete - and COMPLETE - a triathlon

Friday, September 18th, 2009 Fitness for a cause is a great way to have fun, stay fit and give back to the community. Just ask Desperate Housewives stars Teri Hatcher and... Keep Reading »

At the Emmy Awards - it's "Thanx to SPANX"

Friday, September 18th, 2009 The 61st primetime Emmy awards air this Sunday, September 20, and everyone knows that award shows are as much about what the stars are wearing as who is winning what.  Keep Reading »

MTV Video Music Awards - will the tribute to Michael Jackson inspire you or make you sad?

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

Be inspired!

The tribute to MJ that is in the opening segment of tonight's VMAs should remind us of what we loved about the music and the movement of Michael Jackson.

Starting at 8 pm ET, the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards get underway with a live red carpet preshow (embedded below), followed by a 9 pm (Eastern) start....
Keep Reading »

Silicon Valley fitness opportunity: Free family fitness day - Sept. 26 at Almaden Valley Athletic Club

Love free and fitness? Check out the Family Fitness Day September 26 at Almaden Valley Athletic Club from 10-3, with dozens of free classes, health assessments, fitness tips. The free event is designed to encourage a healthy lifestyle for families by offering physical activities and also includes nutritional education by Whole Foods Market. There will also be prizes, coupons and other freebies. Keep Reading »

US Open: tennis increasingly physical for top stars like Roger Federer, Serena Williams

Friday, September 11th, 2009 Speed, strength, flexibility. Tennis is becoming increasingly physical. Serena and Venus Williams, Kim Clijsters, Maria Sharapova, and of course... Keep Reading »

Four tips from fitness expert Andrea Metcalf can improve your golf game.

Wednesday, September 9th, 2009 Do dreams of playing golf like Tiger Woods dance in your head? Well be careful! The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons reports that there... Keep Reading » Wednesday, September 9th, 2009 Do dreams of playing golf like Tiger Woods dance in your head? Well be careful! The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons reports that there... Keep Reading »

Corporate fitness programs: do they just keep the fit healthy? Or, is there true ROI?

Tuesday, September 8th, 2009 Silicon Valley Health Trust Director of Wellness, Krisna Hanks says there are practical applications to worksite health programs - even if the already-healthy employees are the first ones to take advantage of the programs. Keep Reading »

Melanie Oudin's shoes: have you caught "Believe" fever?

Image by mrlaugh via Flickr

Monday, September 7th, 2009 · Watching 17-year-old U S Open tennis phenom, Melanie Oudin we can't believe it! Or, even better, we CAN believe it. As she said after her match with Petrova, I just started to believe I could win. And yes, those shoes that are so perfect for her - even they say "believe" on them - an idea she says her boyfriend contributed. It's happened not only in that match against Petrova, but all the way through the U. S. Open. She's turned into a powerhouse player this tournament. Ranked 70th she's been beating them all...so far at least. They are calling her Cinderella, but as stated earlier (Oudin bests Sharapova/Petrova), "They call it a Cinderella run. Don't you believe it. No fairy godmother plucked Melanie Oudin out of obscurity, and handed her a magic slipper. She worked for it, she focused, and as she has said, she believed she could do it." Add your comment - or share if you have caught the "believe" fever»

Jesse Witten: surprise underdog comes on strong at US Open. See what fitness will get you?

Saturday, September 5th, 2009 Of course it's an overstatement to say that 26 year-old, 5'10" Jesse Witten is the surprise player at this year's US Open just because of... Keep Reading »

What is fitness? Teens say nutrition and exercise are keys to health

Saturday, September 5th, 2009 What is fitness? Generally it's considered the healthy condition that allows people to perform the tasks they enjoy and is a result of exercise and... Keep Reading »

Melanie Oudin - her fitness, her workout, her wow factor

Thursday, September 3rd, 2009 · 4 comments Fitness folks who love Serena Williams, Venus Williams and the other tennis stars just found a new hero. 17-year-old Melanie Oudin, as the Wall.... Keep Reading »

September 2009 - Silicon Valley fitness calendar posted

Image of Mt. Hamilton via Wikipedia

The fitness events calendar for September 2009 is live on San Jose Fitness.

It's not a long list like we've seen in the spring and summer months - though there are a number of events - Labor Day Run, Bike MS, etc.

But it is a great month to try some alternative forms of fitness - for instance, as the weather mellows out in San Francisco and the bitter cold fog of summer disappears, it's a perfect time to head up that way for walks on the hills, or in the parks.

A day in Golden Gate Park, a walking tour of one of your favorite neighborhoods, or you could even take the family out to Alcatraz. It's just a perfect time of year to get out and walk.

Or forget San Francisco. Spend a day walking around Mt. Hamilton (pictured above), or go north to the wine country.

And... September is National Yoga Month... honor your body by taking a yoga class. Lots of free classes around in September.

So this month - try something new. Ride a bike, take a hike, or visit nearby fitness studios in search of a "home" for your winter workouts.

Joe Weider, fitness and bodybuilding pioneer, named to California Hall of Fame

Sunday, August 30th, 2009 This past week, fitness leader Joe Weider was named as an inductee in the California Museum "California Hall of Fame." He joins Jack... Keep Reading »

Ted Kennedy, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, and the Kennedy clan's contribution to fitness

Saturday, August 29th, 2009 · 1 comment The deaths of Eunice Kennedy Shriver and Edward 'Teddy' Kennedy have affected all Americans. Wiser pundits have covered the contributions to our... Keep Reading »

Santa Clara County corporate wellness event: Capturing the Value in Worksite Wellness

Corporate (worksite) wellness is increasingly important to the health of workers and employers. Times are stressful, employees are anxious, and yet pressure on employers to cut costs is intense.

A September 9 event being held by the Santa Clara County Public Health department can give you the information you need to measure how health and fitness contributes to the bottom line of your organization.

Go over to the article on San Jose Fitness Examiner for all the info.

Widget to track the flu updates from CDC

Stay fit this flu season by keeping up with the flu information from the CDC. Here's a widget for your blog or web site.

Seasonal Flu Updates

   
   

Little League World Series teaches kids - and parents - important lessons about fitness

Saturday, August 29th, 2009 · 1 comment Out of shape, obese kids? Not at the Little League World Series - the 10-day event that has attracted a 137 percent viewership increase on ESPN2. See... Keep Reading »

Silicon Valley senior centers offer activities, fitness and exercise

Senior centers can be a wealth of opportunity for the fitness-minded. Typically they offer a variety of workout and exercise programs at all levels. Don't be too quick to dismiss them as "places for really old people."

Yes, there are activities for active-minded people in their 70's, 80's and 90's, but there are also a lot of low cost options for people in their 50's and 60's too. And face it, sometimes it's nice to know that a class instructor has been trained to work with "the slightly older body."

Here's a list (send in more if you have them) of centers, most of which have programs for residents and non-residents of that city.

Typically the programs are available to people ages 50+:

Click here for a list of Silicon Valley-area senior centers

Queen Latifah loses weight thanks to Jenny Craig. Have you ever tried Jenny? Vote here

Queen Latifah came out today, talking about her new CD, her guest spot on American Idol, and her weight loss with Jenny Craig. A few days ago, it was Phylicia Rashad. And of course we all remember Valerie Bertinelli and Kirstie Alley. So the question of the day, Have you ever tried Jenny Craig? Click here and let your voice be heard...have you ever tried Jenny Craig?

Everyone's Favorite! Wunderlich Park 10 mile hike RT to Skyline Blvd: 4 hrs

From Bay Area Meetup - sounds great - here's the link: http://www.meetup.com/burnfitness/calendar/11180062/

10 mile hike -

..." one of the most beautiful workouts in the bay area! Its 5 miles up ( and you'll be working) and then 5 fun miles down. The scenery is gorgeous, peaceful, and serene while at the same time, you'll be really getting a great aerobic and anaerobic work out. You'll go to sleep well afterwards too... its better than ambien :)! "

Final wrap up from World Athletic Championships: 3 world records, 9 championship records, 1984 athletes

If you followed any of the truly thrilling events at the 12th IAAF World Championships in Athletics (Berlin) this week, you know it was a remarkable time. Here is a portion of the final news conference:

Speech of President Diack:

Fantastic achievements on the track

“We have all enjoyed a fantastic World Champs which have been notable for confirming the success of athletics at last year’s Olympic Games.

There have been fantastic achievements on the track – and not only Usain Bolt, who may now be the most famous sportsman in the world, not just in athletics – but other World records, Area records and National records.

In summary we gathered 201 territories from all over the world to Berlin 2009:

1984 Athletes – 1086 men and 898 women
3 World records
9 Championship records
8 Area records
57 National records!!!

(For more information from the press conference, go to the IAAF web site.)

YMCA Silicon Valley offers variety of programs, services and exercise for 50+

Sunday, August 23rd, 2009 Active folks over 50 have a great fitness resource available in the YMCA of Silicon Valley. So far as price, convenience, location and year-round...

Miss Universe 2009: fitness and workouts are a constant companion to contestants

Sunday, August 23rd, 2009 When the 58th annual Miss Universe pageant goes live tonight (NBC and Telemundo at 9 pm ET) - it.may be eye-candy television but it represents a lot... Keep Reading »