How bad are your fitness habits?
“They are in the same realm as body builders, but instead of seeing the deep-cut muscles, they want to see a nice feminine shape,” Thomas said. Experts say something in between a body builder and a bikini girl. Her dance routines include splits and high kicks and even the ninja kip-up. Thomas placed sixth in June at Jr. Nationals and fifth in August at the North American Championships. The National Physique Committee (NPC), which is the amateur division of the International Federation of Body Builders, was so impressed with her performance in their fitness division last year, they gave Thomas their first-ever Inspiration Award. “She chose the most difficult division of all,” said Miles Nuessle, Arizona chairman of the NPC.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://abcnews.go.com/Health/armless-body-builder-inspires-fitness-world-ability/story?id=20284966
Preva opens up its fitness API, outside devs can now gamify your workout data
“Using this data, industry stakeholders keep a firm grasp on what experiences exercisers are having in the gym, helping them better understand how best to facilitate an exerciser’s fitness journey. Our data is more accurate than any survey, helping fitness players better hone in on what’s needed to help consumers lead a healthier lifestyle.” Facilities use the open API to incorporate real-world Preva exerciser data into their offerings. With development, they can hold Preva achievement badge contests, where top earners are highlighted on Facebook or Twitter. They can create a “calories burned tracker” for their website and hold metrics-driven contests such as “distance traveled” programs to encourage longer, more productive workouts in the gym. Mobile app and other online health services, such as those tracking activities like running or cycling, nutrition and other wellness criteria, can sync Preva exerciser data with their own solutions to improve the accuracy, applicability and value of their quantified self services.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://www.engadget.com/2013/09/17/preva-fitness-open-api-do-you-even-lift-bro/
The verdict: Forgivable Skipping stretching before exercise is not only forgivable but may even be recommended, according to a recent study published in The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. The study shows that stretching prior to weight lifting may make you feel weaker and more off-balance during your workouttwo things you could do without when you’ve got dumbbells teetering over your face. Another analysis of data published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine Science and Sport finds that stretching before exercise is generally unnecessary. Studies also show that stretching does not prevent injury, Marx said. If strength is your goal, youre better off using the time for strengthening and core exercises. That said, it’s important to maintain flexibility overallyou just don’t have to do it before exercise. Stretch in the morning or before bed (it feels great!) or take a weekly yoga class to limber up. Habit: You machine hop without a plan. The verdict: Forgivable Hopping from machine to machine without a real plan has its pros and cons, Holland said. On the upside you have built-in muscle confusion, which means your muscles wont adapt easily to your routine, Holland said.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/09/20/how-bad-are-your-fitness-habits/