The History of Pilates Based Exercise

During World War I, German expatriate Joseph Pilates (1880-1967), a former gymnast turned nurse, created a series of exercises and equipment that enabled prisoners of war to maintain their strength and flexibility during captivity. Read the rest of this entry »

Stretching Exercises

With the exception of its golf conditioning studies, South Shore had not previously included stretching exercises in its fitness classes. Although participants experienced modest improvements in hip/trunk flexibility as a result of their full-range strength-training movements, it was decided to study the effects of specific stretching exercises. Read the rest of this entry »

Little Rock Athletic Club, Part 2

Escola says she and the club’s executive director, Pat Riley Jr., had no idea they’d need to use the medical device so soon after they acquired it. Members were thrilled. “You hate to think about needing it, but our customers were happy to know we had such a device. Surprised, but happy,” Escola says. Although the club announced the arrival of the AED in the member newsletter, it was the incident on the basketball court, and its coverage in an Associated Press story, that really helped spread the word. Read the rest of this entry »

Little Rock Athletic Club, Part 1

As the Little Rock Athletic Club approached its 10-year anniversary, the company appeared to have everything its 7,000 members could possibly want. It had 13 tennis, four racquetball and two basketball courts, three cardio areas and a children’s fitness center, a full schedule of aerobics and yoga classes — basically “everything you can imagine,” says the club’s health director Kim Escola. Then one day last March, a member collapsed on the basketball court while resting between his regular noontime games. Read the rest of this entry »

Pilates: The Mind and Body Connection

If working out isn’t as fun as it used to be, Pilates might be a great alternative. Geared toward toning the body with an emphasis on the mind and body connection, Pilates is great whether you’re an exercise guru or an exercise novice.

Read the rest of this entry »

Build Muscle

This month’s goal: Do three 20-minute strength-training sessions per week

For the past month you’ve been challenging your major muscle groups—especially your abs, butt and thighs—so you’re sure to be feeling stronger head to toe. Read the rest of this entry »

Stretch Out to Drop Strokes. Part 2

Return to all fours. Bring right foot forward until toes are even with left knee. Sit back until right foot is flat on floor. Your right knee should be under (or in front of) your chest. Lean forward slightly, let right heel come off floor. Press your upper body onto your right thigh and feel the stretch in your right calf and Achilles tendon. Repeat on the other side.
Read the rest of this entry »

Stretch Out to Drop Strokes. Part 1

The key to a loose golf swing, a complete follow-through, and a pain-free game is being limber. A regular program of stretching is the way to improve your flexibility. To perform the following routine you’ll need 10 to 20 minutes, a golf club or long stick, and a wall. Keep the following points in mind while you stretch:
Read the rest of this entry »

Get Your Ski’s out of the Garage Post 2

The Boots

Would you keep your Gucci’s out in the garage? Storing your boots the right way and in the right place will help keep them looking, fitting and smelling like new. Look at it this way: Your boots probably cost a few bucks more than your best dress shoes. Read the rest of this entry »

Get Your Ski’s out of the Garage Post 1

Like an igloo, ski equipment is designed for cold weather, not the heat of the summer. If you store your skis in a sauna-like locale, the possibility exists that they will take on a different personality the next time you hit the slopes. Although you may think your skis appear to be indestructible, they certainly are not. In fact, your skis are especially susceptible to heat and other adverse conditions altering performance and longevity. Even though the opportune time to prepare it for summer hibernation is the end of the winter, it is not too late to spend a few minutes properly stowing your gear. Read the rest of this entry »