Posted in:
October 5, 2008 10:32 AM by Melanie M. Valerio | COMMENTS
THE FIVE HEART ZONES
Heart zones are all expressed as a percentage of your
maximum heart rate (Max HR). They reflect exercise intensity. By training in
each of the five different zones you’ll realize five different results. Using
your heartbeat, you’ll set each of these zones at 10% of your Heart Rate Max.
READ MORE
Posted in:
October 3, 2008 1:46 PM by Melanie M. Valerio | COMMENTS
So it's getting a bit cooler in most places.
ANd I saw something this morning that I just have to comment on.
For the love of all mankind. If you're going to wear workout tights in public (public of any kind - which to me includes a workout room) please please please wear an empty skirt over them!
You know what I'm talking about...especially if they're you're favorite tights from a few years ago. Believe me it's just not flattering so cover it up with a cute little workout skirt. And by empty skirt obviously you need one without undies or shorts attached.
Turn an ugly situation into a cute one!
READ MORE
Posted in:
October 1, 2008 6:55 PM by Melanie M. Valerio | COMMENTS
I've seen a lot of hype about "Breaking The Food Seduction" by Dr. Neal Barnard, MD. According to Dr. Barnard's book:
Whether you’re drawn to chocolate, cookies, potato chips,
cheese, or burgers and fries, we all have foods we can’t seem to resist—foods
that sabotage our best efforts to lose weight and improve our health.
These foods are winning the battle—but that’s because we’re
fighting it in the wrong place. As physician and leading health researcher Dr.
Neal Barnard explains in this groundbreaking book, banishing these cravings is
not a question of willpower or psychology—it’s a matter of biochemistry.
Hmmm. Biochemistry. Another new buzzword for the diet community or actually something that really works?
READ MORE
Posted in:
September 30, 2008 10:17 AM by Melanie M. Valerio | COMMENTS
Yesterday I decided to run for the first time in a long time. Not far, not fast and really not too hard. I just wanted to get out and enjoy the passing clouds in the sky and the warm breeze in the air. I haven't ran in fall-like weather in a very long time. Running for me is always a lesson in humility which I think is a great thing.
READ MORE
Posted in:
September 26, 2008 2:40 PM by Melanie M. Valerio | COMMENTS
Three simple things to remember or try when it's pouring rain and you want to run.
READ MORE
Posted in:
September 24, 2008 7:51 AM by Melanie M. Valerio | COMMENTS
Still wearing nose clips to the pool?
Not very cool.
Want to know the secret to swimming without 'em?

READ MORE
Posted in:
September 22, 2008 1:36 AM by Melanie M. Valerio | COMMENTS
In case you've never heard of it, it's definitely something to take notice of. As an athlete, I have plenty of friends who fall within this category.
Wikipedia states the following:
Orthorexia, or orthorexia nervosa is a term coined by Steven
Bratman, a Colorado MD, to denote an eating
disorder characterized by excessive focus on eating healthy foods.
In rare cases, this focus may turn into a fixation so extreme that it can lead
to severe malnutrition or even death.
Bratman coined the term in 1997 from the Greek orthos,
"correct or right", and orexis for "appetite". Literally
"correct appetite", the word is modeled on anorexia, "without
appetite", as used in definition of the condition anorexia nervosa.
Bratman describes orthorexia as an unhealthy obsession (as in
obsessive-compulsive disorder) with what the sufferer considers to be healthy eating. The
subject may avoid certain foods,
such as those containing fats,
preservatives, animal products, or other
ingredients considered by the subject to be unhealthy; if the dietary
restrictions are too severe or improperly managed, malnutrition can result.
Bratman asserts that "emaciation is common among
followers of certain health food diets, such as rawfoodism, and this can at
times reach the extremes seen in anorexia nervosa." He goes on to claim
that such "anorexic orthorexia" can be as dangerous as anorexia.
However, he states, "the underlying motivation is quite different. While
an anorexic wants to lose weight, an orthorexic wants to feel pure, healthy and
natural. Eating disorder specialists may fail to understand this distinction,
leading to a disconnect between orthorexic and physician.
According to the Macmillan English Dictionary, the word is
entering the English lexicon. It is not an
official medical diagnosis, and it is not listed in the DSM-IV.
READ MORE
Posted in:
September 19, 2008 5:00 AM by Melanie M. Valerio | COMMENTS
Do you normally use only weight machines at the gym? Afraid to pick up a dumbbell?
Well I've found three great references to help you get over your fear.
And you can even celebrate with a Dum Dum when you're done.

READ MORE
Posted in:
September 17, 2008 5:00 AM by Melanie M. Valerio | COMMENTS
Everyone knows what Crocs are these days. And although they've been ridiculed from You Tube to SNL, they are a comfortable crazy looking shoe.
Well, that crazy shoe company has started a new line of not so crazy looking shoes for women.
You by Crocs
Their current FALL collection is available now and offers comfortable shoe alternatives for work and play.
READ MORE
Posted in:
September 15, 2008 5:25 AM by Melanie M. Valerio | COMMENTS
There are nine Fall Alternatives to get you into, back into, revitalized for something more, for something new, or just simply for the change of season.
All nine offer something for everyone so check them out, give them a try, and maybe even try all nine until you find a good fit-to get fit-and feel better-to live longer-and be happier!

READ MORE
Posted in:
September 12, 2008 1:08 PM by Melanie M. Valerio | COMMENTS
I will admit it's no longer the "season" for coral and hot pink toenail polish but since it's not Fall there's no need to rush to autumns and browns.
Now, anyone who knows me, knows black is always acceptable. ALWAYS. (Black lipstick is on its way come October but never wear together).

Back to polish. Torn what to wear during these Post-Summer days? Blue and Purple (and black or a version thereof). Check out the latest colors that will last thru you're toughest workouts both in the pool and on the road.
READ MORE
Posted in:
September 10, 2008 3:01 PM by Melanie M. Valerio | COMMENTS
I hate to harp on this but why is Summer over?
Officially it's not. The Autumnal Equinox is September
22-23, which officially ends Summer.
Not September 2nd, 2008.
This campaign to end Summer early is everywhere!
All you hear people talking about is how school’s starting
so it’s Fall.
Uh, NO IT’S NOT!
READ MORE
Posted in:
September 8, 2008 10:31 AM by Melanie M. Valerio | COMMENTS

Haven't tried a stability ball yet?
Well, it's almost about time don't you think?
Here are three great exercises to try the next time you're at the gym.
READ MORE
Posted in:
September 5, 2008 12:45 PM by Melanie M. Valerio | COMMENTS
I'd like to share my favorite lunch recipe (or dinner for that matter).
It's a simple tomato salad (so you have to like tomatoes).
As an alternative you can use beets (great substitution I know) but I'm guessing more people like tomatoes over beets.

READ MORE
Posted in:
September 3, 2008 7:00 AM by Melanie M. Valerio | COMMENTS
It's been awhile since I've lived where they actually have seasons. So in one respect I am completely looking forward to Fall and Spring. Winter-really? Come on...do people really look forward to winter? February and March are going to be rough on my thin thin thin blood! Just means more shopping for winter clothes!
But with the change of season comes a change in skin. Going from Summer to Winter means nourishing your skin should be the top priority. No more chlorinated pools (for some) and no more ocean water too. Time to slough off dead skin cells, increase circulation and refresh skin for the cooler months ahead.
READ MORE
Posted in:
September 1, 2008 10:10 AM by Melanie M. Valerio | COMMENTS
Lignans.
Think flaxseed, sesame seeds, soy beans, broccoli and berries.
Never heard of the actual word lignans? Well neither have I. It turns out postmenopausal women with breast cancer who ate a diet high in lignans (seeds, whole grains, vegetables and fruits) were 70% less likely to die from the disease ailing women who didn't eat such great foods. Dark bread, broccoli, oranges, peaches, winter squash, strawberries, coffee and tea. (Coffee and tea! I'm just saying...).
READ MORE
Posted in:
August 29, 2008 8:08 AM by Melanie M. Valerio | COMMENTS
Technically yes, but I don't think Fall hits Tuesday morning. It's been awhile since I've had real seasons but from what I can remember Labor Day isn't the end. Perhaps just the beginning.
Having a three day weekend is a great way to start an exercise program or even re-vamp an existing one. Three days to start running. Three days to start swimming. Three days to get outside and enjoy the weather. Walking. Even three days of playing Guitar Hero is better than just three days of sitting around and eating.
READ MORE
Posted in:
August 27, 2008 6:07 PM by Melanie M. Valerio | COMMENTS
Well this time I really found it. ANd it works. And it's easy to apply.
Sunless Tanning Spray. Make that "airbrush" sunless tan. Who layouts anymore? Who still smokes for that matter? And who runs with scissors?
Wait a minute. Wait a minute. back to looking fabulous without the harmful rays of the sun.
Neutrigena Micro-Mist AIrbrush Sunless Tan. It's a lotta name but worth the $12-13.00 a can.

Neutrogena® MicroMist™ Tanning Sunless Spray applies like a
professional airbrush spray for an all over worry-free, "just back from
the beach tan."
This revolutionary, ultra-fine mist covers evenly, for easy,
no-rub application. The one-touch continuous spray works at any angle to tan
hard-to-reach places—even your back. It dries fast and won't clog pores.
Now, random streaks, missed spots and orange palms are a
thing of the past.
READ MORE
Posted in:
August 24, 2008 9:01 PM by Melanie M. Valerio | COMMENTS
So here we are-Monday.
All clean and cleansed. It does honestly feel good.
If you have no l=clue what I am speaking of, I just completed a 5-day Blueprint Cleanse last Friday and have worked my way back to reality eating with ease.
READ MORE
Posted in:
August 22, 2008 4:08 PM by Melanie M. Valerio | COMMENTS
Well, it's definitely the home stretch and with it being Friday and all I'm having dinner tonight. I did a it more research and it turns out my drippy nose could very be from the spicy lemonade juice. It was weird,,,it happened ever time I went out walking around. ???
I haven't checked the scale yet either but for me it was more about "cleaning" than weight loss but after reading some testimonials it seems the weight-loss can be quite significant (depending of course on where you started fitness-wise).
READ MORE