Happy New Years

2013 is quickly coming to a close and 2014 is around the corner. Have you sat down and made your new year's resolutions. I know a majority of us will be focused on Fitness and Health goals. Whether it be losing a few pounds for your friend’s wedding in the spring, gearing up for that beach vacation or setting yourself up to run the NYC Marathon next fall.

 

Remember to keep everything in focus. Its nice to know where you want to go. Rome wasn't built in a day. Think of it as a road trip. Every trip, while you may know the final destination, is full of pit stops and local road markers, your fitness goals should be no different.

 

Set yourself up with weekly, monthly and the ultimate finish line. Don't try to rush it. Take it step by step. Weight loss goals should be something like 2 pounds a week, 10 pounds a month. These are average numbers. Its is important to remember that the first week or so of any diet may be filled with a big drop. This is usually do to a decrease of water weight. Stay focused. There is no healthy way to sustain loosing 10 + pounds a week. Be realistic.

 

Pick one day a week, I'd say Friday morning is best, to weigh yourself. Weigh yourself at the same time wearing the same amount of clothing each time.

 

Get your friends on board. It never hurts to have positive re enforcement from friends. Who knows? Maybe they may want to lose weight also. Make it a team effort.

 

Read up on the right foods. Find a variety of healthy, low fat foods that will keep you interested and focused.

 

Remember to keep your medical doctor in the loop. You want to lose the weight safely and effectively, and keep it off.

 

All the best in 2014. Let’s make this world a better, healthier place to live.

 

20 years of tai chi and older adult research

Posted on December 26, 2013 by Stone Hearth News

J Geriatr Phys Ther. 2013 Dec 20. [Epub ahead of print]

Impact of  Tai Chi Chu’an Practice on Balance and Mobility in Older Adults: An Integrative Review of 20 Years of Research.

Hackney ME, Wolf SL. 1Atlanta Veterans Affairs Rehabilitation Research and Development Center of Excellence for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta, Georgia. 2Birmingham-Atlanta VA Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Decatur, Georgia. 3Department of Medicine, Division of General Medicine and Geriatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia. 4Department of Rehabilitation, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia.

Abstract

 Falls in older adults, which often result from decreased balance and mobility, are an important public health issue.

The American College of Sports Medicine recommends multidimensional balance and mobility training to prevent falls.

 In the past 20 years, Tai Chi Chu’an (tai chi) has been found to be effective in improving balance, reducing falls and fear of falling for older adults.

 Efficient use of time devoted to exercise is critical; therefore, more research is needed into the underlying mechanisms of balance and mobility improvements in older adults as a result of tai chi practice, so that these interventions can be most targeted and efficient.

The purpose of this integrative review is twofold.

First, evidence is presented to show that balance and mobility have been improved by tai chi in older adults.

Second, potential mechanisms of balance improvement from research conducted in longtime tai chi practitioners, and from clinical research conducted in older adults, are offered.

A PubMed search with the terms “tai chi” and “balance” entered simultaneously was conducted.

Articles were included if they were systematic reviews, pilot or clinical trials, related to both balance and tai chi, and/or specifically related to determining the mechanisms potentially underlying tai chi’s effects.

The systematic reviews and meta-analyses show that aspects of tai chi research findings remain equivocal.

In spite of the inconclusiveness of these review findings, many researchers have considered tai chi worthy of further investigation.

Furthermore, practitioners in the clinic and those who deliver exercise in the community have evidently embraced tai chi as an appropriate exercise for older adults.

This review, spanning 2 decades, suggests that tai chi has impacted the health and health behaviors of many older adults.

Going forward, informing novel balance and mobility rehabilitation by uncovering mechanisms of tai chi’s effects definitively may be the most important area of discovery in this field.

Source - See more at: http://www.stonehearthnewsletters.com/20-years-of-tai-chi-and-older-adult-research/elder-care/#sthash.BbhZRdXC.dpuf

The genetic basis for elite running performance

 

Posted on December 27, 2013 by Stone Hearth News

  

Br J Sports Med. 2013 Jun;47(9):545-9. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2013-092408.

The genetic basis for elite running performance.
Tucker R, Santos-Concejero J, Collins M.
UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa. Ross.Tucker@mweb.co.za


Abstract
The dominance of East African distance runners and sprinters of West African origin invites discussion around the contribution of genetic and lifestyle factors to performance.
In this review, we focus on the genetic basis for performance.
Previous research associating candidate genes such as ACE and ACTN3 to endurance and sprint performance in Caucasian populations has not been replicated in African populations.

  

This may be influenced by numerous factors, including small sample sizes, comparisons across different ethnic populations and problems identifying appropriate control groups.
Conceptually, these failures reveal the complex polygenic nature of physiology and performance, and the erroneous application of a candidate gene approach to more genetically diverse African populations.
We argue that research has in fact established a role for genes in performance, and that the frequency, rather than the prevalence, of favourable genetic variants within certain populations may account for the performance dominance in these populations.
Source

  

- See more at: http://www.stonehearthnewsletters.com/the-genetic-basis-for-elite-running-performance/genetics/#sthash.w0VH5uRI.dpuf

Yoga’s potential for improving psychological health in older adults

Posted on December 26, 2013 by Stone Hearth News

 J Phys Act Health. 2013 Dec 20. [Epub ahead of print]

Effects of Yoga on Psychological Health in Older Adults

 Bonura KB, Tenenbaum G. Center for Faculty Excellence, Walden University, Minneapolis, MN.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of a yoga intervention on psychological health in older adults.

METHOD:

 A randomized controlled trial study, conducted at two North Florida facilities for older adults. Subjects were 98 older adults, ages 65 – 92. Participants were randomly assigned to chair yoga, chair exercise, and control groups and assessed pre-intervention, post-intervention, and one-month follow-up on the State Anger Expression Inventory, State Anxiety Inventory, Geriatric Depression Scale, Lawton’s PGC Morale Scale, General Self-Efficacy Scale, Chronic Disease Self-Efficacy Scales, and Self-Control Schedule.

RESULTS:

Yoga participants improved more than both exercise and control participants in anger (Cohen’s d = 0.89 for yoga versus exercise, and 0.90 for yoga versus control, pretest to posttest; and d = 0.90 and 0.72, pretest to follow-up), anxiety (d = 0.27, 0.39 and 0.62, 0.63), depression (d = 0.47, 0.49 and 0.53, 0.51), well-being (d = 0.14, 0.49 and 0.25, 0.61), general self-efficacy (d = 0.63, 1.10 and 0.30, 0.85), and self-efficacy for daily living (d = 0.52, 0.81 and 0.27, 0.42). Changes in self-control moderated changes in psychological health.

CONCLUSIONS:

Over a six-week period, our findings indicate yoga’s potential for improving psychological health in older adults.

Source - See more at: http://www.stonehearthnewsletters.com/yogas-potential-for-improving-psychological-health-in-older-adults/mental-health/#sthash.QedT1oCI.dpuf

Meniscus surgery for the knee may not, in fact, work

Posted on December 26, 2013 by Stone Hearth News

 (Reuters Health) –

 One of the most common types of knee surgery performed in the U.S. is no more effective than fake surgery, at least for the first year, according to a new study.

 The new evidence should give doctors pause before they try to repair the meniscus, which cushions the bones of the knee, according to the Finnish doctors behind the research published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

The experiment involved 146 volunteers whose knee pain appeared to be caused by wear and tear of that cushion.

None of the participants had a recognized injury or osteoarthritis, both situations for which the surgery is already known to be ineffective.

After 12 months, the average improvement among the people who received real surgery and those who got “sham” surgery was essentially the same, said the research team, led by Dr. Teppo Jarvinen of University of Helsinki.

There was no significant improvement in knee pain after exercise and no sizable improvement in the likelihood that a patient would require subsequent knee surgery.

But Dr. Craig Bennett, chief of sports medicine at the University of Maryland Medical Center, cautioned that the findings should not be over-generalized.

One problem, he told Reuters Health in a telephone interview, is that such “sham” surgery is, in fact, a surgical procedure with potential benefit. More of Meniscus surgery for the knee may not, in fact, work

- See more at: http://www.stonehearthnewsletters.com/meniscus-surgery-for-the-knee-may-not-in-fact-work/meniscus/#sthash.PAf8jYmH.dpuf

Why music and exercise mix so well

Posted on December 26, 2013 by Stone Hearth News

Front Psychol. 2013 Dec 10;4:921. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2013.00921.

 Musical feedback during exercise machine workout enhances mood.

Fritz TH 1, Halfpaap J 2, Grahl S 2, Kirkland A 2, Villringer A 2. 1Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Science Leipzig, Germany ; Institute for Psychoacoustics and Electronic Music Gent, Belgium ; Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Leipzig Leipzig, Germany. 2Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Science Leipzig, Germany.

 Abstract

 Music making has a number of beneficial effects for motor tasks compared to passive music listening. Given that recent research suggests that high energy musical activities elevate positive affect more strongly than low energy musical activities, we here investigated a recent method that combined music making with systematically increasing physiological arousal by exercise machine workout.

We compared mood and anxiety after two exercise conditions on non-cyclical exercise machines, one with passive music listening and the other with musical feedback (where participants could make music with the exercise machines). The results showed that agency during exercise machine workout (an activity we previously labeled jymmin – a cross between jammin and gym) had an enhancing effect on mood compared to workout with passive music listening. Furthermore, the order in which the conditions were presented mediated the effect of musical agency for this subscale when participants first listened passively, the difference in mood between the two conditions was greater, suggesting that a stronger increase in hormone levels (e.g., endorphins) during the active condition may have caused the observed effect. Given an enhanced mood after training with musical feedback compared to passively listening to the same type of music during workout, the results suggest that exercise machine workout with musical feedback (jymmin) makes the act of exercise machine training more desirable.

Source - See more at: http://www.stonehearthnewsletters.com/why-music-and-exercise-mix-so-well/exercise/#sthash.TxEG8DtK.dpuf

Top 14 expert nutrition trends for 2014

 

 

Posted on December 26, 2013 by Stone Hearth News

  

NEW YORK, Dec. 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ – The annual nutrition expert trends forecast is in – what fad diets are hot?  What’s out?  Which foods top the list?  What are consumers eating?  According to a survey of more than 500 Registered Dietitians conducted by the nutrition trade magazine, Today’s Dietitian, and a leading food, health and wellness public relations agency, Pollock Communications, America’s demand for nutrition information is at an all-time high and there’s no shortage of outlets talking about diets.  The data shows that with all the attention on health and nutrition, Americans need advice from dietitians now, more than ever, to cut through the clutter.

Whether right on or nutritionally wrong, dietitians identified 14 diet, nutrition and food trends that will make headlines, influence food-purchasing decisions and shape Americans’ waistlines in 2014.  For better or for worse, here’s what to watch out for:

1. Anti-wheat sentiment.  According to our experts, consumers will continue to lean on wheat-deprived diet plans like the Paleo diet, gluten-free or “wheat belly” in 2014.  “Despite the lack of evidence to support wheat- or gluten-elimination diets for weight loss or health – not associated with a clinical disorder or disease – consumers are still looking for ways to control their weight,” explains Jenna A. Bell, PhD, RD, Senior Vice President and Director of Food & Wellness at Pollock Communications. Just over half of the respondents agreed that the Paleo diet, gluten-free or “wheat belly” would top the list of most popular diet fads for 2014.
2. Ancient grains are new again.  Despite the popularity of some low grain diets, ancient grains are being served up in 2014.
3. Add kale, coconut or chia seeds.  While 32% of dietitians forecast a fondness for ancient grains, 27% say that kale is hot (or served cold) in 2014.  When it comes to ingredients, 37% dietitians report that coconut oil is all the rage, followed by omega-3, ALA-rich chia seeds (32%).
4. “Low fat” falls flat.  While low carb remains strong, low fat gets weaker.  Dietitians predict that the low fat diet will be the least talked about plan for 2014.
5. The nutrition pros promote MyPlate.  Looking for a great educational tool for creating a healthy diet?  Seventy-five percent of dietitians turn to MyPlate to help people eat right.
6. “Health” is important in the grocery store.  When it comes to shopping for food, 95% of dietitians say that “health” is important to shoppers.  And supermarkets know this more than anyone – the Supermarket Dietitian is the fastest growing job classification in grocery stores nationwide.
7. I’m a doctor… and I play one on TV.  Dietitians agree that consumers are exposed to more health information on their flatscreens than ever before. Sixty-six percent of dietitians predict that television doctors will up the diet discussions in 2014, along with more views about food from celebrity trainers and chefs.
8. I’m as healthy as my friends.  When it comes to weight and health, consumers are comparing themselves to recommendations from TV personalities and health-focused shows, say 34% of dietitians.  How else do they gauge their health and weight?  They look to their friends and family.
9. Bloggers blog about nutrition and health.  Whether it’s a lifestyle, mommy or credentialed dietitian blogger, consumers are booting up their devices for diet advice.  Dietitians report that the topic of nutrition and health is booming on blogs and websites.
10. The (mis)information age.  Dietitians report that most (67%) of nutrition information is based on personal beliefs and half-truths rather than published peer-reviewed research.  And, 75% say that there will be a preponderance of misinformation to digest in 2014.
11. More eco-conscious eats.  According to dietitians, consumers are looking for more eco-labels in 2014.  About 38% say that local is where it’s at and 31% tell us that their clients look for sustainable foods when shopping.
12. Americans become a little too comfortable.  The national averages for body weight have not budged and dietitians worry that Americans may be becoming complacent about their unhealthy weight.  Forty-four percent feel that as we move into 2014, more consumers are becoming OK with an unhealthy weight.
13. Fruits and veggies: the biggest bang for the buck.  If consumers made one positive nutrition change, what would that be? It’s no surprise: dietitians say that the most important first step to improve overall health is to eat more servings of fruits and vegetables.
14. Consumers have an insatiable appetite for nutrition and diet information.  According to 66% of the respondents, consumers’ interest in nutrition and weight loss will only grow in 2014.      

“After 15 years working on behalf of dietitians, we know that they truly have their finger on the pulse of all things related to nutrition, so we were happy to join forces with Pollock Communications to ask RDs about what the consumers they work with are thinking,” says Today’s Dietitian Publisher Mara Honicker. “Dietitians are the real nutrition experts, and with about 70,000 dietetic professionals in the U.S., they have great influence on the everyday eating habits and purchasing decisions of people from all regional and economic environments.”

  

“We are pleased to ring in the New Year with this nutrition news forecast,” remarks Louise Pollock, founder and President of Pollock Communications. “When it comes to food and nutrition, Registered Dietitians are the go-to resource for consumers, brands and the media, so it’s important to listen to their predictions.”

About Pollock CommunicationsPollock Communications is a New York City-based, independent, full-service, food, health and wellness public relations agency launched in 1991. Pollock’s public relations and credentialed nutrition experts create innovative partnerships that link brands to health and wellness platforms.  Pollock has a long history of reaching key influencers and successfully communicating the taste, health and lifestyle benefits of brands and commodity foods to consumers, retailers and healthcare professionals.

About Today’s DietitianNow in its 15th year covering the field of nutrition and dietetics, Today’s Dietitian is established as the leading independent trade publication for Registered Dietitians, Certified Diabetes Educators, and Dietary Managers. Each month, Today’s Dietitian provides this influential community of professionals with best practices and recommendations for their clients through content that covers essential topics such as diabetes management, heart health, food allergies, and weight control, as well as the latest in industry research, nutritional supplements, and special dietary options that include gluten-free living, plant-based diets, organic foods, and much more

- See more at: http://www.stonehearthnewsletters.com/top-14-expert-nutrition-trends-for-2014/information/#sthash.5jUZ1E23.dpuf

Why Pilates may not work for elderly women

Posted on December 22, 2013 by Stone Hearth News

Pak J Med Sci. 2013 Apr;29(2):500-4.

Effects of a mat pilates program on cardiometabolic parameters in elderly women.

Marinda F1, Magda G2, Ina S3, Brandon S4, Abel T5, Ter Goon D6.

 Abstract

Objective:

This study aimed to determine the effects of mat Pilates on resting heart rate, resting blood pressure and fasting blood glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides in elderly women.

Methodology:

Fifty sedentary, apparently healthy females aged 60 and older were randomly assigned into a control (CG, n = 25) or an intervention (IG, n = 25) group. The IG took part in an eight-week progressive mat Pilates exercise program, three times weekly while the CG did not take part in any structured exercises throughout the eight-week period. All subjects underwent pre- and post-tests in which cardiometabolic parameters were assessed.

Results:

 In the eight-week mat Pilates program, the IG only demonstrated a significant (p ≤ 0.05) decrease in systolic BP (p = 0.040) from 135.84 ± 14.66mmHg to 128.80 ± 16.36mmHg and a significant increase in blood glucose (p = 0.000) from 5.07 ± 0.46mmol.L(-1) to 5.83 ± 0.57mmol.L(-1), whereas resting HR (p = 0.148) (from 68.80 ± 12.58beats.min(-1) to 73.20 ± 11.46beats.min(-1)), resting diastolic BP (p = 0.342) (from 75.64 ± 10.10mmHg to 77.44 ± 9.32mmHg), blood TC (p = 0.073) (from 5.37 ± 0.99mmol.L(-1) to 5.67 ± 1.04mmol.L(-1)) and blood TG (p = 0.384) (from 1.77 ± 0.88mmol.L(-1) to 1.92 ± 0.87mmol.L(-1)) did not produce any significant changes. Conclusion: Due to the contradictory nature of the cardiometabolic variables (except systolic BP) with the findings of previous studies, it is difficult to establish a case for using Pilates as a substitute for more conventional forms of exercising when exclusively attempting to favourably alter cardiometabolic parameters at least among the elderly women in our sample.

Source - See more at: http://www.stonehearthnewsletters.com/why-pilates-may-not-work-for-elderly-women/benefits-exercise/#sthash.XJsHnXme.dpuf

Muscle Growth Product Called Mass Destruction: FDA Health Risk Warning - Undeclared Ingredients

AUDIENCE: Consumer, Health Professional

ISSUE: The FDA is advising consumers to immediately stop using a product called Mass Destruction, marketed as a dietary supplement for muscle growth. The product is labeled to contain at least one synthetic anabolic steroid and has been linked to at least one reported serious illness. The product’s ingredients are undergoing further analysis by the FDA. Liver injury is generally known to be a possible outcome of using products that contain anabolic steroids and steroid-like substances. In general, anabolic steroids may cause other serious long-term consequences in women, men and children. These include adverse effects on blood lipid levels; increased risk of heart attack and stroke; masculinization of women; shrinkage of the testicles; breast enlargement; infertility in males; and short stature in children. 

BACKGROUND: The FDA was alerted by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services of a serious injury associated with use of Mass Destruction. The report described a previously healthy 28-year-old male with liver failure requiring transplant after several weeks of product use. Mass Destruction is manufactured for Blunt Force Nutrition in Sims, N.C. and sold in retail stores, fitness gyms, and on the Internet. An investigation is underway to identify the product’s manufacturer.

RECOMMENDATION:  Consumers who suspect they are experiencing problems associated with Mass Destruction or other body building products should consult a health care professional, especially if they have experienced unexplained fatigue, abdominal or back pain, discolored urine, or any other unexplained changes in their health. Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of these products to the FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:

• Complete and submit the report Online: www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm
• Download form or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178

Read the MedWatch safety alert, including links to the News Release and FDA Flickr at:

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm379740.htm

 

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You are encouraged to report all serious adverse events and product quality problems to FDA MedWatch at www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm

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60 per cent of 13-year-old girls are afraid of gaining weight

Posted on December 17, 2013 by Stone Hearth News

Six in ten 13-year-old girls, compared to four in 10 boys the same age, are afraid of gaining weight or getting fat according to new research on eating disorders from the UCL Institute of Child Health (UK) in collaboration with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (UK).

Using data on over 7,000 participants in the Children of the 90s study at the University of Bristol (UK) from when they were aged 13 and 15, the study, which was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), showed that girls were more than twice as likely as boys to be ‘extremely worried’ of gaining weight or getting fat (11.5% v 4.7%).

It also found that:

• One in three girls (34%) and one in five boys (21%) were upset or distressed about weight and shape

• One in two girls (53%) and four in 10 boys (41%) avoided fatty foods

•  A quarter of girls (26%) and one in seven boys (14.5%) had restricted their food intake (by fasting, skipping meals or throwing away food) in the previous three months

• Just over a quarter of girls (27%) and just under a quarter of boys (23%) had exercised to lose weight in the previous three months

• Using laxatives and making oneself sick for weight loss was rare at this age in both girls (0.23%) and boys (0.16%)

• Girls and boys who were worried about their weight and shape and engaged in unhealthy weight-control strategies had 40% increased odds of being overweight and 90% higher odds of being obese at age 15

• Bingeing (excessive overeating with a feeling of losing control over what one is eating) affected girls (4.6%) and boys (5%) fairly equally and those who did binge had 50% increased odds of being overweight and had twofold increased odds of being obese at the age of 15

The research indicates that even in very early adolescence, eating disorder behaviours are not unusual, particularly in girls, and are reported by parents. It also shows that the eating problems have an impact on the child’s mental health, and their social, personal and family life.

In what is believed to be the first report of its kind outside the USA, the researchers found that the patterns of eating-disorder behaviours seen amongst young teenagers in the population, although not amounting to full eating disorders, had negative consequences on young people’s social, psychological and physical health. This has important implications for increasing efforts at identifying young people who have the behaviours shown in the study.

Speaking about the findings, the main author, Dr Nadia Micali, an NIHR clinician scientist, said:

‘We have found that behaviours typical of an eating disorder are more common in early adolescence than previously thought, and not just in girls but also in boys, and that they are associated with a range of social and psychological problems in the child.

‘Most importantly, we found a connection with certain behaviours and higher weight two years later, which has important public health implications for the prevention of obesity.

‘We are far from being able to identify boys and girls who have unhealthy weight control behaviours and binge-eating early, but this is crucial to prevent full-blown eating disorders and other negative social and emotional problems.’

Source - See more at: http://www.stonehearthnewsletters.com/60-per-cent-of-13-year-old-girls-are-afraid-of-gaining-weight/pediatric-health-teenagers/#sthash.ERH1PSBW.dpuf

The calming ingredients that help you relax

Posted on December 17, 2013 by Stone Hearth News

Newswise — CHICAGO—In today’s fast-paced society consumers are looking for many different ways to de-stress, relax and slow down. In the December issue of Food Technology magazine published by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), Contributing Editor Linda Milo Ohr writes about several ingredients and beverages that may have a calming effect when consumed.

Some popular ingredients currently being used in products to promote relaxation or reduce stress include botanicals such as chamomile, passionflower, and valerian. Most people are familiar with chamomile in tea form as a mild sedative and muscle relaxant. Another less well-known botanical, gotu kola, has been known to enhance cognitive function including memory and alertness and reduce mood disorders. Passionflower is a sedative, and valerian is a muscle relaxant.

Several companies are creating ingredients from these botanicals to meet the consumer demand for products that promote relaxation. One company has created an ingredient for beverages from a plant extract derived from lemon balm leaves of the species Melissa officinalis L. that acts simultaneously on stress and its associated symptoms like sleep disorders thanks to its specific composition. Another company created a pure form of the amino acid L-theanine to be added to beverages shown in a study (Yoto et al. 2012) to reduce anxiety, and keep blood pressure down in adults.

Read the Food Technology article here - See more at: http://www.stonehearthnewsletters.com/the-calming-ingredients-that-help-you-relax/stress-human-behavior/#sthash.gozzl2LX.dpuf

Last minutes Holiday Gift Ideas for the Person who has Everything.

 

 

   

 

 

RE: Last minutes Holiday Gift Ideas for the Person who has Everything.

 

Masters Clinic and amateur boxing show 

February 13, 14 & 15, 2014

 The cost of the Clinic is $349.

 

 

All Female Clinic and amateur boxing show 

April 17, 18 & 19, 2014

The cost of the Clinic is $349.

 

 

Third Annual Master's National Championships 

June 2, 13, and 14, 2014

The entry fee is $100.

 

Fantasy Boxing Camp

August 14-17, 2014  

At Honor's Haven Resort and Spa in Ellenville, New York.

 

For details go to our website: www.gleasonsgym.net.

A special Holiday price of $1599.

 

Gift Certificates:

Can be custom designed for any combination of membership, lessons and merchandise.

 

Lifetime Membership Special $2000:

Includes one (1) Gleason's T-shirt (a $2420 value!)

 

One Year Membership Special $800:

Includes 3 months free and one (1) Gleason's T-shirt (a $1065 value!).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

Raging Bull

 

 

Ire Becker at 30st. Gleason's Gym

 

Sugar Ray Robinson and Ray Rice

Tumbler Davis

 

   

 

 

 

 

Home-based exercise as cardiac rehabilitation

Posted on December 14, 2013 by Stone Hearth News

Cardiac patients can benefit from home-based high intensity training, even without the support of fancy training equipment or a clinic, new research from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology has shown.

Rapid rehabilitation is a must after a heart attack or other cardiovascular event. Different forms of exercise as a part of rehabilitation have been examined by researchers, including high-intensity interval training (85-95 % of maximum heart rate), which has proved to be both a good and efficient form of rehabilitation.

However, most of the studies that document these findings have been conducted in exercise laboratories, where patients and the intensity of their exercise are carefully monitored. But can we expect the same benefits when patients are told to exercise at home?

Researcher Inger Lise Aamot, who was recently awarded her PhD from the Cardiac Exercise Research Group at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim, says the answer to this question is yes.

Aamot studied the feasibility of interval training both in a clinical context and in home-based cardiac rehabilitation. She conducted a randomized trial consisting of a 12-week cardiac rehabilitation programme with interval training in two Norwegian hospitals.

Ninety patients with heart disease were enrolled and randomly assigned either to group exercise, treadmill exercise or home-based training. Participants controlled their exercise intensity by using heart rate monitors, and undertook interval training twice a week.

The results showed that the treadmill group increased its fitness as measured by maximum oxygen uptake significantly more than those who exercised at home, because several patients in the home exercise group did not exercise in line with the exercise program.

However, when Aamot compared only those who actually followed the prescribed program, she found no significant differences between the groups in terms of increases in maximal oxygen uptake. The training intensity was as prescribed in all groups and the majority completed training in 12 weeks.

Aamot remeasured the participants’ maximal oxygen uptake again after one year. She found these levels were significantly higher than before patients started the 12 week training program.

She also found that participants who trained at home for the first 12 weeks showed a strong tendency to have a higher frequency of physical activity compared with those who trained at the hospital.

She concludes that interval training for cardiac rehabilitation can be implemented efficiently both in the clinic or at home, but that home exercise seems to contribute most positively to a long-term physically active lifestyle.

A copy of the scientific article published by Aamot about this research is available at http://cpr.sagepub.com/content/early/2013/04/23/2047487313488299.abstract

Source - See more at: http://www.stonehearthnewsletters.com/home-based-exercise-as-cardiac-rehabilitation/benefits-exercise/#sthash.ZQcjfz8Q.dpuf

Regular exercise in middle age protects against muscle weakness later in life

Posted on December 14, 2013 by Stone Hearth News

RELATED: The Social Network Diet: Change Yourself, Change the World

Hong Kong, China — A cross-sectional study by investigators from Tokyo University has found that exercising in middle age is a protective factor against sarcopenia and effective in maintaining muscle strength and physical performance. Sarcopenia is a disease associated with the ageing process, resulting in loss of skeletal muscle mass and muscle strength and/or function in the elderly. The multiple adverse health outcomes include physical disability, poor quality of life and premature death.

The study assessed the prevalence of sarcopenia and its association with physical performance in 1000 elderly Japanese participants (349 men and 651 women aged ≥65 years) enrolled in the Research on Osteoarthritis/Osteoporosis Against Disability (ROAD) Study. Handgrip strength, gait speed, and skeletal muscle mass were measured and other information collected, including exercise habits in middle age.

The prevalence of sarcopenia was 13.8% in men and 12.4% in women, and tended to be significantly higher with increasing age in both sexes. Factors associated with sarcopenia were chair stand time (odds ratio [OR], 1.09; 95% CI, 1.04-1.14), one-leg standing time (OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.96-0.99), and exercise habit in middle age (OR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.31-0.90) after adjusting for age, sex and body mass index (BMI).

Analysis showed that exercise habit in middle age was associated with low prevalence of sarcopenia in older age and was significantly associated with grip strength, gait speed, and one-leg standing time after adjusting for age, sex and BMI. The study was presented at the IOF Regionals 4th Asia-Pacific Osteoporosis Meeting, being held in Hong Kong from December 12–15, 2013.

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 Abstract OC11: Prevalence of sarcopenia and its association with exercise habits in the elderly of Japanese population-based cohorts: the Road Study Osteoporos Int, Vol. 2, Suppl. 4, DOI 10.1007/s00198-013-2536-x

Source - See more at: http://www.stonehearthnewsletters.com/regular-exercise-in-middle-age-protects-against-muscle-weakness-later-in-life/benefits-exercise/#sthash.JfpRRwBX.dpuf

LUIS COLLAZO DEFENDS HIS WBA INTERNATIONAL WELTERWEIGHT TITLE AT BARCLASY JANUARY 30

"VICIOUS" VICTOR ORTIZ RETURNS TO THE RING TO FACE HOMETOWN FAVORITE LUIS COLLAZO IN A BATTLE OF FORMER WORLD CHAMPIONS FOR THE WBA INTERNATIONAL WELTERWEIGHT TITLE ON FOX SPORTS 1 AND FOX DEPORTES FROM BARCLAYS CENTER ON THURSDAY, JAN. 30, 2014   PLUS, EDDIE GOMEZ AND DAQUAN ARNETT SQUARE-OFF IN A BATTLE OF 154-POUND UNBEATENS   BROOKLYN, N.Y. (Dec. 7, 2013) - Golden Boy Promotions has teamed up with FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes to return to Barclays Center in Brooklyn, on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2014 with one of best matchups the network has seen thus far when former World Champions "Vicious" Victor Ortiz and Brooklyn's own Luis Collazo collide in a pivotal showdown for the WBA International Welterweight title. In the 10-round co-main event, New York phenom Eddie "E-Boy" Gomez will meet top Florida prospect Daquan "King" Arnett in a clash of junior middleweight unbeatens.   "I've got a lot of friends and fans in New York and I'm excited about fighting at Barclays Center for the first time," said Ortiz. "This is a big fight for me. I missed being in the ring and even though Collazo will be a tough challenge, I'm going to win in spectacular fashion."   "Ortiz is a former world champion and you have to respect that, but Barclays Center is my home and he's going to find that out the second he leaves the locker room," said Collazo. "I need to win this fight and make a statement if I want to get a shot at a title and I plan on doing just that."   "I have no excuse not to win," said Gomez. "This is my city, my building and my people. If Arnett thinks he can come into my backyard and beat me, he is definitely mistaken."   "You don't see fights like this too often and I respect Gomez for stepping up and putting his '0' on the line, just like I am," said Arnett.  "This is going to be a great fight between two of boxing's top young prospects and I have no doubt that I'm going to leave the ring with the victory."   "Victor Ortiz and Luis Collazo are two of the top welterweights in the world and I'm happy that we're able to deliver this type of quality fight to the fans for free on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes," said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. "This fight has serious world title implications for the winner so you know it's going to be a great fight. Plus any time you have a battle between two undefeated fighters like Eddie Gomez and Daquan Arnett, there are sure to be fireworks."   "Everyone at FOX Sports is looking forward to the Ortiz-Collazo card at Barclays Center on January 30," said David Nathanson, FOX Sports 1's General Manager and Chief Operating Officer. "We're planning an incredible week of live events and programs on FOX Sports 1 in the week leading up the Super Bowl XLVIII, and Golden Boy has provided us a tremendous card for what is sure to be one of the centerpiece events of that week."   "We are excited to be hosting another championship boxing card at Barclays Center during what should be a super week in New York City," said Barclays Center CEO Brett Yormark. "Golden Boy continues to deliver great fights for Brooklyn and we are delighted that FOX Sports 1 is returning to Barclays Center and giving the borough a national stage. We are proud that Barclays Center is becoming the heart of boxing on the East Coast."   One of boxing's most charismatic young stars, 26-year-old "Vicious" Victor Ortiz (29-4-2, 22 KO's) fighting out of Ventura, Calif. has made headlines in and out of the ring, not only as a fighter, but also as an entertainer. First, as a former welterweight world champion who has engaged in memorable battles against the best in the boxing business including Floyd Mayweather, Andre Berto, Marcos Maidana, Antonio Diaz and Josesito Lopez proving that he will not back down from any challenge. He has also crossed over into the bright lights of Hollywood as a member of the cast of ABC's hit series "Dancing With The Stars" and most recently as part of the film "Expendables 3," which comes out next year. Now with his acting skills pushed aside, Ortiz has the gloves back on and on Jan. 30 he faces a stern test in Collazo.   A proud native of Brooklyn, NY, Luis Collazo (34-5, 17 KO's) is a former WBA Welterweight World Champion who held the belt from 2005-2006. Since then, the 32-year-old southpaw has continued to fight and beat the best with back-to-back wins at Barclays Center and a recent victory in September of this year on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes. Now making his second appearance on the new hit sports network and fourth appearance at Barclays Center, Collazo is more ready than ever to step into the ring as he makes his case for a world title shot when he battles Ortiz.   Twenty-one-year-old Eddie Gomez (15-0, 10 KO's) is the latest Bronx, NY product to make his mark on the boxing world. The young star is showing no signs of slowing down as he prepares for what is likely to be the biggest year of his professional career. Fresh off of wins over Javier Gomez, Luis Hernandez and Steve Upsher Chambers, Gomez is ready for all comers, beginning with Arnett on Jan. 30.   Hailing from Winter Park, Fla., 20-year-old former amateur star Daquan Arnett (11-0, 7 KO's) has already garnered rave reviews for his talent and his willingness to test himself against tough competition every time he steps in the ring. In 2013, Arnett defeated then unbeaten Brandon Quarles and once-beaten Miguel Zuniga, putting him in a big co-main event against Gomez to kick-off 2014.   Ortiz vs. Collazo is a 12-round fight for the WBA International Welterweight title presented by Golden Boy Promotions. Barclays Center doors open at 6:00 p.m. ET with the first bell sounding at 6:30 p.m. ET. The FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes broadcast airs live at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.   Tickets priced at $25, $43, $80 and $160 plus applicable taxes and service charges are available for purchase at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations, by calling 800-745-3000 and at Barclays Center American Express Box Office. For group tickets, please call 800-GROUP-BK. A limited number of suites are available for the event. For more information on how to reserve one, please call 718-BK-SUITE (718-257-8483).

PAULIE "THE MAGIC MAN" MALIGNAGGI CROWNED KING OF BROOKLYN

PAULIE "THE MAGIC MAN" MALIGNAGGI CROWNED KING OF BROOKLYN AFTER DEFEATING ZAB "SUPER" JUDAH IN UNANIMOUS DECISION VICTORY   Shawn Porter Dominates Devon Alexander to Capture IBF Welterweight World Championship; Erislandy Lara Defeats Austin Trout in Unanimous Decision; Sakio Bika vs. Anthony Dirrell Ends in Split Draw   Saturday's SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Telecast Will Replay Sunday Morning  and Tuesday, December 10 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME® CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD PHOTOS    BROOKLYN, N.Y. (December 8, 2013) - Two weeks after his 33rd birthday, Paulie "The Magic Man" Malignaggi (33-5, 7 KO's) picks up his 33rd win in a unanimous decision victory over Zab "Super" Judah (42-9, 29 KO's) in front of his hometown crowd at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. The fight, promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, headlined a four-fight SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING event.   Despite being knocked down in the second round, Malignaggi was able to regain his stride en route to a strong 116-111, 117-110, 117-110 victory which earned him Brooklyn bragging rights and a potentially bright future in the stacked welterweight division. In addition, he was awarded a special Brooklyn's World Championship belt designed by SARTONK.    "This is an emotional win for me," said Malignaggi. "It definitely allows me to continue boxing. If I had lost, I don't know that I would have wanted to continue. But this big win puts me in the right spot to fight in this division for lots of money...lots.   "Walking to the ring was pretty surreal. As a teenager I watched Zab fight and to walk into the ring and fighting against him was very surreal. Not that I never expected myself not to be successful, but it was still something very surreal," continued Malignaggi. "I felt like this showed that this sport can unify everyone. I looked up to this guy when I was coming up in the sport and he's one of the greats."   Judah said, "I came to fight and so did Paulie. It just wasn't there. This was a great opportunity and a great event. I wanted to be the King of Brooklyn. He wasn't tougher than me. He stayed on the outside and didn't engage."   In the co-main event, Shawn "Showtime" Porter (23-0-1, 14 KO's) was crowned the new IBF Welterweight World Champion after defeating Devon Alexander "The Great" (25-2, 14 KO's) by unanimous decision 115-113, 116-112, 116-112. Porter dominated Alexander from the first punch until the closing bell in a hard-fought battle that left both fighters battered and bruised. Porter, a decorated amateur, was able to execute his game plan by being, "aggressive, backing him [Alexander] up, and making him fight." After the fight, Porter said, "This is a blessing. We wanted to come out here and establish that I was the better fighter and we made it happen. I think I was able to control the fight because of my experience and I'm the bigger guy. We did what we had to do. I paid my dues. The opportunity was here and I stepped up to the plate."   Alexander said, "I'm disappointed. I didn't do what I was supposed to do. I didn't follow the game plan. He was rushing in and I didn't capitalize on that. And that's what we had planned on."   Erislandy Lara (19-1-2, 12 KO's) soundly defeated Austin Trout (26-2, 14 KO's) by unanimous decision in a technical bout. The scores were 115-109 and 117-110 twice. Trout never seemed comfortable in the ring. Lara sent Trout down in the 11th round for only the second time in Trout's career.   "I did what Canelo couldn't do. I dominated Trout and I dropped him. Now we have to make a fight that everyone wants to see which is me against Canelo," said Lara.   "I'm coming right back," said Trout. "Who can say that they fought such high caliber fighters as Cotto, Canelo and Lara back-to-back-to-back? His style was tricky, but I don't sign up for easy fights. He was the better man tonight."   The opening bout of the evening, a thrilling slugfest, had the excitable Barclays Center crowd on its feet at times. Sakio Bika (32-5-3, 21 KO's) and Anthony Dirrell (26-0-1, 22 KO's) went toe-to-toe from the first bell and battled to a split draw. Dirrell floored Bika early in the fight, and Bika later lost a point for a low-blow. In the end, the final tally was a split draw: 114-112 (Bika), 116-110 (Dirrell), 113-113. After the scores were announced, Dirrell immediately left the ring without commenting on his performance. Ringside reporter Jim Gray was able to catch up with Dirrell in his locker room shortly after.   "I want to apologize to the fans for leaving the ring like that but I was just disappointed," said a frustrated Dirrell. "He hit low and head butted. I definitely want a rematch."   Bika felt differently. "I feel like I was fighting the referee as well. The body shot was a legitimate body shot. Not below the belt line. I got him on the belt line, Dirrell just wanted to milk it. I was the busier fighter and now I just want to fight the best ahead of me."   The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast, will replay Sunday at 9 a.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME and Tuesday, December 10 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME. It will be availabe on SHOWTIME On Demand and SHOWTIME Anytime.   Results and quotes from tonight's non-televised preliminary bouts:   JULIAN WILLIAMS (14-0-1, 7 KO's), def. Orlando Lora (29-5-2, 19 KO's) via unanimous decision in an eight-round super welterweight bout "I was going to take my time. I kept touching the body more and more and using my jab.   "He was easy to hit and I'm difficult to hit. His feet were slower and mine are faster.   "I always rep Philly. I love Philadelphia. I want to keep the tradition of great boxers from Philly.   "We have a lot of great talent coming out of the city right now and I want to keep this thing going."     SADAM ALI (18-0, 11 KO's), def. Jesus Selig (12-2-1, 6 KO's) via TKO7 in a 10-round welterweight bout "[On the stoppage] I think the referee saw what was going to happen eventually. Everything was landing.   "I like to entertain the crowd so I really wish they wouldn't have stopped it that fast.   "The crowd wanted to see action, but you have to respect the ref.   "I felt less rusty than my last fight.  My opponent [tonight] had a better record.   "I still felt a little rusty, but I know that as I go, I am going to just keep getting better and better."     MARCUS BROWNE (8-0, 7 KO's), def. Kevin Engel (20-9, 16 KO's) via TKO1 in an eight-round light heavyweight bout "Going the distance [in my last fight] showed me how to be patient. I know that if I don't catch him in the first round, I will catch him in the second. If I don't catch him in the second, I will catch him in the third.   "[I feel so good] I could fight again tomorrow if I wanted to."     JUAN DOMINGUEZ (16-0, 11 KO's), def. Camilo Perez (9-2, 4 KO's) via unanimous decision in an eight-round featherweight bout "It is great fighting in Barclays Center. This is a special night. A whole night of world title fights that no one will forget.   "It felt great to go eight rounds. This is my second time going the distance.   "I need to learn to box more because I'm going to have to fight against tougher guys from here on out."     ABOUT "JUDAH VS. MALIGNAGGI": Judah vs. Malignaggi was a 12-round fight for the NABF Welterweight title taking place on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.  The event was promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Super Judah Promotions and sponsored by Corona, AT&T, Grudge Match and Casamigos Tequila.