Spring
Cleaning Sale:
Demo Exercise Equipment at Steep Savings!
FitBits
April 15, 2005
Exercise
ETC's Review of
Exercise Related Research
Compiled by
Jeannie Patton, MS, CSCS
Activity, Mental Acuity Tied to
Decreased Risk for Alzheimer’s
A variety of research studies have observed that both higher educational levels and active lifestyles correlate to a decreased incidence of Alzheimer’s disease. This study now offers a biological explanation for these findings.
The researchers were able to genetically engineer mice with two human Alzheimer’s genes that allowed 5 month old mice to develop the disease. (These are the same two genes seen in humans who develop Alzheimer’s at a relatively young age.) The mice lived in either a large, bright cage with running wheels and colorful tunnels and toys or a drab, standard cage with no toys.
The researchers found that the mice that were mentally and physically active had less than half the incidence of Alzheimer’s as those living in a standard cage. The study also showed an increased output in 41 genes in the mice that lived in an environment enriched with learning and physical activity; these genes are involved in maintaining the health of neurons, creating synaptic connections and increasing blood flow to the brain.
These findings suggest that staying both physically and mentally active is a critical preventive strategy to remain functional as one ages, especially if, due to age or family history, there is an increased risk of Alzheimer’s. It also suggests that Alzheimer’s may grow to epidemic proportions as Americans become ever more sedentary and spend more time passively staring at the TV set.
Orly
Lazarov , et al. Environmental Enrichment Reduces Aß Levels and
Amyloid Deposition in Transgenic Mice. Journal Cell. Vol 120, 701-713,
11 March 2005.
Double
Leg Exercise
Improves Single Leg Performance
Bilateral squats are often used at the beginning of a resistance training program to develop a foundation of strength for untrained clients. After the base is established, the client can progress to unilateral exercises such as lunges and step-ups. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of short-term bilateral and unilateral lower body training on strength and power.
Since many basic lower body movements such as running, kicking and leaping are performed in a predominantly unilateral weight bearing position, the question arises as to whether bilateral lower body strength training can improve unilateral performance. This is the first known study to determine that unilateral training can improve bilateral strength and that bilateral training can improve unilateral strength.
Thirty-eight untrained men and women were divided into either a unilateral or bilateral training group. Both training groups improved in unilateral and bilateral squat strength and the results were similar for both men and women. Based on the results of this study it would appear that both unilateral and bilateral training protocols are equally effective for improving lower body strength in untrained males and females.
Fitness Professionals must use this information with caution and take into consideration the increased balance demands inherent in unilateral exercises. The client’s ability to stabilize the exercise, and adherence to correct form and alignment, should be the first criteria in determining the appropriateness of any exercise.
McCurdy, Kevin. Et al. The effects of short-term unilateral and bilateral, lower-body resistance training on measures of strength and power. Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research. 2005, 19(1), 9-15.
Spring Cleaning Sale:
Demo Exercise Equipment
at Steep Savings!
We
are cleaning out our stockroom to make way for new merchandise and this
means big savings for you! We are offering a very limited quantity
of top quality fitness equipment, all at big discounts. All of this equipment
was used for demonstration at a recent Fitness Conference and is in excellent
condition. Order fast… these prices only hold while supplies
last. To order, visit: www.exerciseetc.com/special.html
55 cm Swiss Exercise Balls, 2 for $25.00
Health club quality balls, these are weight tested and burst resistant.
Charcoal grey.
Inflatable
Balance Discs, 2 for $30.00
These heavy duty balance discs are 13” in diameter and are already
inflated for you. Red only.
Elastic
Rings, 5 for $20.00
Mix & match! These sturdy rings are ideal for lower body strength
and ambulation exercises. Choose from intermediate intensity (green)
or heavy intensity (red). (Specify colors in the “Special
Instructions” box when you place your order.)
Relaxation
Balls, 3 for $25.00
These lightweight, seven inch black balls are ideal for
myofascial release; they are shipped already inflated.
Lightweight
Elastic Tubes, 6 for $20.00
These versatile tubes have sturdy handles for easy use. Perfect for the
deconditioned, for children and for older adults, these bright
yellow tubes offer a “beginning” level of resistance.
12”
Foam Rollers: 5 for $20.00
Choose either full-round or half-round rollers,
or mix & match. (Specify size in the “Special Instructions”
box when you place your order.)
To
order: visit www.exerciseetc.com/specials.html
Semi-annual Correspondence Course Sale Starts May 1, 2005
Our semi-annual correspondence course sale begins May 1! We will be offering incredible discounts of 25 – 30% on every one of our popular “jumbo” correspondence courses and up to 50% savings on many of our standard courses. In addition, we are pleased to offer an increased selection of just-approved correspondence courses for Athletic Trainers who are certified by NATABOC.
For details, check out our April 30 FitBits, or visit our web site this May at: www.exerciseetc.com/specials.html
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2010 Exercise ETC Inc.
1881 NE 26 Street # 202
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33305
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