As always, Ms Beck covers legitimate medical studies, and provides the necessary background for the lay reader.  In this article, we learn that “(R)isk factors for stroke include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, excess alcohol, stress and being overweight. After age 55 the risk of stroke doubles every 10 years.”

The study, which was published in the May issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, followed men and women for up to 28 years.  The findings?  Higher intakes of both sugar-sweetened and low-calorie soft drinks increased the risk of stroke.

Happily, it turned out that combining weight training, a non-aerobic activity, with aerobic exercise caused no interference with the benefits of either.  Even better, it seems that you can potentially do less of each form of exercise when you combine them, and still gain considerable benefits.  Read more about the study here.  Thanks to Second Wind instructor Marlene Storey-Hope for bringing this article to our attention!

Enjoy Marguerite’s article here.

“Health Canada has approved stevia for use in some natural health products. Dr. (David) Ludwig said there’s a difference between the traditional stevia leaf and the extracts many companies are using as food additives. Just because it’s natural doesn’t mean it’s safer, and rigorous studies may be needed to assess the long-term safety of stevia extracts as well.”

As always, it’s best to stay informed about what you and your family might be ingesting.  Here’s a link to the full article.

“Neutral Spine requires that the natural, alternating curves of the spine be maintained and muscularly supported during movement whenever the spine is vertical – that is, not in flexion or extension.  Attaining this alignment requires the presence of Neutral Pelvis, as the pelvis is part of the spine, but as stated above, the entire spine must be in proper alignment for a client to achieve true Neutral Spine or Neutral Pelvis.

Each section of the spine (cervical, thoracic and lumbar), must relate to one another with the appropriate musculature acting separately but in co-ordination with adjacent parts of the spine.”

While “The Five Jewels” – Forward Pelvic Shift, Thigh Lift, Arm Reaches, Abdominal Curl and Knee Drop – help you to set yourself up as accurately as possible for Pilates work, you may not yet be sufficiently familiar with the exercises to perform them accurately on your own.  Turn, then, to a simple five minute series of intentional steps that will help you achieve Neutral Spine easily.  Pilates writer Marguerite Ogle explains here.

Writer Adriana Barton provides insight into some of the issues associated with attempting to ‘medicate’ your stress away.  And as many health and fitness researchers attest, taking a walk is probably the better stress relief method anyway.  Read Ms Barton’s article here.

In case you think that the participants objected in any way, enjoy this   unsolicited comment from one of them:

“Gorgeous!  Can’t say enough about the amazing workout by the lake.  Thanks again.  See you Saturday.
Nella A.”

Thanks, Nella.  We’re so glad you enjoyed it!