Ask the Fitness Expert
May 2012 Article
Stop buying sugary drinks
Several studies link consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages with increased body weight among children and adolescents (same goes for adults, by the way). Pop, energy drinks, and even some juices add up in the course of a day and offer little to no discernible health value. It is recommended to dramatically reduce, if not completely cutting out, all sugar-sweetened drinks.
Lorraine Dalla-Longa AFLCA Assistant Trainer, Strength Training, Water Workouts, Group Fitness, Senior and Special Population workouts.
April 2012 Article
Use Sunday to cook for the week ahead
Spend Sunday afternoon or another day off making nutritious stews, soups and casseroles. Make it a family affair or invite some chums over for a cook-off and bottle of wine. Keep one dish out and freeze the rest. No more stopping at the fast food joint on the way home: you know you’ve got something healthy waiting for you and all it needs is heating up.
Lorraine Dalla-Longa AFLCA Assistant Trainer, Strength Training, Water Workouts, Group Fitness, Senior and Special Population workouts.
March 2012 Article
Be prepared! With a hectic schedule, you may not always be able to plan and pack your meals ahead of time.
For those times when you do eat out, choose the healthier options. In order to ensure you don’t exceed your daily caloric needs, checking the nutritional information of a meal before ordering it, piling on the veggies, choosing foods that are fresh, steamed, baked or roasted over deep fried or breaded and limiting your drink to water.
Lorraine Dalla-Longa AFLCA Assistant Trainer, Strength Training, Water Workouts, Group Fitness, Senior and Special Population workouts.
February 2012 Article
It’s February already!
Don’t lose your motivation!
You know that yogurt commercial where a woman takes a teeny-weeny yellow polka-dot bikini and hangs it on her wall to help motivate her to lose weight? She’s one smart cookie. Take out an outfit you love and haven’t been able to wear for a long time. Just pulling it out of the closet serves as a visual reminder of the goal you’re trying to accomplish.
Lorraine Dalla-Longa AFLCA Assistant Trainer, Strength Training, Water Workouts, Group Fitness, Senior and Special Population workouts.
January 2012 Article
Besides starting your fitness program this new year, try reading nutritional labels on food. Start with Sodium, an adequate daily intake should be 1500 mg or less. Per serving, 400 plus is too much, 200-400 mg means watch out and 0-200 mg. go ahead and eat it. High sodium consumption leads to high blood pressure, or hypertension, which is the cause of more than half of the 50,000 strokes in Canada every year. The Canadian Stroke Network has more information on Sodium and other additives if you need it. This is just one of the facts you should know about the food you eat. Food and exercise goes hand in hand so start with simple guidelines and create a healthier you in 2012.
Lorraine Dalla-Longa AFLCA Assistant Trainer, Strength Training, Water Workouts, Group Fitness, Senior and Special Population workouts
December 2011 Article
It’s that time of the year once again for New Year’s Resolutions. Here are some tips and tricks to make exercise a yearlong commitment.
Start making yourself a priority. By sticking to your “I need me time” plan, you’ll be more likely to stick to it.
Don’t forget dancing is a great workout because it doesn’t feel like a workout. You can burn 400 to 600 calories per hour in an average jazz class, and by hitting the studio four to six times a week, you, too, can achieve your goals. Dance is fun; your mind is working in a whole different direction than running on the treadmill. It’s not boring. Once you get into a dance class, you’re not going to want to stop dancing!
Get your friends to hop on the fitness train with you. People are more likely to stick to a fitness regimen if they have someone to support them. Not only will you be able to motivate each other to stick to your long-term plan, you’ll also get to indulge in some quality bonding time.
Lorraine Dalla-Longa AFLCA Assistant Trainer, Strength Training, Water Workouts, Group Fitness, Senior and Special Population workouts.
November 2011 Article
How do you know which workout is right for you? The cardinal rule of fitness is to find an activity that you like. Many people go to the gym day after day to do the same old boring routine. That makes exercise a chore you don’t like to do, which can hinder your results—it’s no surprise that you might get discouraged and stop working out altogether. Finding a workout that inspires you is the key to your success. Turn exercise into something you enjoy so you’re more likely to stick to it.
Lorraine Dalla-Longa AFLCA Assistant Trainer, Strength Training, Water Workouts, Group Fitness, Senior and Special Population workouts.
September 2011 Article
Summer is over and it is time to think about getting back into shape after all those beers and barbeques. Try something that you enjoy and you will continue your workouts longer and harder. Remember to include the full combination of cardio, strength training and diet. These three key components will help you lose weight and start you off on your new lifestyle. It doesn’t matter how much you weigh as long as you go at a pace that keeps your heart rate elevated. Ask a fitness professional any questions you may have about working out. Medicine Hat has a variety of fitness clubs and fitness and dance workouts both indoors and outdoors to accommodate everyone. Check it out and see how good you will feel.
Lorraine Dalla-Longa
AFLCA Assistant Trainer, Strength Training, Water Workouts, Group Fitness, Senior and Special Population workouts.
August 2011 Article
Summer is over, time to pick your workout schedule.
Everyone loves to dance & here are 10 good reasons why:
- Top 10 Reasons to Dance!
- Lose 500 Calories in an hour
- Fit fun into a busy schedule
- Reduce stress
- Burn Fat, maintain healthy weight
- Build endurance and coordination
- Increase circulation and flexibility
- Strengthen your heart and lungs
- Tone your muscles
- Practice dancing, gain confidence on the floor
- Express yourself through movement.
Lorraine Dalla-Longa
AFLCA Assistant Trainer, Strength Training, Waterworks, Seniors, Group Fitness, Specialized Populations
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