Heart Health

[HollyElise]

I just saw an interesting short article in the September issue of Fitness magazine (2003)...

Fit Fact: Short Bursts / Big Payoff
To prevent heart disease, you may need to kick your workout up a notch. British researchers compared participation in high-intensity exercise like running with more moderate activities like walking. Those who regularly burned just 54 calories with a few minutes of fast-paced exercise were 62 percent less likely to die of heart disease than those who burned 343 calories through longer, less intense workouts.

[susandel]

Hi Holly,

This is part of the reason I have done Pilates for 3 years now. Yoga is fantastic for your heart and weight too.

The other good thing about slow exersize is you lose inches. And you burn more calories if you take deep breaths and learn how to breath correctly while you exersize.........so you get a 2 for 1. Lose inches and calories. Bet you did not know that?

[susandel]

Hey Holly I goofed........I read that backwards.............but I will have to change the answer........I have to disagree with that. The answer is what I said. Therefore I think the article is false.

Sorry for my Dyslexic slip up.

[HollyElise]

Hi Susan,

The article is not stating theory but research. They compared those who do some short bursts of high intensity in their workout to those who did none but only less strenuous (heart wise) exercise. Those with the high intensity bursts lived longer. I think it's hard to argue with straight numbers, and to me it makes sense for heart health, as during a heart attack the heart races. If you take your heart up to heavier work under controlled circumstances, you are probably strengthening it for that kind of work.

Having said that... I've been planning on taking up Pilates or Power Yoga and have been scoping out books and programs. I have been finding that slow, intense movements have low impact and yet build muscle and strength more efficiently than the quick movements we usually associate with weight training. I remember reading about long term health benefits of yoga... i'll see if i can find that and post it.

I don't think these two types of exercise (high intensity bursts and slow muscle building) oppose each other, but rather each provide different kinds of benefit.

What kind of Pilates and Yoga have you been doing?

[susandel]

Holly,

I get so mad at myself when I misread something or read something and do not comprehend what I read. Sorry for the mistake.

I have done Pilates for 3 years this month. I lost 70 pounds. Got really skinny. When I relaped with my MS in February I was not able to drive, and still can't, so I have not been able to go that much. It is expensive $120.00 an hour. I thank God I have mine covered by insurance because of my medical problems. I think for everyone who is not sick would pay $60.00 an hour.......well it is high because of the erea.

I use the reformer, cadillac, and lots of other equiptment. It is the BEST form of exersize I have ever done. I suggest you take a one on one or a two on one class. You need the instructor to catch every incorrect move your body makes. I was on the track, tennis, swimming and volleyball teams in high school and played thesesports until I got sick in 1988. Since I started Pilates I feel the best I have ever felt in my life. Yes I have many med problems yet I still feel wonderful. I know how to breath correctly too.

But once I stopped Pilates in February and I have been mostly in bed I have gained 20 lbs. I am beginning to walk again so I will get back full force and drop it. The yoga is not for me. I have done some....very little. I can not stay in one position for long with MS. But many people do it and it works.......Pilates is better.

I guess I am not a candidate for any exersize that is fast paced.......so I quess I do not have to be concerned with the article you found.

Talk to you later...........Susan

[HollyElise]

WHOAH! Susan! I am very impressed! 70 pounds! That's a lot! It takes dedication and the ability to change to accomplish that much.

You have me sold on the Pilates! I wish there were a live instructor around here, but there is not. Your point about good form is well taken. I try to pay attention to good form when i do weight training or other exercise. It makes a huge difference in both injuries and the efficiency of muscle building. I often exercise on my second floor porch, and there are some mirrors there where i can watch my form. Right now i'm leaning towards trying the Windsor Pilates tapes.

It must be very frustrating to have MS. My doctor friend thinks that toxins in our world are largely to blame, and that we will be seeing more cases of MS over the years. Do you eat organic food and reduce household toxins?

Like with any major challenge, you just can't let yourself get discouraged. I hope you will get to take more Pilates classes.

[susandel]

Holly,

Did you have 2 injury's or are you referring to mine. I am sure it is you we are discussing. If so than you can be insured if you get a doctor's prescription for Physical Therapy. The Windsor Pilates is a tape and machine you can get on Home Shopping Network.....yes? My mother has one but I can not use it........I have to use the real one it is larger and I also need my Pilates instructor. You know even when I think I am in the correct position...I always have one thing out of balance. That one thing that is out of balance ould make all the difference in the world. I can not believe there are no Pilates places where you are. No, I believe you but can't imagine it.

About MS......I know mine is caused by consuming to much NutraSweet. Diet Coke Addict....that was me. I lived on the stuff and drank it hot also. NutraSweet is Aspartame and this is actually embalming fluid. I have been an example in a book on Aspartame and it's effects. I have been fighting with the FDA to have lables put on products that contain this product. My Neurologist can not comment because it will get him in trouble but he will tell everyone NOT to use NutraSweet.......but he will not tell why. He get's all my information as I gather it. He is very interested..............hummmm very interesting. I can not give all info I have because of the law suit. I am fighting a big big battle. My congressman was helping me out them he decided to die on me. Just a joke.......but he did die.

Yes I believe toxins are a big factor in most illnesses these days. I have a 'Clean Air" unit in my home. It is set high enough so that it purifies and cleans the air. I eat organic food every 4 years and when I don't feel any better after doing this for a year than I just give up and eat my normal food. I have never eaten fast foods.....I am addicted to carbs...I even stopped that for a while........I hated not having my fix of carbs so I stopped that too.....I am not a meat eater...never was and I eat raw veg's and lots. I hate loving food......I think food 24 hour a day when I don't exersize.

Susan