Strength Training for Kids

 by Nick Roso

Is it okay for kids to participate in strenth trainin programs? Current research points to a resounding "yes" provided the child is supervised and is given weight instructionon proper exercise technique. Strength training for children was largely avoided in the past due to the misconseption that lifting weights could negatively affect a child's growth plates and possibly stunt their growth, as well as expose children to potential injuries which would outweigh any benefit of strength training. Research has indicated, however, that strength trainin does not inhibit growth, and that injuries were often the result of children participating in unsupervised or ill-conceived strength programs. In fact, strength training has been found to benefit children by strengthening their bones, increasing their muscle strength and endurance, protecting their muscles and joints from injury, and helping them maintain a healthy body weight.   READ MORE...

May is Bike Month: Tune up, wheels down, bike ride!

by Laura A. Carver

San Antonio's enviable amount of good weather makes bike riding easily a year-round activity. With improved and expanding bike trails within the city's parks, open-street events like Siclovia that encourages people to go out and play, and municipal bike-sharing programs like B-Cycle, it's evident why the League of American Bicyclists awarded San Antonio a Bronze Medal for becoming a bike-friendly city. Mayor Castro's recent proclamation recognizing May as Bike Month provides another opportunity to celebrate cycling and the many reasons we ride. So, before you get out there to participate in this observance, here are a couple of things you can do to prepare for the upcoming bicycle season.  READ MORE...

Short-term Goals to get out of Your Fitness Rutt.

by Julie M. Tyler

Cardiovascular Did you start out your new year full of ambition and energy? A new year, and a new you focusing on healthy living, eating right, and getting in better shape? January may have brought some new diet plans, new group exercise classes, new routines, and all the good intentions in the world. And then work, kids, hobbies, chores and many other things have begun to monopolize your time. And now it is May, and life hasn't let up, but at the back of your mind, something nags at you about that resolution you made in January. This year was going to be different than all the last years you'd thought about doing the same thing. This was going to be your year.   READ MORE... 

What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?

by Jessie Zepeda Villegas

The list for female grooming is a long one: hair, nails, make-up and - as much as we hate to admit it- facial hair removal, just to name a few. Whether you tweeze, use depilatory, bleach, thread or laser, keeping our faces free of peach fuzz is a part of life. For most of us, the facial hair is not that big of a deal and only seems excessive when our reflections are magnified 30X by make-up mirrors. However, for a significant percentage of women, facial hair is excessive. So excessive they often turn to shaving on a daily basis.  READ MORE...