| 10 years of the Fitness Pro
By DAN STRAYTON
As published March 19, 2008
This month marks the 10-year anniversary of this column in the Mt. Airy Messenger. During that time I have received great support from Editor Becky Ricketts and plenty of positive feedback from many faithful readers in the Mt. Airy community [more]
Cold weather exercise
By DAN STRAYTON
As published Feb. 20, 2008
Dear Dan,
Do you know of any risks associated with exercising outdoors in cold temperatures like we’ve been having? Is it bad for your lungs to breathe in such cold air?
Betty, Mt. Airy
Dear Betty,
Attempting to begin and maintain [more]
You’re better when you move
By DAN STRAYTON
As published Feb. 6, 2008
There’s a memorable scene in the classic film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (Fox, 1969) in which Butch and Sundance (Newman and Redford) are “applying” for a job in Bolivia as security guards for a mining operation. Testing the Kid’s [more]
Preparing to ski
By DAN STRAYTON
As published Dec. 19, 2007
We have planned a big ski trip in February and would like to start getting in shape for it now. What exercises should we be doing to prepare for this trip? – Barb and Don, Mt. Airy
Dear Barb and Don,
[more]
Fitness gift ideas
By DAN STRAYTON
As published Dec. 5, 2007
Do you have any suggestions for fitness gift ideas this holiday season?
–Carol, Mt. Airy
Dear Carol,
Fitness gifts – what a great idea! They’re certainly a healthier alternative to the “dessert-of-the-month club” or a box of steaks. Fitness gift ideas [more]
Exercise your rights and your voice
By DAN STRAYTON
As published Nov. 21, 2007
Chances are, if you are reading this column, you are either a current member of a health club, a future member of a health club or a past member who will one day be a member again. As a result, you [more]
Burn more fat in less time
By DAN STRAYTON
As published Oct. 17, 2007
Interval training has been around for centuries, usually as the cornerstone of athletic conditioning programs, but recent research shows that this method of exercising can help everyone from novice exercisers to elite athletes burn fat, lose weight, get healthier and improve [more]
Benefits of exercise lost in focus on weight loss
By DAN STRAYTON
As published Sept. 19, 2007
Weight loss is the number one reason people begin an exercise program. Unfortunately, it can also be the number one reason why people quit an exercise program.
Weight loss can be a frustrating and difficult goal to achieve. When emphasizing weight [more]
When will exercise get easier?
By DAN STRAYTON
As published Sept. 5, 2007
I often hear the question "When is this going to get easier?" soon after people begin an exercise program. The answer to that question depends on what you're asking, exactly.
You might be asking "When will I find it easier to [more]
Vary kids' sports and allow occasional respite
By DAN STRAYTON
As published July 5, 2007
Dear Dan,
With fall sports, winter sports, spring sports and summer sports, I feel like my 9-year old never gives himself a rest from playing sports. I think he needs to give his body a rest but other people swear he [more]
Getting results without adding more time
By DAN STRAYTON
As published June 6, 2007
Dear Dan,
I added strength training to my exercise routine a few months ago by incorporating some of my club’s strength machines (the ones with the weight stacks). Now, I’m a little bored with the same 6-8 exercises that I’ve been [more]
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