New Survivors, Glistening Girls and Fit ‘Hoods
Reality TV tests fitness, a new site glistens, and community exercise programs work.
Can You Survive?
I know, I know. There are a lot of reality TV shows out there and there’s only so much time in the day for TV watching, but the new Discovery Health TV show Could You Survive? is no Rock of Love. The four-part show premieres this Thursday at 9 p.m. Eastern and shows contestants how their level of fitness can impact their ability to survive a simulated life-threatening situation such as escaping from a raging wildfire or racing to save a loved one injured in a car accident.
Sure, the FBGs clearly have a soft spot for all things Biggest Loser, but I think there’s enough room in our hearts to make room for this show, too. Just from watching that preview I already feel like my focus at the gym tomorrow morning will be a bit different.
Get Glistening
Looking for new moves at the gym? Want a personal trainer but can’t afford one? Want to feel like you “know” an Olympic gold medalist? Have no fear, Glisten is here. The lovely bro-sis team, Wes and Allyson Felix, recently hipped us to their new site, and we’re a little geeked over it. Wes is a professional runner for Nike, and Allyson took home the gold in a track relay event in Beijing. It is now that Erin and I bow down and repeat the wise words of Wayne Campbell and Garth Algar: “We’re not worthy! We’re not worthy!”
The site features free 45- to 60-minute workouts that are delivered straight to your inbox and other tips about fitness fashion, workout music and healthy foods. Plus, they have partnered with the cancer prevention non-profit, Package of Prevention, to encourage a total healthy lifestyle, instead of just being skinny. Again, we’re not worthy!
Girls don’t sweat; they glisten.
Happier, Healthier Neighborhoods
First we reported that Americans wanted more exercise options in their communities, and now we have proof that physical-activity programs are money well spent. Researchers found that community-based physical activity programs appeared to reduce new cases of colon cancer by five to 15 cases per 100,000 people, 15 to 58 cases per 100,000 for breast cancer, 59 to 207 cases per 100,000 for type 2 diabetes, and 140 to 476 cases per 100,000 for heart disease. Wow. Programs included billboard campaigns, exercise groups and enhanced access to services that support active lifestyles such as fitness centers, bike paths and walking trails. I think Mr. Rogers would approve of that type of neighborhood, don’t you?
Note to my insurance company: Pay for my health club membership! Note to city planners: Give us more parks! Note to government officials: Please allot more funds to preventive health efforts! Think they read this stuff? Gosh, I hope so.
—Jenn