I’ve been feeling this overwhelming urge to go walking/running through my wonderful & beautiful neigboorhood for quite some time now.  It has many hills & beautiful houses (it’s one of El Paso’s historic districs- so the houses are all old & beautiful!)  I went online to try and find a tool where it can map out exactly where I go and I found a really cool free on-line tool. It’s easy!  I just registered & logged on (it took about 3 minutes) and am mapping out my run/walk for tomorrow as I write this. Last year it was called “Google Pedometer”, this year it’s “Map My Run”. 

Map My Run, is an on-line mapping program that can measure the distance of your walking and running routes.  It can help you navigate your routes; create new routes for your 3k, 5k, 10k; and you can map out routes in unfamiliar cities if you are visiting or new to the area.  I think this is genius.  You actually draw out your map by clicking on the map and plotting out your path. I have many times driven my car up and down streets trying to figure out a new 5 mile path.  You can’t take your car down some trails in your area BUT you can draw it on Map My Run.  You can also save your routes and email them to a friend. 

You can view street level, 3D and satellite - it’s totally cool and fun.  There also is a community area where you can see other people’s runs and walks.  In addition, there are tons of other useful tools on this website - training information, running news, etc.  Check it out if you are an outdoor walker, runner or even biker!  This is looking to become one of my favorite training tools!! 

This is what I came up with & I might possibly try it out tomorrow morning (Saturday)!  :-) 

http://www.mapmyrun.com/walk/united-states/tx/el-paso/412883897

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Federal Trade Commission Reaches “New Year’s” Resolutions with Four Major Weight-Control Pill Marketers

FTC Recovers $25 Million to Settle Allegations of Deceptive Marketing for Xenadrine EFX, CortiSlim, TrimSpa, and One-A-Day WeightSmart

The FTC has filed complaints in four separate cases alleging that weight-loss and weight-control claims were not supported by competent and reliable scientific evidence. Marketers of the four products –Xenadrine EFX, CortiSlim, TrimSpa, and One-A-Day WeightSmart – have settled with the FTC, surrendered cash and other assets worth at least $25 million, and agreed to limit their future advertising claims.

“You won’t find weight loss in a bottle of pills that claims it has the latest scientific breakthrough or miracle ingredient,” said FTC Chairman Deborah Platt Majoras. “Paying for fad science is a good way to lose cash, not pounds.”

Here is the rest of the article:

http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2007/01/weightloss.shtm

To your health!

~ Vilma

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The BOSU ball really kicked my butt today!!! I liked it so much that I did a little bit of research and found an interesting article by our Civilian Fitness Program director, Doug Briggs!!!!

BOSU™ is an acronym for “both sides up”. The BOSU® Balance Trainer can be used with the platform side either up or down for different types of balance challenge. The solid platform is 25 inches in diameter and the dome should be inflated until it is firm. Two recessed handles on the bottom of and towards the sides on the platform make it easy to turn over or carry. This hybrid fitness product has its genesis in the field of medicine, as well as balance, functional and sports specific training. Neuromuscular physiology, which helps to define human movement, provides the science that backs this remarkably complete approach to training. The BOSU® Balance Trainer offers a different means to make exercise more appealing and effective for average people, fitness enthusiasts and highly trained athletes. Learn more about: • Integrated Balance Training • The Science Behind BOSU™ Training • What the Experts Say • Products

The article by Doug Briggs is titled, “The Science behind functional balance training”

Awesome!!!

~ Vilma

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