Home / Community / Blogs / The Fit Stop

Hot Topic Tuesday: How Medically-Accurate is Pop Culture?

May 15, 2012 at 3:16 pm
By

Your doctor may not look like McDreamy, but you should trust him more than the actor! (Photo by Susan Pittard)

“Ten blade—stat!” You’ve likely followed along (or tried to) as the paramedics rush patients in from ambulance to emergency room to operating room, all the while shouting precise medical terms to each other, on intense shows like Grey’s Anatomy and ER. It’s fun to get a peek into the powerful world of life-saving, and medical TV shows, movies and other pop culture references allow us to do just that (minus the real-life pain and blood).

But those of us who aren’t doctors have a tough time distinguishing what could be real and what is just drama. A recent New York Times article called out the new HBO series Girls for disseminating inaccurate information about the sexually transmitted infection HPV. The writer claims that an episode of Girls misinformed viewers about the prevalence of HPV (it is so common that at least 50 percent of  sexually active individuals get it at some point in their lives, according to the CDC), the severity of it and what is involved in testing and treatment for the STI.

Now tell us: Is this taking fictional dramas too seriously? Or do writers on health programs owe it to their viewers to have medical advisors on staff to guarantee the accuracy of their content?

More from FITNESS:

Jennifer Lopez is HOT in Under Armour!

May 15, 2012 at 1:04 pm
By

One of my favorite celebrities, Jennifer Lopez, looks ridiculously fit, awesome and pretty darn sexy every week on American Idol. (I’m always a bit more excited to see what she’s wearing than the Idol performances themselves!) But even when this diva trades the designer clothes and fancy shoes for something more comfy, she manages to make it look good too. How could she not when Under Armour‘s super trendy and fashionable fall pieces—the StudioLux Noir Collection—are so spot on that not only will you be excited to get into your workout clothes for the gym, but maybe wear them for a night out too.

As a fitness editor, I see an endless array of apparel hit my desk, but nothing has combined the trends, style, fashion, fit and such coolness as this new line from the design masters over at Under Armour. I can’t wait to get my hands on the, not one, but FIVE, super sexy black spandex tights (each is slightly different with a twist of Jennifer Lopez-ism that she would highly approve of), and the chic tank and cropped mini jacket combo. This is the lust-worthy collection that has fitness editors drooling over (maybe Vogue gals too!), but I’m loving that my favorite fit gal, J.Lo, got her hands on this apparel first, making it that much cooler.

Check out Jennifer Lopez wearing Under Armour’s newest StudioLux Noir jacket and pants in her newest video for her single “Follow The Leader”. (The collection goes on sale in August!)

Smash Star Katharine McPhee’s Go-To Shapers

May 15, 2012 at 11:42 am
By

Katharine McPhee's sexy stems are due to lots of lunges. And dancing, of course! (Photo courtesy Getty Images)

Last night’s Smash finale had viewers on the edge of their seats waiting to see who would finally be crowned Marilyn. Don’t worry if it’s still on your DVR, we’re not giving any spoilers! While we were anxious to see how the performance would play out, Katharine McPhee is already focusing on her next performance in the Big Apple with her partnership with Tide to kick off the Olympic Games. We caught up with the star to hear about the campaign and snag a few fitness tips of hers.

Tell us about the partnership you’re doing with Tide for the Olympics!

To gear up for the Games, Tide is launching a project called My Story. Our Flag. We are asking people to go to the Tide Facebook page to share their personal stories of what the flag means to them. On July 3 I’ll be performing in Bryant Park to unveil a huge artistic rendition of the American flag. The stories that people have shared will be printed on swatches of fabric that will be sewn together to make the flag.

Like the Olympic hopefuls, the road to landing your dream career came with a lot of hard work. What’s one piece of advice you would tell someone with huge goals to help them stay motivated?

I have always loved the Olympics, and I was actually a competitive swimmer in middle school and high school. I remember how grueling the training was then, which is nothing compared to how these athletes train. Being an actress and a singer I understand how important it is to take care of your body. My advice would be to practice persistence and lots of discipline, much like these athletes do.

Read more

One Woman’s Quest for the Best: The Fastest, Farthest Female Inline Skate

May 15, 2012 at 10:25 am
By

Fischer will roll through 18 states during this trip. (Photo courtesy of Promax)

Over the next few months, families will travel across the U.S. via plane, train or car during summer road trips. Kacie Fischer will be covering the same distance (nearly 4,000 miles, on her route), but on inline skates…and in just 74 days. If she reaches her goal, Fischer will also be breaking five Guinness World Records in the process.

We caught up with Fischer, a Promax DOer, after a long day of skating to get the backstory about her fit trip which has been two years in the making.

How did you get started with inline skating?

I started skating when I was 7, but didn’t start skating longer distances until I was cross training as a college runner. I found that I could travel a lot farther and see a lot more, plus it was a lot more exhilarating—try flying down a hill at 40+ miles per hour! Inline skating is like running on steroids.

What motivated you to skate across the country?

The challenge of it! I have learned that the day you ever stop challenging yourself is the day that you start dying. I would have to say skating across America definitely is living!

My fiancé Adam Cleveland and I started a non-profit called LiveGiveTrain Charities to encourage health and fitness through unique events, while raising money for existing non-profits. Our first event is LiveGiveSKATE: inline skating across America raising awareness for Special Olympics.

Read more

Long Commutes Are Detrimental to Your Health, Study Says

May 15, 2012 at 7:00 am
By

Catch up on your Zzzs before your commute. (Photo courtesy of iStockPhoto)

Working a nine-to-fiver is mandatory for most people, and unfortunately, a long commute often comes with the territory. According to a study published today in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, those who travel 16 or more miles each way weigh more and have higher blood pressures than those with less than 10-mile commutes.

Of the almost 4,300 residents from Dallas and Austin involved in the study, researchers discovered that for every 10-mile increase in driving distance, the commuter’s BMI (body mass index) rose .17 units. People with lengthy commutes are nine percent more likely to be obese, either because they didn’t exercise as much, are eating fast food while driving, or they’re not getting enough sleep because their long commute forces them to wake up early.

Weight isn’t the only thing affected by a long drive to work. Spending that much time in the car, especially stuck in traffic, also makes a person tired, moody, and stressed out, which is one reason 52 percent of those in the study with a longer commute suffered from high blood pressure.

So what’s a commuter to do? Quitting your job is obviously not an option, and if working at home part-time isn’t feasible and neither is finding a job closer to where you live, here are some things commuters can do to avoid weight gain and other health issues.

  • Make time to move: With an extra hour or two stuck in the car, it may be tough to exercise before or after work, so set aside 30 to 60 minutes during your day to hit the gym. Make it a priority just as you would any other scheduled appointment. Follow our time-saving tips for a lunchtime workout.
  • Get enough Zs: Not getting enough sleep is linked to weight gain, so if you know you have to get up early to hop in the car, be sure to hit the hay early enough to get at least seven to eight hours of shut-eye. Here are some tips on how to get quality sleep.

Keep reading to learn what else commuters can do to avoid weight gain.

More from FitSugar:

For Better Sleep, Do These 3 Things 20 Minutes Before Bed

42 Percent of Americans Obese by 2030, 4 Easy Tips to Help You Steer Clear

Two No-Sweat Ways to Extend Your Life

Life Lessons From Golf Great Annika Sorenstam

May 14, 2012 at 2:05 pm
By

Today, Annika passes along her pointers to golfers of all levels. (Photo courtesy of Annika Academy)

She’s the only woman to ever break 60 in a golf round (I’d be pumped if that was my score after nine holes—not 18!). She challenged fellow golf pro Fred Funk to a bet about hitting the longest drive—and won—forcing him to wear a skirt for a hole (“we still laugh about it today,” she says).

But what is making Annika Sorenstam most professionally proud today? The ANNIKA Foundation and The ANNIKA Academy, groups she founded to introduce young golfers to the game and pass along advice to current players. We spoke with Sorenstam last week to learn more about these programs and what she’s been up to since she officially retired from the sport in 2008.

How did you get your start with golf?

My parents introduced me and we lived five minutes away from a course. I played all kinds of sports as a kid, so golf wasn’t my sole passion at the time. My love for it grew from there, though.

When you first hit the pro circuit, you were a lot shier than you are today. How did you overcome this?

As an amateur, this affected my game [Editor's Note: Sorenstam has admitted that, as a junior, she delibertely placed second in some tournaments to avoid giving a victory speech.], but when I won the U.S. Open in 1995, I learned quickly. I knew I needed to communicate and interview better if I wanted to inspire others and be a leader. I do feel very comfortable with who I am and what I am trying to say now. I keep in mind that I’m talking passionately about things I know, and have the facts to back it up. It’s all about trusting your abilities.

Read more

Music Monday: Sharing the Love With Mom

May 14, 2012 at 11:34 am
By

Three cheers for all the awesome moms in the world! (Photo by Amy Postle)

Even though Mother’s Day has passed, we couldn’t help but continue spreading the love. After all, they watch over us for years, even after we’ve grown and left the nest! So for those of you looking for a little more inspiration, whether you’re remembering your mom, spending the day with her, or a mom yourself, download any of these songs for an instant boost of mom mojo.

Now tell us: How did you celebrate Mother’s Day?

Fashion Diaries: Talking Shop With Olympic Swimmer Amanda Beard

May 14, 2012 at 9:22 am
By

Amanda Beard, spokesmodel for Aqua Sphere. (Photo courtesy of Aqua Sphere Swimwear and Swimming Gear)

With the 2012 Olympics headed our way, we thought that Olympic swimmer Amanda Beard would be a great girl to catch up with. On top of being a star in the pool (did you know that she won her first Olympic medal when she was only 14?!), she’s a mom, a model and a philanthropist. Talk about someone who does it all!

Here’s what Amanda had to say:

What is one food that you absolutely can’t live without?

I love Mexican food. It’s my guilty pleasure!

What food do you eat right before a big meet, that you feel gives you the most energy?

Since Mexican food is not ideal before getting in the pool so before a meet or workout, I like to snack on PB&H (honey) sandwiches or smoothies. They’re both delicious, easy to make and help keep me energized.

Swimming requires a lot of body strength. What is your go-to workout move to help keep you strong?

The 18 x 100 breaststroke is one of my favorite strength-building workouts. I always walk away feeling energized, despite the fact that the minimal intervals between each repetition makes it a tough workout! [Editor's note: Sure sounds tough to us!]

Read more

Fit Links: #FitBlogNYC Edition

May 11, 2012 at 3:39 pm
By

This week’s fit links from around the web…about the FITNESS Meet & Tweet!

Attendees dropped their tech tools to socialize, too! (Photo by Steven Meyer)

And the #FitBlogNYC tweet beat:

Thank you to all who attended and made the event so fun!

Toast to Mom With These Cocktails

May 11, 2012 at 2:49 pm
By

Whether you’re hosting a big family brunch or just gabbing with mom, why not celebrate her with a little imbibing? These low-cal and gourmet drink recipes, thanks to Patrón Spirits, sound delicious, don’t you think…?

patron cocktail mint and cucumber

Photo courtesy of Patrón Spirits.

The Good Wife - Low-Calorie

  • 2 ounces Patrón Silver
  • 1/2 ounces Ginger simple syrup
  • 1/2 ounces Lime juice
  • Seltzer or mineral water
  • 3 to 4 mint leaves
  • 2 to 3 peeled fresh cucumber rounds, skins removed

In a highball or collins glass, muddle cucumber, lime juice, and mint. Add Patrón Silver and fill with ice. Cover with seltzer and stir well. Garnish with a mint sprig and cucumber rounds.

 

low calorie patron cocktail

Photo courtesy of Patrón Spirits.

Mother’s Little Helper – Low-Calorie

  • 1 3/4 ounces Patrón Silver
  • 1/4 ounces Elderflower liqueur
  • 3/4 ounces Fresh lime juice
  • 3 slices Cucumber
  • 2 whole fresh sage leaves
  • Ginger ale

Smack sage to open up aromas. Tear in two and muddle well with cucumber and elderflower liqueur. In a mixing glass, add remaining ingredients and ice. Shake and strain over ice in a highball glass. Top with ginger ale. Garnish with cucumber and sage leaf.

 

patron mother's day martini

Photo courtesy of Patrón Spirits.

I Said So Martini – Gourmet

  • 2 ounces Patrón XO Cafe Dark Cocoa
  • 0.5 ounces Amaretto Liqueur
  • 1 ounces Cream
  • Almond shavings for garnish

Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with almond shavings.

 

 

coffee patron cocoa espresso cocktail

Photo courtesy of Patrón Spirits.

Sealed with an XO – Gourmet

  • 3 ounces Patrón XO Cafe Dark Cocoa
  • 1 ounces. Espresso
  • 1 large scoop coffee-flavored gelato
  • Coffee grinds for garnish

Blend all ingredients in a blender and pour into a hurricane-style glass. Garnish with coffee grinds.

For more drink recipes and ideas, visit patronspirits.com.

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »
  • FITNESS Magazine on Facebook

  •