The Physical Activity Pyramid for Kids (Source: Fitness for Life Elementary School, Human Kinetics, 2010, used by permission) has five steps. Each of the steps is designed to illustrate a type of physical activity that has health benefits.

Some people are sedentary, while others are obsessive in their mission for a leaner physique and go overboard with exercise. The number of people addicted to extreme exercise has risen. These individuals define themselves by their strenuous exercise routines. Little do they know, they're putting their health at risk, especially if they're radically cutting back on their food intake and watching every calorie consumed. Females who over-exercise and deprive themselves of proper nutrition can experience loss of menstruation cycles and ovulation. This sets them up for risk of osteoporosis, hormone dysfunction and stress fractures.

Some people are sedentary, while others are obsessive in their mission for a leaner physique and go overboard with exercise. The number of people addicted to extreme exercise has risen. These individuals define themselves by their strenuous exercise routines. Little do they know, they're putting their health at risk, especially if they're radically cutting back on their food intake and watching every calorie consumed. Females who over-exercise and deprive themselves of proper nutrition can experience loss of menstruation cycles and ovulation. This sets them up for risk of osteoporosis, hormone dysfunction and stress fractures.

With the weather being back to three-digit temperatures, it is very easy to dismiss maintaining an exercise schedule, because it’s “just too hot.” However, a routine exercise schedule can have tremendous benefits. If you think exercise is only good to develop and maintain a lean body, strong muscles and heart, you are one of many who need to be educated on the benefits of physical activity on emotional, mental and psychological well-being.

With the weather being back to three-digit temperatures, it is very easy to dismiss maintaining an exercise schedule, because it’s “just too hot.” However, a routine exercise schedule can have tremendous benefits. If you think exercise is only good to develop and maintain a lean body, strong muscles and heart, you are one of many who need to be educated on the benefits of physical activity on emotional, mental and psychological well-being.

Something needs to be done about the bicyclists on Pecos Road. They are creating hazardous situations for themselves and drivers. Recently, I was heading west on Pecos as I normally do. This time there was a van in the right-hand lane and I was in the left-hand lane. The van slowed down and made a right on to 17th Street. Just then, a bicyclist darted across Pecos Road, I swerved to avoid him, coming within 3 feet and doing 50 mph. Thank goodness there were clouds this evening because the sun is normally in my eyes at this time. Sometimes these folks are in packs of 15 to 20 bikes. And not staying on the shoulder in the bike lane, but riding in the car lane.

Which scenario would you prefer?

Andy is a 5-year-old Border Collie mix. True to his breed mix, he is one smart guy and knows commands “sit,” “down,” “shake,” “stay,” “come,” “leave it,” “heel,” “release,” and “kennel up.” Andy is a very active boy who needs an active family who will take him running or hiking and who will play fetch with him. He’s also a very affectionate boy who loves people. Andy is probably best as the only four-legged family member, but he might be able to live with the right dog.

The heart is actually one big muscle. But it is a specialized muscle and different from the other muscles that are attached to your bones. Where you have to purposefully make your arm or leg muscles move, the heart muscle is continuously and, hopefully, efficiently pumping away, day and night without you thinking about it. 

The heart is actually one big muscle. But it is a specialized muscle and different from the other muscles that are attached to your bones. Where you have to purposefully make your arm or leg muscles move, the heart muscle is continuously and, hopefully, efficiently pumping away, day and night without you thinking about it. 

Yet another fitness-gadget is espousing benefits backed by scientific studies. That's like blood in the water to me. I must investigate. It's an addiction.

Yet another fitness-gadget is espousing benefits backed by scientific studies. That's like blood in the water to me. I must investigate. It's an addiction.

To stretch or not to stretch, that is the question. At least that would be Hamlet's question before going out for his morning run around Elsinore castle and people have been asking that same question ever since. I'm raising the question now because with the new year approaching, many of you will be resolving to begin an exercise program for health and weight loss.

To stretch or not to stretch, that is the question. At least that would be Hamlet's question before going out for his morning run around Elsinore castle and people have been asking that same question ever since. I'm raising the question now because with the new year approaching, many of you will be resolving to begin an exercise program for health and weight loss.

FITNESS ADVICE

FITNESS ADVICE

Statewide, teens and young adults have dropped the remote and picked up an instrument to become a part of the Academy Drum and Bugle Corps.

I received a call the other day that went something like this; “Hi Mike? Do you guys do exorcisms?”

Exercising while pregnant is not only safe, but generally recommended for women in good health. A woman should plan to begin an exercise program prior to conceiving, and then continue that program into the pregnancy. Exercise and good nutrition promote a healthy weight gain during pregnancy, and can help a woman better tolerate labor and delivery.

I am one of those computer gypsies who wanders the country from end-to-end, working on contract projects that last anywhere from a couple of weeks to several months.

For youth, national guidelines for physical activity call for 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day. The most recent survey indicates that less than 50 percent of youth get 60 minutes of activity five days a week and about one quarter get 60 minutes of activity on all days of the week. Fourteen percent are totally sedentary — have no days during the week when they get 60 minutes of activity. One third of youth spend three or more hours a day playing video or computer games that are not schoolwork related and one third spend three or more hours a day watching television.

Recess was my favorite period in school. After lunch (my second favorite period) it was time for the playground and tag. Sprinting, screaming, telling stories of close calls and reviewing the tactical use of home base, escape and pursuit strategies. Red faced, out of breath, and begging for more. It probably only lasted 20 minutes, but it seemed like hours. It was awesome.