Ask the Coach
New miracle drug? Hey, Coach! I wanted to know if you heard about the new pill that can eliminate a women’s menstrual cycle.
Some of us suffer greatly during our periods, and I know I wouldn’t mind if I never had another one.
I’m in my 30s and I’m finished having kids, so I’d love to say bye-bye forever.
Signed…..Good-Bye
Dear Good-Bye: Sorry, but you have caught the Coach off-guard, having not heard of this new pill.
However, the one thing that is known regarding something new to the market is this: There may not have been enough time to study and understand any potential long-term negative consequences, and, typically, there are possible side effects with something like this, just like there are with birth-control pills.
Thus, it is strongly suggested that before making any major decision, such as this, that women check with theirprimary-care physicians/gynecologists, who would hopefully be well informed on this new topic and be able to offer sound, professional information and advice.
Beach body
Hey, Coach! I am planning on going to the beach with a few of my best friends, and I’m not very thrilled about how my body looks.
I would like it to be nice and toned, but not too skinny. I don’t feel like I’m fat, and I don’t want to lose any weight. I would just like to bulk up and get toned.
What is the best way to do this and still eat some foods that I like?
Signed……Beach Girl
Dear Beach Girl: A quality fitness program includes three components; cardio, strength-training and static stretching.
Also, a quality wellness program would include nutritional and sensible eating (including liquids) habits. While the bulk-up part, to which you referred, may have been a faux paus, certainly strength training can get you started in the right direction, regarding the toning part.
For balance, it is suggested that you visit with a certified trainer and ask him/her about a head-to-toe program. This may include up to 15 different exercises. Typically, 2 (or 3) sets of 15 reps are suggested two or three times per week on non-consecutive days. Please note that, when lifting, we are tearing down our muscles. Thus, when doing a head-to-toe program, we must take at least a day off so that our muscles can rebuild. Over time, working out with “like” muscles on back-to-back days may lead to problems, including injuries.
Cardio is also a part of a quality fitness program. As we have said in this column many times before, the Department of Health strongly suggests intense cardio activities for at least 60 minutes on most days of the week.
As for eating foods that you like, and we believe you mean foods that are not good for us, it all comes down to balance and portions. Eating is certainly one of life’s greatest pleasures, so if you must eat your “goodies” from time-to-time, you are encouraged to do so in moderation, while making up for it in other ways.
With all of this said, please note that transforming our bodies is not an overnight thing, so please have patience and stick to a quality fitness/wellness program for life.
Be happy with what you have, and then start engaging in a plan of action to better yourself.
Have fun at the beach.
Walk to Harrisburg, Part II
For those who may have followed our Walk to Harrisburg last August, we are going to attempt another walk in a couple of weeks.
Our group had a blast last year — and we see no reason why this year won’t be just as much fun.
We may be willing to consider adding a person or two to our crew, so please contact Phil Michael or the Coach, if interested.
We’d be happy to explain the expectations and what all is involved.
—
Quick note…the Biggest Winner lost 3 more pounds last week and has now dropped 62 pounds.
—
Coach’s Comments:
If we always wait for the perfect moment, we may end up waiting for a lifetime.
Act immediately when a good opportunity presents itself.
Thanks for making the Coach a part of your day.
Have a safe weekend.
—
You can contact the Coach online at askthecoach2003@yahoo.com.