MAY 2008 NEWSLETTER

Q. I've spent the winter doing mostly walking-style exercise videos. I'd planned on continuing that regimen until last week when my neighbor insisted I walk outside with her. However, I didn't feel the outdoor workout was nearly as intense, even though we walked the same distance as my indoor workout. Am I just imagining the difference?

A. No, you're probably not imagining anything. Walking, whether indoors or out, is a great low-impact, weight bearing, calorie-burning aerobic exercise. But the reason you may feel like the outdoor workout lacks intensity is because your indoor walking video keeps you moving at a specific pace. The indoor walk is choreographed to a certain beats per minute -- a slow mile may take up to twenty minutes while a fast mile could be finished in half the time. You probably just move faster during your DVD workout compared to the outdoor walk with your friend. Of course, each indoor walking workout is different. There are basic one-mile walks as well as more challenging 3, 4 and 5-mile walks (that might also include weight-training intervals).

In addition, many indoor walking workouts boost the intensity by adding upper body movements and by incorporating slightly different steps. Most "choreographed" walking DVDs include basic variations of marches or walking steps. These moves engage different muscles. For example, the adductors rarely get used during outdoor walks. But they're easily recruited into a DVD program with lateral moves like side steps and grapevines.

Note: Indoors or out, if you're wondering about the accuracy of your walking program, you may want to use a pedometer. Firmly clip it above the hipbone and pay attention to how many steps it counts. Two thousand steps is the "rule of thumb" estimate for the number of steps in a mile. So if you are doing a five-mile walk, the pedometer should read ten thousand steps when you're done.

Oh, and what about your neighbor and her outdoor walking idea? Why not continue doing your indoor program for its effectiveness? Then add-on the outdoor walking element for recreation and more calorie burning (and to socialize with your friend!).

A big belly may lead to dementia

Having a large belly in midlife increases the chances of dementia in old age. Those are the results of a study recently published in the Neurology Journal.

The research looked at 6538 adults. It found that people with the highest abdominal fat in their 40s were about three times more likely to develop dementia than those with the lowest body fat. Surprisingly, the study indicated that abdominal fat is an even higher risk factor than family history.

Just another reason to start working out NOW!

Lots of new videos!

Pilates on the Ball, Fat Burning Belly Dance, Balletone, Abs Diet for Women and more

10 Minute Solution Pilates on the Ball has five 10-minute segments. Each section targets a specific body area with Pilates moves that use a stability ball to enhance effectiveness.

Dance Off the Inches Fat Burning Belly Dance is a true fat-burner (it's much faster-paced than most belly dance workouts). You'll get a blend of Bollywood and belly dance plus lots of traditional cardio favorites.

Abs Diet for Women will reshape your entire body. It has cardio intervals along with upper and lower-body toning (in addition to two abs-only segments).

Balletone: Beyond Balletone also includes both aerobics and body-sculpting routines. It's a graceful, flowing workout based on real ballet-style exercises.

Step Pump with Tonya Larson provides lots of intensity options. You can stick with the base move or boost the effectiveness with the more challenging modifications.

Jennifer Kries' Yin Yoga is very "new age". If you're into Chakra's and energy-flows, this is the workout for you.

Click here to see all our new workout videos.

A chat with
Jules Benson

Like many instructors, Jules Benson became interested in fitness through sports. "I grew up playing sports that included volleyball, softball, basketball and track. I was also a cheerleader and went on to do that in college. You'd think, being a cheerleader in college, would have kept me in top shape. But I still managed to pack on the old 'freshman fifteen' through my unhealthy eating habits. At that point, I happened to take an aerobics course. The instructor asked if I would ever be interested in teaching aerobics. I figured I'd give it a try and I absolutely loved it!"

So you went on to get a BS degree in Exercise Science and Health. Was your plan to be a fitness instructor? "Actually, my goal was to teach and coach middle school. That's what I did for 3 years after graduating college. I was still instructing aerobics classes, but my primary job was teaching/coaching. However, after I had my first child, I decided to stay home with her and began to teach more classes in the gym. I soon realized that fitness was my true passion!"

Do you still feel that way? "My career is great. It allows me to connect with people of all fitness levels. In my live classes, I can really get a feel for what others would like. They're sort of my 'guinea pigs' and they love it! On the other hand, when I present workshops for instructors, I get to show some real creativity. And I get to help new instructors discover what works for them. I like working with new instructors -- I remember my own feelings of anxiety when I was a new instructor (there are all kinds of emotions going on). And, then there are my exercise videos. The videos let me connect with the home exerciser. It's such an awesome feeling knowing that I'm helping people get fit right in their own home. I feel like I am being appreciated for doing something that I truly love!"

If the "fitness gig" hadn't worked out, what would you be doing? "If I were not in the fitness industry, I'd be involved in motivational speaking for middle school girls. I've seen so many with self-esteem issues. They really start to define where their life is headed at this age. I feel it's so important for them to have strong values."

Great. Do you happen to have middle school children of your own? "My husband and I have two kids -- not yet middle school. My daughter Lexi is 6 and my son Zane is 4. Lexi is the 'smart and quiet' one who always likes to read and learn new things in education. Zane is the one who wants to play. It is funny how your children can be so opposite. Being a mommy has been so rewarding. Yes, there are challenges. But all-in-all, you just can't beat it!"

To see both of Jules' videos, click here.

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