Water, water, water! How nice is it that water can offer such intense and enjoyable workouts. To me, water aerobics is defined as a non-weight bearing (easy on the joints) resistance and aerobic exercise performed in shallow water. It has since evolved from just walking or jogging forward and backward in the water to jumping jacks and popular cross-country skiing movements.

Water equipment has also become more popular. Water weights, floating belts, and other useful equipment are used to increase water resistance as well as help with flotation and balance. Water aerobics can be performed just about anywhere; from health and fitness clubs to public or private swimming pools to even shallow lakes. All you really need is the motivation and dedication to splash around a little bit (warm weather wouldn’t hurt either).

Pilates was originated in Germany in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates. The purpose of Pilates is to focus on the core all while working on controlled breathing and correct spinal alignment. According to some of those who practice Pilates, the central goal is to create a bond between the mind and body. Similar to yoga, Pilates teaches body awareness, good posture, and transforms the way your body looks without bulking. Today’s athletes use Pilates for strength, flexibility, and injury prevention while Hollywood celebrities use it for slim and slender physiques.

The original Pilates workout consisted of 34 floor or padded mat exercises and then later transformed into equipment use. The Reformer is the most popular piece of equipment used for Pilates. It consists of a platform that moves back and forth and the resistance is determined by the exerciser’s body weight as well as the springs that are attached to the platform. It is used to improve flexibility, core strength and endurance, and total body strength and endurance.

Have you ever heard the expression “bingo wings”? This is slang used to describe the fatty tissue or excess skin under the arm (triceps) that flaps back and forth, if you will, when a member of a Tuesday night bingo club wins and shakes the winning bingo card over-head. I understand that it is not a flattering term, but it does do an outstanding job explaining the situation or problem.

The problem area is known as the triceps brachii muscle. The triceps (used in both singular and plural) is a three-headed muscle that each of which come from different origins, but join together at the elbow. Extending the forearm and adducting the shoulder are the two main functions of the triceps brachii.

Below are several ways to help firm up those so called “bingo wings.” I recommend performing two to three sets of 15 repetitions at a medium weight for the following exercise routine. Good luck!

As many of you know, the Women’s and Men’s U.S. Olympic Ice Hockey teams lost to Canada during the finals of the 2010 Winter Olympics. The women’s team lost two to nothing capturing the silver medal for the second time ever. The men’s team lost a heart-breaker in overtime three to two, thus capturing the silver medal as well.

There is more to hockey than just suiting up and playing. Physical conditioning is a huge aspect of the game. Ice hockey takes a toll on the body, thus making it extremely important to be in great physical shape. Hockey requires a great deal of stamina, muscular strength, and muscular endurance. Upper body, core strength and endurance are important for the handling of the puck, shooting of the puck, checking an opponent, and fighting (several fights break out during hockey games).

How is this for horrifying health news: Sitting in a chair for most of the day puts you at risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and an early death. And, it’s more than one new study that has validated these claims.

I know what you’re thinking: “Well, I work out and eat right, so I have nothing to worry about.” If that’s all it took, then this news would not be particularly horrifying. The shocking part of the findings is that this applies to everyone.

The first reason for this is the most obvious. Sitting down, aside from sleeping, is about the most passive thing you can do. Even little things like chewing gum will increase your calorie burning. Standing in place can also burn calories, as you will tend to tense your leg muscles, shift your legs, and engage the muscles in your upper body.