Fitness trackers and smartwatches have been around for years now. And although they've definitely helped get more people moving (shout out to everyone who's done laps around the dining room table before bed just to hit 10,000 steps), there isn't a whole lot these wrist pieces can do to help you reach your personal goals.

But Fitbit is about to change that with the launch of its new Ionic smartwatchthe companys first true smartwatch. Here's everything you need to know. Image: Fitbit 1. It was designed as a health and fitness watch first. The company prioritized the health and fitness features and functionality, which sets it apart from some of the competition. That said, it also works with Android, iPhone, and Windows smartphones, so you can still stay connected with notifications at your wrist.

2. The features are next level. The Ionic has all the features you expect: steps and activity tracking, GPS, continuous heart rate, and water resistance up to 50 meters. Like the Blaze, it offers on-screen workouts, but instead of a small stick figure, you can see an actual model on the full-color displaycrucial for good form. It also has algorithms for specific sport modes such as running, cycling, swimming, yoga, and even high-intensity interval training. And the automatic exercise detection makes accurate tracking of stop-and-go activities like running (hello, stoplights!) completely effortless.

3. It runs on a new operating system, Fitbit OS.This means the watch can support your favorite third-party apps, so you have access to information like weather or news updates and can use your favorites like Strava or Starbucks. Plus, it allows developers to easily create new apps and custom faces specifically for this watch and its multiple sensors.

Image: Fitbit 4. You'll be able to personalize training and nutrition programs that work for you and your goals. The brand is also launching a new app called Fitbit Coach (a rebranded version of the current Fitstar personal trainer app). This new version features personalized training and evolving plans that adapt based on your feedback (think: too easy, too hard, just right). With Ionic, you'll also be able to access audio-only coaching paired with your favorite music, so you can head out for a run and have a virtual coach in your ear all the way.

5. The battery lasts longer than the competition. You'll get four-plus days of battery life (or up to 10 hours with GPS use), so you don't have to take it off every night to charge it. By sleeping with the watch, you can benefit from the sleep stages and insights feature, which tracks light, deep, and REM sleep (a future application might be something like detecting sleep apnea in users).

6. It holds all your favorite music. Sure, there are other watches that store music (this one will hold around 300 songs with 2.5 GB of storage), but Fitbit partnered with Pandora to let you load your three favorite radio stations straight onto the watch. You'll have access to about two hours of preloaded content per station, so you can take Pandora offline and go phone-free during your workouts. To listen, you'll need wireless headphones (there's no headphone jack on the watch), which is why Fitbit is also launching new Flyer wireless headphones ($129.99, fitbit.com), with fully customizable parts (tips, wings, and fins in multiple sizes) that let you go for a run without them falling outa miracle! The Flyer has noticeably crisp sound quality and two settings: Signature and Power Boost, so you can get extra pumped during workouts.

7. It doubles as a wallet. You'll no longer have to awkwardly find a pocket for that single credit card on your next run. Fitbit Pay allows you to make payments via Visa, Mastercard, and American Express (bank partnerships may come in the future) with a quick scan of the watch.

8. It'll be available October 2017. But you can preorder it now it at fitbit.com for $299.95. Image: Fitbit 9. There are even more exciting things to come in 2018. Next year Fitbit is adding subscription-based guided health programs to Fitbit Coach, such as a four-week guide to reducing sugar and a six-week program for running beginners. And Ionic will be updated with new training plans thanks to a multiyear partnership with adidas.

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Fitbit Unveils a New Smartwatch, and It Could Actually Help You Reach Your Health and Fitness Goals - Greatist

Steve Russell believes he has found one of the best volunteer positions he could have for his skills.

He was an engineer at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District. For the past four years, the retiree has used his analytical skills and his eye for detail to help clients navigate the always changing Medicare plans.

You cant golf all the time, Russell said. Being a (Senior Health Insurance Information Program) counselor gives me something very complicated and challenging to help people with.

The program, known as SHIIP, provides free counseling to Medicare beneficiaries.

Enrollment for Medicare benefits is open all year as individuals turn 65 years old and become eligible, but there also is a special enrollment period from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 for reviewing drug plans and Medicare Advantage plans.

Russell and other SHIIP counselors are available for appointments during the upcoming open enrollment period to help consumers review plans.

People with Medicare Part D coverage should check every year to make sure their plan fits their needs, Russell said. The providers can change premiums, co-pays, deductibles and the formulary every year and all of those can have an impact on your individual benefits.

The formulary is the list of medications covered by a specific Medicare Part D provider. For example, the provider may cover a medication one year, but not cover it the next year. If that drug is something you use, it could result in increased costs if you remain with the same insurer.

One medication may cost you $200 a month or may not cost anything depending on your plan, Russell said. If you have Medicare Part D, you should sit down with a SHIIP counselor with your list of medications and look at what the providers of Part D coverage have on their formulary.

We do everything we can to help people get the plan that best fits their needs.

SHIIP volunteers are not representatives of the insurance providers and are not involved in sales. Their role is to provide objective information and assistance to their clients.

To qualify as an advisor, SHIIP counselors attend three updates each year and take a certification test they must pass in order to be counselors.

Russell said it is important to make an appointment with a volunteer during the fall Medicare Part D enrollment period.

During the year I might have 10 to 12 appointments in a month. During the Part D enrollment period, I might have that many appointments in a single day so it is important to set up an appointment in advance, he said.

Russell and the other Genesis SHIIP volunteers who each year assist hundreds of clients will be honored on Wednesday in Cedar Rapids as recipients of the Iowa Governors Volunteer Award.

The Governors Volunteer Award program honors dedicated people across the state who volunteer their time and talent to help an agency or organization.

Genesis SHIIP volunteers served 708 clients in 2016 and spent more than 700 hours counseling clients. They also saved clients $364,383 by finding a Medicare plan meeting their needs.

The Genesis volunteers serving the region are Russell, Bob Lavender, Garry Rudish, Lynn Sours and Jerry Stanger. Another volunteer will join the group for the fall open enrollment period.

Were very proud of this group and the complex, important work they do throughout the open enrollment period, but also all year long as clients call with questions about their plan, said Allyson Miller, volunteer services coordinator, Genesis Medical Center, Davenport. This group is very deserving of recognition.

To set up an appointment with the Genesis SHIIP volunteers, call (563) 421-1096.

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SHIIP counselors help clients during Medicare enrollment period - Quad City Times

Chances are every one of us know someone who is living with a chronic, life-limiting illness that cannot be cured. According to the Center to Advance Palliative Care, approximately 90 million Americans are living with progressive illnesses. Heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes and Alzheimers disease are the most common.

Even though there may not be a cure for many of these chronic illnesses, there are numerous treatment options to help each person to live their best life possible. During this stage of life care not cure the focus is placed on quality of life, symptom management and pain control, rather than continued medical tests and treatments that aim to cure the illness. This type of supportive care is called palliative care.

Understanding and meeting the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of those living with chronic and life-limiting conditions is the focus of palliative care. Palliative (which means to relieve or soothe) care is specialized care for those living with a serious issue. Palliative care improves the quality of life for both the patient and their loved ones.

Palliative care concentrates on reducing the severity of chronic or progressive disease symptoms rather than striving to halt or reverse the disease when curing the illness is not an option. The palliative care team, which includes physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers, dietitians, pharmacists and spiritual leaders), educates patients and families about treatment plans and goals while addressing and supporting their physical, emotional and spiritual wishes. This helps patients maintain a good quality of life and can improve a patients ability to tolerate ongoing medical treatments.

Palliative care is not hospice or end-of-life care but can include aspects of hospice care, such as decisions regarding long-term pain control, death and dying, and other end-of-life related issues and assists in the transition to hospice, when appropriate.

Emmalee Kennedy, M.D., is the medical director of Northern Arizona Healthcares (NAH) Palliative Care Program. She is part of a team of compassionate medical providers at NAH, Northern Arizona University (NAU and other regional health care organizations who are working to educate health care providers, caregivers and the community about the benefits of palliative care.

As physicians and healthcare providers, our goal is to cure sometimes, to relieve often and to comfort always, Dr. Kennedy said. When a cure is not possible, palliative care is there to provide support and care for the patient and their loved ones. It is important for people to know they dont have to suffer just because they have a chronic condition or life-limiting illness. Palliative care provides a team of caring experts who can help each person live life to their fullest potential each day.

New national and state palliative care protocols mean better patient-centered care

One of the newest developments in palliative care is on the administrative side rather than the treatment side.

To bring clarity about the patients wishes and ensure consistency of treatment, a medical form is being implemented nationwide: Provider Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment or POLST. In Arizona, the form and new protocols are termed AzMOST or Arizona Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment.

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Dawn Rivas, M.S., R.N., is a doctoral student and the interim assistant director and assistant clinical professor at NAUs School of Nursing. She and Dr. Kennedy are currently members of the AzMOST task force and are working in conjunction with other state leaders to develop and implement a POLST/AzMOST program in Arizona. At present, Flagstaff Medical Center has a POLST pilot program, which is the only such program in the state; other communities are currently looking to start POLST pilot projects of their own.

POLST and AzMOST provide continuity of care across settings of care with a goal of increasing patient quality of life and improving patient satisfaction, Rivas explained.

POLST/AzMOST improves the quality of care and quality of life for chronically ill patients by creating a process that asks about, documents and honors a patients wishes for medical treatment. The patients medical orders and desires are known and carried out without requiring a new set of orders every time the patient needs medical care. All healthcare professionals must adhere to the physician-signed medical order regardless of where the patient is receiving care or who is providing the care.

The new forms and protocols centralize information on these issues, improves record keeping and transfers appropriate information between healthcare professionals and between care settings. Information includes the patients diagnosis, prognosis and desires regarding medical and life-sustaining treatments and interventions, as well as general orders about what level of invasive treatments (such as a feeding tube) a patient would consider if their condition worsened. Depending on the patients preferences, the form may also include orders for do not resuscitate, do not intubate and other life-sustaining treatments.

The forms should be printed on bright pink paper so care providers can identify them in the case of an emergency. (Do Not Resuscitate or Pre-Hospital Medical Care Directive forms are printed on orange paper.) At home, these forms should be kept where easily seen, such as on the refrigerator, or with other quickly accessible medical and legal forms.

Is there a health topic you would like to know more about? Contact Starla S. Collins, health writer, life coach and PR expert, via email at StarlaSCollins@gmail.com.

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Palliative Care: When cure is not an option - Arizona Daily Sun

A federal appeals court has upheld a decision mandating that IconHealth and Fitness pay $1.6 million in attorney's fees for filing an unwarranted patentlawsuit against a competitor.

Iconsued Octane Fitness in 2009, saying thatOctane's high-end elliptical machines infringed US Patent No.6,019,710, which describes an elliptical machine that allows for adjustments to accommodate individual strides.After two years of litigation, a district court judge found that Octane's machines didn't infringe. Octane asked for an award of legal fees, but later in 2011, a judgerejected the company's bid. That decision was upheld on appeal.

Octane didn't get its fee award, despite the fact that it had uncovered e-mails in discovery suggesting that Iconwas simply using the lawsuit to hamper a smaller competitor. An Icon executive had described the '710 patent as an "old patent we had for a long timethat was just sitting on the shelf."

But the fact is, it was nearly impossible to win fees in a patent case in 2011. However, Octane didn'ttake its loss sitting down. The companyappealed to the Supreme Court, whichheard oral arguments onthe case in 2014.

In a 9-0 vote, the courtissued an opinion (PDF)making it much easier to get attorney's fees. Justice Sonia Sotomayorwrote the opinion, holding that patent laws call for awarding fees in an "exceptional" case, which is "simply one that stands out from others with respect to the substantive strength of a party's litigating position... or the unreasonable manner in which the case was litigated."

With that, the case was kicked back down to the lower courts. Under the new standard, the district court judge awarded $1.6 million to Octane, over the objections of Icon lawyers.

On Friday, the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit upheld (PDF) that award in its entirety. The district court foundthat Icon's claim construction arguments were"wholly at odds with the patent text, prosecutionhistory, and inventor testimony," The court alsofound that Icon includedNellie's Fitness, an equipment distributor, as a defendant for the purpose increasing Octane's legal costs.

The appeals judges found "no clear error in its analysis" andupheld the district court's award.The panel dismissed a cross-appeal by Octane asking for a larger award, which would also cover litigation over the fees.

There's no higher courtto appeal the case to except forthe Supreme Court, which has already weighed in on the matter. That makes the chances of a further appeal infinitesimal, and the $1.6 million figure is likelyfinal.

Octane's lawyer, Rudy Telscher, said in a 2014 interview with Arsthat his clienthad spent about $2 million in defense costs at that time. The only reasonOctane was able to pursue the matter for so long, Telscher said, is because the company had purchased IP litigation insurance.

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Fitness company that took its patent case to Supreme Court gets $1.6M fee award - Ars Technica

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Im like a lot of Americans.

For most of my adult life, I have been overweight. While I struggled to eat well, my weight slowly climbed until I was firmly entrenched in the realm of obesity. The numbers on the scale continued to creep up, until I found myself at a point where my health was becoming a concern.

Intrinsically, I knew the problem stemmed from probably-too-large portions and frequent diet sabotage due to my love of sweets.

Then there was the battle to get to the gym. Like many of us, I started to find reasons to skip the gym. I had injuries that were both the cause and the result of inactivity, and I let them keep me on the couch. Excuses such as, I just need to rest my back today, or Im not feeling up to it, but Ill go tomorrow, added up. Before I knew it, more than just a day of exercise had passed. More than just one extra snack was added to my day. More than just one excuse had formed.

I had created a lifestyle of unhealthy habits.

At the beginning of 2017, I knew this struggle was threatening to cost me my health. I was 58 and 244 pounds. There was no escaping the reality that I was obese. And unfortunately, Im not alone. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 36.5 percent of adults in the U.S. are obese. In other words, I was a fairly typical case, and I had finally come to the end of this journey. I was ready to make real, permanent changes to my lifestyle, not just for a trimmer waistline, but for better overall health. With all of the chronic diseases and conditions associated with obesity, I knew I couldnt continue like this. I wanted to feel better, enjoy life more and be there for my family.

Right. And because of that, I do have one unique tool at my disposal: I have been a writer and editor working with the American Council on Exercise (ACE) since 1998. In my time with ACE Ive written countless articles, including pieces on optimizing your environment for success, how to maximize motivation, and how to become a more intuitive eater. Ive edited textbooks on behavior change, personal training and health coaching. During that time, Ive worked closely with some of the nations leading experts on how to turn science and research into action. My writing relies on my ability to take the complex science they describe and reframe it so that it becomes usable for health and fitness professionals who are tasked with inspiring their clients each day.

I knew this struggle was threatening to cost me my health. I was 58 and 244 pounds. There was no escaping the reality that I was obese.

I knew this struggle was threatening to cost me my health. I was 58 and 244 pounds. There was no escaping the reality that I was obese.

It took me far too long to realize that I had been squandering a tremendous opportunity I had never taken that next step and inspired myself. I had every tool I needed to create a healthy life for myself. Why hadnt I?

There were, of course, pockets of progress here and there. In the two years before I finally committed to true lifestyle change, Id lost 25 pounds, gained 30 back and then lost 10 more. With two years of what I thought was consistent effort as well as constant thought and nagging frustration Id netted a mere five-pound weight loss. Why? The changes I had been making were not sustainable to me, and so I kept going back to old habits.

After brainstorming and soul searching in a world of endless health and fitness information, I came back to basics. I know that nearly every piece of research begins with a description of the obesity and physical inactivity epidemics, along with statistics on how few of us are meeting governmental guidelines. As described in the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, The content of the Physical Activity Guidelines complements the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Together, the two documents provide guidance on the importance of being physically active and eating a healthy diet to promote good health and reduce the risk of chronic disease.

The exercise and dietary guidelines are known as the blueprints for living a healthy life.

This is where my journey what Im calling The Lifestyle Project began.

The idea of The Lifestyle Project is to adhere to these two sets of guidelines for a full year, with the close guidance of the American Council on Exercise and its team of experts. Perhaps Ill find that adhering to the guidelines is next to impossible, and this will become an embarrassing journal of my failures and frustrations. Maybe Ill struggle through the year only to find that the government guidelines dont go far enough to substantially impact my health and fitness.

Or, just maybe, Ill find that living by the rules isnt so bad after all.

Your Video Begins in: 00:00

On Day 1 which took place back on February 1, 2017 I began adhering to the Physical Activity Guidelines:

The Dietary Guidelines are quite a bit more complicated. I decided to simplify things at first by focusing only on my total calories (2,500 daily calories) and my macronutrients. Because Im a health editor, I had access to a senior exercise scientist who developed a personalized nutritional plan tailored to my goals. Since I was going to be doing a fair amount of strength training (in attempt to lose weight and gain muscle mass) I was given a high daily protein intake. Protein also leads to satiety, which is helpful when trying to control cravings. The idea was also for me to cut fat from my diet while keeping things within the appropriate ranges. Based on my age and profile, I established the following targets:

I came out of the gates really strong. Meeting the Physical Activity Guidelines wasnt too much of a challenge, though it did mean that I had to stop letting my excuses get the best of me. Stated simply, meeting these guidelines involved getting one or two more workouts done each week than Id been completing before changing my lifestyle.

Eating, of course, is much more complicated. What I thought was going to be a project centered on planning and crunching the numbers turned out to be more about flexibility and the ability to follow less-healthy days with healthier ones in order to bring my numbers into balance over time. For example, during Month 1, my meals included a Valentines Day dinner at an Italian restaurant, complete with pasta and a shared tiramisu dessert. My fat intake that day was off the charts, but I managed to balance it with better days and meet my overall goals. Over the course of the month, I averaged the following daily intake: 2325 calories, 278 g of carbohydrate, 58 g of fat, and 172 g of protein, which meant I was almost exactly in line with the goals outlined above. I learned that perfection is unattainable, but balance over time is certainly possible.

Moving forward, I began to adopt the remaining guidelines, including monitoring my intake of sodium and added sugars, varying the colors of the vegetables I consume and ensuring that at least half of my grains are whole grains. The goal was to adhere to all of the rules in both sets of guidelines by August 1, which is the midpoint of my one-year project, giving me six months of full compliance.

This project is about far more than weight loss. Its about taking a holistic approach to my health and fitness. Many people get tripped up in their efforts because they set unrealistic long-term goals, which only serve to sabotage their motivation.

Instead of setting a long-term goal to get under 200 pounds, I started small. I set an initial goal of losing 5 percent of my body weight. There is a body of research establishing considerable health benefits associated with losing that amount of weight, including improving your metabolic health by enhancing insulin sensitivity, thereby reducing your risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

I am thrilled to report that it took me only six weeks to hit that initial goal. On March 14, I weighed 231.2 pounds, which meant that I had lost 13.3 pounds more than 5 percent of my body weight.

What this proves is that you can do this! When I decided to start this challenge, I was an obese, lightly active 43-year-old man who was unknowingly eating a terribly high-fat diet. Sure, six weeks later I was still an obese 43-year-old man, but I had successfully made lifestyle changes that were driving concrete, measurable improvements to my health. Im feeling more confident, Im exercising with less pain and Im losing weight without starving myself or adhering to some crazy fad diet.

You can do this.

My struggles are not my struggles alone. My story is the story of every person whos navigated the trials and tribulations to get to what we all want in the end: To live a healthy life.

Im proud that NBC News BETTER invited me to share my journey with you through the completion of The Lifestyle Project and beyond, and now I want to hear from you.

Have questions about my journey? Ask me on Twitter!

Daniel J. Green, a writer and editor based in Asheville, NC, currently serves as Senior Editorial Consultant for the American Council on Exercise.

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'I'm an Overweight Health Editor and I'm Finally Taking My Own Advice' - NBCNews.com

Shay Mitchell joined trainer Harley Pasternak for a workout at the first-ever Propel Co:Labs Fitness Festival in Los Angeles, August 12, 2017. Michael Simon/startraksphoto.com

I consider myself to be pretty fit, says Shay Mitchell. The30-year-old Pretty Little Liars alum proves she has as much stamina as style as she takes Us Weekly through a "very active" 24 hours in her life.

Going On The Record

At 7 a.m., Mitchell is already up and dressed. She starts her morning by filming a Lagree Pilates workout video for her YouTube channel a passion project since 2011 in her L.A. home. I just started using the Megaformer last week, the actress says of the machine, which is designed to sculpt muscles with tiny, targeted movements. Its extremely hard.

Mashing It Up

Im not the biggest breakfast person, she notes. I enjoy working out on an empty stomach, and then Ill grab a protein smoothie. The Toronto native switches between PB2 chocolate and banana powders as her base. As a 10 a.m. pre-lunch snack, she enjoys an avocado smashed croissant from Clark Street restaurant.

Hold Steady

Mitchell exercises four times a week, but I consider taking my dog for a hike a workout. The 11:30 a.m. mini session above is part of a piece for Extra about Propel Co:Labs Fitness Festival. (Her plank record is three minutes.) Saturdays are the most energy-packed. Ill start with SoulCycle, then see my trainer, she says. And if Im feeling really crazy, Ill go for a run.

Green Goddess

The avid globetrotter treats herself to buffets and room service when traveling, but she generally eats a plant-based diet. I make lots of different types of toasts, she says of her 12:30 p.m. lunch spread. On this day, that means tomato and avocado on whole-wheat and a simple side salad.

That's A Wrap

Getting my wraps on gets me pumped, says the boxing enthusiast. For an hour-long evening fix, she headed to Wild Card West Boxing Club in Santa Monica, where pro fighters train. I like the grittiness of it. A typical routine might consist of cardio, a combination of shadowboxing and glove work, an abs series and stretching.This was my real workout really, my therapy."

Dinna

A post shared by Shay Mitchell (@shaymitchell) on Aug 9, 2017 at 8:11pm PDT

Keep It Clean

After her action-packed day and an 8 p.m. Buddha bowl dinner, Mitchell unwinds with a hot beverage. Im a big fan of chamomile tea or hot water with lemon and a little cayenne pepper, she explains. I need to calm down after being so hyped. She eschews her phone but tries to get in 30 minutes of reading on her iPad (I have this great app called Texture with like a million magazines) before zonking out around midnight.

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Inside Shay Mitchell's Healthy Day - Us Weekly

Weve all been there before: hunched over our desks in the middle of the workday, sore and stiff after too many hours at the computer, too busy to grab lunch.

NowTracy Anderson and California Pizza Kitchen have teamed up to create a new kind of power lunch aimed at people who want to get their blood flowing and consume a nutrient-rich, energizing meal. The fitness guru, who counts Gwyneth Paltrow,Jennifer Lopez and Lena Dunham among her A-list clients, has come up with health and exercise tips to beat the midday funk to accompany CPKs new power bowls.

If youre sitting at your desk and youre having a stressful day or you just need a change of scenery, says the creator of the Tracy Anderson Method,taking a few minutes to reconnect with your body and move is really quite effective and healthy, even just for your mental health.

Andersons desk-side moves also focus on arm-toning and stretching. Dynamic stretching for me is for me what its all about, she says. Anytime youre moving your own body weight and your limbs as a force of resistance against the core of your body, you are expanding and contracting your body in a way that stirs up movement and motion. Its like oiling the Tin Mans joints, really. Its so key and quite energizing.

Below are Andersons health and fitness tips for your workday.

Standing Desk-side Twisted Arm LiftStand at your desk with your feet shoulder-width apart and lean into your right hip. The right hand should be placed over the left, both resting on the desk. From there, lift your hands overhead, twisting in towards your right side. Repeat 16x before starting a second set of 16 reps on the left side.Tip: Keep your core tight, with your abs actively engaged for added intensity.

Plank Arm Lift and Elbow PullStand at your desk with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Place your hands on the desk in front of you with your back flat and lower your hips in a plank position. Stretch your right arm back overhead as you twist in the waist. Next, replace your right arm and pull your left elbow back. Replace and repeat 16x before starting a second set of 16 reps with left arm as your leading arm.Tip: Be mindful to extend through your full range of motion.

Elbow Desk Plank and Palm ReachStand at your desk with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, placing your elbows and forearms on the desk while holding a plank position. From here, reach your right arm straight down toward the ground, bending through the elbow to extend out to the side as you rotate your palms to face back. Repeat 16x before starting a second set of 16 reps on the left side.Tip: Keep your shoulders square, and your lats tucked down toward your back pockets to ensure your form is correct.

FROM PEN:Half Their Size: Erika Cockrell Lost 150 pounds After Ending a Toxic Marriage

CPK/Billy Farrell Agency

Standing Desk Reach and Arm PressStand at your desk with feet your shoulder-width apart. Extend both arms straight out to your sides with your palms facing backwards. From here, the right arm reaches towards the desk, then bend through to press arm back behind the body at shoulder level. Return to center and lift the left arm up to a high V-shape before returning to the center. Repeat 16x before starting a second set of 16 reps on the left side.Tip: Remember to breathe. Oxygen flow increases mobility and promotes circulation.

Anderson says doing these exercises throughout the day, along with making small changes like taking the stairs instead of the elevator can make quite a difference in your body and your health.

Feed your need for a nutrient dense mealThe other part of the daytime equation? Lunch. Nothing is more important than having a satisfying and nutrient-dense meal with high-quality ingredients like fresh veggies and fruits, lean proteins and super grains.

Thats why Anderson is a fan of CPKs new power bowls.

If youve got any kind of weight to lose or youre just trying to be healthy, and if youre an office snacker, is its really important that you choose something really flavorful for your lunch, says Anderson, whose favorite CPK power bowl, the Sante Fe Bowl includes lime chicken,chicken, tomatoes, sweet corn, black beans, red cabbage, fresh avocado, poblano peppers and toasted pepitas.I think a lot people make this mistake where theyll just have a sandwich or a simple salad or a yogurt and its not a flavorful experience so they find themselves snacking on [sugary treats like] gummy candies in the afternoon.

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Tracy Anderson Gives Health and Fitness Tips for the Office - People - PEOPLE.com

President Trump may tap a green-eyed superhero with a hair-trigger temper to whip Americans into shape, a new report said Thursday.

Brooklyn-born Lou Ferrigno, who played The Incredible Hulk in the 70s and early 80s CBS TV series of the same name, wants to head up the Presidents Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition to help get the US fit and healthy.

I have been corresponding with President Trump because I want to change America and make America healthy again. I am a top choice for them. I feel I am the best candidate for that, the bodybuilder and two-time Mr. Universe told the Daily Mail.

Nobody can surpass what I do, especially the life I have lived, what I have overcome and my passion with bodybuilding and fitness.

Ferrigno, 65, said he became pals with the exercise-averse Trump, 71, while appearing on Celebrity Apprentice and was as gung-ho taking on the role as his Marvel Comics character would be thrashing a bevy of bad guys.

The council is part of the Department of Health and Human Services and focuses primarily on public awareness campaigns a natural for the actor-turned-fitness guru.

Ferrigno, an avid Trumpster, said hes not worried that his lefty pals in Tinseltown will shun him for working for Trump.

Trump is a great president. America voted for him and I am a top choice for him. It is a shame because we have so many different problems. I feel safe with him when it comes to homeland security for our people, he told the website.

Trump, a solid athlete in military school, famously disdains exercise, contending it does more harm than good.

In the book Trump Revealed, Mike Kranisch and Marc Fisher of the Washington Post wrote about Trumps battery theory of energy.

After college, after Trump mostly gave up his personal athletic interests, he came to view time spent playing sports as time wasted. Trump believed the human body was like a battery, with a finite amount of energy, which exercise only depleted. So he didnt work out, they wrote.

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Lou Ferrigno wants to head Trump's fitness council - New York Post

Registration is now open for the Middlesex County Department of Community Services, Office of Aging and Disabled Services Senior Health and Fitness Walk, scheduled to take place onWednesday, Sept. 13.

Middlesex Countys Roosevelt Park in Edison will once again host the walk, held from10 a.m.to1 p.m.Registration is free, but required. Contact your local Senior Center to register before the deadline, which isSept. 2.

The Walk is an event our senior residents look forward to each year, said Freeholder Blanquita B. Valenti, Chair of the Countys Community Services Committee. I encourage all eligible residents to register now and take advantage of the health screenings and a chance to walk in beautiful Roosevelt Park.

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Free health screenings and wellness information will be available at the event. Boxed lunches and entertainment will follow the walk. There also will be raffles and special T-shirts for walkers.

Freeholder Director Ronald G. Rios added: The Board of Chosen Freeholders is dedicated to creating programs that enable all residents to be active and stay healthy. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is especially important as we grow older, and this event has brought many of our residents together in the spirit of good health and good times.

Registration and other amenities are free. Information on health and wellness, as well as the free screenings, are intended to give all participants a better idea of how to improve their habits and maintain their current healthy lifestyle.

For more information, contact your local senior center or the Middlesex County Office of Aging and Disabled Services at732-745-3295.

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County to Hold Senior Health and Fitness Walk - TAPinto.net

FAMILY

Lackawanna Community Fun Days. A pop-up park is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Lackawanna Public Library, 560 Ridge Road. Free event will feature bounce houses, pony rides, games, food trucks and music.

Family Fun Day. Last of season, noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Artpark, Lewiston.

Family Fun on Saturday Afternoon. Last of season, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Middle Block, Old Falls Street, Niagara Falls. Arts and crafts, interactive childrens performers, Exercise Like the Animals fitness sessions and block party from noon to 2 p.m. Free.

Pampering event and open house. 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday, People Inc. Marigold Senior Living, 3026 Grand Island Blvd., Grand Island. Grand Island Chiropractic will give a health presentation. Event also includes chair massages, spinal screenings and Graston Technique information. Additionally, products will be available for sale. To register or for more info, call 773-0907. Free.

Outdoor library. Including storytelling and craft program, last of season, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Canalside. Free.

Storytime. Last of season, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Canalside. For families and young children up to age 8. Free.

INDOOR FITNESS

DANCE

Chris Titus, of Buffalo, is pictured performing at a Verve Dance Studio battle in 2012. (Buffalo News file photo)

Battle @ Buffalo Under the Lights 7. Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, New Era Flagship Store, 160 Delaware Ave. Bboying and Hip Hop dance competitions throughout the day. Tickets available at the door but also in advance at brownpapertickets.com/event/3063308. $10 adults, $5 for children. First 100 through the door get a special New Era Cap made for the event.

OTHER CLASSES

Water in Motion aqua fitness class. 10 a.m. Saturday, next Saturday, Jewish Community Center of Greater Buffalo, 2640 N. Forest Road, Amherst. Nonmembers can purchase a 10-class pass for $59. For more info, contact Eric Poniatowski at eponiatowski@jccbuffalo.org or 886-3172, Ext. 411.

Barre Fitness for Beginners. 8:45 a.m. Sunday, Buffalo Barre, 5843 Transit Road, Amherst. For more info, visit buffalobarre.com. $5-$20.

BollyX with Henna and Madhu. 11 a.m. Sunday, Oasis Dance Center, 920 Niagara Falls Blvd., City of Tonawanda. $7.

BodyAttack. 10:15 a.m. Sunday, 7:15 p.m. Monday, 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jewish Community Center of Buffalo, 787 Delaware Ave.

Get Movin exercise program. 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Daemen College Academic and Wellness Center, 4433 Main St., Amherst. For individuals with or without disabilities ages 18 and older. For more info, visit daemen.edu. Free.

Chair exercise. 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Thursday, The Dale Center, 33 Ontario St., Lockport. For info, call 433-1886. $2.

Meditation and relaxation. 11 a.m. Wednesday, Karuna Yoga Buffalo, 5225 Sheridan Drive, Amherst. For info, visit karunayogabuffalo.com.

Back and hip strengthening fitness. 10 a.m. Thursday, Immanuel Lutheran Church, 107 Scott St., City of Tonawanda. For more info, email karen4zumba@gmail.com.

Introduction to Meditation. 6 p.m. Thursday, Buffalo Barre, 5843 Transit Road, Amherst. $20.

SENIOR FITNESS

Those looking to keep fit have chances at exercise classes across the region, including Zumba Gold at the Independent Health Family Branch YMCA in Amherst. (Sharon Cantillon/Buffalo News file photo)

Senior Yoga Fit. 10 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, Jewish Community Center Benderson Family Building, 2640 N. Forest Road, Amherst. For info, call 204-2070.

Tai chi for seniors. 10:15 a.m. Monday, Friday, West Seneca Senior Center, 4620 Seneca St., West Seneca. Free.

Yoga for seniors. 10:45 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, West Side Community Services, 161 Vermont St. $2.

Zumba. 11 a.m. Monday, Richmond-Summer Senior Building, 337 Summer St. $2.

Zumba Gold. 1 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Independent Health Family Branch YMCA, 150 Tech Drive. Included in YMCA membership or as part of the SilverSneakers program. For more info, call 839-2543.

Zumba Gold with Jaime. 9:15 a.m. Tuesday, Thursday, St. Georges Church, 2 Nottingham Terrace. For more info, call 574-9303. $5.

Chair yoga. 9:45 a.m. Tuesday, Thursday. Living Breathing Yoga, 7703 Niagara Falls Blvd., Niagara Falls. $10.

Zumba Gold. 1 p.m. Tuesday, Schofields Mondello Wellness & Family Center, 3333 Elmwood Ave., Town of Tonawanda. First class is free; each subsequent class is $2.

Preventing Falls with At-Home Exercises Seminar. 10 a.m. Wednesday, Hamburg Senior Center, 4540 Southwestern Blvd., Hamburg. Learn about exercises and equipment that can help individuals live safe, independent lives. Free.

Zumba. 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Town of Tonawanda Senior Center, 291 Ensminger Road, Tonawanda. Preregister at 874-3266. $3.

SilverSneakers Cardio Circuit. Noon Friday, Jewish Community Center, 2640 N. Forest Road, Amherst.

TAI CHI

Kathy Morrisey, right, is among those who practices tai chi on Saturday at Taoist Tai Chi Society of USA, 968 Kenmore Ave. (Sharon Cantillon/Buffalo News file photo)

Tai Chi Chih. 9 a.m. Saturday, next Saturday, Clarence Hollow Wellness Center, 10946 Main St., Clarence. Eight classes for $80.

Taijiquan (tai chi). 10 a.m. Saturday, next Saturday, 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday, 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Friday, Peaceful Water Health and Fitness, 1914 Colvin Blvd., Town of Tonawanda. Try two classes for $20.

Taoist tai chi. Free open house 10 a.m. Saturday, next Saturday, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Taoist Tai Chi Society of USA, 968 Kenmore Ave. For info, visit buffalo.taoist.org.

Tai chi. 9:30 a.m. Monday, Jewish Community Center of Buffalo, 787 Delaware Ave.

Tai chi. 11 a.m. Monday, DeGraff Community Center, 139 Division St., North Tonawanda. $5.

Tai chi. 11:30 a.m. Monday, 11:15 a.m. Tuesday, 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jewish Community Center Benderson Family Building, 2640 N. Forest Road, Amherst.

Tai Chi for Better Balance. 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Tosh Collins Senior Center, 35 Cazenovia St. $3.

YOGA AND PILATES

Hatha yoga. Drop-in class at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, next Saturday, Himalayan Institute of Buffalo, 841 Delaware Ave. $12.

Yoga Reset. 10 a.m. Saturday, next Saturday, 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Karuna Yoga Buffalo, 5225 Sheridan Drive, Amherst.

Yoga. 10 a.m. Monday, the Dale Center, 33 Ontario St., Lockport. $5.

Pilates. 10 a.m. Monday, Clarence Hollow Wellness, 10946 Main St., Clarence. $8.

As the Spirit Moves you yoga. 5 p.m. Monday, Winery at Marjim Manor, 7171 E. Lake Road, Newfane. Bring your own yoga mat. $10.

Vinyasa yoga. 6 p.m. Monday, Shakti Yoga, 133 Grant St. $12.

Gentle yoga. 7 p.m. Monday, 10 a.m. Thursday, Body of Wealth Fitness, 3053 Main St. $10.

Pilates. 9 a.m. Tuesday, Thursday. Karyn Kelly Dance, 4223 Transit Road, Amherst. $6.

Chair yoga. 9:45 a.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Living Breath Yoga, 7703 Niagara Falls Blvd, Niagara Falls. $10.

Gentle yoga. 4:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, Shakti Yoga, 133 Grant St. For more info, visit shaktibuffalo.com or call 884-9642. $12.

Elmwood Village Yoga. 5 p.m. Tuesday, 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Lafayette Lofts, 598 Lafayette Ave. $10.

Gentle yoga. 9:15 a.m. Wednesday, West Side Community Services, 161 Vermont St. $10.

Yoga Relax. 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Karuna Yoga Buffalo, 5225 Sheridan Drive, Amherst. $17.

Gentle Restorative Yoga. 6 p.m. Wednesday, Body Glyphix Studio, 12377 Big Tree Road, Wales. Free for cancer patients. $12.

Yoga Reset. 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Clarence Hollow Wellness, 10946 Main St., Clarence. $15.

Beginner Yoga. Drop-in class, 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Himalayan Institute of Buffalo, 841 Delaware Ave. $10.

Baptiste Power Yoga. 6 p.m. Thursday, Buffalo Barre, 5843 Transit Road, Amherst. Call 880-7049 to register. $5-$20.

Gentle Yoga. 10 a.m. Thursday, Body of Wealth Fitness, 3053 Main St. $10.

Laughter Yoga. 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Many Hahas Laughter Yoga Club, 546 Eggert Road. Free.

ZUMBA

Zumba by Samira. 9:15 a.m. Saturday, next Saturday, North Buffalo Community Center, 203 Sanders Road; 9:15 a.m. Monday and 5:15 p.m. Zumba. Monday and Wednesday, St. Georges Church, 2 Nottingham Terrace. $5.

Zumba. 6:45 p.m. Monday, 9 a.m. Tuesday. St. Johns Lutheran Church, 3512 Clinton St., West Seneca. $5.

Zumba. Noon Tuesday, Friday, 6 p.m. Tuesday, Immanuel Lutheran Church Hall, 107 Scott St., City of Tonawanda. $5 walk-ins; seniors and veterans pay $3.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

HOLISTIC HEALTH

Experience Heartfulness Meditation: a Journey Within. 7 p.m. Tuesday, Audubon Library, 350 John James Audubon Parkway, Amherst. Learn about turning to our heart to be centered in our highest self and expand our consciousness.

SUPPORT

Recovery International support. 7 p.m. Tuesday, Trinity United Methodist Church, 2100 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island; 6:45 p.m. Thursday, Clarence Public Library, 3 Town Place, Clarence. For adults needing help with depression, panic attacks, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder or anger management. Visit recoveryinternational.org for more info.

Powerful Tools for Caregivers. Weekly, six-week caregiver education course will start 4:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Catholic Charities, 128 Wilson St. Advanced registration is required by calling 896-6388, Ext. 205. Free.

Parkinsons support. 11 a.m. Friday, Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, 621 10th St., Niagara Falls. Help and support for patients and caregivers.

NUTRITION

Food Truck Tuesday. 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Larkin Square, 745 Seneca St., and Flying Bison Brewing Co., 840 Seneca St. For more info, visit larkinsquare.com.

FARMERS MARKETS

Elmwood Village Farmers Market. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, next Saturday, Elmwood Avenue at Bidwell Parkway. For more info, visit elmwoodmarket.org.

Williamsville Farmers Market. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and next Saturday Spring Street, Williamsville. For more info, visit williamsvillefarmersmarket.com.

Kenmore Farmers Market. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday,Village Green, 2919 Delaware Ave., at Delaware Road, Kenmore. For more info, visit facebook.com/KenmoreFarmersMarket.

Market at the Park. 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Kaminski Park, Elm and Carlton streets.

Veggie Mobile Van. Last of the season, 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday, Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, 621 10th St., Niagara Falls. Fresh produce, health info.

email: refresh@buffnews.com

Twitter: @BNrefresh

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WNY health, fitness, family and nutrition-based events, Aug. 26-Sept. 5 - Buffalo News