By Ashley Jeffery, Video Journalist Last Updated: Saturday, September 29, 2012 TAMPA --

At first glance, the inside of the 60,000-square-foot building at Grand Central Avenue and Kennedy Boulevard looks like a construction zone. But in just a few months, it will be the home of the Health and Wellness Channel.

Weve got our studio and master control against the glass down here on Kennedy Boulevard, so people can look in during shows," channel founder Drew Nederpelt said. "Its a cool way to have the community involved in what were doing."

Nederpelt founded the nations one of a kind, 24-hour channel and says its just what the country needed to promote to healthier lifestyles.

I got my clicker and flipped through 240 channels looking for the health and wellness channel and, alas, it didnt exist, he said.

The channel already lined up fitness celebrities and even decorated Olympic gymnast Shannon Miller to host shows.

Health and Wellness wont only be doing segments inside the studio, it will also take its shows into the courtyard so the public can interact with celebrities and fitness gurus who film segments.

Channel staffers have already reached out to their neighbors such as Powerhouse Gym to help them become a part of the Bay area community.

Weve already signed up for one show, spinning around the world, and were excited about that," said Matt Midyett of Powerhouse Gym. "Weve already made the stage in our group fitness room."

Continued here:
Health and Wellness Channel to soon call Tampa home

Readmore: Local, Agriculture, Community Gardens Sprouting up Around Albany, Community Garden, Albany Community Garden, Radium Garden, Radium Gardens Community Garden, Darton State College, Albany State University, Darton College, Albany State, ASU, Hip Hop Grows Up Inc, Hip Hop Grows Up

Students from ASU and Darton College helped plant gardens at Radium Gardens. /Sean Streicher

Hip Hop Grows Up, Inc. broke ground on one of three community gardens, at the entrance of Radium Gardens apartment complex.

The gardens are meant to improve health and fitness of the families in the area by providing them something to do, and a place to plant fruits and vegetables.

Students from Albany State University and the Darton State College Cheerleading squad were in attendance to lend a hand.

Jessica Dorsey, aHip Hop Grows Up Inc., intern said,"we feel it takes a village to raise a child, and we just want the whole community to get involved to help with our young youth of today, to raise them up so it will make a better community."

Hip Hop Grows up has two more gardens to plant in the neighborhood, before hopefully moving on to different locations around Albany.

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Community gardens sprouting up around Albany

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJsLrwt-Es4

29-09-2012 03:24 As Prime Minister Manmohan Singh turns 80, we discuss if netas should have a retirement age or should they never retire. Watch full show:

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PM@80: At what age should politicians retire? - Video

NEW YORK, Sept. 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Heffernan Insurance Brokers, one of the largest full-service, independent insurance brokerage firms in the United States, recently hired Jennifer Alimonda to join its New York office as Assistant Vice President, focusing on new development and management of Personal Lines business for the New York area.

Alimonda has six years of management experience for a national brokerage, with a strong focus on client retention and new business procurement. Her responsibilities included staff management, sales assistance and client servicing.

Victor Fonseca, Vice President and Branch Manager, remarked, "Jennifer's experience in the industry is a great fit for us as we focus on new business development in the greater New York area."

Alimonda holds an Associate Degree from Farmingdale State University of New York in Business Administration and is licensed in Property & Casualty as well as Life & Health..

About Heffernan Insurance Brokers

Heffernan Insurance Brokers, formed in 1988, is one of the largest independent insurance brokerage firms in the United States. Heffernan provides insurance and financial services products to a range of businesses and individuals. Headquartered in Walnut Creek, Calif., Heffernan has offices in San Francisco, Petaluma, Menlo Park, Los Angeles and Orange County, CA.; Portland, OR; St. Louis, MO and New York, NY.

Employee-owned, Heffernan Insurance Brokers was named the Top Mid-Sized Broker in the United States to Work for in 2009 by Business Insurance Magazine. The firm has been among the Top Greater Bay Area Philanthropists since 2003 by donating more than $2.5 million to local charities, including giving 22% of profits to charity in 2011.

For more information, visit http://www.heffins.com or call 800.234.6787. License # 0564249.

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Heffernan New York Branch Hires Jennifer Alimonda, Assistant Vice President, Personal Lines

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Yoga classes. Circuit training. And now Zumba, the fitness phenomenon that's taking over where step aerobics left off, is the latest group exercise trend being embraced by seniors who want to shape up.

The elder-friendly version, Zumba Gold, has popped up at senior centers, gyms and retirement communities. It keeps original Zumba's Latin party vibe, giving participants a workout while dancing to salsa and merengue beats. But Gold classes scale back on the high-impact and tricky moves.

"Once something gets popular, a lot of people want to do it," said Dr. Orly Avitzur, a neurologist and medical adviser for Consumer Reports. "We drag our friends, our sisters and our mothers along with us."

Avitzur has seen two generations of the same family Zumba-ing together.

At the Northwest Focal Point Senior Center in Margate, Fla., tables and chairs were pushed aside on a Tuesday morning and 17 women gathered in the center of the lunchroom. Loretta Bartley, 93, stood behind her walker. Everyone had on tennis shoes (except a woman in ballet flats); another wore a fuzzy lavender, short-sleeved sweater.

Within 10 minutes, they were shaking, side-stepping and smiling as Latina superstar singer Shakira purred in Spanish through the CD player: "You know I want ya! You got a lot of the sex appeal." Pop standard "Hit the Road Jack" followed later and everyone sang along.

"It keeps me active and keeps my brain moving, too," said Pat Kramer, 73, a retired school crossing guard sporting a star-spangled headband.

Kramer and her classmates like Zumba for all of the reasons group fitness is particularly popular with senior women, experts say: They have fun and make new friends.

Joy Prouty, a former Radio City Music Hall Rockette with 45 years in the exercise industry, didn't forget that fact when she and her business partner joined forces with Zumba Fitness LLC six years ago to create Zumba Gold.

"There is a big social factor to these classes," said Prouty, 71, of Delray Beach, Fla. "As people get older in life, they may have lost a spouse."

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Zumba Gold drawing more older women to group exercises

Iyengar, Vinyasa, Kundalini...huh? Find the yoga class or style that fits you best

Ashtanga What it is: Ashtanga is one of the more physically challenging forms of yoga. Classes go through a sequence of as few as 25 poses (also called asanas) that include back bends, inversions (think headstands and handstands), balances, and twists.

Degree of difficulty: Expect an invigorating work-out. This style of yoga builds strength, stamina, and flexibility. Even beginner classes can be challenging.

Who its best for: Athletic types who want a high-energy workout, as well as those who appreciate predictability and order.

Keep in mind: Most classes follow the same prescribed order of poses, so you can expect an the same experience, whether youre in a studio in Peoria or Portland. A boon if you like to take a yoga class when youre on the road, but a bore if you thrive on variety. _______________________________________________

More From Real Simple: Ideal Walking Workout

Fun Hula-Hoop Exercise Routine Tighten Your Glutes in 15 Minutes _______________________________________________

Bikram (a.k.a. Hot Yoga) What it is: Bikram started becoming popular in America in the late 1970s. Classes are held in a room heated to about 105 degrees, which helps loosen muscles and joints. The 26-pose series is designed to stretch and strengthen your muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

Degree of difficulty: Classes are demanding, since you cycle through the 26-pose series twice. The biggest challenge, however, may be coping with the intense heat. Some say its like exercising in a sauna.

Who its best for: Devoted yogis who are looking for a new challenge or people who are very fit and want a hard and limbering workout. Before taking a Bikram class, check with your doctor if you are pregnant or have high blood pressure.

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The many types of yoga

You may be wondering what yoga has to do with football. It has everything to do with it. Many NFL teams participate in yoga to improve their endurance and flexibility. In fact, last year I accurately predicted that the New York Giants would win Super Bowl due to their participation in yoga and poses (asanas). Numerous other NFL teams and players implement poses as a means to help them play ball better. In addition, numerous college and high school teams practice asanas for many reasons.

The New York Giants are practicing yoga to prepare for Super Bowl again this year

The Giants won Super Bowl last year, and yoga had a large part to do with that, so why wouldn't they use that same technique again? It is smart on their part to prepare for this year's Super Bowl in much the same manner. Gwen Lawrence is a yoga instructor who is working with the Giants again this year and has been instructing them for the past 11-years. During the active season, Lawrence focuses on post game poses as a means to stretch and cool down the muscles. Her favorites are pigeon pose, frog pose and hero pose.

The Tennessee Titans' defensive tackle, Shaun Smith, lost weight due to yoga

Shaun Smith lost 22-lbs by participating in Bikram (hot) Yoga during the off-season. Some of his fellow teammates are giving him a hard time because he is participating in a form of exercise that many females also find beneficial. Let them joke all they want because yoga is for real men and it is not an easy form of exercise. It takes a lot of concentration and commitment. It will help one to shed pounds as well as gain flexibility and endurance. It also has the capability to increase muscle mass.

The Mercyhurst Lakers cool down by practicing yoga

The Mercyhurst University football team makes use of yoga after practice as a way to stretch their muscles and relax. This is a great way to cool-down since there are many asanas that stretch numerous muscle groups and help the mind and body unwind. Their instructor, Betty Amatangelo, takes advantage of poses that prevent injury and stretch the muscles used during football practice.

Kansas State University football players utilize yoga

Both receiver, Christ Harper and linebacker, Arthur Brown of the Kansas State Wildcats participate in yoga to gain flexibility. Harper says, "The first time I took it, I was upset because I can't sit Indian style on the ground, and I took it and told the teacher that's what I was trying to do, and I still couldn't do it after the class - I didn't feel any better. I took a regular yoga class so I can try to sit Indian style, because the groin area is vital for receivers. If I can sit Indian style I think that would be big."

Foley Falcons high school lineman unwinds by practicing yoga

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What Does Yoga Have to Do with Football?

As one who is a fan of yoga and practices it regularly, I was shocked to find out about a man in Portland offering "Star Wars" yoga. My first thought was, really? This sounded ridiculous. In fact, the classes originally did start as a joke. Once I began to ponder it more, my opinion began to change. I am not a "Star Wars" fan, so it took me a while to disconnect the two and have an open mind.

If it gets people practicing yoga, why not?

If "Star Wars" yoga gets people involved and into the practice I am all for it. Call it whatever you want, it is still yoga. I think I would prefer "Twilight" yoga in the dark, but I am a a fan of this movie. For those who cannot get enough "Star Wars" this could be a great way to get more people, especially men, learning the practice of yoga. Bryan Miller is offering 90-minute Yoda inspired yoga classes to men. Sorry women, if you want to participate in "Star Wars" yoga, you may need to head up your own classes.

Yoda's beliefs are similar to that of yoga

As Miller states, "Yoda fits so well into this mind-body connection," and he is absolutely correct. Yoda believes in meditation, and much of yoga focuses on just that. Yoda is known for saying, "Control, control, you must learn control!" This also rings true in the practice of yoga. Much power, flexibility and control is needed to perform poses.

Poses with new names are exciting

"Star Wars" inspired yoga poses are new and exciting. Who wouldn't want to try the Princess Leia pose or breath like Dark Vader? It is fun to be told to use your hands like the ton-ton's and perform Upward Facing Wookiee and Downward Speeder Bike rather than Upward and Downward-Facing Dog. Yoga with Yoda allows one to escape to another world while participating in yoga.

Would you give Yoda Yoga a try? I would give any form of yoga a try at least once. You never know what you like until you give it a try. I believe that keeping an open mind is important. Why not let the force help beat obesity, diabetes and suicide? This is exactly the intention of Bart Spike, Executive Director of Manifest, the group that is sponsoring Yoga with Yoda.

May the force of yoga and "Star Wars" be with you.

More from Rebecca Bardelli:

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Fan Reaction: Really, 'Star Wars' Yoga?

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CaG5E5AYma8

27-09-2012 12:06 Established in 1999, Rubicon Sports is the European distributor for Power Lift --the world's leading supplier of racks with integrated platform for weight training, as well as Infinity Flooring, Tendo Systems and Ultraslide. In 2002, we were asked by Peter Bilsborough of Stirling University to source some racks with integrated platforms from America. Apparently, the Head of the Scottish Institute of Sport, Dave Clark (a man I was to meet some two years later) had requested these and they were going into Stirling University as part of a shared usage programme with the Scottish Institute of Sport. We brought in five very sturdy racks and platforms, which are still doing well today. The same can't be said for the manufacturer unfortunately -- it decided its marketing strategy would be best served with a cheaper product with thinner steel and thinner platforms. The company chose to outsource its manufacturing to China and within two years went bust. In the meantime, Dave Clark recruited Mike Favre, an American ex-military strength coach, now based in Michigan via the US Olympic training centre in Colorado. He had used the Power Lift products in America and insisted they were the best and so Rubicon Sports were asked to source their products. I am pleased to say they not only remain the best today, but are consistently the most innovative in this niche area of the fitness market. Dave Clark was the first to bring in this type of equipment to the UK ...

Link:
How Rubicon Sports compete with larger companies of the Health and Fitness industry? By David Shaw - Video

By: Chris Cheng

FORT HOOD With the draw down of troops on the horizon, Fort Hood said it is now looking at personal health and fitness in which soldiers they keep.

Going forward a soldier's weight and physical fitness will play a larger role when it comes to re-enlisting and getting promotions.

"It will be a discriminator and it will be a discriminator on who get promoted faster and for re-enlistment of soldiers," Col. Melissa Sturgeon said.

Col. Sturgeon is in charge of the Comprehensive Soldier Fitness Training Facility, which is a campus that houses a gym, wellness center, nutrition center, and a spiritual fitness center.

"Right now the army is looking for fit individuals, physically fit individuals but also mentally fit individuals, spiritually strong individuals and great leaders," Col. Sturgeon said.

The colonel said she has seen more soldiers coming to Fort Hood's nine gyms and exercising around post to get into better shape but knows how hard it can be due to the temptation of fast food and junk food.

"Sometimes soldiers feel like they have to make up for lost time and sometimes they take advantage of the access of fast food places and things like that," Col. Sturgeon said.

1St LT. Larry McNamara competes in several soldier competition and believes every soldier should be ready, physically, to deploy at any moment.

"It's extremely important. I don't know of many jobs where it is your job to be fit, there are so many day to day tasks that require you to by physically agile," McNamara said.

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Soldiers work out to stay in army