Total body ciruit training that combines strength training with short anaerobic cardio intervals is a great way to get in shape for summer.

Here is an example of a circuit workout that you can complete with little to no additional equipment from ACE (American Council on Exercise).

Begin with 5-10 minutes of a cardio warm-up such as brisk walking or jogging followed by dynamic stretches such as bird dog or cat camel. (more…)

Circuit training, which was first developed in 1953 at the University of Leeds in England, combines cardiovascular training with strength training. Typically, circuit training is comprised of 8-12 stations where individuals perform strength-training exercises for a specific duration (30 seconds to two minutes), with either rest or an aerobic session of 15 seconds to three minutes in-between stations. Exercisers generally repeat the circuit several times.

Research shows that circuit training yields numerous benefits to exercisers. (more…)

Octane Fitness is wholly committed to building better workouts on its premium elliptical cross trainers so that exercisers achieve optimal results and reach their goals. The new, industry-first Cross Circuit presents exercisers with progressive, customizable regimens that provide multiple benefits beyond those offered with traditional, steady state elliptical programs.

Inside Cross Circuit

Exclusive to Octane Fitness ellipticals, the novel Cross Circuit workouts combine cardio training on the elliptical with periodic intervals of rigorous strength-training movements off the machine. (more…)

Octane Fitness, exclusive designers of elliptical machines, offer the cross circuit program, which allows you to combine strength intervals with your cardio workout.

Here is a short demonstration of several great core exericses that you can incorporate into your fitness program.

• Lateral Bridge
• Glute March
• Glute Bridge
• Front Bridge
• Classic Sit Up
• Superman Core Lift

For an extra challenge, try these exercises with a FitBall stability ball:

• Supine Floor Bridge
• Core Bridge
• Core Balanced Sit Up
• Elevated Sit Ups
• Elevated Glute Raise
• Hip Crossover
• Arm Raises

Click here for a full product list of current Octane Q35, Q37, Q47, and xRide elliptical trainers.

Contact your local HealthStyles Exercise Equipment fitness consultant for help selecting the best Octane elliptical to meet your personal goals, abilities, and budget.

Bob Herdsman, winner of Australia’s fourth season of The Biggest Loser, choses to train with Octane Fitness elliptical cross trainers. After winner the show, he was offered a free Precor elliptical, but decided he’d rather purchase an Octane elliptical.

Click here for a full product list of current Octane Q35, Q37, Q47, and xRide elliptical trainers.

Contact your local HealthStyles Exercise Equipment fitness consultant for help selecting the best Octane elliptical to meet your personal goals, abilities, and budget.

Octane Fitness, exclusively focused on elliptical design, offers the best elliptical cross trainers in the world. With exclusive focus on elliptical design, the lower body motion, pedal spacing, upper body motion, and overall design, make Octane Fitness the best of the best.

Click here for a full product list of current Octane Q35, Q37, Q47, and xRide elliptical trainers.

Contact your local HealthStyles Exercise Equipment fitness consultant for help selecting the best Octane elliptical to meet your personal goals, abilities, and budget.

Sister Madonna Buder (born July 24, 1930) is a Roman Catholic nun from Spokane, Washington. As a nun with the Sisters for Christian Community, Sister Madonna has the freedom to choose her own ministry and lifestyle.

She is well known in the Triathlon community for her achievements in age group races. She has completed over 325 triathlons including 35 Ironman Distances. At the 2005 Hawaii Ironman, at age 75, she became the oldest woman ever to complete the race, finishing 1 hour before the 17-hour midnight cut-off time. At the 2006 Hawaii Ironman, at age 76, she again became the oldest woman ever to complete the race, finishing with a time of 16:59:03.

Sister Buder started running at the age of 49. During her sporting career, she has worked hard at also raising money for various charities. She is quoted as saying, "I train religiously".

On August 24, 2008, Sister Madonna participated in the Ironman race held in Penticton, British Columbia, Canada. She was unable to finish the race by a factor of seconds as she was unable to reach the finish line within the 17 hours cut-off limit. Spectators cheered and encouraged her as time ran out. When she was unable to finish many broke down in tears and applauded her efforts nonetheless.

What inspires and motivates you?

Post a comment below or send us an email to share stories about your heros and inspiration to get fit, stay healthy, and be competitive.

Learn proper form for dumbbell hammer curls, lateral dumbbell raise, pushups, and dips to workout arms, back, and chest with Jessica from ACE (American Council on Exercise).

Mary and Bill is a feature length film focusing on Mary Stroebe and Bill Wambach. Mary is a 90-year-old triathlete and Bill an 83-year-old high jumper who holds the National record in his age bracket.

Bill was also named "Male Athlete of the Year" by the National Congress of State Games. Mary has appeared on the Regis and Kelly Show and later returned to receive the Relly award. The film follows Mary and Bill immediately after health related obstacles.

Mary had just broken her leg while down hill skiing and Bill, who recently quite smoking, is recovering from a heart attack. Despite these physical ailments, both decide to train and compete in their respective events. Mary, hoping to complete the Lifetime Fitness triathlon, and Bill shooting to win the National Senior Olympics. Through their amazing commitment, both Mary and Bill prove that age is just a number.

What inspires and motivates you?

Post a comment below or send us an email to share stories about your heros and inspiration to get fit, stay healthy, and be competitive.

Does exercise slow the aging process? A recent study reported in the January 28th, 2008 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine found that it does. There was a big difference in the cells of those who exercised when compared with adults who were sedentary. The most active people showed a slowing of cell changes that are usually associated with aging. The exercising adults had cells that appeared the same as sedentary people 10 years younger!

This study adds to a growing body of research that demonstrates the positive effects of exercise on aging. Research on aging reveals that while we can’t reverse the aging process, there are definitely ways to postpone the onset of many of the physical characteristics and ailments (researchers call them "biomarkers") that we normally associate with aging.

Those age related changes include:

1. Bone Loss
2. Adult onset diabetes
3. Weight gain
4. Decreased muscle strength

These can all be slowed or prevented with better diet and regular exercise. Researchers identify bone loss as the most critical biomarker affecting aging. Reduced muscle mass leads to reduced basal metabolic rate. Most people don’t reduce the amount of food they take in as their demand for calories declines, thus resulting in an increase in body fat and resulting weight gain. A vicious cycle is created because the person feels less fit and therefore decreases activity, which can lead to more weight gain, more bone loss, decreased muscle strength, etc.

The US guidelines recommend that 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity at least 5 days a week can have significant health benefits. Adults who engage in regular physical activity are actually biologically younger than their sedentary counterparts. If that isn’t motivating enough to get us moving the body on a regular basis, it is difficult to imagine what would!