"I love the concept of the Change Muscle and being a Change Optimist. I am now open to learning the valuable lessons that my changes have brought." -Raveshree
Read More Testimonials»

Our Getting in Shape Experts

Paige Waehner

Paige Waehner

Personal trainer and author of About.com's guide to exercise

Shared by First30Days View Profile»
Gin Miller

Gin Miller

Creator of step training and a top fitness professional for...

Shared by First30Days View Profile»
Dr. John Spencer Ellis

Dr. John Spencer Ellis

CEO of the National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association...

Shared by First30Days View Profile»

Meet all of our Diet and Fitness Experts»

News

The latest news on this change — carefully culled from the world wide web by our change agents. They do the surfing, so you don't have to!

Focused Workouts

Focused Workouts

You may dread the gym for a lot of reasons: you feel self-conscious around all the tight and toned people, it sucks up a lot of time or, simply, you’re not sure your workout is really working out for you. If you have a particular health problem or illness, all of these factors get amplified and you may not feel so motivated in such a silently-judging atmosphere.
 
Gyms across the country are beginning to tailor workouts to specific needs, but it’s much more than the “beginner” versus “advanced” idea. The Dedham Health and Athletic Complex in Boston sees a lot of patients after diagnoses of diabetes, heart disease and others, tailoring routines on an individual basis and emphasizing comfort in the gym surroundings.

Ellen Orzel joined after a double mastectomy to lose some extra weight, a risk factor in recurring bouts of certain cancers. She says, “I was comfortable going in there, knowing I could tell her I had a mastectomy.” In addition to losing pounds and getting in shape, there is common ground and camaraderie if you are doing your cardio next to someone who experienced a similar bad bout of health. Now, that’s a support group! [CNN]

Posted: 10/7/08