Do workouts to keep your brain young

Washington D.C: The secret to a younger brain may lie in exercising your body, according to recent research.

INeuroimaging studies, in which the activity of different parts of the brain can be visualised, have provided some clues as to how does being physically fit affect our aging brains?

The exciting new study led by Dr Hideaki Soya from the University of Tsukuba in Japan and his colleagues show, for the first time, the direct relationship between brain activity, brain function and physical fitness in a group of older Japanese men. They found that the fitter men performed better mentally than the less fit men, by using parts of their brains in the same way as in their youth.

As we age, we use different parts of our brain compared to our younger selves. For example, when young, we mainly use the left side of our prefrontal cortex (PFC) for mental tasks involving short term memory, understanding the meaning of words and the ability to recognize previously encountered events, objects, or people. When older, we tend to use the equivalent parts of our PFC on the right side of the brain for these tasks. The PFC is located in the very front of the brain, just behind the forehead. It has roles in executive function, memory, intelligence, language and vision.

With tasks involving the temporary storage and manipulation of memory, long term memories and inhibitory control, young adults favor the right side of the PFC, while older adults engage both the right and left PFC. In fact, with aging, we tend to use both sides of the PFC during mental tasks, rather than just one. This phenomenon has been coined HAROLD (hemispheric asymmetry reduction in older adults) and reflects the reorganisation of the brain as compensation for reduced brain capacity and efficiency due to age-related structural and physiological decline.

Using clever statistical tests called mediation analyses to look at these interactions, the researchers found that aerobically fitter older men can perform better mentally than less fit older men by using the more important brain regions when needed. In fact, the fitter older men are using parts of their brains in the same way as when they were younger.

Owner Of Fitness Artist In Clifton Park To Open Second Location In Saratoga In May

A new upscale fitness studio offering client privacy and a "spa-like feel" is coming to downtown Saratoga.

Travis Gil, owner of three-year-old Fitness Artist in Clifton Park, is opening a second location on the corner of Henry and Phila Streets. Fitness Artist is expected to open in mid-May.

An athlete, basketball coach, and certified fitness professional, Gil has worked with more than 1,000 clients in his career, and previously managed gyms before opening his own business.

He discovered clients, especially females, felt self-conscious working out in front of others in a gym setting. As a result, many would abandon their fitness routines.

Gil decided to create a studio with a different approach to fitness, offering privacy, approachable trainers and customized workout experiences.

"I cringe when I hear the word 'gym' because of the intimidation factor that is associated with it," said Gil. "Other gyms in the area haven't succeeded because people want to get away from the big-box model. They want to find a place to work out that is more like a home."

Fitness Artist does not require memberships but rather, works with clients to arrange individual sessions or packages. In the new Saratoga location, three private rooms have been built for one-on-one training, usually scheduled for 30-, 45- or 55-minute sessions. Rooms can also be used for small group sessions, depending on a client's preferences.

The 1,800-square-foot studio includes a space with cardio equipment, free weights and stability balls, and also a private shower. Each personal training room is equipped with an iPod dock so clients can listen to their favorite music during their workouts.

Gil said he is especially excited about the new studio's location within developer Scott Trifilo's property, also known as the Well Fargo building. The 54 Phila St. location features new luxury condominiums, commercial space, and is just steps away from Congress Park.

He believes the service at Fitness Artist will appeal to the Saratoga market, and he looks forward to working with the diverse clientele the area offers-- from jockeys to actors, to business professionals to stay-at-home parents.

"The business in Clifton Park is thriving because of the customer-oriented private sessions," said Gil. "We have many community go-getters and established business owners as clients. They love Fitness Artist because it's private. They can quickly get their workout in without being stopped and having to talk to people."

The Clifton Park location has also been a go-to source for local companies looking to help their employees with fitness goals, he said. Gil has provided on-site classes in strength and flexibility training as well as boot camp classes at business locations. He offers discounts to companies looking to work with his studio, and looks forward to partnering with the Saratoga business community.

Teaching Fitness Boxing - 5 Simple Technique Cues for Personal Trainers, Coaches and Boxing Trainers

The lines are simple words or phrases , catchy and colors to help teach the correct technique for boxing training . For example , float like a butterfly . The queues are much better than the jargon , because they get the point across, on the fly. These indexes will work for personal trainers and group instructors teach boxing. Also work for anyone gloves hit (talk platelets) by their partner.
I - float like a butterfly
What this means - For Ali , I think the intention of dancing around the ring , which he did very well . However, fitness boxing , then stand on tiptoe and move - when they are drilling .
When and what to say - float like a butterfly helps students get up on their toes , burn more calories and work your legs . Have students do this between punches and combinations - not at the same time.
Two . Put the cigarette
What this means - This queue means losing the ball of the foot , so that points to the target point , resulting in more hip and leg training and more powerful blows .
When and what to say - a good punch uses the kernel. Twisting the foot, and when you put a cigarette on the ground, the fighter student / contract the abdominal and core muscles . This replica works great for the right cross punch .
Three . In the brick wall
What this means - cue This helps students maintain their nice big elbow to the left or right hook punch. They think that there is a brick wall in the chest in front of them . The hook is on the brick wall .
When and why do they say - I gave the signal just before or even while pulling the hook . A large curve prevents a natural oscillation in the hook punch.
April . Eye of the Tiger
What this means - We've all heard the song, but for me, the eye of the tiger means focusing . A tiger keeps an eye on its prey , never look away .
When and what to say - Students look away or back when struck . Furthermore, in the real boxing will look the other way in case of attack . This is not the time to look elsewhere!
May . Fist Corkscrew
What this means - means twisting the hand , faces to the ground, allowing the student to strike with two fingers before .
When and what to say - This replica works well for both the left jab and right center (or right jab and cross to the left for lefties) . Tell them to turn the fist just before the moment of impact , and beat glove side .
Try these 5 signs that you teach your boxing sessions . They help students to remember and carry out technical advice resulting in great shock and a great fit.