Exercise helps Alzheimer’s patients, plus two new workouts they aren’t likely to try
Patients with early Alzheimer’s disease who exercise regularly have less deterioration in the part of the brain that controls memory. That’s according to research from the University of Kansas Medical Center presented at the International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease.
Patients who didn’t exercise had more brain damage than those who did work out. Researchers say physical activity and the size of areas of the brain related to memory have a “significant relationship” in people with Alzheimer’s, but not in healthy people.
Another study showed that an at-home, 12-month exercise program resulted in fewer falls and better balance for people with dementia.
While there’s no doubt a little physical activity is good for everyone, here are a couple of new workouts that the elderly — and some other people as well — will likely want to skip.
Kevin Federline plans fitness DVD
Though he’s out of shape now, everyone’s favorite single dad, Kevin Federline, is planning to get back in shape and release a fitness DVD early next year.
The former dancer and former husband of Britney Spears says he’s let himself go but he’s going to bring the sexy back ASAP and share his secrets with the world.
“Kranking” set to be next fitness craze
The fitness genius who brought the world Spinning is hoping to start another craze with an upper-body workout called Kranking. The trademarked Krankcycle is basically just a stationary bike for the arms, which users spin to the rhythm of music.
Apparently the exercise is somewhat difficult when starting out, and getting your arms synched up is the key to preventing a knocking noise that annoys some users. Right now the machines are only available at Reebok Sports Clubs, but the designer, Johnny G, says they should be available in 40 countries by March, complete with specially trained teachers to take Krankers through the moves.
Johnny G’s goal is to have 90,000 of the machines in gyms worldwide in the next three or four years. When he sold the Spinning empire back in 2005, there were 150,000 certified instructors in 80 countries. He says the goal of the Kranking program is “that all teachers and students realize their importance as human beings and strive for health, peace, wisdom and success.”
(By Sarah E. White for CalorieLab Calorie Counter News)
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July 29th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
Exercise, stress reduction, eating right/supplements, sleep….There are so many simple things that we can do to keep ourselves fit and brain well….Read the book “7 Steps to a Healthy Brain” by Dr. Paul Winner.