Each episode of The OC Body has questions and comments from the "Bodies in the OC" segment. We ask consumers just like you a series of questions about health, fitness, wellness, exercise and nutrition. This is where you get the correct answers.
The dates below reflect the "original" air date of the show.
From the episode with guest Chalene Johnson (Sept. 28, 2006)
Q: How many times per week should someone exercise?
A: Although we heard many of the people in Laguna Beach voice their opinion, we want to clarify a bit for you. The number of days someone exercises is based on several factors. If you are just starting out, three days per week may be enough. As you get more fit, you can increase the number of days. In some cases, you can exercise every day, but some days will need to be much less strenuous. An example of an easy day could be a mile or two walk, gentle yoga or mediation and massage. There are always exceptions. Seek the advice of a qualified fitness professional for more details. Remember, the volume and intensity of your workouts are also dependent on medical history and risk factors such as diabetes and heart disease.
From the episode with guest Jay Blahnik (October 5, 2006)
Q: What is the best exercise for your rear end?
A: Although we heard a wide range of answers on the show, it is our belief that squats and lunges are the best from a resistance (weight training) perspective. If you are training outdoors, inline skating, cycling (uphill) and hiking/running (uphill) are also very good.
From the episode with guest Dr. Nicholas Romanov (October 12, 2006)
Q: What does anti-aging mean?
A: There is an official definition. It is "to delay or lessen the effects of aging, especially on the skin."
John believes that "longevity and wellness" is a more appropriate term. We all age and we will all die. What we do each day will determine how well we age and how we enjoy the aging process. Some products and services simply mask the signs of aging, while other treatments and regimens actually reduce our chances of getting age-related illnesses. Anti-aging (or longevity strategies) can encompass organic foods, nutritional supplements, hormone therapy, exercise, detoxification, stress management, holistic health care and quality relationships. We must realize that it is more important to age gracefully, rather than deny aging by coving it up.
From the episode with guest Anthony Carey (October 19, 2006)
Q: What does Pilates mean?
A: Pilates is a form of exercise originally called Contrology. It was developed by Josef (Joseph) H. Pilates. The exercises can be performed on a mat, standing, or on special devices specific to Pilates such as the Cadillac, Reformer, Barrel or Wunda Chair. To learn the fundamentals of mat Pilates, please visit Spencer Pilates.
Q: What does holistic mean?
A: Holistic can be defined in many different ways. In general, it means a whole approach to wellness and well-being. Holistic medicine can include herbs, acupuncture, chiropractic, homeopathy and naturopathy. Holistic fitness can include pilates, yoga, mediation, tai chi and the martial arts. In a broad sense, it it improving your health without drugs or surgery.
From the episode with guest Todd Norman (airing October 26, 2006)
Q: What is the best way to flatten your stomach?
A: I sure wish this was an easy answer. Everyone is different. Sometimes, genetically, people cannot attain a VERY flat stomach. Hover, more often than not, it has to do with diet and not exercise. Try these tips to flatten your stomach. Eliminate salt, flour and sugar from your diet. Eat only organic foods. Drink 8 glasses of water per day. Go for a gentle walk after dinner. As for exercise, Swiss ball (exercise ball) movements are very effective and easy on your lower back because the ball actually cradles your body and supports it well. Rope (cable) crunches,
hanging knee raises and some abdominal machines can work well also. Get on the right track and have healthy meals delivered to your door.
From the episode with guest Bob Babbit (airing November 2, 2006)
Q: Have you ever paid for personal training?
A: Since this is more a question of choice, rather than of a specific technique or science, let me educate you on personal training. When you hire a personal trainer, your results will be magnified because you will be certain that there are no wasted movements. Your technique will be correct and the exercises will be done in the correct sequence. To ensure you hire a qualified fitness professional, make sure their education/training is from a well recognized national association such as NESTA.
From the episode with guest Phil Black (airing November 9, 2006)
Q: What does a life coach do?
A: Life coaches provide a variety of services from training executives to helping people get in shape.
Coaching used to be called mentoring, guiding, training or counseling. If fact, "coaching" as it is today pulls from all of these areas, and more! If you are interested in becoming a life coach, visit the Spencer Institute for Life Coaching.
From the episode with guest Bob Babbit (airing November 16, 2006)
Q: Would you use holistic therapies?
A: Of course this is entirely up to you. About 300% more Americas seek alternative/complementary health care than go to a traditional medical doctor each year. Western medicine (allopathy) is beginning to understand and realize that alternative health practices have their place and achieve verifiable results.
Still, some hard line medical doctors feel allopathy is the only answer. Sadly, western medical doctors are not trained in nutrition, exercise or preventative medicine. So, I wonder how they could feel they have all the answers. If you want to learn how to appropriately combine western and alternative medicine, please visit Wellness Detective.
Q: What is organic?
A: According to OraganicAuthority.com, organic refers to all "naturally produced" foods, or the product of organic farming.
As a legal term, it means "certified organic." The distinction is very important, because the two definitions can represent very different products. Organic agriculture is an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. It is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony.
Organic goes beyong just food. It can also include your personal environment, clothing and even cleaning products.