Get in the Zone: Use Energy Systems to Train With Purpose

Guest post by H. Marie Williams

If you are considering a new training program, there are a few things you should know about how to train. Perhaps the most important thing to know is what zone you need to use in order to achieve your physiological goals.

The body draws energy from different systems depending on the type of exercise performed and these systems will determine what calorie sources get burned and how the body’s physiology is affected. The three energy systems are the phosphagen system, glycolysis and the oxidative system. (more…)

Exercise Knows No Age: How to Be an Active Senior

Adults who are 65 years of age or older can–and should enjoy the benefits of exercise.  If you have been exercising all along–you are good to go.  However, if you have been sedentary, have chronic medical conditions, or are recovering from an illness or injury you may need to do some planning with your doctor to structure an individualized exercise program. (more…)

Why Do My Legs Hurt When I Walk?

Guest blog post by Gary Gwertzman, MD, FACS, RPVI.

There are many reasons why one’s leg may hurt and vascular blockages are definitely on that list.

What are vascular blockages?

Arteries are the pipes that bring blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Blood
 carries oxygen, sugar and other nutrients that keep your body working. Arteries are normally wide open, and blood flows freely through them. Some people, however, 
develop blockages in their arteries. These blockages are commonly known as peripheral
 arterial disease or PAD. These blockages can show up anywhere in the body, but the
 legs are one of the more common sites.

Why don’t my legs hurt when I sit?

When you are sitting still, your legs don’t require much from the blood stream, and they 
feel fine. As you start to walk or exercise, your legs require more and more 
blood. If you have blockages in your arteries, however, the muscles cannot get that extra 
blood. If the blood can’t get there, your legs will start to hurt. The medical term for that 
pain is called claudication. The pain is relieved by stopping and sitting.

How will I know if it’s PAD?

The diagnosis of PAD can be very simple. Most physicians will order
 non-invasive tests that don’t use needles, but rather pressure cuffs and ultrasounds.

How is PAD treated?

If you do have PAD and you smoke, you should quit. You may also be advised to take a daily aspirin, as well as medicine 
to lower cholesterol. Exercise often helps, and some patients can exercise the pain
 away. PAD can become serious, however, so once the diagnosis is made, patients need
 to be followed very closely by their physician and a vascular specialist.

Gary Gwertzman, MD, FACS, RPVI, is the Director of Vascular Surgery at Beth Israel Brooklyn.

Make NYC Your Gym

By Sam Altstein, DO

Over the years I have developed a variety of ways to try and inspire my patients to lead healthier lives. Towards this end, I often speak about how my own personal healthy eating and exercise habits have combined to augment my health as much as my happiness. (more…)

Pin It on Pinterest