Fitness Quick Fixes?

Joanne EglashMaybe you've seen the ads, promising that you can lose weight, tone, and trim, just by learning the "power of oxygen" and practicing for a mere 15 minutes a day. Sounds good to those of us eternally in search of a quick fix for weight management woes. But the reality of this program, called "Oxycise!," is somewhat different from those instant-solution ads. Unlike truly false gadgets and gizmos (like those "jiggle-it-off-vibrating-weight-loss" belts that do absolutely nothing but take up space in your garage), the Oxycise system could be used as a way to exercise. But the basic 15 minutes don't meet recent recommendations from the Surgeon General and Health and Human Services Director. They urge adults to engage in "moderate physical activity for at least 30minutes a day." However, if you are seeking a different method of toning, the Oxycise! System videos can be useful. The more advanced "Buns & Thighs" and "Abs and Upper Body" videos do indeed, as promised in the promotional material, help you to "burn, baby, burn" while youtone. If weight loss is your goal, some of the recommendations can also be helpful. For example, the books include such sensible advice as measuring yourself only once a week, not attempting to resemble an actor or a model but instead setting realistic goals through using the BMI index, and focusing on maintaining a healthy lifestyle each day rather than viewing it as a great day because you lost weight and a bad day if you gain a pound. However, if fitness and/or weight loss were included in your resolutions for 2000, here are some Web sites that can help you achieve those goals (and no expensive videos or fat-burning gizmos are required!): WeightLoss200.com's Exercise sections shows you that even ordinary household tasks and walks with the dog can add up to those 30 minutes a day: http://weightloss2000.com/health_library... Prevention Magazine offers ways to "jump-start" anexercise program: http://www.prevention.com/weight/buzz/99... Ivillage.com's diet and fitness section offers a range of experts and support forums:http://www.ivillage.com/diet/boards/

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