Doctor Lee's Blog

Thoughts & Tips from The Doctor of Fitness: Fitness Trainer, Nutrition Expert, & Sports Medicine Physician

We write informally on topics we're passionate at Doctor Of Fitness - fitness, strength and conditioning, sports nutrition, sports medicine, and edge fitness and nutrition news. If you'd like to reach us directly, you can contact us here. For more information, you're invited to read Dr. Mancini's C.V. and informal bio.

Pregnancy

on Tuesday, 05 June 2012. Posted in Doctor of Fitness, Toning & Shaping, Fitness for Women, Fitness

It may seem hard to believe in an age when celebrity “baby bumps” are on the cover of just about every magazine. But back in the old days, being pregnant was looked upon as a “condition” that was spoken about in hushed whispers. In fact, the very idea of pregnancy was so “out there” that when Lucy Ricardo on “I Love Lucy” was expecting, censors wouldn’t allow the word “pregnant” to be spoken on the show for the entire season!

Three decades later, a very pregnant actress Demi Moore posed naked on the cover of Vanity Fair in the ‘90s, and suddenly pregnancy was viewed as beautiful, and even sexy. Today, pregnant women are even prouder of their “bumps,” showing them off in revealing maternity wear instead of hiding them under layers of drapey fabric and cutesy prints. And while celebrities like Kourtney Kardashian and Reese Whitherspoon are certainly leading this trend, they’re not alone. All kinds of mothers-to-be are showing off their curves in clingy tops and dresses, and the sight of a pregnant woman in a bikini is no longer regarded as shocking.

The fact is, pregnancy really does make a woman more beautiful -- and not just because of the miracle of life growing inside of her. That tiny life actually does certain, specific things to the body that enhance a woman’s beauty. Increased hormones and blood flow give pregnant skin that “glowing” look you might have heard about. Many pregnant women notice that their hair is thicker and more lustrous than in their pre-pregnancy days, and their fingernails grow longer and stronger.

Commonly, pregnancy carries with it back pain or hip pain. Dealing with aches and pains can really cut into enjoying this exciting time in your life. Staying fit and healthy during your pregnancy helps decrease or prevent the pain now, and makes your postpartum recovery faster and easier. There are certain exercises a pregnant woman shouldn't do but there are plenty you can do that will make you feel better. Our pregnancy and postpartum programs are designed with you and your health and comfort in mind.

If you’re pregnant, don’t forget to enjoy this very special time in your life to the fullest. Whether you flaunt it in a bikini or prefer a more modest style, now is your time to rock that bump – and celebrate the beautiful woman you are and the mother you’re about to become.

Exercise

on Tuesday, 29 May 2012. Posted in Doctor of Fitness, Weight Loss, Fitness

In case you haven’t heard, exercise is good for you – and not just for the reasons you might think. According to the Mayo Clinic, there are seven major benefits of regular exercise. They are:

1. Weight control – You no doubt already know that exercise burns calories, which allows you to eat more without gaining weight, or continue to eat the same amount of calories and actually lose weight. That’s what we call a win-win!

2. Disease prevention – You probably didn’t know that exercise boosts your “good” cholesterol and decreases triglycerides, a potent combination that helps keep heart disease and strokes at bay. Plus, regular exercise can help manage or prevent diseases including type 2 diabetes, cancer and even depression.

3. Mood enhancement – Exercise is nature’s anti-depressant – it releases chemicals in your brain that improve your mood. And being healthier and in better shape will likely boost your mood anyway!

4. Energy – Regular exercise improves your endurance, so you can do more and feel less tired doing it.

5. Sleep – Regular physical activity leads to deeper sleep, and as an extra bonus, it also helps you fall asleep faster.

6. Sex – No, it’s not just about looking better or having all that extra energy and stamina. Women who exercise regularly experience more intense arousal, and men who do have fewer problems with erectile dysfunction.

7. Fun – Choose an activity you like, like walking on the beach, playing tennis, even gardening – and exercise won’t be a chore. It will be something you actually look forward to doing every day!

Don’t stress about exercise – just get out there and do something that works for you. Your body will thank you for it!

Memorial Day

on Tuesday, 22 May 2012. Posted in Giving Back

In a few days, we'll be observing Memorial Day again, when we honor those who have sacrificed their lives for their country.

We think it's important to remember that our veterans have been crucial eyewitnesses to history. In that regard, we are losing a precious commodity at an alarming rate: our World War II veterans. It's estimated that we're losing 740 from this group every single day - and over 200,000 a year.

Fortunately, modern technology allows us to effectively capture the memories of those who fought in the 20th Century's greatest conflict - through audio and video interviews that are easily accessed through the internet. And not just YouTube.

The Public Broadcasting System (PBS), back in 2007, compiled over 3000 interviews with World War II vets throughout the country, through local PBS stations. Those interviews, part of The Veterans History Project, are accessible online at http://www.pbs.org/thewar/vet_hist_project.htm .

These veterans were also able to share photographs along with their personal stories through a PBS online story collection tool called PBS StoryShare. You can search through this extensive array of remembrances by PBS station, location or branch of service, or by using a relevant keyword. You'll find almost every aspect of the war represented in this massive database.

But we shouldn't forget our other veterans' service and sacrifice - and their incredible experiences either. Fortunately, the Veterans History Project was expanded beyond its original World War II mission by the Library of Congress to include interviews with veterans representing all of the past 100 years, including World War I, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf War and the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. You can find out more (including how to participate if you're a veteran) at http://www.loc.gov/vets .

It's worth looking back at these amazing stories, even as we hopefully look forward towards peace.

Nutrition Thoughts

on Tuesday, 15 May 2012. Posted in Healthy Nutrition

How much do you think about what you eat?

If you are like most people, you don't think too much about what you're eating. But for some people, eating has become associated with emotions such as guilt, leading to poor attitudes toward food. Unhealthy mindsets about food can lead to eating disorders and illness, and changing your outlook about food can be a huge step toward improved health. If you are struggling with a negative attitude toward food and eating, you might want to talk to a healthcare provider. There are many things you can do to help change your point of view.

First, remember that food is fuel. Without sufficient nutrition, your body can break down. Your body needs calories and nutrients to stay active, have energy and to promote healthy growth and development.

Don't try to label foods as "good" or "bad." Instead, focus on eating foods that will provide good nutrition. This is a healthier way to make food choices, and reinforces the importance of healthy eating and its relationship to health and wellness.

Don't deprive yourself. Eat your favorite snack or dish once in a while. You can eat healthy overall without constantly depriving yourself of the foods you love that may not be so healthy. Eating small amounts of these foods every so often lets you satisfy your cravings while still maintaining a healthy diet. Balance is the key.

Put away the scale. Striving to reach a certain number or staying at a particular weight may not be a healthy attitude. Many health centers will tell you that numbers can be deceiving and may not be the true measure of the health of your body.

See a therapist or a nutritionist if you need additional help developing a healthy relationship with food. Nothing is shameful about needing extra help, and these professionals can help you become the healthiest you can be.

Announcing!!

Written by Dr. Lee Mancini on Monday, 09 April 2012. Posted in Doctor of Fitness, Fitness

drum roll please...

I am SO excited to announce our new Doctor Of Fitness website! It's loaded with articles about fitness and health, and information about helping you get the results you want and deserve. You'll also find recipes I chose personally with your health and fitness in mind.

There's MORE, MORE, MORE!!

There are two new features I am particularly jazzed about and pleased to offer you. First is your choice from three free reports I wrote for you. Each one is focused on a different aspect of fitness and your workouts, with the goals of helping you get the most out of every minute you work out or play sports. Go here to choose your free report, read it, try out my recommendations, then let me know what you think.

Second, we have a very special offer for new clients to get a free Fitness Assessment (value $150). No obligation, just an eye-opening experience that's personal, focused, and all about them. That offer is highlighted throughout the website - check it out on the Programs page.

For those of you who are new to Doctor Of Fitness (welcome!), here's a quick overview of what we're all about:

All of our programs are described in our new Programs section -- from custom fitness to sports injury rehab, from athlete peak performance to custom nutrition coaching, from maternity/postpartum fitness to custom nutrition coaching, from home gym design to fitness just for women, from summer athlete programs to sports nutrition, and more.
Our clients range in age from middle school to seniors, both women and men, athletes and casual runners.
The common thread is their commitment to themselves. Our clients are committed to improving their health and fitness in a private or semi-private setting where we are wholly focused on them.

So... we invite you to peruse our NEW website, check out all the neat stuff we have for you and your friends, and let us know what you think. We're pumped!

Giving back is an honor

Written by Dr. Lee Mancini on Friday, 02 December 2011. Posted in Giving Back

At Doctor of Fitness, we strongly believe in giving back to the community and helping those less fortunate.

It is our honor to contribute a portion of our revenue to local, regional, national, and international charities.

Some of the diverse charities we have supported in the past are listed below. If you have a favorite charity you'd like to suggest, we'd be happy to consider it.

“You may never know what results come of your action, but if you do nothing there will be no result.”

~~ Mahatma Gandhi ~~

St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital
Worcester County Food Bank
National Park Foundation
Celiac Disease Foundation
Dana Farber Cancer Institute
National Association for Down Syndrome
American Red Cross

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