Recent research indicates that many overweight individuals, particularly women, don't work out because of emotional barriers that include self-consciousness, embarrassment and fear of failure.

A 2009 study by researchers at the George Washington University Medical Center found that many overweight people are particularly intimidated by working out in the presence of young people and those who are physically fit. A 2007 study by Temple University researchers found that overweight females were particularly likely to report that they were prevented from exercising by feelings of self-consciousness or fear of failure.

University of Detroit Mercy professor Carla Groh led a 12-week study of African-American women and found that the women were more successful when surrounded by others of similar size and with a similar desire to lose weight. For the study, Groh put a group of African-American women through 12 weeks of exercise, nutrition and group scripture readings.

Groh commented on the results: "They're all in the same boat, and it's really powerful. For the more overweight or obese, it seems it is more helpful for them to find a group of like-minded and like-shaped people who can really support each other."

(Source: www.azcentral.com)

Labels: emotions, exercise

Posted By: Aspen Education Group 0 Comments

Lack of exercise may not explain rising rates of teen obesity, according to a new study conducted by researchers at Johns Hopkins University. For the study, researchers reviewed government survey data collected between 1991 and 2007. They found that in recent years U.S. teens have spent more time in gym class and less time in front of the television.

In addition, the researchers were unable to identify a significant decrease in teen exercise levels, despite consistent increases in teen obesity during the same time period. For example, in 1993 approximately 66 percent of teens got enough short bursts of vigorous exercise such as 20 minutes of running, biking or other heart-pumping activity at least three days per week. In 2005, 64 percent of teens got the same amount of exercise. However, experts currently estimate that one-third of American children and teenagers are now obese.

Although exercise levels alone do not seem to explain the increases in teen obesity, the researchers stressed that physical activity remains an important component of healthy living for teenagers. Only 35 percent of teenagers surveyed in 2007 met the current recommendations for physical activity -- performing any activity that increases the heart rate at least one hour per day, five or more days out of the week.

Dr. Youfa Wang of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore commented in a news release from the university: "Our study suggests that more vigorous efforts are needed to help young Americans engage in adequate regular physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviors, which will help promote good health."

(Source: abcnew.go.com)

Labels: obesity, teen, exercise

Posted By: Aspen Education Group 0 Comments

According to a new study by researchers at the University of California, women who practice yoga on a regular basis have better self-images and fewer eating disorders than women who participate in aerobic activities to stay in shape.

The study was performed on three groups of women: those who practice yoga, those who do aerobic exercise, and those who haven't done either in the last two years. All participants were asked to complete a questionnaire about their self-image and eating habits. Researchers found that regardless of age, women who practice yoga report less self-objectification, better self-image, and fewer eating disorders than their counterparts in the other two groups. In addition, the more hours a woman spent doing yoga, the more likely she was to have a positive self-image and healthy eating behaviors.

Study author Jennifer Dubenmier commented on the study's findings: "Through yoga, this study suggests that women may have intuitively discovered a way to buffer themselves against messages that tell them that only a thin and 'beautiful' body will lead to happiness and success."

(Source: xx)

Labels: eating disorder, exercise, yoga

Posted By: Aspen Education Group 0 Comments