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TRX STRAPS NOW AT PSC!

Work out solo or in a group

Posted by Maggie McGrath on 8/6/2010 at 12:35PM | 2 Comments

Can’t get enough of TRX training? Neither can we. And now you can add one more Philly gym to your list of places where you can score a TRX training session.

The Philadelphia Sports Clubs received a shipment of TRX bands last month, and after making sure their personal trainers were all TRX-certified, have begun their TRX program in full throttle. The PSC on Market Street now has eight straps and one A-frame at its disposal, and is running TRX how-to demos two to three times a day, Monday through Friday.

Once the staff makes sure you’re experienced enough to work out solo, the bands are available for personal use upon request. If you’ve never tried TRX, you will need the assistance of a personal trainer or you can sign up for one of the upcoming small group TRX training sessions. READ MORE

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MOVE OVER, CHEESESTEAKS. PHILLY IS A SALAD TOWN

A recent survey pegged the City of Brotherly Love as one of the top salad-eating cities in the country. (Yes, salads, and yes, they mean us)

Posted by Maggie McGrath on 8/3/2010 at 11:03AM | 2 Comments

You’ve probably heard it ad nauseam: Philly is fat, Philly is out of shape, Philly eats too many cheesesteaks. But the next time one of these remarks come your way you can happily state at least one positive health fact right back: Philly is also one of the nation’s top markets for salads.

In an internal, independent study released on Tuesday, July 27, by Dole Fresh Vegetables, the world’s largest producer of fresh fruits and veggies, researchers concluded that not only do Philadelphians eat more salads per person than other city dwellers across the U.S., they also have some of the highest untapped salad potential in the country.  “Despite its reputation for local cuisine, Philadelphia is among the most sophisticated salad markets in the country and home to an increasing number of salad lovers,” said Chris Mayhew, senior brand manager for Dole Fresh Vegetables, in Tuesday’s press release. “Our research found that salad consumers here are much more likely to use salad as a meal or as the basis for creative new lunch and dinner entrees. From a salad standpoint, the City of Brotherly Love is a trendsetter.” READ MORE

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MARK YOUR CALENDAR: CITY CHASE COMES TO PHILLY THIS WEEKEND!

Posted by Maggie McGrath on 7/26/2010 at 9:02AM | 3 Comments

If you want to hang with your friends, see the city, boost your brain power, and torch calories without even realizing it, we have the event for you. On Saturday, July 31, the T-Mobile City Chase returns to Philadelphia for the third year in a row.  In what is touted as “the largest urban adventure race series in the world,” participants race around the city in teams of two in a quest to be the first to complete 10 of 25 challenges—some mental, some physical—and to win a spot in the City Chase National Championship.

Conquering the Chase requires a killer combo of speed, mental agility, guts, and the ability to make a game-plan without any advance information. “All the challenges are top secret until the day of the chase,” says Carina Holtby, the national event director for City Chase, and they can involve anything from a Fear Factor-like encounter with reptiles to brain teasers, memory tests, and bootcamp-style exercises, and will take racers from Fairmount Park to Old City and beyond. “We give people an experience they wouldn’t typically do on a Saturday,” says Holtby. READ MORE

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WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO TREAT A JELLYFISH STING?

August = peak jellyfish season at the Jersey Shore. ER doc and director of travel medicine at Jefferson University Hospital Ken Neuburger shares what to do if you get stung

Posted by Maggie McGrath on 7/23/2010 at 1:24PM | 6 Comments

Illustration by Justin Renninger

Forget about sharks — as August approaches, the Jersey Shore will enter its peak jellyfish season. Though these creatures aren’t typically deadly – not the ones we get here, anyway – they are slimy, creepy, and just plain unpleasant if they happen to sting you. And since myths abound in regards to the best treatment (should you really pee on a sting?), we asked Jefferson University Hospital Director of Travel Medicine and ER doc Ken Neuburger for tips on what to do the next time you’re stung. READ MORE

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WALK ON YOUR LUNCH BREAK AND WIN COOL PRIZES: THE D20 WALK AND REWARDS PROGRAM

Starting in August, walking for 20 minutes at Love Park or Rittenhouse Square = free stuff!

Posted by Maggie McGrath on 7/22/2010 at 11:35AM | 4 Comments

From the awful humidity to the city’s growing stench (the southwest corner of 15th and Market, anyone?), it’s understandable if you’re hailing more cabs than taking more strolls lately.  Why would anyone want to walk in this weather? One reason: because you can receive anything from a free latte to a free Japanese meal for two. (Oh yeah, and it’s good for you, too!)

All you have to do is walk for 20 minutes. Seriously!

On Monday, August 2nd, the D20 Walking for Rewards Program will kick off in full force at Love Park and Rittenhouse Square.  Though the daily walking program (which stands for “the daily 20,” the recommended 20-minute dose of walking) has been underway since May, August 2nd represents the first day you can both walk and win lots of fun stuff from the program’s sponsors.

“We felt early on that this program is a benefit to everyone,” said founder Mike Ditomasso, citing improved stamina, a boost of endorphins and the social benefit of walking with others.  “We just wanted to have a little something to get people out.” READ MORE

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ASK A TOP DOCTOR: WHAT DOES IT MEAN IF I’M GOING GRAY EARLY?

Top doctor and director of Penn's Hair and Scalp Clinic George Cotsarelis shares whether or not gray strands are a reason to worry

Posted by Maggie McGrath on 6/17/2010 at 4:12PM | 1 Comment

Illustration by Justin Renninger

Anyone who has ever found a gray hair knows that the experience can trigger a wave of panic—a panic that increases tenfold if you are under the age of 25 and already finding salt amongst the pepper. Finding a wiry, colorless hair—or many—can be disconcerting, but before you drive yourself crazy preening and plucking in front of the mirror, check out Top Doctor and director of Penn Medicine’s hair and scalp clinic George Cotsarelis’ thoughts on premature graying and whether or not it’s a reason to worry.

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