Fitness expert and best selling author Eric Harr and CARE, the global poverty fighting organization, have joined forces with the I Am Powerful Workout with Eric Harr.

This is an amazing campaign that will help you achieve your fitness goals while also taking action to fight povery.

Here’s how it works:

You work out with one of Eric Harr’s customized training programs or set your own program. And just by exercising, you raise money for CARE. For each hour that you work out and log, Eric will donate $5 to CARE (up to a maximum of $50,000). So if you work out 30 hours this month, that’s $150 you have automatically raise for CARE.

You can also set up your own personal I Am Powerful Workout with Eric Harr webpage at CARE Corps online where you can accept donations. For each $1 your raise through your webpage, Eric will match it with $5 (up to $50,000).

CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty. CARE places special focus on working alongside poor women because, equipped with the proper resources, women have the power to help whole families and entire communities escape poverty. CARE also delivers emergency aid to survivors of war and natural disasters, and helps people rebuild their lives.

You can read all about this special workout program on Eric Harr’s blog.

Popularity: 71% [?]

Fall is here and unfortunately, one of the signs of the season is the daily assault on your immune system. Something about the chilly air makes it the perfect time for runny noses, sore throats, and the much-feared flu. But all is not lost, there are several things you can to do to protect yourself from the nasty fall and winter bugs.

Don’t sneeze directly into your hands. Instead, aim for your elbow or sleeve. This way, if you can’t make it to a sink and soap immediately, you won’t reintroduce the germs through eye or mouth contact and you won’t spread them to others, either.

Do wash your hands often. An antibacterial soap isn’t necessary, since many bugs are viral, but make sure to wash for at least 20 seconds, as this is the minimum time necessarily to really rid yourselves of harmful germs.

Don’t overdo the vitamins if you’re already sick. A lot of people want to pop the vitamin C after they’ve started to sniffle, but experts say that you’re probably throwing your money down the drain. Instead, take a normal dose of vitamins on a daily basis and reduce your risk of catching something in the first place.

Do take it easy with your workout routine. You don’t want to sweat too much or overextend yourself when your defenses are low, so just dial it down a bit and give yourself a break every once in awhile.

Don’t stock up on every decongestant, cough syrup, and throat lozenge in the store. These meds might make you feel better, but they’re not reducing the duration of your illness, and may cause some pretty uncomfortable side effects.

Do eat whatever tempts you. If you’re stuffed up, try a cup of hot tea or a bowl of delicious soup to open up your nasal passages and allow you to smell all the yummy foods around you. On the other hand, if you want a bowl of ice cream, don’t hesitate; cold foods cannot actually give you a cold.

Don’t smoke. Smokers get the flu more often and, unfortunately, have been shown to have a higher mortality rate from the flu than nonsmokers.

Above all, be safe and have a great rest of your November!

Popularity: 15% [?]

If you are beginning a regular diet and fitness routine, there are several things you should avoid in order to be successful.

Don’t set lofty goals: Losing 30 pounds by the end of the month or being able to bench 300 pounds when you have never lifted weights is just not reasonable. If you set your goals too high, you’re setting yourself y goals are too lofty, it will set you up for disappointment.

Don’t omit stretching: Many exercisers, particularly younger people, do not think they need to stretch before and after working out. However, it is a key component to your fitness success. If you do not stretch as a warm-up before beginning your workout routine, you will be very prone to injuries. Basic stretches will get your muscles ready for the workout and then relax them as you cool down.

Don’t obsess about the scale: When you begin a new diet, don’t obsess too much on your weight. You might lose the first few pounds quickly and then be upset when the rapid weight loss doesn’t continue. Instead of weighing yourself every day, weigh yourself only once a week. Pay more attention to how your clothes fit rather than the number on the scale.

Don’t forget about water: It is very important to drink eight to ten glasses of water each day – even more if you are working out a lot. Always carry a bottle of water with you wherever you go, especially to the gym and in your car on long commutes. Once you get into the habit of drinking water, it will be very easy.

Don’t starve yourself: Your body needs to be fed throughout your waking hours. Instead of one huge meal and a couple snacks, eat five small meals spread throughout the day, plus nutritious snacks. This will help you burn calories and lose weight more quickly. Before  starting a new diet, consult a doctor.

Popularity: 16% [?]

Do you want to workout, but lack the motivation? If this sounds like you, finding a partner to push you to new heights is the best thing you can do.

Working out with someone else offers many benefits. It’s a great way to fight laziness and stay motivated. After all, it is much more difficult to skip a workout when somebody else is relying on you.

Additionally, a workout partner can help youwith your daily routine. Do you need somebody to spot you? How about somebody to track your progress? This is where a partner can really come in handy. You can then help your friend with her routine.

With the assistance of a workout partner, you can forget about the days of not exercising due to a lack of motivation. And since you will be putting in more time at the gym, you will see more results in the long run.

Popularity: 13% [?]

With all the diet plans, exercise routines and fitness programs out there today, things sometimes seem complicated. But if you are looking to get fit, you should start with the basics. Here are some simple tips to get you started on the road to fitness.

Pick an activity you enjoy.
The reason many people quit their fitness routine is out of boredom. Pick an activity that you like to do, but also isn’t too easy. Whether it’s running, biking, swimming or hiking, you can find a routine that you enjoy

Be consistent in working out.
The only way to make long term, lasting changes is to work out consistently over a period of months and years. Working out 10 minutes a day sporadically is not going to effect your overall health, fitness or looks.

Eat four to five meals a day.
Eat several small meals throughout the day to keep your blood sugar levels balanced. Eat a combination protein, good fats, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Skip the sugar and white breads whenever possible. Eating often keeps the fat-burning process going.

Reward your fitness goals.
Set short, medium and long term fitness goals and reward yourself when you reach them. Whether you goal is to run a mile in a specified time period, lose a certain amount of weight, or enter a fitness competition, positive reinforcement through rewards is key.

Get plenty of rest.
Be sure to get plenty of sleep at night. Take a nap during the afternoon when possible. Both the quantity of sleep and quality of sleep are important. Don’t keep your bedroom too hot or too cold. Make sure to turn off all sources of light and noise. Sleep until you naturally wake-up if at all possible.

Popularity: 11% [?]

Slim in 6 is a fitness, nutrition, diet and weight loss program that promises to get your body in shape in six weeks. There is even a money back guarantee that covers you for the first six weeks of the program.

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Popularity: 27% [?]

The new S2 fitness bike from Expresso Fitness features an LCD screen with a built-in TV tuner, PC and video card. It also offers steering and shifting mechanisms to simulate the experience of biking outdoors.

This bike is the world’s first web-enabled, interactive fitness system.

Featured in many gyms around the country, the S2 offers dozens of virutal courses where exercisers can race against other and try to beat their best time by racing against Ghost Riders on the screen, which are representations of the riders previous best times.

The courses feature varying degrees of difficulty and can also be configured with Pace Riders that riders can try to follow during the race or attempt to out-ride.

When you arrive at the gym, you log on to the bike with your username and password. Then throughout your ride, your heart rate, power and calories expended are displayed. The software records all your information and tracks your times and rides.

You can access your results on expresso.net, where you can gauge your progress and sign up for contests against other riders. You can also view the Leader Boards to see how you rank against the top riders in your facility.

Expresso bikes are sold to fitness facilities and can also be purchased directly by consumers for your home, though they are very costly (~$5,000).

For more information about the S2 bike, visit expressofitness.com and find a gym in your area that features these fabulous, interactive fitness systems.

Popularity: 35% [?]

Joe Weider’s 2007 Olympia Weekend takes place in Las Vegas from September 27-30, 2007. The weekend features several events, including the fitness expo, martial arts tournaments, strength competitions, fitness challenges, bikini contests and of course, the Ms. Olympia and Mr. Olympia contests.

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Popularity: 13% [?]

MIO fitness watches are like having a personal trainer everywhere you go. The MIO watch calculates your heart rate and tracks your calories burned during a workout.

It also does a whole lot more. You set your daily calorie target and input the food you consume throughout the day. The watch lets you know when you have hit your goal.

Included with each watch is the guide to healthy living with a foreword by Dr. Deepak Chopra and Dr. David Simon, authors of Grow Younger, Live Longer.

The pocket size guide contains information on exercise, diet and nutriition. It also features dozens of calorie tables for just about every type of food, including fast food.

The MIO fitness watch is convenient to use because it’s always on your arm. These watches come in a variety of styles to fit every lifesytle, ranging in price from $45 to $140. They are also fashionable enough that everyone can where them. Some MIO styles feature interchangeable bands in different fashion colors.

To check out the line of MIO fitness watches, visit MIOwatch.com. You can purchase MIO watches online or find them at The Sharper Image, Big 5 Sporting Goods and at health clubs, fitness stores and other retailers throughout the United States and Canada.

Popularity: 21% [?]

When choosing a running shoe, before you get started you should figure out what type of feet you have. Some people have a high arch, while others are flat footed.

You can visit a podiatrist to determine what type of feet you have or do a simple test at home.

Wet the bottom of your feet and walk on the cement to make a foot print.

If you see a print that is empty in the middle between you heel and the ball of your foot, then you have a high arch. In contrast, if you see a foot print that is very thick in the middle, then you are flat footed. If you foot print appears completely “normal” then you are lucky enough to neither be flat footed or have an unusually high arch.

If you have a high arch, you will need to find running shoes that have flexible soles and very good cushioning. If you are flat footed, you need to find running shoes with greater arch support and a more sturdy upper.

Even if your foot print appears normal, you need to find out if your foot naturally rolls inward when you run or walk. This is called pronation. Look at the bottom of your shoes to see if you have any extra wear on the inner portion at the top of your arch, this is pronation.

People who pronate tend to get foot injuries and have foot pain. If you are a pronator, you need to buy running shoes with greater medial arch support.

If you are still unsure what type of feet you have, visit your athletic shoe store and they should have someone on hand who can tell you. Bring an old pair of shoes so they can check the wear on the bottom, as well as check your feet and gait.

If you are going to be racing, you will need to purchase a lightweight shoe with a thin sole and less cushioning. These type of shoes will wear out quicker but are the best for competitive runners who are trying to be as speedy as possible.

For the rest of us who aren’t racing competitively, choose a standard running or cross training shoe.

Try on shoes in the mid-afternoon, as your feet swell throughout the day. Women should not shop for shoes during times of the month when they are retaining water, as their feet will tend to be swollen as well.

Comfort is vital in a running shoe. When you are shopping for running shoe, walk (or jog in place) for a bit at the store. If you feel any tightness, particularly in your toes and heels, try another pair.

Ill-fitting shoes are one of the leading causes of foot problems, including blisters, bunions and joint pain.

Once you have found the particular shoe you are interested in buying, shop around at other local stores or online retailers for a better price before making your final purchase. Oftentimes you can find a lower price online. However, take into account any shipping costs when comparing prices.

Popularity: 26% [?]

If you are a tennis player or tennis fan, it’s time to gear up for the US Open.

The 2007 US Open Tennis Championship takes place at the UTSA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows (Queens), New York from August 27 through September 9.

In the men’s field, #1 ranked Roger Federer will attempt to win his fourth straight US Open Men’s Singles Championship. On the women’s side, last year’s champion Maria Sharapova (#2) will try to take down top ranked Justine Henin.

The men’s and women’s singles champions will each earn $1.4 million, plus be eligible to earn an additional million in bonus money based on their play throughout the tournament.

CBS Sports will be broadcasting the events for the 40th consecutive year. They will cover 37 hours of tennis, including the prime-time Women’s Singles Final on Saturday, September 8 (8:00pm to 10:00pm) and the Men’s Singles Final the following day on Sunday, September 9 (4:00pm to 7:00pm).

The Mixed Doubles Final takes place on Thursday, September 6 from 11:00am to 5:00pm and will be televised on the USA Network. The Women’s Doubles Final takes place that evening and will also be shown on USA from 7:00pm to 11:00pm.

The Men’s Doubles Final is the following day on Friday, September 7 and will be broadcast on CBS from 12:30pm to 6:00pm.

If you are in the New York area and interested in attending any of the U.S. Open events, tickets are still available. You can purchase tickets at Ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-866-OPEN-TIX. You can also buy tickets in person at any Ticketmaster outlet or at the tennis center box office.

For more information about the US Open, visit the official website at USOpen.org or call (718) 760-6200.

Popularity: 12% [?]

Yoga is aimed to unite your mind, body and spirit. The concept of yoga is that if your mind and body are in harmony, it can heal itself. Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years, yet some people are just trying yoga for the first time.

If you are just starting out doing yoga, Gaiam.com offers their wonderful Yoga Beginner’s Kit to get you started.

Included in the kit is a 40-minute DVD, a yoga mat, strap and brick.

With the Yoga Strap you can do a variety of yoga stretches without straining your back. The Yoga Brick helps to align your back correctly.

Well respected yoga teacher Rodney Yee leads you through meditation exercises and poses on the DVD. This terrific yoga workout is 20 minutes long and will help you to strengthens your abs, arms, legs and spine, while learning the basics of yoga.

Plus the DVD also includes a how-to section that shows how to adapt poses to your level of experience and flexiblity.

You can order the Yoga for Beginner’s Kit online at Gaiam.com for just $30.

If you are beyond the basics of yoga and are looking for a yoga routine that will get you into shape fast, try Gaiam’s Yoga Burn Kit. It includes weighted gloves and a 45-minute workout DVD.

The gloves come with 12 different 1/4 pound weight inserts to adapt to the exercises. This kit is normally $30, but right now you can get it for only $12.99 on sale at Gaiam.com.

Popularity: 24% [?]

If you are tired of the treadmill or basic aerobics at your local gym, here are some fun alternative ways to stay in shape. (more…)

Popularity: 9% [?]

Private coaching is no longer reserved for pro athletes. There are now many coaching alternatives for all different fitness levels. Getting support and expert advice can be a powerful tool in achieving your goals. Your goal may be the next level of performance in your favorite sport. But all coaching methods do not fit all people. To choose the best program, consider your own goals and schedule, your personality and motivation level.

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Popularity: 6% [?]

One of the hottest trends in the exercise industry is Mind-Body Fitness. Mind-Body exercises like yoga, tai chi and Pilates are practiced by about twenty-five million Americans. Classes are being offered not only at fitness centers but at hospitals, resorts, schools and senior homes.

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Popularity: 7% [?]