The ATT continues to grow.  The South Durham section (south of I-40) is complete all the way from the Chatham County line north to Southpoint.  This section of the trail is now paved.  Paved trail exists from Southpoint through most of the Chatham section - about 7 miles in all.  And of course the trail continues through Chatham and into Wake County for another 7 miles or so as an unpaved section.  If you're a road cyclist, it is possible to avoid the ever-increasing traffic in Southern Durha...
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If you're a regular exerciser (and chances are if you are reading this website you already exercise), then you probably know what is about to follow - that exercise gives you more health benefits than any medicine (or large number of medicines) you can take. The News & Observer is running a five part series this week on that theme. The first article published today does a wonderful job of summarizing the wide variety of benefits you get from being active. Many of the ideas in the article ...
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Late last fall Duham unveiled another wonderful trail for outdoor exercise.  The Third Fork Creek trail runs from Garrett Road Park on Garrett Road (across from Jordan High) north to Martin Luther King Freeway.  The total length of the trail is about 3 miles (one way).  This trail is very flat and surprisingly isolated, given that it runs very close to several neighborhoods that are quite large - like Hope Valley Farms.  At present, parking is available at the Garrett Park terminus, but not a...
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Rest is an important part of being healthy and fit.  Rest includes recovery from exercise and, of course, a good night's sleep.  Here's an article that highlights a study that showed improved sleep habits when beginning an exercise program:
http://www.genengnews.com/industry-updates/aerobic-exercise-relieves-insomnia/93992915/
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I spend a lot of time kidding clients who are struggling to learn a new exercise that we're "building bigger brains."  Here's an article that covers some of the research on the subject.  Boost your Noggin!
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/07/07/your-brain-on-exercise/?src=me&ref=general
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Here's an article, not particularly in depth, that emphasizes that eating too little can be counterproductive to your weight loss goals.  Our opinion: exercise is better than dieting!

http://www.everydayhealth.com/weight/fewer-calories-stalls-metabolism.aspx
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At some point or another, someone has told us or we have heard that eating a variety of color in our diet is great.  Thats great, but many of us are still wondering what the good foods to eat in each color are.  With that in mind, this slideshow article will give you multiple ideas for each color that you can put on your plate and make your meals a little more healthy.

http://health.msn.com/nutrition/slideshow.aspx?cp-documentid=100238920&imageindex=1

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All diet plans or exercise regimines have run into this before.  Everyone loves the idea of something new, but eventually there will come days where you don't feel good or don't feel like continuing for a couple days, or weeks.  How do you avoid these days from destroying all the hard work that you put in?

If you are interested check this article out at http://health.msn.com/fitness/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100254304
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What can we do to prevent the ailments of knee injuries as we go on in life?  It seems like any activity early in life now is going to result in degenerative knee problems later on in life right?  Wrong, this is a study that looks into how we can actually help ourselves from those arthritic type injuries.  Perhaps even the most prevelent of those preventions is actually running.  Surprising perhaps because it has always been said that running will ruin your knees; however, maybe you need to r...
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Here is an ACSM response to the NY Times article in December that claimed exercise could be counterproductive to weight loss.  Thoughtful and realistic.
http://www.multibriefs.com/briefs/acsm/active2-9.htm
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Here is the answer to forgetting your coffee in the morning.  Yes, this is a short list of 8 foods that will help jump start your day, and they don't revolve around high levels of caffeine.  They are simple foods too, so don't be bashful, make sure you go to the link and check out this quick and easy read.

Happy Jump Starting,

http://health.msn.com/start-your-day-off-right/slideshow.aspx?cp-documentid=100242464
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We all have our own opinions on stretching prior to exercise and here is an article that can give us the actual answers.  This article looks at the medical implications of stretching before exercise and the effects that it can have on performance.  Please don't be offended by the article but do take it to heart and practice.

Enjoy reading
http://health.msn.com/fitness/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100254025
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From the American Diabetes Association comes some helpful hints on how to get motivated for exercise.  We all have those days or weeks where we just don't feel like it.  After reading this you will be equipped with tactics to prevent those days from turning into workout killers.

Enjoy reading... http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/fitness/getting-motivated/


Happy Weekend & Stay Dry
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Have you ever wondered what goes into an olympians nutrtion regimine?  Have you enver wondered how closely studied olympians eating routines are?  How about you take a few minutes and look how premier this group of athletes really are.  There is a reason they are the best athletes in the world, this article helps show why.

http://health.msn.com/nutrition/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100253756
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Due to our recent snow arrival and unusually chilly weather here is a short article about running in the cold.  Most people try to find excuses not to run in the cold just because they don't like the idea.  However, there are a few quick steps to take that will allow you to continue your program and take the weather by the horns.

http://www.articlehealthandfitness.com/articledetail.php?artid=37763&catid=365&title=Cold-Weather-Running:-5-Tips-to-Excuse-Proof-Your-Workout

Happy Running & Enjoy th...
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Here is what all of us gym goers are looking for who find some of the standard exercises difficult.  This is a fairly comprehensive list of your basic gym movements and multiple ways to cater them to your needs.  No matter if your strenght is out of this world or if you would rather use a resistance band.  This article gives you the correct way to execute them the correct way.

http://health.msn.com/fitness/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100252132


This is a great article to keep on hand in case ...
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Most of us have cats, dogs, or both; and here is a short study that looks at the coorelation between our weight and their weight.  Surprisingly there is a direct coorelation between one of the animals and us and the other isn't realated.  I would urge you to check it out, you'll find it an easy read and interesting.

http://www.newsobserver.com/life/fitness/story/290862.html

Drive safe & be careful of ice
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I'm sure by now most of us have seen the Taco Bell commercial about dieting by eating fast food.  Also, there is Subway, McDonalds, Quiznos, and many others.  Here is an article that delves a little bit deeper into this growing trend in today's society.  It discusses the actualities of the trend and how it has actually evolved over the years.  You will find it interesting to see how the dieting actually works, and most of all the importance of exercise on the whole trend.

http://www.nytimes.co...
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WooHoo!  The article that we have all been looking for.  This is an article that shows a direct correlation between exercise and smarts.  Yes it is true that the more and longer you exercise in life the longer you will keep your brain capacity and intelligence.  There are too many people that believe their brain is going to go way to early in life so here is the remedy.  KEEP EXERCISING!

Check the article out at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34644422/ns/health-fitness/

Happy Reading...
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Well here it is, the proof in the puding.  This article discusses the basis behind our office and what we are all about.  This article goes into discussing the relationship between fucntionality and fitness and how they coexist too.  I think it is self explanatory but I would definately read it.

http://www.acefitness.org/getfit/studies/FunctionFitness.pdf

On another note we have our beloved super-bowl match up now.  Who do you think will win?  Colts or Saints?  Please leave your comments on who...
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Here is a study completed by the ACE fitness gurus on the growing popularity of kettlebells.  It is quite fascinating and really digs into the idea behind kettlebells and what they are all about.  I would suggest this article to anyone who has been interested in the idea of kettlebells or has already worked out with them.  You will definately learn something you probably didn't already know, so don't be bashful about it.


http://www.acefitness.org/getfit/studies/Kettlebells012010.pdf

Have a Grea...
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There is definately an abundance of quick hit programs out there that say you can get fit by only working out for 6 minutes a day during the week.  However, is this actually possible or is it just a marketing ploy?  I would suggest that if you want to really know the answer, read this article.  You will enjoy the read and by the end you will too know the answer to this important question.

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/24/can-you-get-fit-in-six-minutes-a-week/

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This is a day that carries so much history for our country, that we would be doing this great man a great inservice if we did not take a second to honor the great achievments he made.  Here is a link to some of the history behind him and some of his accomplishments for all of us to check out and learn a little bit more.  We can not be hurt by learning more about diversity and what our country went through to have peace with this idea today.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther_King,_Jr._...
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Typically we all go through a period of time where we are looking for ways to change our bad habits or get our lives back on track.  I thought this would be a good starting place for any of us who are going through that right now or might in the future.  Also, it is good read for the everyone because they are great healthy tips that we can all take a little bit of information from as well.

http://health.msn.com/fitness/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100252560
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Here is a simple question and answer segment to a common question we all have.  It tackles how the body responds to burning calories in the chilly winter months versus the warmer summer months.  Again, it is an easy read, quick too, that you'll definately like!


http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/05/science/05qna.html?ref=nutrition
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The past weeks have been quite chilly down here and I thought that everyone would enjoy a body warming recipe for Mac & Cheese.  It is a timeless classic but here is a healthy spin on what we all grew up on.  Try it and let us know how you like it.

http://www.acefitness.org/healthyrecipes/250/baked-mac-cheese

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Here is a neat gadget that you can use to get out of the holiday rut and back into your fitness groove.  We all know that it is easy to get away from our habits while we are in the holiday season but it is now time to get back to it.  Click on this link and follow it and you will head to a quick and easy start up for a daily walking program that will have you back in your groove in no time.

http://startwalkingnow.org/res_widget.jsp

This is something fun that you can do with friends and family. ...
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So you may think that going out to eat or picking up something quick in the store is good for you because it says so on the nutrition label, but it may not.  This is the study that has come out that shows some disperity between what is actual nutrition and what they put on the label.  It is actually quite surprising and a must read for everyone.

http://www.newsobserver.com/news/health_science/story/272822.html
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For all of us who wonder when the best time to workout is, here is an article that can help.  It tackles a lot of the common misconceptions with workout timing and other important issues as well.  I think you will certainly enjoy this; however, make sure to not misinterprate this to mean that if you cannot workout at the desired times then you shouldn't workout at all.  At the end of the day the most important factor in good health and fitness is that you are active!

http://health.msn.com/fitn...
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Here is an article for some advanced reading on the benefits of barefoot running.  Also, it looks at the moving epidemic of people who are heading toward a barefoot lifestyle.  I really enjoyed the intersting views this article takes and I think you will too.

http://www.parade.com/health/2010/01/03-barefoot-running.html
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Happy to everyone from Functional Fitness.  We are hoping that everyone has had a couple days now to get back into the groove of things and back to some sort of normalcy.  The holidays are always a tremendous time for family and friends and we certainly hope you enjoyed every moment of it.  However, we are look forward to seeing everyone back after the turn of the decade.

Happy Holidays from all of us at Functional Fitness
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I know today was an abnormally warm day but here is a delicious warm winter meal for those days that seem to nip our noses with that cold.

http://www.acefitness.org/healthyrecipes/785/roasted-pear-butternut-soup-with-crumbled-stilton
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This takes a look at programs that allow individuals to go through arthritis and exercise by themselves.  There are many people out there that feel like they can handle the regimine of working out and dealkin with their arthritis so this new study has come out and proven that as long as you have the motiviation it is definately very doable.  Also, this program looks at some ways to alter your exercise program to fit the needs of someone with arthritis as well.


http://www.newsobserver.com/life/...
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American's have a track record for eating way too much when they sit down for a meal.  However, most of the time that is due to not having the best knowledge on what an actual portion size is.  Here is a look at some portion sizes that we often encounter, as well as, some ways to minimize our eating portions when we sit down to the table.

http://health.msn.com/nutrition/slideshow.aspx?cp-documentid=100234866
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For all of us who claim to not have enough time for a good cardio workout, here are some ideas that you can do from home.  Remember it doesn't take much time out of your day so there is no need for an excuse.

http://health.msn.com/fitness/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100250212
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In this world today that is so heavily loaded with vitamins and pills that commercials are marketing here is a look at what you should really look for.  Vitamins are a personal choice and if you are to make a choice for yourself you should have all the information possible to make the best choice.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/05/health/05patient.html?_r=1&ref=nutrition

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This remarkable article looks at how age is an actual advantage in races these days.  In these days where we are seeing more participants in marathons, iron-mans, and ultra marathons, we are also seeing the age of participants and finishers go up.  Thus, I think this will be motivational for everyone to read.  It is true, you never reall get "old." 

Definately a must read and not time consuming either so check it out.

http://www.heraldsun.com/pages/full_story/push?article-Age+an+advantage+in+s...
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New York has started a program where they are posting caloric content of food at fast food chains in the city and here are the results of the study.  Not only is there a study being conducted under this new nutrition stunt but it is also a new law in the state.  This could possibly be a changing wave in the USA so be on the look out.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/03/health/03nutrition.html?ref=nutrition
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Here is a look at how you can be your own daily massage therapist!  It is very interesting and also very great for your personal health.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/03/health/nutrition/03fitness.html?_r=1&ref=nutrition

So easy a caveman could do it!
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This is great because it takes a close look at stretching and how neccessary it is for everyday living.  It makes some fantastic points about not having to focus so intently on it because you need just enough for functionality.  I would highly encourage you to read this article, it wont take very long, but you will take a lot from it.

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/25/phys-ed-how-necessary-is-stretching/
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Here are a few ways in our everyday lifes to get a bit more fitness out of the day.  I know we all think that it is tough to exercise on certain days because we are so busy but if you implement some of these tactics you will find some great results in fitness.

Definately check this article out.

http://www.newsobserver.com/life/fitness/story/183336.html
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It is now post Thanksgiving and we are all a bit worried about how we decimated our diets.  However, this article will give you some helpful pointers on how to get right back into your diet that you were following pre-Thanksgiving. 

http://health.msn.com/weight-loss/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100248238

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Even when you are busy this week remember that it only takes a moment to get in some type of activity to keep you healthy.  Here are some easy ways to take up 20 minutes and get a good workout in.  Also remember if you have little ones have them join you and you can tire them out a little bit. 
  For another solution if you have animals playing with them is a great solution too, thats always my choice.

http://fitness-solution.blogspot.com/
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Stumbled across this and I know it applies to everyone!  Check this out and help keep the holidays happy and full of spirit and avoid that awkward situation with the picky eater.

http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/20/complaint-box-picky-eaters/?hp
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I know it is the week before Thanksgiving and everyone is starting to get the itch to eat some good holiday food.  Here is a couple reminders about things you can eat that will leave you satisfied AND healthy for the holidays.

http://health.msn.com/weight-loss/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100249747
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As the holiday season is around the corner I'm sure that everyone is going to be soming across some stress and here is a few ways that you can bust some of that stress.  Also, if you find that these tips aren't helping I would suggest looking on google or other health and wellness sites to find other tips.

http://www.healthandfitnessmag.com/magazine-sections/health-and-wellness/stress-busters
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I thought many of you might find this interesting because of the topic, but definately check it out.

http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20307301_1,00.html
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This article is outstanding and I wanted to pass it on to everyone and let you form your own opinions about it.  Let us know what you think.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/moslive/article-1170253/The-painful-truth-trainers-Are-expensive-running-shoes-waste-money.html

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Just in case you can't make it in to FF, here is an awesome total body workout that you can do at home.  Also, this will allow you to get your workout for the day and you don't need any equipment!  How amazing is that?  Just you, gravity, and your own will, what will you do with it?  Definately check this out.

http://www.acefitness.org/workouts/13/

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Here is a local article that was found about a new dieting technique that will interest younger generations because it is based around texting with the cell phone.  So many kids today want to use their phones all of the time so why should our efforts for weight loss not cater to their needs?  Clearly our efforts to thward childhood obesity haven't been as successful as desired so a different approach is needed.  Definately check this article out!

http://www.chapelhillnews.com/features/health_e...
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  Seeing how we are such big fans of five fingers by Vibram I thought it would only be fitting to put up here the link to their site and flash a picture of what they are.  I would highly encourage everyone to check them out and give them a try!

http://www.vibramfivefingers.com 

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This is not being put up here to scare you or worry you but we at functional fitness want you to be completely informed about this flu epidemic and all concerns with it.  That said, this article is about a boy who had the new H1N1 shot and then came down witha rare disease from it.  Again, this is not meant to scare, but merely to make you fully aware of all possibilities.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33845867/ns/health-cold_and_flu/

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If you are curious about diabetes or just curious about how much you know about diabetes this is a great little quiz to take and test your diabetes IQ.  MSN also has some good links there for recipes and further information about diabetes.  The quiz wont take long at all so just take a few minutes from your day to arm yourself with some great knowledge.

http://health.msn.com/health-topics/diabetes/quiz.aspx?cp-documentid=100229212
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An interesting article looking at some supermarket favorites and how to really look at food labels to get the best food when you go grocery shopping.

http://health.msn.com/nutrition/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100247679&page=1

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A study of the actual workout you get from using the Wii Fit.  The study was done by the American Council on Exercise (ACE)  You might be surprised by the results.  Check it out asap!

http://www.acefitness.org/getfit/studies/WiiFit102009.pdf
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Here is a recipe that you can use in everyday or for a unique twist on the holidays.  I'm goin to try and post all kinds so you can get many different looks at healthier foods for life.

Let us know what you think.

http://www.acefitness.org/healthyrecipes/1466/cornbread-sausage-stuffing

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For those who find it hard sometimes to fit some exercise into their day this is a great article that will point out opportune times to maximize your time.  Exercising is possibe everyone in your day it is just how you look at it.  This is a really unique article and I would suggest checking it out.
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Here are a few simple ideas for the holidays that are just around the corner.  This article will give you simple substitutions for cooking and it also has popular cooking ideas that you could use as well.
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This is for everyone that kind of knows what functional fitness is or thinks they remember what they were told.  The article is a brief overview of what this type of training entails and all that this gym can do for you.
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This is a great article about the conversation between barefoot training and traditional shoe training.  Fell free t post about your feelings about the article and what your beliefs are.


http://www.active.com/story.cfm?STORY_ID=13182&CHECKSSO=0&NUM=1&CATEGORY=Running
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Hey there, I know we are coming up on Halloween but the major holidays are not that far off.  I found this article on msn and it is quite interesting to look at as something you can keep in mind when going through the holiday eating times.

http://health.msn.com/nutrition/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100247658
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I was searching around and I found this great article that would be helpful for everyone to check out.

http://www.fitnesszone.co.za/exercise3.htm
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Wow, a long day of work on the new website.  It underwent a complete overhaul, along with a trendy new header for functional fitness.  We are looking forward to the launch date in the near future. 
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