From the home office - SPRI partner

Another partnership deal announced by HQ.

SigEp SPRI Partnership
11/19/2007 8:39:23 AM

Sigma Phi Epsilon (SigEp), a national fraternity committed to “Building Balanced Leaders for the World’s Communities,” Sigma Phi Epsilon (SigEp), a national fraternity committed to “Building Balanced Leaders for the World’s Communities,” has partnered with SPRI Products as their sole provider of rubberized and core equipment.

The partnership will grant over 270,000 lifetime and undergraduate SigEp members with direct access to the latest in health and fitness information, products, news, and events. SigEp members can also receive favored pricing on featured SPRI products.

The mission of Sigma Phi Epsilon is based on the Balanced Man Ideal of Sound Mind and Sound Body. Members do not simply participate in intramural sports but are encouraged to sponsor annual physicals that measure cholesterol, blood pressure, and screen for different types of cancer. Members are empowered to live their best life… a large component of which is developing a healthy lifestyle through strength training, proper nutrition, and cardiovascular fitness.

SPRI is well known in the fitness industry because of quality and their focus on helping people aspire to healthier lives. SPRI has been the pioneer in the areas of rubber resistance training by utilizing medical technology to introduce the stability ball and rubberized tubing to the fitness industry over 25 years ago. Products are designed with all people in mind, young and old from amateur to professional athletes.

Adam Zwyer, SPRI’s Marketing Manager, states, “SPRI has a commitment to continue to improve our products as technology allows. We intend to continue to lead the industry by producing new and innovative products to help people achieve their health goals allowing them to live healthier, happier, and more mobile lives. SPRI does not simply produce fitness accessories; we produce solutions.”

Not to sound ungrateful or anything, but what is it exactly that we are getting out of this deal? Other than being a target audience, I mean. The various partnerships and associations may well be good for all concerned, but would it hurt to have just a bit more transparency?

Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity • News Release

Running on empty

We have just returned from the Conclave 5K run, benefitting YouthAids. Why do I think I can still keep up with kids less than half my age?

This year we got RFID tags so that our time could be accurately assessed - one more way for me to be embarrassed. During the stretching and loosening before the run I was trying a stretch that Rod Raymond was demonstrating and - POP! - something in my hip gave way. I decided I had done enough stretching and went and sat for the rest of the 'warm-up'.

During the run I was very focused on the hip and whether I was "injured" or just "hurt". I was able to hobble over the finish line ... eventually, so I guess it is just "hurt". But it was a new experience and not a good one. Other than that it was a pretty fair run. Alanta has hills, though, and Houston doesn't so that gave a bit more challenge. We started early enough that the heat was not too bad and there was a good breeze to keep up cool. Centennial Park has dancing water jets on part of the plaza too and they were welcome after we were done.

Truthfully, after all the whining, I am glad I did it. I was talking to Sam Moschelli after the run (yes, he was there too) and noted that there were about 100 or so people who got up to do the run, but over 1000 stayed in bed!

And they had t-shirts this time.

Sound Body - Experts issue new physical exercise guidelines

OK everyone, let's get up and get moving. New recommendations by the American Heart Association and the American College of Sports Medicine came out today. Everyone should get at least 30 minutes of exercise 5 times a week.

Two leading health groups issued new guidelines on physical activity, updating influential recommendations issued in 1995 while also crafting advice tailored specifically for those 65 and older.
[...]
The advice comes amid rising health problems stemming from sedentary lifestyles and obesity among Americans, as well as people in many other nations.

"I think physical inactivity is the biggest public health problem we face. I think it actually accounts for more morbidity and mortality than anything except maybe cigarette smoking," said Steven Blair of the University of South Carolina, one of the experts who crafted the recommendations.
[...]
The new guidelines call for healthy adults to engage in moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity for at least 30 minutes five days each week, or vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise for at least 20 minutes three days a week. The guidelines also state that exercise above the recommended minimum amounts provides even greater health benefits.

Moderate-intensity aerobic activity can be a brisk walk, light jogging or other exercise that noticeably accelerates the heart rate. Vigorous-intensity exercise like jogging causes rapid breathing and a substantial increase in heart rate.

The guidelines called for weightlifting exercise to work on muscular strength and endurance, with eight to 10 different exercises on two nonconsecutive days a week.
[...]
"If you want to stay out of the nursing home, probably the best approach is to be sure you're physically active and fit," Blair said.

Um, I don't think "12-ounce curls" count, though.

PS: Don't forget the "Sound Body 5K" at Conclave.

Experts issue new physical exercise guidelines - Yahoo! News