Archives by: Michael Ungar
About the author
Our fitness columnist and blogger Michael Ungar is an ACE-Certified Personal Trainer and Functional Aging Specialist. As the owner and operator of At Home Senior Fitness (athomeseniorfitness.net) based in Beachwood, his clients range from their early 60s to their mid-90s. Michael got serious about fitness in his 40s and started competing in his 50s. As an ordained rabbi with a small congregation in Cleveland Heights, this blog explores topics of interest to older adults, particularly health and fitness. The Hebrew word "Kosher" means "fit." (Kosher food is literally fit to be eaten; the title of his blog pays tribute to his two careers.)
Michael Ungar Posts
Having goals is important. Without a "destination," there is no way to chart a path. Goals help keep us motivated and on track. So take your vague fitness wishes and turn them into achievable goals that will enrich your life. ...
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Which approach to weightlifting is best as we age? Both free weights and machines have their pros and cons. Most importantly, make resistance training a part of your exercise regimen for optimum fitness and functional levels. ...
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Planning menus for the Passover Seder feasts often starts well in advance. Since breads, cookies, cakes, pastas and pastries in their normal iteration are not allowed on the eight days of the holiday, creative substitutes have made their way into the menu for the week. Interestingly, many people who fear not having enough to eat, given all the restrictions, double down on these carb-heavy alternatives and eat more starchy foods during Passover than they would during a typical week. ...
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We all know that what we eat matters when it comes to our physical health. We may also know that certain foods can either help or harm our cognition. What is exciting is to know now is that the right nutrition can also improve our mental health. ...
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It's not what you think. Unlike the song from "Fiddler on the Roof," we're not talking about alcohol, but instead, our good friend, H2O. ...
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Older adults are living longer than in past generations. The question is whether those added years will be quality years or ones filled with poor health. A big part of the answer has to do with our diet. Improved eating habits can lead to better health outcomes and quality of life. The choice is ours. ...
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Are you worried about brain fog, spaciness, confusion, forgetfulness? Did you have COVID? This may not be the onset of dementia but a form of long COVID. Talk to your doctor! ...
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Self-efficacy is the belief that one is capable of completing a task — in this case, exercising. It's important because, when we believe that we can — in spite of a busy schedule, being tired, feeling intimidated at the gym, etc. — we are more likely to actually carry out the physical activity. The greater our self-efficacy, the more likely we are to engage in the kinds of activities and practices that will help us to live longer and better. ...
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