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
Research shows that there is actually a benefit to doing a brief (or very brief) workout. If it is impossible to find a half-hour all at once, 10 minutes three times a day or five minutes six times a day — or any combination thereof — seems to work just as well. Even if the recommended 150 minutes of weekly exercise is not reached, there is always a benefit to working out, regardless of the length of time. ...
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Progression (from the word progress) is an important concept in fitness. It refers to ways that exercises are made more challenging. Put progressions in place, monitor results and reevaluate as necessary. And always remember, if it does not challenge you, it will not change you! ...
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In your quest for better fitness, you must protect your foundation... your feet! Don't ignore foot discomfort; your feet are trying to tell you something. Take your complaints to a podiatrist and get professionally fitted for the appropriate athletic shoes to ensure happier feet as part of your overall health. ...
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As we age, we hear more and more about people requiring knee surgery or even knee replacement. Researchers have found that the benefits of exercise — even for the frail and elderly — outweigh the risks with regard to our knees. One more reason to go boldly ahead keep yourself fit for whatever the future brings. ...
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Maintaining fitness as we age isn't all about appearances. We need to take a more holistic approach to the muscles we exercise, paying attention to the muscle groups that help us to perform the activities of daily living (ADL), such as walking, climbing stairs, carrying groceries, bending down to pick up something we have dropped on the floor, etc... not just the ones that get us noticed when we wear tight clothes! ...
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Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become weak and brittle; this condition is especially prevalent in older women. Proper diet and medications are effective, but so is weight training. It seems somewhat counterintuitive to put stress on brittle bones but, in fact, it is one of the best things to do for osteoporosis. ...
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If it seems too good to be true, be sure to read the fine print. Sleeping certainly beats dieting and going to the gym, right? Despite the click-bait headlines, there are some important findings in recent studies that suggest more sleep can assist weight loss. There are also some reasons to be wary of the advice. ...
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Popular TV shows can misrepresent how heart attacks happen. They are caused by a blockage of blood flow to the heart; these blockages are caused by fat, cholesterol, and/or other substances that cause a build-up of plaque in arteries leading to the heart. Without blood, the tissue loses oxygen and can die. ...
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