Fitness Weekend May 31, June 1, 2008

We are just beginning the planning for our 2008 Dare To Be Fit (and Have Doing It) Weekend is now set for May 31-June 1, 2008. More details will be coming later in the year. We have begun to set up working groups to put the event together. The groups will focus on logistics, sponsorships and community partnerships, program, PR/Marketing, Volunteer, race, and exhibitions. We rely on help from numerous sources to make this event an annual success. So, if you have an interest in helping in off the areas please contact us at (650) 361-8282 or email at volunteer@lifelongfitnessalliance.org

Dare to be Fit! The 2007 Lifelong Fitness Alliance Weekend is re-capped here to remind you what you heard (or missed)

The 2007 weekend kicked off with an evening of educational and interactive lectures at the Pacific Athletic Club in Redwood City. The theme "Small Steps to Great Strides" followed a short reception. From Jeremy Howell, Ph.D. (Chair, Dept. of Exercise & Sport Science, University of San Francisco) discussed some of the healthy aging programs and pointed out that health clubs are moving more in this direction reflecting the desires of the Baby Boom Generation. Dr. Christian Thompson (Dept. of Exercise & Sport Science, University of San Francisco) talked about the risk of falling and the need for strength & balance training. Alex Signorello ( Healthy Aging Coordinator, WAC) covered with demonstration functional fitness and Laura Sachs (Group Exercise Instructor, Bay Club) provided insight on Cardio Cognition: Improving mental acuity through movement.

This year’s conference, Dare To Be Fit…actions for a healthy lifestyle, was held at the beautiful new Arrillaga Alumni Center at Stanford. The Saturday Dare To Be Fit Conference began with Steven Blair, Director of Nutrition Studies at the Stanford Prevention Research Center and Professor in the Dept. of Exercise Science and Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina. Dr. Blair has probably done as much research on aging and fitness as anyone. All his data shows that a fit person is equal to an unfit person 20-25 years younger. Just moderate exercise or activity reduces your risk of disease or death by 30% or more. maintaining reasonable strength reduces your risk of functional limitation by almost half.

Christopher Gardner, assistant professor in the Department of Medicine at Stanford University, and the Director of Nutrition Studies at the Stanford Prevention Research Center, then spoke on the "Battle of the Diets: Is Anyone Winning (at Losing)". He based his analysis on the published information from the leading diets and while there seemed to some difference in the short run, it was clear the difference was maintained in the long run. His real message and conclusion was "eat food, not too much, mostly plant".

Joyce Hanna of the Stanford Health Improvement Project began by pointing out that only 30% of the characteristics of aging are genetically based and therefore 70% are not. 50% of deaths are lifestyle related. The major lifestyle factors you have control over are smoking, alcohol,stress, nutrition, and exercise. Recommendations for "Living Longer, Living Better" include making new friends (volunteer, join, etc.) keep active, eat healthfully, do strength/resistance training, keep your mind strong and generate (be useful).

John Robbins, author of "Diet for a New American" and "Healthy at 100" gave the afternoon keynote address. John pointed out that a of the pain is the result of one's lifestyle. We have have an intuition for what is good for us and should follow it. He also stressed the importance of relationships and having communities of support. Do things our of respect for self, life, and community. Review more of the wisdom of John Robbins.

After some Chi Walking lead by Fitness Ambassador Keith Mc Connell and Line Dancing with Heady McAdams the afternoon was closed with an access of now and the challenge of the uture with Longevity Expert, Walter Bortz. How can exercise be so good for us in so many ways? We heard the effect of energy flow (generated by exercise) over matter (our bodies) over time. We must realize we can't do anything about aging but everything about disuse. What's our most important asset? Our health. So how to we get others to embrace exercise and receive all it's benefits.

Saturday evening Emil Zatopek Awards dinner was held at Tressider Union, Stanford University presenting this years Award to Eva Auchincloss and a Lifetime Achievement Award to Joanne Greggains.

On Sunday, in conjunction with the Bay Area Senior Games, Lifelong Fitness held hold the Paul Spangler Memorial 8K run, as well as several walking events and a Celebration of Fitness Exhibition. Included at both the Conference and the Sunday events was exhibition of vendors displaying their products and services, providing special offers for conference attendees, healthy food bites, and door prizes and gifts.

Paul Spangler Memorial 8K Race Results- 50+ & Over

Paul Spangler Memorial 8K Race Results- 49 & Under

2007 Bay Area Senior Games Results

To review what the Dare To Be Weekend full schedule was, see the Dare to Be Fit Calendar of Events list of speakers, topics and activities. If you would like a printed copy, please refer to the Dare to be Fit Brochure. We are also happy to bring the weekend to you with pictures or photos.

Our Sponsors

Lifelong Fitness Alliance is grateful to the following sponsors of our Dare to Be Fit Weekend, who are working to support good health in our communities. Please support out sponsors.

Partners Include: Alive! Whole Life Fitness Studio; Axis Performance Center; Butterfly Life of Palo Alto; California Telephone Access; Council on Aging Silicon Valley; Crystal Geyser: Gerda Endemann; Hobees; La Tortilla Factory; Juice Plus; Omega Farms; Organic Valley; Palo Alto Lawn Bowls Club; Peet's Coffee and Tea; Posh Bagel; Runners High; Safeway; Salad Cosmo: Sigonas; The Sports Basement; University Chiropractic; United Studios of Self-Defense; Volunteers for Outdoor California

Press Release 12/1/06

2007 Paul Spankler 8K Run or the 5K Racewalk Results

Fifty-Plus 8K Run - Paul Spangler Memorial 8K All-Time Age Group Race Records

Last updated: September 13, 2007