The Virtual Woman: A Woman's
Weekly Guide To Cyberspace
Rumor has it the internet is the next best thing to sliced bread. Actually,
I'd say it's the next best thing to donuts since The Virtual Woman is a huge
fan of those fried, greasy, sugar laden treats packed with enough calories
to shock hundreds of thousands of employees into consciousness each and
every weekday morning. But being a big donut fan has its dark side and in an
effort to make sure I don't spread as fast as internet usage seems to be, I
have begun a journey to get and to keep my virtual bod in shape. Thank
goodness I'm not alone (at least according to all the questions I've been
getting from my readers on this topic!) Which is why this week I've decided
to focus on fitness. So read on if you want to learn more about how to get
in shape by going online.
Dear Virtual Woman:
After years of trying
to starve myself to be what I'm not (skinny) I am finally trying to break
out of the diet mentality syndrome. I am looking for an exercise plan that
works for my individual body style. I was wondering if there are any places
online to put me on the road to becoming both healthy and fit?
- Diets Don't Work in New York City (or anywhere else I've lived)
Dear Diets:
Congratulations! What we all should be striving for is to not be squeezing a size 12 body into a pair of size 4 pants but to go for exactly what you are after--the idea of being healthy and fit.
The first step in our fitness agenda involves getting your head in shape at a great site called Fitness.Com (http://www.fitness.com). Under the WorkOut area they have a very nice selection of articles written by personal trainers on topics like how to stay motivated, how to avoid negative thinking and reasons why diets just don't work. The articles are upbeat and helpful and they should serve to put you in the right mindset.
Once your brain is pumped up, head on over to Lisa Balbach's Health and Fitness page at http://k2.kirtland.cc.mi.us/~balbachl/fitness.htm. Lisa, a certified aerobics instructor since 1990, answers your (fat) burning questions on workout intensity, duration, stretching, and planning an exercise program to meet your individual fitness needs.
Now it's time to get specific at Fitness Link, http://www.fitnesslink.com/ the all around place for fitness news, links, and health information. The site contains a well researched list of sport links, weight training information, and answers to frequently asked questions. And when you're ready to share the ups and downs and aches and pains of your fitness regimen, the comprehensive directory of fitness related newsgroups at Fitness Link puts you in touch with an online support network of people sharing common fitness goals. Run, don't walk to the Fitness Link (but remember to stretch first)!
Dear Virtual Woman:
I've been a fitness freak for the last 10 years and have tried aerobic classes, step classes, and every cardio machine you've ever heard of. I've stairmastered so much I could have summitted Everest several times by now. What I've learned over the years is that I mostly enjoy working out in a group with other women. Given this, can the web offer me some ideas on a new and fun way to stay in shape?
- Tired of Being a Gym Rat
Dear Gym Rat:
The Virtual Woman has just the thing for you. There's a really fun, social way to stay in shape, reduce body fat, increase your cardiovascular endurance and improve your self-confidence. Think Mohammed Ali, Joe Frasier, Christy Martin. Yup, you guessed it...
...boxing!
I suggest you log on to GirlBox (http://www.girbox.com), where Cappy Kotz, a coach in women's sports with over twenty years of experience, gives you the low down on boxing to stay fit. Cappy offers a book and video guide for potential boxers ready to knock out their frustrations online and off. Who benefits from learning to box? According to GirlBox, athletes, dancers, people who have suffered previous injuries, or just anyone who wants to improve their stamina and endurance.
Sound intriguing? Then you might also want to look into Boxerobics, a
combination of boxing, aerobics and circuit training. Boxerobics classes
usually take place in a health club and use professional boxing equipment.
The Boxerobics home page (located in the U.K.) is online at
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/ianmeck/boxhome.htm. This page can
answer your questions on the sport and they also offer a practice routine
you can run through at home. If you need more, check out a great boxing
inspired testimonial archived at
http://www.gogirlmag.com/backiss/backiss07/profile.htm.
Dear Virtual Woman:
I don't have the time or money to join one of those fancy health clubs, but I'm ready to start a regular workout routine. I've been eyeing all those workout tapes in the video store, but I'm clueless as to which one to buy. Is there a site online that reviews fitness videos?
- Amanda G. , Calistoga, California
Dear Amanda:
As many workout junkies know, Jane Fonda revolutionized the fitness video market and buns of steel tightened it up. But really, after Eight Minute Abs (and of course let us not forget that phenomenal companion tape, Eight Minute Buns) aren't we all a little lost? This is why I hunted for and was *delighted* to find Video Fitness: a consumer guide to exercise (http://www.videofitness.com).
Video Fitness really helps you sort through the mind boggling overload of fitness tapes on the market. The site lists video reviews according to type of exercise or instructor. It includes reviews of pregnancy fitness programs, fitness for children and regimens for people with special medical situations. If you still can't find what you need then ask the site's search engine for assistance in your fitness quest. Or how about sharing the fitness video that works wonders for you? It's easy to write your own review using the online form.
And finally, make it a point to go to the forum or chat area where the workout conversation never stops. The members at this site love sharing the latest music and fitness video fun.
Well, I'm exhausted so it's off to the virtual shower for me...until next week...
Happy Surfing!
Find these links and more at WWWomen.Com (http://www.wwwomen.com) the web's largest search directory of topics for women online. Email the Virtual Woman with your Internet questions or send snailmail to: WWWomen.Com, Attn: Virtual Woman, 3701 Geary Blvd., #325, S.F., CA 94118. Copyright, 1998. WWWomen, Inc. All rights reserved.
Contributing Editor: Rita Kennen
This column can only be re-distributed with written
permission by
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