Jenny Craig

Janette Cortez, Jenny Craig assistant director, talks about the Jenny Craig program and Clair Schooley, junior accounting, talks about her success with the Jenny Craig Program.

Working out in style will maintain your body weight and appearance, but if you want to loose weight before summer you need to combine eating healthy with working out.

Jenny Craig offers a personalized plan for you to eat the proper amount of calories a day in order to achieve your weight loss goal. The Jenny Craig center is located on 129 Ed Noble parkway Norman, Oklahoma.

“We welcome everyone and would love for people to come in to learn about our program and the way it works,” said Janette Cortez. “There are countless people who have had success in the Norman area so you can be one of them too.”

"I have had such success with doing the Jenny Craig program," said Clair Schooley. "I really think it is a great way for college students who struggle with eating healthy and maintaining a healthy lifestyle to get back to the body image they want."

Call Jenny Craig at 405-321-0333 to schedule an appointment with an adviser.

30 Day Shred

This video shows Shelby Lockard, sophmore nursing, and friend performing level 2 of the 30 Day Shred series of the Jillian Michaels tapes. Shelby also describes why she enjoys using the Jillian Michaels tapes.

According to critics Jillian Michaels is TV’s toughest trainers. The variety of her workout tapes provides users with multiple workout routines that target different trouble spots.

Shelby Lockard utilizes Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred when she wants to drop a couple pounds before a big event or to simply tone her whole body.

“These tapes just make it really quick and easy to workout but then still make me break a sweat and feel like I am doing something much harder than just simply running,” said Lockard

The Jillian Micahels tapes are available to purchase at www.Jillianmichaels.com or at and local Target or Wal-Mart stores.

Josh Aiteya, personal trainer and recent health and exercise science graduate said, “These tapes are good for people who done have the resources or time for a personal trainer. Jillian Michaels takes circuit training and teaches people what they really should incorporate in every workout they do, whether it is for weight loss or strength gain.”

Sprinting Versus Long Distance

According Regenold Hobson, former college football athlete and personal trainer for 25 years, a short intense workout burns more calories and generates better results for weight loss.

"Go on the computer and google what a long-distance runner's body looks like and then go look at what a sprinter's body looks like," said Hobson. "There is a huge difference in the muscle groups used in long distance running. Short bursts of fast intense sprints will burn more fat and get your body temperature higher than running long distance would. This is why it is so important for college kids to still incorporate sprinting into their workout routine, especially if they played sports in high school."

Jaynie Badgett sophomore public relations student is a prime example of how to incorporate sprints into you daily workout.

"When I played softball we would do cowboys which is jogging for a minute sprinting for a minute and then walking for 30 seconds," said Badgett. "This is something i now do on my own every time i run outside."

These "cowboys" are something that can easily be incorporated into your everyday routine whether on the treadmill or running outside. Press play on the video below to listen to Jaynie Badgett go into detail for her sprinting workouts.

Mash-up your workout routine

“Mash-up” music is a great way to keep your energy and tempo up while working out. Music groups such as White Panda and Girltalk have become increasingly more popular amongst college students because of the techno flare they give to original song tracks

“I have been listening to mash-up music more and more each year since college,” said Jon Lisicki sophomore business. “I really like it because of the change of pace and it is cool to listen to because I feel like your mind stays stimulated. There’s also a lot of [internet] sites that you can go to and listen to mash-ups so it is easy to always find some new songs.”

You can even create your own mash-up songs through computer programs. This allows you to personalize your workout playlists using your favorite running beats and songs.

Rachel Cunningham, sophomore communication, has been mixing her own music to workout, dance and listen to for the past 9 years.

"I think that mashing-up my own music is what really keeps me motivated while working out," said Rachel.

Press play in the video below to listen to how she makes her own mixes and watch her utilize them while dancing for her weekly workout.

Iphone App gives you a running start to loosing weight

The Couch to 5k running app is available to download on any Iphone or Ipod for the low cost of $2.99. It is an innovative way to maintain consistent workouts by using your favorite technology.

“I have used this app before and noticed a total difference in my running endurance and body,” said Haley Harrison, sophomore nursing. “I just started to use the app again because I forgot how much I loved it and how easy it is to use.”

According to the creators of the app this is a 3-day-a-week workout program spanning 9 weeks culminating in your ability to run a full 5 km or 3.1 miles.

The app begins with a warm-up phase and then tells you when to begin running or walking. You can even use your personal music while using the app on your Iphone or Ipod.

“I have never been that great of a runner but with the interval training that my Iphone app gives me is what really makes it possible to run about 3 miles without stopping” said Haley Harrison.

Click play below to view a slideshow of Haley Harrison using Couch to 5k on her hour break between classes.

OK Runner- More than just a store.

OK Runner, 3720 W. Robison St. Suite 116 Norman Oklahoma, is more than just any other running store. The products sold include Nike, Asics, Adidas and North Face but beyond the material items is a group of welcoming people who motivate others to stay in shape by hosting Saturday morning runs.

Saturday morning runs are free and open to anyone who has a passion for running.

"The running group meets at OK Runner Saturday morning and takes off from there," said Kelsey Hargens OK Runner sales associate and participant in the Saturday morning runs. "You can run any where from 2 to 18 miles throughout the course. There are water stops set up at about every mile mark so it's not a constant long run. We have about, I'd say, a solid group of 20 to 30 people who run every morning."

According to Hargens, there are all different skill levels of runners who participate in these runs. The purpose of the run is to provide a training technique for people who are planning on running marathons or half marathons in the surrounding area. Even if you have no intention of running any type of marathon you are still welcome to join the group.

If college students are looking for a consistent Saturday morning workout to switch up their routines then this is a way to get active. Libbie Wicks, business sophomore, who is native to Norman has been shopping at OK Runner almost her whole life and never knew about the Saturday morning runs. Click play below and listen to her talk about her experience with OK Runner.

For more information on Saturday morning runs visit the store, or call 405-285-1455 to speak with one of their associates.

Trendy Versatile Yoga Pants

With promising weather in the 70s late this weekend more outside workouts can now be put into your weekly routine. Heavy sweat pants and long sleeve shirts are no longer needed for working out in this weather. Lighter clothing is much more desired. Victoria’s Secret has released their new spring collection of yoga pants right in time for the temperature change.

The new line features exotic prints and a lot of bling to keep your feminine side alive and add sparkle to your morning jog.

Victoria’s Secret associate Kelsey Payton said there are three styles for this year’s new collection. There are boot cut, crop and legging all of which come in various colors and patterns.

“This time of year is always very popular for people buying the new yoga pants,” said Kelsey Payton. “All girls and women of all ages just want cute comfortable stuff to wear when they run errands, go to school or go to the gym and Victoria’s Secret offers that to you in one article of clothing. Our yoga pants are both fashionable and practical.”

Many zebra and cheetah prints are now being carried in a variety of colors and metallics. But if you are not the wild type the yoga pant also comes in solid energetic colors and simple patterns.

“Not only are they comfortable to work out in but I wear them everywhere,” said Jaynie Badgett, journalism sophomore. “It’s good because they are cute enough to wear to class and go straight from class to the gym. You don’t feel frumpy while you’re wearing them.”

The yoga pants cost between $32.50 and $39.50 depending the cut and style. You can buy them at any Victoria’s Secret location that carries the PINK line. You can also visit their online store at www.victoriassecret.com to order a pair today.

Countdown: 19 days until Spring Break

With only 19 days until Spring Break many college students are looking for quick ways to shed a few pounds. There are many over-the-counter dietary supplements that students are reaching for, but this is not the healthy answer to quick weight loss.

According to the FDA some products marked as dietary supplements contain undeclared, active pharmaceutical ingredients that may put consumers' health at risk. The FDA even immediately warned to consumers to stop using the heavily marketed HydroxyCut brand of dietary supplements because it is associated with severe liver problems.

When it comes to weight loss there is no magic pill or a magic workout routine that will give instant results. In place of taking a dietary supplements just go back to the basics. Give your body natural vitamins. This will increase your energy output and give your body what it needs to properly function.

"I want to cleanse my body from the hectic college lifestyle,” said Brittany Blonkvist, sophomore college student. “I used Quick Trim before but the results were not what I thought they were going to be, so I decided this time to go with a more natural way of loosing weight.”

Be on the lookout for another post in two days that will tell you a healthy 10-day diet in which you can loose 10 pounds.

Hydration gives you determination for weight loss

The first step to enhancing your weight loss goal is to make sure your body is properly hydrated. Simply adding water and electrolytes to your daily intake will change the way your body functions. Although water is the most needed liquid for the human body, it is not the most desired beverage.

An alternative to drinking water is consuming drinks that contain low amounts of sugars and high amounts of electrolytes. These components ensure your body is still being hydrated.

“Staying hydrated is the first step to becoming more healthy, especially in children and young adults," said Doctor Clare Close, who specializes in children’s health. "Your body naturally releases endorphins when your heart rate goes up and metabolism starts burning food. In order for everything to run properly your body must be hydrated. Essentially working out with a dehydrated body is unhealthy.”

Being hydrated is just the beginning of feeling great on the inside and then looking great on the outside.

Gatorade has released a new product line form their G Series which provides your body with the right amount of sugars and electrolytes for staying energized and hydrated while working out.

According to the product description of Gatorade G series this is a three-step beverage process where you consume a different beverage in each of the three steps.

The fist step is the “Prime” phase. This 4-ounce drink is loaded with essential B vitamins and carbohydrates giving your body energy. The second step is the “Perform” phase, which is the original Gatorade formula that has hydrated athletes for the past 40 years. The third and final step is “Recover” phase. This post-workout drink is filled with electrolytes, carbohydrates and proteins that replenish your muscles in order to rehydrate.

Junior college athlete Ryan Stevens said, “I love the Gatorade G series because you still feel light and not full while your working out and it also tastes great, which is important.”

Combining this product with your hopeful water intake can change the way your body feels. Your body will have more energy and this will translate to other aspects in your life. So the next time you reach for a soda prior to a work out, think twice and give your body what it really thirsts for.