Fresh: Up-Close-and-Personal Training

Michael Hanover, a longtime personal trainer in the area, recently opened his own facility, where he emphasizes positive reinforcement. His latest piece of machinery is a Jacob’s Ladder, which combines aerobic and anaerobic exercise. And, if you’re looking for extra motivation, his business partner, Donovan Klein, is a male model! Mention Make It Better and […]

Romanian Deadlift

Whether you’re cleaning house, lifting your child, or picking up a heavy box, you’ll often find yourself in a position that relates to the Romanian Deadlift (RDL); a trusted and fundamental exercise that’s a strength training standard. Doing this move will firm your lower body, and it just may save you from a future back […]

Preventing Brain Injuries in High School Athletes

Last December, Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chris Henry died after falling out of the back of a pickup truck during a domestic dispute. In 2007, pro wrestler Chris Benoit killed his wife and child before hanging himself. After their autopsies, scientists discovered that both athletes suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a type of degenerative brain […]

Quick and Easy Toners for Your Legs, Arms and Butt

\For the most part when it comes to strength training, women want to be toned but not super muscular. Finding exercises that accomplish that goal can be difficult. Diana Ozimek, co-owner of Windy City Adventure Boot Camp in Evanston and Lincoln Park notes, “I have women of all shapes, sizes and ages that come to […]

Will a "Cleanse" Jump Start Your Weight Loss?

Is this the time to try a cleanse? If you need a jump start on shedding a few pounds, you might be thinking about dramatically restricting your diet. Advocates claim you’ll detox your body and quickly shed pounds. We investigated the hottest cleanses on the market to find out what each entails, before you commit […]

Swimming: The Benefits of Getting All Wet

I’ve heard all the excuses: chlorine dries out my hair, I don’t have a swim suit, my goggles leak, I can’t get the breathing, the water is cold, and it’s boring. The benefits of swimming are superior to any other activity. Here are compelling reasons to drop the excuses and take the plunge. Swimming is […]

Side Plank, or “Vasisthasana”

Need a break from your ordinary sit-ups?   This move builds strength and balance while toning your arms, back and especially your obliques—those side ab muscles that we sometimes forget to work. Your own body weight acts as resistance in this pose. There are two lines of energy flowing: from the crown of your head […]

Acne Busters for Boys

We love the summertime: sun, shore, strolling, sleeveless clothing, shorts and plenty of sweet, thirst-quenching treats. But we loathe the sweat, and the acne that it can produce. “Unfortunately, sweat often mixes with oil and dirt on the skin, which clogs the pores and may cause blemishes,” explains Northbrook dermatologist, Steven Mandrea, M.D. And while […]