Recently, the University of Wisconsin performed a study to discover if a regular Yoga workout routine is effective, and if so, how much of a difference the average person can expect to see if they decide to participate in a yoga class?

A group of 34 women who did not have a regular workout routine were selected for the study, and they were divided into a non-yoga control group, and a yoga experimental group. Each group was extensively tested before the study on their flexibility and muscular strength. For eight weeks, the yoga group participated in 55 minute Hatha yoga classes three times a week, and the non-yoga group did not participate in exercise. After the eight weeks, the yoga group showed a significant improvement in both muscular strength and flexibility, while the non-yoga group showed no improvement. On average, the yoga group showed a 48% increase in abdominal and lower back strength, a 29% increase in upper body strength, a 24% increase in flexibility, and a significant increase in balance, which may indicate an increase in leg and ankle strength.

Clearly, yoga classes can increase muscle tone and strength and improve the flexibility of your joints significantly. However, the study also revealed that a Hatha yoga class only has the aerobic workout equivalent of a slow walk. ACE Fitness recommends that in addition to a regular yoga routine, you should also add a more cardiovascular based routine to your workout to get maximum results.

So, be sure to join Jen and Adrienne for Club One Fitness' Hatha yoga classes on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 7:30pm! You will also want to check out Shelly's Power Yoga class on Saturday mornings at 10:30!

Everyone knows that we should eat five portions of fruit and vegetables every day. But are all these foods equal? One fruit in particular has become the focus of increasing research attention - it's delicious, inexpensive and virtually free from any adverse effects - the tomato!

Pharmacist Ron Levin, who spent most of his career with leading-edge medical research companies, and science writer Gerard Cheshire, present The Red Bodyguard, a deft mixture of fascinating popular science and practical health advice. They explain why and how tomatoes offer a much higher prospect of good or better health, especially those aged 40 and over, and why cooked or processed tomatoes are the best tomatoes of all. The risk of developing major chronic diseases, such as coronary heart disease, and prostate cancer in men, are among the most likely to be reduced by this incredible fruit. Read The Red Bodyguard and you'll never turn down a tomato again!

So what's so good about tomatoes? According to a recent article in Medical News Today, they are:

-- nutrient-rich -- devoid of any fat -- very low salt and sugar -- have an exceedingly low Glycaemic Index -- an excellent source of folate, vitamins C & E, flavonoids and carotenoids, all of which contribute to cancer protection easily the richest source of lycopene - a powerful antioxidant and the source of the tomato's color.

So whether you prefer them diced, steamed, sliced, baked, sautéed, boiled or sauced, add more tomatoes into your healthy diet, and put this amazing fruit to work for you!