John Di Bartolo’s House of Step

Why are American’s so damn fat? Mad TV’s figured it out.

Just when Coca Cola and Pepsi seemed the dominant players in the soda industry, there looms a threat on the horizon in India. It’s called “gau jal,” which means “cow water,” and yes, it’s made from cow urine.

Chock full of medicinal and ayurvedic herbs, this soon-to-be-released drink will be a cheap and healthy alternative to what’s available on the market today.

Om Prakash, the genius behind the idea, puts our concerns to rest by assuring us that “It won’t smell like urine.”

Men’s Health just completed its 11th annual survey of 50 of the most populated U.S. cities to rank them by how fit or fat they are.

The fittest? Salt Lake City. This is surprising until you check out its “report card” and see that it has a large amount of park space, a low obesity rate, and a high level of sport participation.

The fattest? Miami. Why? To quote the article, “The area also has 79% more gyms and health clubs than average, but residents are less likely than average to regularly use their memberships.”

How did New York City fare? Surprisingly badly. It’s the 5th fattest city. With a huge park, lots of dining options, and people walking everywhere, you’d think we’d score better than that. It turns out than per capita, we’re quite low on park space and health food stores, and our commutes are much more stressful than average. (Thank you, MTA!)

According to a recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine, losing weight is “basic physiology. Eat fewer calories than you expend.” This sounds like advice we’ve heard before, but this time it’s a little more black-and-white. To quote one of the organizers of the study: “People do have to choose heart-healthy foods. I think the beauty of the study is that they have a lot of flexibility in terms of the dietary approach.”

In other words, eat what you want that isn’t junk. Just don’t eat too much of it.

You guys want some new steps? Here they are….

Thanks to Dave and Edgar for the link.

When Governor Paterson proposed the “obesity tax” on sugary soda several weeks ago, many thought it was a good idea. It was praised as a smart way to raise $400 million a year while deterring people from consuming something unhealthy.

Now a new idea of the Governor’s seems to go completely against this philosophy of promoting a healthy lifestyle. He wants to tax gym memberships!

To quote State Deputy Health & Human Services Secretary Joe Baker, “The tax on health club memberships is something we’re doing to raise revenue. There’s plenty of other ways… that folks can get out and exercise, particularly children.”

Spoken like someone who has no clue about what it takes to be fit.

Super Human, Fine Female, Main Man, Micro Male, and Dainty Diva

At a gym in central London called Gymbox, members have the option of lifting a unique kind of weight: human weight. The unitard clad “dumbbells” pictured above are five of the six employees (not pictured: Well ‘Ard Woman at 85 kg) who perform the valuable function of being lifted while shouting words of encouragement at the lifter.

The “dumbbells” climb onto specially outfitted machines, allowing their weight to be used as resistance in a variety of ways. (And you thought members just wrapped their arms around these guys and picked them up. Come on, that would be SILLY!)

Does Vitaminwater reduce the risk of chronic disease, improve joint health, and build immunity? Those are pretty impressive claims for the beverage bottled by Coca Cola Co., and the Center for Science in the Public Interest isn’t buying any of it. In fact, they’re suing Coca Cola, claiming that the detrimental effects of the 33 grams of sugar found in each bottle far outweigh any of the questionable benefits from the added vitamins.

According to the head litigator, “Vitaminwater is Coke’s attempt to dress up soda in a physician’s white coat.”

Shake that healthy butt! Baby got back! – Sir Mix-a-Lot
Too much junk in your trunk? Consider yourself lucky. A recent Harvard study showed that the subcutaneous fat usually found around the buttocks can offer protection against several diseases, type 2 diabetes being one of them.

Laughing when there’s nothing to laugh about is an activity that has typically been reserved for the deranged. Not any more, thanks to Madan Kataria, the man who created “laughter yoga” in India 15 years go.

As our economy circles the drain, growing numbers of Americans with plenty to cry about are now turning to this form of exercise as a way to boost their moods. Although forcing a bunch of “ha-has” and “ho-hos” intermingled with yogic breathing probably does a body some good, why not catch some stand-up comedy or watch a funny movie instead? At least that way you not only feel better but also preserve your sanity.