It seems like every year some new a fitness fad comes into the spotlight that shines for a while before disappearing. However, with knowledge and understanding of the body, health and wellness increasing this is an exciting time to find interesting and effective ways to get fit and stay fit.

Teenage boys feeling under pressure to have a ripped and pumped up physique might be the reason that more of them are working out to gain extra muscle. A recent study highlights what could be worrying signs of this teenage focus. Meanwhile, a different study suggests that muscle strength in teenage boys could be a predictor for general fitness which links to a longer life.

The trend in people using the expert help of a personal trainer is really growing. Not so many years ago the sheer mention of a personal trainer might have had others looking on in astonishment at what they might have considered an indulgent fitness fad.

In celebration of the Thanksgiving holiday, First Defense will be closed from November 22 to November 25. Our regular schedule will begin again on Monday, November 26. Have a happy & safe holiday!

Exercise is not just about keeping fit, although of course that might be what motivates many of us to hit the gym. Studies also show that regular exercise can also improve your productivity at work. Employees who work out before or during the working day have been found to bring far more to the workplace than a toned body.

More and more people are turning to a personal trainer to help them achieve their fitness goals, keep them motivated and on the right track. If you’re determined to go it alone you might find the going gets tough and start to consider the value a personal trainer offers when you weigh up what you could be getting for your money in terms of reaching health and fitness targets.

Fat children seem to be a sign of the times and an unfortunate byproduct of modern day society in the West. It’s a weighty issue not just for youngsters themselves but society as a whole. Obesity in kids has tripled in the US in the last 30 years and around 20% of kids are obese and more than a third are either overweight or obese.

Location: Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia 8900 Little River Turnpike Fairfax, VA 22031 Time: November 11, 2012 Noon - 4pm Cost: $99 Spaces are limited and this event will sell out. Please register ahead of time to ensure your participation.

Jonathan Levy successfully completed his Krav Maga Instructor course directly from Eyal Yanilov (assisted by Amnon Darsa) in 2001/2002. While living in Israel, he trained extensively with KM black belts at Gabi Noah's studio and has traveled abroad for continuing KM education (Budapest, Melbourne). He currently holds the rank of Graduate 4, awarded by Eyal.

Children in the US are spending on average around four hours a day watching TV according to a new study and the worry with modern-day family life is that kids are spending less and less time being active. With video games, movies and urban life centered around the home as an entertainment and leisure zone it’s perhaps not surprising.