Box It Up

In spite of its recent black eye--courtesy of Mike Tyson’s mouth--boxing is making a comeback in health clubs across the nation. ‘Cept now it’s called cardio-boxing and your only real opponent is a flabby waistline. Employing a combination of aerobics, boxing and kick boxing, participants jab, hook and swing their way to a better heart rate--all while wearing 12- or 16-ounce boxing gloves. The classes look like the real thing, even if most instructors do discourage biting.

Pump It Up

From Down Under and a little southeast comes a new fitness program from New Zealand called “Body Pump.” According to a press release of some 20 pages, the workout is “a no-dance, no-nonsense exercise program” that instantly became the most popular fitness routine in 25 countries. Basically, Body Pump combines aerobics with free weights. Think it will catch on in America? Not unless the free weights are a pizza and a tall frosty one.

A Bittersweet Pill

Those heart-medicine pills can save your life, but they can also be murder on your teeth. According to the American Dental Assn., many doctors are unaware that a range of pills including heart medications and even chewable vitamin C tablets promote tooth decay and gum disease. Dentists are urging doctors to alert their patients to the dental dangers of certain pills. In one extreme case, a patient put his nitroglycerin pill under his upper lip. The result? The pill ate a hole in his tooth. Ouch!

Association Weighs In

The American Running & Fitness Assn. has finally broken its silence about one of fitness’ hottest debates: Is it calories or fat grams that really count? According to the AR&FA;, it’s fat grams. Consequently, it recommends limiting fatty foods because “the body’s capacity to store fat seems limitless.” For a free brochure on body fat, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to “You and Your Body Fat” (no kidding) c/o AR&FA;, 4405 E. West Highway, Suite 405, Bethesda, MD 20814.