I was recently diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy. I still have feeling in my fingers, but I’ve lost most of the feeling in my toes. Do you have any advice on ways I can manage this condition through exercise or supplementation?
—Lee, Cheyenne, WY

Peripheral neuropathy causes pain (sometimes described as tingling or burning) and numbness in the hands and feet. While HIV is one cause of the condition, it’s certainly not the only one. Diabetes and cancer treatments (such as radiation or chemotherapy) are also common causes. Sometimes the condition improves with treatment of the underlying cause, sometimes it doesn’t. (more…)

I spent many weeks this year with my family in Utah, shuttling back and forth to the hospital, where mom received chemotherapy. One morning, she was excited to tell me that there was a 1 mile jog/walk trail around the hospital. So while mom received her treatment, I went running. I came back sweaty, but I could tell she was proud of me for doing it.

Sooner or later, we all experience hardship, but nobody feels like exercising when faced with stressful life circumstances, such as the death of a parent.

During times of stress, I now believe it’s important to exercise more — not less. Exercise works about as well as antidepressants to lift your mood. My doctor calls it our “natural morphine.”

I know my mom wants me to take excellent care of myself.  So I’ve started running again and am making more healthful food choices. As HER mother (my 79-year-old grandmother) says: “Food is my medicine.”  You don’t have to break the bank to make healthy choices, just be smart about it.

It might be hard to get started—that’s inertia. There’s no way around it. So, put on some shoes and shorts, grab your iPod, and just do it.

It will get easier once you start, I promise.

RaulSez: Hola. Quick question. I haven’t been to the gym for 3 weeks and LOST weight. I wanna slim down and not bulk up. What do I do? Go all cardio?

PeaceLoveLunges: My #1 choice: n10z intervals in the AM b4 eating) OR #2: circuit tr8ning (cardio intervals w/hi-rep w8t training).

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Welcome to my blog. I have almost 500 entries, mostly on health & fitness (lunges). Some are about my relationships (love) and are few about human rights (peace). I live and work in Hollywood, and every so often I’ll dive into something totally different like confronting Mormons or interviewing a celebrity. To make your time productive, I’m compiling a few “top 10″ lists, organized by reader popularity. If you like the blog, feel free to hire me as your trainer or follow me on Twitter: “peacelovelunges”

Top 10 Posts Ever

1. 5.2 Temblor Rattles Viatape, Canadian Remains Missing, Food Supply Impacted
2. El Coyote Owner Expresses Regret Over Prop. 8 Contribution, While Boycott Looms
3. A Rough Chapter for Michael Brandon
4. Last Chance to Ask Mark Dalton Anything
5. Boycott of “El Coyote” is Shortsighted
6. At 40, Cowboy is Untoppable
7. Confessions of a Coffee Junkie, and a Practical Way to Quit
8. It’s a Setback — Not a Defeat
9. Pete Kuzak
10. What if Barbie Were a Real Woman?
11. Is “No-Xplode” Help or Hype?

Top 10: Exercise & Health

1. Why Do I Vomit in the Gym?
2. Getting Off Antidepressants: My Exit Strategy
3. Is No-Xplode Help or Hype?
4. Locker Room Confessions
5. Should I Use Steroids?
6. How to Get Bigger Without Using Steroids
7. How to Get Rid of Hickeys
8. What’s the Best Heart Beat Range for Losing Weight?
9. How Mark Wahlberg,Val Kilmer and the Tao Turned Me Into a “Stud”
10. How to Get Ripped

List in progress.

Don't try this at home, kids.

I recently started working with a trainer. I’ve always had trouble putting on muscle mass (called “scrawny” in high school).  My trainer told me that doctors sometimes prescribe testosterone for people with HIV. Do you think this is something I should consider? Would it help me put size on faster? —Rob, Pasadena, Calif.

Most people know that testosterone (like growth hormone) is an androgen that your body produces, so you need to see a doctor to determine if your natural levels are in keeping with a “normal” medical reference range.  This is really the first question you should be answering, i.e., “are my natural levels of testosterone too low?”

It may also be worth kicking around some questions developed by St. Louis University to screen for androgen hormone deficiency. You can answer the questionnaire here

If your natural levels fall below the normal reference range, you should weigh your options. There are many new delivery methods available—from patches, gels and creams to injections—so be sure to have a robust discussion with your provider.

Incidentally, there are other many hormones which can be screened by your doctor, including thyroid hormone, growth hormone, and free/total testosterone. These levels could also be checked and taken into account before making a decision.

I’d do everything you can to enhance your natural levels of testosterone. Make sure that you are eating a balanced diet, taking a multivitamin, getting enough sleep, and avoiding excessive caffeine, alcohol and nicotine. While it’s true that supraphysiological levels of testosterone and growth hormone will increase lean body mass, reduce fat, and improve well being—the long-term effects are largely unknown.

Also, ask your trainer to customize your workout. For instance, there’s some evidence that “multiple joint” exercises, (such as the bench press and squat) may play a role in higher levels of post-workout testosterone in the people who do them.

Here’s another argument for periodization. A study published in the September issue of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise finds that people who work out by themselves spend less time doing so, lacking the social support provided by a training buddy. But exercising alone is better for activities that require speed and endurance, where others might be a lag.

I HATE THIS TIME OF YEAR. I love Girl Scout cookies (who doesn’t?) and I am often guilted into buying them by my office co-workers. This year I have 8 boxes of Thin Mints and 3 boxes of Samoas—11 boxes total!! WTF!? What am I supposed to do with all of these cookies? —Sick of Samoas

I LIKE THEM TOO, but let’s face it: ever since the Girl Scouts took the trans-fat out of the recipes, they don’t taste nearly as good. Sort of like how you expect the bride’s wedding dress to be freakishly white, but instead she comes down the aisle wearing a “neutral gray.” The same holds true for the taste of the new Girl Scout Cookies. So your first line of defense when you’re under pressure to buy: Remember: they don’t taste as good anymore.

Second, you’re getting ripped off. I don’t understand how a “box” of Samoas can equate to 15 TINY cookies. And is it just me, or do the cookies themselves seem to be shrinking each year? My point is, you’re getting much less cookie for your money. If you’re addicted to Thin Mints, a better value would be had by trying the Keebler brand Grasshopper cookie, which is nearly identical in shape and flavor.

If you’ve already caved, then rationing is one way to put some control on your inner cookie monster. If you’ve already purchased the cookies, take one or two boxes of your favorite cookies and put them in the freezer and limit yourself to one every other day, or whatever you feel is reasonable. If you have problems controlling your consumption of the cookies, try my concept of Zen Cheating.

Give away the cookies to your local food bank, church, or community center. Send them overseas to our military personnel. Take them to an expecting mom. Or the next time you fly, bring a box for the flight attendants. They almost never receive anything nice from passengers, and it might just get you bumped up to first class.

I don’t generally recommend doing weight training in a fasted state first thing in the morning. It’s a good idea to have a light snack before a workout (something with glucose: some raisins, a protein bar, apple, etc). Even worse: eating nothing, then drinking water during weight training. That’s a recipe for nausea.