Skechers ads claimed the shoes would improve fitness and appearance. (Source: FTC.gov)

Federal Trade Commission
The Federal Trade Commission announced May 16, 2012, that Skechers USA, Inc. has agreed to pay $40 million to settle charges that the company deceived consumers by making unfounded claims that Shape-ups would help people lose weight, and strengthen and tone their buttocks, legs and abdominal muscles.

Did you buy Skechers Toning Shoes? You may be eligible for a refund. Go to www.ftc.gov/skechers.

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Not so long ago, movement was built into daily life by sheer necessity. People walked because the car wasn’t an option. They got their food from gardens they planted themselves and drew water up from a well. Without modern distractions like television and computers, kids spent long days outside running and swimming and playing active games. Who wants to be cooped up inside with nothing to do? Well obviously, things have changed and daily movement has become something much more intentional. And not always easy to accomplish! Read the full story

Davidson College athletes will offer tips on your volleyball skills during the last in a series of Family Fun Days Sunday, May 6, 2-4 p.m. on the Davidson Village Green. Read the full story

A triathlete crosses the line in a Lake Norman Triathlon. (File photo)

I know even the word triathlon can be intimidating to people who have never tried it. But in reality, triathlon is a great sport for all levels – beginners included!

Over the years, triathlon has become synonymous with healthy lifestyle and there are a lot of good reasons why. First of all, preparing for a triathlon involves cross training, which builds a balanced physique and leads to fewer over-training injuries than training for one sport alone. Training for a triathlon also lets spend your summers like you did when you were a kid; swimming, biking and running with your friends. What could be better for your well being? Read the full story

How expensive is our national weight problem? Obesity now accounts for almost 21 percent of U.S. health care costs, according to a new Cornell University study – more than double previous estimates.
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The Cornelius Parks, Arts, Recreation and Culture Department (PARC) offers several ways to get fit this spring, including cardio tennis, a couch-to-5k running program, and boot camp. Which one is right for you? Read below for details. Read the full story

HUNTERSVILLE - The non-profit African Children’s Project will host a Run Wild 5K & Wild Child Fun Run May 12 at Birkdale Residence Club in Huntersville. The Huntersville organization, which helps children orphaned by AIDS/HIV in Africa, is seeking sponsors for the event.  For more information, call 704-598-7884 or visit www.irunwild.org. For more information on the African Children’s Project visit, africanchildrensproject.org.

CORNELIUS - The Cornelius PARC Department, through the Lake Norman Tennis Academy, will be offering Cardio Tennis for adults this spring.  All levels of play are welcome in the program.

The class is designed to give participants a great workout while hitting lots of tennis balls.  The music will pump them up and keep them moving.  Fun, fast paced drills will help with footwork and conditioning.

The class schedule is:

• every Monday morning from 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. starting March 12 until May 7 (No class April 2) OR
• every Tuesday evening from 6:40 – 7:40 p.m. starting March 13 until May 8 (No class April 3).

WANT TO PLAY?

The cost is $72 for either eight-week session, with a $10 additional fee for non-residents.  Click here to register online.

For more information about tennis offerings for youth and adults, visit www.cornelius.org/parc or call 704-892-6031.

Helmets and safety come first, but family rides can be fun.

I love my bikes – all four of them – and I need very little encouragement to get out and ride at any time. My bike rides are all about speed and distance – and they are my very favorite way to workout.

My kids love their bikes too, but in a very different way. They love to set up complicated obstacle courses and to ride back and forth on the muddy, hilly paths around their friends’ houses. And of course, they like to ride fast– sometimes with little thought for what might be on the path ahead or coming up along the road. Read the full story

YogaVibes.com team is, from left, April Bowen (friend and model for a recent photo shoot), Grace Morales (friend and model for photo shoot), Sara Gray (friend and model for photo shoot), Brian Ratte (founder and Vision Keeper), Meredith Johnston (director of operations), Mary Alice Mitchell (director of partner relations). (YogaVibes.com photo)

By DAVID BORAKS
DavidsonNews.net

Two-year-old YogaVibes.com is building what founder Brian Ratte calls the “Netflix of Yoga.” The Davidson-based video site lets yoga practitioners find online classes from top yoga teachers and events. The site usually produces its own videos, but this month announced another big step: A deal to show yoga videos from Wanderlust – a national series of wellness festivals. Read the full story