Calendar

        Benefit run: Registration begins at 7 a.m. Sunday at the Cincinnati Museum Center for the LensCrafters Eye Run for Vision 5K Run/Walk. The race begins at 9 a.m. Registration: $20. Information: 697-3786 or e-mail eyerun@lenscrafters.com.

        Sign up now: Registration is under way for the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event Oct. 28. For information on the 5-mile walk, call 891-1600.

        Balance: Tai Chi Chih classes start at 11:45 a.m. Thursday at the TriHealthHealth and Fitness Pavilion, Blue Ash. The class emphasizes relaxation and inner calm. Cost: $72 for eight weeks. Information: 985-6730.

        Spike: Adult coed six-on-six and four-on-four volleyball leagues are now forming at TriHealth Health and Fitness Pavilion. Six-person teams play Thursdays. Four-person teams play Tuesdays. Information: 985-6731.

Shelf help

        Ten-hut: In an effort to help U.S. armed forces win the battle of the bulge, Army retiree and bodybuilding champ Ron Emmons wrote PT Max: Keeping America's Armed Forces in Fighting Shape (GetFitNow.com/Hatherleigh Press; $14.95). Hey, if it works on a raw recruit, it can work on you too. The low-tech approach emphasizes free weights and benchwork, with basic nutrition information for men and women.

Sitings

        One foot, then the other: If walking's your workout of choice, check out www.justwalk.com, a free interactive fitness diary that can help you track your progress, measure your weight-loss and stay motivated. Get your fitness stats in graphic form. The site can accommodate individual walkers or walking clubs.

Nutrition

        Back to fat: The creeping weight gain known as the “Freshman 10” doesn't have to be inevitable, says registered dietitian Karen Collins of the American Institute for Cancer Research.

        She offers these tips for avoiding weight gain while away at school:

        • Take time for regular meals. Data show that when people skip meals, they get so hungry they overeat at the next meal.

        • Make fruits and vegetables part of every meal, but avoid those that are deep-fried. Fruits and veggies are low in fat, so you can eat more and still fill up.

        • Snack smart. Choose fruit instead of chips or candy from the vending machine. Try not to fall into the pizza rut. And, even when snacking, watch your portion sizes. Nibbles have calories, and they add up.

        • Remember fluids: Coffee and soft drinks, not to mention beer, have lots of calories that add up fast. Rely on water as your primary beverage. It keeps you hydrated, and it's calorie-free.

        • Sweat off stress: Instead of eating when you're stressed or depressed, let physical activity be your therapy. Team sports and workouts are good for you emotionally and physically, and they're a great way to meet people.

        Contact Peggy O'Farrell by phone: 768-8510; fax, 768-8330; email, pofarrell@enquirer.com.

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