Bodytalk

By Stephenie Karony

Friday, April 19, 1996

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Straight-arm lat presses work the triceps but don't require movement in the elbow, so this exercise would be a good one to do it you had elbow tendinitis. Movement in the elbow during exercise tends to aggravate elbow injuries.

Straight-arm tricep exercises aren't routinely done, so the variety will have the effect of shocking the muscle. Muscles respond to surprise by growing.

Most back exercises require pulling movements that cause the main back muscles (latissimus dorsi or "lats") to participate in the exercise. Since the lats are so big in comparison to the upper back muscles, the lats do most of the work and it's hard to isolate the smaller upper back muscles. But this is exactly what happens when you do straight-arm presses. The rhomboids, upper trapezius and shoulder-girdle muscles work together in this exercise, while the lats are mostly used as stabilizers to hold the body erect.

ANSWER: Under federal law, the guidelines must be updated every five years. This is to ensure that they incorporate the latest advances in scientific research.

The new guidelines are similar to the ones that came out in 1990. What's new are the following recommendations:

Balance the food you eat with physical activity to improve and maintain a healthy weight.

Vegetarianism is healthful.

Hydrogenated polyunsaturated fats should be limited.

Vitamin and mineral supplements are no substitute for a variety of foods.

A person's weight shouldn't increase with age.

Among the most important advice that hasn't changed:

Eat a variety of foods.

Choose a diet low in fat, saturated fat and cholesterol.

Consume plenty of grains, vegetables and fruits.

Use sugar and sodium only in moderation.

If you drink alcoholic beverages, do so in moderation.