Interactions

Accentuate the Negative

Eve Zibart's thorough and informative article ["Negative Reinforcement," Feb. 20] on SuperSlow weight training was great. But in the third paragraph, she writes that "the exhale move, the release, the return" can be used to produce benefits quickly. I think you meant to write that this is the inhale move, because when you are lifting a weight (positive action; concentric muscle action) you should be exhaling to reduce the pressure in the chest area so as not to put pressure on the blood vessels in that area. Positive-exhale. Negative-inhale.

Stan Dorrow

Director

Maryland Center for Dental Wellness

Bethesda

Eve Zibart replies: "Dr. Dorrow is absolutely right. In weight training, you do indeed exhale on the muscle contraction and inhale on the release. In fact, thoughtful, gradual inhaling will remind you to keep your abs and glutes tight, your back straight and your knees slightly bent, if standing." In Pilates, however, the rule is reversed. Sorry for the slip!

In Defense of Barbie

In my experience, Barbie dolls offer wonderful opportunities for young girls to engage in imaginative play ["The Barbie Body," Feb. 20] -- something many in this generation are either not encouraged, or are too overscheduled, to do. Indeed, preoccupation with body image and dieting often -- albeit not exclusively -- comes from the real adult role models in a girl's life. Young girls would be better served if we downplayed our own struggles with dieting, emphasized a well-rounded, healthy lifestyle and eased up on criticizing how others look.

Bridget Littlefield

Ellicott City