Which came first? Heart disease or depression? The National Institute of Mental Health has found that the prevalence of depression in heart attack victims can be as high as 65 percent. Conversely, one study found those over 55 of age with major depression were twice as likely to have a heart attack or stroke as those without depression.

Why are these two conditions so closely linked? Depression has been shown to affect heart rate and its variability. There's also a known effect on blood pressure: while most people have a drop in blood pressure at night, those with depression don't. Still, when the experts talk about depression as a risk factor for cardiac events, they're talking about major depression. For most of us, we can manage our moods and our health before they get to this extreme. What helps all of us is understanding the connection between stress and emotional and physical well being. Changing to positive emotions, developing healthy lifestyle skills, and learning to actively manage your health are key. And one of the best ways to accomplish this is to use the tool that provides you with constant information on your emotional and physical state, a heart rate monitor.

Kathy Kent, Heart Zones Level 5 Master Trainer, leading a sub-max test to set her clients training zones at the Heart Zones Conference 2006.

How can you help your community get fit? One solution is to "buy" a free garage gym franchise. You get all of the support and help of the creator and founder of Sacramento’s Pinkhouse Gym, Level 2 Certified Trainer, Paul Camerer, 88 (aka "Pinkhouse").

Each Tuesday and Thursday morning at 5:30am, gym members join this fit and medication-free octogenarian for a 45-minute ride, using the new Group Heart Rate Training System by Suunto. The gym is free to members, and the franchise is free to those who would like to offer neighbors and friends a safe, friendly, neighborhood indoor cycling workout.

To "buy" a free garage gym franchise, contact the founder himself by phone or email: (916) 452-7771 or pcamerer@surewest.net

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There’s a new way to train and it is spreading rapidly around the world. Rick Kiddle (www.rickkiddle.com) leads the movement in Bucks, England, with his international series of trainings, workshop, and conference presentations on Heart Zones Training.

The former British triathlon Champion, Rick Kiddle has competed as an elite athlete worldwide. He combines 20 years competition experience with 15 years coaching and training experience using the Heart Zones Training system. Rick is the author of The Complete Guide to Studio Cycling and can be contacted via his website.

Rick Kiddle leading a Heart Zones Training Workshop in Europe.