Eric Heiden, M.D.

Eric Heiden, M.D.

Eric Heiden, MD, was born and raised in Madison, Wis. He won five gold medals in speed skating at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, N.Y., in both sprint and long-distance events. He set 15 world records in the sport. Then Heiden became a professional cyclist, was a founding member of the 7-Eleven Cycling Team and raced in the Tour de France. He received a medical degree from Stanford University and followed his father into orthopedics.


Together with Massimo Testa, MD, a well-known exercise performance physician, he founded the UC Davis Sports Performance Center. He directs the Sports Medicine department at The Orthopedic Specialty Hospital (TOSH) in Salt Lake City and is the co-medical director for USA Cycling. Heiden works as team physician for several professional teams (including basketball's Sacramento Kings and Monarchs), and at Olympic speed-skating and cycling events.


Heiden is the author of Faster, Better, Stronger: Your Fitness Bible and writes a weekly column for Tribune Media Services. He lives and practices in Park City, Utah, with his wife, Karen, who is also an orthopedic surgeon. They have two children.


Article Archive

How Much Is Fat and How Much Is Muscle?

Here are a few ways to assess your body composition before starting a new fitness program.
October 27, 2010

Exercise Lowers High Blood Pressure

Studies show that regular physical activity offers a drug-free alternative for easing high blood pressure in both adults and children.
October 20, 2010

Weighing Yourself Can Be Misleading

Checking your Body Mass Index is a good way to assess a baseline before starting a diet or an exercise program.
October 13, 2010

Risk Factors Shouldn't Stop You From Exercising

The right fitness program can help high blood pressure and other health problems.
October 6, 2010

A Personal Trainer is not a Luxury

Hiring a fitness coach is a smart investment that can improve your health and spur weight loss.
September 29, 2010

Get a Doctor Who Knows You

Look for a physician who exercises and will partner with you in your quest for fitness.
September 24, 2010

Aerobic Exercise Improves Ability to Burn Fat

Olympic winner explains why this is the best exercise for weight loss.
September 17, 2010

Practice Really Does Make Perfect

People may lose strength through age, but the brain compensates by streamlining muscle movements.
September 8, 2010

The Best Brain Workout: Play

New research reveals the connection between learning and exercise for both adults and children.
September 6, 2010

Two-Week Diet Triggers Weight Loss

Columnist Eric Heiden says you can shed pounds by combining this diet with daily exercise.
August 30, 2010

Your Heart Goes From Junker to Ferrari With Exercise

Aesthetic benefits aside, exercise also gives your ticker an overhaul.
August 19, 2010

How to Avoid Weight-Loss Pitfalls

Varying your workout can help keep off the pounds.
August 5, 2010

Tracking Your Exercise Intensity

Use an easy scale to gauge your daily walk or workout.
August 2, 2010

Dehydration, Exercise and Heat Don't Mix

On the importance of drinking water before and after summer sports.
July 22, 2010

Maximize Your Exercise After-Burn

The greater the intensity of your exercise, the longer the benefits.
July 14, 2010

Exercise Protects People from Falls

Study shows the importance of balance at every age.
July 9, 2010

Cross-Training Boosts Workouts

Varied exercise routines help athletes limit repetitive-use injuries.
June 30, 2010

Compact Exercise Kit Great for Travel

Here are tips for taking your exercise routine on vacation.
June 23, 2010

Exercise Shields Cells From Stress-Induced Aging

Columnist Eric Heiden on new study showing that physical activity blunts the toll of psychological stress on the body.
June 16, 2010

Lift Weights and Broaden Your Exercise Horizons

This also can help you lose weight and build endurance.
June 10, 2010

Good Fitness Goals: More Than Mind Over Matter

On the importance of creating a realistic exercise plan.
June 1, 2010

Recipe for Fitness Success

Athletes need carbs and other food groups in their diets.
May 17, 2010

Tips for Dealing With Soreness After Exercising

Don't let normal muscle aches derail your workout regime.
May 11, 2010

The Right Gear Helps Sidestep Injuries

The first step is to stretch before you cycle, run or play.
April 30, 2010

Stepping Stones to Summer Fitness

Set small goals to add all-important aerobic activity to your daily regime.
April 21, 2010

If You Don't Snooze, You'll Lose

Lack of sleep affects weight, health and fitness
April 16, 2010

Find Sports Suited to Your Fitness Level

Capitalize on what you have and discover your potential.
April 11, 2010

Score Your Cardiovascular Fitness Level

Here's how to calculate your VO2max, a good first step to measure progress over time.
April 9, 2010

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