Category: Fitness and Exercise

Traveling Light

Traveling Light

Summer vacation is a time to take a break from the daily grind. But that doesn’t mean abandoning good nutrition and exercise. You can still get away without getting away from healthy habits. So...

Take to the Water

Take to the Water

For a no–sweat power workout, it’s hard to beat water exercise — a terrific activity for all ages, fitness levels, and even those with joint problems. Swimming challenges both upper– and lower–body muscles at...

Summer Fun

Summer Fun

Summer gives us more time for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Celebrate the season by enjoying some informal outdoor fun: Gather your family and head to the park Take your dog for a walk Enjoy...

Move more and Age Less

Move more and Age Less

A workout may be your ticket to youth. Scientists can estimate how quickly cells are aging by the shortening of protective caps (telomeres) on the ends of chromosomes. Bad habits – smoking, a poor...

Play Ball

Play Ball

Study after study shows that when kids play sports, they win in other areas of life. Children who participate in sports: Display improved social skills Do better in school and are more likely to...

Get Ready for Summer Sports

Get Ready for Summer Sports

Sunshine and warmer weather may inspire you to get outside and play — but sports injuries can put you on the sidelines. Be smart — prepare your body for summer activities, and you’ll be...

Outdoor Adventures

Outdoor Adventures

Head out for a day hike. Go fishing. Enjoy a weekend camping trip. With summer just around the corner, it’s time to plan for some fun and adventure in the great outdoors. Whether you’re...

Lifesavers

Lifesavers

While aquatic recreation tops the list of summer fun, it can be a dangerous pastime. Drowning deaths account for 4000 deaths a year. Learn life–saving techniques and preventive tips so you have skills you...

Double Time

Double Time

Studies find that partnering up with friends and family — in the gym, on the courts, or for a hike — can increase your productivity. So shut down the solo act for a day...

Safe Ride

Safe Ride

Biking to work is an opportunity to cycle off calories while curbing your carbon footprint. But whether you’re a veteran rider or haven’t pedaled since you were a pup, heed these safety reminders before...

Low Impact

Low Impact

While a high–intensity kickboxing class will get you sweating, plenty of low–impact options can get the job done too. If you want to boost cardiovascular health while staying gentle on your joints, try some...

Finding the Strength to Train

Finding the Strength to Train

Have you heard the myth that strength training will cause you to bulk up? The truth is strength training is an important part of a healthy lifestyle; it raises metabolism, promotes balance/coordination, and enhances...

Be a Good Sport

Be a Good Sport

If you think you might have a budding Pele or Shaq on your hands, make sure your young athlete learns safety first. According to the US National Institutes of Health, there are over 2.38...

Tread Cautiously

Tread Cautiously

A treadmill can provide an effective workout; yet even the most enthusiastic runner can make mistakes when they swap the road for an indoor trek. Be sure you’re on the right track with these...

Sitting Pretty

Sitting Pretty

Sit up straight, and don’t slouch is an often–heard phrase. Yet researchers have recently found that sitting upright may actually strain your back muscles. A correct posture — not too upright, not too sagging...

Set the Wheels in Motion

Set the Wheels in Motion

It’s time to dust off your bike and head outdoors. Or is it? If pollen and traffic stop you in your tracks, consider an alternative bicycling option — spinning. Created to helped racers train,...

Well Equipped

Well Equipped

State–of–the–art exercise equipment is useless if it’s collecting dust. Fortunately, you don’t have to own the latest workout gadget to pump up and trim down. These 3 fitness tools will outlast any fad, whether...

Disheartening Love Handles

Disheartening Love Handles

While a beer gut may be unsightly, studies suggest tummy fat is even harder on the heart than on the eyes. The visceral (or deep) flab of a pudgy midsection hugs vital organs in...

Yoga Basics

Yoga Basics

Think yoga is only for people who can twist themselves into a pretzel? Actually the ancient practice that combines meditation with movement is designed to improve physical, mental, and spiritual well–being for anyone. And...

Cramp in Your Style

Cramp in Your Style

From side stitches while jogging to painful Charlie horses in the middle of the night, cramps don’t discriminate. While most spasms are innocent, some can be signs of medical issues like diabetes, circulatory problems,...

Celebrity Workout

Celebrity Workout

Trainers whip their celebrity clients into shape using some of the most basic exercise precepts. Peek inside these fitness secrets shared on the red carpet… and you’ll see there’s nothing they do that you...

If the Shoe Fits

If the Shoe Fits

You want to put your best foot forward, but it’s hard when corns, bunions, or pains get in the way. The culprit may be your shoes. When shopping for a new pair, keep in...

Some Like It Hot

Some Like It Hot

Want the flexibility of yoga, the cardio intensity of aerobics, and the detox benefits of a spa? Then Bikram Yoga might be for you. With specialized postures and breathing exercises, Bikram or hot yoga...

30 Minutes to a Healthier You

30 Minutes to a Healthier You

Any exercise is better than none, but research shows that 30 minutes a day will increase energy, tone muscles, and boost your immune system. In addition, regular exercise can relieve stress, reduce health risks...

Exercising Indoors

Exercising Indoors

Old Man Winter might be happy to play outdoors, but if frolicking in the cold isn’t your thing, you can still get plenty of exercise in the comfort of home with these ideas: Cardio...

Desk-ercizes

Desk-ercizes

Our bodies aren’t meant to sit still for long periods. Yet it’s easy for hours to go by without getting up from your chair. In the short term, this may not be a problem....

Couple Up

Couple Up

Research by the University of Denver found that couples who spend time together — free of financial, family, or other stresses — are more likely to survive any marital or partnership crisis. One way...