Design a strength-training program to improve your health and help you reach your fitness goals. The process isn't complicated, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your workout is both safe and challenging.

back to topContinue reading

Don't give up on exercise just because you're too busy to get in a full-length workout. Even a small amount of physical activity can help reduce stress and improve overall health. This simple circuit workout can be done in your living room with a set of dumbbells and takes about 10 minutes. It's fast-paced, getting your heart rate up, and combines both strength exercises and cardio. Do each station for 1 minute and then use 15 seconds to transition to the next exercise. Squeeze in one round and consider doing two or three if you have more time.

back to topContinue reading

While it's okay to cut back on your exercise during the busy holiday season, completely skipping your workouts is a mistake. Not only will you lose the fitness gains you've worked hard for, but exercise can also help lessen holiday stress and tension.

back to topContinue reading

How the Warm-Up Works

A warm-up not only reduces your risk for injury, but it also helps you burn calories more efficiently due to the increase in your core body temperature. As you gradually ease into movement, your muscles begin to heat up, which increases their elasticity. The blood vessels also dilate, allowing blood to move more freely and deliver oxygen to the heart and muscles. Increased oxygen flow to the muscles facilitates a better supply of energy for exercise. Instead of experiencing a rapid increase in movement and heart rate, as occurs when transitioning from no movement to intense exercise, a warm-up allows the body to prepare for the activity, thereby improving exercise performance.

back to topContinue reading

The mental fitness of your brain is as important as the physical fitness of your body. Research shows that regular physical and mental exercise improves brain health, slowing cognitive decline and reducing stress that can lead to chronic disease. Here are a few ways to exercise your brain and ensure you are fit from head to toe.

back to topContinue reading

You can have a positive influence on your family's health by making your time together more active. Not only do these games help you burn calories, but they also teach your children that exercise can be fun!

back to topContinue reading

If you aren't reaching your strength training goals, it's time to put down the light dumbbells and pick up a heavier set. When you begin exercising, light weights may produce results, but within a year, you will transition from a novice to a more advanced exerciser. Lifting heavier weights pays off by changing your body composition and improving your health and fitness.

back to topContinue reading

Your core is composed of the muscles in the abdominal area and the lower back. These muscles work together to support almost every movement you make. A strong core improves your balance and flexibility, but it may also reduce back pain and improve your ability to recover from injury. Get creative with your routine and add some of these moves to strengthen core muscles.

back to topContinue reading

Walking is an effective exercise, but it's easy to get into a rut with your routine. Always walking for the same distance and intensity may stop challenging your fitness. Add some of these creative variations to your workout to get the heart pumping and to continue improving your fitness.

back to topContinue reading

The foam roller is a dense cylinder-shaped piece of foam used to give muscles a mini-massage with big fitness benefits. Foam rolling muscles lengthens and stretches the muscle, increasing blood flow.

back to topContinue reading