Exercise

BMI measures a person’s weight and height, it doesn’t give a full picture of their health. Research has found that physical fitness has a larger impact on heart health and longevity than BMI.

Walking backward has health benefits beyond what you would expect. You would think it would have the same impact as normal walking. But, it can aid balance, coordination and strength.

Walking on an incline, or at an upward angle, can be one of the best forms of exercise. It strengthens your calves, quads, glutes and hamstrings while engaging your core.

A study with almost 15,000 people showed that adding five minutes of activity that elevates heart rate is enough to lower blood pressure. Activities like taking the stairs and jogging add up.

Research found the length of time a person can balance on one foot indicates their aging more accurately than older tests that looked at changes in strength and walking patterns.

There is great news for people who meander and take breaks during walks. New research found steady walking burns fewer calories than walking with stops and starts.

An exercise pill claims to give you the same results as running a 10K while you stayed on your couch. That sounds too good to be true. We looked into it; it's sort of true.

New research has found that people who work out multiple times a week — even those who are obese — store body fat in a healthier way than sedentary people.

We are looking for safer forms of exercise people can do in warm weather. Exergaming is something we haven’t discussed before. It’s exercise disguising itself as video games.

Exercising outdoors in high temperatures can be hazardous. You can walk around your home, go to an indoor shopping center or walk in place while watching TV to reach your health goals.

Exercise is essential at all stages of life. Different types of exercise aid separate aspects of health. Your workout routine can and should be tailored to your age and goals.

A new study has found that biking—both outdoors and on stationary bicycles—can prevent arthritis and pain in the knees. It can also help longevity for folks with blood sugar concerns.

We rarely talk about lifting weights. Weightlifting can improve your balance, bone health and blood sugar. And, concerning mortality, it’s more beneficial than aerobic exercise.

A new study is the latest to examine how exercise and depression impact one another. It found that long-term inactivity might have worse effects than long-term depression.

Spread out your exercise. People who exercise two to three times over the course of the week have lower levels of insomnia and are more likely to sleep six to eight hours every night.

Women who exercise have a 24 percent lower risk of dying than inactive women, while active men have a 15 percent lower risk than sedentary men. To reap the reward, women need half as much exercise.

A new study suggests that regular exercise can grow the brain. Even moderate levels of exercise can greatly impact brain health, especially in areas linked to aging and diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Research has found that dancing aids many aspects of health, including weight. Dancing combines multiple forms of exercise and can help blood pressure, insulin sensitivity, cognition and mental health.

Americans’ number one resolution for 2024 is to become physically fitter. Becoming fitter is a great goal. But it’s important not to get too fixated on the gym because it can dangerous.

According to a new study, climbing five flights of stairs, or 50 steps, daily can lower the risk of heart diseases by 20 percent. The study tracked the health data of more than 458,000 adults for about 12.5 years.

Working out different ways can achieve different goals. According to a new study, morning workouts might be better for weight loss. But, the study has some flaws, and many question its conclusions.

For some time, research has recognized that exercise cannot impact weight loss like dieting. However, a new study has found that exercise doubles the cholesterol and blood sugar health benefits of weight loss.

The claim that 10,000 steps should be your daily goal isn't science-based. A new study says you need 3,867 steps a day to prevent dying from heart problems and around 4,000 to prevent death in general.

The hormone irisin increases in the body after exercising. Irisin regulates glucose and lipid metabolism in fat tissues. It also appears to reduce Alzheimer’s related plaque deposits in the brain.

We have written more than a few blogs warning you about unsafe or unhelpful TikTok health trends. But, the viral trend of cozy cardio is a great way to get exercise.

We love going outside for long walks, hikes and bike rides in the summer. But, between heatwaves and crazy storms around the country, heading to a pool, indoors or out, might be your best choice for exercise.

New research has found that 4.5 minutes of vigorous exercise daily can not only help blood sugar health but also lower the risk of some cancers by up to 32 percent.

Some people are busy all week and work out on the weekend. New research shows that people who pack their exercise into two days have a low risk of heart problems — about the same as daily exercisers.

Just 20 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity five days a week may reduce the symptoms and severity of depression. Researchers wanted to learn the least amount needed to fight depression.

Knee pain can hold you back from doing what you love. It can be excruciating and keep you from participating in fun activities. The good news is there are ways to help yourself heal it.

For people with blood sugar concerns taking care of foot health is vital. Part of taking care of your feet is knowing when to change your shoes. There are some guidelines to always follow.

When was the last time you got a new bicycle helmet? We're not talking about buying something fancy. We're focusing on safety. If you don’t crash, you should replace your helmet every three to 10 years.

Many people wonder if it’s better to exercise or sleep if you’re tired. We know we need to work out to stay healthy. But is it better to get an early night if we’re exhausted? The opinions of experts are mixed.

Different exercises help different aspects of health. New research has found vigorous exercise aids cognition much more than gentle activity.

Research has found that less than 12 weeks of HIIT, or High Intensity Interval Training, meaningfully reduce blood sugar. Studies show HIIT improves insulin resistance more than traditional exercise.

The season of festive fun runs is at its peak. People dress up in holiday running outfits and go to events that usually have 5k and 10k options. They can be a great way to exercise in December when you don't feel motivated to get outside.

While exercise later in the day may be best for blood sugar, morning exercise seems best for heart health. According to a new study, people who workout out in the morning are at a lower risk of developing heart disease than those who exercise midday.

Finding time in the day to exercise can be difficult. A new study found that working out in the afternoon or evening might be best for blood sugar control. But the jury is still out.

Regardless of your genetic predisposition, adding more physical activity to your day can lead to a longer life. According to a study of almost 5,500 women, those who were less sedentary and moved more increased their lifespan.

The number of pickleball players has doubled in the last five years. It's unsurprising as it's fun, easy to play, suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels and has enormous health benefits.

Step aerobics was wildly popular in the '90s. Now, it's making a comeback. The workout is simple, you step on and off a raised bench to music. But it can burn 600 calories in an hour.

Whether you exercise daily or are a “weekend warrior,” you lower your risk of an early death the same amount. But, exercising daily can help you maintain muscle strength better.

A new study has underscored just how helpful walking is. Just a couple of minutes of light-intensity walking after a meal makes blood sugar rise and fall slower.

Scientists have discovered the “anti-hunger” molecule the body produces in response to exercise. The find could be key to making drugs that would cause the body to have the same reaction without the exercise.

Living a sedentary lifestyle contributes to the risk of early death. Being physically active can lower the risks. And research has found that people who were active daily and “weekend warriors” had the same positive results.

It's a myth that you can't swim after eating. Low-impact exercise after a meal can help keep blood sugar stable. If you have blood sugar concerns swimming after a meal can be a great way to help yourself.

Helmets decrease the risk of a head injury. But, data shows that cyclists wearing a helmet are just as likely to need to be treated in a hospital after a crash and are more likely to be involved in a crash. So, should you wear one?

Unless you are an exercise enthusiast, your workout probably doesn’t spark joy. However, a routine created by a health psychologist is designed to do just that.

Experts go back and forth about whether or not it’s possible to lose weight without exercise. To lose weight, you have to burn more calories than you eat. If you cut back on your calories, you may be able to do that without exercising.

Many of us fail to reach our exercise goals. But, while picking up working out can be difficult, once you start, it becomes a habit you stick to — even for people who are averse to exercise!

There is good news for people who are concerned about their kidneys. Moderately intense exercise can slow kidney function decline in sedentary older adults.

You can train your brain to like exercise. In a study that used brain imaging, researchers found that people who work out more get a larger response from the receptors that sense the body's naturally occurring opioids.

New research may inspire you to start lifting things around the house or join a gym to grab some weights. Just 30 minutes of lifting weights per week can cut your risk of dying early by up to a fifth.

People with kidney health concerns know how important it is to take care of themselves. A new study has found that adults with kidney concerns who walk between 7,000 and 12,000 steps a day have a high health-related quality of life.

On Fridays, we love to write about getting outside. One way to enjoy getting out and about is through walking meditation, a Buddhist practice that is meant to help you find awareness through your body, mind and steps on the Earth.

In the past, we have frequently written that yoga is amazing for blood pressure health. Some yoga poses are more helpful than others. Here are four of the best yoga poses for healthy blood pressure.

National Kite Flying Day was earlier this week. Now is the time to plan to attend a spring or summer kite festival. And making your own kite and getting it into the sky is a great way to get outside!

Environmental uncertainty and uncontrollability cause stress and damage health. Cleaning it a calm, ritualized way, with repetitive motions and tasks, to take control over the space around us.

Exercise might seem either unthinkable or counterintuitive when you’re ill. It’s the one time you’re meant to be lazy. But, in many cases, exercise is good for you when you are sick.

A new study said that weight isn’t the best predictor of long and healthy lives in women. Instead, mobility, strength and balance impacted lifespan and wellness the most.

Often, after exercising, you’re left “feeling the burn.” Some people love products like Icy Hot to help sore muscles. But, others are looking for more natural options. Cayenne peppers might be a great option.

Shoveling snow can cause heart attacks and sudden cardiac arrest. The American Heart Association warns that it can happen to people with known heart conditions and folks who are unaware that they have heart problems.

A new study may give you another reason to boost your heart health. Research has found that a higher resting heart rate may be a risk factor for dementia.

When the weather outside is frightful, exercising indoors can be delightful! Today, we’re looking at why exercise bikes are an excellent option in the cold months when there is ice on the ground.

Decorating for a holiday is a great way to spend some time on your feet.

Yoga can help you break unhelpful thought patterns and change the way you think. By focusing on your body and breathing, you can essentially turn your mind off and on again!

The most disheartening thing can be when you are trying to lose weight and you plateau. You start stepping on the scale and see that the needle doesn’t budge. But, there are things you can do when that happens to you.

Everyone knows about the health dangers of being sedentary. The good news is that as little as three minutes of exercise every half hour can counteract the dangers of sitting.

When you are looking for gentle exercise you can do at home to help your heart and whole-body calmness to aid sleep, you may have questions. If you’re deciding between Pilates and yoga, they both have different advantages.

Fitness trackers can be great tools if you need to know how you are doing or when starting a healthy routine. But, you can become obsessed with your numbers, worry about your progress and get a negative self-image.

If you’re someplace where the air is clear, you may be enjoying cooler weather, and it’s a great time to get outdoors!

Many people are trying to lose weight for the sake of their health. It’s unfortunately easy to lose muscle instead of fat. Some signs help you spot if you are losing weight in the form of muscle instead of fat.

A study examined the link between exercise, weight, heart health and longevity to determine where some people should focus their efforts. Exercise, not weight loss, was “consistently associated with greater reductions in mortality risk.”

Since 2003, the International Council on Active Aging has celebrated Active Aging Week. It’s meant to remind people over 50-year-old to stay healthy and take an active role in their lives!

As the weather cools off, people are venturing back outdoors. After a whole season where you’ve retrained your brain to dress for fun in the sun, or stay out of it entirely, it’s time to rethink how you dress.

Wednesday marked the first day of fall. Your weather might be cooling off. With a little bit of chill in the air, fall is the time to get back outside and enjoy yourself while the weather is not too hot and not too cold!

Most of us want to stick to an exercise routine. However, that can be difficult. New research has found a way to help people get into a healthy exercise routine that lasts.

Inflammation can increase insulin resistance. When it’s hot out, we’re less interested in walking. But, knowing a 20-minute walk can lower inflammation might make you more interested in getting out for a walk.

New research says chocolate and cheese are heart-healthy foods. While dairy is known to have benefits and flavanols from chocolate have perks, is the headline too good to be true?

Sometimes you feel like you’re doing really well: you’re eating right and exercising, but you’re tired all the time. If that’s been happening to you, you may be overdoing your “healthy” lifestyle.

If you’re tired, hot or out of breath, there’s the urge to just sit down and relax instead of stretching. However, stretching after exercise really does do your body good. And, there are potential risks related to not stretching.

August 25 is the National Park Service’s 105th birthday and a free day. All the parks are free to the public. But, right now, they are packed, and some require reservations. They all require masks. And facilities like bathrooms may be closed.

We like seated exercise because it’s a way of working out that lowers the danger of falling. We appreciate yoga for how it aids flexibility, breathing, mental health and reduces pain. When you combine the two, you can get the best of both.

Kaatsu has been getting a lot of attention during the Olympics. It’s the practice of restricting blood flow to your muscles while exercising, it’s gaining traction among ordinary people exercising, but the question is, is it safe.

When it’s hot, it’s incredibly tempting to remain sedentary. However, new research might strengthen your resolve to do low-impact exercise like yoga: it can improve bloating, lower stress and boost gut health.

Swimming is an excellent form of exercise that can help you stay cool, fit and may help you maintain healthy blood sugar. It’s aerobic exercise that doesn’t put pressure on your joints.

Getting outdoors is an integral part of staying healthy. In hot weather, exercising outdoors can be too much. One way to enjoy being outside and in the shade is through bird watching.

A study that wanted to examine the link between sleep and physical activity followed more than 380,000 middle-aged people for around 15 years. Researchers found that exercise may counteract the physical harm done by poor sleep quality.

If you want to enjoy a walk with others, you need to be compatible. That way, you can have a great workout — not too slow or fast. The Sloth Hiking Team, whose motto is “We’ll get there when we get there,” know about picking the right group.

We all know that walking is excellent for your health. New research says that walking after meals may aid blood sugar and offer both short-term and long-lasting benefits.

Did you know that stretching specific parts of your body can help what ails you? It’s true, stretching your back can help you manage stress.

Our national parks are beautiful land meant for everyone to enjoy. The Seven Principles of Leave No Trace can help you minimize your impact on the park to ensure that they are gorgeous for generations to come!

Yo-yoing weight seems, to most of us, to be almost inevitable. Now, researchers have done one of the first in-depth studies to figure out the science behind keeping weight off after a diet. Their results might change the way we view weight maintenance.

A new study has found that you should drink your coffee 30 minutes before exercising to maximize the results of your effort. Drinking strong coffee beforehand can help you burn more fat.

This last year has been a crazy time for gardens. Folks have wanted to bring some growth and color to their space, and gardening has taken off. April is National Lawn and Garden Month. It’s time to start whipping your yard into shape!

Going out into nature alone can give you a way to breathe and feel a sense of calm. But, you should do a thorough self-evaluation before ever making a move toward a solo hike.

According to new research, 7.2 percent of deaths globally can be attributed to inactivity — one out of every 14. The numbers are even worse for wealthier countries. One in every 10 deaths are caused by inactivity.

Earlier this month, we wrote about the discovery that stretching is better for blood pressure than walking. Additionally, if you have back pain, stretching might not only help your blood pressure but your back as well.

Now that it’s light out take the opportunity to get out more! Daylight is great for your sleep cycle and helps you set a better natural rhythm. It also helps your vitamin D levels.

A study has found that regular stretching might be more effective than brisk walks for lowering hypertension. Aerobic exercise has many health benefits but, for blood pressure specifically, stretching appears to be better.