Cross training is a training routine that involves several different forms of exercise. It limits the stress that occurs on a specific muscle group because different activities use muscles in slightly different ways. Here are some reasons to bring your workout inside a few times per week [...]
When you join a gym, you may be offered a complimentary session with a personal trainer. Perhaps you’ve dismissed this opportunity before, figuring that you don’t want to be sold on more services when you’re already paying to use the gym. You might think that you know how to reach your fitness goals on your…
Regular exercise provides many health benefits, from reduced risk of chronic conditions to improved mood, sleep and focus. Walking is often recommended as an easy way to exercise, but for people with limited mobility in their lower bodies, it’s not a viable option. Mobility impairments, which can result from age, injury or a chronic disease,…
If you’re looking to exercise more often and improve your fitness, joining a gym is a great option. You’ll get access to a variety of workout equipment, classes and amenities to keep things interesting, and you won’t have to worry about the weather outside. Still, when you arrive for that first workout and look out…
Health experts and fitness buffs have long espoused the health benefits of building muscles—or strength training—for adults. It improves balance, builds stronger bones and muscles, and increases metabolism to help the body burn more calories. Strength training also can protect joints from injury. The popularity of this type of exercise has now gained traction among…
Your teen is anticipating a big day: midterm exams followed by band practice and a soccer game. The pressure is on to perform at a high level. It’s easy to grab an energy drink for a pick-me-up—the promise of enhanced focus and athletic performance attracts many teens. But these drinks have serious downsides. The high…
If you try to eat healthy and exercise regularly but can’t lose excess weight that is causing health problems, you’re not alone. Nearly 1 in 3 adults struggle with weight-related chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. “In addition to medical problems related to obesity, obesity can impact quality of life,…
When Mary Morrison retired in May 2021, she made up her mind to get in better physical shape. She had always wanted to try aqua aerobics, so she signed up for a class. She had to summon all her courage to put on a swimsuit and walk from the locker room to the pool for…
Editor’s note: This article originally ran Jan. 5, 2022 and was updated Dec. 15, 2023. If your New Year’s resolutions include getting into better shape or exercising more, one of the first steps toward meeting your goal may be finding a gym or fitness center. A gym can be a big investment, so you want…
Does tennis sound fun, but the mere idea of running and twisting on a tennis court makes your knees scream in their sockets? Consider pickleball, a racquet game with a silly name that is America’s fastest-growing sport—nearly 5 million people are playing. Pickleball is popular in part because it’s low impact, but injuries are still…
Convincing teens to be active and maintain their physical health is a challenge—when do teens listen to anything their parents say? But it’s critical for their health throughout their lives. “Eating a healthy diet and exercising are the two things that will have the biggest impact on their health as adults,” says UNC Health pediatrician…
With another school year just around the corner, parents, children and teachers can add a fourth “R” to reading, (w)riting and (a)rithmetic—reducing your risk of getting sick. Common illnesses such as colds, the flu and COVID-19 can run rampant anywhere lots of people gather, and schools are no exception. Omicron variants of COVID-19 are still…
