Bodacious biceps and bolder shoulders dominate the discussion when it comes to upper body strength training. However, building a strong, powerful upper body does more than split sleeves and garner attention.With a solid upper body resistance-training plan, selling tickets to the gun show is the proverbial icing on the cake. But aesthetics aren’t the only reason you should strengthen your upper body. Check out the often overlooked health benefits of sculpting lean, mean muscle in your arms, shoulders, back, and chest. Benefits of upper body strengthImproves posture Technology and jobs … [Read more...]
Band Together: Make Flexibility and Strength Gains With Resistance Bands
Want to move through an awesome workout without the bulk of heavy equipment? Resistance bands are all you need. Convenient, versatile, and low-maintenance, these sturdy elastic tubes are a great addition to your exercise routine: They build strength, develop the mind-muscle connection, and improve flexibility.Not sold on the idea of exercise bands yet? Check out these great benefits, and try a quick workout routine to get your muscles pumped and heart revved. The Benefits of Resistance Band Training Resistance bands offer the perfect alternative to a workout at the gym or as a way to … [Read more...]
How To Get More Out of Your Fitness Tracker
A fitness tracker is a great motivational tool to help reach your health goals. But like any other fitness purchase, the newness can easily wear off if you don’t take full advantage of all its benefits. Before you consider tucking this accessory in a drawer because you don’t understand what it does, check out these tips to get the most from your wearable fitness accessory. Track for Success, But Don’t Obsess Counting steps and calories can spark a fire under your feet that moves and grooves you toward your health and fitness goals. However, monitoring too closely can lead to a dangerous path … [Read more...]
Bait and Switch
How Often Should You Switch Up Your Workout Routine? The great debate on how often to switch up a workout routine varies from program to program, but one sentiment always rings true: Listen to your body and do what gives you the best results.Easier said than done, right? Somewhere between total muscle confusion and status quo is the right workout routine for you. Before you get too confused about muscle confusion, check out these tips and suggestions to change up your workout routine and keep your body guessing. Pair Training with Your Goals The best way to get better at something is to … [Read more...]
How to Master Mindful Eating
Mindful eating is more of an art than a science, but the practice is something that can change the way you think about what goes on your plate.During a typical meal, we may pay attention to the first bite or two, which helps us recognize whether or not the food pleases the palate and meets our expectations. But after that, eating can become an unconscious activity that is just part of daily life—like tying shoelaces or checking the mailbox.Mindless eating can go unnoticed and lead to an unhealthy relationship with food. Some negative eating experiences may include anxiety, boredom, … [Read more...]
Sayonara Saddlebags
How to Tone Around Your Tush The fat that sits under the bum and on the outer thighs—affectionately named saddlebags—is one of Mother Nature’s subtle reminders of womanhood. These sex-specific fat deposits can begin to appear during adolescence when girls’ fat cell production nearly doubles that of boys. Though upper thigh fat is physiologically advantageous during pregnancy, some women are bothered by the way it looks and feels. Read on for a detailed explanation of saddlebags and how to strengthen your glutes and thigh muscles. The Dish on Cellulite Many women experience the top-down … [Read more...]
How to Build a Budget-Friendly Home Gym
Long commutes, expensive membership fees, and bad weather are just a few excuses that stall a regular workout routine. Consistent exercise promotes better health, improved energy, and a positive mood, so why not create a space for exercise where it’s most convenient: at home.Though elaborate at-home gyms sound dreamy, these budget-friendly ideas are sure to keep a body moving without breaking the bank. Home gym equipment doesn’t have to be bulky. Build a killer routine using items that stow away under beds, pack in bags, are portable around the home, and can be crafted using items found at … [Read more...]
Snowed-In Workout Ideas
When the weatherman forecasts a big winter storm, the last thing on the agenda is an early morning jog or blustery ride to a local fitness class. Through rain and sleet, ice and snow, these winter workout ideas are sure to warm up even the coldest bones in the comfort of your own home. Read on and get moving!Resistance TrainingFancy gym equipment isn’t required to blast through a good strength workout. Bodyweight exercises are the foundation for all resistance training, and a great way to improve strength and ramp up your metabolism at the same time.Try it:This high intensity … [Read more...]
Posture Perfect
The Importance of Good Posture and How to Improve Yours Stand tall and suddenly the world feels different—better even. Good posture is important for the mind and body and can boost both physical and psychological health. Read on for more benefits and tips to improve your posture. Good Posture Benefits Relieves Pain: Though the science is still out on whether poor posture causes chronic back and neck pain, studies show good posture can help with pain management. Tall, confident posture has been shown to increase pain threshold and improve strength. Poor posture may also be the result of … [Read more...]
Fit Over 40
The Role of Exercise as We Age Age is more than a number, especially when it comes to wellness. After 40, exercise is one of the greatest allies in the battle against age-related disease. It’s never too late to plan your fitness future. The sooner you begin, the healthier and more vibrant you will be well into your retirement years.Though you may not be chasing the sculpted muscles of your 20s, staying strong and active in your 40s and beyond is an important key to staving off disease and slowing down the aging process. Think of fitness as an investment in your future. A healthy and … [Read more...]
