Maybe you want to lose a little weight. Namaste to that. While many professional trainers point people to specific diets or intense workouts, they may pass by yoga. That’s too bad: The practice that can play in integral role in shedding unwanted pounds. Even the routine that ends with everyone’s favorite relaxation pose, savasana, can have positive effects when it comes to a healthier lifestyle. Studies point to the many ways yoga can provide physical, behavioral, and emotional changes that can be turned into useful tools for weight loss. We dug into the research to find out how exactly … [Read more...]
When to Prioritize Resistance and Aerobic Training to Fit Your Goals
Similar to the old “chicken or egg first” adage, deciding whether cardio or strength training comes first can be a real puzzle. And like any other fitness question, the answer is likely, “It depends.” If you’re crunched for time and need to get in a quick workout, you can prioritize your mode of exercise based on your goals. Once your goals are in place, shifting activities and doling out time to each is easier. Read on to learn more about strength and cardio timing to help decide what’s right for you. I Want To Be Fit If your goal is to maintain general fitness, weekly strength and … [Read more...]
Here’s How to Build an Upper Body that Does More than Look Great
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 strength Improves 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...]
Rev Your Engine!
18 Ways to Boost Your Metabolism After 30 Do you feel like it’s getting harder to lose weight? Your metabolism may be to blame. As we age, metabolism slows down, mostly because we start to lose about 0.5 percent of muscle mass every year, and that mass is responsible for burning calories. But don’t worry: There are ways to boost your metabolism without hitting the gym for hours on end. What is Metabolism? Metabolism is the chemical process in which the body converts food into energy. The number of calories a person’s body needs to perform basic functions is called basal metabolic rate … [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...]
What to Do and Not to Do Before You Workout
Whether at the gym, on the pavement, or in the yoga studio, there are a few general rules that help ensure the best workout possible. Everyone has different pre-workout routines, but nutrition, sleep, stretching, mental attitude, and other factors all affect how you’ll feel during your sweat session. Here, we break down the best habits to embrace before a workout, along with some unexpected speed bumps that can hinder any good workout. Ready to Work Out? Your Pre Workout Questions Answered How much should I eat? Chowing down before a workout helps us feel energized while exercising. … [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...]