Running and longevity

Running and longevity

You always knew that running was good for your heart and health, but we bet you have never seen its benefit quantified exactly like that before. Looked at another way, runners live three years longer than non-runners.

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Health perks of public parks

Health perks of public parks

The great outdoors has always been our playground and what a better way for getting physically fit than to enjoy natural scenic beauty and park activities they have to offer.  It is being realized more and more the role public parks play in improving our health in several ways – to promoting physical activity to improving mental health and even the potential of reducing health care costs.

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Four essential secrets to getting the body you want

Four essential secrets to getting the body you want

It’s no secret that if you want to lose some weight, get in shape and have a better body, exercise must be part of that equation to achieve those results.  What is a secret though is why some people seem to be so much better at achieving and maintaining their fitness than others?  Is it genetics, time of day they exercise, the type of equipment they use, or what? 

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The Emperor of the The Gym: The Rowing Machine

The Emperor of the The Gym: The Rowing Machine

Even with all the pulleys, sliding seats, and adjustable weights, rowing machines today still seem a little old-fashioned. Perhaps because they were fixtures in gyms back when gyms were just gyms, and didn't double as smoothie cafés, yoga schools, or pick-up bars. But today, just as in your grandfather's time, few machines can give you as good a workout in as short a period of time as a rowing machine.

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Are Sports Drinks Right for You?

Are Sports Drinks Right for You?

We've all watched as our favorite pro athletes, bathed in sweat, guzzle those bright green and blue sports drinks on the sidelines. In fact, the companies that market those drinks and provide them to the pro sport leagues free of charge are counting on it. But just as there are some fundamental differences between your game and that of Cam Newton or LeBron James, there are some fundamental reasons why sports drinks work for them and work against you.

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Getting the most from a treadmill workout

Getting the most from a treadmill workout

If you’ve been skipping working out on a treadmill because you see it as boring, think again.  Working out on a treadmill may seem tedious and repetitive but they can offer a good alternative depending on how you use them.  Besides pushing the “start” button and proceeding to walk, there is so much more they offer.

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Why water workouts are a winning exercise

Why water workouts are a winning exercise

Exercising in water is not only one of the most refreshing and invigorating workouts you can do but also an effective workout for the health benefits you’ll achieve.  And for those who suffer from arthritic joints or who need rehabilitation from an injury, it can be a lifesaver for remaining physically active in an exercise program.

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The Dangers of Anabolic Steroids

The Dangers of Anabolic Steroids

Steroids have been around, in some fashion, since the 1930s, when scientists created a synthetic form of testosterone to help treat men who were unable to produce enough of the hormone for normal growth, development, and sexual functioning. In the Second World War, additional experimentation showed the value of artificial testosterone in helping malnourished soldiers gain weight and improve performance overall.

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Slowing the progression of Parkinson’s with exercise

Slowing the progression of Parkinson’s with exercise

Parkinson’s disease affects those afflicted with it by causing impaired balance, tremors, slowness, stiffness, and a shuffling gait or trouble with walking.  Now a new study is suggesting that exercise could be one way to help slow down the progression of this disease including for those who already have advanced Parkinson’s.

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Benefits of being an early morning exerciser

Benefits of being an early morning exerciser

If you’re not a morning person have you ever wondered how some people can be full of energy and so chipper first thing in the morning?  You may be the type where it’s a struggle just to throw back the covers to get up out of bed each day.  What is it that vim and vigor person is doing to be so wide-awake that early in the wee hours of the day?

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Hidden health perks found in every workout

Hidden health perks found in every workout

Working out is good for us and every little bit counts.  In fact, no matter what form of exercise you do, chances are you are getting even more health perks than youthoughtEvery time we choose to be physically active as opposed to inactivity, we give our body a health boost that pays off big time in the long run. 

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Pilates for perfecting total body fitness

Pilates for perfecting total body fitness

Fitness doesn’t come neatly wrapped up in one all-inclusive exercise.  For total or whole body fitness, there needs to be a blend of various forms of exercise from strength training, aerobic, and flexibility.  That is why Pilates is such a good workout for anyone who wants to expand their exercise routine into an area besides the usual running, swimming, or bicycling.  One that really develops what every one of us needs for total body fitness – strength, flexibility, muscular endurance, coordination, balance, and good posture. 

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