Fitness

Overview A weak lower back can limit the results you get from weight training workouts. In the worst case, weak lower back muscles (called “erector spinae”) can cause chronic back pain. Tight hip flexors, hamstrings and upper abdominals, plus weak…
Read more

When practicing yoga or any other type of exercise that requires flexibility, you want the clothes that you wear to facilitate your workout by staying out of the way and providing maximum movement. While a T-shirt and sweats might be…
Read more

Also known as the Wunda Chair or Stability Chair, the Pilates Chair is said to be the foundation of a broad range of advanced Pilates exercise. Joseph Pilates developed this chair to target muscle groups that were not easily engaged…
Read more

Overview Breathing increases during exercise because of intensified energy demands placed upon the body. The cardiovascular, respiratory and muscular systems work together to keep up with these energy demands. When an individual is in shape, his lungs, heart and muscles…
Read more

Overview Although its name sounds benign, the Pilates chair is one of the most challenging pieces of Pilates equipment. It requires extraordinary balance and impeccable postural alignment. The chair resembles a box, with one side that you can press down…
Read more

Overview You can tie your own climbing harness from a sturdy piece of climbing webbing. If it is tied correctly, it is every bit as safe and effective as any expensive pre-tied climbing harness. In fact, in the early days…
Read more

Overview Lower back problems can cause significant problems in the lower leg. When a lumbar disc is pressed against the spinal cord or when a disc becomes herniated (torn), surgery may be needed to relieve pressure. A microdiscectomy removes a…
Read more

Aerobic exercise, also known as cardiovascular exercise, increases your heart rate and improves blood flow to your entire body. Regular, moderate-intensity exercise can help prevent cardiovascular disease and other chronic health problems, but many people find it difficult to fit…
Read more

Topical pain relief is available in the form of creams, lotions, gels and patches to provide localized pain relief to a desired body part. These forms of topical pain relief are often used by high school, college and professional athletes,…
Read more

Many outdoor winter activities are gear-based. Unless snow conditions are just right, you need snowshoes, skis or a snowboard to get around, not to mention the willingness to contend with unpredictable, sometimes dangerous, weather. Fortunately, plenty of indoor activities will…
Read more

Whether you play table tennis recreationally or competitively, learning the sport’s rules will help you understand how to play better. If you fail to follow the official rules in competition, the referee will penalize you, and you will lose points….
Read more

Knee injuries can force a patient to avoid moving the joint for days, weeks or months. Improper movement or movement that’s too strenuous can further damage the knee. Whether the patient has undergone knee surgery or has recently injured the…
Read more

Catchers provide the backbone of a softball team by running the defense from their position behind home plate. In this leadership role, catchers assess each batter, coordinate plays and support the pitcher. In fast-pitch softball, many rules are designed to…
Read more

Treadmills and heart health are close companions. In the 1950s, Dr. Robert A. Bruce became the “Father of Exercise Cardiology” by developing the cardiac treadmill test.* Over the years, this cardio machine has made its way into homes. There are…
Read more

Pulleys offer aid climbers or climbers practicing (or implementing) rescue techniques a mechanical advantage when they are hauling loads up a wall. A pulley consists of a stainless steel wheel/axle with a grooved rim for the rope that turns in…
Read more

According to a 2009 study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, strength training the neck, trapezius and shoulders effectively reduced neck and shoulder pain in women office workers. Most neck exercises will work your erector spinae, trapezius and levator…
Read more

Your abdominal muscles, along with your back and hip muscles, form your body’s core musculature. A strong core makes most movements easier, from everyday changes of body position to sports and other physical pursuits, according to the Mayo Clinic. While…
Read more

Recumbent exercise bikes have numerous benefits to the rider, among them providing a good cardiovascular workout. The seated position of a recumbent bike changes the joint mechanics and muscle relationships used when compared to an upright bike. Recumbent bikes can…
Read more

The belly, butt and thighs are the trouble areas that are most likely to lose tonacity or get cellulite. Doing strength training exercises that target these areas will tone the muscles and help reduce the appearance of cellulite. Strengthening these…
Read more

Although your level of flexibility is influenced by age, gender and genetics, you can improve your flexibility through regular training. Greater flexibility improves posture, widens your range of motion, promotes relaxation, loosens tight muscles, alleviates soreness and reduces your risk…
Read more

The muscles of the calf, the gastrocnemius and soleus are responsible for flexing the leg at the knee and pointing the toe, according to the “American College of Sports Medicine’s Resources for the Personal Trainer,” edited by Walter R. Thompson….
Read more

Traditional Pilates remains true to Joseph Pilates’ original method developed in the early 1920s. Martha Graham and George Balanchine became proponents of his exercise system. Joseph Pilates’ chosen protege, Romana Kryzanowska, continues to teach, and it is not difficult to…
Read more

Hand wraps are an essential element when sparing and boxing, as they help protect the bones and tendons in the hand. Hand wraps support the wrist and thumb, providing more stability when punching while also helping to maintain the alignment…
Read more

The 400-meter dash is a unique race that takes serious guts and determination to sprint through. The challenge lies in the distance; 400 meters is well beyond the range of the 100-meter dash expert, but not exactly tailor made for…
Read more

Just as preparation is put into readying the body to run a marathon, pelvic floor exercises prepare a woman’s pregnant body to give birth. The pelvic floor muscles work to support your pelvic and abdominal organs, even more so during…
Read more

Overview Pimples on the face are considered a form of acne. Pimples are caused when hair follicles get clogged with a naturally occurring oil called sebum and dead skin cells. FamilyDoctor.org states that if the wall of the clogged hair…
Read more

Push-ups are a great upper-body resistance exercise. They work a number of the major muscle groups, and contribute to overall upper-body fitness and improved posture. When doing push-ups, make sure you are using proper form to achieve the best results,…
Read more

Pilates is a method of exercise focused on developing the muscles of the core. The abs, back and hips, which comprise the core, are addressed via exercises that bring about pelvic stability and deep abdominal muscle control. To the outside…
Read more

Overview Trampolines provide a popular backyard entertainment option for kids. The large, bouncy surface gets kids physically active with the constant jumping. Trampolines also present the risk for serious injuries when proper safety precautions aren’t used, however. Trampoline safety is…
Read more

1. Getting Around One of the inevitable things with skiing is that no matter how far you ski or which trail you take, eventually you’ll need to turn around. But what do you do when you don’t have room for…
Read more