Fitness

If you are new to working out, a top-rated home workout DVD can help you get started. Your own body weight and comfortable clothes combine with the DVD’s instructions can get you started toward a more toned physique. Fitness magazines…
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The levator scapulae, sternocleidomastoid and trapezius are the main muscles that comprise the neck. The “traps” are the largish muscles that bridge the gap between your neck and shoulders. The levator scapulae runs down the back side of the neck…
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Experts from trusted sources such as “Baby Center” and “Yoga Journal” recommend yoga for mothers-to-be for numerous reasons, including keeping the body and mind healthy and relaxed, and providing tools to deal with pregnancy, labor and parenting. If you are…
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The inner thigh muscles, known as the adductor longus, brevis and magnus muscles, run along the inside of the upper leg from the knee to the pelvis. Because tightening and toning this muscle group requires you to move your legs…
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Overview Strength training was once thought of as a “manly” activity and was avoided by most women, especially those wanting to lose weight. Common misconceptions about strength training made many women wary of setting foot in a weight room. Strength…
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A well-planned fitness program should include aerobic exercise, strength training and flexibility. Strength-training equipment like fitness machines and dumbbells are among the oldest equipment used for strength training. Stretch bands are another way to strengthen the muscles of the body….
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The body holds fat cells in the abdominal area, according to the textbook “Exercise Physiology: Energy, Nutrition and Human Performance.” Burning these fat cells means combining cardiovascular exercise, strength training moves and eating a healthy diet. Cardio exercise allows the…
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“Global warming” is the term used to describe the gradual increase in average temperatures around the world since the mid-20th century. The Union of Concerned Scientists says humans are to blame for much of the trend because of the carbon…
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Nature provides numerous fresh foods for quick bites while in the great outdoors: raw fruits and vegetables are the healthiest options for camp-friendly snacks and side dishes. For larger meals with perishable meat or dairy products, the key is cooking…
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The Better Health Channel identifies the body’s abdominal muscles as the rectus abdominis, transversus abdominis and the internal and external obliques. The strengthening of these core muscles leads not only to better lumbar spine support but also to a sleek…
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Thera-bands are essentially large rubber bands used to train the muscles of the body. Thera-bands were first introduced by the Hygenic Corporation in 1976 for use in rehabilitation. The Thera-band product line has evolved since its inception from resistance bands…
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The best abdominal equipment works different muscles of the core simultaneously. Strive to use abdominal equipment that is small and lightweight, making it easy to travel with or use outside the gym. The textbook “Exercise Physiology: Energy, Nutrition and Human…
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You can make gains in your strength by performing basic exercises with perfect form. Incorporate abdominal and pectoral exercises into your routine to add size and definition to your chest. Exercising your six major ab muscles will promote core strength…
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Softball developed from baseball, although it uses a larger ball and is played on a smaller field. Both men and women play softball, which is an international sport. Players can play in fast-pitch, slow-pitch or modified softball leagues. Most softball…
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According to a 2005 study published in the “British Journal of Sports Medicine,” the golf swing is a complex movement that uses your entire body to create power to propel a golf ball long distances with accuracy. The researchers of…
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While there are many codified rules of tennis, even a few governing sportsmanship, regular players of the game know the do’s and don’ts of playing the game in polite tennis circles. Understanding what is considered courteous and acceptable behavior among…
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Overview Setting up a volleyball court is a great segue to fun group gatherings and exercise since volleyball is a challenging sport and provides a vigorous workout. It is also a fantastic way to create great memories with good friends…
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Overview Running can provide a solid cardiovascular workout. It helps strengthen the heart and lungs, and it burns calories to support weight loss. However, it can also place stress and demands on the body. Runners may develop abdominal pain that…
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Your core is made up of your rectus abdominus, obliques, erector spinea and transverse abdominus. These muscles work together to stabilize your spine as well as control gross spine movement. A strong core can protect your spine and promote good…
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Injuries to the elbow are usually the result of overuse during a sporting activity, such as tennis or baseball, or from a job related injury, such as butchering meat or working in a manufacturing plant. The elbow joint is a…
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Overview Exercise during pregnancy helps you feel good, stay healthy and prepare your body for giving birth. Finding an exercise routine that suits you during pregnancy depends on a number of factors, including your fitness level before pregnancy and any…
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Overview Transportation and lodging costs can gobble up huge chunks of your vacation budget, especially if your destination is Hawaii, an island chain in the south Pacific Ocean, about 2,500 miles southwest of the mainland United States. Even if you…
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Overview Meditation is part of the eight limbs of yoga as outlined by Patanjali in the “Yoga Sutras.” The eight limbs are tools that yogis use to find samadhi, or union with the divine. Aside from other limbs, which deal…
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Gaining excess belly fat increases risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes and certain types of cancer, reports the Mayo Clinic. Aging often contributes to slowed metabolism which equals potential weight gain. Exercises to target weight loss in the abdomen typically lead…
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Compression of the spine is unavoidable with age. This is due to a number of factors, including gravity, frequent sitting, lack of exercise, excess weight and loss of fluid in the tissue between the spinal discs. Compression can result in…
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Every summer, individuals and families head to campsites to enjoy the outdoors. Before leaving on a tent camping trip, however, make a list of supplies, so that you have everything you need to make the tent camping experience as comfortable…
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The chest is made up of two major muscles, the pectoralis major which moves the arms across the chest and the pectoralis minor which enables shoulder area movement. Training the chest requires working these muscles and the main fibers of…
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Overview Engulfed in a lifestyle that promotes instant gratification, everyone wants a quick, easy solution to the age-old question of how to lose weight. According to CNN.com Americans spend $40 billion a year on weight loss solutions ranging from diet…
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Dumbbells may typically be considered strength training tools for your chest, arms, back and shoulders, but that doesn’t mean you cannot target your abs with these versatile pieces of exercise equipment. A dumbbell may simply add weight on top of…
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A lower-extremity amputation may be at the hip, above the knee, below the knee, the foot or simply a toe, according to the Merck Manuals. Home exercise for a lower extremity amputation will vary depending on the extent of the…
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