No I'm not talking about your favorite heavy metal or hair bands, though you got to love the eighties classics. I'm talking about an exercise band for resistance training. I frequently use one if I don’t have enough time to go to the gym. It’s a compact and convenient piece of exercise equipment that you can do almost anywhere. Below is some more information about the benefits and use of these great underestimated utilities.. [More]

As the temperature drops, many people think exercising outside becomes nearly impossible. However, if you’re like me and can’t stand the treadmill, there are some strategies I found on Health.com to help keep you running (or walking) outside all winter long. Although, I have to stress - if the sidewalks are icy and the temps are below freezing, indoor exercise may have to make an appearance in your weekly workout routine.. [More]

Many people know that in order to lose weight you have to decrease calories in, and increase calories burned. It sounds simple in theory, but for many people it will take several failed attempts to get the desired effect. Now think about trying to keep track of calories while having to worry about your blood sugar. It may be difficult but it will have a great impact on those suffering from Type 2 Diabetes. A person can see major progress with their diabetes control and risk of implications just by cutting 5-10% of their original weight. Losing weight while living with diabetes will take some careful preparation, but here is a list from a recent MSN Health article with simple steps you can take to lose weight while properly managing your diabetes.. [More]

I’m sure we’ve all seen, heard of, or possibly even downloaded the game “Angry Birds” to fill those empty minutes spent on the bus, waiting at the DMV, or on sleepless nights. But what if your phone had more to offer than mindless entertainment? For those of us attempting to live a healthy lifestyle, there are many apps available for free (or cheap) to help us along the way.. [More]

Health clubs, fitness centers, workout whatsits… I don’t care what you call it, I don’t like going! Something about paying to exercise just doesn’t jive with me. I know exercising is very important, and I do it (almost) every day, but here are some tips on how to get your heart pumping without emptying your wallet.. [More]

Recently I got to participate in a 195 mile relay with a group of 11 other people. It was my first year doing this so I didn’t know quite what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised. It was more fun than I thought it was going to be, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. One of my favorite parts of this relay was the run I got to do at night. Well, technically it was morning-2:30 a.m., but it was the most fun I’ve had on a run in a long time. Besides a few other runners, I was out there alone. I saw tons of stars, the air was crisp, and there was a slight mist that helped keep me cool.. [More]

Stuck in an exercise rut at your local gym? Check to see if BODYPUMP is offered and give it a try! During a BODYPUMP class, the instructor leads the entire class through a total-body strength training routine, with a different muscle group serving as the focus during different songs. Participants use a barbell (dumbbells if you prefer) when lifting. Lifting techniques vary but always have very high repetitions. Each class incorporates the same movement for each muscle group; however, the intensity varies between sets. For example, when on the bicep portion of the class, you will be lifting consecutive bicep curls; you may lift slow (4 second count upward phase- 4 second count downward phase) to complete one bicep curl or you may lift faster (2 count up- 2 count down) to complete another bicep curl. The order of the class is always the same:. [More]

If you frequent an exercise facility, you’ve more than likely seen them. Sitting low to the ground with an often intimidating look, rowing machines commonly sit unused in the corner gathering dust. No more, my friends! After reading this article, there is no reason to fear the rower!. [More]

All of us have had this problem. You had a hard day at work or playing with the kids and are exhausted, but your mind is still in overdrive, so what do you do? You reach for a night time sleep aide and read the label which directs you not to take this product unless you are able to get eight or more hours of sleep. Unfortunately you have already spent hours staring at the ceiling hoping to drift off into dreamland. So what do you do when you have run out of options and nothing seems to work?. [More]

It seems like everywhere I look someone is wearing those new “toe shoes”. If you don’t know what I mean, check this out. Kinda odd looking wouldn’t you say? These shoes are designed to mimic the sensation of running barefoot. (Though I think they resemble aqua socks... much like the bright teal pair I was sporting circa 1995.) The thought is that humans were born to run – think cavemen, who had to chase down their food – and born to do it barefoot. Some schools of thought think shoes have altered our anatomy, resulting in higher frequencies of injuries like stress fractures and hip misalignment. However, at a recent meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine that was centered on barefoot running, trained professionals in the field hypothesized that there might be more to this story.. [More]