The human body is interconnected. All of its muscles and body systems work together to make you function, and there are many processes going on without you ever knowing. There may not be an obvious connection between the two, but your knee pain...
Scoliosis is a condition where the spine is curved sideways. It is common in adolescents, and signs include one shoulder being higher than the other, one hip being more prominent than the other and the head not being centered over the pelvis....
Skinny legs can be embarrassing, especially when the climate calls for shorts. Fortunately, you won’t have to wear long pants to the beach any longer. With the right additions to your diet and exercise program, your presently skinny legs...
The erector spinae is the group of muscles and tendons running the length of your spine. They work with abdominal muscles in torso flexion and rotation. Erector spinae exercises are an important part of every workout, particularly one that focuses...
A stability ball is an air-filled PVC ball that is used to help perform exercises. The ball has a diameter of 14 to 34 inches. Using a stability ball when exercising is beneficial because your body must respond to the natural instability created...
The pelvic muscles are imperative for maintaining proper posture and alignment in your spine, which in return can help to prevent injuries in your lower back, hips, knees and shins. Elite Physio Clinic reports that poor posture or leg problems can...
Upper back fat can cause you to avoid wearing tank tops, bathing suits and form-fitting clothes. While it does not create the same health risks as midsection fat, it is as tough to get rid of. To tackle this problem, you must tone and strengthen...
Sex and yoga are activities that often produce similar benefits. Both allow for a deeper connection to one's self and to others, and both activities can bring great joy to those involved. Authors of "The Science of Orgasm" say sexual activity and...
Strong, toned abdominals support good health, enhance athletic performance and look nice in a bathing suit. The muscles of the abdomen are comprised of four paired muscles. The surface muscle, the "six pack," is the rectus abdomius. The external...
The stomach muscles make up part of your core muscle group, along with your pelvis and lower back. Strengthening these muscles provide support for the spine and is beneficial for everyone, particularly if you have back problems. As important as it...
A strong core helps maintain good posture, alleviate issues with back pain and keep a sleek waistline that makes you feel good about putting on a swimsuit. Scissor kicks work the large and small muscles in the abdomen. If in the process of doing...
It does not matter if it is sudden and severe or chronic and achy -- upper back pain can put a crimp on your daily activities. However, upper back injuries are usually short-lived and the result of a definable problem such as poor posture or a...
Some stationary recumbent bikes are superior to others, and they aren’t always the most costly options. You sit in a bucket seat in a semi-reclining position and pedal with your legs in front of you on this type of bike. This position can...
Athletes have been climbing stairs for years as a way to improve fitness and strength. StairMasters, a brand of stair climbers, simulate this activity with moving stairs on a stationary machine. StairMasters can be customized to different fitness...
The abdominal muscles are made up of four different groups -- rectus abdominis, transverse abdominis, and the internal and external obliques. The oblique muscles are responsible for flexing and rotating the upper body. Strengthening the obliques...
Squatting works the muscles of your legs and hips, but requires strong abdominals and a strong lower back. Rounding your back when squatting limits the weight you can use and increases your risk of injury. You should squat with a flat or slightly...
An elliptical is an exercise machine commonly found in most fitness centers and many home gyms today. It is a stationary machine, designed to simulate walking or running without the high-impact stress that can be found on a treadmill. For people...
Just because you experience lower back issues or pain doesn't mean you can't work your abdominal muscles. Actually, a strong abdomen will help support the back and spine, and vice versa. However, if you do suffer from back pain caused by arthritis...
If you are like many people, you are probably concerned with maintaining a healthy body weight. Rapid weight gain is particularly dangerous, not only for illnesses it can directly cause, but because it may be an indication of a more serious...
Upright and recumbent bikes are both excellent modes of cardiovascular activity. Both have features that may benefit or hinder your workout. Depending on what you need, you may prefer the recumbent over the upright bike or vice versa.
Stamina is essential for fitness and just as important as strength for each muscle group of your body. Stamina is even more important than strength for sports competitions, as stamina guarantees high performance throughout the duration of a...
Rhythmic breathing in swimming is a technique that enables you to take in enough air to sustain your workout while keeping your swim pace. You can also use it to drive up the intensity of your workout and make your lap swimming more effective.
Hypertension is the clinical name for high blood pressure. When you are inactive, you run the risk of becoming overweight, which can lead to hypertension. Inactivity itself, however, is a risk factor for hypertension, according to the American...
Poor posture gives your spine inadequate support. This lack of support puts stress on the muscles around the spine, and this added stress leads to constricted blood vessels and nerves. All of this can lead to an increase in your risk for spinal...
The deadlift strengthens your legs, your hips and your back -- provided you perform it correctly. Poor technique or straining to lift a weight beyond your capabilities can result in disaster. Knowing the potential risks of an exercise allows you...
Whether you are seeking ways to keep your lower back healthy or finding alternative therapy for chronic issues, yoga may be a solution for you. The National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke lists exercise, including yoga, as one of...
To an outside observer, a mat Pilates class looks relatively benign. Much of the class is performed in a prone or supine position with slow movements and no equipment. Every Pilates move, however, depends on principles such concentration, control,...
Love handles are those pockets of fat that sit just above your belt. While the name may be cute, the bulges are not. They can ruin a toned silhouette and prevent you from wearing many low-rider styles of pants and cropped tops. While you can't...
The hex bar dead lift, or "trap bar" is an alternative to the conventional barbell and changes the mechanics of the lift. There are a variety of applications of both techniques, many of which can help you in your quest for strength and power....
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