Stretch marks happen when the lower layer of your skin becomes stretched past the underlying collagen fibers' ability to return to shape. The result is a pattern of parallel silvery, reddish or purplish streaks on your skin tha...
...osive bursts of power. Explosive muscle contraction in your leg muscles is required for fast sprinting, as well as for high jumping and powerful kicking. Consult with a personal trainer about the benefits of using a horizont...
Water aerobics provides a low-impact alternative to traditional aerobic routines, placing less stress on joints and muscles than a comparable workout on dry land. On the website Pool Life, certified aquatic exercise instructor ...
The phrase “no pain, no gain” is a familiar one to most exercise enthusiasts. After a good, sweaty run or spin on the bike, your muscles may be barking for some relief. Bikram and hot yoga are intense workouts for y...
Without your hip, upward and forward movement is impossible. When you experience hip pain, achiness may make movement feel nearly impossible. A ball-and-socket joint, the hip allows for upward and forward movement and it also a...
Through a combination of aerobic exercise and strength training, you can tone the muscles of your upper back. Toning accentuates curves and shape by reducing body fat and increasing muscle. Perform exercises for the rhomboids a...
Rebounding on a mini trampoline accelerates your heart rate and respiration and provides a fairly comfortable way of burning calories. Mini trampoline workouts have their disadvantages as well. Due to their small size, there is...
Proprioceptors throughout your body have the ability to sense the position of your body within space. The sensors detect movement, tension, angle and length of muscles throughout your body. Proprioception exercises can be used...
Cable curls and high cable curls sound like they could be one in the same. Both exercises do, in fact, work the same muscles: the biceps. However, the method of working the biceps is very different from one exercise to the othe...
...er time, strength training increases your muscle mass, resulting in a faster metabolism and greater calorie burn. Space your workouts properly and follow other accepted guidelines to get the most benefit when training the le...
The chinup is a strength-training exercise, primarily for your shoulder, upper-arm and upper-back muscles. The chinup involves gripping a horizontal bar above your head and pulling your body up until your chin meets the bar or ...
Chest press exercises are designed to help you build muscle mass in your pectoral, shoulder and upper body muscles. Arching your back while performing a chest press can result in you pulling or straining a muscle in your upper ...
Your muscles operate in three basic movements, eccentric, concentric and isometric. Weight training and most cardiovascular exercises incorporate both eccentric and concentric motions. Concentric motions occur when your muscles...
...ding around is that it burns more calories than sitting. However, just because you're standing in line at the store, riding the subway or even cooking at home doesn't mean that you can't multitask by fitting in a few simple ...
Passive joint movements are those that are performed on your shoulder by a doctor or physical therapist. You may require passive therapy for any number of reasons, ranging from a torn ligament to strains that cause frozen shoul...
The hamstring injury is one of the most dreaded among active people. A pulled hamstring means the overstretching or partial tear of the muscles running along the back and side of your thigh. Your thighs are veritable workout po...
The difference between speed and RPM, which stands for revolutions per minute, can be confusing for some people, though they both have different purposes when it comes to exercise and performance. Exercise RPM is most commonly ...
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that nearly one-third of the U.S. population is obese. Resistance training can be an important part of a balanced exercise plan, decreasing your risk of obesity and some fa...
Shadowboxing serves a dual purpose. The drill helps prepare fighters for upcoming bouts, and it provides a total body workout that builds the speed, strength and endurance needed to succeed in the ring. Crossovers are big punch...
Getting enough exercise helps you maintain a healthful weight, improves your cardiovascular health and enhances your mood. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends getting at least 150 minutes of moderate exerc...
Whey protein is a concentrated protein source made from the whey that's separated from curds during cheese making. It's high in leucine, an amino acid that preserves muscle and promotes fat loss, according to the University of ...
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the only way to lose weight is to create a caloric deficit, expending more energy than you take in through food. You can create a caloric deficit through diet a...
Bent-over curls, sometimes called bent-over concentrated bicep curls, are a variation of the classic bicep curl. The change in body position creates a shorter range of motion than if you perform a traditional bicep curl while s...
Weightlifters are especially interested in building muscle mass and strength, which requires a diet relatively high in protein. Protein contains building blocks that are required for muscle growth and the synthesis of other pro...
One of the yoga poses most closely associated with meditation, the padmasana, or lotus pose, has physical benefits as well. In the classic padmasana pose, your back naturally straightens and your hips open to facilitate a great...
Health and fitness is crowded with a lot of noise and confusion. Want proof? Simply Google the word “fitness” and watch as 1.4 billion results coming flying back at you in less than a second. There are experts out t...
... can help rebuild lost bone mass by increasing bone density. An elliptical trainer machine doesn't provide as much weight-bearing impact as other types of exercise, but does provide some that can benefit the lower back.
Strength training is an integral part of any fitness routine, whether you’re 17 or 70 years old. Individuals looking to improve their appearance often desire “toned” “ripped” or “cut” m...
P90X, also called Power 90 Extreme, ranked as the most popular home fitness program in America for seven consecutive years, according to the American Council on Exercise. Beachbody, the official P90X website, includes success s...
Squats are a basic part of most bodybuilding routines because they work many of the muscle groups, including the legs and buttocks. Hardcore squat training takes this to the next level and increases muscle mass for power lifter...
Wall sits, squats and lunges help build the muscles of your upper legs, especially the quadriceps, hamstrings and glutes. Once you have mastered the basic moves, you can add variations that intensify the difficulty, recruit mor...
...t periods. By doing so, you achieve a mythic balance—building muscular strength and improving cardio endurance at the same time. Through careful heart rate monitoring, you can get the most benefit from the time you sp...
...nto athletic greatness (think Michael Phelps’s wingspan), but rather earned it through self-motivation, goal-setting, and time management. Their stories show that the rewards of good health and fitness are not just mea...
Fitness experts often recommend you work your “core,” but what that actually means can be confusing to the average gym-goer. The core is made of the muscles around your trunk and pelvis, including your abdominals, l...
The Wii Fit is an accessory that hooks to the Wii video game system. To use it, you'll create an avatar that demonstrates jogging on the screen of your television as you follow along. Jogging is one activity that the Wii Fit wo...
Stretch before you exercise -- it's an oft-repeated maxim, but the benefits of stretching have not been conclusively proven. The goal of stretching is to prevent musculoskeletal injuries by making soft tissue structures, includ...
Running a longer distance and running for a longer period of time are two separate, though not necessarily opposing, goals. The term “point of muscle fatigue” means maintaining a certain speed until your fatigue beg...
Quarterbacks use both shoulders to throw a football. The front shoulder serves as a guide and helps ensure passes are accurate. The back shoulder moves and rotates while providing power when the quarterback releases the ball. K...
The scarecrow workout technique offers benefits for your arms, core and shoulders, and doesn't require any special equipment. Adding scarecrow exercises to your routine tones and strengthens your muscles while burning calories ...
The terms recreation specialist, recreation worker, fitness specialist and health and fitness specialist are often used interchangeably. In some organizations, the duties of a recreation specialist and fitness specialist may be...
Whether you want to build chest muscles to compete in bodybuilding events or you want to create a more athletic physique, certain exercises work well to add bulk to your chest. The key to seeing results in building chest size i...
The Smith machine overhead press works your shoulders and triceps. A hulking, expensive piece of equipment, the Smith machine is not available in every fitness facility or home gym. If your workout calls for Smith machine overh...
You have two large muscles in your chest: the pectoralis major and pectoralis minor. The pectoral muscles help you with daily lifting and pushing, and also activate when you rotate your arms and shoulders. There are a wide rang...
...els and bone loss. Regular exercise can help you cope with these symptoms, and if you’re already in shape when such changes occur, you'll easily find an exercise routine that suits you and your fitness level. As you co...
A handstand pop is a quick bounce off the hands while performing a fundamental handstand. Immediately after a gymnast's hands touch the ground to execute a handstand, she blocks off the floor to create a small pop before reachi...
The late Bruce Lee was an icon of fitness, discipline and intensity. Through his famous book, “The Art of the Human Body,” Lee explained how perfect repetition was the key to building a strong, unified body. Althoug...
You may find it easier to lose weight on a liquefied food diet, because of the simplicity of the meals. However, be careful to count your calories. Whether you eat them whole or liquefied, foods contain the same amount of calor...
Physiologists and coaches have long since recognized the importance of stretching. Most students recall a gym class lecture where their teacher equated the human muscle to chewing gum, explaining that it needed to be warmed up ...
Adding a stretching regimen to your fitness routine can help you gain flexibility, and over time, stretching can permanently increase your joints' range of motion. While stretching offers a number of physical benefits, overdoin...
Obesity is becoming one of the leading causes of death and a factor in the rise in heart disease and diabetes in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. With all the diet books and inform...
From the infamous Thighmaster to the downright peculiar Shake Weight, the fitness industry is saturated with products promising big results with little effort. Six-Pack abs in sixty seconds? Only in your dreams. Shoes that tone...
Balancing and maintaining your daily nutrition is a lifelong process that takes into account changes in your regular body needs and in your lifestyle. MayoClinic.com advises that a diet should not be restrictive, but should ins...
Getting in good physical shape requires aerobic exercise, strength training, stretching and flexibility exercises, and proper nutrition. Women have some special issues when it comes to fitness, such as exercising during pregnan...
...althy body is a happy body, and one of the best ways to stay healthy is to get plenty of exercise. Hiking is an economical way to increase your activity level, while offering a plethora of health benefits. Start slowly, espe...
Fitness balls, sometimes called stability or Swiss balls, were first used by physical therapists, but have become popular with home workout enthusiasts as well. Fitness balls lose air over time and require occasional re-inflati...
Yoga instructor Yamuna Zake created Yamuna Body Rolling, also called YBR. Yamuna body rolling combines elements of massage and stretching. In theory, it reduces restriction, improves range of motion and helps to preserve mobil...
Interference commonly results when two or more electronic devices are located within close proximity and their signals cross the same radio frequency. Certain features of your treadmill may operate on radio frequencies, such as...
Also known as straddle or side splits, horizontal splits require you to have your legs extended straight out on either side of your body. A full 180-degree split requires considerable flexibility from your adductor muscles loca...
Old age can bring with it some undesired developments. Your metabolism starts to slow down, making it easier to gain weight. Your skin's collagen levels decrease, leading to dull, loose skin. Joints stiffen and bones become wea...
... Routine. You lift weights, do some cardio and maybe add in yoga or stretching. For some, this regular, segmented approach works. For the rest of us: boor-ring. Here’s the good news: Several fitness enthusiasts -- i...
Fifth-graders who enjoy dance can benefit tremendously from the many benefits of ballet training. When performed regularly, ballet exercises build strength, increase flexibility, promote self-discipline and provide an emotional...
...exercise, such as a long run or a bout of heavy weightlifting, the right food can improve muscle recovery, help you avoid fatigue and prolonged soreness and help increase muscle mass, among other benefits. And because liquid...
Teens often want independence and time away from the family, but they still need a strong support system from their parents. Learning how to connect with your teen provides him with a sense of security as he tests his independe...
The foam roller is your friend. This simple and handy device can reduce muscle soreness, speed recovery, and even relieve stress. Taking a few minutes out of your day to roll out the knots in your muscles will help you train ha...
...strength training exercises, aerobic training aims to improve your overall cardiovascular endurance while burning calories. In response to regular aerobic training, the body exhibits a variety of benefits, such as improved a...
...on the rise in the United States, more Americans are turning to unconventional exercise routines to lose weight and build muscle. While some workouts are more unusual than others, three new trends in fitness appear exotic ne...
The handstand into a bridge is an important basic gymnastics skill that prepares you for front limbers, front walkovers and front handsprings. Before attempting to transition directly from a handstand to a bridge, you must be a...
Whether you've had good intentions about fitness that you've never followed through on, or simply don't like to work out, you'll discover that committing to an exercise routine doesn't require a huge upheaval of your life or sc...
Your core is your center of gravity and all movement begins there, according to Dr. Robert Donatelli in an article for SportsMD website. The core stabilizes the legs and mobilizes bones, allowing movement. A ballet dancer needs...
A knee contusion usually results from a blow to or fall on the knee. The knee is particularly vulnerable to contusions. In addition to the contusion, a knee injury may result in abrasions or skin tears, which are frequent in kn...
LIVESTRONG.com’s "One GREAT Answer" series takes your health and fitness questions to the world’s smartest experts.
Weight training with the same workout routine for too long creates the risk of hitting a plateau, the point at which your muscles adapt to the repetitive training stimulus and no longer produce the expected results. To avoid hi...
Add freshly filleted fish to your diet to increase your intake of lean proteins, while adding variety to your healthy nutrition plan. One average fillet of sablefish has a mere 46 calories, 5 grams of protein, 2 grams of fat an...
Inventor David Weck introduced the BOSU Balance Trainer to the fitness training market in 2000, and the device gained immediate popularity for its unique design. The BOSU, which stands for "Both Sides Utilized," featu...
They are foods of nostalgia, dreamt up in a marketing brainstorm, pushed onto an unsuspecting public, and loved briefly by the masses. Then without warning, they were ripped from our adoring clutches. Sure they were junk foods,...
Stretching is not just a chore that you need to get out of the way before exercising. Although experts disagree on the exact benefits of stretching, working your muscles before exercising can improve your flexibility and send b...
Open any fitness or fashion magazine and you'll see supplements, machines and diets promising to help you burn more fat. Regular exercise is one of the best ways to keep fit, but the variety of exercise methods can be daunting....
Boxers and mixed martial artists train with punching bags to improve their striking power and accuracy, yet anyone can reap the cardio benefits of such exercise. Punching bags provide a full-body workout, strengthening the musc...
...f you are inactive you will lose 3 percent to 8 percent of your muscle mass every 10 years, according to registered dietitian Cheryl Forberg. Although aerobic exercise is necessary for cardiovascular fitness, strength traini...
LIVESTRONG.com’s "One GREAT Answer" series takes your health and fitness questions to the world’s smartest experts.
Parkour involves movements that allow you to get around, over or beneath obstacles in your path. Because of the intensity of this style of exercise, your risk of injury is greater than traditional forms of exercise. At particul...
...ly as possible, the U.S, Navy devised the 8-count bodybuilder, a multi-part exercise that employs intense cardio with resistance training to promote weight loss, build lean muscle and improve overall fitness. The unique exer...
A German athlete named Joseph Pilates created the Pilates exercise method. Although some Pilates techniques use specialized equipment, many Pilates exercises require nothing other than an exercise mat. Holding muscular contract...
While you are more likely to see weightlifting belts than back braces at the gym, people use both for lumbar support. A back brace immobilizes your back muscles, typically necessary during recovery from an injury or surgery. Pe...
Compression pants, also called compression tights, are similar to bike shorts, but may improve your performance in some sports. Both items are available at sporting goods suppliers and some department stores. The product that w...
...ell-rounded workout by burning calories and toning the muscles in your legs, buttocks and back. Some of them, however, aren't safe, particularly for children. Several other products offer similar benefits but reduce the risk...
...e in 2009, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessibility and time constraints are two possible barriers you may experience in trying to keep a regular exercise routine. Having fitness equipment in you...
...der injuries often occur. Some sports medicine practitioners recommend taping your shoulder to prevent injury or to prevent aggravating an existing injury. Talk to your doctor about the possible benefits of taping your shou...
Our body parts must work together in harmony for us to walk, run, throw an object or lift things. Having one dysfunctional element can throw off the entire system. This is the theory of the kinetic chain -- a disruption in any ...
How you execute a dumbbell shrug, sometimes referred to as the shoulder shrug, determines whether you’re strengthening your trapezius muscles or risking an injury. A properly performed dumbbell shrug involves holding the ...
Yoga is a popular form of physical therapy in the United States, with 15 million practitioners in 2007, according to a study by the National Health Interview Survey. Iyengar is a yoga discipline that emphasizes precision and a...
The anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, is one the major ligaments that provides stability to the knee. Injury to the ACL commonly occurs during non-contact athletic movements that involve aggressive stopping or rapid changes o...
Not only is exercise possible when you have a paralyzed arm, it is recommended. Many doctors recommend specialized movements targeting your core as part of rehabilitation or treating disabilities. A safe but challenging core wo...
Dr. Edward Laskowski of Mayo Clinic credits lightweight resistance tubing as a tool that builds your overall muscle strength. He notes that lighter tubes tend to offer less resistance, while darker tubes increase the resistance...
You do not need resistance equipment, cardiovascular machines or barbells to get fit and strengthen your muscles. A simple set of dumbbells and a basic workout plan target your major muscle groups, building your mass or toning ...
Altering your view of standard free-weight training is the first step in transitioning to the CrossFit thruster. Working out with weights usually means choosing between lifting over your head, bench and leg pressing, deadliftin...
Of the six different types of joint action, one is joint rotation, in which the joint rotates about an axis. A good example of a joint rotation is when you move your arm in a large circle, either forward or back; the joint that...
Developed by the late Thomas Hanna, Hanna Somatic Education combines mental and muscle engagement. According to the principles of Somatic education, increasing muscle awareness helps your brain gain more muscle control, allowin...
Running, jogging and brisks walk are common physical activities. Hip movement gets you up and running, or walking, and hip flexors play key roles when you are on your feet. Hip flexors are activated during physical activity, an...
The turnout, a core component of ballet, starts with your hip rotation. Your turnout occurs when you rotate your hips forward, turning your inner thighs outward. Keeping your muscles in this turned-out position while dancing ma...
...th lighter dumbbells. Single leg deadlifts are typically done with lighter weights and target specific muscle groups in the legs and core. You can lift more using two legs, but there are physical benefits for each workout.
The muscle on the top of your leg or thigh is actually four different muscles. Collectively called the quadriceps muscles, or quads, these muscles include the vastus medialis, vastus intermedius and vastus lateralis, as well as...
You have a number of individual muscles and muscle groups in your legs; if you want your legs to look good, you need to exercise all of them. Firm legs are dependent on three characteristics: your skin must be tight, you should...
In the ancient art of yoga, backbends are said to improve flexibility, benefit the cardiovascular system and open the heart. One of the most advanced backbends is the standing bridge, also known as Chakrasana, upward bow or whe...
At the core of every yoga sequence is balance and flow. Movements must blend together to naturally engage your muscles while facilitating a rhythmic breathing pattern. The transition poses neutralize your body, preparing it for...
Call it the miracle move. It’s a simple motion that melts away pounds -fast. All of those hours you’ve spent jogging, biking, and stair-climbing aren’t anywhere near as effective as this one body-fat frying ex...
Endurance athletes are always looking for ways to improve performance. Adding more weight to your body would seem to make your body work harder during exercise so that your muscles and respiratory system becomes more efficient...
Whether you have bad wrists and hands from outside injuries or from doing yoga, you do not need to stop practicing yoga. Instead, modify your routine by doing poses that depend less on arm and wrist support. If you experience s...
If you have an injury or a disability, you can still exercise to lose weight. Although several factors affect the precise number of calories you will burn, including body weight and the intensity of exercise, aerobics is a good...
A healthy child should be able to run, jump and play. If your child can't fully straighten his leg, he may have problems kicking a ball or climbing a jungle gym or may experience pain when he's active. Problems with knee extens...
Dumbbells are invaluable if you're trying to build muscle and tone your arms and shoulders. These free weights are smaller versions of barbells, so you'll typically hold one in each hand while you exercise. Adding weights to yo...
...or alternating areas of the body you work, you can prevent boredom, improve your results and avoid hitting a plateau. Put some thought into your workouts before you begin each day to maximize the benefits you get from exercise.
Bluegills, along with crappies, sunfish and perch, are among a class of fresh-water fish known collectively as "panfish." This is due to the happy accident that their average adult size coincides nicely with the dimen...
Resistance bands are a low-cost, versatile workout option you can use to create bodybuilding, cardio and muscular endurance workouts. Depending on how tightly you wrap them, resistance bands help you build muscle, elevate your ...
Sit-ups help you strengthen core muscles and burn calories. Triangle sit-ups take the exercise to another level. Triangle sit-ups -- or V-ups -- are more difficult because they work the upper and lower abdominal muscles at the ...
Weightlifters and competitive athletes use boxes as integral parts of their training methods. Using boxes in different ways, you can improve your leg strength, speed and vertical leap. Use a box as part of a coordinated trainin...
... makes rock climbing more effective at helping you lose weight. In addition, a weighted vest makes your muscles work harder as you climb with additional pounds, maximizing the strength and toning benefits that rock climbing ...
If you're looking to shed a few extra pounds, or to just tone up, using an exercise ball is a great choice. An exercise ball challenges your muscles during a workout, which increases muscle firmness. Performing exercises on an...
When you're trying to strengthen your back, lat pulldowns are useful exercise but far from your only exercise option. To do a lat pulldown, which works the two latissimus dorsi muscles in the middle of your back, you must sit a...
Exercise is essential to your health. No one can deny this. But to reap the benefits of a workout, you want to reach your target heart rate. This number is estimated at 60 to 80 percent of your maximum heart rate, and you get y...
Testing the triceps — or any other muscle in the body, for that matter — is usually reserved for fitness professionals and rehabilitation specialists. When starting an exercise program, a personal trainer will use a...
Your back is made up of the upper, middle and lower section, but excess fat typically builds around the middle and lower areas, creating unsightly bulges near your waist and hips known as "love handles." Stretching an...
Jump squats (or explosive squats) target the big muscles in your thighs and rear. Strengthening these muscles can help strengthen your knees as well as tightening your thighs. Using the big muscles in your thighs can help burn ...
Rounded shoulder is a posture abnormality that occurs when your shoulder muscles gradually curve forward in a hunched-over position. Bench pressing, in addition to computer work and prolonged sitting, can contribute to your ro...
Leaning wall pushups are easy to do, require little physical effort and you can do them just about anywhere. Even better, leaning wall pushups add muscle tone to your upper and lower body. You use your own body weight to perfor...
During 25 years of training, I’ve seen pushups used in high school gym classes, the military, and dojos, often as a form of punishment. With good reason: Pushups are tough. While people at gyms spend lots of time on bench...
Physical Fitness is defined as a set of characteristics enhancing performance of physical activity and decreasing your risk of premature health concerns, according to the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. Your...
Pain in the heel of your hand may cause significant discomfort. Depending on the source of the injury, you may be unable to perform certain tasks without pain. Everyday tasks such as grasping an item or typing may become daunti...
A squat assessment can help determine ways to prevent injuries and to improve physical performance. During a squat, a trained appraiser notes the body's stability and mobility. The squat test has a high level of accuracy based ...
Swimming flippers are a type of footgear that mimics the natural shape and curvature of animal flippers. Like other fins, swimming flippers allow you to maximize the exercise benefits of swimming by increasing the resistance on...
There are several reasons you may have a gaunt face. The shape of your face could be hereditary or generated by weight loss. Lipodistrophy infers "loss of fat," and is a condition that can cause a gaunt facial appeara...
Originally used to train elite military operatives, CrossFit strength training employs a functional, whole-body approach, combining body-weight exercises, power lifting and stability resistance. Unlike traditional strength trai...
A balanced life creates contentment and satisfaction in professional and personal areas. Obtaining balance is an ongoing process that continually evolves as your professional life and home life develop. When your life is unbal...
Bikram yoga and ballet are two types of exercise that can offer a variety of aerobic and weight-loss benefits. Bikram yoga is an exercise routine that focuses on a specific sequence of yoga postures, while ballet is a performan...
Cyclists use a heart rate monitor to provide feedback about how hard they are working at any given time. Each effort level is divided into a heart rate zone and there are typically five of them. Whenever you are working below y...
Kettlebells have been around since the early 1700s, when they were used for physical fitness in Russia. They are still popular today, and you can work out with kettlebells without getting too bulked up. Kettlebells are made of ...
When it comes to embodying the physique of a character, some celebrity actors will stop at nothing to develop the body they need. From Hugh Jackman’s intensive workout for the character Wolverine to Gerard Butler’s ...
The idea that your blood type might dictate your optimal diet got a burst of popularity in the 1990s with the publication of "Eat Right for Your Type," a diet book by Peter J. D’Adamo, a naturopathic doctor. D'A...
Kids need to understand what muscles are, what they do and how they do it so they will understand how important it is for them to take care of their muscles and keep them strong. Even young children can learn basic information ...
Hip fractures are serious injuries that can result in significant pain and long-term disability. Individuals who want an intense cardiovascular workout without overstressing the joints often opt for elliptical training. In some...
Prompt treatment of a knee infection or injury can help you get back on your feet quickly and with few side effects. The knee provides relatively easy access for aspiration, according to the American Academy of Family Physician...
Standard Olympic weights have a 2-inch hole in the center that fits over the barbell, which is 2 inches in diameter. When not in use, storing your Olympic weights on a rack maintains their quality and keeps them in order, makin...
You’ll feel the burn in your gluteus maximus, or butt muscles when you perform a split leg deadlift. The exercise is designed to utilize the backs of your thighs and your derriere to lift weights from a static or “d...
Aquatic cardiac rehabilitation is a type of aerobic exercise program performed underwater. Generally recommended for patients suffering from joint surgery or rheumatological conditions, aquatic cardiac rehab can offer a gentle ...
If you want to get in shape but don't know where to start, you might consider hiring a personal trainer. Typically, personal trainers work in gyms, often one-on-one or with groups of two or three people. A personal trainer can ...
The Les Mills Body Attack fitness program combines basic aerobic movements with exercises to build strength and increase core stability. Every 55-minute workout is designed to accommodate anyone who is moderately fit, according...
Ballet fitness programs can help teens stay fit. fitness plans that incorporate ballet help improve balance, flexibility and strength, according to Peter Martins, author of "NYC Ballet Workout." The controlled movemen...
...e cardio involves changing the angle of your treadmill to simulate uphill walking or running, while sprinting involves quick, short bursts of speed. Incline and sprint training both offer significant fitness benefits, but ce...
... prevent a variety of health conditions, including obesity and heart disease. If you are concerned about losing muscle mass as you burn fat, interval training may provide you with the fat-burning benefits while also preservi...
The Crossfit training method, according to their official website, is known for having no limits. They do not adhere to any one training system, but incorporate them all to ensure that you increase your endurance and flexibilit...
LIVESTRONG.com’s "One GREAT Answer" series takes your health and fitness questions to the world’s smartest experts.
LIVESTRONG.com’s "One GREAT Answer" series takes your health and fitness questions to the world’s smartest experts.
The triceps -- the muscles on the back side of your upper arms -- are often neglected during workouts, as fitness enthusiasts tend to give the biceps center stage. However, strengthening and toning the triceps helps complete an...
No one can deny the benefits of exercise. Not only does regular physical activity keep you physically fit; it controls weight, combats disease, improves mood and boosts energy. But for some people, it can lead to gastrointestin...
Getting your certification through a nationally recognized organization is only your first step toward a career in fitness. Finding a job that uses your certification takes work, but positions are available if you know where t...
Pull-ups are one of the most satisfying exercises you can do. Being able to lift your entire body weight using only your arms is a sign that you're strong and fit, and the challenge of the workout means you'll see major results...
...ever, jumping into kettlebell training can be challenging, as the moves require impeccable form and considerable strength. Combining kettlebell training with training on weight machines can offer benefits to beginners and ad...
The quad muscles are one of the main muscle groups that support the knee. Not only do they help to stabilize the knee, but they also increase control over knee movement, enabling you to flex your knee more efficiently without i...
Though we're aware of the benefits of exercise, our minds can come up with a host of rationalizations to avoid it, and have us envisioning a half-hour workout as torture. Even fitness buffs have mornings when they just want to ...
...re prone to injury with rapid movement. Making these muscles more flexible helps prevent injury and increases the longevity and productivity of your workout. Stair climbing yields several health benefits, but it isn't ideal...
...wo exercises one after the other. When designing your routine, you must choose if you would like to work the same muscle groups or train opposing muscles in the supersets. Both options have their benefits to physical conditi...
Strength training only gets more important as you get older. For most people, starting a kettlebell routine at 60 will be more challenging than it would be at 20, but the benefits of working with these weights will often outwei...
...ng in height from 7.5 feet to 4.9 feet, the uneven bars allow kids to perform a variety of different swings, handstands and rotations. Since most uneven bar maneuvers require a high level of physical fitness, many kids requi...
With all the hard work and sweat you put into sit-ups, it's understandably frustrating if it seems your belly is sticking out as you exercise. Determining the cause of your protruding muscles can be tricky, but paying attention...
No matter your age, exercising regularly is an important component of staying healthy. It increases the chances of living longer, improves your immune system and increases the strength of your heart. Exercise machines provide s...
Adding exercises to your daily routine that fit your lifestyle makes it easier to develop a workout plan that works for you, even if you don't like exercising. Simple activities, such as a brisk walk around the block or exercis...
Kettlebells can be an effective fitness tool to provide a welcome change from the typical routine of jogging and dumbbells. Kettlebell training can challenge your body differently even from other forms of resistance training. A...
Many athletes and gym rats know to stretch their muscles before exercising, but some muscle groups -- such as those found along the outer arm -- are easy to forget. A muscle strain in your outer arm may make simple daily tasks ...
An inguinal hernia occurs when internal soft tissue, usually part of the large intestine, protrudes through a small tear in the lower abdominal wall underneath your skin. Inguinal hernias often cause a noticeable bulge and lowe...
Crooked, bumpy and painful toes are not normal and may represent symptoms of a bunion. Bunions or bone calluses most commonly form on the large joint of the big toe and are often very painful to walk on or even to touch. When c...
The Smolov squat routine, a powerlifting program, was created by Russian Master of Sports Sergey Smolov. The program became popular after former Soviet Special Forces instructor Pavel Tsatsouline published the routine in a 2001...
Few things mark a special occasion more indelibly than a specially decorated cake. Professional cake decorators can create startlingly realistic representations of almost anything with cakes, icing, fondant and other sugar prod...
...ingle dumbbell raise is an exercise that effectively tones the muscles along the backs of your arms. It is usually performed one arm at a time for a focused and isolated exercise. To receive full benefits from the movement, ...
When exercising for long periods of time in warm, humid weather or in high altitudes, you can easily become dehydrated. Failing to replace the fluids you lose through sweat by drinking a sufficient amount of water or fluid lead...
Exactly how much of a particular weightlifting exercise you actually do with your arms depends largely on the specific technique for that exercise. Many lifts, such as shoulder press or curls, rely primarily on your arms; howev...
Hip tendinitis is a condition that may respond well to pool workouts. The condition often causes hip pain, muscle tension, decreased range of motion and weakness that could interfere with your daily activities. Exercise is gene...
... hip muscles. The pose, called Eka Pada Sirsasana, or Foot-Behind-the-Head pose, is an advanced one and isn't right for all people. However, if you are able to perform the pose, it offers several benefits to your muscles. Ta...
Proponents of elevation training, an exercise technique conducted at high altitudes, claim that exercising in a low-oxygen environment can improve athletic performance by increasing the delivery of oxygen to your muscles. In re...
... to the bottom of the pyramid. Pyramid workouts are useful for building strength and endurance and can incorporate any type of exercise. Chin-ups work various muscle groups, and once you know the benefits of a pyramid workou...
Elbow conditions that result in pain and grip weakness can interfere with day-to-day functioning. Troublesome conditions such as arthritis, bursitis, tennis elbow and tendinitis are often painful, and can affect range of motion...
...rating variety into your workout routine prevents your body from adapting, which slows results over time, according to Columbia University. Changing things up every couple of weeks optimizes your beneFits. CrossFit is a trai...
Your hamstrings are the main muscles involved in the extension and contraction of your legs. Developing strong hamstring muscles is crucial for increasing athletic performance and avoiding injuries. Performing specific exercise...
With over 50 million cases per year, headaches are the most common illness in the United States, according to the University of South Florida. Most headaches are not serious and are related to stress, lack of sleep, alcohol or ...
Athletes who specialize in the long jump, often referred to as "jumpers," use a combination of power training, circuit training and weight training to make their jumping explosive and powerful. As a jumper, strengthen...
Comeback hurdles, unlike the more traditional hurdles used in many track and field events, are a fitness tool designed to help you develop your agility and cardiovascular conditioning. Generally standing only about 18 inches ta...
A hysterectomy is surgery performed to treat conditions such as female reproductive organ cancers, abnormal bleeding, fibroids, endometriosis and pelvic pain. Your doctor may use an abdominal or vaginal incision, or a laparosco...
Your body produces lactic acid, or lactate, in the absence of enough oxygen to convert glucose to energy. As your level of intensity increases, so do your levels of lactic acid. The muscle fatigue and pain that accompany lactic...
Some women are genetically blessed with an hourglass shape with a slim waist. However, many need a little extra help to trim their waists. Strength training exercises for your upper and lower body can make your waist appear sli...
A well-balanced fitness regimen includes exercises from all three planes of movement. The "sagittal plane" describes exercises with a forward-and-backward movement, such as lunges or bicep curls. Exercises in the &quo...
Diet, exercise and adequate rest are all important components of physical fitness. But not all exercises are equal; some will work better than others for certain goals. If you are training for general health and fitness, both w...
Tendons, thick fibrous cords, attach muscles to bone. Overuse of a joint, such as the elbow, can irritate a nearby tendon resulting in inflammation and pain, a condition called tendinitis. Baking soda dosing before strenuous e...
Tight hip rotators can place unnecessary stress on the joint between your pelvis and sacrum known as the sacroiliac joint. Over time, this stress can adversely affect your spine, causing back pain and spine problems. Keeping yo...
A bench press takes incredible strength as you hoist a bar with heavy weights on each end up over your chest. To do proper bench presses, strong stabilizer muscles are necessary to help prevent injury and to help you get an eff...
The pull-press-squat training program, also referred to as the PPS Method, was developed by Strongman champion Steve Pulcinella to prepare for the Strongman competitions. The PPS Method involves executing some form of a pull, p...
Warmups are an essential component of injury prevention. Before learning or performing dances, children must adequately warm up all areas of their bodies, not just their legs and feet. Neck warmups are particularly important be...
Herniated disks are a common cause of neck pain, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; they may also cause headaches and weakness in one arm. Impact or repetitive stress can cause a disk to go bad, or ruptu...
A single-leg deadlift is an intense exercise that strengthens your glutes, lower back and hamstrings. Lifting weight with one arm during the single-leg deadlift further challenges your muscles, forcing them to engage for balanc...
... attach to the same neuron receptors as morphine and heroin. "The act of training together and sweating, mixed with your endorphins, gives you a kind of high," says Ashley Borden, celebrity fitness coach and lifest...
Protein powders are an ideal supplement that can help you develop the lean muscle required to compete. While protein powders come in many varieties, whey protein powders tend to contain the most protein at 25 grams per serving,...
Exercise physiology and kinesiology are two similar but distinct fields of study. Both fields are associated with exercise and performance. Kinesiology, however, focuses on movement in particular. The two are often confused bec...
