The stomach has a long band of muscle that runs from the chest to pelvis called the rectus abdominis. Sheaths of muscle known as the obliques are located on the sides of the stomach. You can do exercises to target these specific areas and more...
Bicycle training for a triathlon should begin with a variety of general fitness exercises, moving to a more race-like training regimen as you approach your competition. You can use an exercise bike, road bike or both to improve your cardiovascular...
Regular exercise is the best way to prevent lower back pain, but you shouldn't exercise while you have severe back pain, according to "Low Back Pain," a report by The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. After your pain has become less intense,...
Circuit training is an option for men who may not seek to build a lot of muscle mass through their workouts, but want to get into better shape while toning their muscles and improving their endurance, functional strength and coordination. Unlike...
Group fitness classes can be found in most of today's gyms. To successfully put together your own group exercise routine, you have to consider numerous factors, such as which people would benefit from your expertise. And you want to create a...
Dumbbells are free to move in any plane of motion. This inherent instability is to your benefit because it forces your muscles to work together, instead of in isolation, as you lift the weights. But that freedom to move can also be a liability....
Medicine balls are cost-efficient workout tools that help increase overall fitness levels. The concept of medicine balls has existed from ancient Perisa and Greece, according to AOK Health. They come in a variety of weights and are suitable for...
Weight loss may seem like a daunting task. Trimming, especially of the tummy, is an uphill task for many. The dream of sporting rock-hard abs for males and a flat, slim tummy for females is the ultimate goal for vigorous exercise regimes. Before...
The medicine ball has been used as a training tool for over 3000 years. Soldiers used it for strength, conditioning and endurance training. Greeks used it for rehabilitation exercises and general fitness. Doctors have been touting their use in...
Cricket involves three main skills -- bowling, batting and fielding. Each has its own mental and physical demands. However, all three require good balance, concentration and sudden bursts of pace. Cricket games can last for up to five days, so you...
Exercise balls are also called stability balls, sports balls or Swiss balls. They are inflatable balls made from vinyl and come in a variety of sizes, but typically average about two feet in diameter. Originally used for physical therapy programs,...
Resistance training helps you build muscle and tone your legs. In addition, the training helps you burn body fat, increases your metabolism and helps you manage chronic conditions, according to the Mayo Clinic. You should perform exercises that...
Push-ups, weightlifting and mile runs are all helpful for general sports fitness, but you can do more specialized exercises when getting ready for soccer season. The key to creating a soccer-specific training program is to include different...
Muscles are comprised of many individual fibers, in much the same way a rope is. When these fibers are stimulated, the muscle contracts. If there is a force acting in opposition, such as a weight, the fibers stretch, increasing tension. Different...
Hyperextensions draw the posterior surface of your spinal bones and pelvic bones toward each other. The muscles of your spine, pelvis and lower back work together to perform hyperextension exercises whether you do them on the floor, a machine, an...
A strong, healthy heart and lungs are important for quality of life. To keep these vital organs in optimum working order, include aerobic exercises -- also known as cardio -- in your general fitness regime. There are a wide range of possible...
A pushup is an effective strength training exercise used by both military personnel and those interested in improving their general fitness. The exercise develops the upper body and can be done nearly anywhere with no additional equipment. All...
Fitness expert Jack LaLanne, who is known for his amazing physique and well-defined muscles, including his pectorals, set a world record by doing 1,000 push-ups in 23 minutes. According to a March 2008 article in "The New York Times," Mr. LaLanne...
The tread climber is relatively new on the exercise equipment landscape combining two classic pieces of workout gear, the stair climber and treadmill into a single machine giving the user the best of both. Whether that goal has been met by the...
Pull-ups and chin-ups have more similarities than differences. They are both compound, body-weight exercises that target the back muscles. The differences between these two exercises are subtle and involve the grip used and the muscles emphasized...
Stability balls are fast becoming a staple in home gyms. These exercise balls range in size from 45 to 75cm. The correct size depends upon the user's height. Stability balls were invented in Europe by physical therapists to help patients...
Weight training is a popular form of exercise that offers various physiological benefits. Regular weight training workouts can enhance your muscle tone, increase strength, improve bone density and strengthen your joints. You can apply a variety of...
According to the UC Berkley Wellness Letter, weight training at home offers a number of benefits for men and women of all ages, including stronger muscles, lower cholesterol levels and a reduced risk of injury in other activities. If you are using...
Sciatica occurs when there is pressure or damage to the sciatic nerve, and it can cause pain, weakness, numbness or tingling in the leg. The sciatic nerve starts in the spine and runs down each leg. Sciatica is not a condition in and of itself;...
Whether training for sport or for general fitness, you should conduct exercises that are compound and functional in nature. Compound exercises are defined as movements that require more than one joint and one muscle group. Compound exercises help...
Cortisol is a naturally occurring hormone that is produced in response to stress. The production of cortisol can lead to the amassing of fat around the middle of the body, resulting in the accumulation of unattractive, loose belly fat. Exercises...
If working out used to be accompanied by pain afterward, the discomfort could be related to any of several causes. Your nutrition and hydration levels may have improved, as well as your form during exercises and your general fitness. As long as...
Physio balls, also known as core balls or fitness balls, are rubber spheres used in exercise and physical rehabilitation workouts. Physio balls have been used to improve the strength and balance of patients suffering from various conditions,...
Stability balls challenge your core muscles to keep your body steady against the ball’s inherent instability. Once used primarily in physical therapy clinics, stability balls have become widely popular as aids for sports training and general...