Pilates is an exercise system designed to increase abdominal, back and hip flexibility, strength and power. Developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 1900s and originally called "Contrology," Pilates combines elements from both Eastern and Western...
Kettlebells are forged iron, cannonball-shaped weights with an attached handle on the top. The kettlebells are available in weights ranging from 10 pounds to 106 pounds, and exercise routines can involve one or two kettlebells. During a kettlebell...
Exercise balls are large--typically 55 cm to 75 cm--inflated balls. These balls can be used for a variety of exercises, adding intensity to a strength-training and body-sculpting workout. The key to weight loss is simple: burn more calories than...
Exercise balls were first created and used for physical rehabilitation in Switzerland and are often still referred to as Swiss balls. Over the years, the benefits of exercise balls have become well known, and they are now used by chiropractors,...
In the modernized method of Pilates, you have the option of using a ball for some of the exercises. There are two types of balls that can be used: a larger stability ball or a smaller ball, which is sometimes called a Bender ball. Depending on the...
Your legs and buttocks work together to perform a variety of movement patterns, such as you running, squatting, kicking and jumping. In reality, they rarely move independently of each other. Therefore, some of the best exercise routines are those...
With over 100 types of arthritis, one out of every seven Americans suffers from the disease, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Arthritis, characterized by inflammation of a joint or joints in your body, produces pain,...
Posture is the position in which you hold your body upright--against gravity--while standing, lying or sitting. The Cleveland Clinic states that maintaining good posture will allow you to stand, sit, move and lie down with the least strain on your...
Blood pressure is measured in two parts: resting, or systolic, and active, or diastolic readings. These readings allow you to understand how fast blood is circulated by the heart to the rest of your body. During exercise, blood pressure does...
Tummy fat is different from other fat deposits in the body, because it is associated with an increased risk of serious illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and some types of cancer. In addition, fat around the tummy can stop you from...
Whether in the gym or on the hills, cycling can help you lose weight, get your heart healthy and tone your entire body. Biking also helps keep you mentally fit, as it helps reduce stress and depression as well as promote confidence. In addition,...
Motherhood comes with its own challenges, and one of those is weight management. Whether a woman has given birth recently and wants to get back to her prepregnancy weight, or has had several children and is just getting back in shape, trainers and...
If you're tired of your fitness routine and you want to work some new moves, try a few exercises on a slide board. Slide boards are used by athletes who want stronger lateral moves, better balance, sport-specific exercises and a serious cardio...
Elastic cords also go by the names "rubber tubing" or "resistance tubes." These fitness tools come in multiple colors and they each have a specific resistance to match. The resistance levels are extra light, light, medium, heavy and even extra...
Many of the lifestyle-related habits you adopt have an influence on your longevity and quality of life. Fitness and exercise are commonly accepted as a general way in which you can maintain your health as you age. The theory that calorie...
Your daily routine should include at least 30 minutes of physical activity, according to MayoClinic.com. Increase your activity level with a structured weight loss routine if you want to slim down. You don't need to sign up for an expensive gym...
The abdominal muscles have a great deal of sex appeal in modern America. It seems everyone wants a "ripped six pack." There are entire books written on how to develop a good-looking abdominal region, but most make it far more complicated than it...
Hyperopia, or farsightedness, is generally an inherited condition. It is characterized by the eye being too short from front to back. People who are farsighted tend to have difficulty focusing on objects up close. The condition can also cause...
Whether you are starting a new exercise regimen or you're a seasoned expert, charting your progress helps keep track of the type of workout you do, the length or intensity and other exercise habits. You can make realistic goals and track your...
Personal trainers work with clients, individually or in small groups, to help them reach fitness and wellness goals. They can go to the client's home or work at gyms. Personal trainers show their clients the correct and safe way to perform...
Walking is a form of aerobic exercise. Aerobic activity is one of the best exercises for burning calories. Walking provides very light aerobic exercise, so weight loss comes slowly, but walking is a good complement for other exercises. Daily...
Weight loss as a goal should be a combination of both exercise and diet. The diet needs to consist of low-fat foods while exercise should consist of movement to increase the body's metabolism. Increasing the body's metabolism means speeding up...
You don't need to spend countless hours at the gym or work out on multiple pieces of equipment to achieve a full body workout. Many forms of exercise as well as physical activities and workout equipment work your entire body all at the same time....
If your neck often aches, you have headaches or your back feels tired, you might consider improving your posture. Maybe you just want to enjoy the benefits of a better stance: feeling alert, supple and energetic. According to PosturePress.com,...
Swimmers, especially those competing in school, college or professional arenas, need to train in many ways. Of course, they need to train and practice swimming in the water, but they also need to perform other exercise and training routines out of...
Swimming is a low-impact exercise that, when performed correctly, can provide aerobic benefits that lead to weight loss, according to U.S. Masters Swimming. Swimming is particularly effective for the obese who may suffer from a host of medical...
You probably think jumping rope is just an activity for children, but it can actually be a great exercise for adults as well. Including jump rope exercises in your workouts can help improve the strength in your arms and legs as well as help...
Hot sex isn't just for club-hopping twenty-somethings. Men and women over 40 can increase the quantity and quality of their trysts by making a few changes to different aspects of their lives. Sexual desire doesn't diminish once we hit our 40s,...
Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness and tenderness in the joints--often in the big toe. Attacks generally last three to 10 days, followed by pain-free periods before the next flare-up...
Thigh lifts combine aspects of other Pilates exercises while concentrating on the thigh area. Learn how to do thigh lifts in your exercise routine with this Pilates video lesson.
