Fitness

Jan 18th, 2021 - If you're lacking motivation to exercise as the pandemic days seem to blur into one, research suggests you should switch up your workout routine. People who try two or more different workouts throughout the month are more likely to reach their physical activity goals, according to a study out of NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing. The key to getting adequate exercise (which, for adults means to 150-300 minutes a week of moderate-intensity , or 75-150 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity) is having variety in your routine, the study authors found. Researchers found ... [Read More]

Jan 18th, 2021 - Whether you're striding into the new year resolved to up your daily step count or keen to lift some weights, you might want to think about adding some stretching to your day, too. New research suggests that stretching might be more effective than brisk walking at lowering high blood pressure for people with hypertension . "Everyone thinks that stretching is just about stretching your muscles," said Phil Chilibeck, who studies biomechanics and human movement (kinesiology) at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Canada. "But when you stretch your muscles, you're also stretching all the ... [Read More]

Jan 18th, 2021 - Welcome to mbg moves ! We've been working out at home more than ever lately—and we know our readers are, too. To help keep your fitness routine feeling fresh, we're releasing a new at-home workout every Monday, to start your week off strong. Each month will feature routines from a different incredible trainer we adore. Now, let's get moving with our spotlight trainer: Dino Malvone . When you think of a core workout, you may picture endless crunches and situps. Well, not today. I've created a quick 8-minute core-focused routine for mbg moves that prioritizes core stability —meaning we're ... [Read More]

Jan 17th, 2021 - Not only is walking a great form of exercise for weight loss , better heart health and improved mood , but it’s also a cross-training secret weapon . To stick with a daily walking habit , it pays to be flexible. This mix-and-match plan lets you choose which type of walk you want to do and when, giving you more freedom to fit your schedule and variety to keep things exciting . These basic guidelines can be used to structure your weekly plan and are easily adaptable for all levels and preferences. For example, if you’re feeling extra energetic, push yourself with an interval walk . If ... [Read More]

Jan 17th, 2021 - (CNN) Contrary to popular belief, yoga isn't just for the super flexible. However, trying to complete moves that are out of your comfort zone can be frustrating. There are plenty of people who suffer from this same feeling of discouragement, so you're not alone. That's why it's important to explore the alternatives to difficult poses and remember that there are always ways to modify yoga poses to develop your flexibility. Flexibility is essential in our everyday lives. Whether it's bending down to grab something we dropped or stretching out our arms to reach another object, we all need a ... [Read More]

Jan 16th, 2021 - You can do these four moves anywhere If you’re not into running or bike riding, you may think your cardio options are limited. But this cardio for beginners workout will help you get your heart rate up—and you can do it right in your living room. When you think of cardio workouts, you probably think of the steady-state options, like going for a jog, a walk, or even hopping on an elliptical. But exercises you probably associate more with strength training , like certain kinds of squats , can actually be used to create a workout that’ll really challenge you cardiovascularly, too. It all ... [Read More]

Jan 15th, 2021 - You might be surprised what you can do with a couple of dumbbells. These classic fitness tools aren't just made for bicep curls and overhead presses; you can work your whole body with two weights as long as you have the right routine, and that's where we come in. This 45-minute dumbbell strength workout from ISSA-certified personal trainer and AFAA-certified group fitness instructor Ashley Chapman, who trains clients on the Bright App , incorporates 10 different exercises with the goal of hitting every major muscle group in the body. You'll notice that these are all compound moves, meaning ... [Read More]

Jan 15th, 2021 - When you wake up—after you’ve hit snooze one too many times but before you grab your phone to scan through emails —take the time to do something good for your body. Morning stretches are usually never top of anyone’s list, but what if we said you didn’t have to get out of bed. These morning stretches can all be done lying down…and still half asleep. A regimen like this can serve as a pre-workout warmup or a wake-up ritual to prime your body for a day spent at your desk. Stretching sets a positive tone for the day by resetting posture, getting blood flowing, and giving you a ... [Read More]

Jan 15th, 2021 - Doing a strength-training session like this lower-body dumbbell workout from ACE-certified personal trainer Nicci Robinson helps to build lean muscle and aids in the fat-burning process . This specific workout increases fat burn, Robinson told POPSUGAR, due to the cardio output, since it's broken up into circuits where you'll be completing exercises back to back with little rest in between. Additionally, using dumbbells as resistance will help "create tension to break down muscle," the Fit Body app trainer explained, which will ultimately build back up as lean mass . This of course, depends ... [Read More]

Jan 15th, 2021 - Try these upper body exercises , from push-ups to dumbbell bicep curls, to strengthen your arms and safeguard your health. The importance of strong arms Look, strong arms are appealing—whether you’re wearing a tank top or a slick suit, well-muscled shoulders and biceps are sure to turn heads. But you shouldn’t strength-train your arms just for the benefit of looking your best. A well-muscled upper body is key to making everyday life a little easier. Whether you’re tasked with picking up a child or putting away groceries on a high shelf, the muscles of your back, chest, shoulders, ... [Read More]

Jan 14th, 2021 - Your Shoulders and Abs Will Love the V-Sit Halo Level up the classic shoulder halo movement by challenging your core to stay on, no matter what. The shoulder halo is one of the most underrated ways you can train your delts, taking your shoulders through a vast range of motion and challenging them to move from a variety of angles. But it's easy to get the halo wrong, too. If your abs relax for even a few seconds, it can cost you the shoulder tension that you crave, and take emphasis off the muscle you're training. Thankfully, there's a fix for that, says Men's Health fitness director Ebenezer ... [Read More]

Jan 14th, 2021 - When it comes to strengthening the body, training your balance, and improving overall stability—bird dog is one exercise every trainer swears by. That's because this bodyweight, low-impact fitness move engages your entire core (think abs, back, glutes, and more), plus it puts your upper and lower body to work, too. Here's how to do this quintessential exercise, as demonstrated by certified Pilates instructor Helen Phelan . How to do bird dog: Get on all fours, and place shins flat on the ground. Release your shoulder blades away from your ears. Exhale as you reach your right arm and left ... [Read More]