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They say that showing up (or, in this case, putting it in writing) is half the battle—so for that, congrats on a big first step. Now, for your question: Science says that at 40 you are definitely not too old to benefit from a regular exercise routine. Great news, right?…
Tour companies are offering new and unique ways to explore formerly forbidden countries. So what's the catch?
As unappetizing as they might be, those slimy packets of quasi-liquid goo exist for a reason: They’re a quick, portable, and relatively efficient way for runners to take in and digest calories and much-needed electrolytes that are lost during exercise. Different brands come in many different flavors and viscosities—some sweeter…
A favorite beverage of many athletes, trainers, and nutritionists, juice made from tart or “sour” cherries (the kind you use to make cherry pie) has been shown to reduce inflammation and ease muscles soreness after strenuous workouts. But that’s not the only reason you might want to…
When it comes to performance anxiety, fitness competitions can be a lot like taking the SATs or giving an important speech. And yes, over-thinking or stressing about them beforehand can, indeed, cause you to “choke,” according to a study presented last week at the British Psychological Society’s…
That depends how many fish sandwiches you’re eating, says sports nutritionist Lisa Dorfman, RD, CSSD. But aside from mercury levels and other contaminants, there are plenty of other reasons to choose something other than fast-food seafood when you’re out and about. First, the good news: Fast-food sandwiches…
The stopwatch is a big part of CrossFit and other “functional fitness” circuit-training programs: Timed workouts (and WODs, in CrossFit speak) allow athletes to measure their performance against fellow gym-members and their own previous sets. But there’s a time and place for the stopwatch, most experts say, and it’s not…
It seems like every few months, new research comes out heralding a certain type of protein for people trying to build muscle or lose weight. For example, a study published this month found that whey protein provided “body composition benefits” when used in conjunction with resistance exercise.
If you’re looking for an excuse to hit the massage table more frequently (or to justify the expense if you’re already doing it), you’re in luck. A recent study from the University of Illinois at Chicago backs up what we’ve long suspected: Massage therapy…
Drugs that affect hormones have the potential to cause all kinds of screwy side effects in the body—but fortunately, there’s not much evidence that medications like birth control or antidepressants will slow you down on the track or impede your progress in the gym. In fact, some research shows…
Obviously, training off-road is the best way to get yourself ready for a trail race. But if you’re limited to your urban surroundings, says Colorado-based running and wellness coach Elinor Fish, it’s not critical. First, consider the race course: “Will it be rocky, rooty,…
Ah, lucky number seven: You’re referring, of course, to a recent British study in which people who ate the most fruit and vegetables on a daily basis (seven or more portions, as defined by the UK’s Department of Health portion sizes) had a 42 percent reduced risk…
Running and triathlon coach Brett Stewart gets this one from clients a lot: Between races that sell out months in advance and things that get in the way of training—like injuries, travel, and plain old busy schedules—it’s not uncommon for athletes to show up on race day…
Officially, there is no recommended diet or magic food to protect against osteoarthritis, a condition that affects nearly 27 million Americans 25 and older. (Women and obese people seem to be most affected, but previous joint injuries and repetitive use from sports may also increase your risk.) However, a…
Sorry, night owls. Regardless of whether you feel fine during the day, consistently losing out on sleep can have serious consequences to your health and well-being. Case in point: A Chinese study published last week revealed that 18- to 34-year-olds insomniacs are eight times more likely…
It depends what you’re looking to achieve with your planks, says personal trainer and strength coach Jay Wright, owner of The Wright Fit fitness facilities in New York City and San Francisco’s brand-new NEMA community—and, ultimately, which type you’re able to do most comfortably and correctly.
So you want to train for a marathon, but all your wife can think about are those stories of supposedly healthy people having heart attacks during their races, right? Tell her she’s sweet to be concerned, but that embarking on a 26.2-mile journey will likely benefit…
In a word, no. Many people believe that drinking cold water burns more calories than room-temperature water—and while that may be technically true, the difference in calorie burn is minuscule, at best. “The hypothesis is that if you drink cold water, the body has to warm it up…
We’ve tackled this topic before, but new research suggests that it’s time to revisit the age-old question: If you’re going to do both, should you lift before running? Or run before lifting? Back in 2012, we reported that a short, moderate-intensity cardio workout before weight training…
You can’t win, can you: It’s finally warm enough to enjoy outdoor exercise, but now you’re inundated with itchy eyes, a runny nose, and sneezing fits that feel like a workout in themselves. Luckily, there’s plenty you can do to reduce your misery and feel like yourself again.
You may feel fine hitting the trail or gym after one or two drinks—heck, you may feel great—but there's more going on in your body than you probably realize. “Some research has shown that small amounts of alcohol actually increase muscular endurance and strength output—but these benefits are very short-lived,”…
In one sense, SCUBA diving seems like incredible exercise: You strap 70-some pounds to your body, swim for an hour or so, then haul yourself back up a ladder and onto your boat. Most divers, though, will admit they’re not doing all that much, fitness-wise, while they’re down there.
Scientists have known for years that rates of hypertension are higher in the winter and in countries farther from the equator, but they haven’t known why—until now. A new study from the universities of Southampton and Edinburgh suggests that exposure to sunlight plays a large role, by…
There’s at least one potential benefit to extreme winter weather: Shivering appears to torch significant calories by converting energy-storing white fat to energy-burning brown fat. In a recent study, National Institutes of Health investigators subjected volunteers to various environments (including some really cold ones) and found that…
Suetonius’ The Twelve Caesars states that Claudius intended to pass a law “‘allowing to all people the liberty of giving vent at table to any distention occasioned by flatulence,’ upon hearing of a person whose modesty, when under restraint, had nearly cost him his life.” Modern day…
Belly bulge afflicts even the most active people around the holidays, but there's a proven way to defeat it.
Is your regular workout really working? We looked at some of the most popular in-the-gym moves, and found more effective ways to get you conditioned for real life.
Protein powders, fortified beverages, and wholesome-sounding snacks may seem like the best way to fuel your body, but the sports nutrition business also has a not-so-healthy side.
These healthy eats can help you build strength, sustain energy, and recover faster
I know I need to drink plenty of water when I’m working out in the heat and sweating up a storm, but when I exercise outside in the winter I don’t sweat as much or get as thirsty. Is it still important to stay hydrated in frigid temps?
My buddies and I are training for a race together, and the other day we got on the topic of pre-sporting event sex. Some of the guys swear it can have a negative impact on race-day performance; I say it helps calm my nerves. Who’s right?
Is it just me, or have there been a lot of bike accidents in the news lately? I know it’s impossible to steer clear of all possible dangers, but what are some ways I can stay safe while sharing the road with cars?
Signing up to run a race in a warm, tropical climate seems like a fun way to travel and beat the winter blues—but I’d have to train here, where I live, in the cold. Should I worry about the temperature difference, and how can I make the adjustment easier?
My gym has one of those vibration machines that’s supposed to help you lose weight by standing on it. Do these things really work—and are they safe?
I’ve heard a lot about how exercise can help me live longer, but does it matter what type of exercise I do?
If I want to drop pounds in the new year, should I focus more on cardio conditioning or strength training?
I want this to be the year that I finally get in shape and stay in shape—but I say that every year. How can I actually make my resolutions stick for once?