Exercise & Fitness Archive

Articles

Easy exercises to shore up your core

Strong core muscles—those in the abdomen, back, sides, pelvis, hips, and buttocks—support cardiovascular health by helping people stay active. Easy core exercises include chair stands, standing leg lifts, and walk-and-carry exercises. The latter are especially helpful because they strengthen many muscles at the same time and simulate real-life activities such as carrying groceries or a laundry basket.

Yoga for weight loss: Benefits beyond burning calories

Obesity is a complex disease, and many factors contribute to weight gain and hinder efforts to lose weight. There is no single solution to weight loss, but there is good research that yoga may help manage stress, improve mood, curb emotional eating, and create a community of support, all of which can help with weight loss and maintenance.

How to stay strong and coordinated as you age

Many physical abilities decline with age, along with changes that occur in coordinating the movements of the body. One of the most significant causes of this decline is reduced physical activity. In fact, as people age it becomes even more important to exercise regularly, and regular activity can help improve strength and coordination.

Skin in the game: Common skin problems and solutions for men

Dry skin and athlete's foot affect many men. There are several treatment options for both conditions, and steps you can take to prevent them from occurring or returning.

Working out your brain

Cardio exercise has been convincingly linked to less cognitive decline and may even improve cognitive functioning. Research suggests it can strengthen the heart, promote arterial health, improve blood flow to the brain, fight inflammation, and increase key chemicals that promote new brain cell growth. The type of exercise does not matter, but cardio that is both physically challenging and offers mental stimulation is ideal.

High-intensity exercise and your heart

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) may improve fitness faster because people exercise harder rather than longer. HIIT features short bursts of high-intensity exercise (usually lasting one to four minutes) interspersed with periods of lower-intensity activity or rest. People who are older or who have heart disease should check with their doctors before trying HIIT. HIIT may produce equal or greater improvements in blood pressure and blood sugar compared with moderate-intensity exercise. But in terms of longevity, both exercise strategies seem to be equally beneficial.

Exercising safely with hearing or vision impairment

Certain adjustments can help someone with vision or hearing problems to exercise safely. For example, it may help to take a buddy on a walk, someone who can act as an extra set of eyes and ears. Stand in the front of an exercise class for a better view and a better chance to hear instructions. And it may help to get additional equipment, such as prescription sports glasses or a remote microphone for a hearing aid.

Age and muscle loss

As the years pass, muscle mass in the body generally shrinks, and strength and power decline. The pro­cess begins earlier than you might think.

Exercise challenge: Part 3

Incorporating strength-building exercises into a workout routine can help people retain independence as they age. Exercises should work a combination of muscles. One good combination is as burpees, plank with arm extension, and crossed-legged low squats to eventually standing up from sitting on the ground without using the arms. In addition to helping people maintain independence, strength training can also improve balance and help people achieve a healthy weight.

Finding balance: 3 simple exercises to steady your steps

Being able to maintain balance is crucial to performing everyday activities. As people get older, systems in the body that help maintain balance aren't as responsive as when they were younger. Practicing these exercises designed to improve balance helps build steadiness and prevent falls.

Free Healthbeat Signup

Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!

Sign Up
Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Thanks for visiting. Don't miss your FREE gift.

The Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness, is yours absolutely FREE when you sign up to receive Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School

Sign up to get tips for living a healthy lifestyle, with ways to fight inflammation and improve cognitive health, plus the latest advances in preventative medicine, diet and exercise, pain relief, blood pressure and cholesterol management, and more.

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School

Get helpful tips and guidance for everything from fighting inflammation to finding the best diets for weight loss...from exercises to build a stronger core to advice on treating cataracts. PLUS, the latest news on medical advances and breakthroughs from Harvard Medical School experts.

BONUS! Sign up now and
get a FREE copy of the
Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School.

Plus, get a FREE copy of the Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness.