Exercise & Fitness Archive

Exercise & Fitness

Tai chi offers similar benefits as conventional exercise

Published September 1, 2021

Tai chi helps improve balance and coordination, especially among older adults. Now, a study has shown that the ancient mind-body practice also can offer health benefits similar to conventional exercise like aerobics and strength training.

Exercise & Fitness

How low can you go?

Published September 1, 2021

Short-duration high-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been shown to have similar—and possibly better—health benefits than longer, lower-intensity exercise. HIIT workouts consist of quick spurts of draining physical effort, followed by rest, repeated multiple times, and usually last from 15 to 30 minutes. Research has found it’s possible to shrink HIIT workouts to five to 10 minutes—known as low-volume HIIT—and still receive benefits. Consistent intensity and attention to form and execution are needed to be effective.

Exercise & Fitness

The best types of exercise when you have hip or knee pain

Published August 1, 2021

Non-weight-bearing exercise takes the burden off the hips and knees and makes it easier for people with joint pain to exercise. Exercise machines that are gentle on the joints include an elliptical trainer, a stationary bike, and a rowing machine. Low-impact exercises can also provide a good cardio workout and muscle strengthening without stressing the joints. Examples include pool exercises, tai chi, and short walks at a brisk pace.

Exercise & Fitness

Exercise challenge: Part 2

Published August 1, 2021

Performing exercises such as side planks, bridges, and squats can improve muscle strength. Ideally, people should do weight-bearing exercises at least twice a week. Having stronger muscles improves balance, protects bone health, and can help keep people independent as they age. It can also reduce pain from conditions such as osteoarthritis.

Exercise & Fitness

Get SMART about your fitness goals

Published August 1, 2021

You are more likely to achieve and maintain your fitness goal if it revolves around a specific purpose or cause in one’s life. This helps you define the structure and direction to adopt the right exercise program to help fulfill it. The SMART approach—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely—helps you define your fitness goal and create a realistic path to achieve it.

Staying Healthy

Losing steam? Avoid these energy zappers

Updated July 2, 2021

Exercise & Fitness

Does exercise really boost energy levels?

Published July 1, 2021

Exercise can create physical changes that help increase energy levels inside the body. In addition, it can induce better sleep at night, which helps people feel more energetic in the morning.

Women's Health

Is a "normal" blood pressure reading too high for women?

Updated June 1, 2021

A study published Feb. 16, 2021, in Circulation found that women with blood pressure readings in a normal range may still be at higher risk for cardiovascular events. For example, heart attack risk in women rose at a systolic (the upper number) reading of 110 to 119 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and was the same at this level as men with a systolic pressure of 160 mm Hg. But experts say it’s too soon to change blood pressure recommendations for women until more research confirms the results.

Staying Healthy

Coming out of COVID

Updated June 1, 2021

As Americans begin to slowly move out of the COVID-19 pandemic, they may face old and new challenges. People should use this transition period to prepare mentally and emotionally for a post-COVID world. Steps include planning how to safely return to social gathering, restarting health habits that have fallen away, and addressing mental health issues.

Staying Healthy

No equipment necessary

Updated June 1, 2021

People who are not ready to return to the gym can get an all-around workout at home by using only their body weight. Body-weight exercises are often comparable to using weights and machines, and help people return to fitness after an injury or long layoff. They also can help older adults improve everyday movements. A simple workout might include chair squats, step-ups, and push-ups.

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Exercise & Fitness Archive

Articles

Tai chi offers similar benefits as conventional exercise

How low can you go?

The best types of exercise when you have hip or knee pain

Exercise challenge: Part 2

Get SMART about your fitness goals

Losing steam? Avoid these energy zappers

Does exercise really boost energy levels?

Is a "normal" blood pressure reading too high for women?

Coming out of COVID

No equipment necessary

Free Healthbeat Signup