Exercise and Fitness Archive

A new study from the National Institutes of Health has performed more diverse and extensive biological measurements of people experiencing chronic fatigue syndrome than any previous research. Here's what they found and what it means.

Fatigue is a common symptom that can be caused by a whole host of factors, from medical conditions to stress and poor sleep. In order to ease ongoing fatigue, it's important to investigate and treat the underlying cause. Fatigue that doesn't respond to interventions or is severe or persistent should be brought to the attention of a doctor. It may be caused by a medical condition.

Resistance bands don't look impressive, but they work muscles in different ways than other pieces of strength-building equipment. The bands offer varying levels of resistance, can be used to strengthen a variety of muscle groups, and may be easier to use for some people.

Using your own body weight for exercise is simple and straightforward, but sometimes you need to further challenge your muscles. Resistance bands are versatile, portable, and easy to use to strengthen legs. These four leg exercises with resistance bands will enhance your lower-body workouts.

Chest exercises can help you achieve a strong, sculpted physique. But building the chest muscles offers a myriad of benefits beyond looking toned.

Beta blockers can slow one's heart rate, which can make gauging intensity during exercise difficult. Monitoring your breathing is a good way to ensure you work out at an intensity that is sufficient and not too high.

Three strategies can help keep the ankles strong, flexible, and healthy: strengthening the calf muscles with exercises such as calf raises; strengthening muscles that allow side movement of the ankle; and stretching the muscles in both the upper and lower part of the calves. It also helps to understand how the joint works and what factors can lead to a strain, such as an overstretched ligament on the side of the ankle.

Personal trainers can provide a range of benefits, including developing a personalized, balanced workout. People focused on heart health often prioritize exercise that raises their heart rate (cardio or aerobic exercise). But strength training builds lean muscle mass, which helps burn body fat, keeps blood sugar in check, and may help reduce cholesterol levels. Trainers also teach people how to exercise safely to avoid injuries (which is especially helpful when using free weights) and also provide motivation to foster a positive mindset.