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Exercise and Fitness Archive

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

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 challenge: Part 2

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.

CDC initiative aims to prevent injuries in older adults

The CDC’s Still Going Strong initiative aims to raise awareness about accidents that lead to injury in adults over age 65 and strategies to prevent them.

Get SMART about your fitness goals

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.

Does exercise really boost energy levels?

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.

Are home pain relief gadgets safe for use?

It’s best to talk to one’s doctor before buying a pain relief gadget. The product may not work, it may cost a lot of money, it might be dangerous, or it might encourage the user to delay medical treatment. Some high-tech pain relief devices may be effective for some people, such as a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) machine. And some low-tech devices may also help relieve pain, such as foam rollers, handheld massagers, and heat or cold packs.

Coming out of COVID

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.

No equipment necessary

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.

Pandemic weight gain: Not your imagination

A study described in a research letter published March 22, 2021, by JAMA Network Open found that participants steadily gained weight during the first part of the pandemic, from February to June 2020.

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