Articles

The Rumor: Stretching really doesn’t do anything for you Cats stretch. Dogs stretch. Even mice stretch. But does it really do anything for us humans? The Verdict: Stretching has benefits if you do it right A regular habit of stretching improves your joints’ range of motion. That keeps you limber so you can do more things...

Are flexible people born, or can anyone get more Gumby-like if they try? It’s certainly a question anyone who’s sat on a yoga mat next to a human pretzel has pondered. The good news is that anyone can improve their flexibility, and it’s important to do so, since it’s a key component of health and...

After the ball drops in Times Square on New Year’s Eve, don’t let injuries make you drop the ball on your resolution to get in shape. Check out this list of fitness trends — and the injuries they commonly cause — so you’ll know what to avoid. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) HIIT programs grab the...

Many doctors are now recommending strength-training activities such as weight lifting for people of all shapes, sizes and ages. But before you get started, you’ll first need to conquer all those weight-lifting myths and stereotypes racing around in your head. Myth 1: You’ll get huge unless you lift light weights. The only way your muscles will burst...

When it comes to physical activity, the lower back is one of the most important — yet overlooked — areas of the body. It’s involved in almost all our major movements (and non-movements) throughout the day, whether we’re sitting at our desk at work, lifting weights at the gym or helping a friend move into...

Sexual prowess. For many people, it’s high on the list of things that would be great to master. Moderate to high endurance and flexibility can go a long way toward improving your performance in the bedroom, right? Well, here are three easy moves from fitness experts that will help you up the ante in the sex department. Pelvic Lifts Feel like you...

The Rumor: To be healthy, you have to lift weights You see the buff guys and gals at the gym, lifting far more weight than you would likely ever consider. But you wonder if you should jump in to the weightlifting zone… even though machines leave you cold and free weights have never been your...

If you don’t look like Arnold Schwarzenegger after weeks of bench-pressing, don’t give up just yet. Your routine might just need tweaking. Developing your chest is about adding workouts to your routine that complement and challenge the upper body. “Start with movements that involve not just the pecs, but also the deltoids, shoulders and triceps,”...

Barre workouts are all the rage in fitness — and for good reason. Devotees love the workout because of the way it strengthens and lengthens the body, sculpting muscles without adding bulk. Although barre classes go by dozens of different names — from barre3 to Physique 57 to The Dailey Method — the combination of...

Ahh, beer and football. A timeless pairing, though the image that comes to mind when considering the two isn’t usually one of health. But did you know that, like wine, having a glass of beer per day is considered good for you? Moderate beer consumption can help lower your risk for cardiovascular disease and provides roughly...