The active ingredients of Tai Chi
When Peter Wayne, medical editor of Introduction to Tai Chi from Harvard Medical School, began conducting scientific studies on the health benefits of tai chi, he began noticing that tai chi works in a variety of ways, not just one. Whereas most drugs have a single active ingredient, he observed that tai chi was more […]
Want a stronger core? Skip the Sit-ups
Sit-ups once ruled as the way to tighter abs and a slimmer waistline, while “planks” were merely flooring. Now planks — exercises in which you assume a position and hold it — are the gold standard for working your core, while classic sit-ups and crunches have fallen out of favor. Why the shift? One reason […]
Six Tips for Safe Stretches
Virtually every activity you do relies on ease of motion. Stretching can help in numerous ways. It can often relieve back pain, stiff necks, and sore knees when tight muscles are to blame. It can counteract too much sitting whether you’re doing it for work or a pleasurable activity. If you’re a runner, a tennis […]
The Ideal Stretching Routine
Stretching promotes flexibility and helps your joints maintain a healthy range of motion—and in doing so, also lowers the chances of joint and muscle strain.But how often should you stretch? How long should you hold a stretch? And how many times should you do each stretch? A panel of experts convened by the American College […]
Amazing Healing Power of Yoga
Tone and strengthen your body while you lower blood pressure … ease back pain … reduce the risk of heart disease … and improve your memory with YOGA! In today’s 24/7 world with shocking news bombarding us, electronic devices beeping for attention, and an inbox full of emails that seem to need an immediate reply, […]
Getting Fit is all in a Day’s Work
Becoming more active needn’t mean losing all your free time, here’s out to squeeze fitness into your daily routine, say HANNAH EBELTHITE and KATHLEEN ALLEAUME (Full version of article was published in the September 2013 version of the U.K.’s Healthy Food Guide magazine) As a nation, we all need to move more for the sake of our […]
Better Balance
Learn the steps that will keep you steady on your feet! Discover how you can effectively safeguard and improve your sense of balance. Inside Better Balance, you’ll discover: Six illustrated workouts to improve balance A step-by-step personal safety and home hazard checklist Which medications raise the risk for falling? Common health conditions that can affect balance Which […]
9 Complete Fitness Building Exercises
At last! Workouts and exercises that will get you moving—and keep you motivated! Inside Workout Workbook you’ll find… 9 fitness-building workouts you can do in 40 minutes or less 82 exercises that combine to work all parts of your body What you should look for (and look out for) in choosing a gym The bottom line on 12 […]
Exercise Science Education
By Brian B. Parr, Ph.D. Viewpoints presented in SMB commentaries reflect opinions of the authors and do not necessarily reflect positions or policies of ACSM. Brian B. Parr, Ph.D., is an associate professor of exercise and sports science at the University of South Carolina Aiken in Aiken, SC. He is an ACSM member and certified exercise specialist. […]
CDC Physical Activities Guidelines
Regular physical activity helps improve your overall health and fitness, and reduces your risk for many chronic diseases. Fitting regular exercise into your daily schedule may seem difficult at first, but the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans are more flexible than ever, giving you the freedom to reach your physical activity goals through different […]
