Looking for lifts a bit off the beaten path? Sometimes, a change of pace can have a real benefit to our exercise regimen. The body gets too accustomed to a particular workout and slows growth, the mind grows bored with the same deadlifts and military presses day-in and day-out, and our time in the gym thus becomes less fun, less effective, less worthwhile. So next time you head out, consider these 5 unique lifts to spice up your strength regimen, clean up weak spots, and test your all-round fitness.
Few aspects of exercise turns those who would be fit and healthy back into couch potatoes faster than intense or never-ending muscle soreness. Pain doesn't just turn exercise into a chore we'd rather not face, it can have real impacts on our performance at work, home, and during hobbies--and of course, the inflammation which causes muscle pain shouldn't be left unattended. Whether you see bigger problems during your workouts or in the hours or days following, these seven tips should see you in the gym longer, more often, with less pain and more gain to show for it.
After stepping on the scales, you’re baffled by the number you see. For the last several weeks, you’ve dutifully ate three, healthy meals each day. Unfortunately, the number on the scales seems stuck. If you can relate to this scenario, are you monitoring your snacks? To lose weight and keep it off for life, consider the following five snacking habits to avoid.
Regular cross-training is essential for runners, cyclists, and a variety of other athletes. While swimming is often touted as the ideal cross-training activity, a little variety can prove very beneficial. Thus, rowing is becoming increasingly popular among those who prefer to target their arms and core while cross-training. High-intensity, low-impact, and surprisingly fun, rowing is perfect for amping up your usual exercise routine.
Want to move better? Get faster? How about lose body fat and boost your metabolism? Well if you answered yes to any of these questions, it’s time to start implementing sled training into your weekly regimen.
The way you eat before and after a workout can destroy or catapult your fitness success. And while there are a lot of different approaches to pre-workout foods, there isn’t as much variety when it comes to post-workout foods. Your body needs certain nutrients to help repair the damage that’s been done during your workout and get you back on your feet quicker.
The paleo diet focuses on healthy fats, meats and vegetables while excluding grains, sugar, processed foods, salt, legumes, coffee and alcohol. It favors the foods and lifestyle choices of our paleolithic ancestors. If you stick to the plan, portion control, and calorie counting are less essential.
Working out can be tough. No matter what our individual goals are, whether we want to lose a few pounds, gain some muscle, become a better athlete or simply improve our overall health, it’s easy to lose motivation along the way. And when this motivation waxes and wanes, and possibly even disappears, the entire process of getting into the gym becomes a daunting task. So the key is to find the necessary tools to keep our motivation strong along the way.
What Are Shin Splints?
Most people who run regularly (for whatever reason) have, at one time or another, experienced what are commonly known as shin splints. Shin splints are democratic. They strike anyone who unevenly uses the lower leg muscles. Usually, the finger is pointed at runners, but wearers of higher heels can develop a fine case of shin splints, too.
If you’ve been involved in fitness for a while, you’ve probably noticed that there are different styles of working out. Some people focus solely on their cardiovascular fitness and endurance. Others prefer bodybuilding, focusing on isolating muscle groups and building muscle to achieve a certain aesthetic. And then there are athletes, training to strengthen their performance and overall ability.
