Feeling the burn? That muscle burn you feel during an intense workout is due to the buildup of lactic acid in the muscles. Lactic acid is the cause of the temporary burn during an active workout; it is not (contrary to popular belief) the primary cause of your muscle soreness for the hours and days post-workout.
Having trouble falling asleep and staying asleep at night? Try exercise—just don’t expect to see improvements overnight.
Research has long suggested the sleep benefits of exercise, but more recent studies reveal that you won’t see those benefits immediately. In a 16-week study, volunteers didn’t notice much improvement in their sleep patterns until the end of the 16 weeks. In the same way that getting good sleep depends on exercise, getting a good exercise in is often dependent on getting a good night’s sleep the night before.
The American College of Sports Medicine predicted that bodyweight training would top the fitness trends of 2015, and an analysis of data from activity tracking devices and digital fitness apps by HIS Inc. confirms it. Americans are looking for back-to-basics fitness programs that focus on building strength and the importance of recovery.
Your knees take a beating day in and day out. Every step you take puts a force equal to 1.5 times your bodyweight on your knees—and that’s when you’re walking on level ground. That force is greater on an incline, and even an activity as simple as squatting to tie your shoelace puts a force equal to four or five times your bodyweight on your knees.
Baseball (and softball) season is here, and ball diamonds everywhere are packed with players and fans—and we’re not only talking about the pros, but youth baseball, Little League and recreational softball leagues, too.
Working out is great for your health, whether you do it on a treadmill at the gym or prefer to be outside. However, there is some research to suggest that an outdoor workout has even more benefits than indoor exercise. Researchers have found that outdoor activities—including walking, running and biking—have a greater impact on mental health and stress reduction than indoor activities.
With our New Year’s Resolutions still fresh in our minds, healthy diet in place (for now) and gym membership purchased (again), we’re all looking to shed that winter layer before the rapidly approaching spring season.
It’s that time of year when many people are making resolutions to get in shape and be more healthy—are you one of them?
Depending on your current fitness level, getting fit in 2015 may be a big challenge, especially if you are used to a sedentary lifestyle. Don’t let that discourage you. Resolving to live a healthier lifestyle, including regular exercise and proper nutrition, will bring benefits for years to come.
