Despite plenty of encouragement from the government and health experts to move more, Americans still find it hard to adopt a less sedentary lifestyle. Merely 20 percent are in compliance with the government’s recommendations for physical activity, which advise getting at least two and a half hours per week of moderately intense aerobic exercise like brisk walking as well as some strength training such as lifting weights or doing pushups. The “Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans,” as the recommendations are officially called, have been criticized as unrealistic and unattainable for many Americans, especially for low-income earners and those living in unwalkable and unsafe neighborhoods.
Category Archives: Exercise & Fitness
Sweat: Sodium, Muscle Cramps and Fluid Loss
You’ve probably heard stories about marathoners and soldiers who have died due to consuming too much water. Clearly, overhydration can be as dangerous to your health as underhydration. While our bodies can deal with transient underhydration for limited periods of time, chronic dehydration can lead to serious health issues. So what does a sweaty athlete need to know about staying adequately hydrated? Here are some answers from recent studies.
The Pros and Cons of Competitive Workouts
Exercising as a team or under the pressure of contest can produce extra benefits but also dangers. For instance, CrossFit, a chain of gyms that offers boot camp-style strength and conditioning training, has quickly developed a large, some say cult-like, following. Besides athletes and fitness enthusiasts, some businesses use the program for teambuilding purposes. But because of its intensity, injuries from overexertion are not uncommon.
This Is the Year to Get Moving
By Rachel Begun, MS, RD As a dietitian, I have spent my entire adult life helping people to eat better. But when asked about the single greatest thing I do to keep myself in shape, my answer has always been regular exercise. I can say with 100 percent conviction that exercising is an absolutely necessary
This Is the Year to Get Moving
By Rachel Begun, MS, RD As a dietitian, I have spent my entire adult life helping people to eat better. But when asked about the single greatest thing I do to keep myself in shape, my answer has always been regular exercise. I can say with 100 percent conviction that exercising is an absolutely necessary