Exercise and Fitness

Exercise Helps Prevent Age-Related Brain Changes

ruzik_tuzik — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 22:58:45 -0600

Older adults who exercise regularly show increased cerebral blood flow and a greater number of small blood vessels in the brain, according to findings presented today at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).

The study, conducted at the University of North Carolina (UNC) - Chapel Hill, is the first to compare brain scans of older adults who exercise to brain scans of those who do not.

Get A Fitness Boost With Exercise and Laughter

Kathleen Blanchard RN — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 10:20:22 -0600

Try giving your workout a fitness boost with a bit of laughter. Since laughter is gaining popularity for its known health benefits, we might as well incorporate a bit of laughter into our daily exercise routine.

A 90-Year-Old Grandmother Gladys Burrill Training For Honolulu Marathon

Toni Brayer MD — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 11:46:42 -0600

The Honolulu Marathon is just 3 weeks away. Gladys Burrill, a 90-year-old grandmother is training to set a world record for her age and this will be her fifth marathon.

The great-grandmother times 22 says, "Just forget about age and enjoy getting out there and exercising and walking or running or whatever they do. It will inspire them to do more."

Nicknamed, the "Glady-ator", this lady hopes to finish the race in 8 hours and 30 minutes. You go girl.

Get Moving, Reduce Your Risk Of Diabetes, Heart Disease

ruzik_tuzik — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 23:25:02 -0600

Want to lower your risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease? All it takes is 10 minutes of physical activity three times a day. Ten times three -- it's really that simple. And it's what the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend to help you lower your blood pressure, manage your cholesterol and lose weight.

How Daily Motion Exercise Can Make You Feel Younger

hareyan — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:45:34 -0600

As we age, getting off the couch to exercise gets difficult, and even a little noisy. Sometimes creaky bones and muscles can make more noise than a busted spring in the sofa, but there is a way to break the cycle, and you don’t have to join a health club to do it.

Good Night's Sleep, Exercise Protect from Breast Cancer?

Kathleen Blanchard RN — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 22:26:47 -0600

Women who exercise regularly, and get at least seven hours of sleep each night, can significantly reduce their risk of breast cancer. The combination is important. Women, who exercise without needed slumber, put themselves at higher risk. The findings come from the American Association for Cancer Research, presented at the Seventh Annual International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research.

Walk Your Way to Good Form

hareyan — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 13:56:10 -0600

In today's tough economic times, one of the best ways to achieve and maintain a stress free mind is clearly exercise. One of the most prevalent, simple and safe aerobic exercises for all at any age is walking. It will help you strengthen your bones, control your weight, and condition your heart and lungs.

Don't weaken muscles by stretching before exercising

hareyan — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 09:09:21 -0600

Did you know that warming up and stretching before exercising and sports events weakens the muscles of the athletes? Aerobic short warm up is more recommended for that purpose.

This NY Times article has summarized the latest physiology research on warm-ups: the age-old practice of static stretching (stretch & hold) before exercising actually does more harm than good. Studies show that static stretching can weaken your pre-workout muscles by up to 30%.

Finding the right prescription for fitness activity and health

hareyan — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 08:36:01 -0600

We all know physical activity and fitness is good for your health. But why exactly are exercising and fitness good for you? What effect does exercise have on the cells and tissues of the body? What do we need to know so that we can use physical activity more effectively to combat chronic diseases such as arthritis, diabetes and heart disease? And what social and psychological factors prevent people from exercising or playing sports?

Honda Walking Assist Device Supports Bodyweight

hareyan — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 08:21:28 -0600

Honda unveiled its second experimental walking assist device that helps support bodyweight to reduce the load on the user's* legs while walking, going up and down stairs, and in a semi-crouching position. Honda will now begin testing the device in real-world conditions to evaluate its effectiveness.