SparkPeople’s Exercise Reference Guides offer an in-depth look at the principles of fitness.
What is a Warm Up?
A warm up is the act of preparing for an athletic event or workout by exercising or practicing for a short time beforehand.... Read more
It’s finally here. The snow is gone, that little breeze feels good, and the birds are chirping; it must be spring. Your mind is ready, but is your body? Some of us may have spent the winter hibernating from fitness, but spring is a time of... Read more
Beginning an exercise program can be very overwhelming-- even painful if you aren’t careful. Warming your body up prior to exercise is very important for your health (and safety) and will also help you enjoy your workouts more. Warming up f... Read more
The sun is shining, but you are stuck inside? Whether you are diving head first into a new fitness program or not, tennis is a fun sport to get involved with when the weather is nice. No matter if you have played for years or have just picked up... Read more
It's an excuse many of us have heard or even said ourselves: I want to get fit, but I can't afford a gym membership. While a health club can be a fantastic place to work out, it's not the only way to get fit. In fact, you can enjoy a vari... Read more
I like to warm the milk I use in my coffee. I measure it, and put it in a pan on low, and add it to the gradually cooling coffee in my french press a little at a time.
Obviously the milk evaporates, and less water would not change the calorie co... Read more
I sat in the sauna this morning for 20 minutes before my class. What are the benefits if any? Does it matter if you go before or after a class? How long should you sit in the sauna?... Read more
I am starting a new routine of stretching in the morning.....I know you are not supposed to stretch when your muscles are cold, but what about when you are just doing some daily stretches, not going out for a walk or run? Do I need to jog or walk in... Read more
What's your favorite warm weather treats guys? What's that one, nice cold thing that you like to consume when the temps hit 80+ degrees? Do you grab a sinfully good treat like a milkshake or a sundae? Or do you keep it healthy with something light... Read more
Do calisthenics during the commercial breaks when you are watching TV. The idea is to exercise intensely for the length of the break, as one would do in interval training.... Read more
At the top of every hour stop do 25 sit ups and 25 push ups. If you can't do a real push up do the modified ones. This will not only get you into doing some exercise every day but it will also help you to increase the amount of push ups and sit ups y... Read more
As army wives most of our friends and family are miles away at any given moment. Here we will strive to help each other through the ups and downs of weight loss and the army way of life.... Read more
When I started running almost 4 years ago one of the cardinal rules of racing my running coach taught me was, "The shorter the race, the longer the warm-up." It is something that has been ingrained in me all these years and something I still practice... Read more
As a runner I have always had a stretching routine, however only after I am done with my runs, but not always. I have never stretched before my runs. I always start my runs with a brisk walk or nice slow jog for 5-10 minutes before I get into the me... Read more
Do you feel tired, cranky and hungry in the afternoon at work? Take advantage of your workspace, and put pep in your step with these energy boosting tips!
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