Fitness

Overview Stomach fat, or visceral, is a health risk. It is a type of deep fatty tissue found within the abdomen which differs from subcutaneous fat, which is found just under your skin. Stomach fat is linked to high blood…
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Overview Calling itself “the most successful ab workout equipment in the world,” the Ab Roller promises “sexy abs and a slim waistline.” Equipped with an “Arcuate Rocker System,” the Ab Roller claims to support the head and neck during abdominal…
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Performing a Swiss ball pike takes core strength, balance, flexibility and stamina. Training with the right exercises is key to develop endurance with this move. Key elements are strengthening muscles of the core, shoulders, and chest; increasing flexibility of the…
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While hula hooping gained widespread popularity in the United States when Wham-O first introduced it in the 1950’s, the activity actually dates back to ancient Egypt and Greece. Today, you can find inexpensive, colorful hula hoops in just about any…
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A woman’s pelvic floor muscles surround and support the urethra, uterus and bowels. Strengthening these muscles with regular workouts–just as you would with any other muscle–can help reduce urinary incontinence. With diligent practice, you could see less urinary leakage within…
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The hamstrings, located in the back of your thigh, help stabilize your knees and provide power when you walk, squat, run or jump. Working your hamstrings doesn’t require expensive gym equipment; you can effectively exercise these muscles at home with…
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Overview Whether you’re a recreational cyclist or a finely-tuned racing machine, getting the most enjoyment from your time on a bicycle starts with choosing a correctly sized frame. An appropriately sized bicycle ensures comfort on long rides, maximizes sprinting or…
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Exercises for the lower back and pelvis regions can help you in a variety of ways. By strengthening these muscles and keeping them in shape, you will be supporting your spine. You will be increasing your core strength, your sense…
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No amount of crunches, planks, twists and leg lifts will free abs that are immersed in layers of fat. The only way to do that is to burn more calories than you consume. Once you have committed to a proven…
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Overview High-intensity forms of exercise, such as jogging or lap swimming, burn more calories than moderate forms of exercise like walking or gardening. This makes these high-intensity workouts a more efficient way to lose weight. High-intensity exercise, coupled with a…
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Buying a first glove for a youngster can be a momentous day for any child and his parent. That first glove can be the symbol of a lifetime’s involvement with the game of baseball. However, that glove is a functional…
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Overview The Ab Trainer is an at-home exercise device that offers extra head, neck and back support during the execution of abdominal crunches. Composed of a lightweight metal frame, it employs a “patented rocker system” that supports the weight of…
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When many adults think of exercising, they picture themselves working out in gyms, walking on treadmills or lifting weights. According to KidsHealth.org, however, exercise for kids means playing and moving their bodies. Kids exercise in soccer practices, gym classes at…
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Throwing a baseball with an overhand motion is tough on your arm and shoulder. If you take a baseball and throw it overhand and then underhand, the underhand toss seems to be a more natural motion. Baseball players in general…
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Sleeveless gowns, tunic shirts and bathing suits are just some of the many opportunities for women to show off sleek, toned arms. Pound for pound, women can be just as strong as men, but because of various factors they tend…
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Cycling is an effective exercise for cardiovascular fitness and muscle toning, but riders should take precautions to avoid injury. Biking is an activity that can be experienced alone on a country road or with the family in the park. You…
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A flex band is a useful tool for strengthening muscles post-injury, according to Sports Injury Clinic. Flex bands are made of rubber tubing and are sometimes called resistance bands, therabands or rehab bands. Exercises with a flex band can strengthen…
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Overview A rebounder, or mini trampoline, is an ideal piece of fitness equipment for those who have sore joints, are bored with their current exercise routine or just want to add extra cardiovascular activity to their routine. The Centers for…
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It’s not enough to simply say, “I’m going to start working out,” because the day might come when you feel too busy or not motivated enough to stick with your exercise plan. When that happens, you can follow some motivational…
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Overview The Ab Roller is an at-home device for abdominal exercises. The “patented rocker system” provides support for the head and neck and ensures safe and natural positioning of the spine. Although the Ab Roller is designed primarily for performing…
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The lumbar spine supports our entire body through our every movement, whether we walk, crawl or sit. Strengthening your lumbar muscles and keeping your spine lubricated with yoga prevents later injuries, such as compression fractures and bulging discs. By the…
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Lacrosse rules designated for youth differ from collegiate, professional and some high school rules. Youth rule modifications depend upon age divisions and are typically due to safety concerns as well as an emphasis on initial development of basic skills. In…
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Exercise balls, also known by a variety of other monikers including stability balls, fitness balls or Swiss balls, introduce an element of instability into your fitness routine, making your core muscles work constantly to control your body position throughout each…
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Ascenders are mechanical or passive pieces of equipment that can be placed on a rope in such a way that they will go up the rope, but when you pull down on them they “catch” on the rope and won’t…
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Overview Much of a woman’s self-identity and self-acceptance involves the size, shape, curve and firmness of her breasts. Unfortunately, when they sag, so can her self-esteem. Breasts, made up mostly of fatty tissue, do not have muscles. They do, however,…
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What to Look for Common Pitfalls About this Author Lizzy Scully is a senior contributing editor for Rock & Ice magazine and a columnist for Rocky Mountain Sports. She’s melded her passions for ascending rocks and for writing into a…
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Like many artists and creators, Joseph Pilates was ahead of his time. Although he developed his technique in Germany in the early part of the 20th century, Pilates did not become a household name until the late 1980s. Most fitness…
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Physical activity is necessary to maintain fitness and health. As a teenager, you’re concerned about your body image and you want to look as good as you possibly can. Begin with simple workouts at school, at home or at the…
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Overview Composite softball bats are designed to hit the ball harder and further. Although similar to a traditional bat, composite bats take much longer to break in—and using one in a game situation can damage the bat if it hasn’t…
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The stomach muscles are commonly worked with nothing but the weight of the body. As long as you execute proper form, you can be successful with this approach. If you want to venture out of conventional routines, however, multiple pieces…
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