Fitness

It’s well established that exercise substantially changes the human brain, affecting both thinking and emotions. But a sophisticated, multifaceted new study suggests that the effects may be more nuanced than many scientists previously believed. Wheth...

It’s well established that exercise substantially ...

In recent years, some research has suggested that a high-fat diet may be bad for the brain, at least in lab animals. Can exercise protect against such damage? That question may have particular relevance now, with the butter-and cream-laden holidays f...

In recent years, some research has suggested that ...

Olympic athletes are not like the rest of us. Most of them live longer, for one thing, as two revealing new studies found. But not all Olympians enjoy that bonus. Certain sports, the studies suggest, may be better than others when it comes to extendi...

Olympic athletes are not like the rest of us. Most...

Anyone whose resolve to exercise in 2013 is a bit shaky might want to consider an emerging scientific view of human evolution. It suggests that we are clever today in part because a million years ago, we could outrun and outwalk most other mammals ov...

Anyone whose resolve to exercise in 2013 is a bit ...

It is well established that exercise bolsters the structure and function of the brain. Multiple animal and human studies have shown that a few months of moderate exercise can create new neurons, lift mood and hone memory and thinking. But few studies...

It is well established that exercise bolsters the ...

As this year’s influenza season continues to take its toll, those procrastinators now hurrying to get a flu shot might wish to know that exercise may amplify the flu vaccine’s effect. For maximal potency, the exercise should be undertaken at the righ...

As this year’s influenza season continues to take ...

Every January, many people start working out, hoping to lose weight. But as studies attest, exercise often produces little or no weight loss — and even weight gain — and resolutions are soon abandoned. But new science suggests that if you stick with ...

Every January, many people start working out, hopi...

While the pull-up has been used by everyone from middle-school gym teachers to Marine drill instructors to measure fitness, the fact is that many fit people, particularly women, can’t do even one. To perform a pull-up, you place your hands on a raise...

While the pull-up has been used by everyone from m...

This isn’t meant as an insult, but you are physiologically lazy. So am I. So are we all. Using treadmill testing, scientists have definitively established that, like other animals, humans naturally aim to use as little energy as possible during most ...

This isn’t meant as an insult, but you are physiol...

When Dr. Douglas Brown, a radiologist in Orem, Utah, noticed an uptick recently in the number of barefoot runners he was seeing with heel and foot problems, he wondered if there might be a connection between their unshod training and their sore feet....

When Dr. Douglas Brown, a radiologist in Orem, Uta...

Physically active children generally report happier moods and fewer symptoms of depression than children who are less active. Now researchers may have found a reason: by one measure, exercise seems to help children cope with stress. Finnish researche...

Physically active children generally report happie...

The Facts Health experts advise Americans to exercise moderately for at least two and a half hours a week. But for those who are overweight, overheating can be a major hurdle to staying active. For some, the extra fat prevents the body from dissipati...

The Facts Health experts advise Americans to exerc...

In recent years, many barefoot running enthusiasts have been saying that to reduce impact forces and injury risk, runners should land near the balls of their feet, not on their heels, a running style that has been thought to mimic that of our barefoo...

In recent years, many barefoot running enthusiasts...

Marathon, half-marathon, 10k and 5K training plans to get you race ready. A common concern about exercise is that if you don’t do it almost every day, you won’t achieve much health benefit. But a commendable new study suggests otherwise, showing that...

Marathon, half-marathon, 10k and 5K training plans...

Marathon, half-marathon, 10k and 5K training plans to get you race ready. Ryan Hall, one of the world’s best distance runners, used to pride himself on wearing his running shoes into nubs. No more. Now he assiduously replaces his shoes after running...

Marathon, half-marathon, 10k and 5K training plans...

While the allure of the gym — climate-controlled, convenient and predictable — is obvious, especially in winter, emerging science suggests there are benefits to exercising outdoors that can’t be replicated on a treadmill, a recumbent bicycle or a tra...

While the allure of the gym — climate-controlled, ...

This week I had to take my son to purchase a new backpack for school. There were so many choices between color, with characters, without characters, small, large, and with lunch box options. My main concern was the size of the backpack. I don't want ...

This week I had to take my son to purchase a new b...

Don't think you have the strength to do a pushup? Think your upper body is too weak? Or you weigh too much? Most people share a common misconception about how to improve their pushup. Though chest and arm strength are important, but they aren't the o...

Don't think you have the strength to do a pushup? ...

Calling all runners and walkers from across the Commonwealth! Please consider running a calendar listing or news brief inviting area residents to join family and friends of the late Boston City Councilor Brian Honan for the 9th Annual Brian J. Hona...

Calling all runners and walkers from across the Co...

Improving your balance can help prevent injuries, improve strength, agility and quickness. Balance is something that we often take for granted. If you have ever had a fall, you know that it can happen without warning and with serious consequences. S...

Improving your balance can help prevent injuries, ...

Many body weight exercises become too easy too quick. Your answer, add a weight vest to your workouts. The weight vest adds a new level of intensity to your workouts. You’ll still be able to be versatile within your workout, limitless in what you can...

Many body weight exercises become too easy too qui...