Hiya Fit, I still consider myself to be a novice runner and am plagued with lower leg issues — mainly shin splints. I realize how important stretching is to prevent these types of issues but am just confused on when to stretch. So, I've got a question for you. For a runner, what are the best stretches to do before a run, the best stretches for right after a run, and the best stretches for rest Read more

When you love to run and daylight is limited, you might feel a little pinched for time. One way people save time is skipping the cool down since it is cold outside anyway. I am here to remind you that no matter the length of your run you need to cool down. Cooling down after a run isn't really about lowering your body temperature. It is about allowing your heart rate to slow down gradually so Read more

You're asking and I'm answering . . . Hey FitSugar, I've been reading that warmups on treadmills are important to lose weight; why is warming up and cooling down important? — Confused Cardio Fan Thanks for the question. I'm happy to say that your sources are correct, both warming up and cooling down are very important. To find out why just read more Read more

Even if you're only lifting weights or doing body resistance exercises, you should still cool down. A great cool down for your lifting days is stretching the worked muscles for five minutes. Then using a foam roller over the worked body parts for another five minutes. Your tired muscles will appreciate the love after making them work so hard. Need ideas for stretches? Be sure to check out all Read more

You might not have ever thought about this but what do you do once you've finished 30 minutes of cardio and lifted your last rep of your last set? Go home? Not quite. Just because you've done the hard part does not mean that you should just pack up and head on home. Feel free to congratulate yourself for a job well done, but here are a few more things you should consider doing: Hydrate. Just Read more

I think it is safe to say that no one enjoys being sidelined by an injury. If you have ever sat on the sidelines and watched your team play, you know how sitting out can hurt almost as much as the injury. On that sad note, here are a few ideas on how to avoid those sports related injuries that put you off your fitness track. Warm up: Take 10 minutes to bring your heart rate up to your target Read more

Temperatures are cooling down, and if you work out outside, you are going to need to lengthen your warm up time. It seems obvious, but our muscles and joints take more time to warm up in the cooler weather. So you need to factor in the temperature when warming up. The cooler the weather, the longer the warm up. Especially if you are running in the morning and it is cold, add at least five Read more

The post-workout cool down is just as important as the pre-workout warm up, but many of us skip it — especially if we are short on time. Read the following five things and hopefully they will inspire you to make the time. Cool down by walking or jogging for five to ten minutes. This slowing down helps to cool your body temperature and allows the body to remove the waste products from Read more