Healthy happy you.
As I've said before, I love to do a few stretches on the treadmill after a run. If you feel funny about it, you can always do this stretch while leaning on a chair. This will open your quads, your hip flexors, and your shoulders. Hold on to the front of the treadmill or the back of a chair. Bend your left knee and bring your foot behind you. Grab onto the front of your left foot with your left Read more
By far, my favorite stretch to do after a run is anything that involves my hips. If you own a treadmill, try this the next time you finish a run. Of course you could do it at your gym, too, if you feel comfortable, but if not, you can do this stretch on stairs instead. Also, if your hips are really tight, you may want to place your top leg up on something lower, like a bench or chair. Before Read more
Even though running primarily works your lower body, you can still end up with a tight lower back and tense shoulders. After running on a treadmill this back stretch feels great! It's just nice to support your upper body and let the tension release. While standing on the treadmill, make sure the machine is OFF. Now place your hands on the front readout or bar. Walk your feet back so your legs, Read more
After running on the treadmill, stretching is a must. I know once I finish my run if I step off the machine, it's so easy to skip the very important stretching. So I like to do some stretches while still on the treadmill. You'll feel this one in your hamstrings and lower back. Turn the treadmill OFF and be sure the belt can't slide back. You want to make sure the ground you're standing on is Read more
You want to love running, you do, but every time you head out for a run, you end up hating it even more. Check out some of the most common complaints below, and find out how you can turn your relationship with running around for the better. "My Knee, My Back, My Feet — Everything Hurts" Pounding the pavement is not easy on the body, and one reason for aches and pains is poor running form. Read more
Has the warm weather gotten you inspired to start a new outdoor cardio routine? Whether you've set your eyes on running, biking, or swimming, here are some things to remember before you begin. Biking Investing in a bike is exciting — once you find the perfect one for you, you'll be inspired to explore your town, take a long weekend bike ride, maybe even commute to work! But the process of Read more
You may make the switch from a morning spin class to after-work runs with ease, but there are a few things that should be consistent in every workout. Find out what things you should always do during an intense workout session: Fuel up: Exercising on an empty stomach won't make you burn more calories, but it can make your workout much more difficult. Don't set yourself up for failure; eat a Read more
Location and machine availability may be the biggest reasons why you chose your gym, but there's more to be had with your membership. Get the most out of the hundreds of dollars you're spending with this list of extras you may be overlooking at the gym. Workout props: Maybe you only use the machines, but don't ignore the props lying all over the gym floor. Things like battle ropes (those thick Read more
Hilary Duff gave birth to Luca Cruz less than two weeks ago, but is already exercising to get her prepregnancy body back. She hit the gym Saturday and tweeted, "20 minutes on the elliptical seems like an eternity!!! What the hell…" Though many obstetricians recommend holding off on exercise until six weeks postpartum (longer for a C-section), every woman is different. Here are some workout tips Read more
When Spring weather hits, many runners can't wait to wave goodbye to the treadmill and head to the open road. All that fresh air and gorgeous scenery gives the sense of freedom, but it can also cause a painful sensation in the front of the lower legs. Shin splints are a common ailment for runners switching from the treadmill to the road, and if a runner doesn't take certain precautions, that pain Read more
