by Maia Appleby Oolong tea has been marketed in China for centuries as a product that promotes weight loss. In recent years, this idea has emerged in the western world, with some health food stores marketing oolong tea as a diet aid. Is there any truth to this claim? What is oolong tea? In general, [...]

by Namita Nayyar Jumping rope is an intense, effective aerobic activity. Skipping can actually tone the muscles of the upper body (especially the deltoids and, to a lesser degree, the chest and upper back) as well as the lower body (especially the calves and hamstrings). It also promotes definition of abdominal muscles and reduces cellulite. [...]

by Maia Appleby Protein is a vital nutrient, essential to your health. In its purest form, protein consists of chains of amino acids. There are 22 amino acids that combine to form different proteins, and 8 of these must come from the foods we eat. Our body uses these amino acids to create muscles, blood, [...]

by Nick Nilsson Electronic muscle stimulators have been around for a while, but you want to know, “Do they really work?” Right? To answer that question, let’s start with a little background information on what this equipment was originally designed for. Electric ab stimulators were (and still are) used in medical rehab situations. They are [...]

by Jenny Pinkal Atchley Running is peace and quiet and freedom. –Terry Anderson Running has always been my exercise of choice, but sometimes it’s hard to maintain a regular workout schedule. I have discovered several things that have helped me to stick with my workout schedule. The following ten tips are based on my own [...]

by Helene Haber If you are like most of us, your philosophy goes something like this: “Oh I don’t need to worry about the pounds I’ve put on during those long, cold sessions with my winter refrigerator. I’ll lose the weight during the summer when my appetite wanes and I’m really active.” Well, it’s summer, [...]

by Maia Appleby We want to provide nutritious things for our kids to eat and drink, but sodas are one area where we’re losing the war. Kids are guzzling soda pop at three times the rate they were 30 years ago, and the average teenager drinks two cans of it a day, according to Center [...]

by Rachel Keller Too many of us spend too much time sitting, either in work-related jobs, computer time, or relaxation in front of the television. If you sit in front of a computer for a long time, your neck and shoulders may get stiff, and you may even suffer occasional lower back pain. You will [...]

by Maia Appleby Adding weight training to a cardiovascular routine practically guarantees slimming results. Here’s why: First, it speeds up your metabolism of fat. By this, I mean that your body becomes more efficient at burning calories. Picture two cars in a race. Car A is small in frame, but it has a huge engine. [...]

by Maia Appleby Running is a terrific way for kids to stay in shape. Just about anyone can do it, and you don’t need money, equipment or special training to start. If you enjoy running, it’s a hobby that you can continue for most of your life. Kids shouldn’t follow running guidelines that are designed [...]

by Maia Appleby Companies marketing the newest fad diets and weight loss supplements have snared some very intelligent people over the past few years, and they continue to do so. There are many ways to decrease your body weight, but if you want to lose fat and be a healthier, thinner person a year from [...]

Eating fresh pineapples can help your body repair itself and increase your sense of well-being. These tropical delights have many health benefits. Fresh pineapple is a natural anti-inflammatory with analgesic properties and abundant Vitamin C. Learn how to pick a fresh pineapple, prepare it and make a wonderful tropical fruit smoothie. For a natural and [...]

by Maia Appleby What do people ask about the most often? You got it — they want to know what the best abdominal exercises are! I disagree with most personal trainers on the answer, though. I’ve seen people doing sit-ups, weighted crunches, leg lifts and all kinds of things, but I haven’t heard many of [...]

by Maia Appleby We all know that breast cancer is extremely hereditary, and that other risk factors include using hormone replacement therapy, drinking alcohol and undergoing radiation or frequent x-rays, but did you know that exercise can help protect you against breast cancer? Research cited in the New England Journal of Medicine indicates that leaner [...]

by Michael Stefano The dog days of summer are upon us, but you don’t have to put your exercise program on the back burner just because it’s too hot to workout. There are steps you can take to safely and comfortably exercise during the sweltering summer months, but first let’s take a short look at [...]