Exercises

If you're thinking of trying yoga for the first time, check out these tips on how to get started.

Resistance is not just about lifting weights to get a better physique, but also to strengthen muscles for their functional use. There is one exercise that can benefit a busy mother as well as a seasoned golfer: core rotations. We know that the upper body can bend forward, back and side to side, but it also rotates on top of the hips.

Let's make it clear right off the bat: core training and training for the perfect set of abs (a.k.a. the "six-pack") are different. Looking good with your tummy showing is one thing, but being able to avoid low back problems, among many other things, has its benefits as well. Core training finds its benefit in functionality.

Find out what to do to prevent slippery yoga mat moments.

Women around the world are embracing a sexy new way to lose pounds with pole dancing. Once reserved for topless dancers and celebrities who have grown bored of yoga, pole dancing is bumping and grinding its way out of shadowy bars and into fitness clubs from L.A. to Beijing. Wendy Traskos, a former gymnast and go-go dancer, teaches other women to free their inner burlesque dancer.

Does your head or neck hurt after you've sat in front of your computer for a long period of time? Are you noticing that your shoulders are starting to round? Do you find that your trapezius muscle (upper shoulder) is tighter than ever? You are one of thousands of people who lack strength in their upper/mid back region.

Benefits: why do strength training? Strength training not only improves your muscular strength and endurance, it also increases your range of motion, improves your posture and helps prevent injuries. Hand weights, thera-bands, and fitness balls are some of the tools you can use to tighten and tone your muscles.

Looking for a workout alternative that isn't all washed up? You may want to try swimming. Sure, jumping into the pool and swimming laps lacks a bit of glamour, but that doesn't mean this fitness option is soggy. In fact, for beginners and veteran exercisers alike, swimming can be a great way to boost your fitness level and reduce stress.

The abdominal crunch is an exercise we can all benefit from. This muscle group is the key to good posture and overall strength. It all starts here. How to perform the abdominal crunch Lie down on your back on a mat placed on the floor. Place your hands behind your head to support your neck.

The bodyweight squat is perhaps the best lower-body exercise a person can do. It basically works all the major muscle groups of the thighs, glutes, and hamstings. It will firm up your legs and build strength to help you with everyday activities. How to perform a squat Position your feet slightly wider than hipwidth apart with your toes slightly turned out.

This is a movement for your core (midsection). This will strengthen your abdominal muscles, which in return will support your low back and prevent injury in this area. Every one of us has experienced low back pain or knows of someone that has suffered an injury to the low back.

Why use it? Using the ball can improve your overall strength and endurance, as well as core stability, posture, and body awareness. You may feel unstable at first, but as your core stabilization muscles, such as your abdominals and back muscles get stronger, you will feel more stable.

To most people, the push-up sounds and looks like a pretty easy movement, but there are very few people that can do a push-up with perfect form. Most people are so used to rounding their backs and pushing with their shoulders, that they just do not know how to use their chest (pectoral muscles) for any pressing movement.

A constant debate among fitness professionals concerns the effectiveness and safety of the sit-up. Sit-ups can be very effective in building your abs to gain the "six pack," but for people with low back problems and a weak core to begin with, they can pose a tremendous safety issue. An effective alternative would be the negative sit-up.

Important information Selecting: Thera-bands are colour coded into many levels of resistance. Safety: Examine your thera-band carefully for nicks, tears, or punctures. These may cause the band to snap. Using and storing: Do not store your thera-band in sunlight or use it with body oil. Thera-bands workout tips Do: keep your wrists straight and in-line with your elbows maintain the natural width of the band to prevent the band from sliding up your legs or digging into your hands tie a loop in the band or tie two bands together to make a handle take normal, controlled breaths exhale on the most difficult phase and inhale during the easiest control your movements warm up the muscle groups before you begin exercising stretch when you are finished your workout routine Don't: continue performing the exercise if you start to lose your posture - if so, stop and reposition yourself continue performing the exercise if anything hurts while

Discover the health benefits of dancing.

Discover the health benefits of golf - the enormously popular sport and leisure activity that is played and watched by millions around the world.

Take a hike! Hiking provides a complete and natural workout. Find out the health benefits of tromping through the wilderness.

Softball is a popular team sport accessible to athletes of all shapes and sizes and ability levels. Community, office, and little league teams enjoy a great time and some homerun health benefits.

Discover the health benefits of soccer (football), the enormously popular sport, played and watched by millions around the world.

Discover the health benefits of tennis, the enormously popular sport, played and watched by millions around the world.

Introduction Choose weights that allow you to comfortably perform 2 to 3 sets of 8 to 12 repetitions (reps) each set. Free hand weights workout tips Do: take normal, controlled breaths exhale on the most difficult phase and inhale during the easiest phase control your movements use a four-count to move the weights through the full range of motion warm up the muscle groups before you begin exercising stretch when you are finished your workout routine Don't: continue if you start to lose your posture - if you do, stop and reposition yourself continue performing the exercise if anything hurts while you are training over grip the weights hold your breath Free hand weights excersises 1.

Don't let winter weather put your workout on ice. Find new ways to warm up and keep fit even through the cold, dark winter.