Search Weight Loss Topics:

Page 43«..1020..42434445..5060..»

Home » Fitness » Page 43

Published 9:12 pm Tuesday, August 16, 2022

By Michelle Love

Photos By Adam Short

Its 5:30 a.m. on a Friday morning, and the sun is barely peeking over the trees at the playground of Helena Elementary School. The members of the F3 Birmingham chapter in Helena (they refer to themselves as The Pack) are preparing for their morning workout. The AOQ, or Area of Operations Leader, Steven Lewis says the workout starts promptly at 5:30, and he wasnt exaggerating.

This early-hour, physical endeavor has become routine for many of the men. Some of them are new, but after the session is over, all of them say they will be back.

For those unfamiliar with F3, it is a national network that includes 3,274 free, peer-led workouts for men in more than 250 regions. F3 stands for the three core values of the organization itself: Faith, Fellowship and Fitness. What started 11 years ago in Charlotte, North Carolina has since grown to more than 30 states and two countries with over 2,000+ scheduled workouts a week.

In the Birmingham area, there are more than 30 groups, including the The Pack in Helena, that meet five days a week. The Helena location started five years ago and meets on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. According to Steven, they have, on average, 20 men who join the group on a given day.

Some days, we could have 30 people, some days 10 people. It really just depends, he says.

Steven was originally skeptical of joining the group, citing that he never dreamed of getting up at 5 a.m. to exercise. After finally caving to a friends pushing, he realized how different he felt being part of something that challenged him both physically and mentally. Two years later, hes the AOQ. The Q means that person is responsible for the queue of exercises lined up for that day.

The cool thing about it is its very fitness based, but it pushes you to a level of difficulty thats just so challenging enough that you want to keep coming back, he says. And its not just physical, its mental and emotional.

The core principles of the groups are that it is free of charge, open to all men, held outdoors rain or shine, every workout is peer led and every meeting must end with what is called a Circle of Trust, where whoever is leading the workout that day gives a devotional or inspiring word on how to either be a better father, be a better member of your community, or how to deal with things like anger.

Steven said those conversations push members to be more emotionally open and to motivate them to try harder at being the best husband, father, or just human being they can be.

In F3, members are encouraged to find leadership from within. Togetherness in friendship is just as important as the spiritual and physical aspects. For example, everyone who attends F3 from day one is given a nickname that sticks with you as long as youre a member of the group. Everyone is also encouraged to lead a workout as soon as they feel comfortable to do so. It keeps participants on their toes, while also conveying that everyone is equal.

To member Landon Mumbower, F3 is more than just a social outlet. Landon says the group inspires him on a regular basis and encourages everyone involved to strive to be a better version of themselves. Hes lost 60 pounds since joining and feels more mentally and spiritually fulfilled with each meeting.

Ive never felt not good enough, but have been encouraged to get better 1 percent at a time, he says. Were not looking for only the best, were looking for men to come as they are willing to get better.

F3 is important to me because of the strong sense of camaraderie that I havent experienced since my time in the military, member Sean Roberts says. There is a small group mentality among us, and there is always a handful of men who will check in on you if youre going through a rough time. There are men in different stages of fitness and faith, but we leave no man behind, both on and off the field.

Several members used the same word when describing their experience with F3: Community. And when they say the group is open to all men, they mean men of all denominations, viewpoints and life experiences. There is no discrimination, only acceptance and encouragement to push yourself past your comfort zone to challenge yourself.

Its more than just a workout group, F3 member Jason Waller says. Its a group of men who are willing to do hard things and push one another to get better, to not let you be complacent, but to help you grow. To have one anothers back, lift each other up and help one another with the challenges of life. Its a community.

When asked why he thinks the group has garnered such a following around the globe, Steven credited two specific aspects.

I think the first aspect is it pulls on the natural desire for us to have an obstacle in front of us thats hard to overcome, he says. When you have that obstacle in front of you, there are people who want to get past that and it just drives them to go forward and continue growing.

The second aspect is the lack of social interaction groups that simultaneously allow men to open up to each other and also challenge them to be better.

For years, men have been taught not to share or dont let people know when youre hurting or when you need help. F3 is the exact opposite, Steven says. Here, its understood that were in this together, and whatever is out there, were going to overcome it together. It drives people out of that negative space and shows them they arent alone.

For those interested in joining the Helena chapter of F3, visit F3birmingham.com/workout-locations/ , or text or call Steven Lewis at (205) 907-1664 for more information.

Go here to read the rest:
Stronger Together: Members of the F3 Nation in Helena reflect on faith, fellowship and fitness - Shelby County Reporter - Shelby County Reporter

Last month, the first case of polio was reported in the United States in nearly a decade. The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and the Rockland County Department of Health announced that an unvaccinated New York state resident was hospitalized for paralytic polio and that an official investigation was underway to determine how the polio was contracted and who may have been exposed.

Following the investigation, the NYSDOH and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYCDOHMH) informed the public on Aug. 12 that poliovirus had been detected in New York City sewage.

"For every one case of paralytic polio identified, hundreds more may be undetected," State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said in a statement. "The detection of poliovirus in wastewater samples in New York City is alarming, but not surprising. Already, the State Health Department working with local and federal partners is responding urgently, continuing case investigation and aggressively assessing spread. The best way to keep adults and children polio-free is through safe and effective immunization New Yorkers' greatest protection against the worst outcomes of polio, including permanent paralysis and even death."

The unvaccinated are the most at risk, says infectious-disease expert Amesh Adalja, MD, senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Health Security. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) report that we are experiencing the "largest sustained decline in childhood vaccinations in approximately 30 years." Compared to 2019, 6.7 million more children missed the third dose of polio vaccine this year. "Inadequate coverage levels have already resulted in avoidable outbreaks of measles and polio in the past 12 months," the WHO and UNICEF report.

So what can be done to protect yourself and your little ones? To learn more about polio, how it spreads, and information on polio vaccination, read on.

Polio is a serious and potentially disabling disease caused by the poliovirus, according to the CDC. It is highly contagious and spreads through person-to-person contact via coughing, sneezing, and exposure to feces, contaminated food, or water, per the Mayo Clinic.

In most cases, people who have polio do not experience symptoms or even realize they are infected. Others will experience flu-like symptoms for up to 10 days. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms may include fever, sore throat, headache, pain or stiffness in the arms and legs, muscle weakness, vomiting, back or neck pain and stiffness, and fatigue.

In rare cases, people will develop paralytic polio, which can lead to permanent or temporary paralysis, disability, bone deformities, and death. In the care of paralytic polio, patients will experience the same flu-like symptoms as nonparalytic polio, in addition to loss of reflexes, severe muscle aches or weakness, and flaccid paralysis (floppy limbs).

Polio was declared eliminated (not eradicated) in the US in 1979 after decades-long vaccination efforts. In the 1950s, polio outbreaks caused more than 15,000 cases of paralysis each year, the CDC says. When vaccinations were introduced in the US, first in 1955 and again in 1963, the number of polio cases fell to fewer than 10 in the 1970s. But growing antivax sentiments have led to outbreaks of vaccine-preventable illnesses, polio included. Dr. Jos R. Romero, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, called the recent spread "sobering" and noted that "it's likely that there are many people infected with polio and shedding the virus in these communities. This is also an urgent and living reminder of the importance of vaccination," according to the Associated Press.

Poliovirus spreads through person-to-person contact. It is a "fecal oral spread virus that in rare cases can damage the spinal cord to the point that paralysis ensues," Dr. Adalja explains. The virus lives in an infected person's throat and intestines, according to the CDC. And it can also "contaminate food and water in unsanitary conditions." An infected person can spread the virus within two weeks before and after symptoms arise. Infected people who are asymptomatic can also pass along the virus.

There is no cure for polio; the only way to prevent contracting it is through vaccination, Dr. Adalja says.

In the United States, there is only one vaccine currently in use: inactivated polio vaccine (IPV), given via a shot in the arm or leg. "It is a universal vaccine and is highly effective," Dr. Adalja says. The CDC recommends children get the vaccine as part of routine childhood vaccinations. Currently, there are four doses of the polio vaccine, given at 2 months, 4 months, 6-18 months, and 4-6 years of age.

If adults did not get any or all of the four polio vaccination doses, they may not be properly protected against polio. In this case, the CDC states that adults without complete vaccination should get IPV or complete their IPV doses. If you're not sure if you've received the full vaccination against polio, or if you've been vaccinated at all, the CDC has a list of contacts to help you track down your medical records.

"With polio circulating in our communities there is simply nothing more essential than vaccinating our children to protect them from this virus, and if you're an unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated adult, please choose now to get the vaccine," New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasa said in a statement. "Polio is entirely preventable and its reappearance should be a call to action for all of us."

Read more:
Is Polio the Latest Virus We Need to Worry About? Here's What to Know - POPSUGAR

Staying in shape is a difficult task, and its made more difficult when youre going it alone. While most of us would prefer a bit of help, encouragement or professional coaching, you cant always rely on such luxuries. What you can rely on, however, is technologysuch as a fitness tracker or smartwatchthat will remind you to exercise, monitor your activity levels and track your progress over time. In fact, the best fitness trackers are the next best thing to having your own personal trainer.

Wearing a fitness tracker helps keep you on track to your fitness goals.

Choosing the right fitness tracker can prove daunting when you consider the many options available today. Fitbit, the company that singled-handedly popularized the concept of fitness tracking, sells a slew of different models. And then there are fitness trackers from Garmin, Coros, Polar and dozens of other companies. It pays to shop carefully, because not all trackers are designed for the kinds of exercise you want to do, and some have extra features, like smartphone notifications, heart rate monitoring, stress tracking and blood-oxygen level sensors.

No matter which fitness tracker you choose, theres a good chance itll cover all the basics pretty well, but you might want extras like water resistance (great if youre a swimmer), built-in GPS and specific sensors that cater to your personal needs. Weve rounded up 8 of the best fitness trackers you can buy today; no matter where you are on your fitness journey, theres a model here for you.

Screen:AMOLED touchscreen | Heart rate tracker:Yes | Waterproof:Yes | Activity tracking:Yes | GPS:Yes | Battery life:7 days | Compatibility:Apple, Android

The Fitbit Charge 5 captures the flag as the best overall fitness tracker because it represents, in many ways, the template from which all other trackers are created. The Charge 5 represents the culmination of everything Fitbit has learned about making wearables over the years, and includes pretty much everything the average person needs in a fitness tracker. It counts steps, distance and has sleep tracking features. It automatically recognizes when youre doing a variety of common workouts and starts tracking20 kinds of workouts in all. Its waterproof to about 150 feet and you can wear it into a pool to track swim workouts.

The Charge 5 replaces the older Charge 4 and, like most modern wearables, includes a full-time heart rate monitor. You also get an impressive 7-day battery life, but the coolest change in the new Charge 5 is the sleek, vibrant screen thats two times brighter than the Charge 4, and an always-on display mode that allows you to check your progress with just a glance.

Available in three color colors, other noteworthy features include irregular heart rhythm notifications, stress management scores, mood tracking and menstrual cycle tracking.

Pros:

Cons:

Screen:HD AMOLED touchscreen | Heart rate tracker:Yes | Waterproof:Yes | Activity tracking:Yes | GPS:No | Battery life:18 days | Compatibility:Apple, Android

Theres no denying the fact that fitness trackers are expensive, but you can still get by with an affordable, capable option that doesnt cost an arm and a leg. For instance, the Amazfit Band 7 still features a brilliant screen, 24-hour heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking and an ultra-long 18-day battery, but it costs a mere $50.

Featuring a display thats 112 percent larger than the previous generation Amazfit Band 5, software allows you to customize the watch face to your liking and you can even upload a series of personal photos. The waterproof housing is designed to withstand depths up to 50 meters, and a pool swimming mode can capture valuable swim data. If swimming isnt really your thing, simply peruse 120 different sport modes to find your preferred activity.

All this isnt to say the Band 7 is perfect. For instance, youll need to pair the tracker with your phone to use GPS, and theres no option to store music for on-the-go listening. Youll also need to use the Zepp app in order to view your personal metrics, so keep this in mind if youre already using Strava, MyFitnessPal or another preferred fitness app.

Pros:

Cons:

Screen:240 x 240 display | Heart rate tracker:Yes | Waterproof:Yes | Activity tracking:Yes | GPS:Yes | Battery life:7 days | Compatibility:Apple, Android

Polar has long lived in the shadow of its fitness rivals, Garmin and Fitbit, but the Finnish-based brand hit its stride in recent years thanks to high-end offerings like the Vantage V2. A capable blend of minimal and dynamic, its packed to the gills with serious tech that includes four forms of positional tracking, guided breathing exercises, training tests and an ultra-long battery mode that tracks activity for up to 100 hours. And of course, it has a price tag to match.

Youll find almost every kind of sensor imaginable in the Vantage V2, including Sp02, caloric consumption, ECG and sleep monitoring. Much of that works automatically while you sleepthe Vantage V2 measures your movements and blood oxygen levels at night to make some general assessments about your health. Of course, the watch also has all the usual fitness and workout features, allowing it to track most forms of exercise along with step tracking and heart rate. The watch can even indicate when you should push a little bit harder during a workout to get the most out of your session.

While the Vantage V2 ships with a rather traditional display, it still has solid usability features. The screen is still bright and responsive, you have the ability to receive notifications, and it works with both Apple and Android phones. It also offers about 7 days of battery life between charges when you use it in watch mode.

Pros:

Cons:

Screen:Always-on memory LCD | Heart rate tracker:Yes | Waterproof:Yes | Activity tracking:Yes | GPS:Yes | Battery life:20 days | Compatibility:Apple, Android

Sure, any fitness tracker with dedicated GPS could track your morning run, but the Coros Pace 2 stands out from the competition for a handful of reasons. First and foremost, its incredibly lightweight for its size, which means you wont be fumbling with your watch when youre trying to set a new personal best. Beyond the lightweight profile, it features a stronger processor and more memory space for add-on features. And the 20 days of battery life is paired with 30 hours of battery in GPS mode (a 20 percent increase from the original Coros Pace) and 60 hours in UltraMax GPS mode, all of which are respectable numbers whether youre using the watch casually or competing in your first ultramarathon.

If running isnt really your thing, the Pace 2 comes packed with a slew of other activity modes that target biking, swimming and strength training activities. And while many fitness trackers boast approximately 120 activity modes, this one comes packed with a staggering 200 exercises that allow you to target your upper body, lower body and core, and a muscle heatmap allows you to see which muscle groups receive the most action.

While it doesnt feature an Spo2 sensor, the Pace 2 does come packed with an optical heart rate monitor, a barometric altimeter and a thermometer to keep an eye on body temperature in the midst of training.

Pros:

Cons:

Screen:240 x 240 pixels | Heart rate tracker:Yes | Waterproof:Yes | Activity tracking:Yes | GPS:Yes | Battery life:9 days | Compatibility:Apple, Android

Based on numbers alone, the Garmin Fenix 6S Pro is outstanding no matter how you decide to use it. Whether youre tracking a run, hike or walk, the watch relies on an array of global navigation systems (GPS, GLONASS and Galileo) to deliver accurate distance, elevation, speed and health data, while advanced training features like PacePro keep tabs on your pace and offer training advice to help you get the most out of every workout. Like all Garmin wearables, it comes packed with a litany of different workouts to choose from and can even advise you to help you get the most out of those post-exercise recovery sessions.

But perhaps most importantly, this watch (along with other Garmin watches) takes into account how different hormones affect women, helping you make sense of nutritional choices and fluctuating workouts over the course of any given month. Simply use the Garmin Connect app to interact with your personal stats whenever you need a little more info. As is the case with other fitness wearables, this one synchs with your phone to display your texts, calls and other notifications.

Pros:

Cons:

Screen:AMOLED touchscreen | Heart rate tracker:Yes | Waterproof:Yes | Activity tracking:Yes | GPS:Yes | Battery life:6 days | Compatibility:Apple, Android

Fitbit offers a deep bench of productsboth fitness bands and smart watches. The Fitbit Sense is one of the brands more popular fitness watches, offering the most complete feature set in the Fitbit lineup. And its still moderately priced when compared to similar competition. If, however, you dont need everything the Sense has to offer, you can save a solid chunk of change by getting the more affordable Versa 3. But keep in mind that if you do, youll miss out on some health features like stress testing and ECG monitoring.

The Sense comes packed with an impressive number of sensors, including Sp02, skin temperature sensing, ECG and sleep monitoring. Sleep tracking takes place automatically in the backgroundthe Sense keeps track of your blood oxygen level and skin temperature to make general assessments about your health, but some of the more useful sleep tracking insights are hidden behind a paywall. The watch has all the usual fitness and workout features as well, from step counting to heart rate monitoring.

The Sense has solid usability features like a bright and responsive color touchscreen and voice commands via Alexa and Google Assistant, and works with both Apple and Android phones. It also offers about six days of battery life between charges.

Pros:

Cons:

Screen:Always-on touchscreen memory LCD | Heart rate tracker:Yes | Waterproof:Yes | Activity tracking:Yes | GPS:Yes | Battery life:30 days | Compatibility:Apple, Android

Similar in many ways to the aforementioned Coros Pace 2, the Coros Apex Pro features a vibrant screen, incredible battery life (40 hours of battery using standard GPS and up to 75 hours in UltraMax GPS mode) and an optical heart rate monitor and thermometer. But because this is a dedicated multisport watch, Coros also packs it with five navigation systems, downloadable landscape and topo maps, and additional features such as back-to-start and off-route alert that come in handy beyond the beaten path. For instance, if youre taking part in a competitive trail run series, simply download the course beforehand to stay on track even in the dead of night.

Unlike the Pace 2, the Apex Pro comes with an optical pulse oximeter to keep tabs on oxygen saturation, and the interface can be controlled via buttons along the bezel or by using the touchscreen display. Use the Find My Phone or Find My Watch feature in the event that you lose a piece of coveted tech, and receive notifications from your phone straight to your wrist.

Pros:

Cons:

Screen:176 x 176 pixels | Heart rate tracker:Yes | Waterproof:Yes | Activity tracking:Yes | GPS:Yes | Battery life:28 days | Compatibility:Apple, Android

Unlike other fitness trackers that feature a vibrant display and high-end materials, the Instinct 2s bulky design looks more like the traditional watch you may have worn 10 years ago. But dont let its outdated appearance fool youthis watch is actually designed to withstand impacts, shocks, heat and water in ways most fitness trackers simply cant, a result of the fiber-reinforced polymer case and scratch-resistant glass built to military standards for toughness. While other watches are rated for depths up to 50 or 100 feet, the Instinct 2 still works over 300 feet below the surface.

Of course, this watch can do more than survive the next apocalypse. It comes packed with an array of sensors to monitor your heart rate, blood oxygen saturation and stress levels. It features incredible battery life, receives notifications from your phone and the solar edition charges the battery in the sun. Over 100 activity modes keep tabs on your body when youre getting active, and bold color options stand out from traditional fitness trackers. Whether youre looking for you fitness tracker that can go where others cant or simply like the look of a traditional design, the Instinct 2 is hard to beat.

Pros:

Cons:

Fitness trackers come in a variety of form factorsdepending on the model, you can wear it like a bracelet or watch, clip it to your clothing, or even wear it like a ring on your finger. But no matter the exact appearance, fitness trackers all tend to offer the same basic set of features: They track your workouts and activity level, helping you to stay on a fitness plan and get (or keep) in shape.

The most basic fitness trackers are simply pedometersdevices that try to maintain an accurate count of your steps. But most modern fitness trackers do a lot more than that. These days, theyre often bristling with sensors which collect information to infer your fitness and health level. Here are the most common sensors found in fitness trackers:

All of these sensors, and sometimes others, can help you choose and track workouts as well as get a lot of supplemental information about your health and wellness. They can also track your sleep, stress level and other factors of good health.

Buying a new fitness tracker isnt just a financial investment, its a step toward improving your overall health. Thats why its crucial to find a tracker that integrates with your daily life, and at the very least, comes with basic features that let you track whats most important to you.

Not all trackers can recognize all exercises. For instance, if you want to track swim workouts, be sure to look not just for a tracker thats waterproof, but also one that explicitly supports swimming. Likewise, only a handful of trackers support really unusual sports and workoutsso if youre into hang gliding or BMX, be sure to look into options like the Vivosmart 4. When considering different models, be sure to narrow down your options by reflecting on the various activities youd like to track.

Most modern fitness bands track a variety of broader health and fitness attributes as well. Weve already discussed features like Spo2, ECG and bioelectric impedance sensors, and these are generally far from mandatorybut increasingly, all but the most budget models are starting to sport these sorts of advanced sensors. Just keep in mind that a lot of the whole-body analytics you get from sensors like these are often not especially actionable; you might get a general sense of your overall health, fitness level or sleep quality, but it can be hard to know what to do to improve. Until that aspect of the software catches up to the hardware, you can consider all of these advanced features pretty optional.

Depending on the build quality, available sensors and screen resolution, battery life can last anywhere from one day to several months. If you intend to use your fitness tracker as a traditional pedometer, you can probably get by with a model that features a smaller battery. But if you intend to use it over prolonged periods of time (for instance, when backpacking or running a marathon), consider opting for a model that features extended battery life or solar charging to supplement the battery in direct sunlight.

As much as wed like trackers to be completely accurate, third-party testing reveals that this is rarely the case. Manufacturers often rely on algorithms and sensors to track certain metrics, which leads to a small degree of error. With this in mind, consider investing in a fitness tracker thats designed to support your preferred activities. For instance, a chest strap that measures your heart rate and transmits data to your fitness tracker will be more accurate than the integrated heart rate sensor glued to your wrist.

The rest is here:
The 8 Best Fitness Trackers To Work Up A Sweat And Optimize Your Health - Forbes

If youre shopping for your first fitness tracker, you might be baffled by the number of choices. There are so many options, and so many things to measure, that it may seem intimidating at first glance.

Heart rate monitoring, calorie counting, and exercise logging might be expected, but do you really need advanced features like GPS, VO2 max, or electrocardiogram scanners if youre just beginning your fitness journey? What about elements such as sleep tracking?

Cheap fitness bands are one thing, but as the price goes up, more and more features are introduced, especially once you get into the realms of the best running watches or Apple Watches. If you're not careful, you might end up spending lots of money on a powerful fitness device and barely use half the features on it. Not ideal, especially when looking down the barrel of a cost of living crisis.

Yes, contrary to popular opinion and marketing, the answer is that you probably dont need any of it in order to exercise and diet consistently. However, some activity tracking and other fitness tracker functionalities can certainly make forming those healthy habits easier.

For example, lets take a basic fitness tracker, such as the Huawei Band 6 or Fitbit Inspire 2. These bands are relatively inexpensive, and can be used to track your heart rate, calories burned, and sleep with enough accuracy for a beginner. Any of them can also be used to keep a record of your workouts, so when you go for a walk or pop to the gym, you can view a record of those activities in the app, along with a rough idea of how hard you worked during those cardio sessions. In their respective apps, you can often input your diet for the day, so you can measure the calories you burned against the calories you ate.

This small investment is totally worth it due to the psychological effect that recording your activities has on habit retention. Plenty of studies, such as this report in the Journal of Diabetes Research, show the importance of frequent dietary tracking for consistent long-term weight loss success. Keeping a record of your diet and exercise makes you much more likely to stick to those goals, and a fitness tracker takes most of the legwork out of the recording process.

In addition, fitness trackers can offer you other helpful hints, such as prompting you to take more steps throughout the day. Regular movement is just as important as structured exercise and can help offset the damage of an otherwise sedentary lifestyle.

These kinds of functions help make fitness and health easier for the wearer, and its why cheap fitness trackers are perfect for beginners. Minimal administration, maximum reward: just throw the tracker on, complete the set-up, input your vital stats, and the tracker can begin doing its work.

Serious fitness watches offer a smorgasbord of metrics, from running power and training readiness to electrocardiogram scanners and even racecourse information provided by onboard GPS. Theyre incredibly useful for trained athletes and people who are already active, but for beginners, this is just too much watch.

Otherwise, fitness watches are often bundled with a smartwatchs ability to accept and reject calls, run third-party apps, and offer notifications and other smart functionalities. The Apple Watch, which simplifies total movement throughout the day into a worthwhile visual diagram closing your rings and the Samsung Galaxy Watch spring to mind.

If youre looking for a cheap way to get you up and about and record your progress, a simple fitness band can do the trick. If in a years time, youre in the best shape of your life and want to move up to something more advanced, you can do so, and youll have made a small initial investment for great results. If you splurge on a multifunctional fitness watch, youre unlikely to get the best use out of all of its athlete-specific gadgets. Our list of the best cheap fitness trackers is a great place to start.

Read the original:
A cheap fitness tracker can be just as good as an expensive smartwatch - TechRadar

If youre on social media, the hot-girl walk shouldnt be a new concept. The refreshingly straightforward trend of taking a solo walk outdoorsalthough an accompanied stroll is also fair gamehas taken social media by storm for both its physical and mental-health benefits. If youre unfamiliar with the details, let us break it down for you.

Originally made popular by TikTok influencer Mia Lind, the college student decided to rebrand the often overlooked exercise of walking after seeing positive benefits in her own life. While the benefits of walking are not newthink increased clarity, reduced anxiety and boosted cardiac healththe hype around it certainly is, and weve already hopped on the bandwagon.

The guidelines to the hot-girl walk are simple: Walk two to four miles daily (equating to around 4,000-8,000 steps) for about an hour. During your walk, listen to podcasts or music, and keep your thoughts positive and uplifting. According to Lind, in order for your walk to be considered a hot-girl one you can only think about three things: What youre grateful for, What you hope to achieve and, naturally, how hot you are.

If youre ready to join the hot-girl walk tribe, nothing is required other than walking shoes, some headphones and a positive outlook. However, there are some trending picks that have been deemed hot-girl walk essentials. Below, a guide to get you started.

1/6

Outdoor Voices Exercise Dress ($100)

Made of sweat-wicking, breathable material and offering built-in shorts liner with pockets, its no wonder this versatile dress is a hot-girl must-have.

2/6

Allbirds Womens Tree Flyers ($160)

Whether youre walking or long-distance running, these lightweight trainers will get you there comfortably. Our favorite part: theyre machine washable, so theyll always look brand-new.

4/6

Samsung Galaxy Watch4 ($299)

Track and optimize your workouts with this sleek smartwatch that offers everything from body composition readings to advanced run coaching.

5/6

Saie Sunvisor ($37)

A solid SPF is a must with any outdoor activity. Saies multitasking option streamlines your skin-care routine by acting as a serum, oil, moisturizer and SPF 35 in one step.

6/6

Ncessaire The Sunscreen ($35)

For the rest of your body, this brand-new mineral launch sinks right into the skin without any white cast or stickiness. It also features niacinamide and hyaluronic acid for a skin boost, too.

At NewBeauty, we get the most trusted information from the beauty authority delivered right to your inbox

Find a NewBeauty "Top Beauty Doctor" Near you

Original post:
What to Know About the 'Hot-Girl Walk,' TikTok's Latest Fitness Obsession - NewBeauty Magazine

ALLENTOWN, PA August 8, 2022 The Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley (PCFLV) and Fitness Central will be hosting the 5th Annual Great Big Group Ride on August 13th.Both the metric century and metric half century bicycle rides begin and end at Fitness Central, 4337 PA-309, Schnecksville, PA.

Participants were able to select which ride they wished to do. Both rides are challenging yet fun and take the riders on beautiful country roads.

Great Big Group Ride is a fantastic event for cyclists of all skill levels, said Tracy Stauffer, the Marketing, Community Relations and Development Coordinator for PCFLV. All proceeds from Great Big Group Ride stay right here in the Lehigh Valley to help local kids with cancer.

In addition to Fitness Central, sponsors include E. F. Laudenslager, Inc.; Lumina Solar; Aveanna Healthcare; Heavy & Highway Construction Workers Union #158; Fedetz and Martin; Armetta Financial Services; Orthodontics of the Lehigh Valley; Labuda Exteriors; Bradford Young, Dentist; Duane Moyer Well Drilling; Bear Creek Mountain Resort; Legacy Jewelers; 3 Men & A Bagel; and Solutions Counseling.

The metric century ride will take off from Fitness Central at 8 a.m., while the metric half century will start at 10 a.m. Riders are expected to begin to arrive back at Fitness Central around 12 noon.

For more information about this event, please contact Tracy Stauffer atTracy@pcflv.orgor 610-462-8331.

About PCFLV

The Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley (PCFLV) is a local non-profit that provides free programs and services to local kids with cancer and their families.From college/trade school scholarships to art therapy programs to family outings to financial assistance through gift cards and a bill-paying assistance fund, PCFLV is there for families during all phases of their cancer journey. For more information on what PCFLV provides to local pediatric cancer families, go topcflv.org.

Information provided to TVL by:Tracy StaufferMarketing, Community Relations and Development Coordinator

Original post:
PCFLV To Host Great Big Group Ride On Aug. 13th at Fitness Central - The Valley Ledger

Want to add some explosive exercises to your workout regimen that can target your strength and stamina? Getting tired of the normal barbell and weight plate modalities? Looking for an all-inclusive way to work your movement mechanics and develop some power?

If you've ever pondered over the above questions, then it might be time to consider adding a medicine ball to your daily fitness regimen. These convenient training tools can be used by everyone from the novice to the veteran, and house a plethora of muscle-building, calorie-burning qualities in their spherical shape. There are plenty of diverse exercises you can perform with medicine balls, and thus, there are a multitude of medicine ball types to choose from.

Similar to how there's a clear difference between sporting goods balls you wouldn't play baseball with a soccer ball there are a number of medicine balls available to give you the best training experience possible. While you can perform plenty of exercises with one ball, here are a few factors to consider to ensure your equipment is up to your regimen's demands.

Naturally, one of the first items to think of when choosing a medicine ball is the weight you plan to use. If you're looking to train with medicine balls for strength and power, a heavier ball can provide enough resistance to suit your workouts. A lighter ball can also be effective in cardio or explosive workouts, allowing you to complete the movement with less strain. Think about your goals and abilities, then choose the weight you think will pose enough of a challenge without compromising your form.

Looking inward, medicine balls are typically filled with three materials, all designed to influence the performance.

Sand-filled medicine balls can provide a dense construction, allowing for heavier components in a slimmed-down profile. This style can be great for slams and carries, as well as other dynamic lifts.

Air-filled balls are naturally lighter than their sandy constituents, but they can still prove to be effective training tools. Because of the decreased resistance, air-filled medicine balls can be great for explosive movements like overhead throws.

Finally, soft medicine balls can typically feature a foam or synthetic interior, allowing for a wide variety of modalities including wall balls, carries, overhead tosses and others. Soft medicine balls are typically larger that sand-filled medicine balls, because they need more space to provide the same mass.

To best control your medicine ball through any movement or exercise, you want an exterior with a little bit of grit. Additionally, your medicine ball's exterior should be durable enough to withstand multiple training sessions, especially if you're partaking in more aggressive modalities like slams. Most medicine balls are constructed from either rubber, leather or PVC.

Rubber medicine balls can be some of the most durable options out there, thanks to the resiliency of the material. Rubber balls can also be denser, which is why some of the heaviest medicine balls feature this construction. If you're hard on your equipment or really want to practice slam workouts this is the pick for you.

Leather medicine balls are another popular choice, providing enough grip and security while still remaining comfortable on the forearms and hands. Whether synthetic or natural, leather medicine balls can be a great option for general training purposes.

PVC balls are similar to leather, albeit at a lower price point. While these medicine balls can also be exceptional for general fitness needs, they aren't as durable to wear and tear. If you aren't putting a ton of strain on your gear or use medicine balls more in a free-weight fashion, these can still be a worthwhile option for your home gym.

Over the course of a few weeks, we integrated medicine ball training into our normal routine, getting hands-on with a number of picks. To get the full scope of each ball's abilities, we looked closely at the overall construction, highlighting how each option felt in a carry position as well as its effectiveness in dynamic movements. Bounce and shape retention were also considered, when appropriate, as well as how much space each medicine ball took up in our training corner.

BEST OVERALL MEDICINE BALL

Titan Fitness Soft Leather Medicine Wall Ball

With a leather construction and ergonomic 14-inch diameter, this soft medicine ball from Titan Fitness is a great tool for working multiple muscle groups in one fell swoop. The durable exterior sits comfortably on the forearms, while the tight, thick double stitching ensures a resilient build. The Titan Fitness Soft Medicine Ball also features two loops sewn in for easier grip and convenient storage capabilities. While we would appreciate a wider weight range you have five options from 630 pounds this can be a great fitness accessory at a very reasonable price point.

*Price shown is for a 14-pound medicine ball

BEST UPGRADE MEDICINE BALL

TRX XD Kevlar Medicine Ball

If you want an intense medicine ball to match your intense training, look no further than the XD Kevlar lineup from TRX. Built with durable DuPont Kevlar, this training tool can take a proverbial beating and still come back for more. We found no issues gripping the medicine ball, even when the sweat began to pour, and appreciated the convenient 14-inch diameter. We do recommend, though, that you limit bouncing this ball, as the shape can become warped over time. At such a premium price, youll kind of want to baby this pick, even though the exterior demands a thrashing.

*Price shown is for a 14-pound medicine ball

BEST BUDGET MEDICINE BALL

RAGE Fitness Slam Ball

Medicine balls dont need to break the bank, and slam balls in particular can be a great cost-effective option for their durable construction in a denser, smaller profile. This slam ball from RAGE Fitness offers plenty of calorie-burning potential in its rubber silhouette. An added air valve allows for the pressure to dissipate after every toss, and you can even customize the bounce rate with a handy air pump. The exterior is textured for some added grip security, too. If youre on a budget and still want to reap the benefits of medicine ball training, this is a great entry-level pick.

*Price shown is for a 15-pound medicine ball

BEST SLAM BALL

Living Fit Slam Ball

Living.Fit does an exceptional job at making workout equipment for the home gym space, and the brands slam ball is no exception. We really liked how easy it was to grip the triangular exterior, and the rubber silhouette ensures this fitness tool is ready for the long haul. The sand fill does float within, which may dissuade some users, but we felt the medicine ball maintained a relatively balanced feel, regardless. And thanks to a wide weight range, you can find the perfect weight to really drive home those slam exercises for explosiveness and power.

*Price shown is for a 15-pound medicine ball

BEST TONING MEDICINE BALL

Tone Fitness Soft Weighted Toning Ball

*Price shown is for a 10-pound medicine ball

BEST MEDICINE BALL WITH HANDLES

Zelus Medicine Ball with Dual Grip

Be certain in your grip with this handled medicine ball from Zelus. Handled medicine balls can be a great option for lifts and carries, and this pick has been one of our favorites over the years. The durable rubber exterior is tacky enough yet skin-friendly, and the hermetic valve helps this option keep its shape set after set. This was a nice touch, especially when utilizing the handles for platform push-ups and kettlebell-inspired arm swings. Unfortunately, though, youre locked into just two available weights, which can limit your training opportunities.

*Price shown is for a 10-pound medicine ball

BEST BOUNCING MEDICINE BALL

SPRI Medicine Exercise Ball

For those looking to implement wall tosses primarily in their workouts, you should look for a medicine ball that can rebound easily for an easier training experience. The SPRI rubber medicine ball offers plenty of bounce and, from our opinion, should last a number of training seasons. The high-quality rubber construction allows for plenty of abuse, while the dimpled texture gives it that basketball-like aesthetic. Despite its positive performance when it comes to bounce, wed recommend avoiding slam exercises with this medicine ball. Slamming this pick could result in overzealous wear and tear, and because of the springy rebound, you could wind up getting a taste of the exterior which we can say from experience is by no means pleasant.

*Price shown is for a 12-pound medicine ball

BEST PVC MEDICINE BALL

Synergee Soft Medicine Ball

PVC is typically a cheaper alternative to leather when it comes to medicine balls our top pick from Titan Fitness is one of the lone exceptions. With that said, though, if you are looking for a PVC ball, this option from Synergee takes the cake. With eight weights to choose from for a variety of training opportunities, the tough PVC medicine ball is built to withstand plenty of hard work. Double-stitched seams and easy-to-read labeling make this an effective pick if you want the ergonomic diameter of a traditional medicine ball without the (normally) higher cost.

*Price shown is for a 14-pound medicine ball

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io

See original here:
The Best Medicine Balls to Round Out Your Dynamic Fitness Routine - Gear Patrol

Real talk: Sir Paul McCartney is impressive in so many ways. If you've been lucky enough to catch him on tour and enjoy one of his concerts in person, you know he gives a stellar show lasting two hours and 40 minutes, and his voice still sounds incredible after performing since 1957a more than a 65-year career. Suffice to say, the star continues to go strong.

This all-time favorite icon looks fantastic, and it's pretty hard to believe he turned 80 years old this June. The forever Beatle seems to remain forever young, and here's exactly how he does it. You'll want to take notes on Paul McCartney's healthy go-to's and impressive fitness habits. Read on to learn more, and next, don't miss The 6 Best Exercises for Strong and Toned Arms in 2022, Trainer Says.

In June this year, Paul McCartney took to Instagram to share a post with his 3.9 million followers. The singer/songwriter thanked everyone for wishing him a Happy Birthday. The post received more than 298,000 likes, and everyone was quick to show nothing but love. One fan summed up the magical impact this superstar has bestowed on so many people worldwide, commenting, "I love you so so much. Happiest of birthdays to the Man who changed my life for the better in so many ways I can't even begin to describe" while another wrote, "Happy Birthday Paul!! You mean the world to me. i've loved your music since I was a little girl. Your music is in my soul."6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

Related: The Fitness Habits Arnold Schwarzenegger Lives by Still Work at 74

Sir Paul McCartney is a legend in his own time and totally still rocks life at 80 years young in every extraordinary way. What are his healthy secrets?

Two important thingsyoga and meditationhave been a huge part of McCartney's life. In fact, he considers meditation "a lifelong gift." The star wrote about meditating in a blog post, saying, "I think it's always very good to get a sort of still moment in your day. Whenever I have a chance in a busy schedule, I'll do it, if I'm not rushing out the door with some crazy stuff to do." As for yoga, he has a group of pals he has dubbed "the yoga boys" with whom he regularly performs yoga. Alec Baldwin happens to be one of "the yoga boys!"

Related: Healthy Habits Brad Pitt Lives by To Make 58 Look So Great

McCartney also performs his own workout routine without the assistance of a personal trainer, which includes a combination of floor stretches, foam rolling, a cross-trainer, and cardioaka "a bit of running." The coolest part of McCartney's fitness regimen? He breaks out into a headstand to complete his session, which is his "favorite bit" of the sweat session.

"If I'm in a gym and all the big guys have got big weights and they're doing all the big stuff, at the end I do a headstand," McCartney says, "And they come over to me [and say], 'That's pretty impressive man.'" We'd have to agree!

McCartney is a vegetarianand has stuck to this lifestyle since the 70ssaying, "You can get loads of vegetarian options these days, so it's not like it was like in the old days when you just got the boiled sprout," in a 2018 interview with Wired (via CNBC).

We are in complete and utter awe of Paul McCartney. As for me, I've got a feeling there's "Something" you've learned here from this star who's always shining. If you want to look great at 80, don't simply sit back and "Let It Be." It's important to stay active and remain youthful, just like the legend.

Alexa Mellardo

The rest is here:
Paul McCartney, 80, Has a Strong Fitness Game and We Should Take Notes Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That

Kaide Gordon nears a return to fitness, according to reports. The Liverpool youngster missed pre-season with a problem.

This comes from Goal. They claim that Kaide Gordon nears a return to fitness and could be back within the next week or so. The Liverpool youngster didnt feature in pre-season because of a lingering issue.

Gordon will almost certainly play with the U21s to kick-off his campaign, though. Its not thought that Jurgen Klopp will call him up to feature in the first-team anytime soon more academy football is in his future.

The winger made the jump to Under 23 level last season and the newly revamped Under 21s are expected to welcome him back imminently.

Its a real shame that Gordon missed pre-season this year as he made such an impression in 2021. The teenager went into last season with incredible hype around him and that turned itself into some first-team appearances.

In fact, Gordon even scored in a senior Liverpool shirt. He got a couple of Premier League minutes, too, and its obvious that the coaching staff rate him highly. The players do, too.

Trent Alexander-Arnold labelled him frightening after training with him for a bit. Its enormous praise from one of the games premier full-backs Alexander-Arnold knows his wingers.

Were thrilled to hear that Gordon could return to action soon, then. Though, well take the report with a touch of salt as the Athletic did report in July that the teenager was nearing a return. Setbacks happen especially with young players who arent worth risking on a quick return.

But this is yet another big season for Gordon. Once hes back, eyes will be on him once again as Liverpool noticeably keep their right-wing backup spot open. Its one the youngster could fill by the end of the season, if all goes well.

And long-term, the plan is undoubtedly for Gordon to succeed Mohamed Salah. If all goes well over the next few years, of course.

Have something to tell us about this article?

Original post:
Report: Liverpools frightening talent should return to fitness in the next week - Rousing The Kop - Liverpool FC News

As a strength and conditioning coach, fitness takes up most of my daily life, between coaching my clients and writing about fitness; however, a busy schedule doesnt always allow much time for me to focus on my own workouts, so I keep five habits in rotation to ensure I stay in shape. FYI: In shape means feeling your most energized, strongest, and healthiestnot a number on a scale or what you can lift in the gym. Whether youre a trainer, an athlete, a weekend warrior, or just someone trying to improve their fitness, give these five habits a go. Spoiler alert: Theyre easy than you think.

No matter what it looks like, movement is paramount to health. On days when my schedule calls for a lot of sitting or doesnt give me enough time to dedicate to a workout, I make sure to utilize my commute. There are so many ways to get steps in and get your heart rate up before, during, or after work, as long as youre willing to get creative. For example, try biking to work if you can (look for a shared bike program like CitiBike). If youre able to leave your work essentials and a change of clothes at work, wake up early and run there. Too far? Try running halfway and utilizing public transportation the rest of the way. As someone who has every intention to go for a run before work, Ive found that incorporating my run into my commute has had a way better success rate. Pro tip: Leave some shower wipes in your gym bag so you can freshen up!

If all else fails, a good old-fashioned walk on your lunch break is a great way to accumulate movement throughout the day. I live in New York City, and the moment someone referred to my walk home from work as an urban hike, my whole attitude about walking changed. We consider hiking great exercise, so why isnt walking to or from work, the store, or a friends house just as valuable? Bottom line: Movement is always a net positive no matter how we can get it.

One of the detrimental effects of diet culture is the idea that hunger isnt the one and only factor to dictate when we eat. Your body is a complex capable machine, and it knows exactly when it needs fuel. One of the most important ways that I stay in shape is by eating when Im hungry and getting plenty of protein in my diet. I dont count calories or macrosI simply eat what I know makes me feel good. I also write down my meals, because it helps me identify which foods made me feel good throughout the day and which didnt sustain me, or simply made me feel tired or sluggish.

In order to get enough protein for my body and lifestyle, I have two servings of protein powder every day and try to consume plenty of protein from whole foods, such as beans, legumes, tofu, lentils, nuts, and seitan. For people who consume animal protein, eggs, chicken, turkey, and salmon are other excellent sources of protein. Make sure to also eat carbohydrates and fats for a healthy, balanced diet, and remember that every body needs different things. Talk to your doctor or nutritionist about the amount of protein that is right for you.

Whenever possible, I take the stairs. Instead of spending time on the Stairmaster at the gym, skip the elevator and climb your way to your destination. Taking the stairs will get your heart rate up (even if you take it slowly) and puts your quads, glutes, and hamstrings to work. Going up to the 10th floor? Start with a few flights of stairs before you opt for the elevator. Building up the number of flights you can climb is a great way to improve your fitness with measurable results.

Hydration is a tremendous part of fitness. If you are dehydrated, youre likely to feel fatigued, confuse thirst signals for hunger signals, and have blood sugar spikes, headaches, and poor mental and physical performance. By drinking water as often as possible, you are helping your body stay at its sharpest and highest-functioning level, prevent false hunger cues, regulate body temperature, and replenish water lost in sweat.

As a coach with a packed schedule of early mornings and late nights, I do rely on caffeine to help me get through my day, whether its in the form of coffee, energy drinks, or pre-workout supplements. While everyone chooses to drink their caffeine differently, one thing we can all agree on is the way in which caffeine negatively affects our sleep when its consumed later in the day. For me, limiting caffeine intake after 5 p.m. has helped me fall asleep more easily and stay asleep throughout the night. Sleep is one of the most important ways to improve and maintain fitness, so limiting caffeine later in the day is a great way to make sure you get that much-needed, restful nights sleep.

Lets face it: Life happens and things out of our control can get in the way of getting our sweat in. But my one and only hard-and-fast rule? Break a sweat somehow, some way, once a day. On an ideal day, I have the time to get a full workout in. Most days, however, I fit in what I can, when I can. For example, Ill opt for a quick sweat session, like 100 burpees in my kitchen before I hop into the shower or a half-mile run around the block at an all-out effort (after a quarter-mile warmup, of course!) while my coffee is brewing.

As long as I break a sweat once a day, Im satisfied, even if its not a full workout. In the long run, keeping up the habit of incorporating fitness into our daily lives is more important than the details of each workout. Remember that we are a product of our daily habits, not the things we do occasionally, so keep making fitness a daily habit and you will feel results.

Read the original post:
5 Habits to Keep You in Shape, According to a Fitness Pro - The Everygirl

Page 43«..1020..42434445..5060..»

Home » Fitness » Page 43