Exercise and Fitness Archive

Building strength requires progressive resistance training two to three times a week, challenging major muscle groups. Expect strength gains resulting from nerves more effectively recruiting existing muscle within two weeks and visible muscle growth after eight to 12 weeks. Results also depend on consuming adequate calories and protein.

The navigation sport orienteering combines map and compass reading with exercise. It’s a fun way to get outside and get some exercise — and it may even help fight cognitive decline.

A 2026 study suggests that people who do up to two hours of strength training each week over several decades may have a lower risk of dying earlier from several serious conditions, including heart disease and neurological diseases such as dementia.

A small, short-term 2026 study suggests that people who schedule their exercise to align with their chronotype—the body’s natural sleep and wake cycle—may lower their heart risk factors more than those who exercise at times that don’t align with their chronotype.

Beyond familiar kettlebell exercises such as kettlebell swings, many lesser-known kettlebell moves can create a full-body workout. Examples include around-the-world passes, bottoms-up kettlebell carries, and kettlebell deadlifts.

The instinct to stay indoors during winter can start to feel confining after a while. Going for a winter hike is a great way to get out in nature and get exercise, but it’s quite different from warm-weather hiking, and requires preparation and precautions.

Targeted strength exercises, simple one‑leg stands, and practices like tai chi can improve balance and stability so walking feels steadier.

Your first workouts when recovering from the flu should be lighter and slower than usual. Your body will let you know when you're ready to ramp back up.

Bicycling offers joint-friendly aerobic exercise, builds leg muscles, and aids recovery after knee or ankle surgery. The most appropriate type of bicycle—road, mountain, hybrid, or adaptive (recumbent, tricycle, hand cycle)—depends on where people ride and their abilities.